Pure Barre, Durham

In 2001, dancer Carrie Rezabek Dorr invited exercisers to join her in ballet-based workouts. Held in the basement of an office building without a staff, a sign outside, or even a bathroom, Carrie transformed her small business into a national franchise with locations in 33 states. Her Pure Barre system helps sculpt long, lean muscles. Using a ballet barre and isometric movements, the exercisers drastically shape areas such as the abs, hips, arms, and butt.