The Barre Code

I just finished unlimited week at the Barre Code and I can not say enough good things about this place. The classes are fantastic; challenging and rewarding. I am never bored here. I love all the classes and all the instructors are super nice, welcoming and motivating. The studio is great, I super comfortable, clean and I always have a great workout.

Tried the Barre Code for the first time today. Overall I enjoyed the workout! Barre Code takes a different spin on traditional barre classes — it was fun to mix it up since I am used to the Pure Barre Method.
The studio is very clean and sleek which I appreciate. The only drawbacks to the studio that I saw were that 1) There is not filtered water station to fill up your water. They did say the bathroom tap water is filtered, but there is something kind of icky about having to use a bathroom sink to fill up your water bottle. 2) There is no mirror on one half of the studio. This didn’t impact my work out because I was in a small class, but barre is all about precision and posture — I wouldn’t want to have to take a barre class without being able to check my form in the mirror.
The class was energetic and engaging. Barre Code incorporates the use of a lot of props as compared to traditional barre method. This was fun to mix up my normal workout, but overall I don’t know if it is as effective as more traditional barre work outs. The two negative components of the class were that 1) I could not hear the instructor. Even though she had a mic on I could not hear her over the music. This made it really difficult to follow new moves. 2) The instructor did not correct anyone’s form at all. To me that is a huge issue. I know my form was off on multiple moves and I had wished she would’ve have offered help making sure I was doing it right!
Overall it was a good experience, I will be back to try it out again.
*Pro tip: If you are a student you can try your first class for free!

Came here for over 6 months and definitely saw a difference in my body. All the classes and instructors were great! Unfortunately I moved but will be checking out the river north location hoping for the same experience!

Loved Barre Code when I lived in the city, so was super happy that one opened in Evanston when I moved back! Overall, I mostly like the classes that I’ve been to at this studio. I’ve only had Kate as an instructor and she’s super fit, energetic, and encouraging. TBC kicks my butt like no other — I feel like I’m in great shape and by the end of the class, my mind just says nope, can’t do that barre lower body lift and dip thing. Brawl is also great if you want a good cardio workout and follow a set sequence that is built upon throughout class.
However, the one class that I do not like is barre at the Barre Code. After attending many different barre classes at Pure Barre, Bar Method, Exhale, FlyBarre, etc., I feel like it’s a real miss that there are no hand-​on adjustments offered here. I feel like there is a lot of precision involved in barre since it involves little movements, so not having hands on adjustments from instructors here is a big drawback in my opinion.
Overall, I highly recommend Barre Code for the variety of its workouts. However, if you want great barre classes where the instructor ensures that you’re doing the exercises correctly, I’d recommend going to any of the studios mentioned above.

Disregard the angsty one-​star reviewer. This place gets all my money, and I’m glad it stepped in for my favorite now-​departed FitGirl studio (RIP).
I tend to rotate between three classes – Brawl (cardio-​kickboxing), TBC (boot camp), and Barre Code (regular barre class) depending on the week. It keeps things interesting and I’m glad the studio has so many offerings.
Only downside is that the classes can get overcrowded depending on the time of day and time of year (Northwestern students). I don’t enjoy spending my workout focusing on not kicking all the girls who are working out next to or beside me, instead of on the workout itself. If there were a way to cap the classes somehow, that would be ideal.
But otherwise, I have only good things to say about this place. Give it a try!

An amazing full body work out! The mix of cardio and strength exercises leaves you feeling sore in the best way possible. By allowing you to focus on yourself during the class, the 50 minutes helps you center yourself and forget everything else happening in your busy life. It’s also a great workout for anyone, from beginners to extremely advanced individuals!

This place is fantastic! They have a variety of classes that work well with college students’ schedules, and every instructor is welcoming and motivating. Each class flies by but also feels effective at working out every area of the body.

I have gone to several classes at the Barre Code and I have had a great experience every single time. The studio is welcoming and spacious. The classes are challenging and fun. The instructors offer guidance and encouragement. When I decided to go to class I felt a little nervous because I was not in the best shape. I have been to other studios where everyone is in shape and perfect and I feel so out place. This is not the case at The Barre Code. There are people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities and it really makes you feel supported and not embarrassed! Since going to class, I have become more in shape, stronger, and more confident. I would highly recommend going to class here if you want a great workout, great support, and an empowering atmosphere.

not good. i tried three classes at the barre code, and that’ll be it: the music is too loud and you can’t hear or see the instructor, and they give zero guidance, correction or modifications during the class. my last class was the third strike — i signed up for a 9am barre code class on a wednesday, and despite being one of TWO people, i might as well have been doing a Youtube video.
i get that pumping music builds the vibe, but when you can barely hear the instructor over it and they’re not helping otherwise, something needs to change. although, i’m not sure if they even know what they’re doing — a few times in all three classes, the instructors had to stop and check a clipboard of what seemed like exercises. at least pilates chicago in lakeview, while farther away and with less nice facilities, actually know what they’re doing.