Barre3

My friend works for Barre3 as a designer of some sort, and asked if I wanted to try a Barre3 class with her while I was in town, and I said definitely!
She signed the 3 of us up for a morning weekday class. It was a full class, so I felt like it was a bit crowded, but I still got a great workout in! 3 days later, and I am still sore!
I feel like it’s a mix of yoga and ballet. There were no guys in the class. I also felt like I was going to pop the ball we were using that went behind our back at one point and between our legs.
It was a fun class, and I would definitely do it again!
We also bought apparel from here, clothing was 40% off. Super cute leggings and tanks!

This is a really supportive and fun atmosphere. They seem to make it a priority to attract a diverse group, and it shows. The classes vary in terms of age, ability, body size. I have been coming here for the past couple of months since about 6 weeks postpartum and am pleased with the workout I get. My one criticism — and it’s a big one — is that class availability is not great. It was less of a problem when I was on maternity leave and my schedule was more flexible. Now I have availability to come 2 – 3 times per week but end up coming 0 – 1 because the classes I want are full even days in advance. Unlike the other poster who complained about this problem recently I have had success getting off the waiting list. The problem is the waiting list is often full! I also feel like classes are a little too crowded. I would say at current volume to have availability and class size in my comfort level 3 – 4 more classes a day would be necessary. As it is I’m going to have to look for other options to stay fit. I do like the Childcare option. Note that your child must be 2 months and they will call you out of class for diaper changes.

Let me clarify that this review is for the Barre3 studio on Williams only, I have no idea what the Pearl studio is like. This workout is a great supplement to other workouts, not sure I could view it as my primary one, though. I have enjoyed the classes I have taken thus far, and the teacher certainly makes a difference!
My main issue with this studio is that I can’t get into classes! Really, I’ve tried signing up for my next class at least 3 – 4 times over the past few weeks and I don’t ever get off the waitlist. In fact, I rarely move UP on the waitlist. That certainly speaks to the popularity of this studio (and I can see why), but when I’m trying to figure out where to invest my money for a membership, class availability is really important. I can’t always plan weeks in advance, which is how I have been feeling I need to approach this, and signing up 1 – 3 days before is a guaranteed «no.» If they had more space somehow, I would love to take more classes here!

I’m just finishing my first month here. I love it. The classes were hard for me but I feel so much stronger and my body looks different from a month ago. I’m so thankful for the instructors and I look forward to going each week. I’m so thrilled to feel more comfortable in my body. I was pretty scared to go originally because I’m not super coordinated or in shape but I got over my fear of looking ridiculous and I’m so glad. I highly recommend it if you are looking to get your lower body toned.

Sorry Barre 3– I can’t keep giving you a 5. Bums me out too, but I took three classes this week and it was super repetitive, I’m not sore and I left my long sleeve shirt on in an attempt to break out into a sweat. I’ve come to the realization that I take barre 3 classes when I’m too tired to run or lift weights. I still think the studios, instructors-​all fantastic, but I may need to find another group class to kick my butt.

While I started doing Portland Barre3 over in the Pearl, I find myself at the Williams location more and more. It’s true this is a smaller version of the mothership, since everything’s solo (one studio, one changing room, one bathroom); not necessarily the best if you need to change or shower quickly post-​class.
What’s great is of course the Barre3 workout itself, but also the relative ease of parking as well as the merchandise selection (about twice what you’ll find in the Pearl). It’s also a little less of a scene over here in NE; classes aren’t quite as full and I don’t run into waitlists as frequently. (Though all bets are off on that during January with the New Year’s resolution crowd.)
If you’ve been wondering about Barre3 and want to check it out, this location in particular feels very welcoming. Patrons are a little more diverse (there’s often a man in every class — a rarity), and I see more women of various shapes, sizes, and ages. I’m fortunate to have two studios in relatively close distance to my place, and I’m thrilled that the Williams location is one I can work into my Barre3 rotation.

When it comes to working out, my routine changes quite a bit. Sometimes I’m into running, or maybe kickboxing or nothing at all :) But for the last year or so one of the most consistent and enjoyable parts of my weekly routine has included Barre3.
For a very long time I attended classes (around 3x a week) at the Pearl studio, but was happy when we recently moved to North Portland that there was a studio on N. Williams — which does not disappoint.
Although it only has one studio space, it is beautifully done with a huge skylight in the center. Classes here are definitely more crowded than those I’ve been to in the Pearl, but it hasn’t really bothered me any. All the instructors and front desk staff are incredible and every time I leave class I feel refreshed. Class packages/​memberships can definitely be pricey… but if you are looking for an effective but low impact workout — this is the place to do it.

I’m not a «workout» person — much preferring sports and hiking or cycling. But this «older» athlete’s body was starting to show a bit of wear and tear and needed ways to fine tune my body holistically. Barre3 is the perfect remedy, and EVERY teacher I have had is very aware and sensitive to our body’s issues — helping stylize posture when needed. They’ve actually taught me to give myself a bit more grace for the inevitable slower and achier days.
But still, it’s a workout — and one you have to pay for. So why am I hooked? I am HOOKED for the following reasons:
1) The people — always be greeted so cheerfully by Whitney and Stephanie. The teachers all have their different personalities but have one important common theme — they care about the students.
2) The ability to make reservations. Yes, I’d like to see the class size reduce by one or two, but it even beats the MAC — where I used to be a member. I never knew how many people might fill a room. Now I can trust it.
3) The good it is doing for my body. I feel and see the difference — and I only average going about 5x/​month.
Williams is a great location and looking forward to more around the city — downtown core would be great for those of us who work, and I know Beaverton is CRYING for one…

Amazing studio and awesome, friendly, helpful instructors. After my first class here, Sarah my instructor took me aside and spent a good 10 minutes with me on my form and helped me learn some stretches I can do for my tight hamstrings and hip flexors. I caved a few days later and bought their 6 month membership. So excited! I can already see physical changes which is awesome. Also get the barre3 app the recipes are awesome.

I have been doing Barre3 for about 2.5 years and have attended around 250 classes… I am clearly a fan. It makes so much sense that barre3 started in Portland: Portlanders leans towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, and that is what barre3 embodies. For me, my journey with barre3 has been about physical fitness, connecting with community and nourishing my body from the inside-​out. It allows me to balance my family life, work life and self-​care.
I am so happy we have this new studio in N Portland. It is a smaller studio than SE or Pearl but it is designed efficiently and is so eco-​modern. It is filled with sunlight, has an incredible stereo system, modern water filtration, fantastic childcare and cool retail items.
Check it out!

Ana B. — Barre3 fanatic here!
I couldn’t be more pleased to have a Barre3 in my neighborhood. No more schlepping across town to attend classes. However that is a testament to how amazing Barre3 is! I would wake up at the crack of dawn and drive across town to work out. If you would’ve told pre Barre3 Ana she’d be doing that, she’d slap you.
Barre3 Williams is a gorgeous studio. It has all the things you’d expect. Friendly employees, cubbies for your belongings, a child care area, bathrooms, dressing areas, and retail. I love that this location has a high tech water bottle filling station that counts how many plastic bottles it’s saved. How heroic! I also heard they will be selling fresh bottles Green Leaf Juice… which is great because something has to tide me over and keep me from running across the street to Lardo after class. The studio itself is large and has a nice sky light. It has two mirrors which is helpful for you to get your form in order and also to check yourself out because you’ll be so sexy and strong from doing Barre3!
If you haven’t been to Barre3, I can’t say enough about the classes. They are expensive, I just want to put that out there. But they’re worth every penny! My whole life working out had been a battle, a necessary evil that I suffer through. Barre3 is something I look forward to and something I miss when I don’t go. Not only do you get a solid work out but you feel more grounded and relaxed afterward. I’ve been going for almost a year now regularly and I am a solid convert, I evangelize to anyone who will listen — Go! Even after a year I’m still finding ways to get deeper in my body and try something new, classes are always changing. I’ve even dragged my skeptical husband who loved it! He made the mistake of scoffing at my 1 pound weights and went for the 3’s. Big results come in small packages and tiny movement, he set the weights down in no time and still got a killer workout. I took my senior citizen mother and she loved it! It has a little something for everyone of all ages and shapes and sizes. If you don’t get it right away keep at it, it takes some practice. Yes, the hot women in lululemon can be intimidating but they’re sweet as pie.
It’s a full body work out you’ll see results from, wrapped in a challenging yet relaxing package. Do yourself a favor and check them out.