"Pure Barre? I am a Division 1 athlete Stacy, I can handle this" was an actual quote that I said to my sister.

Now reading that quote you can tell I was feeling cocky and confident. I run track and do the 400 hurdles so I have pretty good flexibility (or so I thought). Stacy and I walked into the Pure Barre, it is December 31st of 2015, what a great way to end my year I thought.

For those of you who don't know what Pure Barre, it is "Utilizing the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to fantastic music, Pure Barre is a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs, and arms, and burns fat in record-breaking time." Check out this website for more information.

Within the first 5 minutes of the WARMUP session my mind was repeating the phrase, "Oh f*ck I cannot feel my thighs, abs, and arms." I was determined not to be defeated. As the only male in the class, I could not look like a weak minded fool in front of my sister, her co-workers, and the other women. I pushed through the class, and after a 55 minute workout, I was exhausted to say the least. As I laid on the ground, my body entered a new set of soreness, lactic acid pulsated through my body and my ass locked up. I gained a new set of respect for the Pure Barre and the women that do it.

Having said this, I learned five great things why men can and should attend a Pure Barre class.

1. Flexibility

I thought I was very flexible for a male and being physically fit. I quickly learned that I was not as flexible as I thought (at one point, my hamstring tightened up and I thought I was down for the count). Flexibility is a big key to the future when you get older.

2. It is a lot harder than you think...

Speed-endurance workouts, 400 finishers, tempo work, and stadium runs are all running workouts I have done in track. My arms, abs, and thighs were on fire. That shit hurt, not going to lie. Never underestimate the Pure Barre people. It is a challenge, and if you are up for a new challenge, look no further.

3. "Old" dog learns new tricks

I am only 22 years old and thought I knew all the ways to workout, turns out I was so wrong. I learned that this was a new way to get a damn good workout in after my athletic career is over. Because to be honest, who likes running every single day? This is a great way to active different muscles and to get your cardio work in. Who knew simple movements could kick your ass.

4. The Environment

Friendly environment, the music keeps you motivated and so does the instructor. A new setting could be something you need in your life, and Pure Barre offers that. Along with a great workout. Lift, tone, burn baby, burn.

5. The Women

Why wouldn't you want to go to a class with gorgeous women working out? Plus, you could meet a nice single girl to talk to.

In the end, I had a great time at Pure Barre, I survived Pure Barre, and will definitely attend more classes in the future. Are you reading this Stacy? Take up Pure Barre; take some time to stretch every day...and get flexible while you still can.