Crowbar Cardio

This is one of my favorite places! As the name suggest they offer Cycling, Rowing, and Barre classes. I’m primarily focused on the IndoRow classes which provide such a great full body work out. The emphasis is on providing a high cardio, low impact experience that challenges you but doesn’t wreck your body. Everyone is incredibly friendly, helpful, and supportive. I never thought that I would enjoy a group setting but have been happily proven wrong.

So I’ve had my eye on this place for a while and finally decided to check it out in June. All I can say is I’m mad at myself for waiting so long. This place is awesome. Purely Awesome.
First off, the name comes from a hearty platform of Cycle, Rowing, and Barre classes. They offer Real Ryder bikes, which actually lean and turn back and forth. I’m a road cyclist at heart, and these bikes are as close as it gets here in Dallas. No other spin studio offers bikes as good as these.
I’d never tried rowing before, but wow. what a work out! That kind where you get the feeling that your heart is beating so fast you might throw up but it feels so good and you want to keep going. Crowbar offers Indo-​Row Machines, which are legit. The cardio and leg work out is fantastic; don’t be scared… you don’t row the entire time. You get mini-«recovery» times while doing ab exercises or stretches.
And for the Barre classes… there’s several to choose from. There’s regular Barre classes offered by different instructors and then there’s Flowbarre, a new class offered by a new instructor that incorporates pilates, yoga, and barre all at the same time. I brought a Barre-​junkie friend (goes to a different Barre studio) to one of the Barre classes here and she was extra sweaty and impressed at the end of it.
There’s tons of combos of all three elements (cycle, row, barre) to choose from when it comes to classes. You can do all three (Triple Threat), or just cycling and rowing (CROW), or opt for a boot camp format (Tsunami), or just go for a class that’s one of them the entire time.
One last thing that I have to mention is how amazing all the instructors are. The whole atmosphere at Crowbar is positive, and not in a non-​challenging way… but in a «keep going, don’t stop, you got this» kind of way. You may be trying things for the first time but the intimidation factor is zero. Each instructor has a different personality and it comes through during the class; you may have different formats for the same class but with a different instructor. It’s great to keep in interesting and challenging.
It’s definitely worth checking this place out. They have a great introductory week offer and they are also part of ClassPass.

Crowbar Cardio is ah-​mazing. Can’t say enough good things about this place. It has a positive community atmosphere, and continues to challenge me. I love the specialty equipment they have for low impact workouts, especially the IndoRow machines. They have challenging classes, great music, great instructors and a very friendly front staff. They know you by name — it is that kind of studio. Book classes in advance!

Y’all… So I think I have visited just about every barre class imaginable with ClassPass, and I also teach fitness classes at another local studio. Aside from all the classes offered at the studio I teach at (which I happen to LOVE and was an avid fan of before I even dreamed of teaching), I have to say Crowbar Cardio offers the best barre class in Dallas. And here’s why.
I get super annoyed with barre classes that do not incorporate lots of real ballet movements that you would find in a dance studio. Maybe I am a little biased since I grew up taking dance, but real ballet movements are some of the most effective ways to work out your legs and booty. Name one professional dancer you know that does not have the most gorgeous legs you have ever seen. It’s impossible. Crowbar is the only barre class I have found in Dallas that actually gets it. I did a little research and found that the barre class at Crowbar was designed by a professional dancer which explains a lot. I’ve pretty much written off all other barre classes in Dallas now. You do not have to have any dance experience to do this class, so do not let my review deter you if you are unfamiliar with real ballet movements. But I promise you, this is the most effective TRUE barre class you’ll find in the area.
P. S. All of the instructors I have taken from here are great, but I have to say that Toussaint is my absolute favorite. She took the summer off, but she will be back soon. :)

This past week, I dropped in at Crowbar Cardio to attend the «Bike, Bands & Balls» class. I was initially excited based on the class description on the website:
«Bikes, Bands & Balls is a 55-​minute cycling circuit class alternating 4 minute cycles of Tabata strength intervals and 10 minute cycling drills. We will use the RealRyder bikes, the Bosu Balance Trainers and resistance bands to truly get a full body workout.​*Limited Space. Advanced sign-​up recommended.»
However, my actual class experience was quite different than my expectations in terms of (1) workout space, (2) intensity of workout drills, and (3) workout ambiance.
1. The room is small — enough to fit ~10 bikes with mats crammed between each bike for floor work — so it made for a somewhat cramped experience.
2. The strength intervals /​floor work were not really true Tabata style (4 minute HIIT segments alternating between 20 seconds of max effort work, 10 seconds of rest). The timing was correct, but the class setup didn’t allow for max effort as (1) the mats and BOSU balls were faced away from the instructor so you couldn’t really watch her for appropriate form and could potentially get lost in doing the movements and (2) the drills didn’t feel intense enough overall.
3. The instructor had some pretty jamming music, but then she started… a movie? I’ve never attended a workout class before with a muted movie playing, but I don’t think it’s my thing since it’s a bit distracting.
I will say that a redeeming factor of Crowbar Cardio is the warmth and welcoming personalities of the instructors and staff, but the aforementioned factors will probably make me reconsider taking the BB&B class again. Perhaps the Indo-​Row, Barre, or RealRyder cycling classes are better, so I’ll give those a shot next time.

I am so thankful that I found Crowbar Cardio while in town for a long over-​indulgent wedding weekend. I bought a $ 20 pass and attended 3 classes. Molly is a badass and made a point to remember my name and chat me up every time she saw me. Indo-​Row was fun, but Bikes Bands and Balls kicked my butt and left me feeling deliciously sore all weekend. The staff and clientele are so friendly. Great music and a welcoming environment. So glad I found this studio while visiting Dallas!

I tried Crowbar (and barre) for the first time for Barre 101. It’s really nice that they’re offering free 101 classes each Saturday this month to get a feel for it. There is a parking lot in the back and a Walmart lot next door. The class was led by Toussaint who was very friendly. As an aside, you pretty much know a white girl came from a cool family if they named her Toussaint. The class was intense. Toussaint was clear with the instruction, nice when offering correction, and really good about suggesting modifications for those with injuries. She also took the time to get all of our names which I appreciated. I worked up a sweat and am really glad I went. There are several deals for new members. I’ll definitely come back, and if it wasn’t far from my home I’d be a regular.

This is a friendly studio but their barre class is a bit of a letdown. They pull barres into the room and the class is way too crowded. The workout is more like ballet with cardio than the strength work of other barre studios. They may excel at rowing or spin classes, but their version of barre just feels like a lazy addition to the class schedule.

I went to the cycling class while I was in town for the week and was really disappointed with the class. Keep in mind, I go to cycling classes 3 – 4 times a week so I expect a certain level of difficulty. I think Crowbar would probably a good fit for someone who is entry level or doesn’t cycle very often.
This class is heavily focused on resistance and riding in the saddle. There are a few occasions where we stood in the saddle, but it wasn’t too often. There are 10 bikes in the class which is nice because it means more personal attention, but the instructor didn’t ever get out of the bike to check on individuals. There are no weights, no arm or ab exercises involved.
There’s a TV in the room next to the instructor that was on and playing a movie for the duration of class. I am really baffled as to why there would be a movie on while we are trying to do a workout. I can understand the need for a TV if you’re showing the student’s RPMs on a screen, but a movie? That really turned me off.

The barre class at Crowbarre is no joke. What I love most was that there was a ton of ballet moves and choreography that I feel is lacking from other barre classes I’ve been to. I would consider myself «experienced» with barre and found the class challenging!
Upon arriving and checking in I was directed to the studio where the class would be held, I was no more than 10 minutes early and the instructor was running around setting up the barre in the middle of the room. It just didn’t seem as plush and relaxing as other classes I’ve been to. My instructor’s name was Kathy (I think?) and she was a bit half hazard with everything. Her instructions for different movements weren’t super clear at times and her overall preparedness for the class was lacking. With that being said, she definitely pushed us to work hard!

I seriously underestimated this place before I went! I took a barre fitness class & it kicked my butt! I’m a dance major & I secretly thought this class was going to be too easy, it was not! It was very challenging & had me sweating the entire time!
I was very impressed with the instructor, she did the work out, talked throughout the entire class, gave corrections or accommodations, all while never drinking any water!
The staff was always very friendly and showed me around before my first class. They have cute merchandise that is appropriate to the atmosphere & also water bottles & a place to refill your own water bottle. If you’re wanting a fun fast pace work out that will make you feel your muscles aches in places you didn’t know you could go here! It is kind of pricy though!

I work out quite a bit (regardless of what I look like!) and have made CrowBar part of my routine. Everything here is low impact, which is crucial for my various joint problems. Class sizes are small (10 – 12), and the cancelation policy is excellent (get the MindBody app).
The instructors are really good about explaining form and how to make the workout harder. Actually, the instructors are the key to the Woohoo! rating — they’ve all been excellent at remembering people’s names, giving new people an introduction, correcting form, and motivating the classes.
I’ve taken the rowing, bike, and barre classes (and triple threat, which combines all three). I’ve used rowers (water & concept2) for years for workouts and rehab, so I was surprised there was more to learn. The bike classes are typical bike classes with a disco ball. The barre class is atypical; it’s more about flowing movement with moves like lunges on gliding disks (Val Slides). Like all barre classes, my joint problems make it difficult to do a more challenging workout.

I’ve been eyeing those Indo-​Row machine classes for what feels like a year now, and I finally went for a class this week after snapping up a Living Social deal for this boutique gym off of lower Greenville. ‘WOW’ is all I have to say. I usually run on the treadmill when I want to do cardio, but it wreaks havoc on my back and my knees. The indo-​row classes are low impact, but it was still an intense cardio workout! I definitely see myself coming back here again. I also can’t wait to try out the RealRyder bikes and the barre class, which doesn’t look like your average barre class. This gym has two changing rooms and ample parking room in the rear of the studio.

I love the Barre classes here. The instructors are all so helpful and attentive. They really take the time to know your name and your challenges.
I’ve taken the Rowing class and the Bikes, Bands, and Balls class but I prefer Barre to all of these.

A very welcome, outside the box, change of pace. You’ll be introduced to equipment that’s easy to use, highly effective, and you’ve probably never seen before. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and intuitive to your needs. With a variety of low-​impact classes including barre, cardio and spin, you can cross-​train across the board. I cannot recommend Crowbar Cardio enough.

So… I never was really a gym-​workout kinda girl. One of my friends was telling me about this awesome place she was taking classes at over in my neighborhood. It really sounded too good to be true, I had to try it!
I was really nervous because ballet wasn’t ever something I had experience in. But the instructors all made me very comfortable and welcome!
Started with barre and loved it — then tried the Indo-​Row and loved it! Such a great combination of cardio AND toning. You really can’t get that anywhere else, especially in Dallas. Plus it isn’t like just signing up for a cycle studio because there are SO many options for classes you can take. Its fun to mix it up, or stick to one to try to advance a specific skill.
I have preached Crowbar Cardio to all my friends near and far — bringing everyone I can to try it out. Take it from this anxious beginner and give it a try, you can thank me later! :)

Awesome studio! I hate to call it a gym, because it doesn’t feel that way at all.
I’ve been a member at three different gyms in Dallas over ten years, attended bootcamps, gone to barre, hot yoga… you name it. This place is the best by a mile.
Just as the other reviews state, the staff is awesome. Super friendly and a total community feel in the classes. Not in the clique weird way that some gyms have where the same people have been in the same classes for ten years together. Everyone is really inviting of new people and allow you to fold right into the mix.
Highly recommend the $ 20 intro week. Try out all the classes and then sign up for more! Five stars, two thumbs way up!

Not your typical Dallas gym! If you’re up for a fun and challenging work out — go here!
The instructors are awesome! You feel as though you are working out with friends each time. The participants are friendly and encouraging. Its a team atmosphere with individual challenges.
I honestly enjoy every class they offer. Try it! You won’t be disappointed.

I’ve tried Barre classes at several different studios, but I have to say, I LOVE it at Crowbar Cardio! Vlada will KICK YOUR BUTT! This class is fun, challenging, and you’ll definitely see results.
I can’t wait to try some of the other classes they offer!
By the way — I’m about 30 lbs overweight, so don’t be intimidated if you don’t think your fitness level is up to par. They’ll get you in shape, and there are modifications along the way. This place is great no matter where you are in your fitness journey!

Took the Rowing Class last night. I loved it!!! The studio is brand new, and cutting edge. The instructors have been teaching in the Dallas area for years, and I have taken their classes at other clubs in town. They are the best of the best. I love the size of the classes. Big enough to have the group dynamic, but small enough to offer individual instruction. I have never rowed for more than 10 mins before and the class was 45 minutes long. Wasn’t sure I could do it, but I not only survived, I thrived. I didn’t feel «beat up» like I do when I run or do other high impact exercise, but I burned more calories than running. They also offer a Barre class that I haven’t taken but heard it was a killer, and they have spin classes with bikes that ride like you are on a real road bike.
UPDATE***This is to add to my early comment. I have taken the barre class. Low impact but really works your entire body… it hurts, but the moves are so deliberate and focused that you recover quickly. Unlike Crossfit, where I hurt the same, but tend to get injured more often. I am also am a heavy toe runner, so I have a lot of calf and lower leg issues when I run. Barre helps me to strengthen my calves which helps to keep me running injury free. I am 6′ 200 pound guy, so it is just not for women. Anyone and everyone can take barre.