I have always loved fitness. As an avid runner, I've competed in many road races and was a sub 6 minute runner for a 5k. Not too bad with 3 kids in tow. I'm also really proud of the fact that I have had two businesses in Rhode Island (My East Side boutique In the Bag, was a favorite of many bag fashionistas in the mid 2000's.) and my husband has a law firm that employees around 50 people. I love our state and want to keep our kids in our state and have money for schools, etc. More businesses need to come into Rhode Island!

After taking my first Pure Barre class on the Upper West Side of New York, I was hooked. The promise - 10 classes and you will notice a difference. Well, I did notice a difference. As a runner, I hadn't paid much attention to muscle definition, stretching or core strength. All the things that Pure Barre promised. Plus, because Pure Barre is a musically driven workout, it goes by quickly. You will sweat and you will be addicted (in the best possible way!). It is also a community that practices non-judgement and encouragement. Clients range from 17 to 70. At 52, I feel more fit than ever, stronger, longer, and leaner.

Enter Jaime, my daughter, head teacher, and partner at Pure Barre. Jaime was planning on going to law school, with a year break after college. When I opened Pure Barre in Cranston, Jaime was at home, studying for the LSAT. After taking a few classes, however, she was hooked. After hundreds of classes and 4 levels of training, Jaime herself now teaches and trains at both studios - Cranston and EG. Every teacher travels to the PB facilities in Denver for intensive training, comes back and works with Jaime in state, and must pass a corporate video test. I'm amazed by the commitment and time that each teacher puts in to preparing a class. No class is the same and new choreography and workouts are constantly being introduced. (It's like having your own personal trainer!) Same format, but our clients are never bored.

We had a celebrity in Pure Barre Cranston recently. It happens more than you would think. Because Pure Barre in a national franchise with over 500 studios, people on vacation, or working on movies in the area, take classes with us in Rhode Island. We also host special nights like Bring On The Men (Women love to bring their husbands!) as well as monthly classes where we donate the proceeds to a different charity. (Our next one will benefit Alzheimer's.) To me, one of the most important things is giving back.

I always support local restaurants and take our team out to celebrate. Costantino's is our go-to place and we always get a picture at the fountain. (Photo above.) We also just had one of our Barretender's shower at Avvio in Garden City. It was great. We do a lipstick swap at our events. I buy 14 lipsticks, from Mac to Channel, and we do a yankee swap. So much fun. Many laughs.

Jaime says her biggest accomplishment is the countless clients that tell her their lives have changed because of Pure Barre. We have clients tell us every day how much their lives have improved since making Pure Barre part of their workout regimen. The best way to explore if Pure Barre is right for you is to buy the $100 New Client Special - unlimited classes for a month. With two studios, classes 7 days a week from 6 a.m to 7 p.m., awesome teachers, and a promise to see changes quickly, why not?

*Mention Patty J And Get A FREE Class At Pure Barre At Chapel View In Cranston, RI.

**This is a paid collaboration with our friends at Pure Barre RI.

Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Lesley Sweeney. Additional photos from the Pure Barre, Cranston, RI Instagram.

My RI Life: Meet Leslie Sweeney Of Pure Barre RI