Walking into the studio at The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton I was immediately greeted by a friendly face who showed me around the studio, showing off the spa-like amenities at this North Denver location. The Bar Method is one of the largest barre franchises with 114 locations in North America.
After dropping off my baby at the Kids Club, an on-site childcare space, I made my way into the studio and found a place in the center of the room. You can tell that owner and instructor Sarah Stabio has amassed a following among clients in the area. The class was packed with regulars who have come to know and love the ballet-inspired workout.
I had a chance to chat with Sarah who filled me in on what it’s like to own a Bar Method and why she is such a fan of the workout.
Name: Sarah Stabio
Title: Owner & Instructor
Do you remember your first barre class? What was it like?
I had just had my second child via cesarean. I was cleared to workout and my good friend, who also just had a baby, took me to a nearby barre studio to try it out. I felt like a hot mess in my first class. I was weak, and felt really uncoordinated. I walked away lukewarm about the format. It was my third and fourth classes that sold me. From then on, I have been a certified #barreaddict, taking class 4-6 days each week. Because of my experience, I always encourage new clients to come as much as they can during intro offers…I know it might take them one, two or maybe three classes to fall in love.
What do you love most about The Bar Method?
I love the physical – The Bar Method is a wonderfully challenging full body workout – and mental challenge that Bar Method classes bring. Both my body and mind feel energized when I leave the studio at the end of class. I have to practice being present while I strengthen my body. I also love that Bar Method is based in physical therapy, so that I can challenge my body safely…the work I do in the studio, keeps my body strong for the other activities I do outside the studio like snowboarding and hiking. Plus, the results! I have been practicing barre for 6+ years; I feel healthy and toned.
What is your favourite barre move?
Fold over. It is really challenging, but I feel like it is so effective and a position that I can always grow in. I can work on getting my leg higher, a little straighter, I can get stronger in my core to take some of the weight of my standing leg, relax my shoulders, and more. Just when I think I’m in good form, the teacher will say, bend into your standing leg now, and it takes me to a whole new level of trying to stay in the exercise and in the muscle.
What initially drew you to The Bar Method?
The Method’s attention to detail and the results that I saw. I think their attention to detail bring the results and positions their classes for long-term effectiveness. If I’m going to show up for class, I want the work I do to be effective and bring the results. Bar Method teachers are highly trained to make sure that each student is in the correct position, so each exercise is effective and safe.
What tips would you offer to someone who is taking a Bar Method class for the first time?
We’ve all been first-time clients. Look around and enjoy the challenge. Come to your second class sooner than later to stretch out your muscles. We also give first-time clients epsom salts for a soothing bath.
What do you love most about being a business owner?
That my work is positively impacting my community. I’m so honored to be able to run a business centered around health and wellbeing. Plus, offer a service that allows time for self-care for my clients who are very busy in their daily lives.
What has been the biggest obstacle or challenge with growing your business?
My biggest challenge as a new studio owner, is spreading the word about my studio throughout my community. Even with our strong marketing efforts, there are still so many people that haven’t heard of my studio. I continue to work on spreading news about our studio and format through community events, social media and advertising. This is also exciting, as there are still so many people in our community that get to experience the Bar Method difference!
What do you hope clients get out of a class?
I want each person who takes a class at my studio to feel a great sense of accomplishment following class. Bar Method classes are challenging for both your body and mind. Each client hopefully feels stronger than when they walked in and accomplished after class.
The Greater Denver area has a number of barre studios. How do you try to stand out from the crowd? Is there anything about the vibe at your business that differs from either other franchises or independently-run studios in the area?
Yes, as is true across the nation, barre studios have grown in popularity and number across Denver, too. At my studio, we pride ourselves on offering a personalized experience for clients in the group setting, which stems from the extensive training that our teachers undergo. Teachers train for six months and learn anatomy, so that we are able to offer modifications to meet each client’s needs. We also have a strong community, which is evident when you first walk into the studio and everyone is catching up, plus we host events both in the studio and in the community, for clients, friends and their families. Our studio itself is unique in that it is spacious with room for sitting down to have a cup of coffee with a friend before class (we have a coffee maker), many boutique amenities, including a locker room for changing before and after class. My goal was to create a space that clients looked forward to coming to – making their trip in for a class a highlight of their day.
I picked up some merch on my way out, after class.
What do you usually play in your studio?
Hip Hop, Pop / Top 40
Is there anything else you think people should know about you or the business?
Despite being part of the Bar Method franchise, I am a local business owner. I live across the street from the studio with my husband and three children. My family is very invested in our community!
