Overview
Since 2001, when Burr Leonard and her then-husband Carl Diehl opened the first studio in San Francisco, The Bar Method has expanded to become one of the most popular franchises around. With 100+ locations across the United States and Canada, this Lotte Berk Method-rooted brand is a favourite of mine. Although there are no studios anywhere near where I live, I always try to visit one when I’m in the United States. International expansion might be on the horizon for this brand, now that The Bar Method has been acquired by Anytime Fitness’ parent company Self Esteem Brands.
What to expect
Upon entering a Bar Method you immediately notice the clean, modern and spa-like setting. There is a sophisticated air to each location I’ve ever walked into. From the reception area to the locker room and cabinets for your belongings to the studio itself. Most, if not all have at least one or more showers available for clients to use. It’s a small detail but one that is a nice option to have, especially since it’s not as common among other barre studios to have.
Each studio has a generous footprint. Studio sizes range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, which gives many, if not all locations the ability to have space for kids’ clubs so you can drop your kiddos off before taking a class.
The Class Format
Upon entering the studio, you’ll grab your equipment, which usually consists of free weights, mats and a ball. Every class begins with a warm-up in the center of the room, which involves upper-body exercises and pushups. You’ll work the biggest muscles first.
After your muscles are warm, you’ll make your way to the barre for a leg sequence and core exercises on the floor. The method predominantly uses your own body weight as resistance along with a few basic props.
Students are continually challenged with endless variations of each exercise timed to the beat of the music, which happens to count in “tens” as opposed to “eights,” so that each class feels unique. Students of all levels work within their individual limits while receiving encouragement to continually push forward.
You will work the biggest muscles first, then abs and a final burst of bonus seat work. Equipment may include thick foam mats (different than yoga mats), light dumbbells, balls, straps and foam.
Beyond their signature class, The Bar Method has 6 other class types. Bar Move is their cardio-based class, that moves through sequences at a faster pace. Bar Advanced is for experienced clients who are looking for an extra challenge, with deeper thigh and seat work. Bar Restore incorporates more stretching into the workout, Bar Express is their condensed 45-minute workout, Bar Prenatal is a modified version of their signature class, for expecting and new moms and Bar Basics is, you guessed it, their foundational class for Bar Method beginners.
What makes this technique different?
There’s a lot of focus on comfort at The Bar Method. It’s not uncommon for clients to grab one to three 1 1/2″ thick foam mats for sections of the class, especially those that focus on the core.
What I love about The Bar Method
The carpets are so plush and comfortable on your feet. I know not everyone likes a carpet in a barre studio, but for me, I love the softness and generally prefer to workout on a carpeted surface. Every Bar Method studio has a 3/4″ gymnastics pad underneath, which adds to the cushion and in turn protects your feet and minimizes the pressure on your joints as you go through the exercises.
Criticisms
One striking difference that I picked up on when I first started going to their classes is that rather than correcting clients individually by going around the room and adjusting them discreetly, it’s common practice for Bar Method instructors to announce corrections over the mic for everyone to hear. For instance, they will say, “Melissa, move your left foot out a few more inches.”
Historically I’ve appreciated the tactile feedback I receive when an instructor comes around and puts my body into the correct position, so I can understand exactly where it’s supposed to be. Being called out for everyone to hear is not intended to shame you, but it gave me some serious reminders of being back in high school again when you were called upon by the teacher. Eeek.
At first, I thought it was just an inexperienced instructor who didn’t know that they weren’t supposed to announce corrections on the mic but soon realized that this happens at every class I’ve been to since.
However, in COVID times, hands-off corrections are needed anyway.
In Conclusion
The Bar Method has a loyal following for a reason. It’s a great workout, has nice surroundings, and is accompanied by friendly staff and a welcoming community. If I had one in my town, I’d be there in a heartbeat.
