The Bar Method

I can’t rave enough about both the practice and the Berkeley studio. I utilize Bar Method for cross-​training for long distance running, though the results have been aesthetic as well as athletic. I’ve dropped a size in jeans (without a weight change) as well as time off my race PRs — the results speak for themselves. The owner, Helen, and Studio Manager, Meghan, are extremely kind, friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, as are all of the instructors. I never regret hauling my lifted butt out of bed for an early morning class to sculpt my abs and arms. You won’t either!

This review is long overdue. I have been attending here for over a year — finally just had to write this out! Had an especially amazing class this morning with Helen, the studio owner. Helen has an uncanny, almost ethereal sense of the most subtle details that comprise what proper form is for Bar Method exercises. Today, I came into class with hip-​flexor soreness and didn’t have a chance to mention it to Helen at the beginning of class — class was entirely full on a Saturday morning (as usual because we have an awesome studio here in Berkeley). Nevertheless, she gave me, not one, but two corrections during the packed class which specifically targeted protecting my hip flexors! I thanked her after class for the corrections and asked her if she had seen this in my file (sometimes the instructors have a chance to review your health record before class, but not usually on a Saturday, because it is so busy at the studio, & also the computers were down this morning). Astoundingly, she did not happen to have prior knowledge of my sensitivity today. It’s just that her perception and understanding of detail for the exercises is THAT GOOD. She can spot minute adjustments needed in your body’s alignment or form, and she will tell you what to fix on the spot, even in a completely full class of 27 other people! I have also received many excellent corrections from Meghan (studio manager who also has an amazing sense for detail and who will make you feel happy just by the sound of her voice while simultaneously kicking your butt in class — Bar Move especially!), Yvonne (teaches a glorious «Zen-​like» mind-​body connected class), Jackie and Randilea (they will both work you out without stressing you out). Beth and Erin the newest teachers, are carrying on the excellent studio track record of providing personalized corrections while challenging us to be the best we can be. I appreciate every single ounce of feedback from these amazing instructors, and that is why coming to the studio in-​person is worth my time and expense — thanks all! Keep up the good work and eye for personalized detail — it is a big part of what makes the Bar Method so special. Thanks to the friendly and efficient front desk staff too who, like the instructors, make an effort to greet you by name. This is a first rate studio, BAR none! Happy New Year Bar Method Berkeley!

Signed up on living social ($ 30 deal for 1 month). Had an amazing first session with Yvonne. I was surprised by the subtle intensity, welcoming environment, and the attention considering the class was full !

Everyone are so friendly & makes you feel welcome. Erin is great! I will definitely come back to this location. The community class is great if you want to it out first. Check the schedule. You can download an app for free so you can sign up for classes.

Dear Bar Method Berkeley.
How do I start? I love you beyond words. All your people, and your furry Bar ambassador Lucy are all so lovely and sweet. Your space is beautiful, clean, warm and welcoming. You workouts kick my butt in the best way and you pamper me with all the essentials I need to get ready for work after class. You’re responsive, attentive, and a damn fine establishment. I can always find parking nearby and enjoy the stroll (or sprint) to the studio. Your app makes managing my class schedule easy. Your exercises have perked up my backside, turned my thighs into solid war machines (in the best way), helped me run remarkably faster, and allowed me to flex my arms and invite people over to my gun show. Thank you for helping me feel less stressed, more flexible and very strong. But most importantly, after a few months of regular attendance, you enabled me to breakup with my chiropractor. Well, not completely. because a little snap/​crackle feels good sometimes, but I don’t need it the way I did before I discovered Bar. I’m constantly impressed by the outcome of the challenges you present to us in class and my body feels sometimes tortured, but mostly really good. Your classes are tough and I love it.
Thanks for everything,
Your devoted fan girl.

The Bar Method Berkeley has me hooked! Here’s why: 1. The awesome workout, that starts on time, is structured, well-​guided, tough and gives you results! (I am finally getting a butt!!), 2. The kind staff whom all really care that they provide you with a great well-​instructed workout. They correct, praise and push you to do your best for yourself! 3. The amenities that are super helpful after a 6am workout. From the showers (do wish there was more than one), to the makeup remover and bobby pins, they really provide what you need when you roll in with raccoon eyes and bed head! 4. Convenient class times ranging from 6am to 6:30pm!
I’ve tried a lot of different workouts and programs that I haven’t stuck with for one reason or another (doesn’t start on time, is more about the social aspect, doesn’t provide results, instructors are there for themselves, class times aren’t convenient, etc, etc). As I stated above, this is NOT the case with Bar Method Berkeley. It is wonderful, and I plan on sticking with it for a long, long time!
Thank you Helen, Yvonne, Meghan, and all the amazing support staff!

In a word — OBSESSED.
I’ve never been a big workout person. I find the gym to be boring, non-​motivating and always got lackluster results that never pushed me to continue.
The Bar Method is the opposite — its super motivating, awesome instructors and I can already see results in the 6 weeks I’ve been a member.
Bar Method makes me excited to workout. It makes me feel more confident, empowered and energized. I never thought I would find a workout that I can stick to and has such great side effects.
The studio in Berkeley is very clean and minimalistic which I love. Yay Bar Method!!!

I love everything about this Bar Method location. Prior to coming here I could never get myself to exercise consistently, but it’s been over a year and I’m still going strong!
The studio is always spotlessly clean and feels so warm and inviting. The exercises are really challenging and continue to be even after coming for a long time. You can really see the changes in your body and feel the increase in your strength and endurance.
But the real reason to come is for the people. It’s such a positive community and everyone who works here is so genuinely kind and encouraging. All of the instructors are really really great. If you’re having a bad day take a class with Yvonne because her cheerfulness and silliness are bound to cheer you up!
If you’re not convinced, the studio dog Lucy is reason enough to come because she is the cutest!

True confessions moment! My pattern is to get excited about a new form of exercise — sign on with whatever the package deal is, then within a month or two grow restless, not go as often, and then feel bad that I have wasted my money and not fulfilled my commitment to myself toward physical well-​being. NOT SO WITH THE BAR METHOD !!! I have been coming to classes for nearly a year! After a few months, I admit, a part of me was expecting the same old thing — it would not be too long before I was out the door looking for the next best exercise hit that would sustain my attention and interest. NOT SO! Okay, so when I ask the question, what is it about THE BAR METHOD that keeps me happily coming back several things stand out…
There is nothing about going to the Bar studio that is anonymous. The culture of friendliness abounds. When I enter, I am greeted with a smile and everyone knows my name. There is genuine warmth in the feedback that instructors provide during class. They are very well trained and knowledgeable about anatomy so their feedback is constructive and designed to optimize my progress and to insure that I do not injure myself.
Another plus for me is that I am 67 and can’t possibly do what some of the 30 years olds are doing in the class. Yet, the instructors are always there in the moment to offer adaptations to anyone who for whatever reason can’t do a specific movement or stretch; and then, on top of that, to affirm whatever is possible in the most positive way. They are always there to encourage and celebrate progress however big or little it may be. It cuts through the usual compare and despair phenomenon that often permeates gym culture. And, much to my amazement, by going to BAR classes I have reclaimed an amazing amount of my former strength and agility. It’s like turning back the clock. I am significantly stronger and appreciably more flexible than when I started. YEA BAR!

The staff at the Bar Method are always so professional and sweet. The business is run really well — the owner is awesome at communicating. The place feels like a spa. The exercises are great for my posture and boosts my confidence. My arms and back now have amazing definition. It’s great to feel strong and look good too ;)

Can’t believe I haven’t posted a Bar Method review yet. I’ve been going to this location for over a year & am very pleased with my workouts. I hate exercising, but all the Bar Method staff are friendly, quickly learn your name, and offer ongoing encouragement and gentle corrections to improve your form. They keep me motivated when I’d just like to give up.
The classes have enough variety to keep things interesting and enough core exercises to provide structure and help you feel like you know what you’re doing. I particularly like that the staff provide modifications if you have physical restrictions or an injury.
The facility itself is clean and bright. There are lockers for your belongings, 2 bathrooms and a shower.

… Bar Move is one if my favorite classes, Meghan is great!
It would be nice to have more Bar Move classes in the morning during Babysitting hours.

I never would have taken a class like this on my own, but was talked into it. I was hooked after that. I went from working out 1 – 2 times a week at my gym to working out 4 – 5 days a week. Four months later, I have dropped not only weight but body fat, which is much more important. Every instructor is extremely encouraging, the facility is very nice and clean, and parking is pretty easy. They even have a kids room, where for $ 5 you can leave your child in good hands while you work out! It’s low impact and you work out all muscle groups the right way.

I would honestly drive all the way across the bridge to go back to the Bar Method. I lived nearby and would go before work and on weekends, and it is such a great studio! The only negative about moving to SF was not being able to go to the Bar Method on a regular basis. Megan and Helen’s classes especially are fantastic. The entire staff is so friendly and they provide a welcoming and fun environment. It makes you look forward to going to classes! The studio is also very nice– always very clean and well-​maintained.

I recently bought a class pass so I’ve been trying out a bunch of studios. The Bar Method has turned out to be my favorite barre class! The studio is clean and modern, the teachers are super friendly and remember everyone’s names, the exercises are challenging and an amazing workout.
For my first class here, I arrived the suggested 15 minutes early. Parking was easy to find just around the corner as I usually take the 6:45pm weekday classes. I was immediately greeted upon walking in, checked in, and filled out a few forms. Meghan gave me a quick tour of the studio and then led me to class. The studio is very spa-​like and clean. I was amazed at how nice the place looked. Meghan also learned my name right away! In fact, during all the classes I’ve taken here, every instructor has known my name even when I’ve never been introduced before. I love the extra effort the teachers at The Bar Method here take to learn everyone’s names. It makes the experience so much better and you feel like more than just a body in a class.
The actual classes are challenging in a good way. I grew up taking ballet so I was always interested in taking barre classes. I have to say don’t expect these barre classes to be like ballet. They’re definitely ballet inspired but not the same. Nonetheless, I really enjoy them. I feel the burn with every exercise but I never leave the class drenched in sweat which is good when I have things to do after class! My muscles definitely start shaking during every class but somehow I’m able to push through the pain and not give up. I think this is due to a good balance of the class being challenging but not insanely difficult. Unlike other barre classes I’ve taken, I feel like the instructions here are very clear. This is very important with barre classes since you’re targeting very specific muscles at a time so if you’re not doing it correctly, you’re kinda wasting your time. I’ve taken classes at other studios where I got lost trying to follow all the instructions given to me. I like that the instructors call you out on corrections and will also come up and adjust you. It’s the best way to learn and correct your form!
Overall, I highly recommend anyone thinking about trying a Bar Method class to just go for it! I can’t rave enough about this place.

Very clean and therapeutic workout studio! Instructors were all very nice and motivating. The workout itself is challenging but not too exhausting. This is a great place to workout if you are in a rush and don’t feel like showering immediately afterwards lol…

I really have to update my review:
–You guys have to check out Randilea’s (an instructor in training and soon to be certified) community classes!
–The instructors remember (and make a note) if you have medical problems and take the time to offer alternative exercises. For instance, I cannot do fold over or arabesque and resort to one of the standing seat exercises.
–People are really nice and welcoming at this Bar Method studio and it is a pleasure to exercise in such a positive atmosphere. (I’ve read a few nasty reviews about other Bar Method studios that made me quake in my boots!)

I’ve only been attending classes here for a month, but I gotta say I really enjoy it. The studio is well kept and very nice. The instructors are sweet as can be and really good at getting you to go the extra mile during classes, Helen especially. I really like that since it can be all to easy to not give it your all, so it’s good that she’s there to push you. I’m noticing a difference already in how my body feels. I’m starting to get stronger and more tone in my thighs, butt, and abs.
Yay Bar Method!

I became a Bar Method convert at the Oakland location, but when I moved closer to the Berkeley BM I was happy to find I liked it even better! Super friendly people, energetic teachers, and a clean spacious studio. Parking is the only wildcard, but I always just park on the residential streets near Safeway, and walk a block.
My Oakland review extols the virtues of this unique workout. I’ve never felt more toned than when I was doing Bar Method 3x per week. It targets all those lady problem areas: butt, thighs, abs, arms (oh wait, that’s like EVERY area of the body… being a girl is tough). In one hour, you pack a serious workout punch but still manage not to leave a sweaty mess. It’s the perfect workout for girls on the go.
Monthly membership is pricey, but if you’re dedicated to «changing your body», as they say, Bar Method will deliver. It also helps train you into having better posture, something all of us laptop drones could use.
I dare you to try and not to get hooked!

This place is so awesome. Helen the owner is totally friendly, personable and she answers any and all questions. She makes sure to connect with each client. I feel valued here!
It’s clean and beautiful inside. Like a woman’s fantasy of a clean exercise place. It’s practically a haven. They have lockers, a shower, towels, changing room.
The classes are super fun too. You do some leg and weight exercises. You do some stretching on the bar. You do some back, leg, and core exercises with mats. Then the lights get turned down and you do some serious ab workouts.
Fun, well organized, fantastic ladies. You just have to go experience it yourself. I’m totally hooked and I can’t wait to see my results after a month! (I’m trying to cut out processed foods too)
$ 100 for an unlimited month for first time clients is an unbelievable deal. I’m planning to go twice a day every day.