Pop Physique

I love the work out I do. I have recently gotten into the fitness game. Having just had a baby I needed to lose some of this baby baggage around my waist, thighs, ass… you get the idea!
I had previously tried Pop at their Mission location and was instantly a fan of the ballet inspired workout. I too want to be a prima ballerina, in my 30s, and with no balance!!!
I have no complaint and its not with the studio but its with the clientele. Its the Marina district crowd. The lulu lemon wearing (I have some too, dont get me wrong), perfect ponytail, dewy fresh skin, and nose in the air mentality. I felt out of place. I didnt belong in my Gapfit leggings and my VC Pink shirt (cute at that). I felt like the odd chick out and being stared at. I was the chubby ballerina trying to make in a world of perfection. I left feeling judged and uncomfortable.

Another F A V O R I T E!
Pure Barre will always be near and dear to my heart because I had my first time with them, but Pop Physique is a close second!!!
First of all the facilities are GORGEOUS. I mean the beautiful greenery on the outside patio, the wall length mirrors, the beautiful mahogany wood floor. A visual feast! The designer did a stupendous job here. OK — another props for the fashion here. They have the *cutest* apparel ! Peek a boo grip socks, thongs, shirts, sweaters… The apparel says catchy phrases like «Releve’» «J’adore Barre» and «Barre Wh*re».
I’ve been to Pop, Pure, and Daily. Out of all of them I would say Pop is on the «softer» side — which is good! Sometimes I want a good stretch and a little intensity without over exerting myself. The instructors are very good and provide feedback — they’re also a little bit more edgy than other places =)

Now that I sit in front of a computer for 8+ hours a day, I was looking for a workout that would help improve my posture. I want to strengthen my abs to support my back and to build up my butt so it doesn’t flatten from all the sitting and so I actually have something to sit on.
I didn’t know what I was getting into because I don’t work out and have never been to a fitness class before (much less a barre class), but I used to ballroom dance regularly, which was just fun so I never considered it a workout.
Pop Physique classes target specific muscles with small movements. Check out a YouTube video to get an idea. What I’ve noticed is the exercises work on posture problems that my ballroom coaches would tell me that I needed to fix but I didn’t know how to fix properly or what exercises would develop the muscles to correct them. Since I just started, I don’t feel guilty when I can’t keep up and need a breather, but I feel motivated to keep trying because I know that there will be improvement. Initially, it takes a couple of tries to figure out how to target the right muscles for each exercise, but with each class, I feel that I’m getting the hang of it.
After class, when I walk downhill to the bus stop, sometimes my legs are trembling a little, but it’s not the kind of workout where I’m so sweaty that I feel like I’ll offend someone on the bus. I’m developing a muscle-​focused awareness of my posture, and I actually want to go to class, which is surprising because I’m normally pretty good at coming up with excuses to avoid exercising. While this might not be the perfect workout for everyone, it’s definitely perfect for me right now.

I’ve been going to pop since May of 2015. I try to go regularly but have to admit I’ve had some phases of laziness where I slip up on attendance. But when I do manage to get my butt in gear, I don’t regret it. It’s a great work out and intro to barre if you’ve never done a barre class before. Took me about 2 – 3 classes to get the hang of it. I like all the instructors I’ve taken except for one. Favorites include Maddie, Kaitlyn P, and Shannon.
I’d definitely recommend Shannon’s class for your first time. She’s awesome, up beat and her music is great. Love the glass studio as well rather than the petite. I took a friend here, who usually does pure barre, and she liked it as well but did notice some differences.

I absolutely love the workout I get at Pop Physique! I think there is a stigma that barre is «easy» but that is definitely not the case. Yes, it might be a more feminine and «prettier» workout than your average fitness studio, but that does not mean you won’t get a good burn to tone and lengthen the muscles. The studio itself is clean, open and airy, which I love!

«And squeeze, squeeze, squeeze …»
Damn, my ass hurts.
I’ve taken other barre classes before but none is more form-​focused than Pop Physique. The name may scream «modern, cool, trendy» workout and it may or may not be all of those, but one thing that stuck to my mind after trying a class here is the emphasis on slow, precise movements.
If you’re looking for a fast paced, high intensity workout, you won’t find it here. Please go to TRX or a bootcamp class.
If you’re looking to get toned and have that thigh gap that you’ve always coveted from those IG self-​made models, maybe this is for you. Believe it when I say, it’ll work out muscles you’ve never used before!
If you’re willing to put in work, have the right attitude and love using pink balls (works inner thighs) and orange straps (core work) then this is for you.
The bright Glass studio has beautiful hardwood floors. The reception area and bathroom are clean and orderly. Pop Physique definitely has that boutique feel that a gym doesn’t have. Personally, I’ve found core40 to be a better fit for me and my schedule, but thanks to the Unilocal check in, you can try a class for free.
Now get your butt off that couch and squeeeeeze that ass til it hurts.

Pop physique has a beautiful space with lovely hardwood floors and lots of classes. Parking is hard here even early in the morning when most of the rest of sleepy San Francisco has plenty of parking. I’ve now done a lot of barre classes and you can call me a barre veteran. While the work out here is similar to other places, I find it a much less effective work out. In comparing the calorie burn to other barre classes on my fitbit, this one burns the least. That’s not why I won’t be coming back though.
1) The instructors are not mic’ed, which means I can’t hear them over sometimes what is gratuitously loud music.
2) They do not offer corrections. Just because I’m a veteran doesn’t mean that I know what the nuances of your studio’s technique is. I’ve gone places that tell me to tuck under and places that tell me not to. I don’t mind doing it your way as long as I don’t have any pain while doing the exercises.
3) They don’t bother to learn your name. Okay, I’ve got to admit that I haven’t come here much but there are other places that I’ve been that really personalize your experience even if it’s your first time there.
4) Their mats smell like feet. Like horrible wet feet that have been in Toms all day. I have used similar mats in other studios and never have I ever smelled more horrid mats than at this place. The first time I went I was very self conscious that it was me emitting that horrible smell. But it became increasingly apparent that all their mats smell that way.
I love the beautiful hardwood floors. Carpet grosses me out a bit at other barre studios. I love the natural light. I love that they stick with more anerobic exercises rather than aerobic mix ins as I don’t really love the interval training experience. But I will not be back to this studio for any more classes. I’m glad I got to try it out on classpass as I would have been kicking myself if I had actually paid for classes here. Great if you love it, pass on the smelly feet for me.

I started doing Pop after watching a friend’s progress through it. She always seemed happy and pleased with the results she was getting. I purchased the «first timer» 30 days for $ 100 unlimited classes. My first couple of classes I will admit were VERY hard. I am pretty active (play soccer, bike and hike) but the exercises in pop work out muscles I didn’t even know existed! But I pushed through it and am so happy I did.
My favorite teacher is Shannon. She does Tuesday evenings, sometimes Thursdays as well as some weekends. She is always up beat and checks in before class even starts to make sure no one is injured and to see if there are any first timers. She always does different exercises each class and even though her classes are usually pretty full she makes sure everyone gets the attention they need. Her music playlist choices are always on point and makes it easy to keep on beat. even though she is an excellent counter!
You can tell Shannon genuinly loves teaching Pop Physique classes and wants everyone to be happy in their bodies. She makes it’s a point to know people’s names and always helps after class if people have questions about different positions or to just chat about life.
When I can’t get to Shannon’s class I also like attending Jules’ and Aaron’s classes. They are also very positive and have a class that flows well.
I have being doing pop since May of 2015. I have never seen results (physically and mentally) in myself happen so quickly. Pop Physique has given me confidence and I will keep returning.

I love Pop Physique. I have been looking for a class like this for years, and I have finally struck gold.
There are a lot of barre classes out there, but this is THE ONE. I have been going to Pop Physique since December last year and my bod is feeling/​looking better than ever. It is the first time I have been able to dedicate myself to a class and not get bored because 1) it is extremely challenging 2) it is always changing/​evolving and 3) I feel a real sense of community here.
I highly recommend finding your favorite instructors and sticking to a schedule that involves going to their classes on the regular. My favorite instructor by a long shot is Shannon. Right now she is teaching Tuesday evenings, but keep an eye out for her on the weekends and occasional other weekdays. She is full of energy, plays the best music, always stays on count, and gets to know her clients by name. She makes sure to go around the room correcting your posture and motivating you to try harder and be better. She creates a safe, fun environment and keeps me coming back every week. Every night after class you’ll see clients praising her and asking her questions because she is so approachable and just a wonderful human being.
Thank you Shannon and Pop Physique for giving me this awesome butt!

Tried this class with ClassPass after thoroughly examining all barre classes around the Marina, and I think i’ve found my favorite.
I enjoy the boutique appeal of Pop Physique– everything is well maintained and up to brand standards. It seems as though this location has a strong client base with lots of regulars– another good sign. I signed up for a class with Aaron who deserves a gold star.
He is a master of his craft. He gave great corrections and alterations in case we weren’t conditioned enough to do the regular stunts. He’s a pleasure to take class from and you will feel the burn days later. Definitely worth a try for barre lovers of all levels; like I said– TAKE AARON :)

Awesome class! Moves fast and I feel sufficiently sore in new muscles I didn’t even know I had. I had taken 2 beginner barre classes in the past so had a bit of a foundation, but was certainly not an expert. I took Sarah’s class and it was a great workout – moved fast so I never got bored, and felt like I got to work out most major muscle groups.
Those little pink balls are my nightmare… but will also get my ass in shape!
Bonus points for the sleek and comfy space and cute 90s socks with grips on the bottom you can buy if you forget yours ;)

PopPhysique is probably my new favorite barre studio/​Barre/​Pilates workout! My friend and I found this studio thanks to Classpass and decided to try it out. The studio is super clean, and the staff was really friendly. We filled out a 2 page info sheet, then were given a walk-​through. The entire 1 hour I was in pain/​sweating and working all my muscles, perfect combo. Its pretty intense but def worth it.
It’s basically a 1 hour class that blends the use of light weights, a POP ball, and a ballet barre to strengthen and lengthen the body.
Great work out, I def. felt it in my arms and legs and butt the next day! Angie was amazing, loved her class.

PopPhysique is my favorite Barre/​Pilates workout! I was going to their LA– Venice Blvd location for a year and when I moved to SF and saw how close Polk St studio was — I was overjoyed!
I love that they focus on muscle groups and then that’s it you’re done with arms! You’re now done with thighs! Each instructor is different so you aren’t always doing the same thing each time, it’s really what you put into it though. If you want to see your best results you really have to push and get that shaking!
Love Aaron’s class! He has so much energy and makes the class fun. Highly recommend!

Unilocal offers a free first class with a check in. Get on that shit!
I was staying in San Fran about a half a mile from this studio, so I ventured out to kick off a day of sightseeing with a full body workout.
I got to the studio early for the 8:30 am so I had ample time to fill out paperwork, score a pair of free socks, and make sure I wasn’t paying a $ 20 drop in.
This was my first ever barre class, and I guess it was what I expected: filled with lulu-​wearing ladies and upbeat, fast sequences that burned my core, shoulders, thighs, triceps, and hamstrings in succession.
I didn’t expect the crazy loud music, which made it a little tough for me to hear the instructor’s cuing, but she did a nice job coming over to show me some form improvements when I clearly had no clue what was happening.
I don’t know much about the Russian Hill neighborhood, but it seemed on the outskirts of snooty and just gritty enough to be cool. The space itself was beautiful and they have two studios to accommodate busy late afternoons and evenings.
I’d probably try another spot too just for comparison, but if you’re looking for a free way to kill an hour, this isn’t a bad bet.
Today, my main sore spots are mid-​back, hamstring attachments, and quads.
I’m semi-​inspired to try barre at home and see if I can’t tone my booty into oblivion. Remains to be seen.

My favorite bar studio in SF!
I’ve tried pure barre, bar method and daily method but the classes here have been the hardest and given me the best workout.
Aaron has been the best teacher!

Probably my new favorite barre studio!
Pop Physique provides such a fun, energetic, balanced, and challenging workout! So far, I’ve only gone 3 times (thanks to ClassPass) but I can already tell my butt is getting perkier, and my arms and legs are getting stronger (still a long way to go though)!
The only thing I would probably chain is the music. Their playlists aren’t really my thing and I’d prefer more of a variety.

If you’re looking for a trendy, fun, happy workout place — this is it! I mean, who can say ‘No’ to lavender purple dumbbells and powder pink balls. Plus, they «re-​rack» your weights for you. double plus!
Don’t let the 1−3lb weights fool you. It’s all about muscle endurance here and trust, I can deadlift 185lb on the regular, but holding and squeeze those 2lb weights for a good 60 – 90 seconds got me crying for help!
Loved my instructor, Aaron was amazeballs!
Great workout to check out with your girlfriends. Healthy and great way to make it a Girl’s Day Out, then head out for brunch and coffee around the Russian Hill area afterwards. It’s a perfect day kind of thing with your besties!

I am a runner that has found a recent joy in Pilates. Not sure why, but I am not a big fan of barre. That being said, the Pop Sculpt class here is my favorite barre class that I have taken thus far (even better than the praised Bar Method).
It was a little more fast-​paced than other barre classes, which I really liked. I just wished the instructor came around and adjusted everyone during the class because the small movements are so precise that it is important to do them correctly.
I would probably go back to mix up my workout routine, but I was not crazy about it (probably because I am not a barre fanatic in the first place).

And tuck, tuck, tuck!
I love taking classes here! It is the only place that I would consider getting up for a 6am Monday class for :) Really starts my week off right.
The instructors here are always very friendly and engaging, and their soundtracks are on point. I always get a great workout from their Pop Sculpt class, which always leaves me sweaty and beat, but happy. The class really works my whole body, from core to arm to glutes (Those squats on the barre are killer thanks to the tiptoes and Pop Physiques, signature pink balls, but I am definitely improving every time! Bye bye trembling legs!). Glad they are on ClassPass!

I was super excited to try Pop after hearing excellent reviews from friends who have done it in LA.
As an avid soul-​cycler, I must say while I was impressed by the ease of scheduling classes and the size of the studio in comparison to Soul, I was not impressed by the instructors (I have tried 5) and music selection.
As I am new, I get corrected A LOT, but it almost feels as if it’s done in a condescending way– as if the instructor is annoyed that I don’t know what I’m doing. In addition, the music is repetitive, boring electro– not at all like the upbeat, motivating tunes played at Soul. Of course they’re not trying to be the same thing, but the playlists at pop just feels sloppy and thrown together without care.
I even brought my friend who works at Pop in LA and she agreed that these classes are not at the standard she is used to.
While I do feel like I’m getting a good workout, I have not felt super welcomed and have never left feeling PUMPED to return. If you’re an upbeat, energetic person like I am, this might be a little too low energy for you.