Barreworks

I knew this place would be fabulous even as I huffed up 3 sets of stairs on a Monday (after the Daylight Savings Time weekend, no less) to get to the reception area. I could hear the music blaring before I even began my ascent!
The facilities are beautiful and clean (probably a byproduct of all guests taking their shoes off as soon as they come in). Barreworks provides you with complimentary rental locks for the lockers, free towel service and a decent sized change room with showers. Around the place are lots of magazines left on couches, and generally happy looking people.
All equipment was also provided for the class. Once again, great music selection. Lovely instructor. Very positive energy. I left smiling (I repeat: on a Monday). I tried their «restorative» class, which consists of using foam rollers to release your muscles. I can’t wait to return for a class that is more «barre» and intense.
However, I did notice that the class wasn’t technically full, and yet we were within inches of one another. So on that note, I wouldn’t recommend this place if you’re a super big fan of personal space, but maybe it’s worth trying out to test your limits? …Especially considering that if you’re a member, you get discounts at places like iQ, Fresh, WaxOn… Just something to be (/​I am seriously) thinking about…
Until next time Barreworks!

I looooooooove Barreworks, especially the bAAAre class.
The instructors are amazing and they keep it fun while very challenging! I always look forward to my next class!

The studio is nice, modern, clean; beautiful change room. The receptionist was polite just enough, but not friendly, nice or welcoming. Even though the place is beautiful, spotless clean and big it didn’t feel welcoming. The class was challenging enough and a good work out however it felt just like any other fitness class, (disappointing) we used the bar about 2 times, almost not at all and almost with no purpose. The instructor was a good instructor at leading the class /​explaining, but not approachable, she seemed to not care much about the people in her class as «people». I’ve had much more fun, felt much more welcomed and had just as good if not better workout at an aerobics class. My friend and I were attracted to the class because of the use of the barre and I was looking forward to barre-​based exercises. Having taking basics of ballet and barre stretching before I remember how much of a workout for my muscles that was back in the day using the barre. Disappointing experience :(

I worked out at barreworks for 5 months and had the most positive and awesome experience. I tried classpass for a month break to switch up my workout routine and try some other studios, but will be coming back to sign up for a 1 year unlimited at barreworks — it’s so great in every way. Lovely staff, lovely studio, awesome and friendly instructors, and such a unique/​effective workout that leaves me feeling awesome!
Thanks barreworks and can’t wait to see you soon :)

I’m usually not this enthusiastic about workouts or fitness studios, but Barreworks is an exception. It’s a great place to get an AMAZING workout! It was my first time taking a Barre class, and the experience left me thirsty for more regardless of the burn I felt the day after!
When I arrived at the reception, the two ladies working there were extremely nice. You could tell they were big on customer service and genuinely liked interacting with the customers. They signed me up for the class, made me sign a waiver and gave me a quick tour of the studio. Barreworks has many different studios that are all equipped with floor-​to-​ceiling mirrors and barres along the walls. Their change-​rooms are clean, bright, and modern. Actually, the entire fitness studio is very clean since they ask you take off your shoes at the reception.
I took the bAAArre class that aims to work your abs, arms, and ass (hence the triple A’s). Some of the work was done at the barre but most of it was done on a yoga mat with the help of an elastic resistance band, two weighted balls, and a larger gym ball. The workout definitely made me sweat and was a lot harder than most of the classes I usually take at Goodlife. My favourite part was doing squats/​pliés at the barre. It kind of made me feel like a ballerina, which is why I wanted to take the class in the first place (hehe). Like the staff at the reception, the instructor was super friendly and helpful during the class. With upbeat music blaring in the background, she guided us and coached us individually through an intense workout.
Coming back here is definitely on my summer to-​do list for that beach-​ready body!

Probably my favourite studio for barre workouts in Toronto. I love the added cardio component in the workouts. The cardio component is what I felt was missing from other barre classes I have taken. The moves done are deceptively simple — you don’t realize how tough they get after a few more reps! My legs were shaking after the first class and I look forward to doing more workouts at barreworks!
NOTE: I was surprised that the noon weekday class was quite packed!

This is a good, hard workout, but it’s paced well. We stretched as we went, and anyone can handle it! It’s just tough.
I really liked all the little perks. Towels, locks for lockers, a mat, and nice showers are all included.

This is the type of place where we can’t wear shoes inside but the owner walks around wearing his own shoes all the time.
I also noticed that my friends on were on a waitlist for a spin class with me, and the owner and (what appeared to be) one of the managers were in that class. That didn’t bode well with me.
It’s also incredibly pricey. When I went a few months ago, the employees didnt look very happy. As an HR rep, I just didn’t get a good vibe.
It’s a beautiful studio, but their heaviest weight is 3 pounds. I question whether the workout actually does anything besides take your money.

I started doing Barreworks classes last summer and I absolutely LOVE this studio. The instructors and staff are amazing, friendly, helpful, welcoming and totally encouraging. The studios are clean and bright and the change rooms are well stocked and very clean. Locks, towels and even hair elastics are available if you forget your own. Bring a water bottle, there is a filtered water station onsite.
Classes are a bit expensive, but it is worth it!
Amazing workout!

Studio: beautiful boutique fitness/​ballet space. Once you step inside, you will feel inspired to put on a tutu and and get toned (don’t worry, no mandatory leotards required at this ballet studio). The changerooms are spacious and exceptionally clean.
Staff: friendly & passionate about Barreworks. When they found out it was our first class, we received a personalized tour of the studio, a description of all the classes and even an introduction to the instructor we were about to take class with. We felt incredibly welcome and definitely less intimidated to try this new workout.
Class: We took a «Barreworks Mixed Level» class. Centered around the ballet barre, we used weighted balls and resistance bands while being led to do combinations of exercises like squats, lunges, pushups and dance inspired cardio moves. By the end of the class my arms felt more sculpted, my core tighter, my posture taller and my legs more toned. One glance at all the instructors, and you know this workout garners results!
Rates:
Single Class $ 21
5 Class $ 95
10 Class $ 170
20 Class $ 320
1 month unlimited $ 199
A little steep as I cannot imagine devoting my schedule to ONLY this workout. As a yoga and fitness addict (already paying for 2 memberships), I cannot justify spending any additional $$ but will definitely be back to this lovely studio for a quick ballet fix from time to time.
Verdict: The studio & workout is a great addition to the fitness community in Toronto. The classes are unique and like no other. The best part is that no experierience or dance background is required to do this workout so anyone can try it. It is definitely worth a visit, you’ll be inspired!

I am a runner and I need some kind of non-​running activities to help strengthen unused muscles. I was doing yoga to fill this void but found it to be too challenging (trust me, Downward Dog at Queen and Tecumseth is extremely intense). I tried out barreworks because cardio and weights are more my speed. I love barreworks. The instructors are really into it, but not in an annoying way. They are competent and genuinely give a shit about their job. The music is fast paced and upbeat. The place is virtually spotless. The change room situation is very comfortable as are the bathrooms. I recommend barreworks to everyone — I cannot say enough good stuff about it. I would probably not try their AAA course unless you are in good shape — however, their regular barreworks classes are accessible but challenging.

So, on a colleague’s suggestion I stepped totally outside of my comfort zone last night and went to a 60 minutes «Barreworks Mixed Level» Class, taught by Micaiah.
The class went as follows:
Enter the dance studio with a number of other ladies who ALL look more fit, more toned, and more dance-​y than I do
Get totally intimidated by the amazingly lithe, upbeat and friendly instructor
Grab weighted balls and a resistance band.
Hope, prance, leap, squat, kick, crunch, jump, turn and DON’T FAINT for the next hour.
In all honesty, this class was an amazing workout combining cardio, toning, strength and core work. This morning my legs are BURNING, and I feel surprisingly great (despite feigning death last night).
My only «complaint» are that these classes run
Single Class $ 21
5 Class $ 95
10 Class $ 170
20 Class $ 320
1 month unlimited $ 199
So. not the cheapest work-​out option, but definitely one that is fun, high-​tempo, full of women, and taught by really great instructors.
I will definitely go back as a treat to myself from time to time, but the cost (for me at least, who already has a yoga AND gym pass elsewhere) is prohibitive to make it a daily endeavour.