The Bar Method

From the moment I tried Bar Method 7 months ago, I was hooked. I can’t say enough about the supportive and encouraging environment the Bar Method team creates — instantly making anyone feel at ease.
They have helped transform my body, making me stronger not only physically, but mentally. I am grateful everyday when I step into any one of their studios as I know I will always be greeted by a smiling face at their front desk, and a workout where instructors challenge me to push beyond yesterday’s physical mental limits. The instructors are meticulous on form and I am always grateful to the close attention they give me with their corrections. I’ve mostly taken classes with Laura G, Tara, Jenn and Mara, they all have their own individual and creative style of teaching but yet consistent, contagious and challenging. Thank you all very much for providing the best 60 minutes of my day!

This work out will make you feel STRONG. Not as in can-​lift-​200lbs strong, but you’ll feel limber and as if all your muscles are being used, because they are ! I found out about this using a living social deal, which makes it a tad more affordable, (let’s keep it real, it’s a bit pricey), but I’m honestly debating paying the full price because that’s just how good it is.
There’s a learning curve here, but I’ve tried ALL the trainers at this location as of Feb 2016, and every single one of them has been super helpful and attentive. At first I thought I was being «picked on», (lol), because they kept correcting me, but those little corrections make a HUGE difference. I did it for three weeks and although I didn’t lose any weight, I do fit my clothes better, I FEEL lighter, and I have more definition on my shoulders.
A definite MUST try. (Plus the bathrooms are plush as hell!)

I love the Bar Method! I started from a living social deal, and after the changes I saw in my body I got the monthly membership! I had gained 10 lbs in the summer of 2012, and no matter how much I ran, did Pilates, rode my bike, restricted carbs or calories or common food allergens, etc. I could not drop the stubborn weight. Much to my surprise, after 6 bar classes, over a period of three weeks, I toned my body and lost 6 lbs! So six of those ten lbs that wouldn’t budge for 3 years just started melting off. I couldn’t believe it.
This workout will change your life. It will change your shape. It will change the way you feel about yourself. It will work muscles you didn’t even know you had without risk of injury. My posture is better, my confidence has increased, and I can fit into my favorite jeans again. Look, every girl deserves to wear her favorite jeans until they fall apart.
If you’re contemplating taking this class, do it! And stick with it. You’ll be sore, but if you keep at it you’ll quickly get over the hump. (If you’re not sore, you’re not doing it right. Talk to the instructor and she’ll help you modify or correct your posture). Take measurements, do weigh-​ins and see how things change in just one month.

I am definitely a believer. I have tried all types of workouts — running, yoga, spin, boxing, loved them all, and was even a member of Equinox when I lived in LA. I never thought I would pay more than my Equinox membership, but here I am paying more every month, and it is worth every penny. My butt and thighs have never worked out before like they do in bar, and I feel like for the first time in my life, there may be hope that one day, my fatty triceps will not sway back and forth when I wave.
The class is really hard and it takes a few weeks of coming regularly to really begin understanding the movements, but it is totally worth it. It is not one of those classes where you can look at your neighbor to see what you should do, because a lot of the times the movement is so small it is like everyone in class is just standing awkwardly. That’s where the instructors are really critical, and the ones in Oakland are amazing. The instructors give you so much personal attention that you will figure it out soon enough. But most importantly, I love bar because I no longer get injured during my workouts. I used to hurt my knee and wrist all the time in boxing. The low-​impact movements help you strengthen and tone muscles without injuring yourself. And sadly, as I’ve aged, my body just doesn’t bounce back like it used to. Bar helps to strengthen muscles which prevent injuries in your daily life, and it has actually helped my running tremendously. Give it a try! It is more effective than anything I have ever done.

What an absolutely humiliating and demeaning experience. I am pregnant and after months of pregnancy sickness I finally started feeling well enough to go back to a Bar Method class. I have gotten really out of shape and know that exercise is important for me and my baby. I show up at class and ask if I will need to do any modifications at the front desk. They couldn’t think of any but were quick to tell me how I would need a doctor’s note to participate. A doctor’s note? First of all, I had called several days ago to reactivate my membership, making it very clear on the phone that I was pregnant and Renee whom I spoke with gave absolutely no mention of a doctor’s note. But the real issue here is — now Bar Method is in charge of what I do with my body because I’m pregnant? Where are all the doctor’s notes, or maybe even medical records for the people who haven’t worked out in awhile, or people who have a heart condition, etc? We are ALL doing this at our own risk, duh.
So I keep standing there, like a 5-​year old child waiting to hear if I can pretty-​puleeeeeeze give you my money and exercise??? Puhleeze? Well they couldn’t find the rule about the doctor’s note in the official manual, then they tried to call around for a manager, then got through to someone who was clearly also in charge of my body — and the following questions were asked of me in front of everyone by the front desk: How long have you been taking Bar Method? (2 years) Did you already take Bar Method when you were pregnant? (yes) Did you watch the pregnancy video (what video??)? And I guess since my answer to the last one was «no,» my personal body keeper, a.k.a. Oakland Bar Method, tells me «no, you cannot exercise here, take this video little girl and go home and watch it and you come back with your doctor’s note now and then we will let you exercise your body.» (Not their exact words, but 100% how it felt). Then the instructor decided to share, because I clearly wasn’t humiliated enough that I was being turned away, that the rules are «to protect the client.» We all know there are people a lot less healthier than pregnant women who could keel over, so save the corporate language for updating your manual, and start TRUSTING WOMEN AS ADULTS TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS FOR THEIR OWN BODIES!

I’ve always wanted to try this when I lived in LA but never had the time to but now I do :) I really enjoy the beautiful space and I feel good when I go. The staff is incredibly welcoming and I don’t feel out of place even though I’m a complete newbie. This is going to be a part of my routine and I’m looking forward to results!

I’ve been going to Bar Method Oakland since July 2013 and I’ve been hooked since then! The gym never worked for me no matter how hard I tried, however, Bar Method is a workout that keeps me going. I started off with a Living Social deal and after a month of discounted classes I stopped going because I didn’t want to pay so much to workout. I returned to the gym (womp womp), but I found myself avoiding the gym and not getting much out of my few gym workouts so I decided to return to the Bar Method realizing that my body is worth the investment and that’s where I am two years later!
About the workout: It takes a few classes to get the hang of it and make the most out of class, but once you learn the basics you will be on your way to some great workouts. The class also requires a lot of mental focus, which is great because it distracts me away from the day-​to-​day stress and I feel more energized to start my day. My flexibility has also greatly improved, I’m more toned, and I feel much better overall. Oh and my clothes fit so much better than before ;)
About the instructors: The instructors are also amazing! They are always on the lookout to make sure I’m doing the exercises correctly. They also motivate me, especially in the mornings when I’m still half asleep. Bar Method is definitely a tight-​knit family :)
Cancellation policy: I have a love and hate relationship with the studio’s cancellation policy. Since I pay for unlimited monthly classes, there is a $ 10 dollar no-​show/​late cancellation fee if I don’t cancel a morning class ten hours in advance or if my bed kidnaps me and I don’t make it to class (you do get two freebies per calendar year though!). However, most often than not it is the cancellation policy that gets me out of the bed in the mornings so I guess I love it more than I hate it!
Studio: The studio is super cute and clean! I feel like I’m walking into a spa! It is stocked with towels, mouthwash, lotion, kleenex, and many other things you might need before and after your workout.
I love Bar Method Oakland and I highly recommend it to anyone!

I went a few months ago as a free session from one of my friends. Loved it. Now I just need to sign up and make it work in my schedule.

I visited the Bar Method’s Lakeshore location and took a class from a teacher who was nearing the end of her training and was being evaluated by an experienced teacher. Even though the evaluating teacher was intently writing down comments in the corner of the room she got up several times to help me. First, she swapped out my weights and then she gave me a full-​on bear hug to get me into the right position at the barre. This may sound crazy but I really loved it. As a person with no ballet history and terribly tight hamstrings, her full body help was a saving grace. Whenever I think about this studio I have warm fuzzies because of that experience.
Trying a new and unfamiliar workout can be a challenge. Thankfully, the folks at this Bar Method are kind and welcoming and help you feel at home even if you’re brand new.

I’ve been going to this Bar Method since they opened in May 2013, the reason being is that I kept experiencing back pain while sitting at my office desk. I also had patellofemoral syndrome on my right knee which the doctor said was chronic. It is basically an inflammation of the knee cap that caused a lot of knee pain for me when hiking or moving my knees a certain way. I turned to bar method to help me build muscle strength and eliminate the pain in my body. Within a couple of months of taking the class, my back pain was gone and I wasn’t feeling the knee pain as often. Now, two years later, I have absolutely zero pain in my knees and my back, I am way stronger than I used to be in my arms and legs, my flexibility has increased drastically — I can finally fold over and reach my toes (something I have never been able to do before), and I have a ridiculous amount of energy after work that I didn’t have before. I highly recommend pairing this workout with cardio and a well-​balanced diet. Unfortunately for me, I eat too many cookies and pies and have a hard time losing weight because of it. But I am working on that.
Here are some comments about the Bar Method (Oakland studio):
THE STUDIO
The place is very clean, modern, has everything you need: towels (big & small), a shower, and lockers. Compared to other fitness studios I’ve been to, this one is definitely one of the nicest and cleanest.
THE WORKOUT
This is a full-​body workout that focuses on working those muscles you tend to ignore. It’s low impact and there are always modifications you can do if you have an injury or pain, just let the instructors know. There is a high focus on form at the bar method, so you definitely end up feeling like you are getting picked on more than in other fitness classes. But it’s a good thing because that way you don’t hurt yourself and the exercises work the way they were intended to. If you are sensitive to criticism, just let the instructors know and they will keep it on the down low. My favorite exercises are the pretzel, leg dancing, kickstand curl, and all the nice stretches at the end.
THE INSTRUCTORS
All are the super nice and encouraging. I enjoy when they give me compliments on my form, have a good sense of humor, and have positive energy I can feed off of.
My only feedback to the studio is to offer some 6pm or 7pm Level 2 classes for those who have been coming for a while and limit the size of the class to 18 (it gets a little uncomfortable with a lot of people).
Overall great place and workout. I highly recommend!

I’ve tried many different types of exercise routines. I’m apt to drop them pretty quickly. The Bar Method has been the only consistent exercise regimen for me since high school gym! Why you say? See below.
The space is beautiful, light and modern.
The front desk staff are friendly and always have a smile on their face.
The locker room is well appointed with multiple bathrooms, lockers and a shower. Forgot your deodorant, shampoo or towel? No problem. They’ve taken care of those small details at no cost.
Speaking of cost. I’ve seen many reviews mention the $ 175 monthly membership as a deterrent. Since joining The Bar Method I have gone at least 4x per week. With roughly 16 classes per month each class equates to roughly $ 11. Even if you only go 3x a week it’s only $ 14.50 per class. I haven’t seen any exercise class for less than $ 20 in the area. Besides our bodies are worth the investment.
The workout. Before my first class the front desk staff warned me that the instructor will make a ton of corrections to my body positioning. I’m glad she did because had I not known I may have felt like I was being picked on because the instructor did just that. I probably heard Michelle or was being manually manipulated at least once every 3 minutes. But, you know what? When I made those slight changes I began feeling the burn where I was supposed to. Other reviewers also felt compelled to comment about how this isometric exercise was too isometric for them. It’s OK to shake your body out from time to time if your hips or back need a break. I’ve never been chastised for it. Your muscles will shake but its a good thing! It means it’s working! Also, after each muscle group there’s a period of stretching which helps to sooth sore muscles. Biceps, triceps, quads, calves, hamstrings, glutes, abs are always worked during class but the how they are worked varies from class to class. Every instructor I’ve had has a different way of targeting those muscle groups. I’ve seen a change in my posture and definition in my arms and legs in only two months! Not to mention my abs which had lost all definition courtesy of my amazing one year old.
Speaking of babies! Childcare on site is the only reason I’ve been able to come at all. The play space is cute and clean. Gloria is amazing and my daughter seems to enjoy her time there. It’s comforting to know that she’s close by and is being well taken care of.
The Bar Method Oakland team. Thank you!

I seriously didn’t think I could love a studio as much as I love this place. The space is clean and modern and holy crap, the instructors-they’re amazing! I really feel like the ones here are held to a higher standard than the other bar studios I’ve been to. The class flows seamlessly and they know how to push you! Bar Method is the only workout that I’ve been able to see results from and actually stick to. I shoot for about 3 – 4 classes per week. My physical and mental health are leaps and bounds better than they’ve ever been and I don’t know what I’d do without Bar Method!

Great workout.

It’s a tough work out especially for those who are just starting to get in shape but it is effective The facility is clean, new and nice They think of everything you need The instructors are knowledgeable and help correct your posture. I’m always afraid to go when I sign up for a class but afterwards, I am glad I did and I feel good

I consider myself a pretty active person. I tell people it’s because working out is a necessary part of surviving the stress of every day life. But the truth is (don’t tell anyone!) I looovveee my wine. So I gotta do something to (try to) balance that out.
I have tried what seems like millions of different workouts. Bar Method has become my favorite form of workout. Who knew moving one inch = so much pain and satisfaction?
Even though I have been coming for months, I still find every class challenging. They have modifications to make things harder or easier, depending on your abilities that particular day. Bar Method has no doubt made me stronger and more flexible. And more importantly, I look forward to going to class! I love the super friendly instructors, the gorgeous, clean studio, and the hard workouts.
Come try out Bar Method! And don’t forget to tuck!

I’ve been coming to Bar Method Oakland Studio since it first opened in 2013. I had already been going to the gym, had taken yoga, piliates etc., but I was still not prepared for taking my first class. I was hooked on the exercises after feeling so sore (the good kind of sore) the next few days. It may take at least a month of classes (3 – 5 days a week), but when you see results it’s awesome! The exercises really do change «the shape» of your body. I’m a girl with some muscular arms and legs and always had trouble slimming them down since I usually bulk when I go to the gym. Bar Method has helped trim me down in all the right places and now I have great «lifted» seat!
The instructors are great. I have my favorites, but I think there is an instructor for everyone. We all have different body types, flexibility, stamina etc and I found two instructors that remember what I’m capable of so they tend to push me in class for more improvment. It’s also helpful that they correct posture so you know if you are doing the exercise correctly or not.
The studio is very nice and the equipment in the room is well maintained. Same goes for the restroom areas. I think they really take pride in having a nice place for their students to use and get changed in. The staff are always friendly and they remember who you are which is a plus. I don’t have to check in anymore since they check me in as soon as they see me. I like booking my classes online too!
Overall I’m glad I started going and I plan to continue for a long while!

I have a friend who is in spectacular shape AND eats whatever she wants. When I asked her about her workout routine she gave me this prescription: Bar Method, 3x per week, for a perked-​up buttocks and ballerina-​like posture. Ummm… where do I sign?
I went for their 1-​month unlimited deal ($ 100, or $ 80 during the month of January), and followed the suggested 3x per week regimen. What I immediately loved was:
— A clean & inviting studio. The floor is cushy & carpeted, yet always freshly cleaned. Everyone wears socks during class, so no germy feet come in contact with the carpet. The aesthetic of the studio is fresh & modern, almost spa-​like.
— 1-​hour classes that really pack a punch! Prior to Bar Method, I was doing hot yoga regularly. It’s also a great workout, but I always had to shower afterwards, making the total experience a 2 – 3 hour ordeal. With Bar Method, the workout is very isometric, so you’ll feel the burn all over, without breaking a big sweat. I can actually go out to social engagements immediately after class, with a little refreshing of the deodorant. Wink, wink.
— The upbeat teachers & meticulous adjustments. The workout is somewhat formulaic, though the exercises vary from class to class, so you don’t get bored. You always do about 15 mins each of arms, legs, abs, and butt, and the teachers make sure you’re doing every exercise correctly. As a new student, I felt very well instructed and after about 3 – 4 classes I could get into the postures like the regulars. All the teachers are so perky & professional, it’s tough to pick a fave.
— Great class schedule! They offer classes in the morning, afternoon, and evening, so I have no excuse not to go. I sign up for my classes online, so when I show up I just give them my name and hop into class.
I’m now an official member, paying $ 175/​month, which is no small commitment. But, I really do feel that the workout is working it’s magic. I already feel firmer, flatter, more upright, energized, all that good stuff. Totally worth trying if you’ve hit a fitness plateau, or just need to chisel away at your wine belly (right here!)

I am turning into a bit of a gym hopper or maybe I just haven’t found the perfect place yet.
When the bar method first started on lakeshore I got a great coupon so I jumped right in. The first class or two were a bit strange because you have 25 people in a room! But they have their calculation down pretty neat because it doesn’t get uncomfortable. A lot of the session is at the bars at the wall and there is enough space for everyone.
The teachers are very efficient and chirpy and keep the class moving right along. I went at a time when I needed help with a few extra pounds and it got fixed within 10 days. I followed the system for only a month since I moved soon after otherwise I am sure I would have continued to see a lot of improvements.
It’s a great system that challenges you to strengthen and lengthen your body at the same time. Perfect, you can’t really get tight muscles doing that.
I would like to get back to it some day if the time and location allow.

I came here on a Living Social Deal.
Scheduling:
The class schedule is an excellently structured system so that wait-​listed people have an opportunity to enroll into classes when they get full. If people sign up and don’t show up for class, they get charged $ 10 which is a great incentive to make sure that everyone is cognizant of making sure people on the wait list can get into the class.
Teachers/​Staff:
The teachers/​staff are all super friendly and helpful and take their time to go around to correct postures in order to get the full work out.
Facilities:
The facilities are extremely clean and water is provided inside along with toiletries in the bathroom. Lockers are provided to safely store your possessions. There’s a little shop to the side of the registration desk selling outrageously expensive exercise attire.
The reason why I took away one star is because I don’t find any of the workouts very challenging (but I’m also used to intense workouts that encompass biking, trail running, yoga, bootcamp, backpacking etc…). Like I mentioned before, the teachers take the time to go around and correct posture to make sure to work out the isolated muscle, but I never go home sore or come back the next day sore. To me, it’s considered too light of a work out compared to the price that I’d have to pay — also compared to going to a bootcamp class that encompasses both strength training and cardio.
I think the main issue is that there’s almost no cardio in the class. Just be prepared to do a lot of strength training. I question how much someone can become toned without pairing it with cardio of some sort. So I guess my suggestion would be if you are planning to take these classes to supplement it in some way with cardio (swimming, biking, running) otherwise, I don’t really foresee any change in the body necessarily happening.

Lakeshore Ave. has historically been a very fashionable street. It hasn’t been the talk of the town as other busy Oakland streets such as Piedmont Ave. or the Rockridge District, but personally, I’ve preferred it that way. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, boutique clothing stores lined the avenue. Then shopping habits changed, the identity of the street in the ‘90s was a little confusing – or was that just the ‘90s itself? Nowadays, it’s not about what you’re wearing, it’s more about how you look wearing it. Some schmo walking down the street in a bath towel will look out of place, while the same towel on someone with a chiseled body looks like they’re going to a modeling gig.
To serve the health and image conscious locals who want to look good in a bath towel (or lack of), new exercise businesses are popping up on Lakeshore. The big gyms have had their heyday and many of us got tired of going to the air conditioned warehouses filled with rows of dreadmills, electronic music blasting while CNN plays on the flat screens. For a while, I didn’t know what Anderson Cooper sounded like, but I associated his face with a heavy bass track that went oonce oonce oonce. The new exercise studios are very specific in their offerings. This is better for the community, it encourages people to join many different places rather than one place that tries to do it all.
The latest addition to Lakeshore is a branch of The Bar Method franchise. They made a beautiful remodel of what was Ken Pitt’s martial arts studio (he moved around the corner to Santa Clara Ave.). The exercise mostly attracts women since it focuses on strength without building a lot of mass; its origin is with dancers, so you won’t see many cutoff sleeve t-​shirts and bros getting all swollbraham lincoln. Because of the mostly female clientele, the women’s locker room is significantly nicer than the men’s. The guys get a toilet at the end of the hall with a spacious shower opposite it, across the hall. There are plenty of lockers with locks on them for customers to use. There is even a small daycare room with a beautiful sunlight overhead.
The studio is on the 2^nd floor, I believe stairs are the only option to enter. But if someone can’t walk up stairs, there’s probably nothing for them in the bar method series of exercises.
The bar method is like pilates, yoga, ballet, and a Catholic school posture clinic rolled up into one torturous salad with frisee. It’s hard to cheat in the bar method, which is what makes it so challenging. There aren’t many (any?) exercises that use momentum or any kind of body swing to pass time while you dream about what to eat at Top Dog afterwards. You’re either doing it right, or working towards it, no cheating yourself here. It’s an exercise that’s easy on the joints too.