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Pop Physique Review Featured Image

Barre Crawl: A Review of Pop Physique

By Barre Crawl, Barre franchise information No Comments

A featured image for the Pop Physique review blog post.

Studio name: Pop Physique
Locations: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Toronto
Cost per single class: $21 (but your first class is free).

If American Apparel were to open up a barre studio, it would be Pop Physique. The LA-based franchise has the glamour of a retro 80s workout without the shoulder pads. But contrary to their bubblegum pink barre balls and playful aesthetic is an intense workout that leaves no muscle unused.

An exterior shot of the Pop Physique studio in Toronto.

I decided to try the workout that has been described as simple, sexy and effective for myself. Luckily, I was within walking distance of their newest location to open, in Toronto.

An image of a studio at Pop Physique in Toronto

Knowing that Jennifer Williams, founder of Pop Physique was in town to teach a few classes, I sought out the first of her two appearances to ensure my first time at the studio was a memorable one.

Posing with Jennifer Williams, the founder of Pop Physique

Jennifer was welcoming and helpful in guiding me through modifications, since I was almost 8 months pregnant.

The J'Adore Barre sign inside the entrance of the Pop Physique studio in Toronto.


The Format:

The workout begins with some basic leg lifts to get your heart rate up, followed soon after by some core work on the mat. Some of the exercises might feel familiar, if you’ve ever been to Pure Barre or The Bar Method. After the plank and push-up series, we used hand weights to work our arms, starting with a lighter set of weights and moving onto a heavier set for bicep curls.

We then made our way to the barre for thigh and seat work, where we fatigued our muscles through thigh-shaking pulses. Then it was back down to the mat for additional ab work. Finally we stretched out with a band to end the class.

An image of socks on the counter of the Pop Physique studio in Toronto.


What I Liked About Pop Physique:

My first impression? At first glance I made note of the playfully appointed bubbly pop aesthetic. It is definitely the most fun barre studio that I’ve ever been to. The studio wallpaper at first glance appears to be in a criss cross pattern but if you look closely you’ll see they are actually women’s legs, to go with their sexy workout branding. At the barre are bright pink balls and yellow ropes to add a pop of colour to the studio. In the hallways and entrance are rose gold hangers, which stand out against the black and white tiles, flooring and wallpaper.

The staff were very welcoming. Upon my arrival I was given a tour of the changing area and studio. Most importantly they reassured me that Jennifer would chat with me before class to talk about some modifications, which put me at ease.

I loved the colourful socks and merchandise on display. Even though I have a full suite of sticky socks, I was definitely considering purchasing a cute pair of pink Pop Socks or a J’Adore Barre tank.

I enjoyed the small touches that sometimes get overlooked at other studios. The beautifully appointed bathrooms are stocked with enriched hand wash and lotion from Nuori for example. The White Tea Blossom fragrance was particularly lovely.

There are showers available if you need them to freshen up before work or anytime of the day for that matter.

Also worth noting is that they had built in locks for their lockers. Just like a hotel safe you decide the four digit combination you want to use. I found this helpful so I didn’t have to worry about bringing my own lock, having to bring the key into class with me or having no lock option at all.

The workout was tough without being intimidating. Even though the plank series isn’t a walk in the park, you’re not in any one position for too long. If you’ve ever taken a Pure Barre class you know the first 10 minutes can be particularly challenging. I would say Pop Physique has half of the intensity of a PB workout, as a comparison.

The cost of a class is very competitive, compared to other studios. At $21 a pop (no pun intended), that’s still less than Barre3 ($25) or The Bar Method ($28). As the franchise rises in popularity, I’m sure the price will change but for now I’ll take advantage of the single class cost and frequent discounts being offered for 3-class, 6-class or 20-class packages.

An image of the change area and lockers inside the Pop Physique Toronto studio.


Suggestions for Improvement:

Maybe I’ve been spoiled but I’m used to the instructor coming around at least once during every phase of the workout to correct my technique or offer up suggestions. The class sizes are smaller than what I’m used to, so it wouldn’t be particularly hard to give more attention to the students or call out their names for encouragement.

There are no hand towels supplied to use during the workout and the studio can get quite warm. That’s not a deal breaker for me but it would be nice if a complimentary towel was provided. You can however request a towel to use for the shower.

Inside the bathroom of the Pop Physique location in Toronto.

An image of Pop Physique merchandise displayed within the Toronto studio.

An image of Pop Physique socks available to purchase at the Toronto studio location.

 

An image of the various set of hand weights available for clients to use within the Pop Physique Toronto studio.

 

Signage on the sidewalk of the Pop Physique studio in Toronto, to advertise the brand.

The Final Verdict:

This is a workout I can see myself going to consistently. It has just the right amount of thigh-shaking intensity without being intimidating. Considering I purchased the New Client Special after the first class, so I could take 30 days of unlimited classes, I would definitely recommend Pop Physique.

Most importantly, I loved that the hour flew by. I’ll take that as a good sign.

An image of a Pop Physique Report Card
If you are interested in trying Pop Physique, they currently service 4 cities in North America including: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Toronto. The company is planning for aggressive growth in the next 18 months, with 15 additional studios in the works. Perhaps Pop Physique will be coming to a city near you.

Have you tried Pop Physique? What do you think? Leave a comment below!

Barre Studios That Will Hook You Up On Your Birthday

By Barre franchise information, Barre3, Just for Fun, Pure Barre No Comments

A collage of barre equipment on top of a birthday cake sprinkle background.

 

Don’t you love getting free stuff on your birthday? Having recently been the recipient of free classes and offers from various barre studios in my area during my birthday week, it made me want to find out which barre studios had the best deals to hand out to their clients on or close to their birthday.

After contacting a number of studios to find out if they offered anything, here is what I found out.

(In alphabetical order)

Barre3
Locations: Multiple throughout North America and Philippines

You can take a free class on your birthday. You must bring your ID for verification and it’s only valid on your actual birthday. If you have an unlimited membership, you can bring a friend to work out with you. An email I received from a Portland location also gave me the option to redeem a promo code for an online workout, if I wasn’t able to make it to the studio in time to redeem my free class.

Barre44
Location: Avon, Connecticut
Barre44 offers clients free classes and 25% off any retail merchandise.

BarSculpt
Location: Portland, ME
Clients receive an email letting them know they can have a free pair of BarSculpt (grip) socks with their next purchase.

Barreworks
Location: 2 locations in Toronto, ON
If you’re a client, they’ll give you a Monday to Friday class on them! To redeem your gift, you have to reserve any Monday to Friday class (online only and use the promo code within a week of your birth date. If you have an unlimited membership you can use the class yourself, or gift it to a friend to come join you in a class if you’d prefer.

Barre Belle
Location: Calgary, AB
If you’re a client you’ll receive a free class as long as your birthdate is registered with the MINDBODY app.

Barre Belle Yoga & Fitness
Location: Knoxville, TN
Clients receive a 30% off retail coupon that is valid for two weeks after their birth date.

Barre Bohemian
Location: Seattle, WA

Barre Bohemian clients receive a free class that they can use within one week of their birthday.

Barre District
Locations: Multiple locations in and around Milwaukee, WI
Barre District clients receive a gift card and 50% off merch for the week.

Barre Evolution
Locations: Mt. Pleasant, Greenville and Charleston, SC
Barre Evolution gives their clients 20% off of any BE Boutique retail item during the week of their birthday.

Barre Fitness
Locations: 5 locations in British Columbia

Clients receive 15% off of a retail purchase within 30 days of their birthday.

Barre Forte
Locations: Colorado, Florida, Kansas
For clients of the Southmoor Park/Cherry Hills, Highlands Ranch or Westminster locations, you’ll receive a free class. If the client already has a membership, then they can save 25% off a single retail item during the week of their birthday.
For clients of the LoHi/Riverfront Park location, you’ll receive a pair of sticky socks or 30% off one retail item during your birthday week.
If you’re a client of the Gainesville, Florida location, you’ll receive a postcard offering 10% off a single merchandise item. You are also entitled to a free class on your birthday or to bring a friend for free if you are already in an unlimited contract.

BARRE Kamloops
Location: Kamloops, BC
There is a customer loyalty platform that offers extra loyalty points/incentives on the client’s birthday.

An image of clothes on the floor with a happy birthday sign.

Barre Life
Location: Manchester, NH
Barre Life clients receive a free class pass that they can use during their birthday month.

Barre One
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Barre One offers 30% off of either a package of classes, one month unlimited, or apparel if clients purchase during their birthday week.

Barre South
Location: Mt Pleasant, SC
Barre South offers clients a free class. If the client already has an unlimited membership, they can enjoy 25% off a merchandise item. The offer is valid for 30 days.

Barre Tech
Location: Alexandria, VA
If you are a Barre Tech client, you will receive a free class.

Be Barre Fit
Location: Hockessin, DE
Clients are invited to bring a friend to class for free on their birthday.

BLUE Barre & Dance Fitness
Location: Waltham, MA
They offer a complimentary class to new and existing clients. If you’re a monthly unlimited member, you get a choice of their branded tank top or a pair of sticky socks instead of a class.

Body Balance
Location: Vancouver, BC
Body Balance give clients a free Buddy Pass and 15% off an apparel purchase the next time they are at the studio. The gift is valid for 30 days.

Body Sculpt Barre Studio
Location: Prairieville, Louisiana
Clients are offered two free classes each birthday, as well as three anniversary classes for each year they are with the studio.

JC Barre
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

You will receive 10% off any package if you are a JC Barre client. You also have the opportunity to receive an auto pay membership for $130 per month rather than the regular price of $170 for a single month.

Native Barre
Locations: Multiple locations in Ashburn and Middleburg, VA
Clients receive a free class and an email wishing them a Happy Birthday.

Neighborhood Barre
Locations: Multiple locations in Tennessee, Virginia and Alabama
Most locations offer clients a retail discount of 25% off.

OpenBarre
Location: College Park, MD
They offer 25% off of one retail item for 30 days following your birthday.

Pink Barre
Locations: Various locations in Atlanta and Gainesville, Georgia
They offer 20% off a retail item or 10% off a class package and also let you bring friends to class on your birthday for free.

Pop Physique
Locations: Various locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and Toronto
All Pop Physique studios offer a 10% discount on one purchase during your birthday month. This could be for a class package, membership, socks, apparel, etc.

Project Barre Studio
Location: Regina, SK
Clients receive a special email and an account credit for one free class.

Pure Barre
Locations: Throughout North America

Pure Barre clients receive 15% off one full price retail item of your choice (excluding socks). Offer is only valid at the location that sent you the email. You must bring the email to the studio within 30 days of receipt to receive the discount.

Re-Barre Studio
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Re-Barre clients are offered a free class and 10% off any package or retail purchase.

Smart Barre
Locations: Fort Worth and San Antonio, TX
Smart Barre clients are offered 20% off a class pack or unlimited monthly package. This would work at any of their three locations in San Antonio.

Soundbarre
Location: Asheville, NC
If you’re an existing client, you’ll receive a free class on the week of your birthday. All you have to do is print the email you’ll receive with the details and bring it with you to the studio.

Studio 7 Pilates + Barre
Location: Prairie Village, KS
Clients are offered a $10 credit toward any retail item – gripper socks, tanks, or tees for the month of their birthday.

Studio Barre
Locations: California, Indiana, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, South Carolina, New Jersey

They offer a free class to clients and 15% off in the boutique. The discount varies per studio but the free class stands across the nation.

The Ballet Physique
Locations: Littleton and Lone Tree, CO
Clients receive two special offers: a complimentary class on their birthday, plus a 30% discount on any retail item in the boutique. The discount is valid for up to one week after the client’s birthday.

The Barre Code
Locations: 30+ locations in the US
The Barre Code offers a discount on a retail item (20-25% off depending on the location) for client birthdays.

The Barre Fitness Studio
Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Existing clients are the recipients of one of the more unique gifts – an individualized “Happy Birthday [insert name here]” cookie. The studio works with neighboring business Cookies by Design to present clients with a cookie at the end of class. Also worth noting is that when someone has a baby or is sick, the studio will send a cookie bouquet to the client’s home. How lovely!

Whole Body Barre
Location: Denver, CO
Current clients receive a free class within two weeks of their birthday.

ZoYoga Barre & Fitness
Location: Hamel, MN
Clients will receive an email on their birthday with a free class that doesn’t expire for a month.

Do you go to barre class on your birthday? Leave a comment below if you make exercise a part of your big day.

Did we miss a good deal? Fill out the feedback form below to send us a suggestion.

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The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Comparing Barre Franchise Costs

By Barre franchise information, Barre3, Most requested, Pure Barre, The Bar Method 6 Comments

So you want to own either a Pure Barre, Barre3 or Bar Method studio but are not sure where to begin? We dug up the barre franchise costs of the three biggest barre franchises in North America to make it easier for you to compare costs.

First, let’s look at an overview of the cost of each studio. For a more detailed breakdown, keep scrolling to notes on each individual studio.

An infographic comparing barre franchise costs for Pure Barre, Barre3 and The Bar Method.

An image of the exterior of the Pure Barre Toronto location on Queen Street West in Toronto.

Pure Barre Franchise Costs


Typical Location:
Retail shopping centers or street front retail areas.

1. Initial Fee: $46,500

2. Grand Opening: $1,000 – $2,000

There will be a minimum fee of $1,000 to promote and host a grand opening event. However, the cost to host and promote the event may exceed the $1,000 minimum.

3. Training Expenses: $6,000 – $12,500

These costs could be due to travel and accommodations for yourself and any employees that may require training.

4.  Construction, Remodelling, Leasehold Improvements and Decorating Costs:  $60,000 to $150,000

This figure is based on the cost to construct or remodel a studio, which typically ranges between 1,300 and 1,700 square feet.

Depending on where you are developing a studio, it may cost you a lot more in labour costs. For instance, opening a studio in a New York City borough might cost you as much as $275,000! You might, however, be able to negotiate tenant improvement concessions with the landlord, that could save you some change.

5.  Fixtures, Furnishings, Equipment and Signs:  $18,000 to $25,000

You’ll need to have Pure Barre-branded floor mats, exercise balls and tubes, for at least 25 people, all of which you can purchase from head office.

Other finishes that you must incorporate include: interior and exterior signage, the ballet barre, lighting package, stereo system and microphone. All of these items must come from a Pure Barre approved vendor before opening day.

Additional expenditures that you can purchase from a vendor of your choice include weights, a computer, telephone and wall mirrors.

6.  Initial Inventory and Supplies:  $6,000 to $12,000

This would include initial stock of official Pure Barre retail product, such as DVDs, apparel and accessories.

This investment would also include office supplies and the MindBody software and merchant account, so clients can register for classes using the MindBody app.

7.  Security Deposits, Utility Deposits, Business Licenses and Other Prepaid Expenses:  $3,000 to $8,000

This expense represents the estimate for security or utility deposits, in order to obtain business licenses and other pre-paid expenses.

8.  Insurance Premiums:  $3,000 to $5,000

At a minimum, Pure Barre requires commercial general liability, automobile liability, workers’ compensation, employer’s liability and umbrella liability coverage.

9.  Additional Funds: 3 Months:  $11,000 to $21,000

You will also need to make sure you can cover initial start-up expenses like payroll, utilities, music licensing etc. This would be for the first three months after opening.

10. Ongoing Franchising Fees: 

Royalty fee – 7% of gross sales
Advertising fee – 1% of gross sales

Total Barre Franchise Costs:  $154,500 to $282,000 plus real estate costs.

All stated fees are in U.S. dollars, as of April 2017.


Barre3 Franchise Costs


Typical Location:
 Retail shopping center or on a street with high visibility, moderate pedestrian traffic, and easy parking or public transportation.

1.  Initial Franchise Fee:  $33,750 to $45,000

2. Equipment:  $18,000 to $37,000

This includes the purchase of barre3 branded “FitBalls” and DVDs for instance. You must purchase 100 of these inflatable exercise balls for use both in the class and to sell in the studio.

Other necessities include mats, weights, straps, office equipment, computer, related office supplies, telephone, copier/printer/fax/scanner, headsets, amplifier, speakers, a sound system, wireless microphone system, furniture and fixtures.

You must also pay a nonrefundable fee of $375 for 50 DVDs

3.  Initial Marketing Fee:  $2,500

4.  Marketing Fund:  2% of gross revenues

5.  Insurance:  $200 to $1,000

6.  Renewal Fee:  25% of the then-current Initial Franchise Fee

7.  Training Program:  $4,000 per person, plus travel and living expenses which could cost you an estimated $1,000-$6,000.

8.  Grand Opening Advertising:  $1,000 to $2,000

To advertise the opening of your location, you must spend between $1,000 and $2,000.

9.  Software License Fee: $250 to $400 per month.

This varies based on software package but would include the purchase of the MindBody app for clients to register for classes online.

10.  Lease, Utility, and Security Deposit:  $3,000 to $12,000

11.  Lawyers, Architects, Engineers, and Designers:  $8,500 to $16,000

12.  Leasehold Improvements:  $0 to $175,000

13.  Building and Use Permits:  $100 to $500

14.  Additional Funds for First 6 Months:  $5,000 to $35,000

This would include additional operating expenses during the first 6 months such as payroll costs.

15.  Ongoing Upgrades and Updates: $1,400 per year – $25,000 (for the first five years)

Barre3 could at any point require you to update, upgrade or replace studio fixtures, or equipment, including those 100 Fitballs that must be replaced every six months.

Ongoing Franchising Fees:

Royalty fee – the greater of 5% of Gross Revenues or $850 per month

Total Barre Franchise Costs: $69,600 to $342,600

 

The Bar Method Franchise Costs

Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000

Fitting Up the Studio: $150,000 to $250,000

The cost of setting up the studio can vary depending on the size and condition of the premises and the local building costs.

Other Start-Up Costs: $61,500 to $155,500

This could include attorneys’ fees, additional training and coaching costs, as well as travel.

Working Capital: $30,000 to $90,000

Ongoing Franchising Fees: Royalty fee – 6% of gross sales.

Total Barre Franchise Costs: $291,500 to $545,500