The Bar Method

I’m saddened that this place closed, I didn’t get to finish my groupon deal but thank God I was able to get Groupon bucks for what was left.
This place was well kept and the bathrrom had the most amazing amenities. Free tea, coffee. The bathroom was fully stocked with floss, mouth wash, shampoo, conditioner, I mean the whole works. And they provided socks for you to borrow.
I emailed the owner because I also bought a package after my groupon because I intended to continue going here but he never responded, so I lost my money.
But thanks to this place, I would like to try other barre studios.
This studio will be my standard to rate other studios.

I struggled with the rating I should give The Bar Method, because I loved the classes! If it was solely based on the classes, I would have given it a 4 or 5. I always felt a burn and I quickly saw results when I would go consistently.
I however was disappointed several times with the customer service. This last time, being the biggest. After a month and a half away from classes, I arrived at the 7:30AM class last week to closed doors. It was only today that I found out it was closed. I had 5 classes left… equivalent to $ 100.
This is not the first time I’ve lost classes, either. I had purchased 10 classes a year ago, but because of a severe knee injury, I was unable to go for 6 months. I lost all the classes, due to a policy that I was never prior informed of. As a fitness instructor myself, I make it a rule to both inform my clients in writing and verbally of my policies. I don’t remember ever being told about this policy, or it being in the contract when I initially signed the waiver with the studio. They did kind-​of remedy the situation, by allowing me to use a Groupon that I found that day to pay for my next package. But, I still had to pay, and they didn’t give me any of the classes back.
That being said, The Bar Method closing without warning, is just bad form, especially after reading the reviews of customers purchasing packages just a few days prior to closing.
I wish them well, but I also wish more businesses will learn a lesson in delivering excellent customer service, which includes transparency and honesty both with their policies and their customers.

I am also one of the VERY dissatisfied customers of The Bar Method. I have also been left «holding the bag» to the tune of $ 150 for classes that have been terminated. There doesn’t seem to be any way to get a refund and the two weeks offered by other Bar Method facilities is just not good enough. I can echo the other Unilocal reviewers. The owner will not reply to my emails. He has basically absconded with the funds.
I suggest that we all get together and file a class action claim. I will be seeking out some legal advice.

BEWARE of Bar Method. I invested in this studio this summer and had about 23 classes left on my account when they closed abruptly Jan 6^th. The head of the studio, Joey, lead us on to believe our classes were safe when he took over the Bar Method in November. He was even posting holiday specials and packages up until 5 days of his closure.
He closed his doors on us without any notice. I’ve sent him multiple emails requesting my money back. I’ve had to call the Bar Method headquarters (i.e. HQ) multiple times in order to finally get someone to talk to me about what happened. They take zero responsibility for the management of one of their own locations. HQ won’t give me my money back because each franchise is privately owned. When I bought these classes, I had invested in the Bar Method, and now I’ve lost over $ 200. I can’t have any of those classes transferred to any of the nearby studios either. I’m going to have to consider going to small claims court to get this settled. HQ told me that they can’t even reach this manager of this location– he won’t return his phone calls or emails.
They only offered us a two weeks unlimited at three nearby locations. That’s not even close to making up the loss of money I’ve had from this experience.
I can only speak of my experience at this location, but based on how poorly treated I’ve been, I won’t be returning to the Bar Method again. I took a class early on with Joey. It was my second class. He told the class at the end of the session that the only reason we’re taking this class is ‘because we all hate our bodies.’ I never took another one of Joey’s classes again. In hindsight, I should have seen that as an early warning sign and I should have gotten myself out of there as fast as possible.
UPDATE: I called my bank and I’m filling a credit card dispute claiming I did not receive the services I paid for. Apparently, I will be refunded. I recommend all those that were mistreated by Joey do this.

The owner suddenly, and without warning closed the doors of this studio… without any offer or promise to clients for reimbursement, or grace period. I had just purchased a five series class… I feel sorry for people who bought larger packages. infact, just the day before he sent his email declaring he would close the doors the very next day, there were advertisements for clients to «renew».
I loved this class very much and am quite disappointed that not only did it end so abruptly, but that many people were for lack of a better term, ‘screwed over’. The Bar Method company has offered people a complimentary two weeks at another studio in the L.A. area… at least that’s something. I assume something dreadful must have happen for them to suddenly shut down, in which case I do hope the team is ok. I just wish they would have given clients a fair warning.

Closed.

Of the many exercise disciplines I have done, The Method has had the biggest impact. My body is changing before my very eyes. Juan, Joey, and Daphne give excellent individual attention is a small class environment. There is no feeling of being just another body in the room. On the contrary, they connect with each participant.
After one class, I realized that there were muscles I was not engaging with my other exercises. The Method specifically and effectively targets important muscles for strength, flexibility, and shape.
These folks are terrific.
Clean, well appointed space.

I am in love with this class, but I also dread going… It WILL burn, you WILL stumble, your legs WILL shake, you WILL get called out on, but you will leave feeling great!
I came for the first time with a friend and after my first class, I knew I had to come back for more. Unfortunately, I don’t have a surplus of money to spend on fitness classes, so I took the slightly cheaper route and bought myself a Groupon for 10 classes. It cost me $ 85, but I figure it’d be better than buying a 1 month unlimited membership for $ 150 & go 8 times (I could only make it 2 days out of the week).
I run regularly and have been to other fitness classes like reformers pilates and pop physique, but this class destroyed me. I looked like a girl whose never lifted her knee. I was embarrassed of how unfit I was. The workout routine made me aware of parts in my body I didn’t even know were able to feel that sore.
Get ready to have some «noodle legs» as my friend likes to call them because I had a hard time keeping my legs from shaking while doing a lot of the workouts.
I’ve been to 2 classes so far, and both classes I had Joey as my instructor. He makes the class fun with his little jokes but also kicks your butt really hard. Some things to keep in mind…
1. When he says to «tuck,» you’re supposed to tuck your pelvis in. It feels and looks really awkward but that’s the proper form. Trust me, I still struggle with this. Joey CONSTANTLY comes over fixing my form. Thank you, Joey!
2. Location: It’s a little hard to find because it’s a bit hidden with no large, noticeable signs. It’s in the same plaza as Fresh & Easy. It’s in the corner. Just park and go up the stairs & walaaa~ I definitely got lost the first time I went there and drove all over incredibly angry at my Googlemaps, which kept insisting that «you are now at your destination.»
3. Bring a water bottle or one already filled with water! I’m constantly drinking water throughout the class, and I find that it helps a lot.
3. Buy a Groupon. It’s a lot cheaper and more manageable buying a 5 or 10 class pack, so that you can go whenever you have time. I, unfortunately, can’t commit to coming to this class, everyday, so I found this option a lot better.
4. On your toes means on your toes. You will shake, cry, scream, but you’ll love the burn after the class is over. If you’re not shaking, you’re most likely doing it wrong. During my first class, I was looking around thinking «Why are all the people shaking so much?» I found out I was doing the set completely wrong.
I’m going to sound crazy but I swear I’m skinnier… from one class… or maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
The only reason why I had to give this amazing place 4 stars instead of 5 was the price. It’s hard for poor college students like me to keep up with paying for these classes every month. But if you can continue paying for it after your Groupon deal & whatnot, you will absolutely LOVE this class.

I’ve been to other Bar Method studios and this one is truly the best! There are three awesome instructors — Master Joey, Classy Daphnie, and Sweet Juan. They all have different styles of teaching which helps you stay focus with the exercise and not get bored.
They all encourage you to push yourself to work harder, because they all know at the end it will be worth it. A little pain always pay off to a better body.
Master Joey is awesome! He always make you laugh during the class which helps makes to class go by faster. But don’t mess with him. :)
Daphnie and Juan are great! Both are always focused and always provide encouragement to push harder. I would love to have Daphnie’s arms one day!
If you want to get into shape and build muscles, you need to take this class. I’ve been doing it for awhile and it has help me tremendously with my lower back.
Mimsterx!

I GIGGLE AS MUCH AS I CRY.
Master Joey doles out nonstop pain and laughs, making it the most agonizing, comical, roller coaster of a workout. You find your self wanting and needing to come back for more.
Juan’s a stickler in the abs department and he lays it on thick right at the end of class when your already near to death.
Daphnie was all rainbows, unicorns and butterflies for the first few weeks… that was until she got comfortable. Yikes watch out, she’s makes you work for it now.
Not only do I love this workout I love the clean studio and the patrons. Worth every penny (2000 pennies per class to be exact!!)

Yes, I was in agonizing pain the following day but it was soooo worth it. I purchased 5 classes on living social and am looking forward to my next class. I feel like my body is really being transformed and I feel like i’m getting some tone and definition.
Joyce is really sweet and helpful – I enjoy taking her classes.

Can. Not. Lift. My. Arms.
Good lord. I forgot what a good workout this is. I work next to the Pasadena location but I prefer the Burbank one. The main reason is Joyce. Such an amazing teacher. She challenges you, but gives you encouragement the entire way. I have yet to finish a class without her correcting my stance and I’ve decided that is my new goal — to get through a class with no adjustments. I’m getting there.
Look out for special pricing throughout the year. Classes are pricey but so worth it. I’m sore everywhere. My abs, my thighs, my arms, my butt. Pretty good results for just an hour long workout, right? If you haven’t already tried Bar Method, you’re behind on the trend. Just sayin’.

I purchased the deal off Living Social last week. I’ve attended 4 classes this past week, and plan on to continue with their monthly deal of $ 100 unlimited classes for the month! Bar method gives you a total workout, and if you’re looking into leaning, tightening, and sculpting your body… this is the place to be! Within 1 week, I’ve already felt a difference! I also recommend taking Joey’s class! He’s hilarious, entertaining, and instructs very well by guiding you thru the class throughly.
The whole facility is impeccably clean, they provide socks for you, and the staff is super friendly!

I don’t even know where to begin? I am approaching my 30^th birthday in August, and have been a professional dancer since I was 15 years old. I still dance and even more so, teach dance (literally all over the world!). But, my body started shifting over the last year or 2. And though I was still in pretty great shape when I walked in to my first Bar Method class at the Burbank studio, Bar has literally changed my life and my body in a pretty major way!
I’ve only been attending classes for about 6 or 7 weeks now. And I started going 3 – 5 times a week just for about the last 4 weeks… But I am already seeing such huge shifts in my body. The «problem» areas, like my «love handles» are no longer a problem and my friends and family are all commenting on how thin and lean I look! And, I feel incredible!
All of the teachers at the studio are wonderful, and have a very different way of approaching their teaching. As a teacher myself, I appreciate and respect them all. They learn everyone’s names quickly and are very attentive, and genuinely want you to feel like you are getting the most out of your workout. They take time after classes to address any issues they may have noticed and answer your questions. Joey is definitely my fave! He is so funny and energetic and he makes the time just fly!
I have been already raving about this to my friends and on social media! And the best part about it is, it is gentle on your joints and literally anybody, of any shape, or age can do it!
I travel a lot for work, but have had a bit of time where I have been mostly home… And I am dreading the day that I’ll be gone again for a while because I’ll be missing BAr Method! I’m planning to buy the DVD, and some weights and whatnot to travel with so that I can still stick to my 3 – 5 times a week or more on the road!
Do it! You will feel incredible! And it hurts, yes… But it is just an hour!

Okay so originally I was only going to give this place 3 stars, maybe, but then I was turned around by Juan’s amazing class.
I walked in and there was some kind of foul smell lurking around the studio. It was nauseating to be exact. I walked into the small locker room built really for 4 and thought, «ugh how would I ever change in here if I had to go to work right after a class». Then I proceeded into the studio and waiting for the class to begin, I was early and checking out the place. I mean I am now rating all Bar Method studios from what I saw in the San Diego (Point Loma) studio.
Then walked in Juan, a skinny guy who I was for sure thinking to myself that he knows nothing. THEN, it was like lightening, he killed my arms, thighs, stomach and made me sweat it out. He is great. I mean one look and you think, what does he know about a woman’s body, but oh ye of little faith, he knows how to make you burn sista! He made my developing 3 star review into a 5 star Grammy!
Thank you Juan for yet another amazing Bar workout!
Read my full review on my blog.

I am beyond amped about bar method!!! I bought a groupon for 5 classes and will be continuing my membership for at least 4 more months.
I am getting married in July and wanted to make sure I tighten up all regions. Unfortunately I am just not motivated enough to go to the gym or work out alone. I have never played sports or worked out regularly but really wanted to see what my body was capable of. Thank Goodness for Bar method! It has definitely changed my life and I am even more excited to see the difference. I feel so great! Not only do I notice a difference in my flexibility (I can finally touch my toes!!!) but I’m feeling hardness in areas that have lacked in any sort of muscle.
I am so proud of myself and so is my fiancé. I’m so excited to finally have an exercise routine and be surrounded by professionals who know how to keep me motivated. Their staff is great! So THANK YOU BAR METHOD!

I just had a baby and spent the first few months toiling away at mommy & me yoga, stroller strides, swimming lessons and any other exercise groupon I could get my hands on! I wasn’t having a ton of success getting my body «back» (where exactly did it go ??) until I started at Bar Method.
I bought the 10 class groupon — BIG MISTAKE, I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT 20 CLASSES– and was immediately hooked. Not only did I enjoy the class but I was seeing RESULTS! My body started to tighten in places that I thought impossible after carrying a human being for 9 months! I started to fit back into my jeans and most importantly I had tons of energy. I finally found my exercise home!
I burned through my groupon in about 2 weeks and immediately bought more classes. Now I’m thinking of paying monthly because it would actually work out to be less. I’m going that much!
Bar is absolutely challenging but its so much fun and the results are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The studio is beautiful and has nice little touches like socks if your forgot yours and hair bands if you need one. All of the instructors are great.

I am a class enthusiast who has found some really great businesses like Wundabar studios from Groupon. This was not the case at Bar Method Burbank.
I am horrified at the customer service and abusive treatment I experienced at Bar Method at Burbank. Customer service has gone down. Way down.
In class the instructor was forcing me to do positions that made my back hurt. I kept telling him it was hurting me and could I do an adaptation since it was hurting me.
He militantly told me NO and kept pressuring me to do it in a way that made me feel unsafe. Another woman had the same problem. I’m all about corrections, but this guy was just rude and was not hearing my concerns AT ALL.
Here is the thing, I know my body, and I know my limitations much more than this instructor. It seemed like much more of an ego thing than caring about my safety or getting a good work out.
He scolded me in front of the entire class that if I didn’t do the exercise exactly as he said he would force me to leave the class.
I told him it was really hurting me and every other place lets you make adaptations.
Long story short, after being harassed, I left. I spoke to the manager Joey and he acted like he could care less, and told me to go get a refund from Groupon, and that is EXACTLY what I am going to do.
Bar Method Burbank ownership, manager and staff are RUDE.
In this day and age, there are plenty of other great options who APPRECIATE clients like CARDIO BARRE, and POP PHYSIQUE and WUNDABAR. They know how to treat and value their clients and that is where my money will go.

3.5 Stars. I took 3 classes here because of Groupon. Coming here after going to Cardio Barre was quite a change. Cardio Barre is all about going fast, fast, fast and you get no chance to even know if you’re doing things right. Bar Method is the complete opposite. It’s all about making sure you’re doing things right, slowly, intensely, but surely. To ensure that, teachers will call you out by name when you’re doing things wrong. I have some friends who didn’t like Bar Method as much because of this. I think it depends on the teacher you have; the ones I had were nice about it so it never felt too bad.
The facilities are very nice and the overall atmosphere reminded me of a yoga studio; it’s all about being calm and serene. The classes were pretty full when I went but it never felt like it was too crowded. Since it’s in a strip mall parking was never a problem.

I took advantage of the $ 59 for $ 95 Unilocal Deal and got the 5 class series (such a great deal — dropped the usual cost down from $ 19 to $ 11.80 per class).
I typically go on Saturdays at 9am which are taught by Juan Barba. He is such a bright, happy teacher which is something we definitely need when dragging ourselves to class on a weekend morning. To be honest, I don’t seem to burn as many calories in these classes as I have in other locations (on average I burn 400-​ish at the West LA or Marina del Rey location and about 300 in Burbank). That said, I’m not necessarily here to be a calorie burning fiend but to work on my tone and flexibility. This is a great strengthening class with some of the most entertaining and fun teachers who will make the hour of pain fly by.
Take advantage of the deals offered (intro special, Unilocal deals, etc.) and give this place a try. Your poor thighs and butt may hate you but you’ll walk out with a satisfied smile.