The Bar Method

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bar method! Took a free trial class with my friend and was SOLD.
I prefer exercising more, becauseI get bored of repetitions easily! Doing reps just doesn’t cut it and exercise is more overall and doesn’t target specific muscle groups. Bar makes doing reps fun and challenging. You do the tiniest movement but you can really feel the muscles working during the workout and after. It’s truly amazing.
I pretty much love everyone’s class! Anna, Kristina, Christopher, and Mason, they are all so friendly and so awesome in many ways. Wait no longer, join the fun!

When I first started going to Bar Method over two years ago, I finally found a workout that I could motivate myself to go consistently. I’ve tried other barre workouts including Pure Barre, Pop Physique, Cardio Barre, etc. and Bar Method is in a class above all others. The attention to detail and form/​technique can’t be beat.
All of the teachers are really great and they all take the time to learn everyone’s names so that you can get a more personalized workout. The great thing about Bar Method is that the longer you go, the harder the workout gets as there are challenge options to keep pushing yourself. Although I’ve been going several times a week for the last couple of years, each class continues to be challenging and now they’ve added Bar Move classes to the schedule if you want a more cardio workout.
This location is great and located on the 2^nd floor of a beautiful building in Old Town Pasadena. There is free street parking before 11am and also free 90 minute parking lots nearby.
Thanks for changing my body, Bar Method! There is nowhere else I’d rather be at 6:30am in the morning. :)

I love The Bar Method. I’m a barre addict. I have been going to this location for about two years. The instructors are helpful, and have a deep understanding about what they are doing and teaching. Their first priority is correct form so that you will not get hurt while in any position. I have tried other barre places. They all rush through the moves without any regard for your safety.
I like taking Anna, Amber and Mason’s classes. Kudos all around!

Im almost at my 50^th class! Have been coming here almost everyday for the past 2 months. The instructors are amaaaaayzing. Love Anna, Liz, Christopher, and Kristina. Everyone is super friendly and supportive of each other. Such a good way to begin or end a day :)

I just finished my one month introductory package and am totally addicted to Bar Method Pasadena. I have tried most of the fitness studios in Pasadena area and this one out shines them all. It is clean, professional and has an amazing staff.

Anna, is a superb teacher and is the real reason I was inspired to write this review. I have taken her class 3−4x per week and she consistently inspires. She helps everyone stay in form and cracks the whip if she sees you slacking but dose it all in a lovely comedic manner. If you are a beginner like my Mother that I brought to class she really takes her time to makes sure you are comfortable and can improvise for any injuries.
Thanks Anna!!!

ClassPass Review — Mixed
Take it from me (the least flexible guy in the world): this workout is AMAZING!
I never though 3 lb. and 5 lb. weights would do ANYTHING for me. Guess again! My butt and legs were sore like no other the next day.
This class was extremely humbling. My flexibility is extremely limited. Thank you for making me realize that, Bar Method.
I take the morning class before the meters are in play, so park on Green Street and make your way to the studio.

I’ve been going to barre method for a couple years. It’s the best overall low impact workout that tone your entire body especially your legs and gluts and works muscles that u didn’t know exist. My 1^st visit was the biggest challenge that left my whole sore for days. The instructors adjust me to the correct form during class to maximize your workout and it makes a big difference because I feel it right away. The instructors are friendly to answer questions to help me tone my areas I wanted to tone and strengthen. It’s a class I would recommend to everyone.

I had the loveliest experience here this week while visiting Los Angeles from Houston. As a Class Pass member, I love that it travels with me and I can still work out (almost) wherever I go. The Bar Method is NOT on Class Pass in Houston (womp), so I was pumped about trying it out on my trip to California!
The young man working at the desk was super welcoming and enthusiastic. I had forgotten my socks in the frenzy of trying to find parking (free 90 minutes parking in a garage very close by) and the studio itself (hidden down an alley in Pasadena), and he had an extra pair to borrow ready and waiting. How nice!
I’m a regular at Pure Barre, so I knew kinda what to expect from the workout itself. I may have loved The Bar Method as much or even more so! My instructor went out of her way to introduce herself, learn my name, and remember it during class. She also helped me find my form with new moves I had never done before. There was a lot more emphasis on arms at the beginning of class which I enjoyed.
As for the studio atmosphere, it is very clean and modern. Large bathroom with several stalls, showers, and lockers. Also, there is some sort of contraption on the wall that you’re supposed to climb and stretch out on after every class? It was explained very quickly but I would definitely need someone to show me before I give that a try. I have never seen this anywhere else.
After this experience I’m excited to somehow finagle my way into my home Bar Method studio. Perhaps that New Client Special is calling my name!

Can I give this place ten stars? Just had the loveliest experience here… Signed up for a package and was then sent to NYC for work for six months and forgot about it. Called and barely uttered a word when they graciously negotiated with me in ways I’ve never seen a business do business in these days of hard core hard hearts… I’ve loved the classes I’ve taken here too — just really nice people who love what they do – and the method works! You should see how fit all the students are! Beyond! Thanks, Bar Method!

I am a ClassPass member so I’ve tried this place out a number of times to make sure my bad experience wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t. :(
PROS:
–Great workout, you will be sore in a wonderful way afterwards. But the workout isn’t any better than other barre places.
–Clean and new studio
CONS:
–It’s plain old NOT FUN. You may say «oh it’s barre, how fun can it be?» I can answer you. It can be really fun. (Cardio Barre, Centre Barre, Xtend Barre…) depending on the atmosphere, energy, sequences, etc.
–The music that plays is nondescript and very faint in the background. So you can’t move to the beat or sing along or use it to motivate you.
–The movements aren’t fun either. Instead of feeling almost like dancing (like I’ve experienced elsewhere) it just feels like doing strange, awkward movements to a drill sergeant calling out numbers.
–I find the instructors to be snobby and a bit «know it all.» I have some old injuries/​surgeries from years as a dancer. I spent plenty of time in rehab learning what to do and not do with my body to keep it well. I really don’t appreciate some random young girl (teacher) telling me that I HAVE TO do it the Bar Method way, because that’s the best way. Yes, she actually told me this. Oh, and the Bar Method was developed with the help of doctors, so clearly it’s better than what my surgeon and physical therapist taught me and what I’ve learned over the years. I’m sorry, but that is SO DISRESPECTFUL. One teacher even had the audacity to suggest that I’m «just not strong enough» for certain movements, that it’s not a function of my injury. She was lucky I didn’t use my super strong legs to walk right on out of the class.
NOTE: I never experienced anything like this in any other studio franchise. Bar Method seems to have some sort of superiority complex that they indoctrinate their teachers with.
–The teacher gets a list of students names on a sheet before class and calls you out by name during the exercises to correct you. This sounds like a good idea, but feels more like they’re taking attendance. Also seems odd to mispronounce a student’s name after she has introduced herself and shaken your hand…
NET NET:
It’s a decent barre class but it feels lame and I’m always staring at the clock. Given the plethora of barre options in this area, I’m sure you can find something better.

This review is long overdo. I am OBSESSED with Bar Method! It’s by far my most favorite workout ever! I’m a runner and have tried spin and other barre studios, but nothing compares to this. I had my first class back a few days ago in over a year at this studio and I am right back in love with it. My arms and booty are still sore! Every class is so challenging in the best way possible. The staff is great and the instructors are all amazing and really know their stuff! So far I’ve taken classes with Anna and Heather and they’re both great! I love how engaging they are and very helpful at correcting your form and making sure you really feel the burn, and trust me, you will definitely feel that burn!

CONSISTENCE IS KEY when it comes to Bar Method. I’ve been taking classes at this location for almost 3 years now but only saw a difference in my body when I started going to 3 – 4 classes a week for a month. Within that month, I dropped two dress sizes and felt amazing! Because if the steep price, I’ve had to reduce my visits to 2 – 3 times a month (I use my bar method video in between workouts) but still get a great workout. However, if you’re looking for drastic results, stick with it for a month and you won’t be disappointed!!!
A few highlights of my experience here:
–Anna’s my favorite instructor. She’s upbeat, positive, and knows how to keep the class motivated. Whenever I’m bringing a friend for her first visit, I make it a point to take her to Anna’s class because she’s great for beginners but also keeps it challenging for the more experienced folks
–the front desk managers can be a little aloof and distracted. They won’t always return phone calls or follow up on requests (minus one star)
–bathrooms are fully stocked with feminine products, hair ties, hair blow dryer, hair spray, even a spray on deodorant! Definitely a very nice touch!
–the studio itself is kept very clean. Kudos to the staff!
— clean loaner socks are available for those who have forgotten to bring their own pair. I’ve definitely taken advantage of this many times!
–they will call your name out in class to give you tips, adjustments, and most importantly, words of encouragement. It took a little getting used to but I’ve found that this motivates me throughout the hour!
–I am sore after every single class! But my body looks great afterwards!
I encourage all of my friends to come to bar method, however, like anything else, you have to stick with it to really see the results you are looking for!

Amazing workouts. men need to try this. great for building your core and legs if you’re a lifter. have only been instructed by Christopher and and Mason but they’re awesome! highly recommended. referred by Kitty Mach

I’ve been coming to Bar Method for a few years now and this location is by far my favorite place and favorite barre studio.
When I first started Bar, I was already doing tons of martial arts training so I was in pretty good shape. I decided to go to Bar to supplement my other training (Jiujitsu and Aerials) and was surprised to find how challenging it can be. The moves looked simple enough, but the did a fantastic job targeted key muscles and teaching you the importance of body control and stabilizer muscles.
I may be biased because this where I began barre, but I’ve been to several other studios (including other Bar Method locations) since and I still found Bar Method Pasadena to be the most fun, challenging and effective.
A lot of barre places have their own flavor or style, but my favorite atmosphere is the Bar Method in Pasadena. The place is clean and accommodating. All the instructors are very friendly and encouraging. There is free parking in the lot across the street for 90 mins. They have plenty of cubbies to store your belongings and nice restrooms with amenities.
Being a long time member here, I’ve had the opportunity to take class with all the instructors, they are all fantastic and have their own style. Instructors will make sure they come to you individually to make sure you are doing the moves right. I saw in some other reviews that some people don’t like being called out in the middle of class because they think the instructor is picking on them, but they do this to everyone. I appreciate that they take the time to individually help everyone because that’s how you get better. A lot of moves if you are not doing them correctly, you will not get the full benefit out of the exercise.
I still come here once in awhile when I can, though I live/​work a bit far. If you’ve never done barre this is a great place for newbies. If you have, Bar Method will help you perfect your form so you are getting the most out of your exercise.
Even though I would say I am a veteran of Bar, I found the better you get, the harder it is, because you are learning how to target your muscles better. I definitely recommend it and if you see me in class, say hi! :)

The staff here… every single person… makes each workout matter. Instructors are part therapist, coach, cheerleader, standup comic, spiritual guide. I’ve never committed to physical activity for more than three months. I’ve been in this beautiful studio 3−5x per week for 16 months and counting :)
At 38, I am stronger and more fit than ever before in my life; coming here makes me a better, happier mom.

I went to many Pilates places to compare. This one is a good studio~ good service, instructor is nice and the environment is okay. But what I dislike was the music. It does not really makes me energetic and does not provide the rhythm for ppl to follow. Kinda random… And what I really wish at the moment of exercising was for the instructor to really tell me how much more to go… «last ten! Seven, eight, night, ten more! Then, … Seven, eight, nine, ten more…» I really wish she could tell me just the truth so that I won’t hold my hope then count again…
Otherwise it’s all cozy and nice~ the instructor paid special to me because I was a new to class. Appreciate it.

I took the one month unlimited benefit for new client. It was worth the price!
The studio is clean and nicely maintained. Room is clean, even with the carpet floor (which I usually don’t like it). They have a big locker room and you can lock your stuff inside. They provide towels, water and coffee.
Since I have been for a month, I have almost tried all the teachers. All of them are pretty good. Here they like to call your name and physically come to adjust your posture. If you care about how you do your workout, you probably will like it. All the teachers and staff are friendly.
I like Amber most. Her routine is harder (I feel). And I just like her style, very personal.
Heather is great too. Her voice is softer. I like the instructor to yell at me sometimes (weirdo).
Jessica’s is hard too, but I was only able to take one class from her.
Kristina has a great energy and her routine is probably even harder! If you like high energy class, she is the right one.
The routine is not my favorite. It’s an hour of whole body workout, but I think the time for each focus is too short. I’d rather do less movements but more reps. But they do train the legs, which is what I need!
What’s more, it is within walking distance from me, which is the +. And they offer a lot a classes and requires only 1 hour in advance cancellation. That means you can easily put the class in and out of your schedule! That is the ++!

I’ve tried Pure Barre, Bar Method, and Cardio Barre — Bar Method was my second favorite.
PROS: The instructors explain each move very thoroughly which is nice if you’re new to barre-​style workouts, but becomes redundant quickly if you’re a fast learner or accustomed to this style. I thought there was a good amount of corrective feedback from instructors. The dedicated locker room with toiletries and the coffee machine/​water cooler were definitely nice touches. I liked that I could grab a hair tie if I forgot one or a cup of water without paying extra for it!
CONS: I thought that the arms section was too quick and too easy, and barely gave my arms any workout (Pure Barre arms are much more intense and make me feel the burn). The abs section is almost entirely done in «crunch position» with no breaks for your neck, so it was very uncomfortable for me. Again, I much prefer Pure Barre’s abs which has a lot of variety in positions and part of the abs that are targeted (e.g. upper, lower, obliques).
I really wanted to like Bar Method more than I did, but I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars.

I was visiting Pasadena with a few girlfriends and we decided to try a barre class. Although we are an active group (of sorts), none of us had ever taken a barre class. So, three beginners (newbies, tourists) walk up the stairs to the beautiful studio space. The room is open and airy with painted brick, large windows, mirrors, and wooden barres. We were greeted and welcomed as soon as we entered. We never felt uncomfortable for having no reservations and just ‘dropping in’.
Our class started on time. The instructor was new, and a little nervous; however, she had great energy, led a good class, and was encouraging and knowledgable. We went to a 4:00 class and there were 4 other students 7 total). The music/​routine was a little ‘canned’, as other reviewers have noted, but was fine for our purposes. We all left sore, feeling as if we’d had a great workout!

As a longtime fan of barre, I have tried several studios. There are the ‘goods’ and ‘not-​so-​goods’ about each. But I think Bar Method could use more than it’s fair share of tweaks.
On the good side, it’s a lovely studio. It’s roomy, clean, and bright. I found all the instructors to be friendly, helpful, and skilled.
On the not so good side, the routine seems pretty canned. I did the month unlimited package so i was there quite a bit to experience different exercises, stretches, teaching styles. There is little-​to-​no variety and it got boring. I guess the lack of variety would not have been as much of an issue if not for the music. The playlists and volume are not a high priority and the music is pretty ter-​ri-​ble.
It’s hard to push yourself when the music is irritating.
If they could work these parts out (so to speak), I might be back.