Pure Barre Park Ridge, Park Ridge

Pure Barre Park Ridge owner Leslie Pinto has kept to a rigorous exercise regimen for most of her adult life, but a 15-hour preventive surgery in 2008 forced her to make some changes. Unable to keep up in kickboxing classes while in recovery, she turned to Pure Barre on the advice of a friend. It was revelatory: here was an exercise that she could do, even post-surgery, one that would help her regain her strength and stamina. Pinto kept up with it even while pregnant and postpartum and credits it as the most effective workout she's ever done. Today, Pinto helps others reap the benefits of the exercise in her own studio, where she fosters a warm, welcoming atmosphere for newbies and experienced barre students alike.