The Dailey Method

Love going there. I always feel so great afterwards. Susan and Kerry are fabulous business owners and the teachers are well trained.

Hi I have already written a review for The Dailey Method a few years ago but I wanted to write another one because of three of my favorite instructors: Susannah, Lucy H, & Tonia.
Tonia is very good at aligning people in a precise manner. She is very hands-​on, which I personally love, and helps me understand a clearer picture of muscle/​mind/​body connection. Tonia’s classes are challenging and often she has moves I have not done in other classes.
Lucy H., is hands down the most «kick-​your-​butt» instructor and I am most sore after her classes. The funny thing about Lucy H, (also like Meghan) is she is so sweet and makes things «look so easy.» She is good at pretending your muscle set is almost over when she sneaks another 10 second hold in, and she always does at least 4 thigh-​work sets. I think it would be a great addition to the Dailey Method if they could add a harder level to their Bar Class for people like me who want to be incredibly sore the next day.
Susannah, what can I say but she is amazing. Susannah’s classes for me always go by the fastest. She is very hilarious and enthusiastic. I like how she phrases things in class often saying simple phrases, «Simple is sometimes harder.» «Chose resistance over weights.»
Her classes are the most varied routines and she is especially good at adding more stretches in between sets. I absolutely love her classes.

Best exercise out there! All of the instructors are great and you get the hands on adjustments and verbal cues to make this a fabulous workout for the hard core devotees AND for the newbies. If you’ve never tried a barre class before or are just getting back into exercise try the Basics class, and if you want cardio, try the Interval class. I have tried lots of different types of exercise and this is one I always come back to. There is not another full body workout that is as effective as the Dailey Method.

Susan Willrich is a focused, attentive teacher, a studio owner with high standards and a genuine, caring person. Took her class for the 2^nd time (first time to test their Dailey Gentle class) during the Grand Re-​Opening on December 13, 2015. Class was packed. Impressed by how she was able to maintain the pace and flow of the class while giving individual corrections and helping newcomers. No one had to get props beyond hand weights (which everyone selected before class started) so the transitions from floor to barre to floor — at one point there were bands — were all smooth. She has an eagle eye and gives clear direction and the music wasn’t overly loud (though I did have earplugs as a precaution). Was glad to see I was stronger in some areas than the last time I took her class; in other areas, I was defintely challenged, like doing side plank on my forearm vs a straight arm, which I habitually do and the barre exercises made my legs feel the burn. Observed regulars (like the spin instructor in front of me) worked hard but were smiling throughout class. There was one young guy who clearly was dragged out of bed (he wore a white undershirt) by his girlfriend — my first time seeing a guy in a barre class, but no one paid him any special attention. Note: there is a unisex bathroom with a very nice urinal. You will DEFINITELY work your abs in Susan’s class. I recall last time I got a huge cramp on one side of my abs and had to pause (never happened to me in any group exercise class before); this time, I was happy I did not get a cramp. (Note: I made listening to my body the goal versus doing all the reps.) I spoke to Susan post class and was struck by how easy it was to talk to her, how dedicated she is and how involved she was in the renovations.
Check in is a BREEZE, if you signed in via MindBodyOnline, all you do is tap your name on the iPad mounted on the front desk. SO EASY!!! There are two lovely, super clean bathrooms and a shower. Cubbies in the front and along the hallway for shoes and automated lockers (no need to bring a physical lock; just punch in numbers) for storing things. For the Grand Re-​Opening — when I checked in, I received a number of coupons and samples. Noticed there was plenty of food to nosh on — including fruit & nuts. Appreciated the healthy items as well as the chocolate and wine that was also offered to me. Lastly, the adjacent parking lot next door has spaces for 5+ cars. Free parking on Piedmont? Yay! Susan & DM Oakland are a class act.

I used to think that I needed a trainer, to lift weights, run, etc. etc. I’ve been to Dailey Method twice now and I’ve seen more changes in my body than months of weight lifting! The staff here is so friendly and helpful. I took a class with Blake this morning and when she saw me struggling, she encouraged me to keep trying — telling me I could do it and adjusting my positioning as necessary. I FEEL AMAZING!!! So full of energy and tight. The class is really tough — working muscles you didn’t know you had but what I love the most is the stretching after each set.
I bought an introductory monthly unlimited pass for $ 100, my plan is to try to take 10 classes within a month. Wish me luck or better yet, come join me!

This isn’t just an exercise studio. It is a community of friendly, strong, outgoing women who are all there to create strong bodies in a fun and very challenging way. I’ve been a client there for six years and there is a reason I continue to go back even when I take a few months off when life gets in the way of me taking care of myself. The classes are challenging and I’ve been impressed and appreciative that there continues to be a stream of skillful, energetic new instructors added to the mix when the others move on. When I go to class I always leaving feeling stronger, leaner and revitalized especially, and I’m biased, when I take Susan and Meagan’s classes. Fantastic play lists, great humor, skillful execution and plenty of oxytocin to enrich my day. I love it!

This is the most amazing place in the world. I have been coming for nearly two years now and I adore it. The classes are challenging, fun and rewarding and great for people of all ages and walks of life. I’ve even brought my 64 year old mother who had a hip replacement and she had a great time and kept commenting on how she was feeling the burn during class :)
Susan, the owner is terrific, she’s the perfect blend of spunk and no nonsense and as one of the OG’s (original gangstas) of the Dailey Method.. . she was an instructor at the first location.. . she’s super knowledgeable about all of the moves and what effect it has on each part/​muscle of your body. Try going to Bar Method and asking the teacher exactly which muscle it’s working and they won’t be able to tell you, Bar Method is inferior in to the Dailey Method. Next to Susan, Cat is my favorite teacher. She’s been the reason I don’t hit snooze on my alarm and skip class. I can always count on her upbeat attitude, great sense of humor and warm energy to make it a great workout. And Meghan? She’s a peach! Everyone loves her good natured attitude. Susannah? She’s great too!
The Dailey Method is also very philanthropic– lots is done to benefit the community and breast cancer research– I love that!
And for you numbers gals, I have lost 9 pounds since I started the Dailey Method two years ago. And that’s with only two classes a week and eating like a Mack truck driver. If you come consistently and watch what you shovel into your mouth, you will see amazing results.
Go online and check it out and then register for your first class. You’ll be addicted to the burn in your legs and the results, instantly!!!
Thank you Susan for creating such a warm, safe, and fun place for my sister and I to come and work out together!

I tried the Dailey Method a few years ago when I lived in San Francisco and liked it, but didn’t end up taking it up regularly. Now that I’m pregnant, I thought that the Dailey Method would be a great way to workout and keep strong in preparation for the arrival of my baby.
Problem is, I can’t actually get into a class to do so. I called a few weeks ago to talk to someone to get suggestions on what classes/​times would be best for someone who is basically new (it’s been over 4 years or so since I tried it before) and pregnant as well as to ask what the process was for attending as a pregnant person.
No one could be bothered to call me back.
So this Saturday, I decided to show up with Doctor’s note in hand in order to give it a try. I arrived for the 8:30 class but it was full. The woman behind the desk told me that I should come at a less busy time, especially since I was basically new, and suggested the 9:45 class. She never mentioned that I could sign up online to book a spot in the class; in fact I’m still not sure if I can do that as a new student.
So, back home I went, and an hour later back into my car to show up at the 9:45 class only to find her sheepishly shrugging her shoulders at me to tell me that it was now full, too. Again, no mention of whether, as a new student, I could sign up online.
I said to her– «so there’s basically no way for a new student to start except to keep showing up and hoping for room.» She said «Yes. You could try the 11:00 class.» As if want to spend my entire Saturday driving back and forth to the studio to see if I can maybe get into a class.
I would be perfectly happy to sign up online and book my class just like everyone else, but the woman behind the desk has made it seem as if my only option as a new student is to keep showing up and hoping I’m lucky enough to get in.
This is the most crazy process I have ever seen. Guess they’re just so overflowing they can’t be bothered to welcome a new student to their studio. Oh well, I’ll find another workout for during and after my pregnancy. Hopefully the Bar method studio on Lakeshore will be more welcoming.

I have been coming for a month MON-​FRI and I’m now officially addicted. I love the challenge and have really seen results !

I really like this place… as a supplement to my existing workout routine. I don’t know how people can lose weight off this or seriously tone. because it’s difficult but not really challenging. You are not in cardio mode to burn fat and the resistance is not much to really build muscle (although light weights in super sets are done). I know the key is position and technique (which done properly does make a big difference)…so it does depend on the instructors. Some are good and some are way better. but everyone is friendly. Lot of classes to fit everyone’s schedule. Most of the participants here are of average size and I have not encountered anyone close to being obese… so it is my assumption that only a certain type of girls come here.
TDM (The Dailey Method) is it’s own type of barre exercise. but it is a cross between yoga and pilates as in movements (and Calisthenics from what I remember from the 80’s) with a little sprinkle of ballet warm up. However, I don’t see even the advance variations of the exercises being as challenging as advance yoga poses.
Again, I really do enjoy it… however, one star off because it is SO very expensive.
At $ 20.00 a single session (on average. cheaper if you buy more or do unlimited).I am not sure if it is worth it. I have the Pop Physique DVD’s (which is pretty much the same type of exercise) and it works well. for me.
I will definitely be back for a few sessions here and there… when I can justify paying for it again. but for now I will have to do the poor woman’s version: at home.
One reason why I am still interested in TDM is because it does help me with engaging my core and posture. With hours in front of the computer and commute stress… it’s very therapeutic after a nice session in the studio to relieve and correct. It almost feels like a massage to me.
I encourage to try it out. They have great 30 day intro specials and also I have seen Gilt City and other Groupon like sites offer promos.

This was my first visit to the class and I have not worked out on 5 months. it troubled me to dive into intense stretches without much of a warm up. I naturally felt quite stiff and not as flexible due to lack of recent exercise and so did not wish to push myself and cause injury. This seemed to really bother the instructor who continually kept re-​showing me the moves as if I was not getting it despite explaining more than once the desire to start slowly.
The music was annoying and the instructors microphone way too loud for the small space. I think this class might be useful for me when I regain my normal fitness level as a means to tone and stretch.

So now I have been going here for a few months — and I can honestly say that I am really happy with the workout and the changes I am experiencing in my body.
* Everyone is super friendly and helpful
* If you go regularly (several times a week) you WILL see a difference.
* The class times are convenient and it isn’t too crowded
* The instructors are all good — some (IMHO) are better than others at busting your butt. But then, that is pretty subjective as we all have differences of what busting really is. I highly recommend trying each instructor to find the folks that you resonate with the most and identify those that you don’t resonate with.
* I like that there is a set rythm to the class — after each butt buster comes a lull of stretching then another targeted area butt buster and a stretch.
Here is what you should expect:
1) march in place and stretch
2) ab work
3) stretch/​core
4) arm work
5) stretch/​core
6) thigh/​leg work
7) stretch/​core
8) seat work
9) stretch/​core
10) ab work
Basically you spend about 5 — 8 minutes doing each focus area and since this is a combo of pilates, ballet barre work and yoga — even though you are focusing on target areas you are also still engaging the other muscles so you get a total body workout.

What I liked:
This place is conveniently located, has nice lockers, and very friendly folks. I think it’s a great place for people new to barre-​style workouts. The ab work is analogous to what I’ve done in other classes, and I think it’s pretty effective. The instructor did a good job at correcting postures for the class.
What I did not like as much:
Unfortunately, I did not feel that the thigh, glute, and flat back/​round back work were as intense as other barre classes I’ve taken (which usually make my legs feel like they’re on fire!). I felt that as soon as my muscles *might* be starting to work hard, the sets were already done and we were moving on to a different muscle group. Also, there was not as much stretching as other classes I’ve taken, which kind of bummed me out.
Overall, I really love barre styles, and would recommend it for anyone curious. But if you’re already experienced with these type of workouts (especially ones that incorporate more yoga, like Core Fusion), I think you might find this workout missing something.

Great workout! Harder than any other class or bootcamp I’ve taken… I definitely feel stronger and toned.
Meghan and Robin are awesome instructors. Super nice, motivating, patient and helpful. I can’t do any of the moves right (despite taking more than 15 classes. Sad but true)… But they’re always there to correct you with a smile.
Everyone needs to try Dailey method :)

While on a short visit to Oakland I decided to take the Dailey Method as a comparison to Bar Method, which I have been doing for several years in Chicago. I have to say that although I was initially skeptical, it really is a wonderful workout. I had the pleasure of taking my fist class from Liz, whose pace and rapid transition between exercises kept my heart rate up, and a subsequent class from Teresa whose seat/​back dancing workout still has me sore. I also think the attention to stretching in TDM (thank you Teresa for so patiently correcting my form over and over) is superior to that of Bar, as it is instrumental in injury prevention.
The only criticism is the number of people packed into the space. It’s a teeny studio and it feels cramped during push-​ups and planks. Otherwise, quite fun and very challenging! Thank you ladies, I look forward to returning on my next trip.

I first started TDM (now known as, «High and Tight» to my friends and I) 4 years ago. In three months I lost so much weight and gained so much STRENGTH I was amazed. Then again, I was walikin outta there with wet-​noodle-​like legs and pretty exhausted, but this workout is THE best I have ever found, and I have tried MANY.
The instructors are funny and nice but better yet are really well informed and constantly go around and check your posture– which I really appreciate since I had a pretty intense back injury.
When I work out I want to FEEL it, I want to SWEAT, I want to leave it all on the MAT and at TDM that’s exactly what it’s all about. In the beginning it is tough to keep up, but in 4 classes, you start to get the hang of it. :)
I am excited to see the remodel of the Piedmont studio! I love it the way it is– cozy and intimate, but sure, it could do with a few upgrades.
Big shout out to my most favorite instructor, Teresa!!! She kicks your butt with a genuine smile on her face– and she is by far the funniest, most ‘real’ instructor I have found. Great attitude, very personable, great teacher.
As you can see I have only positive things to say about TDM. It kicks your ass… but it feels so good!

All the instructors are fantastic, Susan is a favorite but really you cant go wrong with any of them. Don’t be intimidated I you’re a first timer, the class is very ergonomically correct so if you’re sore afterwards it’s a «good sore» not a «I think I damaged myself» soreness :-) you’ll be toned and trim in no time!

I decided to switch up my workout routine. I typically workout at the gym 3 – 4 times a week, a combination of running the lake and lifting light weights. So I decided to try TDM. They have a special of $ 100 for unlimited and I’m so glad I decided to give it a try!
I went yesterday for the first time, got a GOOD workout! As I’m sitting here typing this, my ‘seat’ is sore from yesterday. The class was much, much harder than I expected. I used muscles I never thought I had. My legs felt like they were going to fall off! There wasn’t any down time, it was exercise after exercise. I had a lot of fun. I can definitely see how this class can give you results because in an hour you’re getting a full body workout.
I’m looking forward to seeing the results in a month. I’ll be back then to post my progress :)

I am not a Lululemon-​covered yoga chick. I like my workouts hard, sweaty, and with minimal time to ponder on any discomfort that I may be feeling. Therefore, The Dailey Method is not the type of exercise that I normally gravitate towards. But because my sweaty cardio workouts were not as well rounded as I knew they should be, I decided to challenge myself and do the $ 100 unlimited month at TDM. I figured that although I might hate it, I would force myself to do it as much as possible, because I’m also sort of cheap and hate wasting money. You give me unlimited, I’ll TAKE unlimited. Bring it, Dailey!
It was brought. I sucked it up, suffered through the first few miserably shaky classes where I thought that either my legs were going to fall off or I was going to throw up all over the barre (or both), and I can honestly say that I began to see results within the first couple of weeks. I even got sort of addicted to trying to do everything «just right», and the focus on form and breathing helped to take my mind off of all of the pain.
Two months in, I’m really proud of how much I’ve shaped up. I like to think that my newfound muscle is helping me burn off even more calories in my hard-​core cardio workouts, and guess what? I can do a pull-​up! I was always the kid in gym class who just hung off of the the pull-​up bar limply, so to be able to do a pull-​up (three even!) is proof positive that the Dailey Method is doing something right.

This class kicked my butt! (and arms… and abs… and legs…)
I was up for a visit so I chose the single class for $ 20. It may be a little pricey, but I think I got my money’s worth. I’m so sore… but it feels good.
The instructor was pleasant and gave personal attention to everyone… especially me, the newbie. The exercises were challenging, but she always offered an less strenuous option (still challenging for me though!)
Apparently shaky legs are a rite of passage for the Dailey Method… and seriously, I felt like I had no control of my leg spasms. Good work out!