The Bar Method

Tuck. Tuck. Tuck.
you don’t need to have a background in ballet or have a ballerina body to do this class. The whole concept behind The Bar Method’s barre class is to target muscles that play the greatest role in body change. They will keep these muscles working intensely throughout the whole class. In between sets and during the cool down you will intensely stretch each muscle worked to make it look and feel longer and leaner.
You will hear the word «tuck» at almost any studio you go to, and I do not like how much it is incorporated here at The Bar Method. They use a lot of the same concepts that they do at Pure Barre (and I am not a fan of Pure Barre either).
Anyway, a tuck is a key concept in barre, the tuck is part of the secret to sculpted thighs and seat. You may even hear this instruction during your ab exercises. It simply means to pull your hips forward while drawing your abs back. When you tuck, the arch in your lower back will disappear, elongating your tailbone. They say that this can make any exercise feel harder and therefore show more results, so embrace the tuck. IMO it just looks like a pelvis thrust. I never know if I’m doing this right and no one ever comes around and corrects anyone during their tucks. This is supposed to be a micro-​movement so small they no one can tell you are doing it, again, what’s the point then?
I liked my instructor, she was awesome. Made sure to know who all of the people were. She gave everyone shout out and corrections during class. I like a lot of corrections. I want to know if I am doing something right or wrong. If it’s not right, fix me! Help me! One thing there needs to be more of is modifications. Just give me a modification right away. Sometimes I can’t lift my leg to the barre, I’m not that flexible.
I read a lot of reviews about not being allowed water into the studio if it was in a bottle that wasn’t in a clear bottle. I think they stray away from this. During my tour I was told only water in a clear bottle into the studio, but when I walked in there were three water bottles that were opaque, but were pink, blue and orange.
I also am not a fan of having carpeting in a barre studio. Sure I am wearing socks, but when I am planking I am slipping and sliding all over the place. If it wasn’t for CP, I wouldn’t have come here. I am happy I gave it a try, but I’d rather go to Xtend and sweat my face off and leave the tucks out of my workout.
I’ve been around the block at barre studios before and this is something that I just don’t understand. I know you need a warm up, but honestly, what’s the point? If you’re late to class, they’ll still let you in, but you have to start with the warm up regardless of where we are in the class.

I really enjoy the Bar Method and have been so excited that they’ve joined ClassPass. The instructors are my favorite part of class — they call out adjustments and encouragement by name, as well as walk around class to give hands-​on fixes. I love the personalized attention — I know I’m getting the most out of each move and know I’m not going to hurt myself.
The studio itself is nice as well. I’ve heard some are put off by the carpet and mats, but I really enjoy them. The carpet is soft and padded and has always been clean. The same goes for the mats, risers, and mini mats. I’ve only attended 6am classes, and have easily been able to find street parking on 9^th St NW. However, I’d imagine it’d be tough to find street parking if you’re not there that early.

I’ve been coming here since July ’15. Not sure why it’s taken me so long to write this review! However, I love this place! The teachers remember your name, the studios are clean and they have the best cancellation policy around. Fav instructors: Becca, Tricia, Soriana, and Miriam. Miriam is intense, beware!

Not sure why I have never gotten around to reviewing this place, but here goes! I got the unlimited pass here when I lived in Chinatown and OH is it worth it!!! The classes never disappoint, the instructors have great energy are motivated and will kick your booty. Honestly, I was in the best shape ever when I went here. They also a number of classes so I could easily arrange it so if I could start the day late, I could make an early barre class, and if I had a stressful day, I could end it with a barre class and feel a million times better. They also have the best cancellation policy around-​1 hour-​so that gives you time to cancel if you know you can’t make it. I love these guys so much that I moved to LA this year, but am making a point to visit the Bethesda studio when I visit in February for a training :) I would single out instructors but they really are all wonderful. If I had to, I suppose Alex, Kate G and Kate A, Becky, Becca, Brooke, Ok they’re all great :)

love the shake

This is the best workout ever! I have taken classes here for almost three years and the workout is consistently challenging. It never becomes boring. It’s a full body workout that lasts an hour and you will find yourself getting stronger and leaner with each class. For anyone that rides horses, it really does help with your thigh/​seat strength and balance which is of the utmost importance. I credit these classes with preventing from me from taking a bad fall earlier this year when my horse went from calm to crazy in a millisecond. She bucked me three times, very big bucks – with her head to the ground and the backside in air and I stayed aboard even when one foot slipped out of the stirrup! The friends I was riding with were impressed. I was like the bar method! That’s why I didn’t fall! All that thigh and seat work was so worth it! The instructors are always telling you to work hard in class and to «impress yourself». They really encourage you, which is wonderful. Admittedly, I always get a little lazy with the push-​ups in class, but they always catch me and tell me my toes are calling. :) The owner Kate is very nice as well as all of the instructors. No matter what your fitness level, I would highly recommend these classes to anyone! I am moving from DC and will truly miss the bar method. They have really set the standards high, or shall I say they set the bar high?

Sadly, I would have to take down one star because of the rigid management. However, the instructors are amazing and engaging, so 5 stars to them.

Pros:
— Instructors correct your form so you get the most out of the exercise
— Good for strengthening muscles
— Clean studio
— Instructors are nice.
Cons:
— Not very social. Classes aren’t fun — people don’t talk to each other. (Though the silence helps with focusing on the class)
— Way too expensive.
Overall, I wanted to try barre for the longest time and was satisfied with the classes. However, I’m not sure I saw much difference in my body after 6 – 7 classes. Plus the cost was too much of a deterrent. And personally I prefer Pilates over Barre.

love this little place!
i was in the midst of walking the five blocks between my bus stop and work and came upon a little sign advertising the new client special — $ 84 for a month of unlimited classes. that was on friday. on monday, i took a 4:40 AM bus in order to attend a 6:00 AM class. on tuesday, i committed to a month of classes. that’s how it went.
so, i’ll start with pros:
— rachel n. i adore her.
— the place is very cute and clean.
— there are showers equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. there are also towels, hair dryers, and q-​tips. it’s seriously like a hotel!
— convenience. this is specific to me (it’s very close to where i work), but truly it’s a huge factor.
— the price isn’t bad if you just don’t think about it.
— i always feel really really good after class.
and, there are a few cons:
— the classes are very structured, which of course is to be expected, but is good to keep in mind if you generally prefer working out on your own.
— some of the instructors are a bit pedantic which can be frustrating; others have that stereotypical preppy fitness instructor personality. my advice: figure out who you like and stick with them.
overall, i’m really happy with the bar method! you should try it!

I’m obsessed with this place. I’ve been going for a month or so (not every day but 4 times a week) and I can honestly say I really really love this place. I always feel comfortable walking into class and the fact that the instructor knows who I am personally and takes time to make adjustments, give compliments or critiques makes the workout even better. The entire hour is non stop sweat your butt off but such a good workout. I feel so accomplished after. Even though it’s pricey for a monthly membership you are not locked in for a year and you can leave whenever you want to. I’m not leaving! I love this workout and the instructors!

I love Barre workouts, it’s a really effective, full-​body workout! The Bar Method definitely has a cult following, the classes I’ve been to have been wall-​to-​wall packed.
One if the best workouts ever! I’m an active girl and the day after my first workout my muscles ached all over. It’s a full-​body workout, I was sore in places I didn’t even know had muscles!
The downside is the obvious steep price. This place is far from affordable. I wish the drop in classes were cheaper and I would take the classes way more often!

I’ve taken barre classes before but the classes here was unbelievably hard! The teachers surprisingly knew everyone’s name and really gave individual attention. Really what makes this studio so great is the fantastic instruction level and care for detail in form correction of students. Everyone here is really nice. They play fun upbeat music and no two classes have the same moves. They have 2 studios at this location and one is well lit from the street light. The studios are carpeted yet everyone is wearing the barre socks which regulars end up getting free. There’s a lot of pushups and planks so expect toned arms! I went here daily for a month and while I didn’t lose any weight, the space between my thighs widened. I liked that they offered lotion in the locker room but would have also liked to see pony tail holders. I would have loved to purchase a monthly membership but unfortunately it’s too expensive for me. A Vida membership is about half the price and includes barre classes.
I understand they need to be strict about no-​shows, and I’m a reliable person, but I was on the waitlist for a class and they let me know 2 hours beforehand that I was in, so apparently it’s my fault I don’t check my email hourly and thus was hit with an email saying they will deduct money from my account. If you’re going to give me short notice that I’m off the waitlist I don’t think it’s fair to punish me for not going.

I adore Bar Method. I started out at Pure Barre because it was closer to my house. I thought was great, until I tried Bar Method.
Why did I switch? Pure Barre was more expensive and to get their discounted price (which was still more), they made you sign a one year contract (that couldn’t be broken under ANY circumstance). Plus they didn’t have as many class offerings or a place to change, shower, etc.
I’ve been doing Bar Method for three months now and I just love it. As many of these reviews will say, it just keeps on getting more challenging, in a great way! Not to mention I have seen such results to my figure. After I turned 30 I just thought I could just forget about the figure I had in my 20’s. I had tried so many exercises and nothing seemed to be getting rid of the extra weight that was creeping up on me. Bar changed that. I feel so good (and I’m back down to the same size I was in my twenties), but even more incredibly, I feel SO strong!!! Never in my life did I think I’d be able to do 30 on toes push-​ups. Now I can.
I like it so much in fact that I’ve been reaching another goal that I’ve wanted to achieve for years– I’ve been exercising before work! It sets the tone for the rest of the day and has been such a treat. I can’t believe I’m finally doing it!
The instructors are wonderful and they spend so much time tweaking your form so that you get the most out of your workout. They do an fantastic job of training their teachers.
The facilities are nice and they have showers (which is a rarity) that are clean. The whole place just feels «right.» I also love how involved the owner Kate is. She regularly teaches classes (which are challenging and amazing). Plus she makes herself accessible and it’s obvious that she really cares about her business. I can’t say enough good things about the place.
I guess the only downside is that it’s expensive (like all bar classes out there). It’s a little difficult to justify spending that kind of money on exercise but I like to think of it in a variety of ways. To start, spending 175/​month now means not spending an outrageous amount on medical bills later in life (with any luck). Or, I think of it like the same expenses if I was getting coffee or lunch out everyday. I make my coffee and lunch so I can spend that cash on feeling great. On a more superficial note, if someone said I could have the body I wanted for 175/​month, would I do it? You bet. So I do.
I’m so thankful for Bar Method. Thank you guys!

So I lived to tell the tale of my 1^st Bar Method workout. I was persuaded by my lovely workout partner that I should take this class.
***Disclaimer: I am no ballerina/​taken a ballet class/​wore a tu-​tu as a child***
We arrived at the Sunday 9am class, a little early (as requested) and met by 2 smiling face (instructor, Rachel S. & Susan).
Susan gave me the tour/​talk about the facility, she was very friendly and informative. And then the «fun» began, I didn’t know what to expect as the class participants were ushered into a large mirrored room complete w/​ballet bar & equipment. Warm up began, stretching & an hour of isolated muscle work. I thought I was going to die but didn’t. I really appreciated Rachel S, assisting me with correct posture and demo-​ing the postures for the beginners.
Against my shakey legs and better judgement I have signed up for the «Giving Thanks!» (30 days unlimited classes) package. The day after I do feel some tightness in my thighs, shoulder blades & lower back but nothing painful enough to keep me from going tomorrow!

One if the best workouts ever! The day after my first workout my muscles ached all over. Felt like I had lifted weights. You know that bitter sweet feeling because you feel accomplished while at the same time you’re trying to figure out how to raise your arms high enough to be able to brush your teeth. Ouch! I would definitely return.
When I initially walked in, I felt a little out of place. I was not the smallest girl in the room and I wasn’t one of the regulars. That feeling quickly disappeared. The staff was friendly and made a point to call me by name as if I has been attending class forever. They gave the appropriate level of feedback and corrections while in class. Love it.

Ah, I finally took a barre class after months of chickening out. I took the level one class with my sister (who has a membership). The instructors were super nice and like a person said in a prior review, they didn’t try to sell you a membership. They made me feel assured that the classes are great and the facility was great, but none of that «oh but with this, blah blah, buy buy.»
During the class, they’ll call out your name if they see you need help; she said it in a genuine voice of trying to help rather than making me feel embarrassed. I was on a struggle bus once we started using the bar. My legs were shaking and all. The instructor came over to help me individually which pushed me to try harder to have correct form.
My only complaint is that the locker room is super small (but I guess you can’t really help that in DC real estate, eh?).

Pros:
— clean facility
— instructors are very fit and motivating
— easy to sign up and cancel classes online
— no sales pitch on your face
— attend 4 – 5 classes a wk, you’ll see your body transform!
Cons:
— price
— studio rooms smell bad

What a class! If you’re looking for a high-​energy, fun class that will whip your butt in shape, Bar Method is a great option.
I like yoga, but sometimes the whole calming, «set your intentions» environment isn’t exactly what I’m looking for when wanting a good work out. Bar Method offers a new way to workout by only using your body and different techniques that isolate, strengthen and tone those trouble areas. Don’t worry if you’re not dripping in sweat after every class, because your body definitely sees results.
The locations are clean and have showers/​lockers on site. The actual studios are set-​up much like dance studios, with ballet bars on the edge (these are your frienemies as the classes’ most intense portion of the workout is done here but you see results!). The instructors are energetic and despite the large class size, really focus on each individual during the class — correcting and encouraging the entire time.
In my experience, the first class was really tough, I had to keep breaking during each portion of the work outs and my muscles were shaking by the end. But I wasn’t just neglected in the corner to sit and watch, the instructor came by and really pushed me and helped me out — which was encouraging. I went consistently and after 2 – 3 classes — I saw results, it was awesome!
I love the energy and different exercise techniques offered each class. Bar Method is a great option if you’re looking for a more lean and tone body. Don’t be scared of getting «bored» or «too advanced» after awhile because the instructors usually remember you and will challenge and push you to new heights. Definitely can’t wait to try the Houston location!

As a former very serious ballet dancer, Bar Method is nothing like ballet class. And, in reality, you don’t do all that much at the barre here. So while my expectations of what classes here would be like were off base, the classes are kick ass. And yes, the classes will literally kick your ass.
These classes definitely don’t feel like just an hour. I usually leave feeling like I’ve been exercising really hard for like 5 hours. And I’m always tempted to hail a cab instead of walking home.
Don’t be fooled, this is a serious workout. It’s not a bunch of girly stretching, as my boyfriend puts it. And it’ll work out every part of your body in a major way.
The instructors are great. The classes are great. The space itself is nice. And the prices aren’t too terribly bad. In sum, I’ve found my workout place. If you hate gyms and want a fabulous workout that will keep you toned with no pretentiousness, this is your place.

I visited the bar method in DC while at a conference. It is super close to the Grand Hyatt which is nice.
I was given a mini tour upon arrival at the studio. I found the studio to be very well organized and clean. The workout room itself has super soft carpet– I would recommend getting their socks or bringing hospital style socks to avoid slipping and sliding at points on the carpet during the class.
The instructor was excellent. I did 60% of the exercises wrong, but no worry she corrected every one. I am also a chunky monkey and not super flexible so I looked a lot less ballerenia like than others, but that’s ok, we all excel in different ways. The instructor worked very well with an injury I have. Others have commented that the corrections are embarrassing, but I am sure everyone has been there at one point.
I found the other students to be friendly, although they were not super talkative which is likely because they were working hard as well.
I don’t think I would have made it through this very challenging (hard!) workout had it not been for the encouragement of the instructor and the fact that everyone else in the room was pushing it too!
I would recommend giving this studio a try; they have killer workouts, but they’ll help you through.

Went back last week. (I continue to take Pilates at Yogaspace in the interim.) Different instructor, slightly different routine, same attention to form to prevent injuries and maximize results. I wasn’t nearly as sore afterwards. I plan to buy the 10 class package because I’m officially hooked. Really, this review is just an excuse to rave about BMeth some more.
UPDATE — I forgot to actually finish this follow up review. I haven’t been back since this second class but I plan to go tomorrow. I just want to add I cannot wait for their Bethesda studio to open. It will be much easier for me to get there after work and D.C. needs more Bar Method!