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The Bar Method

The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton Featured Image

Studio Spotlight: The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton

By Studio Spotlight, The Bar Method No Comments

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.

Studio Spotlight The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton Featured Image


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.

Outside of The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton location.

Outside of The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton location.

Outside of The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton location.


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.

Merch at The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton


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.

Inside The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton location.


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.

Swag from The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton location.

I picked up some merch on my way out, after class.

Swag from The Bar Method Denver-Stapleton location.


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!

Stars Who Barre and the Studios They Love

By Barre Culture, Barre3, Just for Fun, Pure Barre, The Bar Method No Comments

Your favorite celebs might love barre as much as you do. Some in fact swear by their regular treks to the barre. Kelly Osbourne credits The Bar Method with her slim down, while Mindy Kaling would chose Pop Physique over other workouts any day of the week. Here’s the rundown on who goes where!

An image for the Stars who barre blog post.


Pure Barre

Who loves it: Anna Kendrick, Zooey Deschanel, Nikki and Brie Bella, Tika Sumpter.

Great barre sesh @pure_barre in Homewood, AL ???? #purebarrelife

A post shared by Brie Bella (@thebriebella) on

Pop Physique

Who loves it: Brie Larson, Mindy Kaling, Diane Kruger, HAIM, Trina Turk, Lykke Li and Kelis.

Actress Diane Kruger attends a Pop Physique class in Los Angeles.

Source: celebmafia.com

Mindy Kaling on Pop Physique:

“If I could do one workout for the rest of my life, it would be a two to three mile run followed by a Pop Physique class…Pop makes me feel flexible and strong. It is super hard and uses many ballet moves,” Kaling told The Chalkboard Mag in 2014. “I always pretend I’m Natalie Portman in Black Swan while doing it.” So do we Mindy, so do we!

Actress Mindy Kaling showing off her Pop Physique barre socks.

Source: http://popphysique.tumblr.com/

Cardio Barre

Who loves it: Dakota Fanning

Actress Dakota Fanning leaving a Cardio Barre class in Studio City, California.

Source: JustJared.com

The Bar Method

Who loves it: Ellie Kemper, Zooey Deschanel, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kirsten Dunst, Anna Paquin, Jennifer Aniston, Eliza Dushku, Cobie Smulders, Kate Mara, Kyra Sedgwick, Ricki Lake, Kelly Osbourne, Denise Richards.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/500955158526049731/

Barre3

Who loves it: Molly Simms, Madonna

You might not see either of these ladies in a Barre3 class but they are big fans of the workout. Molly Sims loves Barre3’s online classes and Madonna hired founder Sadie Lincoln for private sessions in New York.

Physique57

Who loves it: Kelly Ripa, Hilaria and Alec Baldwin, Selena Gomez

Kelly Ripa on her experience with Physique57:

I am totally hooked on this sculpting class I discovered at [New York City gym] Physique 57. It’s transformed my body in ways I never thought possible. I’m a short person, but I’m becoming longer and leaner. The class works your glutes, your abs, and your obliques. It’s all about building muscle, then stretching it out.

 

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