Stories That Move Us: November
Mary Kolb
Meet one of our incredible members who reminds us what consistency, commitment, and self-care truly look like!
After joining Pure Barre in August 2024, she’s found a rhythm that’s not only transformed her body but also made a meaningful impact on her overall health and wellbeing. As a Type 1 diabetic for 13 years, she shared that exercise plays a vital role in maintaining balanced blood sugars—and starting her day at the barre helps keep them steady all day long. 💪
She says she’s never been more committed to a workout routine in her life, and that the results speak for themselves! Each class brings a mix of challenge and fun that keeps her coming back for more—helping her feel stronger, more toned, and more energized.
Beyond the studio, Pure Barre has become her “me time” postpartum, offering not just physical strength but also a boost in mental health, confidence, and overall balance. We’re so inspired by her dedication and the way she shows up for herself both inside and outside the studio. 🩰✨
Here’s to celebrating every pulse, every goal, and every bit of progress that makes you stronger—on and beyond the barre!
Joanna McLean
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our incredible members whose Pure Barre journey is not only inspiring but also deeply meaningful.
Her story began in May 2024, when she came across a Pure Barre ad on Facebook while searching for something to help her reach her fitness goals. Gyms felt intimidating and other studios didn’t quite fit—but after chatting with Hillary, she realized Pure Barre was exactly what she’d been looking for. With a background in dance and a desire for a welcoming, empowering environment, she was ready when the Aledo studio opened in August.
She joined with two goals in mind: to feel stronger in her body and to build the strength needed to care for her growing son. Her oldest child lives with epilepsy, and while it’s mostly controlled with medication, there are still times he experiences seizures and needs her support. “When he was 3 or 4, I could easily pick him up,” she shared. “But now he’s 10 and almost as tall as I am—I need more muscle to carry him when he’s unable to walk.”
Thanks to Pure Barre, she’s making incredible progress toward both goals. Fourteen months after starting, she proudly joined the 250 Club—a milestone that reflects not only her physical strength but also her determination, consistency, and heart. She credits the 5:15 crew for helping her show up on days she doesn’t feel like it, and she loves the variety of classes, especially Define, for helping her build the strength she needs most.
“What started as just a workout has become so much more,” she said. “I’ve found friends, community, encouragement, and a place that keeps me strong—for myself and for my family.”
In honor of National Epilepsy Awareness Month, she also wanted to share a few facts to help spread awareness and understanding:
1 in 10 people will have a seizure, and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
Approximately 3.4 million people in the U.S. live with epilepsy—including about 456,000 children.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender.
Not all seizures look the same, and many people experience more than one type.
People with epilepsy can do most things everyone else can—with the right safety precautions.
If you’d like to learn more, visit the Epilepsy Foundation or consider taking Seizure First Aid Training to feel confident helping if someone experiences a seizure.
We’re so grateful to have her as part of our Pure Barre family—and so proud of the strength, awareness, and inspiration she brings to our community every day. 💜
