The Bar Method

My addiction began 5+ years ago after enduring my first 60 minute session of intense sculpting! NOTHING out there gave me these results. It’s just the right amount of drive and praise to keep my head in the game. I found motivation I never knew I had. I was pleasantly surprised to see I was not surrounded by «Barbies» everywhere I looked. Clients range from teens to grandparents, and I see all different body types in each class. Also, don’t worry about getting bored — I have yet to take the «same» class more than once.
What sets this workout apart from the others is the top notch instructing. The clients are the sole focus in every class — the instructors don’t get caught up in the workout because they are correcting, adjusting, and maximizing each movement for YOU from start to finish. It turns out they train for a minimum of 3 – 6 months, and it shows!
The facility itself is well above average. There are showers, towels, hairdryers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hair ties (the list goes on) to accommodate the full spectrum of clients. The atmosphere is always friendly and warm. The staff, instructors, and owners (yes, the owners also teach classes!) put their own personal touch on your experience. I have zero reason to go anywhere else. I’m proud to be a Bar Belle!

The Bar Method does live up to the hype. Believe it.
The barre exercise craze that has swept the nation took me along with it. Being a believer for several years now, it rocks your body, and soothes the mind. You will feel the burn in the small isometric movements and for whatever reason, that desire fails to quit. More. Give me MORE!
This particular Bar Method has a great schedule for early birds, as well as night owls, and also offers four different types of classes. The classes are taught by skilled instructors who will offer modifications, as well as advanced options, so each client will make the most of their one hour workout.
Bar Method is truly like no other exercise regimen. Try it out! Your body and mind will thank you!

I have been taking Bar Method for 6+ years and still love it just as much as I did when I started. I have tried several other bar classes but this is by far the best. This particular location is wonderful. It has pretty studios with excellent staff and teachers. I definitely recommend it!

Been coming here for about a year– so far I love it! I was in desperate need of a workout routine and decided to give it a go. I met some great people along the way. I love the instructors and I always feel better after a class here!

keep up the hard work … your IG page keeps me inspired also i lost 10 lbs and kept it off with this bar work out its such a great company ! keep showing more before and after pictures they are so motivating

I have attended two classes at this facility this week and I am very impressed. The studio is spacious, very clean and modern. There’s two showers, two restrooms and lots of lockers for storage. I think there are two classrooms but both my classrooms were in the front studio.
The instructor is welcoming and offers modifications and corrects forms which I thought was very nice. They give personalized attention even in a full class which is amazing. The studio is the Town, Village country complex so getting parking can be tricky. Bring your own socks or they are available for purchase at the studio. Like most barre classes, you need socks for practice. I found bar method more challenging than other barre classes I have done.

Been taking classes here for almost 1.5 years. I love it. It’s low impact but high intensity. The instructors are all great and you never feel uncomfortable as there are people of all levels there. You are going up against yourself and how far you can push yourself.
Two studios. Open Cubbies or locker for personal items. The locker room has two showers. They provide towels, shampoo and conditioner as well as shower gel. There is even a hair dryer or two.
Lastly, they have cute lululemon clothes for sale (ones that sometimes they don’t have at the stores). Good time to stock up.

The teaching staff at this particular location is superb! Not only is there an emphasis on safety and proper alignment in form, but there is a diversity of different personalities.
The various class times, the availability of showers and lockers, and the access to staff nutritionists and physical therapists make it a really amazing fitness community of which to be a part.
If you’ve never tried the Bar Method, come take a class! Just make sure to arrive 15 minutes early, wear pants below your knees and bring a pair of socks if you don’t want to buy a pair! ;)

My wife and just had a baby and she was going to start going to gym again. It was her first time in a year. We were both really excited about making it work. I came home an hour early from work, she put the baby to sleep and I started putting our older daughter to bed.
My wife gets there 7 minutes late, they don’t let her in, for safety reasons because it is her first time…
I just don’t understand why you would ever do that for a first time customer. Talk about a bad first impression. We both felt totally let down.
She won’t be going back.

I’m a huge fan of barre classes and I’ve always heard good things about this studio in particular. After the birth of my son this summer, I decided to give the Palo Alto studio a shot and I’m still attending classes, almost four months later. For me, barre really works in terms of giving your entire body better definition and the instructors here do a fantastic job kicking your butt – in the best way. I almost don’t want to name names because classes fill up fast, but my personal faves include Marisa and Tyler. Have also attended classes taught by Gennis, Tina, and Gigi, and they were all fantastic.
Sure, this studio is $$$, but if you attend regularly, then you’ll be able to see a difference in your body in no time. Highly recommend!

«A good man can make you feel sexy, strong and able to take on the world. Oh sorry… that’s bar. Bar method does that»
I discovered bar method about a year ago in 2013, wanting to switch up my workout routine. I was weight training 3x a week, intense HITT 2x a week and straight steady cardio on other days. I needed to add some deep stretching and toning. So I joined bar!
I love it! Tuck! Tuck! Tuck! Tuck! I would hold positions until my legs were shaking and I could feel a burn in every inch and cell in my body. You just gotta stay focused when doing the exercises or else you can be easily distracted.
I’ve been to quite a few bar method locations and I absolutely adore it! The quality of excercises are phenomenal and are pretty much universal to every location you go to.
Thank you bar for being an addition to my fit life!

This is the best workout ever! If you are looking to create lean long muscles then you have to come to thebarmethod. I have been working here for three years. It completely transformed my body. I’ll be 50 in two months and my body feels and looks better then when I was 25. My review is way overdue. Don’t wait another minute. The staff is dedicated to your success and to this day they push me to do more and be better! Thank you BM staff!

I really can’t say enough good things about The Bar Method. I’ve been attending classes since 2010, so this review is long overdue. The instructors, the atmosphere, the results — they’re all incredible.
First, I love the technique and the routine. The exercises are so intense that, even after 4 years of class, I can still get an incredible, muscle fatiguing, leg-​shaking, thigh-​wrecking workout. While things eventually are more predictable because you learn what exercises to expect next, you never reach a point where the exercises are actually easy to do. They’re a killer (in a good way) every single time.
Second, the instructors really make the classes, and they all absolutely know their stuff. They’re very hands-​on and make sure you get into the perfect position each time. It’s almost the level of attention you would get in a personal training session. The ladies of The Bar Method are also upbeat, friendly, and they make the classes entertaining (which helps as you shake and sweat through 60 minutes of pain!).
Finally, the results are amazing. Never in my life have I felt so strong and beautiful as I have while attending Bar Method classes. I built long, lean muscles and toned up in places that I never thought possible. The key is really to go to class regularly — that’s when you see the most dramatic results.
Yes, classes are expensive, and I cringe a little to think of how much I’ve dropped there in the last few years. But it’s totally worth it to get results like I’ve never seen before.

Decided to switch up my fitness routine again; forgot how much of an intense workout the ballet bar could provide.
Long story short: it’s different from pure barre, a lot less gimmicky, and more straight to the point. I felt like at pure barre, I really needed the music and lighting to get me «in the mood» whereas at bar method, I barely notice the music because I’m wincing in pain from holding the correct posture.
Of course, it also depends on the instructor… my favorite instructor is Marisa because she has this calming voice, and she’s really diligent about correcting form. She also takes the time to remember peoples’ names. I also really like Taylor– she’s got a really spunky energy, which I appreciate.
Clean facilities, and parking usually isn’t an issue.
Oh, and be warned. if you’re not wearing socks, a certain instructor (who shall remain nameless) will make you leave the room to purchase them. Meh. $ 12 bucks?!

I’ve been waiting to write this review. I started taking Bar Method classes on October 9, 2012 and now, 1 year and about 100 classes later, I’m ready to sing my praise of Bar Method.
The classes are great. They probably aren’t for everyone, but this is the first organized fitness class that I’ve ever taken and fallen in love with. Like many other reviewers, I’m addicted. I squeeze in classes whenever I can, and if I’m somewhere else in the country, I try to find a nearby studio. The studio/​facilities are more than adequate– until recently I used the showers after every class and they are kept fresh and clean. The instructors are amazing. Every single one of them brings something unique to class, they are experts at learning everyone’s name and personal modifications, and are incredibly motivating. Overall, the classes are familiar enough that I crave Bar Method when it’s been more than a day or two, but varied enough that I’m always interested. The instructors keep you on your toes, literally and figuratively.
As for results, I look and feel great these days– and that is largely because of Bar Method. I typically go twice a week, and if I can squeeze in a third, fourth, or fifth class, I do (more 7am classes please!!!), which isn’t as often as many women, but I’m noticeably slimmer, stronger, steadier, and more flexible because of Bar Method. It has made me a better runner and a better skier. The classes have motivated me to work out more and to be more mindful about what I eat and drink. As a result, I’m a solid 15 pounds lighter than I was a year ago.
Yes, it’s expensive. I pay $ 18/​class by buying the 30-​class packs for $ 540. I would love to sign up for the reoccurring unlimited monthly pack at $ 180/​month, but my work schedule often results in me being out of the country for 1 – 2 weeks at a time, every 2 – 3 months, if not every month. So I’ve stuck with the 30-​class packs. If I could sign up for the annual $ 2100 membership but put it on hold for a week or two at a time while I’m traveling for work, I totally would. $ 2100 may sound like a lot to spend on a gym class, but for me, it is completely worth it.
I’d like to mention that I’ve also tried Dailey Method classes, at the Menlo Park studio. The classes are quite similar, but even though DM had more 7am classes (better for my schedule) and is closer to home, I continue attending Bar Method classes because the instructors create a more engaged and personal experience, and as a result, I feel like I am pushed harder at Bar Method. To each her own, but for me, Bar Method is the hands down winner.
So pick up a Gilt offer, or sign up for the $ 100 new client unlimited package. Give it a try and you will be amazed at what Bar Method can do for you.

Came back since I was in the area. I forgot my socks and at the West LA location, they have socks you can borrow so I was thinking they would have socks for me. Unfortunately, they didn’t and I had to purchase another pair for $ 10 (I now have a collection of 3 pairs of Bar Method socks!). They explained that they do not have a washer and dryer on premise which is why they don’t offer socks. It was nice that they informed me of that.
Since my last visit, I am now into my 20^th week of pregnancy. They explained to me what modifications I should do as well as provided me with a pamphlet which explained and had pictures of what to do. They also advertise taking half the class ($ 12) for pregnant students only, which is what I did.
The instructors are friendly and continue to correct your posture throughout the class. I do find the classes at this location constantly crowded though.

I’ve been taking classes at Bar Method Palo Alto for about 9 months and am officially addicted. My first few classes were tough and I was very sore after but now that I’m in the rhythm of going 3 – 4 times per week, I am loving it. I feel stronger than I have in a long time, have more energy, sleep better and love the community feel of BM PA.
I’ve taken other studio classes in the past but never loved it like this. A few things that keep me coming back to BM PA:
1. The instructors — they are, in a word, AWESOME. All of the instructors go through rigorous training and understand how to work with each client for her (or his) personal needs. If you are injured or have other limitations, they will give you tips to adjust the workout to your needs. You feel like you’re getting a personal trainer in each class as they know your name and comment on your progress over time. They are encouraging, positive and push you when you need to get through that last 20 counts of shaking thigh. Without them, I wouldn’t have kept coming back for more.
2. The results — Whether you’re trying to lose weight, tone up or just maintain, Bar Method is a great workout. The first thing I noticed was my arms were more toned after just a handful of classes. The weights and upper body warm ups really target all areas of your arms and shoulders without bulking you at all. My thighs were the next thing to really change. After about a month of classes (3x/​week), my thighs were slimmer and leaner. After another month or so, I noticed my butt was more lifted and more toned, the back of my thighs were leaner, my stomach was flatter and all of my clothes fit better. I have more strength than ever before and even started taking Level 2 classes a few months ago for an extra push.
3. The community — I’ve taken classes in the evenings, early mornings, mid-​day and on weekends. Regardless of who is my class on any given day, there is a sense of camaraderie and encouragement among the clients. We all know what it takes to get through class. There are knowing looks that are given during flat back and smiles when someone lifts their feet for the first time in round back. I’ve had other clients tell me they stayed in a full set of thigh because they were watching me shake in front of them; and I’ve made the same comment to my classmates.
4. It’s really fun — Bar Method makes a point of changing things up to keep classes fun and interesting. The variety of seat work, different thigh workouts and other over-​arching changes (like the recent addition of plank to warm up) keeps things fresh and fun. I never feel bored, always feel challenges and leave feeling great and looking forward to my next class.

After hearing so many raving reviews from my friends about this new exercise regimen, I decided to take the plunge and pay the $ 100 (!!!) for the new client discount (discount?! geez how much is regular price?!).
Let me just say that I am from the east bay, but work in Palo Alto, so the location is a bit of a turn off for me because of the fact that if I want to attend class on my day off, I have to pay toll. Since I work nights, I try to come in before work (4:30P class) but those classes fill up so quickly it doesn’t always work out.
That being said, this workout is intense and works every muscle I never knew existed! The facility is clean and has a shower (HUGE plus for me) and lockers for your convenience. It’s located in a small shopping center, but parking has never been a problem for me. The instructors and very friendly and helpful, and although they call you out during class, it’s only so that you can get the most out of the time you spend there.
If only there was a studio in Fremont or Union City and it wasn’t so damn expensive!

In one of my rare moments of guilt, I decided to counteract all my eating with something active and bought a Gilt City voucher for $ 75 for 6 weeks of unlimited classes.
The facilities are nicely maintained and the locker/​shower areas are very clean. Small towels, shower essentials, hair dryers, hair ties, q-​tips, etc are all provided. My only complaint is for the studios themselves – the front studio in particular gets very stuffy, especially if a class has ended before yours, and a small portable fan affixed in the top corner is all that’s creating air circulation.
The classes themselves target all the major problem areas (triceps, quads, inner thighs, abs, and butt). If it’s your first time I would recommend attending one of the beginner ones at 6 or you’ll spend the entire hour surreptitiously looking around you to see what the heck it is you’re supposed to be doing. Aside from that, the 7 pm classes don’t vary too much between instructors, though Stephanie was my favorite because she seemed to pay the most attention to students and offer more personalized pointers. And she remembers who you are.
Though each class covers exercises that work out each part of your body, I feel like the lineup is a little rushed and not enough time is spent on each area. My quads and gluts were individually crying for maybe 10 min in each class, but I rarely woke up the next day with that satisfying feeling of still being sore. If you’re a girl looking for low impact, low cardio workouts, this is the place for you. A crossfit or insanity workout it is not. And at $ 180/​month, it’s pretty pricey.

Finally bit the bullet and signed up for the new member unlimited month special for $ 100. I thought I was going to run and do insanity with the bf after we moved in together but it turned out to be more eating and less moving! So I had to get my butt back into some sort of class. The weather’s still too hot for bikram so what better excuse do I need to try out BM?
I’ve been to 3 classes now with all different instructors and they’ve all been attentive and helpful. I definitely feel like a n00b (never thought I’d use that word!) but they are good about not making you feel too self-​conscious. I like the 4:30 class better than the 5:30 because it’s less crowded and there’s no class before so you can go in and stretch and pick your spot. The workout itself is harder than I expected and each class I feel like I’m working harder and harder. Can’t wait to see the results!
The facility itself is nice and very clean, with a locker room, showers, and bathrooms. There’s also a selection of lululemon gear in front for you to browse through before/​after class.