The Bar Method

The studio is beautiful, however the policies and the staff are so rude I wouldn’t spend money at this studio. Plus you get a better workout at Physique which is right down the street. The teachers aren’t entirely friendly or accommodating, and the front desk staff are rude.

This is hands down the best barre class in the city. The staff is very friendly, hands on and technical throughout each class. Everything is clean, sleek and well lit– the main studio had tons of natural light. Amy Duffey makes the place one of my all time favorite fitness environments, she is super sweet and kicks your butt in class! Can’t speak highly enough of this place!

One of my favorite places to work out in the city. The classroom is spacious, clean, the teachers are nice/​inspirational — trust me, lots of teachers out there aren’t that great, I’m a lazy person and need a good teacher to push me to do one more push-​up. The facilities are really clean and nice. Class itself is challenging, guaranteed thighs on fire. Even after many classes, I still feel challenged, so there’s always room to improve, whether it’s your posture or strength.

These classes are amazing. The staff is so attentive and kind, the facilities are clean and modern. The instructors will actively correct you, give you individualized attention, and know your name. You will get an incredible, efficient workout. Amanda is awesome!

So far not good I signed up it was cheap but I’m not getting bang for my buck, the staff aren’t friendly the teachers aren’t great with adjustments the space is nice and clean but I wouldn’t spend my money here again there are far better places like physique 57 and other classes with way more helpful and friendlier instructors oh and there’s no air conditioning and there is a dress code so it’s a no no for people who want to wear shorts or sports bras!

I need to downgrade my thoughts on The Bar Method. Shortly after I posted my last review and attended class at their SoHo spot, I received an automated email from The Bar Method asking me ‘how likely i would be to refer The Bar Method to a friend’. I gave them a poor rating and after submitting my feedback received a message that they’d be following up. That was over 10 days ago and still no follow up. Last I checked if you’re going to ask for feedback and it’s negative it’s in your best interest to address any issues.

After trying many other Barre studios in the city, I decided it was time to give this one a try! Plus the location is very convenient for me. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. The facilities are also very upscale and have more space than most boutique studios in NYC (large waiting room with coffee/​tea/​water and very large locker room with plenty of showers and lockers with keys which is a huge plus for me). The biggest difference of the class itself from other barre studios that I noticed was the concentration on FORM. The instructors explain each move in detail and correct your form as they see fit. I definitely felt the burn but, as others have said, there is not really a focus on cardio. Overall, great experience and I will be back.

I can’t say my experience was a good one. I am a teacher of yoga and took this opportunity to try a new work out to strengthen and be more knowledgeable of how the body works, and different beneficial movements. My first few classes were ok, I didn’t sweat at all which is totally fine. It wasn’t until a few classes later when I was disrespected by a teacher who pulled my shoulders back so harshly and quickly really tearing the hyaline cartilage. The next day I came in for an early class and mentioned it to the front desk ladies to record for me and to also make sure no one else ever gets hurt. After I did that I was scolded by one of the instructors… I let it go. I go back and after me stating to this specific instructor to not touch me, she continued to do the exact movement that put my shoulder in the position its in now which is extremely enflamed and uncomfortable. When I told her to please not she gave me a snarky response and left to the next client, I left the class early to avoid starting drama because I was in tears after her «adjustment». I sent out a very kind email to the owners because naturally I felt uncomfortable coming back, no one was listening to me or my body… isn’t that what we are there for? I finally receive a call back and it was the most unprofessional call. Not only did the instructor call me dramatic because she hurt me in class (sorry but when you hurt someone… they react) and instead of making a big deal in class, I just left, in her phone call not only did she not let me speak, but she called me dramatic, was angry that I didn’t agree with their styling of adjusting and by the end of the call she had upset me so much, why would I ever feel motivated to go somewhere where adult owners name call me and don’t respect their own ethics about the body? So to end this statement, if you want to go somewhere for a great work out, where you, your body and state of mind are respected… I wouldn’t go here. There are tons of other great Bar studios where you will be respected, valued and treated correctly (if an issue comes up) It was extremely discouraging that an owner to a studio would rather reimburse someone than apologize and hope they would come back… that won’t happen for you at Bar Method… in their eyes, its their way or no way.

I’ve had my share of various barre studios throughout Manhattan (exhale, pure barre, flybarre, physique 57) and bar method was probably the most challenging barre class I’ve taken. Today was my first time at the studio and the front desk showed me around. There’s a small coffee/​kitchenette area where you can lounge and tons of locker storage. Lockers come with a key and you take that with you into the studio. The barre studio itself is also very spacious and clean. It does not smell like many others I’ve been to. This place is kept very well, clean and fancy! Today’s class had two instructors. While one instructor was going through the different movements, the other was going around correcting people’s form. They came to me quite often! Guess they knew I was the newbie! Second half of class, the instructors switched their positions and the one that was correcting form in the beginning was now instructing and vice versa. Each move was challenging to say the least. I thought flybarre was tough, but this class left me wobbly even minutes after class ended. Highly recommended if you are looking for a really good barre studio.

after spraining my ankle and being out of commission for about 2 months, i finally had the courage and reserved a class at the bar method. kristin was the instructor and she did a good job. she pushed everyone in class to tuck a little deeper and go down a little lower. all the legs in class were shaking within 10 mins of class.

The Bar Method to me is very vanilla. A good strength training work out, but no cardio at all. Also, for what it’s worth, I usually sweat A LOT… like even when no one else is sweating. At The Bar Method, I didn’t sweat at all. Didn’t need a towel. Didn’t need my water. All in all, I wish I hadn’t gone.
I’m a huge fan of Physique 57 and I think you should go two blocks down to their studio and take barre there instead. The workout is more challenging, but it is more FUN… the teachers, the music… the whole combination makes it worth it.
There were some pros about The Bar Method though:
— The facilities are beautiful.
— Instructor was helpful in correcting form
— They have free tea

I adore Bar Method. I’ve been trying to convince myself that I don’t love it as much as I do, because it’s quite expensive, but my goodness, its the best. I did an unlimited month and was able to attend class 18 times. I love the classes, with just enough routine to see progress, but enough different moves to keep things interesting. I love the white, clean studio and the pretty windows overlooking Soho. I love how nice the check-​in people are, and I love how diligent and friendly the instructors (in fact, my all time favorite teacher is Chelsea Foss, which is why its pretty clear the other review was just upset about bringing in their cell phone (there are signs saying no gum, phones, and just water before you enter the studio)).
I just did a month unlimited at Pure Barre and it was awful compared to Bar Method. It’s really apples to oranges when you consider how great Bar Method is at correcting your form and making sure you don’t injure or strain. I just can’t say enough about how great this studio is. I always leave in a great mood, feeling strong and beautiful. Now I just need to figure out to afford the full priced monthly rate.
ETA: My arms, legs, and back have NEVER looked better than they did after my month here.

I’m sorry to have to give bar method a lackluster review. I’ve been a student for years and have taken classes at lots of locations. but never have I run into the rudeness Chelsea Foss (if she’s the one with the dark bob) displayed at a class I took there while on business a few weeks ago. This studio charges $ 37 for a walk in, which is no joke, but which I happily paid for a good workout. But several minutes into the workout, Chelsea walked up and asked my name, which I assumed was because she hadn’t seen me before, I thought she was being nice. And instead of saying ‘great’ and moving on, or welcoming me the way it happens at most studios when you’re new, she interrupted my arm work and asked me to stop the class, put my weights down, and leave the room to put my cell phone in my locker. My phone had been lying in my towel at my feet since the class began, off. I hadn’t looked at it since I walked into the room. Sometimes I bring it into studio classes so I can check up on work until the last minute before class begins (you never know when class will get started late and there are a number of reasons why people bring phones to check until the last minute — new babies, emergency situations), but I never use it during class. I was kind of stunned that she would not only interrupt my $ 37 workout and ask me to leave the room when I wasn’t even glancing in the general direction of my phone, but she did it over the microphone, presumably to make an example out of me.
I get «no cell phone» policies, but use some discretion. Maybe ask people before class begins if you notice a phone. Or reserve enforcement of the policy for people who actually check their phones during class. Don’t embarrass paying customers for no reason. If you guys just have a thing and it’s so important that no cell phone steps foot in the studio that you will interrupt workouts and cause major distractions and embarrass people over it, the policy should be better communicated before the class begins. Signs, reminders, looking out for culprits in the minutes BEFORE class. There are lots of ways this could have been avoided.
As an instructor I found Chelsea totally mechanical and uninspiring, like she was reading from a script. It’s like she wasn’t even in the room, someone just pressed play on a tape. I get that there is kind of a bar method script but most instructors are a little more dynamic and motivating. Encouraging, helpful. They push you so there’s a reason to come into the studio rather than just watching a dvd.
Two stars because I still love the bar method and the other time I came to this studio it was a much nicer experience. All the same, I won’t be back to this studio unless they can rectify the situation — in all my years and years at bar method and other barre studios I’ve never been so insulted, embarrassed, or dumbfounded at the instructor’s power trip and snobbiness (or had a more boring class for that matter) and I’m not interested in giving this studio more of my money after the experience.

My first impression was that the studio was really beautiful! They have a nice locker system (you take the keys into the studio with you), a really nice water fountain, free coffee/​tea, a good seating area… and the people at the front desk were very nice! Since I was there for the first time, my instructor talked to me a little bit before the class began, and she was also really nice. However, during the class, she seemed a little flaky, like she wasn’t really too focused on leading the class. It would have been nice for her to have a little bit more connection with the students in the class.
The class itself seemed a little more dance-​focused than other barre classes I’ve taken, particularly in terms of flexibility (there was a lot of putting your foot up on the barre and straightening your legs). It also didn’t feel like as great of a workout as other similar classes that I’ve tried (Pure Barre, Physique57…). Also, there were way too many push-​ups. 99% of the girls in the class couldn’t even do two push-​ups with correct form, so instead of really focusing on form, we had to do like, 60 push-​ups where absolutely no one had good form. I’m not sure I would take a class here again, but you may enjoy it more if you had a ballet background.
I also agree with the comments about the music! The first song they played in the class was one of my favorites (The Sound of Goodbye), but it really went downhill from there. Definitely reminded me of elevator music.
Also, over half of the class left early — I get that people have to get to work, but a lot of other studios strongly discourage this. It’s very distracting!

Easily some of the best Bar Method instructors in the country are at this location. (I have taken the Bar Method in at least a dozen studios across the country). They are tough and meticulous on form, they will push you and correct you — which is important b/​c you can go through the motions if you are not careful in this class. You have to take a different tact to this to get the results you want — choose heavier weights, deliberately go deeper in thigh sets, you need to really engage with the mental game of this work out to benefit and see the results. Choose fresher, lighter foods and really embrace the experience of these classes. The proof is in the pudding. You need only look at the owners of this studio who have embraced and perfected the method. Their bodies are beyond inspirational. Oh and the studio is immaculately clean.

Is it expensive? YES– but it does work. You will see a noticeable change in your body and you will be stronger. The location is clean, nicely decorated, well staffed & managed. Everyone is made to feel welcome and it’s nice to work out in a supportive, non-​judgmental environment.
The only thing I’d alter is their music selection… a tad more contemporary would be awesome.

I am a huge fan of the Bar Method. I did the $ 150 for a month of unlimited classes, which seems like a lot but is pretty affordable compared to other barre studios. After a month of classes I could really feel the difference.
The facilities are gorgeous at this studio and generally the classes aren’t that cramped which is more than I can say for some of the barre studios in the city.
As for the classes themselves, there is a bit less cardio than P57 or Purebarre, but I enjoyed them a lot more than PureBarre or Exhale. (P57 has my favorite barre classes though). I think they did recently come out with a cardio focused class.
Their music selection is bit boring, but the instructors are great. They spend the time to learn your names, and get a sense of where are at so they make improvements. An instructor encouraged me, for example, to try a more advanced movement after I had done the standard one in a previous class. I just love that kind of attention.
They even had a special event in which you could bring a friend for a free class, and gave out free earrings. (My friend also enjoyed the class a ton!).

I was humiliated in front of the entire studio. I was very loudly and rudely told that i wouldnt be allowed into the class because i am currently pregnant and haven’t taken a class from them before. I tried to let the woman at the receptipn desk know that i have taken dozens of classes at other barre studios and i am capable of doing this class but she still said no. As i was leaving one of the owners came over and said she could work with me this time but i cant come again. This was while all the other students were staring in my direction. Why would i stay after being totally humiliated like that? I said no. I had no interest. The owner rolled her eyes and walked away and then as i was getting into the elevator she did one of those dramatic «whatever» moves with her head and shoulder. As if being pregnant is a bad thing.

Wonderful place to work out with an highly trained excellent staffs. Well maintained and very clean. I would highly recommend TBMI
it’s little expensive but it’s worth every penny.

Legit love this place – all the instructors are amazing, they challenge you and make beginners feel so welcome. As someone who hates to work out, I’ve finally found a place that I look forward to going to!

Was excited about it initially but then got simply bored! It’s just too repetitive for me. A workout should be fun and challenge the body in different ways for me to stay engaged. For those of you who just need a workout, this will do, for those of you who are in good shape and want variety and challenge, this may not be for you. Classes are always packed, no one is particularly friendly, it’s overpriced and even when u have a genuine conflict and can’t make it, you get charged. Perhaps if I loved bar method THAT much I’d consider putting up with it. I guess I just don’t, and there are so many other options in this city. Fun for a few months then it’s time to check out something else. I’ve stayed loyal to a few workouts in my lifetime, bar method just wasn’t one of em.

I’ve been coming here for nearly two years. I used to go to Lotte Berk Method before it closed and I’ve tried Exhale and P57, but chose TBM for its highly trained and friendly staff, pristine facilities, and the flexible schedule. The staff are extremely welcoming and once they learn your name, they don’t forget it. There is no attitude at the front desk and no favoritism shown by the instructors, which I’ve encountered elsewhere.
The actual workout is safer than other barre classes because it is designed by a physical therapist. There is no flailing around or wasted movement. If you have knee problems, the moves won’t bother them; in fact, the muscles around your knees will get stronger so you’ll be in less pain.
I recently took off two months but came back because nothing else I tried was as effective or as motivating as this class. It’s the only workout that I’m able to get myself to three to four times per week with zero dread.

I am very displeased with the level of professionalism by the management at this location. I registered for a class at what I believed to be the midtown location (I was on the midtown site & was accidentally misdirected to Soho upon entering my password & booking). When I arrived to Midtown (54^th & 5^th) for my 1030am class it was 10:10. The very helpful young woman informed me of the mistake & encouraged me to head to Soho. I jumped in a cab in a frenzy & called Soho to explain. They said not to worry & to come on down… they even have a 10 min grace period. Great… I made it, without a minute to spare!
When I walked in there was nobody behind the desk. I waited. The manager sat down & claimed it was 10:42. I kindly asked her to let me into the class. I explained my situation. She would not grant me access to class. Plus I technically arrived within the grace period!!! Seriously?
Ok.if your going to be so adamant about a few minutes, especially under the explained circumstances, and your a manager… please act with decency & respect to your clients, extend a courtesy for the errors of your staff, or simply function on a level of competence when it comes to customer service. She was not capable of any of these things.
I felt so uncomfortable, I don’t want to return to this studio. Maybe it’s for the best? This exact work out can be done at several different gyms around the city. They are cheaper in cost at other places too.
Don’t waste your time here. You can’t put a price on valuable time. Bar Method Soho obviously disagrees. They can put a $ 34 price tag on your time and loyalty.

Every time I go to this location I feel like I’m being over criticized by the instructors. I understand that form is important but my body type is not one that lends itself to perfect posture or square hips — partially due to injuries.
The instructors make me want to leave the class because I get so frustrated with the constant critique. I feel as though they «pick on» a select number of students during class and don’t leave them alone about form– we get it, our form sucks, let’s move on.
The lockers are always dirty– visible dirt that I can see in the locker and the showers are nasty. Mine had a bandaid on the floor. There are NO DISPOSABLE RAZORS. I need to shave, especially if I’m going to work right after.
Overall, I used to love Bar Method but after visiting to this location, I don’t think I’m ever going back.

Firstly– I would have to agree with Cecilia W. review. I’m usually a little intimidated by any dance classes but I figured that since bar method is a few doors away from where I live I would give it a try. To compare my first visit to my third visit the customer service is terrible. On my first visit they were super friendly with loads of information and gave me the option of paying upfront for a month membership for $ 150.
My last visit which was today, before the class started I was standing outside the class doing research on my phone and this blond lady passes by me saying you need to put that away. I thought she meant to put it in my pocket or get off my phone I said OK. A few moments later everyone walks into the class and the same lady follows me and points to my phone telling me that I need to put it in my locker and follows me out the class. As she holds the door for me I said to her I just have a lot of work and she replies with an attitude (we all do). I felt like I was put on the spot for having my phone on me. I usually have my phone on me because I have a small child but I certainly don’t look at it while I’m working out.
I would have preferred if she took the time to stop walking around me and actually talk to me and said from the very beginning you can’t take your phone into the class. I would have been fine with that but following me around like a crazy person to see if she can catch me doing something against the «RULES» is unprofessional.
Will I go back after my month membership is over probably not, the workout is not that great and the staff is NOT FRIENDLY which for me is a huge deal.
You get more bees with honey.

These 60 minute classes maximize the use of my time, and started producing tangible results within the first month (I’m on month five now).
The classes offer structured variety: You move through sets of exercises (in a certain order) which focus on specific areas, but the instructors keep the exercises within each set quite varied.
The entire space is well kept, and the staff is friendly and professional.
An extra plus is not having to carry around workout gear (or rent an expensive gym storage locker) because Bar only requires clothes (no shoes) and the SoHo location offers nice products in the locker room (wash, shampoo, lotion).
I’ve visited Bar Method studios in other states and SoHo is really best in class on all levels — facilities, staff and instructors.
Awesome instructors: Amanda, Anna, Kristin, Robyn, Tiana !!
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s worth every penny.