Xtend Barre Newbury

Have been coming to xtend barre for a few months and love it! It’s more cardio based then other barre classes in the area. Amanda is always welcoming and does a great job hiring. I have taken classes with many instructors and they are all awesome!

I love working out at this studio! The staff is so friendly and instructors are terrific. My body is stronger, more lean, and fit which is a huge bonus!

Total fan of Xtend Barre! It was my first foray into barre and I was concerned by what I had heard about other studios, but was pleasantly and totally overwhelmed by how welcoming and nice everyone was. Not only are the barre classes fun and different, but the yoga classes (specifically with Izzy) are wonderful. The space is well-​lit, insanely clean and creates a really high-​end workout experience, without the intimidation factor.

I took my first class at Xtend last night and had such a great experience that I felt compelled to write a review. I should start by saying that I had never taken a barre class before. I typically take zumba classes and my experience in anything pilates-​based is very limited. I am about as far from a ballerina as you can be and have always been intimated to try a barre class, assuming that I would feel out of place and like I couldn’t keep up with everyone. A friend convinced me to try Xtend and I’m so glad that she did! The most appropriate word I can think of to describe the environment here is comfortable. Not once did I feel like I didn’t belong, even the (many) times that I had to stop and take a quick breather during the class. I took class with Kristen and found her energy to be extremely motivating during a very challenging class. I loved my initial class so much that I bought the two week unlimited special for new students. I highly recommend Xtend barre for anyone looking to try barre for the first time, especially for us folks who feel like we might not fit the mold of a «typical» barre student.

I’m a newbie to barre classes so my review unlike these others on here is pretty limited. I can’t comment on «proper form and techniques» as this was only my second barre class, I took one other at a different studio.
The studio was gorgeous, nice and spacious and in a really convenient location (I had some time to kill and went to F21 across the street to buy more gym clothes). There was a nice ample check-​in area, areas to sit, small lockers, and changing rooms.
The class area was nice and spacious, and I’m not sure if that’s how it usually is or if it was just my class but the class size was small. Everyone was able to space themselves out, which was a good thing because the other barre studio I went to, it was crowded and girls kept hitting each other.
The workout itself was challenging, I walked out of there like a newborn Bambi. Although I did feel like I did get a whole body workout, most of the focus were on the legs/​glutes, which again I don’t mind because that’s the area I like working out anyways. The core exercises were killer as well. The instructor was nice, at some points she did go a little too fast which made for some awkward transitions, that would be the only feedback I would give her. Other than that I felt like I had a great workout & will def be adding this to my list of favorite studios!

I’ve been here twice; once for the barre class and once for a yoga class through classpass. I’ve thought about giving it another try but my sister has gone several times and shared the same sentiment.
The studio is gorgeous. However, I felt a little awkward each time I was there the owner always asked me when I would be back and I had to take a picture for my «client profile»… I mean, I get it … it’s nice for them to know your name … but it really seemed like a bit much. I appreciate her friendliness, but I really don’t want to be pestered when I go to work out, and that’s really what it felt like.
I was less than impressed with the barre class. I can’t remember the name of my teacher but the class consisted of her doing the workout alongside us, without paying much attention to form. I regularly attend similar classes at other studios, and I didn’t feel that I got a good workout here; they jumped from position to another position to quickly so you couldn’t really fully work to fatigue. If I’m going to attend a barre class, I want to really be challenged and have the teacher be motivating.
On the other hand, the yoga class was GREAT, mostly because Izzy, the teacher is awesome (she also teaches at Back Bay Yoga). But that’s just a twice-​a-​week class.

Came for a free class with Unilocal fit, and have to say that I was really disappointed. We did not use the barre much, and it was mostly used for support for squats. I can do squats on my own time without something to hold on to, I go to classes to learn new workouts and have someone pushing me to do more, which our instructor didn’t really do, because I couldn’t understand a lot of what she said because she went so fast and didn’t go over it again.
It is a nice room though.

I signed up for an Xtend Suspend (TRX) class in late December following an ad I had seen on Facebook. The ad was geared towards men, advertising a good workout for guys on the TRX. Don’t be fooled, Xtend Barre is basically a sloppy dance class, where I found myself the only guy in the class. The workout itself had no focus on form, the moves were overly complex with too much coordination, reliance on ballet and nothing on building strength.
I spent $ 50 for 5 classes, plus $ 12 – 14 for a pair of low quality, Xtend Barre branded socks (which they make you buy). So in total, I spent over $ 75 for one lackluster workout. I emailed the owner of the location, asking for a refund which was «denied by corporate». However, I also asked for an extension on the classes (which expire after 3 months) and have not heard back yet. The only thing she offered was to transfer the classes over to a friend.
The studio is new and obviously in a good location on Newbury Street, however this workout just wasn’t for me. I would have liked to seen a little but more flexibility from «corporate,» as I’d be more keen on recommending them in the future.

Beautiful studio, really nice and welcoming staff. I did the Xtend Barre with Leah and she’s an awesome instructor!

Boot camp-​styled classes with barre influences. Xtend Suspend is heavily TRX while Xtend Barre is more plyometrics-​influenced than classic barre (i.e.: Bar Method, Pure Barre).
Pros
— Rigorous workout
— Small class size
— New, clean studio
Cons
— Lots of full range motion in the Barre class, which doesn’t achieve toning from traditional barre small movement repetition
— Limited attention to form: saw form all over the place, which is especially dangerous given the high speed of some of the weighted exercises
— Minimal hands-​on adjusts
— High speed/​high impact: some risk of injury given emphasis on speed without necessary attention to form, not friendly for those with prior injuries as barre typically would be
— Less emphasis on core — more arms/​legs intensive
Would recommend Bar Method or FlyBarre if you’re looking for a barre workout with emphasis on toning and proper attention to form for results.

When I first entered Xtend, I was immediately impressed by how clean and well-​designed this studio was, but since I arrived two minutes before my class was scheduled to start, I wasn’t able to appreciate the aesthetics for long. The girl behind the counter politely and promptly checked me in and gave me a quick tour of the studio, which has a coat rack, lockers, and a small sitting area for pre– and post-​class rest.
The class in and of itself was challenging, but fun. Leah, our instructor, gave off such a high and positive energy that I could almost forget the grueling intensity of the sequences she was having us do. Key word there is «almost.» Being a newcomer to barre, there were times, where I felt utterly overwhelmed by some of the movements and directions. However, after a few mistakes, I got more comfortable with the positions, motions, and postures — all with enthusiastic encouragement from Leah.
Hopefully the next time I’m back I’ll be better equipped and ready to tackle whatever challenges I meet on the mat or at the bar!

xtend barre is a nationwide chain and you can really tell when you walk in – very chic feel, wall of lockers w/​built-​in 4 digit passcodes, and mini boutique with cute workout gear (they sell teeki leggings which are made out of recycled water bottles!!!)
they have an intro offer for first timers – $ 50 for 2 weeks (most barre places like their competitor next door, pure barre, do $ 99 for a month). xtend barre just started offering TRX classes too and those classes are included in that offer. i think they are the only barre place that also offers it and one of few studios overall that have TRX. xtend barre is also on classpass and i’ve seen them on gilt city a couple times.
i’ve taken maybe 50 barre classes at 5 studios and as far as xtend barre’s class goes, it was pretty similar to the other ones i’ve experienced. since they are a chain, i imagine that most classes are structured pretty similarly. one thing that stood out to me was they always end with a curtsy; that’s definitely a touch that’s unique to xtend barre
andrea was my instructor and she was super high energy and enthusiastic. she did a great job walking around the room to give hands-​on adjustments, demonstrations, and cues.
my only criticism is that they don’t have a water fountain for students. they charge $ 30 a class but can’t encourage us to hydrate?

Favorite barre studio. Though it feels weird comparing it to classes like PB because I think it’s WAY more effective and fun.
The people there are phenomenal, all around. I’ve taken classes with I think 4 different instructors, and they’ve all been fantastic — energetic, challenging, able to read the room and offer helpful cues, adjustments and motivation. They all do a good mix of demoing/​moving along with you, moving around the room to make corrections, and keeping the energy up talking through a lot of the workout.
They’re also all very conscientious about learning your name, and I’ve noticed they always make an effort to touch base with new comers individually after class. The owner of the studio, Amanda, is also seemingly always there, and is so incredibly nice. She too remembers names, always makes you feel welcome, and obviously really cares about creating a great place to get a great workout. All the staff is engaging without being overwhelming, and they’re definitely not disconnected or standoffish — it’s really a genuinely nice atmosphere. I promise, you’ll smile just walking in.
I haven’t taken their yoga or TRX classes, but I’m familiar with a couple of the yoga teachers from other studios and I’m sure they’re well worth it. I’ve been to a good handful of the barre classes, though, and like I said — my favorite.
The general format of the class is the same (warm up, arms, some thigh work, seat work, core, stretch), but it’s not as much a robotic «up and inch, down an inch» kind of hour, but more of a challenging, variable sequence of body weight exercises (usually using the barre) that I really think is more effective and more enjoyable than several other major barre styles around.
About halfway through the first section I dependably find myself thinking «Man, this is challenging (albeit in a good way) — this hour is going to take forever.» Then what seems like 4 minutes later I realize we’re transitioning out of core work into our cool down stretches and I just want to rewind and do it all over again!
Oh, and have I mentioned the studio’s this gorgeous oasis of a really neat hardwood and sleek fixtures and the perfect amount of light of the somehow perfect hue? It’s a nice place to be.

Xtend is such an amazing place. By far the best barre class in the city — I mean, really hands down. Amanda and team make you feel comfortable and welcome from the moment you walk in the door. Not to mention the studio is brand new and beautiful. I would recommend to all who love a great workout. It won’t disappoint.

Brand-​new studio with incredibly friendly, extra-​welcoming staff. The location and rates are highly accessible. Beautiful design and décor, plus changing rooms.
Lockers are a step up from cubbies. They aren’t large enough for backpacks or larger gym bags – something to keep in-​mind if you’re visiting and choose to bring valuables. Bathrooms are shared with other businesses: Refreshing wipes, dry shampoo, and deodorant spray would be perfect for early-​morning, weekday workout warriors!

Brand new, bright, and clean studio, plus terrific workout — nothing beats such combination. It’s very different from any other barre classes that I’ve been to — fun and changing all the time. So you don’t feel that it has been an hour before the end! But a tip is to bring money for the grippy socks if you don’t already have them. They cost $ 14 when you purchase in the studio.