The Bar Method

5+ stars!
After researching all the barre studios in the Boston area, I finally purchased the new client special at The Bar Method. Not known anything about barre or what the workout entailed, their 6 weeks unlimited for $ 100 was what made the final decision for me. (Comparable to 4 weeks/​$ 100 at most other places)
From the moment I walked in, everyone was so friendly and made me feel welcome right away. Sarah K paid extra attention to me the whole workout, helping me with mats/​risers/​my form etc. I couldn’t believe how quickly they learn everyone’s name. So impressive!
Since joining in early December I’ve been going 4 – 5 times a week (which is a lot for someone who dreads working out) and have loved every class. Sara and McKenzie are both incredible! They explain what muscle you’re targeting which I find very helpful and I’m always sore the next day.
Lastly and most importantly. the results I’ve seen after only 6 weeks are amazing! I feel that I’ve lost weight and that I’m so much stronger. I purchased the monthly unlimited package once the 6 weeks were done because I’m now addicted!

This is the only exercise class I enjoy attending! By going 3 times a week, it noticeably toned my arms within 3 months. If your exercise goals are whole body toning and strengthening, I would highly recommend this class.

These ladies got my arms wedding day ready. Need I say more? Great location, fun classes, friendly teachers. They got me hooked after trying out their 6 week special. I’d highly recommend.

I love taking Barre classes and was excited to try this studio close to my new apartment. However, not only is the work out is sub par but more importantly the ladies working at the studio are extremely unfriendly. I recommend saving your money and going elsewhere. If I hadn’t purchased the new client package, I wouldn’t have gone back even a second time. There are a plenty of other options for a friendly, welcoming workout atmosphere.

I have never reviewed anything before on Unilocal,but after reading two negative reviews about Bar Method Boston, I just had to speak up. First of all, let me say that this studio has changed my attitude towards exercising. I LOVE coming 4 – 5 times a week even though I often have to get up at 5 am to make the 6am class. (and I’m not a morning person!). I have to battle traffic to get there if I go in the evening, so it’s easier to go in the am. I never thought I’d travel this far to attend an exercise class!
I’ve read some complaints here on Unilocal that the instructors «embarrass» students by calling out their names to correct their form in «front of the whole class». Of course they call out your name — they’re trying to give you personal attention and help. If you went to enough classes, you’d realize that even veteran students have their names called out! I actually like when they correct my form — it’s always done in a friendly way and it truly helps you during class. No one should take this personally! The instructors also physically correct your form by adjusting your body during the exercises. Now, after sticking with it for more than 2 months, I am often able to correct my own form. But, I still have a ways to go!
I’ve always found the owners to be super friendly and the instructors as well. I feel more comfortable now that I know more people.
So, if you’re looking for an amazing workout that is challenging and addictive, try Bar Method. You will see results! And don’t worry if you hear your name called out at first. I still hear my name and I’ve been to at least 40 classes! No need to feel self– consciencious — you’ll get it before you know it!

I recently finished a 4 week unlimited pass which I bought through Gilt City and I am bummed it is over! I have tried numerous barre studios, and overall this one may be the best workout. I have outlined a few pros and cons below:
Pros:
— Clean and bright space/​locker rooms
— Two studios which allows for classes every half hour– many options to chose from!
— Friendly and helpful instructors. They make an effort to learn your name and constantly help with corrections.
Cons:
— I feel I got a better arm workout at other studios
— Classes are back to back, so you rush in to start– no time to set up or stretch
While prices are a little pricey for me to attend on regular basis, I will pop in occasionally and keep the lookout for more deals!

I am relatively new but have found this great strength training. I have definitely gotten stronger – the exercises are getting easier so I’m having to up my weights as time goes on. Highly recommend Tiffany, Kelsey, Sara or Lindsay, but everyone is good. They are all really challenging but in a good way. They know how to make you look long and lean. People compliment me on my arms all the time!

Absolutely amazing studio. Warning: once you start you will be totally addicted! I have been going to the Bar Method for over a year now. Last year, I had excruciating pain in both of my knees from practicing poor form in other group fitness classes at large gyms. I honestly thought I would be plagued with knee issues for the rest of my life and I felt defeated and hopeless. After 2 – 3 months of going to the Bar Method 4 – 5 times a week, my knee issues were almost non-​existent. My quality of life has completely changed because of Bar Method. After a year of classes, my knees feel great and I rarely experience any flare ups. Bar Method was 100 times more effective than the physical therapy I was doing and that is because the instructors give 1 – 1 attention to all of their clients to reinforce good form. All the instructors are great and I love that they each have their own style (my favorites include Alanna, Alyssa, and Mackenzie). The studio itself is spotless and in a great location (also above Drybar… yes I have done a 6:00am workout and stopped by Drybar for a blowout to start my day ;) Honestly, The Bar Method has had such a positive impact on my life and I hope others with knee issues are encouraged to commit themselves to this amazing and safe workout.

I’ve been a loyal customer since Day 1, and would recommend anyone to try a Bar Method class! Whether you are a first-​timer, or a seasoned pro, the Bar Method Boston offers challenging classes with awesome instructors, and a fun and welcoming class environment. Although bar classes may sound intimidating, everyone at Bar is friendly, and still find every class a challenge (in a good way!)

I purchased a deal on
to try out classes at The Bar Method. I was nervous about signing up for my first one because I have zero yoga/​pilates/​sculpting experience, and I wasn’t sure if I’d like it.
The studios are very large, spacious, and super comfy. I mean, getting a work-​out on plushy carpet is kinda nice. I was given a tour of the entire space and I was impressed. Lockers, showers, and towels to use? Very very nice.
Class with Casey for my first time was a challenge. She was amazing and watched my every move to make sure that I got it right. Then when we had to stretch our legs on the barre, I had to use the tiny barre because I’m 5’0″ and not experienced enough to stretch that high up. It worked out though. My second class was with Tiffany, and it was almost like a bootcamp style kinda class. I got more of a workout out of this class and hurt everywhere the next day. I’d take another class with her again in the future.
Will I stay with The Bar Method? I might when the Financial District location opens up in June. It’s right on the red line and accessible for this south shore girl. I’ll have to do some «shopping» and find an instructor that works for me and has a style that I like.
:)

I am a fan of the Bar Method. I had been looking for a barre studio with a reasonable introductory package for a while when FINALLY Gilt came to my rescue with a sweet deal: $ 65 for a month of unlimited classes. I had tried a Barre class before at a studio in San Diego, as well as Barre Blast at Btone Fitness (see Squats on Crack). I will say that the workouts at BM are a little less cardio which was someway disappointing.
I stand by my statement that Barre is a high intensity but low impact workout. Movements are slow and controlled and you will be feeling the slow twitch in no time. This is not going to be a heavy cardio workout, so don’t expect to be coming out covered in sweat, but do expect for your body to feel like jello. The next day I was pleased to find that my quads and triceps (!) were nice and sore.
Some of the benefits of this studio over others: HUGE space. Seriously, 2 studios that fit 18 – 19 people. Whomever was whining about the 12 hour cancellation policy on weekends? I have been a frequent flyer at both Btone Fitness and The Studio Empower – 12 hours notice FOR ALL CLASSES. Sorry guys, but this is a business not a charity. They want to fill their classes up so they can provide you with the nice towels in the locker rooms and the experienced instructors.
This brings me to my next point. I’ve tried out a couple of the instructors and I’ll say that for a novice, start with a class with Casey. She is exceptional at articulating what you should be doing to the point of you barely having to look around the room for guidance. Furthermore, after I made her aware of an injury that resulted in my requiring a lot of modifications, she took the time to stay an extra 10 min after class and work with me to better understand my needs/​limitations and come up w a plan.
The only reason I am leaving this review without the perfect 5 stars is I found the classes to be extremely repetitive. Even after trying a couple of different instructors, I was surprised to see that every class was essentially the exact same set of moves. This makes it great for a drop in studio every once in a while, but not really worth it price wise for me to stay a regular.

Just finished my 4 week trial! The barre classes were great, I really enjoyed it! I was pleasantly surprised since I am a HUGE fan of Exhale’s barre classes and wasn’t sure anything could live up to that.
Pros:
–Clean, updated studio
–Smells nice (dry bar underneath)
–Instructors are friendly & helpful explaining how to do the moves correctly
–Modifications are welcome — I have tight hip flexors and they give you mats to help with that
–Thigh & Ab sections were AWESOME!
–Cancellation policy is 1 hour — sweet! Sometimes things come up like working late and you need to cancel last minute. Most studios are 4+ hours
–lockers with keys to keep all of your stuff
–Instructors make an effort to remember your name
–They called me after my first class to see how I liked it — very nice touch
Cons:
–Bar is too high — I am 5’4 and my leg barely reaches but they offer a low bar towards the end of the studio for us shorter people
–Arm section is too short. Lots of tricep work. I usually feel like my arms are going to fall off from arm sections during barre and I never got that from the classes I took.
–Instructors correct a lot (pro) but they just move your body and don’t verbally tell you what you are doing wrong.
–locker room is tight, not a lot of space to get changed.
–Routine is the same every single time, a little variation would be good
–They schedule the classes back to back so when one class leaves you have to run in and start immediately. It’s fine but sometimes it is nice to have a few minutes to set up.
Overall I loved it. I am hoping they get on classpass so I can continue going! Definitely recommend if you like Barre classes!

The only reason this place gets 2 stars is because I admittedly really like the instructors and the workout. But I have some major issues with the business and its policies that I refuse to let slide.
OK – it’s fine that you need to give at least one hour notice before a class to avoid a late charge. BUT, weekend classes require 12 hour cancellation notice. Sometimes, you can’t plan ahead. I barely know what I’m going to have for dinner in the next hour, let alone if I can feasibly make it to a bar class in 12 hours. Tell me: WHY do you need 12 hours notice on weekends? This policy literally makes it so that you have no choice but to hand over $ 15 regardless of extenuating circumstances on weekends. It doesn’t matter if you cancel your class 2 hours or 11 hours in advance — they’re going to charge you.
Furthermore, they suck you in and punish you when you try to cancel a monthly membership (unless you are super-​prepared and are smart about their cancellation policy). Apparently, it takes them a whole 30 days to cancel your recurring charge. So if your membership starts on the first and you decide you want to cancel on the 2^nd, they’re STILL going to charge you the next month on the first, and then you are «free» after that. Are you kidding me?
No. I’m not happy about this. I’m going to eat the cost and I’m still going to go because I’m paying for it but I’m never coming back here again afterwards. At the very least I want to make sure that future customers are aware of this ridiculous policy so that they can avoid my frustration.

This is a preliminary review after a week of classes. I like it so far. The studio smells like the Drybar below it which is nice. The classes are challenging but not overwhelming, and I definitely still struggle (not a dancer, not super in shape). The instructors are great! They help you with your form if they notice it’s not good. I like Lisa, Sara and Theresa. You might feel like you got hit by a truck the next day, but in the best way possible! Minus one star for the semi-​pretentious atmosphere (excuse me and my TJ Maxx outfit) Will update in a few weeks.

I’ve waited a few weeks to write this because I wanted to be honest as possible, so where do I begin?
When I walked into my first class, there was a room of gazelle-​like women, enough to intimidate anyone who is a little out of shape. The instructors looked all too similar to the girls who used to tease me in high school, which was terrifying. But then I talked to them, every person employee or client is friendly.
Everyone is there with the same goal in mind, to surprise ourselves with what we accomplish. I doubt I’ll ever go through a class without needing a little extra attention, but the effects of taking this class are already showing. My posture has improved, I’m more confident, the endorphin rush in the morning gets me in the zone for a great day.
What I love about it is that even with a bad knee and asthma, I don’t feel defeated or like I can’t do something. The instructors I’ve found have been very personable and not afraid to correct or give you praise. Equally important, the studio is extremely clean and well-​kept. It makes going to class feel less like an item to cross off of my list, and more like a fun activity to get my day going (dare I say, «me» time?)
I’m so happy to have found Bar Method and I cannot wait to keep it as a major part of my life!

You know I wish I could say Iove it… but I just don’t. I tried this chain in San Diego CA when they first opened and had an awful experience but thought that with a few years time and it being a different city/​studio that it would be better.
At least this one the staff was a bit nicer than my first experience. Although I must say that they aired on the side of snotty. That being said my girlfriend and I awaited patiently for class to start, it was a pretty small class with only 6 other students and when the instructor arrived she told us to be prepared for an «intense» workout.
What proceeded to happen was definitely a form of exercise, and the instructor really was great, but it was by no means intense. I would consider this more of a warm up or an active rest workout. I didn’t break a sweat, my heart rate did not increase and there was very little that I even found remotely difficult.
I was hoping to feel sore in those weird spots like after a good yoga or Pilates class… but that didn’t happen either. And for nearly $ 30 I should feel something!
I will say that this routine probably works great for some people, just not for me so that’s why I am going with three stars. Because if you enjoy this type of class the studio is clean, bright & airy, has a great location and instructors who do pay attention to form and que well. It just doesn’t do it for me.

I never thought I would ever endorse an exercise class, but here I am 5 weeks into The Bar Method and loving it!
I’m a 30-​something with severe arthritis and saw on blogs of people with similar conditions that The Bar Method was one of the few programs their joints could handle. I was toying with the idea of trying it out when a Gilt City deal for 8 weeks unlimited landed in my inbox… so I figured I had no excuse.
Going into my first class I was extremely weak, dealing with a lot of joint pain and very out of shape (I had not done any physical exercise in 3+ months). Moments into class I was wondering why I ever thought I could do this– my stick arms were struggling with 2 pound weights and WHAT?! you want 30 push ups?!- but the instructor called out encouragement, having already memorized my name.
Moving to the barre, the thigh work was excruciating. I was burning, shaking and cursing under my breath– yet I was also amazed that my knees were not strained doing the exercises. The instructor frequently fixed my form to make sure the stress was not on the joints and offered modifications for every possible injury or physical limitation. I somehow made it through that first hour and left the class on legs that felt like Jell-​o, but still I was smiling… and looking forward to the next time.
Now five weeks in (going 3 – 4 times a week), I wish I had found this earlier! Physically, I am seeing results already– defined arms, slimmer thighs, flatter abs. I also am experiencing HUGE improvements day to day in my mobility. The Bar Method builds up the muscles around your joints, ultimately reducing joint stress, and both me and my rheumatologist have been shocked by what a difference classes have made in a short time.
The studio is beautiful, the instructors knowledgeable in working with clients with limitations, and the workout moves quickly enough and changes up enough that you don’t get bored. It is pricey– but quite honestly, the cost keeps me committed and is more than worth it for the results!

Yes, it’s pricey, but I would recommend trying this place before you snub it.
I admit — part of why I come here is because I get a student discount (the least they can do is give me $ 10 off per class if I’m a broke-​ass grad student). BUT — for the workout you get, yes, it’s even worth the $ 26 you’d pay for a drop-​in class. If you work in the area it’s even more beneficial to you to try their unlimited new student deal. Definitely budget-​friendly.
Very nice teachers even though there really isn’t much variation in the music. I’ve been to Adriann’s class 3 or 4 times now and I hear 90% of the same songs every class. Not a bad thing, since the music is good to work out to, but it gives you the «been there done that» vibe in your workout.
Super clean locker room although it’s nearly impossible to change post-​class without elbowing someone in the face/​awkwardly being bumped into while you’re putting pants on. My advice is change fast and get the hell outta there.
The front desk staff can be pretty cold/​aloof. Trying to give them the benefit of the doubt since I wouldn’t want to be fresh-​faced and NOT working out at 6:15 AM.
Seriously, try it out, and try either Adriann or Sara’s classes. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not trying hard enough.

If you are into bar classes I would try here!
I had first done «barre» classes at another studio on Newbury and really liked them but absolutely wasn’t going to pay 200+ a month to go after the first month trial so I tried out Bar Method.
The studio is big, there are two separate rooms where they hold classes. The studios are clean, rugs are clean, equipment is clean etc. They have a larger selection of weights than the other studio I went to, they also have cleaner mats. Another thing I really loved here is they have a full locker/​changing room, with plenty of lockers, showers, mirrors, lotion etc. It was a really nice touch to be able to go back and change/​fix my hair and all that.
The instructors here are very knowledgable and friendly. They communicate a lot during class. My very first class and on they always knew my name, they call out your name in class to fix your position. they also come over and correct you until you have it right (and you want to have it right. no shame here). The instructors are very uplifting and connected to the students… this is something I felt like the other studio I attended lacked… the instructors were not super engaged.
Bar Method is way less cliquey. I know that was a complaint about the other barre place nearby. It was true there, the instructors, the girls were mostly like that. At Bar Method I wouldn’t say the other students are overly friendly, but they are there to work out and then leave… not gossip etc. Also, not everyone is decked out in the most expensive attire (instructors either) .I don’t really care either way but it was a nice change.
Bar Method is also cheaper per month after your first month trial (correct me if I’m wrong)

I have been to a few «barre» studios in the city and this is by far my favorite. It would be 5 stars if the cost was not so high. I just quit my membership after going 4 – 5 times a week since January. I enjoy the workout and definitely feel firmer and stronger, but I am not seeing the changes in my body I was hoping for (more sculpted arms and defined abs). The $ 165 monthly membership is just too much for me to afford, and I am so sad to have to stop going. I have 1 of the videos which I will continue to do at home. Of course, it is not as great as getting to class, but now that I know the technique, I think that it is a good substitute. All of the instructors are really great too. Highly recommend if you can afford it.
1 thing to add-​for the price of membership, they should not be charging $ 2 for bottled water, it should be complimentary as it is at many other fitness studios.
Also, want to add that you should NOT sign up for the auto debit membership. Yes, it is cheaper, but they are extremely inflexible if you need to cancel it prior to their initial 2 month agreement. They are also very inflexible with freezing your membership and cancelling classes. Not really worth the hassle!