Sarah Moats: FACES of Atlanta

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Sarah Moats, co-owner of Pure Barre Atlanta, is the kind of fitness instructor who makes you want to push through your workout when your legs are burning and shaking. Today, we chat with her about what keeps her motivated, how she spends her time away from the studio, and how Pure Barre has changed the course of her life.

Congratulations the 3 year anniversary of Pure Barre Buckhead! What do you think the keys to your success are?

Thank you so much! We have an amazing team at Pure Barre Buckhead, Dunwoody and Johns Creek. We have fabulous studio managers, Merrick and LaTasia, and the best teachers and staff who help make the Pure Barre experience special for each and every client!

What makes the Pure Barre workout unique and different from other workouts?

Pure Barre is unique because it utilizes the ballet barre, small isometric movements and stretching to create long, lean muscles while preventing bulking. It is a 55-minute total-body workout that is set to great music that leaves clients feeling strong in both body and mind when they are finished! Pure Barre is very safe on the joints so class can be taken everyday. Additionally, we offer technique modifications for everything from pregnancy to post-surgical rehabilitation so it is an exercise routine that can grow with you as your life and fitness needs change.

How did you first get involved with Pure Barre?

I started with Pure Barre as a teacher in Nashville, Tennessee. I had received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy and I was working part-time at a local hospital in orthopedic rehabilitation when I took my first class. I was immediately hooked! Shortly thereafter I began teaching and about a year later we opened the first Pure Barre studio in Atlanta in Buckhead! I think for me, Pure Barre allowed me to combine my knowledge of the human body and my love for fitness and dance all into one perfect profession!

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We love the motivational atmosphere of Pure Barre classes. What pumps you up to teach classes and motivate others?

What motivates me are our clients!  I find the most rewarding part of my job is encouraging our clients to push themselves as far as they think they can, and then a little more. When I take a Pure Barre class, I feel like there is an argument going on between my mind and my body. My body is saying, “please let me take a break!” and my mind is saying, “Go lower!” Therefore, when I teach, I like to remember that every client in class is feeling some version of what I just described. If I can encourage our clients to push themselves further than they thought possible, I am honored to be a part of that achievement. Watching our clients be strong in both mind and body is inspiring to me and gets me excited to teach every time I step into the studio.

What sports and activities did you play growing up?

I grew up dancing, running and playing lacrosse.

We know you did lots of Pure Barre after the birth of your baby last year, what other things did you do to bounce back in shape?

Pure Barre was essential to keeping me in shape during my pregnancy and helping me bounce back after our daughter arrived in late August 2012. I love that the Pure Barre technique can be modified for all 3 trimesters of pregnancy as well as post-pregnancy if necessary. Aside from Pure Barre helping me bounce back, I enjoyed getting outside with the baby for long walks.

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What is your favorite way to begin your day?

I like to start my day with coffee, the news and breakfast with my family.

What are some of your must-have purchases for the upcoming fall?

For me, fall necessities are wedge booties, skinny jeans and great layering pieces. I am also a big accessories person–I love handbags, scarves, hats, jewelry etc, so I am always on the lookout for these.

Is there any new workout gear that is catching your eye?

I love Splits59 for my staple items. Their Raquel pants are amazing on all body types and their Loren bras are fabulous for working out or wearing for everyday. Karma is another one of my favorite lines that has wonderful leggings, accent pieces and oversized tops that are great for taking you from your workout to running around Atlanta. Additionally, we are so excited we will be carrying a new brand starting this fall called Beyond Yoga. Beyond Yoga uses excellent fabrics and has a lot of variety in their line so there will be something for everyone. We cannot wait to get it into the studios!

What are some of your favorite restaurants in Atlanta?

One of my favorites nearby the Buckhead studio is Bistro Niko; it is so easy and I have never had a bad meal. I also love Babette’s Cafe and Miller Union. For newer spots I have had fabulous meals at both The Optimist and King + Duke. And for Sunday brunch I always like Rosebud.

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What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

We took a family trip to Seaside over our daughter’s birthday. I grew up outside of Chicago, so most of my family is up north but they came down and met us at the beach. It was great to spend time with family and have everyone there for her first birthday. And, it was their first time to the area, so we had a lot of fun showing them around one of our favorite places!

What do you like to do on a Saturday night?

On Saturday nights my husband and I like to arrange for a babysitter and get out of the house for a date night. Whether we grab a quick dinner, meet up with friends, catch a movie, live music or sporting event we always find something fun to do with our adult time!

What is your favorite way to “turn off” and relax?

To relax I love a deep tissue massage followed by a nice long steam.

What items are always on your bedside table?

• Kiehl’s lip balm
• Smartwater
• a photo of our family
• a baby monitor

Name three things you could not live without (excluding God, family and friends):

• Kombucha
• Elta moisturizing sunscreen
• My iPhone

Thanks so much, Sarah! For more information about Pure Barre, click here.

And, a big thank you to our FACES photographer, Cat Maxwell.

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