The Bar Method

I have been an athlete all my life (played college volleyball), and tried many workout programs. The Bar Method is the best workout I can get in one hour, that (1) works every single part of my body, (2) doesn’t strain my joints and (3) increases my flexibility.
I used to love the aerobic step classes, the boot camp classes, and the circuit training sweaty workouts, but after having reconstructive surgery on my right knee, a couple kids and getting past the age of 35, I was living with chronic joint pain from these types of workouts. I tried really really hard to be a runner — but I never could reach the runner’s high, and I was always achy with shin, knee and hip pain. With a couple knee surgeries, it was 15+ years of not being able to sit on my ankles.
The Bar Method has completely changed how I workout, and how my body feels. Because it’s little to no impact, I have no joint pain. Oh, there’s plenty of muscle pain, but that results in lots of strong, lean muscles, a great posture, and amazing flexibility for me. After only a few months doing Bar, I was able to sit back on my heels. And after five months, I could do the splits again (I think I last did them when I was 9). It’s been over four years now, and I feel stronger and more flexible than when I was playing college volleyball. I just really appreciate how this type of workout will continue to help me as I age.
I highly recommend everybody at least try The Bar Method. I’ve seen people come in who absolutely love it, and others come in and go «so-​so». And I can never predict who will like it and who won’t. But it’s a no-​joke workout with great physical benefits, not to mention an amazing community of people.

I want to start off my review with the fact that I never really post reviews, so the fact that I’m going out of my way to post a review says a lot. Bar Method is hands down, the best bar class that is out there. I first started coming to Bar Method using Classpass, and because there is a limit, tried out many other barre classes in the area. This class is by far the very best, by a lot.
Yes, the instructors go out of their way to call out your name and correct your form, especially if you are new. But in my opinion, that is what makes the class so valuable. I am not a natural ballet dancer, athlete, or yoga practitioner and I know my form is horrible. What I need is someone to guide me and watch me to make sure that the poses that I am doing are correct and won’t hurt me. The class is challenging but upbeat. The instructors are not mean about correcting you. They just genuinely want to make sure you don’t get hurt and you get the most out of each exercise. Every tiny adjustment that they do makes a world of difference. Even small things like turning your hips in, the minute they correct my posture, the exercise feels totally different. After a month of doing the classes on a regular basis, I’ve noticed huge differences in my posture and muscle tone. Even when I go to other barre classes, I’ve noticed my technique has improved even with instructors there that seem to pay little attention to student posture and technique.
There is a reason why this barre class is the most expensive, you pay for what you get. The extra attention you get, the fact that the instructors go out of their way to learn your name, all makes for a very smooth, rigorous, worthwhile class. If I’m going to spend an hour of my day trying to get fit, I want it to be worth it. I have always felt accomplished leaving their barre classes.

I have been to almost 10 classes so far and love it. One of the biggest differentiators I found between Bar Method and other barre studios in the area is that the instructor will go out of their way to learn your name. It may seem annoying or even embarrassing when they call you out to adjust your position, but they are calling everyone out with good intentions of making sure you aren’t getting hurt and are holding good posture. The facility is clean and the classes run very quickly. It’s often crowded around the 12:15 p.m. class (a lot of people are on their lunch break), but you still feel like you are getting quality for what you’re paying. The exercises are all small contractions to fatigue your muscles. The next day I am usually sore, despite the fact we do a lot of stretches. It’s consistently been a positive experience!

I first discovered Bar Method when I moved to Seattle from NYC, and I was just starting to do regular physical activity (read: I was not fit at all). The first class kicked my butt and I was quickly hooked — it provides a 1 hour full body workout that leaves me feeling stronger and more flexible. And the transformation was amazingly fast — within a month or so, I noticed muscles where I had none before and definition in my arms and legs.
The thing that really sets this place apart from other gyms, though, is how welcoming everyone is. Every instructor takes the time to learn your name; yes, they will correct your form in class, but that’s how you get better and protect yourself from injury. Even after taking a break from Bar for 3 years to focus on rock climbing, when I came back, Bev STILL remembered my name. I was amazed and touched.
It is expensive, there’s no getting around that, but I truly feel that I get great value out of it. I go 3−4x/week as cross-​training for rock climbing and general fitness, and have never felt stronger.
Bottom line: Bar Method is fast and effective — I would give 6 stars if I could ;)

The Seattle and Redmond facilities are nice. The front desk at both locations were friendly. Unfortunately, my experience in a class taught by Kayla B was such a negative experience (in my opinion, her ability to teach in any other than a cookie cutter method is lacking — its also my opinion that her lack of understanding of joint injury or conditions is dangerous for anyone recovering from such an ailment), that I will never go back to a Bar Method studio. If I was rating Bar Method based only on my experience with her, it would be a 1-​star rating. However, I realize that would not be fair to the other instructors that were in fact good and well verse in their teaching style and abilities. Fortunately, there are several other barre studios in the area that are available, and which over the past two years, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences at.

I have been going to Bar Method for a little over a year. When I first started I weighed 180 pounds and was really frustrated that traditional workout routines were not working. I had never heard of Bar Method until my mom who had been going for a few months suggested I go. I have read all of the reviews from people on this page and it is funny to me the 3 people who gave bad reviews on here really were not looking to change their lives and be more fit. They were concerned with how the instructors were or they simply «could not» do the workout routine. I will never do another workout routine other than this again. It is the greatest experience I have ever had. The teachers care about you, yes they correct you, but they do not want you to injure yourself. It is only as effective as you want it to be. There are many options for class times and everyone is a family. When I first started a year ago, I was clumsy, had terrible posture, and was extremely overweight. Now a year later, I weigh 135 pounds and the classes are still tough, lol. I now workout 6 days a week. Every instructor has a different style of teaching, but I love them all! Try it for just one month and you will not regret it, you may even become addicted to it as I have!

I’ve been going here for around six months now and this is a fantastic workout, and that’s coming from someone who routinely lifts heavy and is used to much heavier weights. What I love about it is that the instructors are all very concerned about your alignment and posture and you will get correction– this was daunting at first, but I quickly realized that no one else even notices that you’re getting called out– everyone is completely focused on their own alignment and making sure that they are in proper form too. The workout is full body and there are modifications that make it appropriate for anyone, at any fitness level– there’s no requirement to be ultra-​flexible (I’m not), thin (I’m not) or super fit (I’m strong, but my aerobic endurance is lacking).
The other part that I love about The Bar Method Eastside (I haven’t been to Seattle yet) is that everyone knows your name, and if they don’t, they ask. That’s not just the instructors, but also the students– within my first week, people were talking to me, from a woman beside me encouraging me during my nemesis, chair, to just the normal chatting that happens before and after class. It’s a really supportive atmosphere that I haven’t found at a lot of other gyms.

The Bar Method is my happy place, I just wish I would have found it earlier. With chronic low back pain for the last 6 years, any type of exercise has been a struggle. I was weak, overweight, and didn’t feel great about the fact that I couldn’t fit in my favorite jeans or play with my young kids how I wanted to. However, the supportive instructors, and amazing workout has got me to a place where I feel great in my own skin. No back pain, being active with my kids, and being stronger are the most important things, but now I’m too small to fit in my favorite jeans, which is a great benefit!

In Washington State for almost 3 years, my first goal was to find a fun place to work out … And I found it: the Bar Method is part of my day, every morning of week day. I enjoy every class and every teacher and today with Bev I was able to hold Pretzel on both sides for the first time !!!. Come and challenge yourself, it’s gonna be hard but you won’t regret it.

I started attending Bar Method classes a little of a year ago, and am now a true devotee attending class as many times a week as my busy schedule allows (4 – 5 days is my sweet spot). The community is so warm and inviting with the front desk and instructors always greeting you with a warm welcome. I’ve made many friends as well. Yes, the classes are challenging but the results are the payoff! I’ve never in my life stuck with an exercise routine as long as I have with Bar Method. Taking the plunge to go to my first class was a life-​changing decision. Try it and you’ll be hooked!

Great first experience. The studio is super clean and welcoming… almost like a spa. The girls at the front desk were really sweet. The class was challenging from the first minute, but it was so rewarding. I’m hooked already. I have signed up for the new client special, and it’s a really good deal. Can’t wait to go back!

Never again – I’ve tried several Barre classes in the area, and this was the worst of the bunch– it felt like bootcamp with instructors yelling your name if you didn’t do the poses perfectly – not only did it make me feel uncomfortable, it was downright embarrassing. If you’re part of the Redmond clique, are in great shape, and don’t mind getting yelled at, you’ll fit right in – otherwise avoid it like the plague.

This is hands down, the best workout you can do. Amazing people, beautiful studio, and serious challenge that is always a little different from day to day so it never gets boring or easy. It’s as much a mental workout as it is physical. Give it a try and you’ll be hooked too. The changes you’ll achieve in your body are incredible.

Let me just start off by saying that I love the barre workout, and I’ve tried most of the popular barre places around the Bellevue-​Redmond area. I had really high expectations for The Bar Method since I did a lot of research comparing the different barre places, and a lot of people said that The Bar Method is one of the most difficult ones and the closest to the original workout developed by Lotte.
So, the pros:
–Very modern, clean, full of natural light studio.
–The front desk was very polite, friendly, and helpful.
–There were lots lockers with keys, a clean nice shower room, and a women’s changing room.
–Free fresh towels!
–There was a «spotter» that basically walked around helping students with their postures while the instructor is teaching which I found very helpful.
–The workout is pretty intense, and definitely found myself shaking in a couple positions.
Cons:
–Extremely difficult to find. It was in the back of a building on the upstairs and can only be accessed by going through the back door.
–The instructor (like a few people have mentioned here) can be quite rude when correcting you. For example, she kept yelling at this poor older guy in the class who obviously wasn’t as flexible as other people in the class: «I said lift your chest!» «Lower your ribs! I said your ribs! We need to have a private class so I can tell you where your ribs are!»
–Also, I don’t appreciate how rough the instructors can be when correcting your position, she literally grabbed my waist and pulled me across the mat.
–The flow of the class was also very distracting to me. The instructor made us put away our weights in the middle of our workout (all the other studios, either the instructors put away our weights while we were at the bar or someone else would come in and put it away), and also there was a lot of moving around on the mat, off the mat, against the wall, on the floor. It wasn’t smooth transitions at all.
–Lastly, I would say that the price is definitely much higher than most other studios.
So there’s my honest opinion, I won’t be back, but I’m glad I tried it out. Happy barre workout!

Ever since having my son a little over a year ago, I have been looking for a work out that I actually like & I WANT to go do. I’ve been jogging and doing work out videos at home, but that was getting boring. My sister recommended The Bar Method in RTC so I decided to try it with her last Saturday morning. Extremely easy to get to and plenty of parking on top level of parking garage. When I walked in I was greeted by name by the receptionist! VERY impressive. After being in customer service for over 10 years I have high standards and this place met all my expectations. They are all so friendly. Once I checked in I took my shoes off and took a quick tour. The studio is extremely clean and bright, reminds you of something you might find in L.A. but not pretentious. They make you feel very comfortable. The instructor knows everyone’s names too so that they can help you with your form throughout the class. I was a tiny bit nervous just because I didn’t know how hard the class would be, but the instructor I had was awesome, Lindsey I think, and you can always look to the other students for guidance. The hour long work out just flew by! You are so busy concentrating, listening to music, and getting your muscles toned that you don’t notice the time AT ALL.
At the end of the class I felt energized and excited to finally find a class that I can enjoy whilst being effective. I’m going back this Sunday to sign up for the unlimited one month for new students. I’m so pumped to get into bikini shape this year!
I would recommend this studio to anyone who wants a fun, effective work out in a group setting!

The review written by «Kristina S» below got my attention. Why so horribly negative? Then I went to Pure Barre on Unilocal and I got my answer. Yep, she wrote a glowing review of Pure Barre on 10÷3÷11 touting it as the best workout in Seattle. And then on 10÷16÷11 she pans the Bar Method. I smell a big, ugly, RAT.
For the record, I’m an addicted Bar Method devotee for the very same reasons «Kristina S» below is not:
Each and every instructor at the Bar Method goes through a rigorous, months-​long training program in which they become incredibly well-​educated in the Bar Method technique and physiology. The quality of the teachers at the Bar Method is simply unsurpassed. I split my time between San Francisco and Seattle, and the reason the Bar Method works for me is this consistency in the quality of the instruction and classes. Good instructors are going to let you know when your form is incorrect… bring it on!!! I want to get the most from my workout, and I can only do so if I’m doing the exercises properly. If I get called out it’s for a good reason. Everyone in class benefits from the corrections and there’s such a supportive environment in class.
I am SO relieved they do not allow cell phones in class!!! Hello??? What a rude distraction to the other students and the instructor. If you can’t be without your phone for one hour, you shouldn’t be in class. Period.
I have been going to Seattle-​Eastside Bar Method for over 2 years now. I find the owners to be professional, concerned, caring and more than happy to discuss any questions or issues you might have. I have never experienced such a supportive workout. In addition, both the Redmond and the Seattle studios are less like a gym and more like a spa. They are pristine, so pristine that yes, your sweatshirt is better off on the floor and not up on the bar or ledge where it might distract the person working out next to you.
I find the new Seattle South Lake Union location to be a gem! Parking is cheap ($ 1 for an hour), or free if you park at Whole Foods a block away, do some shopping on your way out and get your ticket validated. Plus, for so many who work and live downtown, it’s a great walk and I know so many students who really appreciate the fact that they don’t have to get in their car to workout! The Seattle Bar Method studio is AMAZING.
If you are looking for THE original, the best, and by far the classiest bar workout, The Bar Method beats all the other imitators out there, hands down.

This deserves 5 stars, but I am only giving it 3, because it was not for me.
Here’s the deal: I wanted a low-​impact exercise routine which was more about making me limber and trim than skinny and strong. I thought Bar Method would be a good choice. For most people, I’m sure it is.
As a plus size individual, I found that many of the positions I was supposed to hold weren’t really an option for me. For example, I can’t hug my thigh to my chest. There’s just no space for that.
If I had already conquered yoga, I might have been successful at the bar method workout. But, for me, it was like trying to run a marathon before I could even walk a mile.
Additionally, I cannot afford to be sore and stiff the next day at work, being a preschool teacher. I have to stand and bend and crawl and lift and move in unnatural ways all day long. The day after visiting Bar Method was one of the worst days at work I have ever had.
In short, if you’re even barely in shape, you can be successful at Bar Method. If you work in an office or take classes most of the day, the soreness is worthwhile. Personally though, this just did not work out.

I would give it four stars if weren’t for the price!
I signed up as a new client for 30 days and had a great time! I didn’t drop pounds but I was much more flexible and I am pretty sure I put on some muscle mass in my legs.
I wanted to continue classes but the price is just too high. If only they could create a membership for commuters — you would have to show an out of state ID or something of that nature.
If the class prices come down — I“m there!

So now that I have been going to the bar method for about three months. I figured I should give an update. I wish I would have taken measurements. I have gone since July 1, usually 5 x a week. I have starting noting changes in my body. My legs are honestly stronger and far more toned and my butt is lifted. The increased flexibility is another bonus.
I didn’t believe the things i was told when I first walked into their studio. I just knew that they all looked amazing and I wanted to as well… but after being a willing and dedicated student I have learned that they were right.
This will completely change your body. You have to stick with it… and well invest in a whole new wardrobe.
This is not a quick fix, this takes dedication and hardwork but it really works. I went to bar thinking «hey it’s cheaper than physical therapy» I was suffering from tendonitis in the hips from being a runner. I gained so much more and each class is still challenging.
The teachers are amazing and they modify the exercises so that you can still participate.
This truly is the healthiest addiction one can have

Seattle finally has a Bar Method, and it’s opened in Redmond of all places. The studio is hard to find since it has no street presence, but it’s on the 3^rd floor of the main parking garage above the Apple Store and across the street from REI. Once you find the place, there’s no trouble finding free, convenient parking.
The space is new, clean, and bright. Plenty of lockers with keys, towels, and a fully stocked shower. They have lots of little toiletries in case you forgot yours. The extras are nice, especially since small studios have a tendency to charge for these things.
I really enjoy the workout. It seems like an effective mix of ballet, Pilates, and yoga. The first part of the class kept my heart rate up, and got me sweating a little (less than one of my normal cardio workouts though). The first thing you notice in the Bar Method is that it is really really hard. Your muscles spend about a third of the time shaking. It’s also fairly detailed muscle work — you hold everything for (what seems like) an eternity and make very small subtle movements. It requires a lot of concentration, but (looking at the regulars and instructors) provides pretty great results.
The offer a free intro class and new students pay $ 150 for a month of unlimited classes. Oh yes, and they honor the Prime Card for a 15% discount. Awesome.