Barre Beautiful

This uptown boutique barre studio has been open a little under two months now, and as someone who heard about it through word of mouth, I REALLY like it.

The space is clean, sleek and bright. There's a shower there, as well as some lockers to store your things. (And, if I understand correctly, there's a small childminding service available while you work out.)

The owners - a husband-and-wife team - are great, too. They're super-friendly, and helpful if you've got questions.

There are 7 types of barre/ballet classes (plus a ballet-fusion class for kids), and sessions are offered much most times of the day, every day of the week.

The weekends *are* - understandably - busier than weekday mornings. (And I heard that classes were full throughout Easter weekend.) But as someone with an alternative schedule (I work weekends and am off weekdays), I like the fact it's *not* crowded early weekday mornings.

The instructors (I've had classes with Marvin, Dave and Rochelle) - are great. They're super-helpful - talking you through/demonstrating exercises, and helping you to correct your body to feel the full effect of the exercises. (If you're an early riser, or attend a class that's sparsely attended, you might get more attentive instruction.) They're even there to answer questions about stretching, etc.

For anyone unsure of which barre studio to choose (there are now two, with Barreworks opening its uptown location), I would invite anyone to try out a class or two at Barre Beautiful before deciding. I think it's worth it.

I have been wanting to try a class here since it is barely a 10 minute walk from my place, and I was looking for something new to change up my workout routine. I will tell you that I weight train regularly and can lift my fair share, so when I decided on this class (Classic Barre) I thought it would be a breeze, well NOT at all! I was in for a real rude awakening! Every tiny muscle in my body was about to explode. This workout is a ballet dancers workout and it is TOUGH but AMAZING!!! I will come back for more. The staff are super friendly and your first class is free. What more can you ask for? Great place, amazing workout. I will come back for more when I can move my legs again.

P.S..If you are looking to really tone those trouble areas (hips, thighs, butt) this is the workout for you.

I've been doing barre and pilates-based workouts for a few years now and find the classes at Barre Beautiful consistently challenging, engaging and enjoyable. The staff are professional and the studio itself is aesthetically pleasing and very clean. They offer complimentary childcare on certain days and times, which is very convenient for a lot of the mothers who take classes.

As a toning and sculpting workout, it is very effective. I primarily take the Sculpt & Tone and Classic classes, though they also offer a Cardio workout. The programming is obviously ballet-based, so expect your glutes, thighs and legs to work extra hard. However, your core and upper body muscles do get a great workout too, particularly with the Sculpt & Tone class.

A great aspect of their program is that they change the exercises for all of the classes every month. The timing of the change is perfect, as it helps ensure that you don't "plateau" and are consistently challenged.

The instructors are all very good - though I have my favourites. In any case, I've tried the classes with all of their instructors and while I can think of two instructors whose styles I prefer (Rochelle and Dave, for different reasons), they are all good in general. Right now, there are two fairly new instructors who are still finding their "groove," but that's to be expected when people are new.

The cost is par-for-the-course for a studio workout in Toronto. If you expect to attend regularly (e.g. 3x / week or more), then it's worth it to sign up for six months up front, which reduces your rate to $99/month for unlimited classes. As well, they offer specials for new clients.

Overall, an excellent barre method studio, with professional and friendly staff, a lovely and clean space, and the typical pricetag.

Super gorgeous and bright studio!! Reasonable pricing for classes as well ($80 for 5 classes). Really got me to sweat a lot and it's actually pretty hardcore.. Definitely going back more frequently to get summer beach body ready ;)

I have been a member here for over 2.5 years, since its inception, and have found the classes to offer clients amazing cardiovascular and muscular strength benefits. The routines combine movements from ballet as well as pilates and other fitness practices, and make use of the ballet barre as well as accessories such as weighted balls and gliders. The classes complement each other and give clients a full body, low to non-impact workout, which will tone your core, hips, thighs, calves and glutes like never before! Classes are performed either in bare feet or with grip socks, which can be purchased at the studio. The studio is bright, beautifully designed and offers good air circulation-very important when you're working hard. Towels, water and glasses, mats, as well as lockers and keys are complimentary and make coming to class a breeze. Each class type's routine is changed on a monthly basis which keeps you motivated but what really sets this fitness studio apart is the outstanding personnel. Members are taught by a small group of instructors, led by a terrific manager, Voula, all of whom are specifically trained in these types of exercises and have dance backgrounds. The atmosphere is always very professional, friendly and intimate. Excellent value!