The Bar Method

The best group exercise I have ever come across. I’ve been doing it for a little over three months, and my butt and thighs look the best they ever have. The studio is gorgeous, and the staff is super attentive, friendly and funny. It feels like everyone knows your name and is invested in your success. I’ve heard it referred to as «my sanctuary and my clubhouse» and would agree with that. The exercise itself is tough, but it’s also kind, as counter stretches and short recovery breaks are built into the ever changing combinations. It’s also inspiring that so many of the instructors have perfect or nearly perfect bodies (most go 3 – 4 times a week) as well as a really great looking clientele! It makes you want to put more into it, because the results are so visible! It’s expensive, but I find myself going about four times a week, which makes it a lot more reasonable. It’s also kind of addictive: I feel like I’m doing something rich and wonderful for myself each class. Further, their policies make you respect the commitment: if you don’t show for class or at least call to explain why you can’t make the class you signed up for, you’ll be charged $ 15. The first and only time that happened to me, I was pissed, but I realize I may have prevented someone else from signing up, and it’s a motivation to do what I said I was going to do. I’m the one benefitting in the end!

Absolutely fantastic! The dreams of having lean and strong body came true. I have always been lean but lack of regular exercise turned my buns into… well… pancakes:(no amount of running/​gym squatting had even similar effect as bar classes did in a short period of 3 months. No, you don’t get bored because while the structure of the class is comfortably similar, exercises and instructors’ teaching style are quite different. After 3 months I feel challenged and nicely exhausted after every class I attend. Signing up for monthly membership is costly but absolutely worth it. I never thought I will be jumping out of bed at 6:30 am to make it to a 7 o’clock fitness class after working 14 hours the day before. But believe it or not, I do! The class schedule is great — no matter what your day is like, you can squeeze in a workout. And did I mention the instructors? They are phenomenal! Love them! The team is down to earth and welcoming in a simple and sincere way

I have been doing bar method for 4 solid months now– and am absolutely obsessed. My butt looks better than it did when I was a 16 year old cheerleader. I’m 31 now btw– and my body looks and feels amazing. I go 5 – 6 times a week, and totally hooked.
My favorite part about bar method is that I can do it at any stage in my life. I can do bar method pregnant and even when I’m a senior citizen. I am now a bar method lifer.
I love the owners Kelly and Shannon, and the staff members are all wonderful. All the women at this gym are HOT and of different age groups and ethnicities. They are all motivated women who know how to maintain themselves. It’s a beautiful and inspiring gym, and worth every penny.

This place renews my hopes and dreams of becoming a prima ballerina. I have always been a fan of long and lean movements to achieve optimal body tone. I am a pilates veteran, so when I heard Athleta was partnering with local businesses like The Bar Method to celebrate their grand opening, I had to give it a try!
The location is in the middle of chic Montclair, (conveniently across the street from a Lulu) and provides tons of parking in the back. (Thank you god!)
I came here on a Thursday night around 630 and had no problem parking or finding the place. When I arrived the instructor asked my name and then repeated it and welcomed me. (definitely a plus!)
The locker rooms are modern and smell amazing. I don’t know what they spray in there, but I want it for my house!
The studio is fully carpeted (and soft too!) You’re told to get light weights and then class begins. The instructor goes right into everything. There’s no stopping and it’s very flowing.
Throughout the duration of the class, the instructor will call out participants names and correct their forms. I actually really like that they do this… many standard gyms DO NOT.
As easy as it may look, trust me it’s not. The warm up with all arms nearly killed me. If I thought that was tough, the barre work is even crazier. (a good crazy though!)
My friend and I signed up for the new client special which was reduced to $ 75 for one month unlimited classes.
I have only done two classes so far and can already feel my seat slightly lifting. This class has also made me become more aware of my posture throughout the day. I supplement these workouts with pilates/​yoga/​running the other days. I have also become way more conscious of what I’ve been eating. I generally will consume lighter meals now. Being in front of that mirror really has an impact!
I would say definitely take advantage of any new client specials they have. They are expensive but so worth it. You can even take your first class for free.

I’m pretty much in love with the Bar Method, and I tell everyone about it. The Montclair staff is kind and helpful, and the studio itself is quite pretty.
It’s admittedly expensive in comparison to a gym, but there’s never been a workout that I’ve wanted to attend so consistently so I consider it to be worth it. I try to go five times a week.
Most importantly, the bar method works! I saw results in the first few weeks, and that got me hooked. Plus, it does wonders for my energy level throughout the day. And, like a reviewer below, I take every opportunity to show off my newly toned arms!

I wanted to wait a full 3 months before I left a review to ensure that I had enough experience to be fair. Well 3 months and 60 classes later, I can give this my highest rating.
I was having a very bad year having lost my mother in September and was feeling depressed, sluggish, and completely out-​of-​shape. I live a block away from the studio and decided to finally give it a shot.
The first class was hard… like effin’ HARD! About 3 minutes in, I was beginning to wonder what the frig I had gotten myself into. How are these 2 lbs weights rocking me so hard?! Why are my legs shaking comically so?! I was cursing the svelte and perky instructor who memorized my name immediately (which I’ve come to learn that all the instructors do). Somehow I got through the hour and walked home with spaghetti legs. I never knew I could get a cramp in my ass! The next day, sore as all heck, I was also craving another workout. Thus my addiction began.
I have now been going about 5 times a week (with the rare streak of going all 7 days). I had never had a gym membership, much less worked out early in the morning. Now my day is not complete without my 5:30am bar workout.
With just minor modifications to my diet, I have lost 14 lbs and inches off my hips, waist, and legs in just three months. And I’m kind of obsessed with my newly toned arms.
So yeah, I sound like a commercial (albeit one with filthy language) but I really do believe in this. Not only is it changing my body but it has also changed my outlook. I am finally coming out of my sad slump and feeling great. I sleep better, eat better, and just feel better.
Shout out to my regular awesome instructors (Alex, Ally, Nicole, Lauren, Karen, Jess H, Sabina… though every instructor I’ve taken class from has been great)!
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, you’ll probably have to spend even more to up your Lululemon supply. But man, is it worth it!

I cannot say enough about this place! Regarding the workout itself: I’ve taken difference disciplines of barre classes and wasn’t wowed. I have tons of joint and back injuries and the attention to alignment and modification with The Bar Method allowed me to feel better, not worse, after class. I’ve taken class with Aly, Robyn, and Christine so far. Sometimes you take a class somewhere and love it and then take the same class with a new instructor and its a totally different experience… not here! Even though the workouts were pretty similar (same level class) the instructors allowed each of their individual styles and personalities to shine through. They were all wonderful, warm, and super knowledgeable. The studio staff and owners are friendly and welcoming. I’ve been a fitness instructor for years and have taken many good and many bad classes… I promise this studio is first rate!

Amazing, amazing, amazing. The workout works. Clothes that were once tight now fit. The instructors are extremely encouraging and the space is beautiful. The key to the workout in the beginning is to have patience — it took a couple of months to «get» the workout and to start seeing results, but the wait is well worth it! Just keep going 4 – 5 days a week and you will see a major difference!

Love this venue and the workout… Saw results with 2 weeks of starting. Embrace the shake and reshape your body. Also, the studio is beautiful, so nice to have a workout space that is attractive… very encouraging when you enjoy being there.