Pop Physique

I joined the barre class at pop physique 3 weeks ago, and have been going once per week. I definitely noticed a difference in my body so far. My core is much stronger. I Love the energy of the instructors and how they incorporate plies into the exercises, along with weights. I will continue taking classes, definitely worth the money.

I was so happy to find pop physique. honestly well worth the money. they sound out deals and I’ve never regretted buying classes. the best is the unlimited month of classes for 100 $! really kick starts your pop. Kate rocks and trinity is kick ass.

I’ve been going to Pop in Costa Mesa since they’ve opened and when comparing them to other barre places, I feel they treat clients the best. When you go to class, you get your mat and weights. During the class, the instructor will give you other equipment when needed and put it away afterwards. If you’re late, the front desk person will put equipment out for you so you have a spot when you get there. If you forget something, they have it available (spray deodorant, hair bands, tampons, socks, towel). Before class starts, the instructor always gets a list of the people in the class and will address you throughout the class, whether when correcting you, or helping you work harder, or informing that you did something right. I loved the instructors who were there when I first started (Nichole, Ashley, Martha) but have been glad to experience that the current instructors are just as great (Kate, Trinity, Amanda, Linden). Their styles are all slightly different and they like to focus on different parts but in the end, you still get a great workout.
I found the main difference between Pop and other barre classes is that after the warm-​up (or maybe it’s still part of the warm-​up), you put your leg over the barre and do some ballet-​ish type stretches.
The things I dislike is that it’s at The Camp, in Patagonia, so you have to walk through the store to get to class. The parking can be a challenge. And, there’s some sort of sewage problem in the building so the bathroom usually smells funny. I like the cool industrial look and I think I remember something about Pop using sustainable, re-​purposed, re-​furbished materials/​products but at the same time, I get a little paranoid that I’ll get a splinter if I slip onto the plywood wall. I didn’t feel these dislikes were enough to rate a whole star lower. I suppose it would fluctuate each time, depending if I got parking easily or not!

I have only been to two classes, but I can already say I love it! I first heard of this place through the OC Weekly, but when I saw a LivingSocial deal, I just couldn’t pass it up! The class flows pretty well and really works your entire body in one hour. The upbeat music helps keep you going, and trust me, you’re going to need it. I’ve only had class with Amanda, so I can’t say anything about the other instructors, but she’s really motivating. I’m not exactly physically fit, but I found it easy to keep up with the class, with the occasional break of course. It can be pretty pricey, but considering you don’t need to take any equipment with you, just a pair of socks, I’d say it’s well worth it. As soon as you take one class, you’ll be hooked!

I’ve been coming here consistently since Oct 2011 so I’ve experienced most of the instructors since CM’s grand opening. Wow… Ania and Martha are the serious kick-​Arsers, but Kate, Nicole, Trinity, and Linden hold their own! I love the quirky loft, and non-​judgmental Pop-​mates and the intense muscle-​shaking workouts that have transformed my body! Boo on weeknight parking and knocks at the door for classes before SEED opens. Overall… an immense return on my fitness investment!

Well, it’s been 8 months now since my first Pop class and I am still regularly attending! I love Pop Physique! After almost a year, I STILL get my butt kicked consistently every single time I go. They have some new instructors and I’m pleased to say that they are all AMAZING. Sure I have my preferences but I can honestly say that every one of the instructors there equally give me a challenge in different ways. I have turned on several of my girlfriends to this and they have all become regular devotees, as well. Although I still try other barre/​pilates studios, I will continue to remain loyal to Pop.

Huge fan! Martha is an amazing teacher! I try to hit her classes the most! I start to sweat in 5 minutes easily and shake not long after! It’s addicting! I didn’t care for some of the music the «younger» instructors used, but heck, I can deal with it because the workout is so darn good. I wish they offered a 12pm class!

It is a nice place for professional staff, recommended. prcie is a little bit higher than average.

Okay… in reality, this would be about 3.5 stars. I’ll be honest — the staff here, deserve 5 stars, 100%. They made me bump this up from 3 to 4 stars. They are so nice and professional. I’m always late to things, and have been late here. Instead of scowling at me, they would set up the mat for me as I took off my shoes. Once I forgot socks, and the receptionist let me borrow hers. All in all, I have been incredibly impressed with the staff here, so whoever is in charge, please give them bonuses or something! Also! I think once the instructor was SUPER SUPER late, and they ended up still giving us a full class, and gave a free class.
Now, the reason why I would take out 1.5 stars if I could is because… I was so disappointed by the workout and felt misled by all their advertisements. I had been doing Cardio Barre and Bar Method so much, that I was sick of it and was looking for some new workout classes. The way Pop Physique was advertised almost made it seemed like some sort of dance class, especially with the way the girl on their website is dressed. Instead of ballet-​type workouts, I thought we’d be doing more «pop» workouts I guess… If that makes any sense at all.
In any case, you can imagine my huge disappointment when I realized it was just another knock-​off of Bar Method/​Cardio Barre. It was pretty much entirely the same thing as the workout routine I’d do at Cardio Barre up in Brentwood. The only difference is that the instructors here wouldn’t do the full workout with you as Cardio Barre would.
Anyway, you still get a great work out though, regardless. I literally saw with my own eyes, one girl who attended at least every week, grow arm muscles. They were bulging out! Not in the nasty way, but she looked toned and good.
Also, there are some goodies in the bathroom in the back — extra hairties (I love this cause I always forget), natural deodorant spray, and tampons.

This place definitely surprised me. In a good way.
I was a little bit skeptic about this style of workouts. I had tried Bar Method style classes and wasn’t totally sold. I got a groupon for this place and decided to give it a try. Boy, I’m glad I did.
Pop Physique is much more high energy and full-​body challenging compared to the Bar Method/​Pure Barre classes that I’ve tried around Orange County. Of course, each instructor is different and has a different style. Some are softer spoken and gentler with their commands– they might have music thats more calming and flowing. Whereas other teachers are more demanding of your body and form, and make it feel like a boot camp! They blast the music and make you sweaty!
Admittedly, I like both styles. I like that it’s always a surprise as to what we’re going to do that day. The warmups are pretty identical from class to class– and the muscles that get worked are regular. But there are so many different types of moves that each instuctor uses that make it GREAT for combatting muscle memory, etc.
Love the energy in the classes and the location. It’s in the Camp off Bristol, inside of a store (Seed). Just follow the signs! And enjoy the motivational and/​or random quotes on all of the parking spots. :)

The studio is located inside the Seed so you walk through a store to get to the studio. It’s upstairs and it’s cute and small. I’ve tried both Pure Barre and Bar Method and after comparing all 3, I have to say Bar Method is the best. The instructors at Bar Method makes sure you are doing everything correctly and fixes your alignment. I know first comers don’t know how to do something so they usually get corrected at least once during the class, but for the 3 classes I attended all with different instructors first comers were not corrected at all with their positioning or alignment. Half the time I was wondering if I was doing a position right and had to look around to make sure. The floor I felt was really slippery and I felt like I would lose grip in my socks.
Also the facilities I feel were a bit lacking for the price they charged. No showers, only bathrooms so you can’t shower and change afterwards. Parking can be a pain since it’s located inside the camp so if you come after work, be prepared to circle around to find a spot.
I love barre type workouts, but I think I will go back to Bar Method.

Not feeling’ it. Barre class was definitely a great workout but also potentially dangerous for the body and spine as well. If you have taken a Pilates class with a well-​trained and well-​educated instructor then you should know how important hip and rib placement is during mat workouts. Not only for your core but more importantly your spine. I would rather do a workout that is just as good (if not better) for my core and where mat exercises are properly taught. I do not recommend wasting $ 20 on this studio. Find a studio that has an instructor properly trained on these things who will guide you verbally and physically with proper body placement. Working out is more than just how much it burns and how much you sweat…

I absolutely love love LOVE Pop Physique! This is the first workout I’ve found that challenges me AND makes me want to keep coming back. I bought 10 classes through Groupon, used them up quickly, and immediately bought more.
I cannot say enough good things about this studio, I was sold from the first class. I have a unique name, and the staff has been great at remembering it. Every time I walk in they are warm and welcoming, especially Nicole. If I miss class one week, the instructors notice and say they missed seeing me. When you leave class, everyone makes a point to wish you well. It really feels like being part of a little, encouraging family.
The classes typically range from 6 – 10 people (perfect size), and they really make a point to encourage you throughout the entire class. All the instructors are great, but Ania is definitely my favorite. She always has such a great energy and pumps awesome music through those speakers! Very motivating.
It’s truly a full body workout each time. I «hate» those plank moves at the beginning, but can already feel my core strengthening. Then you move onto arms, where seemingly innocent 2 and 3 lb weights make every muscle from your shoulders to your forearms burn (in a good way). Leg and butt exercises are the best. They are excruciating, but once my legs start shaking I know it’s working. By the time you move onto abs, it almost feels like a break to lie on your back, but it still ends up burning.
To top it off, I get to browse Seed and Patagonia on my way out, then pick up a green juice at 118 degrees before heading home. I always feel great about investing this hour in myself. Definitely recommend!

Now that I’ve been to Pure Barre I can compare the two. They both offer amazing workouts, they’re pretty much the same workout with each instructor kind of making it their own and switching up similar moves! I think Pure Barre offers a nicer facility and nicer instructors.
This location of Pop Physique has the smelliest bathrooms, its a sewage problem that needs to be fixed. The last time I went there I noticed that they added air fresheners but its still gross. The rooms here have hardwood floor which I preferred doing the class on carpet because you don’t slip around as much. The pure barre facility also has mirrored walls not huge plywood that will potentially give you a splinter if your mat falls from behind you.
I used a living social deal and I had 3 classes. The first instructor my friend and I had was great and really helpful. My friend who I took the classes with has had numerous back surgeries and the first instructor showed her how to use the ball for certain moves and also advised against doing others, she was very knowledgeable and one (could be only) of the good instructors there.
The other two instructors that we went to were not so helpful and I kind of felt like they were not so nice. One was rude to my friend with the back problem and tried to tell her that she could do certain movements without a ball. If someone has a back injury and they decide not to do certain movements even with a ball its not a good idea to pressure them into doing moves that they’re not comfortable doing or that hurt, that really turned me off to this place.
I will continue to do this type of workout but probably not at this location. Also when I first called to figure out how to redeem my living social deal the girl on the phone sounded annoyed that she had to help me. It ended up being easy but it wasn’t very clear on the print out that I had.

A-​MAZING workout!
I am very sad to say that I just used my last Groupon class this morning. I was just starting to get addicted. I plan on buying monthly packages after the holidays. I had a one-​on-​one session this morning with Martha. Holy crap! It was so hard, and I have had noodle legs all day. I’ve taken 3 classes in a week, and it has made me feel so great about the workout. I had 6 classes, the first 3 I spaced out monthly (because thats how long it took me to recover, haha!) and I really dreaded going back. But the last 3 have been so great. You really just have to keep going and you will love it. This is very much based off the Lotte Berk method, which is like barre meets Pilates, but more pilates less ballet stuff. IT is so hard! I’m not kidding, every muscle is shaking and burning but the instructors (Martha especially) are so good about checking your form and if they have to, getting hands-​on to make sure you’re doing the moves correctly — which I love. I have only walked away from this workout sweaty, and über limber. I have not been forced to tweek or push myself to unreachable levels because the instructors are all about not letting the class be a competition and just doing your best.
The location is really the only downfall. I love the Camp, but if you want to take a night class, good luck finding a parking spot, because Pop Physique does compete with the Bikram crowd. I decided to hit the morning classes, which if you don’t know, Pop Physique is located inside of Seed. If you go to the 9:45 class you have to call to be let in because the store is not yet open. Kind of a pain, because I feel bad bothering the girl who works the front desk up the stairs.
I want to go back, can’t wait to go back.

Firstly, I love the vibe at the Camp/​the Lab, so the fact that Pop Physique is inside SEED at the Camp is a plus! Super cute studio, very clean and unique! This was my first time participating in a barre class and I’m considering scrounging up the money to take classes regularly — insane full-​body ass kicking! I loved it (my body screamed at me the whole time) and hope to take more classes here.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE POP PHYSIQUE! II was first introduced to Pop Physique when I told my BF to find me a «Pure Barre» hence I was doing that here in OC in Silver Lake. So that I can workout and not miss up my workout schedule when I spend time in LA. He found Pop Physique and I tried it out. Impressed with the actual workout, the trainer which was Jordan that morning who also teaches on Sundays in Costa Mesa along with the awesome hours and design of the studio that I couldn’t wait till they opened this new location.
Pop Physique is located at The Camp across inside the Seed Peoples Market (upstairs) The studio has a industrial modern feel to it. Clean and minimal and best part is that there are two studios. Unlike some studios where they cram their clients in and you haven’t enough room to work out. There is ample room. The trainer I had was Martha and she was amazing. She payed attention to not only your posture but even you’re breathing. I love it. I instantly feel better after I leave.
Be prepared for a changeling workout. But, over the course of time you will have a stronger core, nicer legs, shapely arms strong abs and yes a lifted booty! I tell my friends it’s like Pure Barre in the sense that we do some of the similar movements but it’s like ballet, yoga, pilates and light weights and stretching all mixed together.
Wear socks (the kind with the grips on the bottom) and be prepared to sweat. They also sell socks here.
My only qualm is the barre. I am nearly 6′ so it’s a little lower than the other barres that I have worked out on before.

Great location. Great instructors. Great work out. I’m so excited to see the brand expanding so rapidly.