Read on to hear from Savannah Hood, a Pure Barre Teacher and Pelvic Floor Specialist on why Pure Barre is great exercise for pelvic floor health.
As a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health and lifelong lover of movement, I’ve witnessed how purposeful exercise transforms lives. My journey into this field was shaped by my background as a dancer and my passion for understanding how movement facilitates health. Pure Barre has been an integral part of this journey, serving as both a personal practice and a professional tool for helping my patients and clients alike.
I currently work as a physical therapist at Inspire Health in Atlanta, GA, where I specialize in pelvic health and hypermobility disorders with an emphasis on holistic wellness. Inspire Health combines Pilates-based rehabilitation, physical therapy, and fitness to help clients move better and live pain-free. This role allows me to blend my clinical expertise with my love of movement, offering patients tailored care that fosters healing.
I grew up immersed in dance, where countless hours in the studio fostered my love and appreciation for how the body works. In college, I was a member of the University of Georgia's Dance Dawgs while pursuing a minor in Dance, which taught me about resilience, discipline, and the importance of a strong foundation—both physically and mentally.
Various injuries over time forced me to confront the mechanics of my body. I became fascinated with human anatomy and pursued a career in physical therapy. While earning my Doctor of Physical Therapy at Emory University, I began teaching Pure Barre, a practice I had become obsessed with during college. Teaching not only supported me through the chaos of graduate school but also deepened my understanding of how functional movement could be accessible to everyone. In February 2020, I completed Pure Barre teacher training, just days before the pandemic shut down the world. Despite the challenges of virtual teaching, Pure Barre remained a source of stability and connection.
Today, teaching Pure Barre allows me to combine my expertise as a physical therapist with my passion for movement. Leading clients through every class format has given me a unique perspective on how Pure Barre supports pelvic floor health.
Health issues related to the pelvic floor are incredibly common and can happen at any age.
Pelvic floor dysfunction means your pelvic floor is not performing one or more of its duties: support, bowel & bladder control, stability, sexual function, and circulation. Most dysfunction occurs because the pelvic floor muscles are too tight, too weak or a combination of both.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form the base of the “core.” These muscles work with the deep abdominals, back muscles and the diaphragm to support the spine and control the pressure inside the abdomen. Like any other muscle group, they benefit from targeted exercise—and that’s where Pure Barre comes in.
Here are a few key ways Pure Barre supports pelvic floor health:
The four Pure Barre formats—Classic, Empower, Define, and Align—offer diversity for your workout regimen.
This flexibility empowers you to listen to your body and create a balanced workout routine.
Menopause is the demarcation between reproductive and non-reproductive years of the female lifespan and is associated with age-related hormonal shifts. It is a stage of life that is often overlooked and misunderstood, but it doesn’t have to be!
One primary challenge during menopause is the loss of bone density, which can lead to osteopenia or osteoporosis. Define has been a game-changer in this regard, offering a safe and effective way to load muscles and joints, promoting stronger bones and better function.
It’s never too late to start prioritizing longevity, and incorporating Define into a routine allows clients in or beyond menopause to build confidence while addressing critical health needs.
My commitment to Pure Barre took on a new dimension when I underwent abdominal surgery during graduate school. Returning to exercise after surgery required so much patience and intentionality. Pure Barre provided a framework for safe, gradual recovery. By modifying exercises to protect my body’s healing, I was able to regain strength and stability within weeks. This experience reinforced my belief in the adaptability and inclusivity of Pure Barre.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is seeing clients discover (or re-discover) their capabilities. Many come to me feeling disconnected from their bodies, whether due to pain, injury, or life transition. Whether through physical therapy and/or Pure Barre, they learn to trust their bodies again and celebrate what they can achieve. The welcoming and encouraging community also make it an ideal environment for individuals who may feel apprehensive about starting or returning to exercise.
As awareness of pelvic floor health grows, I’m excited about the potential for Pure Barre to play an even larger role in this space. It’s a dream to see studios establishing partnerships with pelvic health professionals, offering workshops or classes tailored to specific needs. Educating instructors on pelvic floor considerations can also enhance their ability to support clients effectively.
For anyone considering Pure Barre as a tool for improving pelvic floor health, my advice is simple: start where you are. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new to exercise, Pure Barre meets you at your level and helps you progress in a safe and supportive environment. It’s more than a workout; it’s a community, a source of empowerment, and a vehicle for healing.
Here’s my last few helpful little tidbits:
The pelvic floor is often an overlooked cornerstone of health, but it doesn’t have to be. With intentional movement practices like Pure Barre, we can nurture strength, balance, and confidence—one tuck at a time. Get started with Pure Barre by filling out the form below to book a complimentary barre intro class at your local studio!