The Bar Method

This is what a studio should be about… Clean, bright, inviting interior, friendly and helpful instructors, friendly students, overall positive vibe.
And dat ass, you guys… Dat ass will look amazing after several classes.

I’ve been attending classes here for almost two months. I am very impressed with the facilities, teachers and classes! I really enjoy coming to class and I think this is because the environment is so friendly and relaxing. The décor is very spa-​like and always clean. The staff are well-​trained. They strive to learn everyone’s name immediately. In the cases that they forget or aren’t sure, they always politely inquire, «Remind me of your name.» which is frankly, a lot of more polite than «Name please!?»
Be prepared to revive gentle coaching from the staff with regard to your form. Personally, I appreciate this because I want to get the most from my workout.
The classes, for me, are addictive. I’ve enjoyed yoga and pilates in the past, but prefer Bar Method to both. The order and technique of BAR METHOD exercises is such that your mind remains very engaged throughout the hour. You also receive a very good workout. You will sweat and your heart rate will increase. Over the last two months, I have seen an increase in my overall strength. Tip: You need to wear socks and bottoms that come to the knee or ankle. (no shorts.)

This is my very first review on Unilocal, (though guilty) I am very glad it is for one of the most deserving businesses out there. I joined Barre Method in Nov 2014 and had my first class with Claudia. My experience at every class since has been nothing short of excellent. Rachel, (who is also the owner) and her entire team specially Elizabeth and Claudia, are very skilled professionals, who miraculously give every student individual attention even in a full class. Be it a gentle form correction or that extra bit of motivation to help you get the most of your workout — they are always there for you. The best part is, it’s not over yet, with the barre method you WILL see results! They say give it 10 classes — and it’s true!
For anyone considering a form of workout that is fun, addictive and will get you the results you deserve — I very highly recommend The Barre Method with Rachel and a wonderful team! (0:

Love this place! I have been going for almost a month now and have enjoyed how welcoming and helpful the instructors are. I am not good by any means, but the way the workout goes, there are all different levels of intensity, so I can get a personalized workout. The instructors make sure you have perfect form so you don’t injure yourself. Love the focus on abs! After crossfit, yoga, and spinning, Bar has become my favorite form of working out!

This month being my 4^th month at the Bar Method, I think it is about time for me to review the Bar Method in Montrose.
I am usually skeptical of new workout types /​places that suddenly become trendy in multiple cities — I give them a try but eventually go back to traditional sports such as tennis or swimming — but just like my Yoga practice, I got really hooked on Bar and the I think the Bar Method is the reason for that.
I tried Bar at different locations and schools in the city — no need to name — and I am confident to say that the Bar Method is really the best of all of them.
I love how personable, attentive, friendly, and welcoming the teachers are. And no, the attention does not feel fake. Everybody including both students and teachers are there for a good workout and a shared experience of community.
It is very important for me that the studio I go to is always clean. I feel very comfortable in the Bar Method in terms of cleanliness. I even don’t mind stepping in the shower with my bare feet, which is very rare for me outside my own apartment.
I like the workout, it’s very intense. I recommend everyone to try it at least once. Bar workout creates a strong posture. Even though I have been doing Yoga for 7 years, my back problem has finally disappeared with Bar.
In four months, I can confidently say that I got fitter than ever before. I don’t think I got slimmed but I feel healthy and fit.

I had my first barre experience (thanks to ClassPass) last weekend and loved it! I am a workout junkie, from running marathons, crossfit for 3 years, spin, etc. I am always up for a new class or challenge. I was skeptical this class wouldnt be as challenging as I was hoping for, but it definitely was.
1. The class is done in your socks.
2. There is a parking lot out front & street parking.
3. They have showers.
4. Instructors were awesome, and very particular about your form.
Overall, I really enjoyed this class. My heartrate didnt get as high as other workouts (thanks fitbit!) but I was sore the next day. I think this will be a great way to lengthen and tone muscles. Not to mention it was really fun and went by quickly. Thanks Bar Method!

My first barre experience was at this studio and I loved it! Barre can be intimidating, especially for uncoordinated people like myself, but by the end of the class you’ll feel like the work you did has transformed you into a graceful and erm, sweaty, ballerina that can do anything.
Bar Method understands their clients desires to not only feel welcomed and comfortable their first time doing barre, but also their desire to learn proper form and get a good workout! The instructor I had, Claudia, was so excellent. I’m doing ClassPass right now and have met at least a dozen group fitness instructors over the past few weeks, but Claudia certainly stands out as the most welcoming, encouraging, and motivating instructors I’ve had the pleasure of learning from. She learns everyone’s name, helps first timers with their equipment during class, and makes form corrections gently. The studio is sparkly clean with lockable lockers, showers, and towels/​water. Get there 15 min early to sign a waiver and get a tour/​explanation of your first class.
As other reviewers have noted, these classes are not as intense as Define Body but it’s likely also because Define Body isn’t solely barre (it seems like a combo of barre and high intensity Pilates). That said, I liked that I could challenge myself without feeling like I was going to collapse into a heap. The wonderful thing about barre is that as long as you’re able to zone out and only focus on yourself, your form, and your shaking muscles… you’re gonna get a great whole body workout that’s gentle on your joints but tough on your willpower!
Check out Bar Method if it’s your first time doing barre– you’ll be welcomed with open arms holding deceivingly heavy tiny free weights and leave with shaky legs and an infectious mind over body mentality.

After two months of attending classes at the Houston/​Montrose location, I decided that it would be wrong for me to not write a review about why the Bar Method is so great.
I relocated from LA, where there are at least 3 other «Bar Method» rip-​offs. I would say that after trying them all, I am completely devoted to the Bar Method– not only because it is as challenging as any other method (you always have «options» during class to push yourself even further), but because it is truly the SAFEST exercise class out there.
The instructors at the Houston/​Montrose location are very attentive and watch your form like hawks. What this means for you is not only will you get an amazingly kick-​butt workout as they walk around the class to help adjust incorrectly positioned attendees, but you will AVOID INJURY. If you aren’t using proper form, it is not a matter of if but when you will hurt yourself. Trust me, I have previous injuries from weightlifting.
Overall, this is a fabulous and safe workout. Rachael (the owner) puts a lot into the studio– it is clean and well maintained. All of the instructors take pride in their work, and it shows. Claudia is my personal favorite. I highly recommend the Bar Method to anyone!

I would give negative scores to this dump, if negative rankings or even zero were available on Unilocal.They do not even deserve the one star, so I am only giving that for Unilocal’s sake.
I tried to TRY a class today at this place to see if it was right for me and whether it would be worth my time. Parking is terrible. I arrived at the class at exactly 12:02 for the class starting at 12:00. Guess what? They TURNED ME AWAY!!! She said: «it’s our policy not to let anyone in after the class starts». OK. I could totally understand if I was really late, but two minutes??? For someone who is just curious to see if they want this class or not?! Take a chill pill!!! This is not a yoga or meditation class. It is not a fast-​paced steps aerobics class where you need to keep up with the routines from the very beginning (oh, and I am an aerobics instructor by the way and have NEVER turned away any clients, specially new ones). So– what was this all about?! Then, this lady walks in, 10 MINUTES LATE and she was ALLOWED to walk in!!! I asked why? They said: «oh, because she is already a member. Once you are a member, you can be late, but not when you are a new potential client»!!! Utterly stupid, UTTERLY UNPROFESSIONAL, and RUDE. You should be happy that I was potentially a new client, that I was going to talk about your class with my other friends and colleagues. Now, not only you have lost me, I have told my friends and colleagues about this too and guess what? We are NOT stepping into your classes. We care about the sort of people we deal with. In fact, we are ALL going for the Define, Body, and Mind classes which are not only classier than your dump, but also the staff are super polite, super human, and no stinky ridiculous rules apply!!! STAY AWAY PEOPLE. Such studios are places for us, the clients, to come and not only get inspired, but build up good energy and relieve any stress or bad energy. Well, the way you treated me today, not only really upset me, but it was so snobbish, so rude, so unprofessional, and there was not one piece of logic in your so-​called-​arguement. I decided to give you my time today, BIG MISTAKE. Why would you want to waste your time with such a snobbish, stupid bunch who cannot even offer you a LOGICAL answer, let alone know HOW TO DEAL WITH A NEW CLIENT, OR ANY CLIENT. It seems that you just want our money. Oh well, you lost this one and her bunch of friends and colleagues really bad. I don’t know who the owner or manager of this place is, but you should FEEL REALLY ASHAMED of your so-​called «business».

Over the past month I tried out two other «bar style» type workout studios, Divine Mind & Body along with Pure Barre. I must say, the Bar Method is by far my favorite out of the three. At Divine I felt like I was flailing around everywhere with little direction. Pure Barre was more of a mix between the two studios, but I strongly prefer The Bar Method. If you’re considering trying one of the three I highly recommend trying this place first.

I am approaching the end of my new client special monthly unlimited for $ 100 and will be starting the club membership ($ 155 auto-​renewal, monthly, must cancel in writing 30 days in advanced) after the July 4^th holiday.
Bar Method has provided me with a more routine work out and I’ve definitely seen results within the past month. Class times are good and instructors are friendly and attentive.
Things I like:
— The instructors know your name from day 1. Sometimes the classes are HUGE and every spot at the bar is taken. They will compliment and encourage you by name, as well as come by to adjust your posture/​positioning/​etc. throughout class. You’ll get some special attention on your first day, of course.
— Clean facility. Restrooms are clean and there are lockers (with keys) for you to store your belongings. They also have a vanity area with bobby pins and rubber bands if you forget! I always forget bobby pins especially when I come directly from work.
— Free towels so you don’t have to bring your own!
— Cooler of cold water right outside the classroom. You can refill your bottle or just take a sip. Cups provided!
— I like their 4 hour cancellation policy. Most studios, you have to cancel 24 hours in advanced.
Things I dislike:
— Socks, I hate wearing socks. I know this is probably a sanitary issue, but I don’t like working out with socks unless I am wearing shoes. I prefer being barefoot and having us wipe the mats after… which brings me to my next point.
— I don’t like their mats. They’re foamy, fabric-​covered rectangles that are not as long as your body (like a yoga mat). Sure, they can remove the fabric cover and wash it, but who knows how often that is done. Also, people sweat when they’re exercising and fabric soaks up all that sweat. I would prefer to have mats (silicone, plastic, rubber? I don’t know what they’re made of) where we could just wipe them down after each class. Much cleaner, imo.
— Carpet, although looks very clean, can be deceiving. I wish they had hardwood floors. Also, the combination of socks and carpet can be slippery when you’re doing push ups or trying to hold plank for a minute. My feet always slide and I loose my form.
— Instructors do not do the work out with you. They’ll show you how to do it, do a couple reps (if that), and then they walk around the room. It’s good that they are able to see and give corrections, but at the same time, it would be more motivational if they did the work outs too!
Overall, I think it’s a good work out. New clients can try out their first class for only $ 10! Don’t forget to arrive a bit early so you can familiarize yourself with the studio.

I recently took advantage of Culture Map’s and The Bar Method’s promotion of unlimited classes for 5 weeks. Yesterday (5÷27÷14) was my 1^st day and Claudia was my instructor. Bar is a new fitness activity for me and whew it is a very different training than anything I have done to date. In other activities I have excelled (running, bikram yoga) but yesterday those strengths did not seem to transfer here and for a moment I began to compare my 1^st day performance to my classmates (individuals whose training level was more advanced than mine). This was a very unfair and unkind gesture toward myself. I had to remember there was a time when running and bikram were new and through practice, patience, discipline, consistency and kindness I became better *smile*
Claudia, was an amazing instructor, she was kind, patient, demonstrated the postures, corrected kindly with both words and touch. There were a few new other women who were first timers as well and I was impressed that Claudia took the time to learn our names (this type of personalization is significant and makes a huge difference). I have attended other fitness classes multiple times and the instructors never took the time to learn my name. Although the class was quite challenging (obviously working muscles I do not access during my runs or Bikram *oh dear* LOL!) I look forward to the experience and the transformation and strength building during the next 5 weeks.
Once again, thank you very much Claudia… you are awesome!

I Love the Bar Method! The class gives you a great over-​all body workout along with stretching and therefore flexibility. These things really helped with my running/​training/​and working on my feet all day.
Consistency is key to any type of exercise and I noticed more change in my body when I went 3 – 5 times a week. There are ladies of all ages that have been doing Bar Method since it opened here in Houston and when I look at their muscle tone and then also at their dedication, you can truly see how happy they are with their bodies and The Bar Method. THAT’S what I look for in a «gym, exercise facility, class,» etc. You get it all at The Bar Method.
The staff is well trained and they’re Very Friendly too!!!

I’m writing the same review for both Bar Method and Define (body only, not revolution) for people who are looking to compare these two places. I’ve done a month of unlimited classes at Bar Method and am halfway through my month at Define.
The Workout Itself:
Overall, I think the Define workouts are harder than Bar Methods. They are a little bit more aggressive and have a slightly more cardio aspect in them that Bar Method does not. I’m glad I did Bar Method first because they emphasize posture and form a lot more than Define. With smaller classes and personalized attention (see Instructors below), the folks at Bar Method corrected me more and I feel like I learnt more at Bar Method about barre. While the workout at Define is harder, being on your high toes is optional at Define whereas at Bar Method its really not — i.e. Bar Method pushes you more. That said…
Class sizes/​timings:
Bar Method has 1 location while Define has a few to choose from. Between work and home, River Oaks and Tanglewood are two good options for me personally at Define. I prefer the studio at Bar Method, its bigger and brighter, while some of Define’s classes can seem closed in and are overly crowded especially if you plan to go to the classes right after work. One of the rooms at River Oaks Define doesn’t even have windows, is very long and narrow and I always feel like I’m on top of the person next to me. BUT given that Define has more than one location and some places have more than one studio, there’s many more options for classes to fit your schedule. That said…
Instructors:
Because Define has more locations and studios, they also have more instructors. I think it’s going to take time to find the instructors that you like. Bar Method being a sole studio with a limited number of instructors (I think 4 in total) and so Bar Method resulted in a more personal experience since all the instructors go out of their way to get to know you. You walk in and they greet you by name and I’m sure you’ll get there with Define too, it’ll just take a lot longer.
Parking:
Hassle at both locations but harder at the River Oaks location. Not sure why Men’s Warehouse needs so many parking spaces but thats not my battle.
Overall:
I will probably end up continuing to go to Define Body since it fits my schedule better, especially since the monthly package is more expensive at Bar Method than Define I just can’t justify it given that Define has more classes to choose from than Bar Method. It might have been different if Bar Method had more than one studio and offered more class times.
Cancellation Policy:
Bar Method has a 1 hour cancellation policy vs Define Body’s 12 hour policy (charged $ 5 for a late cancellation). Given that I go right after work and things come up, I much preferred Bar Method’s policy.
Define Body gets a –1 for: Parking, lack of corrections, crowded studios, too much lululemon clothing, cancellation policy
Bar Method gets a –1 for: Parking, limited class timings, no friday afternoon classes, easier workout*
* disclaimer: Bar Method is easier than Define IF you are pushing yourself in both classes, have proper form and are not taking it easy.

I wanted to try something different as going to the gym is just not working for me anymore. A friend heard about this at a party and we decided to try it. It is a total body workout! Combination of balet, yoga and Pilates. I took advantage of the $ 100 for a month and it was worn every penny. I noticed a change in my body after 2 weeks.
It is a small space with only one studio, very clean, and they provide all the props for you. Only need to bring is you and a pair of socks. The music is always so good and the instructors are helpful. This is the only place I’ve been to where they know you by name. That’s such a nice personal touch.
As of now they only offer mixed level, but you can make it as hard or as easy as you need. They have 2 morning 1 lunch time and 2 evening classes. Weekends fill up but their system allows you to wait list and I have always made it not a class.
If you are looking for something different and a nice challenge, try this it’s really worth it!

I agree with other posters that this is a good workout.
However, I did Pure Barre in another city for a year before moving to Houston. Compared to the PB instructors and classes, these were not as challenging, and there was much less instruction. Pure Barre instructors really focus on helping each person perfect their technique to maximize the workout. The Bar Method instructors seem more into making themselves look perfect while teaching. I’ll be interested to see what the new Pure Barre River Oaks instructors are like.
Additionally, the class times just were not the best. If you are looking for a little more variety in class times, check out Define. I think Define is a much better workout, with more variety and less packed classes.

Great workout for everyone’s least favorite areas, convenient schedule and amazing facilities. Rachel and her team literally kick my *ss with this workout. I love the playlists, the attitude of the instructors and the cool space.

I Enjoyed bar method classes, they offer good muscle focus workouts that seem to really help tone areas that other workouts miss. The studio is clean and I really felt that the teachers provided great instruction for all levels of ability.
On the downside, I purchased an online voucher for 5 classes, but was disappointed that I was only able to redeem 2 of them as the classes fill up very quickly. Registration is online but if you are a client who has purchased the voucher you have to call in to reserve a spot in class. Since they do not have someone answering the phone to schedule classes, i found it very difficult to get a call back in time to reserve a spot in classes and was eventually told that my 30 days to use the classes had expired.

I am a bar method convert! I am a runner, I have worked out at the gym, done crossfit, and this is my favorite workout. It’s challenging every time! I build muscle very easily and and very pleased with the results of bar method. My muscles feel leaner and longer since starting bar method consistently one month ago. I’m on my way to getting a dancer’s body! Also, the environment in the studio is extremely friendly. The instructors learn your name and correct your technique in class to ensure you are getting the most out of class. I highly recommend this workout to anyone! By the way, your first class is FREE!

Amazing workout! Adds ballet/​bar work (not my strong suit) with yoga positions (yeah, Downward Dog, Happy Baby!), some weights, aerobics, and a hanging from a bar back stretch (if desired) after the workout. Very intense and effective. Just wish I wasn’t a student right now so could afford to go weekly.