Xtend Barre DC

This was my first barre class in DC. I had moved from Memphis where I was addicted to Cardio Barre and am on the hunt for something similar. Where it compares: they both have cardio and aspects that work every part of your body– this is what I love about both classes. They both push you to the limit, to right where you think you can’t do 1 more plié, and then you switch. What I didn’t get out of this class that I did from cardio barre is a TON of leg work. I will never have «dancer’s legs» but barre classes are probably as close as I’ll ever get, so a huge focus on legs is what I’m looking for. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty, just not quite as much. It isn’t fair to base on one class and I will definitely be back, as I’m sure different instructors have a different focus as well. I am working on getting to the other barre studios in DC to see what’s a good fit, but so far this one is standing out as a definite contender!

If you are looking for that dancers body that barre is supposed to get you — this is the place. The instructors here really know what they are doing. The class starts off high energy, with a lot of aerobic ballet moves to get your heart rate up and every part of your body working. Xtend is not like other barre studios in DC — a lot more fluid motions & ballet movements. The class flows better than other barre classes because it is not as segmented, OK now we are doing arm work, OK now we move to abs — there are clear cut areas you focus on, but I always feel like every part of the body is engaged.
Each class is different and not robotic like some other barre places, where instructors are just trained to read a script rather than instruct a class.

As a barre lover, I’ve been to plenty of different studios in DC and up and down the east coast. This is hands down my favorite barre studio! The instructors are awesome, the studio super cute, and Jrink has a shop there.

I absolutely love Xtend Barre. My friend brought me to a class one day and I quickly became obsessed. I have tried several other barre studios in DC and Xtend is by far my favorite. I also love the shaw location — the studio itself is super cute and it’s located next to La Colombe, which is great for post-​morning classes.
When I started at Xtend, I suffered from a groin/​hip injury that just wouldn’t heal. I made a physical therapy appointment that was a month away so I did Xtend in the meantime. I ended up canceling my PT appointment because my hip/​groin doesn’t bother me anymore! I credit barre with strengthening those muscles and helping me heal.
I’ve taken classes with a few of the instructors and they are all great! Everyone’s classes are challenging and fun [great playlists!] but Catherine’s morning classes and Christina’s Sunday classes are my favorite. I have no dance background [I also lack grace and coordination] and when I started, I had not worked out for months, but these classes are easy to modify to your level and comfort. I feel stronger than ever! I also love that these classes involve a good amount of cardio and really make me sweat. I highly recommend taking an Xtend class.

I’m a weight lifting gym rat gone barre/​Pilates obsessed! I love this studio!!! Sadly I can only go once a week for the early 6:45a class, but I wish I could go more! The mixture of cardio, strength and Pilates training is awesome, and the instructors always mix up the routine. My legs vibrate all day afterwards! The studio itself is modern and clean — plus a juice bar if you want to splurge post workout.

I went to a Unilocal event here two weeks ago and loved it. Location is central and easily reached by Metro. Cute place, too!
The owner/​trainer was very friendly and informative. The class was hardcore but not beyond my ability to handle, even though I am fat and over forty. I felt pretty pumped afterwards.
I bought a pair of grippy socks as well, which have become new favorites to wear around my house, which is full of hardwood floors and stairs.

Xtend Barre DC is an amazing place to work out. The best part is it’s a comfortable and chic neighborhood studio that is never too crowded or pretentious. I’ve never had an instructor that I didn’t like– they all have so much energy and keep you motivated for the entire hour. My favorites are Christina, Danielle and of course the owner, Kelly, who is so friendly but will definitely make you sweat!

I love going here because it’s only a block from my apartment and it’s the best workout at 7am. The studio is small but very cute, and every instructor I had has been fantastic! You can get JDrink there and it’s next door to La Colombe so I grab coffee and a pastry after class sometimes!

Kelly is a phenomenal instructor and love taking her classes because I know she is really going to push me while also making sure my posture and alignment are on point!

Xtend Barre DC is my new home barre studio and I could not be happier about it! I found XBDC through my Classpass membership. Classpass gave me the opportunity to try the majority of barre classes around DC, and Xtend was a fast favorite of mine from the get-​go. It didn’t take me long to decide I wanted to join the studio full time.
Not only do I like what the classes have to offer, but the studio vibe is top notch. The owner Kelly and all the instructors I’ve had the opportunity to take class from have been welcoming and genuine. And I love the location in Blagden Alley. Grabbing a coffee at La Colombe after Saturday morning class is my new routine to kick off the weekend.
If you are looking for barre classes in the area, I highly recommend Xtend Barre. Give it a try and you’ll be hooked!

Xtend Barre is a barre studio in Blagden Alley. The studio is clean, well designed, and a gentle blue/​turquoise theme. The staff were very friendly. The studio and clients seem to be a little more laid back than usual which makes for a very welcoming environment for a newcomer.
The workout is very cardio based so bring water and a towel. There is a barre and Pilates base but the movements have a tendency to be a larger and more active. The studio does require socks. I had a little trouble using sticky socks with some of the rotating movements– I might use non sticky socks the next time. I got a good workout but I did feel a bit lost due to the speed and the use of mostly ballet terms (non-​ballerina here). I would have preferred more corrections. I would return to this studio but it probably would not be my number one choice for the area. The music was very upbeat though.
This is probably the workout for those who like to keep moving.

This is a great barre studio and a great addition to the neighborhood.
The location: I love how this is hidden in the über hip alley. But it is a little hard to find. Fear not – you are in the right place when you are wandering through the construction zone and what looks, well, not like where there would be a barre studio. The studio is right near La Colombe and Rogue 24, directly next to a construction site. The entrance is tucked it a little bit, so you might not see it right away.
The workout: I have heard from others that some barre classes don’t provide a hard workout. I think Xtend is an exception – I sweat in these classes! Lots of cardio and shaking leg muscles. The moves really target tightening the booty, legs, and core. Favorite teachers are Kelly, the owner, and Catherine, who obviously has a strong dance background, but in my experience, you can’t go wrong with any of the instructors.
On the sock issue: I agree that it seems like we could all just do this class barefoot, but for some reason that is frowned upon and everyone wears «sticky» socks. I’ve found that most of the socks available (at the studio and online) are not sticky enough for all of the moves but will work generally. For a while I used the Nike barre sandals and those were better if you really don’t want to slide.
Only cons: Classes are sometimes crowded and people don’t know how to space themselves effectively in the centre. Also, I feel like the arm workout sometimes is working my traps/​neck in a less-​than-​ideal way. Luckily it is short and not with heavy weights. Lastly, there is not as much stretching as you might expect for a dance-​inspired class. You’ll still want to stretch before or after on your own.

I’ve been taking barre classes for over a year, and thanks to Classpass, I’ve been able to try lots of studios in the area. Xtend has a beautiful (though hard-​to-​find!) space, and all of the teachers I’ve had (Kelly, Sharon, and Christina) are helpful and energetic. It’s a fast-​paced class, and it incorporates a bit more cardio and dance movements than some other studios, which I like. Overall a great choice for barre students in the DC area!

I came here on classpass. It was ok. The class is much dancier than most other barre classes, so if you’ve done barre in the past you may not like the class. My other complaint was that the instructor didn’t prove many corrections. I’m on classpass, so if this is the studio that ends up having classes at times I can go, I’ll go again, it wasn’t TERRIBLE, but if it weren’t for classpass I wouldn’t be back.

The space is nice even if it’s in a back alley. It’s bright and the room is large enough for the number of people. Only downside is only one bathroom to change which is not ideal when people are coming after work.
Like most barre studios they require you to wear socks. The problem with this is that this studio has wood floors. What genius came up with this!!! Socks on wood floors that’s an awesome idea (aka lawsuit waiting to happen). I don’t really get the obsession barre studios all seem to have with people wearing socks. It’s just not necessary. Yoga and pilates studios thankfully have figured this out. I spent half the class trying to not to fall… and please, please don’t tell me I should buy your «special» overpriced socks to avoid this. No.
The workout itself was good. It’s more cardio than some other places which I liked. The instructor was nice and was giving options for different levels which I appreciated. I liked it better than some other barre classes I’ve tried as it’s more of a mix with pilates too. It’s not the most convenient for me, but I have classpass so I’ll probably be back, but I may wear my ballet shoes next time!