Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Swygert.
Allyson, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with Pure Barre started back in 2016—as a client who was just trying to find a workout routine that actually stuck. I had tried so many things before but always struggled to stay motivated or see results. Pure Barre was the first workout that truly clicked for me. I loved the high energy, the music, and the way I felt after class. It was love at first “tuck.” Even better, it didn’t have the intimidation factor that some high-intensity workouts can carry—it felt welcoming, empowering, and effective.
Two years later, I joined the front desk team, and within that same year, I trained to become a teacher. That experience sparked something in me, and I realized I wanted to grow within the fitness industry. I moved to Washington, DC to gain hands-on experience as a studio and regional manager, and eventually transitioned into a corporate marketing role for another gym brand to expand my knowledge even further.
All of that experience built the foundation for the biggest leap of all—becoming a Pure Barre franchisee. I took over Pure Barre Dr. Phillips in July 2021, opened Pure Barre Winter Garden in July 2022, and most recently launched Pure Barre Celebration in July 2024. It’s been a whirlwind, but every step of the journey has brought me closer to creating strong, connected, and uplifting communities inside each studio. I’m so grateful to be doing work I truly love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road—especially when I went from owning two studios to three. That transition brought some growing pains. The biggest challenge was figuring out how to maintain the same level of excellence, culture, and experience across all locations. When I had just one studio, I was there every day and super hands-on, so it was easy to keep everything consistent.
As we grew, I learned that I couldn’t be everywhere at once—and that’s okay. The key was building a strong team. Hiring the right people, creating a leadership team that really understood and believed in the vision, and making sure we had clear systems in place helped everything run more smoothly. It took some trial and error, but once we had the right structure and people in place, things really started to click.
I’m so grateful for the team we’ve built. They’ve made this growth possible and have helped keep our studios feeling like home for our members.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pure Barre is a boutique fitness studio that offers low-impact, high-intensity workouts focused on strength, stability, and flexibility. Our technique is inspired by ballet, Pilates, and functional movement, and it’s designed to create long, lean muscles and improve total body strength—without the high impact on your joints.
We offer four unique class formats that allow our clients to cross-train within the Pure Barre method: Classic (our foundational barre class), Empower (a cardio-based format), Define (a strength-based format), and Align (a balance and flexibility class). Each class is set to upbeat music and led by highly trained instructors who offer hands-on corrections and encouragement in a supportive, welcoming environment.
What sets us apart is our community. Pure Barre isn’t just a workout—it’s a place where people come to connect, feel strong, and be part of something bigger. From the moment someone walks through our doors, we want them to feel seen, supported, and empowered. That sense of belonging is at the heart of everything we do.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built inside our studios. Our team truly cares about each person who walks in, and we make it a priority to create a space that’s inclusive, uplifting, and full of positive energy. We’re not about perfection—we’re about progress, confidence, and showing up for yourself.
For anyone who hasn’t tried Pure Barre before, I always say: just take one class. You don’t need dance experience, flexibility, or a certain fitness level. You just need to show up. The rest will come—and we’ll be there cheering you on every step of the way.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I think the fitness industry will continue to shift toward a more holistic, personalized approach. People are no longer just looking for a good workout—they’re looking for an experience, a sense of community, and something that supports both their physical and mental well-being.
Boutique fitness, especially methods like Pure Barre, will keep growing because of that personalized, community-driven feel. Members want to be part of something meaningful, not just another gym. They want connection, accountability, and a space that feels welcoming—where they’re not just a number.
Another shift I see is a stronger focus on longevity and functional movement—working out to feel better in everyday life, not just to burn calories. That’s something Pure Barre has always done well, and I think it will continue to resonate with people who want sustainable fitness that supports them long term.
Pricing:
- Unlimited membership is the best option! It’s a flexible, month-to-month commitment for just $189 per month!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @purebarredrphillips @purebarrewintergarden @purebarrecelebration
