The Bar Method

I have been going to the Bar Method for close to four years, and needless to say I’m a a fan.
The workout is effective, safe, and intense. It is not one of those heart-​pumping workouts that have you covered in sweat after, but it will challenge every inch of your body, coordination and body awareness.
Like a lot of other barre-​based workouts, the Bar Method utilizes isometric small movements to build strength focusing on one muscle group at a time. You use lights weights (2 – 3 pounds typically; on a good day I’ll use 4 lbs for bicep curls) and your body weight as resistance, and perform longer reps than other weight exercises with heavier weights.
I have been a pretty active my entire life with a background in ballet. The Bar Method has helped me developed upper body strength that I never had, and also carve out my hamstrings and glutes better than anything I have done in my life. Also, the focus on form truly helps me with mind-​body connection. After going to the Bar Method consistently for over three years (at least 3 to 4 times a week), I still find the workout challenging and get sore after a good class.
I read a couple reviews and want to acknowledge a couple points:
1. They call you out — The teachers are trained to learn your names. The point of calling out your name is give you personal attention, and provide personal correction. It is not meant to be mean. If you are a new /​newer client and have never done barre, EXPECT to be called out and corrected. Barre-​based exercise is all about form, and getting into the correct form is crucial in achieving the results. If not, you will end up wasting your precious hour by doing exercises that might do more harm than good.
2. It seems kind of easy? — Barre-​based workout typically uses small isometric movements to exhaust your muscles. The level of difficulty is highly dependent on your form, mind-​body awareness and how mentally focused you are. For newbies, certain exercise may seem «easy» as the ideal form has not been achieved. I have done the Bar Method consistently for a while, and I still have a-​ha moments when a teacher corrects my form all the time. I always say the Bar Method gets harder the more you understand the workout.
3. It is expensive — Yes, it is expensive and I fully appreciate not everyone is willing or able to shell out the money. However, the Bar Method teachers are highly trained and very knowledgeable and in group fitness classes, your results is directly correlated with how good the teachers are. You are also part of a dedicated community that will hold you accountable. The high price also holds me accountable personally to make my membership worth the price. To me, the price can be viewed as a positive and a negative. Of course, this is a highly personal decision and only you can decide if it is worth the price.
I truly believe everyone can benefit from some type of barre-​based exercise, and the Bar Method is the place to go to with highly trained and knowledgeable instructors who focus on getting you in the best form. I have gained physical strength, mental tenacity, and a community that is encouraging. I truly encourage everyone to give this a try and don’t get frustrated after the first class.

I was a Bar Method client for over a year and started attending right after moving to Chicago. For me, it was great because I had never truly worked out before so the fact that they emphasize form was perfect. I went to class about 2 – 3 times a week (less than the 4x a week they recommend) and absolutely saw changes in my body.
The staff and instructors were for the most part all fantastic. The only complaint I would make is that some instructors (certainly not all) are overly critical and do not spend enough time giving positive feedback. Especially for someone who attended class regularly and frequently, I would have assumed that some instructors would have realized what my personal physical limitations were and not have tried to force me wildly beyond them.
I likely would have stayed a client indefinitely had they not raised their prices in October. Considering what I could pay at other studios (on a class by class basis, almost $ 10 less), it no longer made sense for me to stay with the Bar Method. With the amount of competitors in the space, I was surprised that they raised their prices to nearly Soul Cycle level.
I now attend a different barre studio and LOVE it, but definitely give credit to the Bar Method because I think it is the perfect studio to give you the correct foundation with form. I doubt I would enjoy my new studio as much had I not learned the correct form at BM.
Overall, I would recommend the Bar Method, but before you commit to it make sure that you check out other barre classes! The Bar Method pace is pretty slow and each class has the same format, so if you are looking for more variation, BM isn’t the place for you.

Horrible customer service. Goofed up the class time and jumped in a cab only to arrive outside class 7 minutes late and be denied entry… Even after a phone call to the location to notify them of my mix up. Spoke to receptionist rebecca and manager Catherine and still no flexibility about entering the class. Said it was for my benefit because I missed warm up. Anyone who has taken this class knows that knee lifts for a 30 second count can quickly be made up. Very disappointed in how this issue was handled.

I took their class back in July through classpass. Finally writing this review now because I’ve been to many studios since then, and I have something to compare with to say that I had the worst newbie experience ever at this Bar Method.
When I go to a new studio, I research the heck out of the place – read the reviews, find out if they have showers, what types of classes they offer – so I know what to expect. Based on the reviews and what I’ve heard from friends about the Bar Method, I was so really looking forward to my first class.
On the day of my class, I got there early – earlier than the instructor. The girl at the front desk was nice, greeted me and explained where things were. I went in to the studio and decided to wait there until the instructor arrived. When she arrived, she started chit chatting with the receptionist in the lobby area and never cared to check in with me before the class.
Once the class started, she clearly knew my name and I was the only newbie in class, because I would get my name called out throughout the class, which I expected from the review. When she came by to correct my form she would do it so forcefully to a point I almost fell. The way she instructed simply felt mean and annoyed by the fact that I was new. That sentiment continued throughout the class. It would have been a lot more different experience if she spent 2 min introducing herself before the class.
I left the class feeling miserable and let down. Not the feeling you want to get for getting up early. Never going back.

Not a fan. I’ve been doing class pass now for four months. This was one of the first studios I tried simply because of the location being so close to work. I’m glad I didn’t give up on barre because I Love it now! Pure barre, barre code, Dailey method, enrgi fitness– go to those places if you want a constructive instructor who doesn’t call you out a thousand times in front of everyone. Come up and adjust me if my form is bad. Don’t scream my name at 7am. I wish I could go back here because it would be so convenient. But I won’t.

The Loop is pretty much a fitness wasteland, so having The Bar Method in the Loop is a real treat. The studio is on the second floor and leverages little movements to get big results.
I am forever surprised how challenged I am by these workouts. The better your technique, the more challenging it seems to get. The instructors are very hands on and the studio is clean and professional.

I started out here on the 30 day unlimited new client special and was immediately hooked. I have tried out other bar classes around the city, but I really like the technique of these classes and have already started to see some results after going a few times a week. The studio is clean and the front desk and instructors are super friendly. I always like getting my bar time in during the week now!
Also a plus is that you can use your membership or class packages at all their Chicago studios, you don’t have to just choose one studio to use your classes at.

This place has such great reviews that I was expecting something great. Maybe that was my downfall right there.
Let me first say that The Bar Method has many good aspects about it — it’s is very clean, friendly, and welcoming. The facility has nice showers, free lockers, and an overall nice feel to it. Sitting in the room waiting for the class to start, I really thought I was going to love this class.
And then the class started. The teacher put on her headset, started the music, and immediately began calling out students’ names to correct what they were doing. At first, I was super impressed that she remembered everybody’s name! But then, it began to feel really bad to have my name called. «Talia, squeeze your glutes harder. Talia, soften your knees. Talia, get your heels higher.» Any moment that she wasn’t calling out an exercise name, she was calling out someone for doing something wrong. I’m a workout instructor as well, so I certainly understand the need to correct improper form and to keep people safe, but I believe that there’s never any reason to correct somebody in front of everyone else. If she wanted me to bend my knees, she could have come over to me and told me to bend my knees. I try to use names in my class, but only to say positive things like «Great form, Talia».
At one point in class, I didn’t understand what we were supposed to be doing, so I paused and looked behind me to see what other people were doing (she had placed me at the front of the class). She immediately yelled out «Talia, we don’t take breaks in the middle of sets!» WOWWWWW. Seriously? Even if I was taking a break because I was tired, there is NEVER any reason to call someone out like that. Instead, she could have been encouraging and said «Keep pushing! Tell yourself you can do it!»
And then, there was the matter of her physical adjustments. I don’t have very good flexibility in the front of my hips. I can lift my leg above my head to the side, but when it comes to my front hip flexors, I’m as tight as they get. In order to squat, my shoulders have to come a bit forward, otherwise I start to get shooting pains in my hips. But apparently that’s not the Bar Method way. She came back to me over and over again to push my hips forward and my shoulders back. At one point, she actually used all of her body force to push me into a position that my body clearly could not do. Hasn’t she ever heard that not all bodies are built the same way?
The teacher aside, even the exercises in class seemed pointless to me. There were some normal, good exercises like pushups, crunches, and weight exercises. But the use of the ballet bar just seemed forced. There was a whole series where we had to sit under the bar on a mat and lift one leg up while holding onto the bar. Maybe I just didn’t understand how to do it, but all I got out of it was a sore hip flexor and the feeling that I was being duped into paying money to work out in a room with a bar.
Maybe I’ll try another bar/​barre studio sometime, but after that class, I’m unimpressed.

I love Bar Method. The studios are clean, the instructors warm and very well trained. I have lifted weights, was an aerobic queen in the 90’s, was a runner for years and have a plethora of running type injuries/​aches and pains, injured my knee kickboxing and had a broken collarbone two years ago that still aches, but the class is so low impact that it does not hurt me at all. I could tell the difference in my body in two weeks and now in a month I am proud to say that my butt now resides where it should!!! It is not a cheap class but it shows results immediately! I’m the type of person that needs «witnesses» so gyms don’t always work for me. I feel stronger, taller and longer and more fit just after one month. I go 3 – 4 times a week. Everyone there is wonderful!!!

The bar method has been my workout for about 5 months and I notice a huge difference. I feel so much stronger. The classes take a few weeks to get used to, because the most important part of the classes is the technique.

I am a fan because I LOVE this workout. I wish, however, that the Loop location will ADD CLASSES during the lunchtime hours and at 5 pm. I do not understand why the owner does not – the classes I go to have been JAM PACKED lately – to the point it makes the class uncomfortable and makes certain exercises impossible for instructors to include. Plus, there are TWO studios in the facility – so why not stagger the class times to always have both rooms in use.
I hope they add classes to the schedule.

Workin out the booty!

Oh my goodness me! In my 29 years on earth, I have never looked forward to working out… ever. In fact I’d dread it. I have now gone to both the Loop and Gold Coast locations and I count down the minutes to sprint out of work and head to The Bar Method! I’m absolutely in love.
The instructors are attentive, encouraging, and so darn sweet. I can already tell I’m getting stronger and more flexible after 2 weeks. I’ve been going 4 times a week and can’t wait to see the results in a few more months! I’m hoping to finally have a butt for the first time in my booty-​less life. I also think I’m seeing my first bicep! whoop whoop!
I actually enjoy the fact that they call my name out during class either to say «great straight back!» or «lift your shoulders more, straighten your leg more, keep going!» as I am the type of person that if I’m by myself I tend to stop once it starts hurting and say «meh, that’ll do». This is the first workout class that I’ve ever looked at the clock and said «oh my god, only 10 minutes left??» vs. «oh dear god… 50 minutes left». The time flies by which I thought was an impossible feat.
Yes it’s expensive, but there’s a reason for it. I have paid for gym memberships that I never used more times than I can count and I’m already getting my money’s worth through these classes.

I can’t even put into words how addicted I am to this place. I fell in love the minute I walked in!
To start they are very organized and super clean facility.
Their rigorous routine is seen in every instructors dictation and demeanor.
Every trainer is super nice and knows their posture and positions very well.
These classes can whip you into shape in no time. After just 2 weeks you will start to see results. I made it a ritual to go everyday and challenge myself to their routines as I pushed my body’s limits and core.
I am a workout junky and am always trying something new because my attention span is short for routine workouts but this routine made me feel really good about myself as I saw the progress of my flexibility and my body trimming down.
I highly recommend the Bar Method to anyone looking to trim down from every angle possible.

I’ve heard great things about Bar Method, and finally got an opportunity to try a couple classes while in town for the holidays. Studio is in a great location right in the Loop, and the facility itself is great, very clean with nice touches (rugs outside of the shower, full containers of lotion in the bathroom, locks provided for all the lockers, etc)
The class itself was tough, but I expected it. Didnt realize a 3lb weight could get my triceps burning, but they did! Each class touches on all of the major body parts, but I was most impressed by the ab sequence. I could feel my sore muscles a couple days after I took my classes. And yes, the instructors definitely called me out (multiple times) in both classes I took, but it wasnt embarassing, and I was glad for the hands on instruction (both instructors literally had to arrange my body appropriately at times)
Plus, on the admin side, I made the appointment on the first day for myself and my sisters. One of my sisters bailed the day, and they didnt end up charging me (which I expected). Great reception, killer class, and nice facility… will definitely be attending another class when I’m back in the area.

Best workout EVER. This review is long overdue, as I have been a regular client for 2 years. The class is an hour. You start with leg lifts to get your heart rate going. Then move right to weights. Working your biceps with 2 or 3 lbs weights. You get fatigued quickly but it feels good. Triceps dips along with pushups close out arms.
Next round is calf raises. You will definitely feel the «BURN» here. Thigh is the most intense part of class. I still shake like crazy but getting through this part of class is mostly mental. Go down as low as you can to really feel this.
Seat lifting is next. Your behind will hurt for days but again, it feels great! Abs close out the last 15 min of class.
You will be exhausted and feel like you have literally worked each and every muscle in your body.
The instructors will call you out by name and will adjust your posture accordingly to maximize all the effort your making. The variety of exercises definitely makes the class more fun and keeps things interesting. You will never have a class that was the same as the previous day.
I love the hands on approach and individual attention that is given. Each and every one of the instructors are friendly, personable and helpful (Alissa, Sarah M., Lindsay, Lindsey, Lis, Caroleen, Kathy, Taylor, and Stephanie are just some of the amazing ladies)
Like I said before, this is the BEST WORKOUT EVER. My body has gotten so strong and completely changed for the better! I am toned everywhere and I love it.
Bar Method for life! :)

I heard about The Bar Method from a friend who attends regularly, but was still reluctant to plunk down all that $$$ just to workout (clearly I’m not THAT dedicated). I received a «one-​month unlimited» gift certificate ($ 100 new client special) for my birthday and by the end of my first class I was HOOKED! From the moment you walk through the door, you are warmly greeted and made to feel like a valued customer.
Every studio, every front desk girl, every instructor is just SO nice. Studios are modern, clean and filled with amenities (lockers, showers, shampoo/​conditioner, lotion, towels, curling irons, blow dryers, straighteners) to make it easier for you to get ready for the rest of your day/​night after your workout.
Are you called out during class? Yes. But it’s definitely constructive criticism and will only help with your form.
Are you going to sweat up a storm and be gasping for air? No. But it’s still challenging and you will DEFINITELY feel the burn the next day. A GOOD burn.
Individual classes are $ 20 so if you’re still on-​the-​fence, I highly recommend trying out a class. I’m certain you’ll be hooked!
Only negative: prices are STEEP which is really making me evaluate whether I would continue and opt for the four-​month contract (there’s a «contract» if you decide to do auto pay).
TIP: Arrive 15 minutes early for your first class. Wear pants below your knees and socks for each class.

The Bar Method is totally not my type of workout. You don’t sweat. There are no men. The only weights are 2 and 3 pounds. And it may be the most feminine work out I’ve ever experienced.
But I reluctantly agreed to join a friend for class.
60 minutes later: yup, still not my type of workout. BUT, I’m rating the business, not the method (har. har. get it?) Here, this studio excels. From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted and welcomed. It’s always a bit nerve-​wracking being the new girl, but the instructor introduced herself, asked about my background etc. And while they do call you out throughout the entire class (and yes, I pretty much did everything wrong), it’s done very constructively. Afterwards, they will check in with you and encourage you to come back, etc.
The facility is modern, clean, and a great location for those working in the Loop area. Overall, it’s a well-​oiled machine. It is a bit pricey at $ 20/​class, or about $ 175 per month (there is a new member special for $ 100 for the first month), but its no more than any other yoga studio or Crossfit gym. It may not be my thing, but its certainly a place to check out to see if it’s yours.

Free class?! Count me in! (See link above!)
It’s already 4 hours after my first Bar Method class… and I hurt. A whole lot. Stairs are NOT my friend right now. *sigh*
I was expecting a snobby attitude at the studio, but it is very non-​judgmental. One of the employees warmly greeted us, introduced us to our instructor (Stephanie, I think?) and gave us a quick tour of the studio. (Locker room is clean and nice… showers, free lockers, hairdryers, lotion, etc.)
Stephanie was BEYOND friendly, helpful and encouraging. The class is a little fast paced, but it was easy to follow along with Stephanie’s movements. She told me how to correct my positions and even came over a couple times to actually adjust my poses. Yes, she amazingly knew everyone’s name in class and yes, she wore a headset… but I didn’t feel like I was being ‘called out’ at all. Any and all help is appreciated, ya know?
You don’t use weights too much in this class (as compared to The Dailey Method). It’s probably only like 10 minutes of working out with the weights. The majority of the time is spent at the barre. I like working at the barre, although there were multiple points in class where my legs were shaking so much that I wanted to burst into tears. (Ahhh, good times.) Towards the end of the hour, you move to work on your mat and do push-up’s… and then you think that things will calm down a bit. Nope, wrong! You will continue to hurt.
But…it’s a good feeling.
Sign me up for class #2!
FYI:
–You can’t schedule your free class online, so call ‘em up to reserve your spot early!
–Kinda expensive at $ 20/​class, but they have a new client special at $ 100 for an unlimited month;
–Remember to bring socks and wear pants that go past your knees!

If you had asked me prior to the Groupon deal if I would love The Bar Method, I would’ve bet money that I would. In fact the only reason I didn’t take advantage of their new client special was budgetary in nature.
I’m glad I took advantage of the Groupon; for $ 20, I got to attend 2 classes. At this point I see it as saving $ 80 because I don’t see myself returning. If I’d spent $ 100, I would’ve been begrudgingly going just to get my money’s worth — that’s how I roll. So why no 5 stars and no return visit?
On the one hand the staff was friendly and the classes were challenging. Considering the quality of the workout, I surprisingly didn’t leave class sweaty (I’m a sweat hog). They have online registration and overflow classes, which means you can usually get into a workout pretty easily. Also, the facilities are nice — plenty of lockers for your stuff, showers, etc. The only thing I didn’t care for, facility-​wise, were the carpeted studio rooms. working out + carpet = gross
On the other hand, I just did not enjoy these classes. First, I found being referred to by name by a mic’d instructor very annoying. You will get called out in class; if you’re new you will get called out a lot. Someone in my class described it best, you feel like that woefully uncoordinated 7^th grader back in gym class. Second, I found the class hard to follow. I learn visually and by demonstration; I found the verbal explanations to be confusing, vague at times, and delivered too fast. Many times I was looking to a neighboring student to mimic them, not knowing if they knew what the hell they were doing and just waiting to be called out for doing something wrong.
I’m sure that if I kept it up I’d probably see my body tone and shape, but this «method» just isn’t for me. At the end of the day, I just wasn’t excited about the idea of coming back.
Note: Classes run back to back so the transition from one class to another is a bit of a clusterfuck.
TIP: Their new client special gets you 30 days of unlimited workouts.
TIP: New students need to show up 15 minutes early and make sure they’re wearing socks and pants that come past your knees.