The Bar Method
Categories: Gyms, Trainers, Pilates, Yoga [Edit]
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow3333 Fillmore St
(between Chestnut St & Lombard St)
San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 441-6333
- Good for Kids: No
76 Reviews for The Bar Method
One of The Bar Method's Favorite Reviews
We'll preface this by saying I was all kinds of stupid the morning I went to Bar Method. I had just worked a 60 hour work week (add an hour commute each way) I was coming down with the flu and I skipped breakfast. Brilliant.
I rushed into the class just in the nick of time, and it was HARD. At the same time the instructor was encouraging and fantastic about pushing you to your limit. The 3 lb hand weights feel like 20lb and your legs shake out of control.
I have to end my review 1/2 an hour into the hour long class because I almost collapsed because of my aforementioned idiocy. The trainee instructor was wonderful and sat with me on the stairs until it was apparent I wasn't going to be able to finish the class. She walked me out, made sure I was ok. To top it off, she emailed me later to make sure I was feeling better and to let me know she comped my class.
The next day, my arms and legs were killer sore. Here's the craziest part. I can't wait to go back.
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Today at The Bar Method finished up my trip of working out in S.F.. Yesterday I went to The Dailey Method right around the corner. I think I liked The Bar Method better. The workout was definitely better and more in he lines of the traditional Lotte Burke (sp) method that i am used to. The class was full, thankfully I paid and reserved ahead of time on the website. The instructor seemed more enthused then the gal from Dailey. The exercises were better and seemed more effective. The studio was large and clean and the shower room was big and pretty clean. Towels and soaps were provided.
Oh, and I liked the music here better than at Dailey.
Neither class got me as sore as I got from Physique57 in New York, although I know that being sore does not make or break the class experience, I am just sayin....not sore...at...all.
Love the bar method! Absolutely worked wonders! I used to go to the gym everyday and run, and nothing worked my body better than this! Do this and go to the gym on occasion and you will have a rocking body in a month! Take advantage of the 30 day trial as a new member! Go at least 3-5 times a week to get results! The staff is friendly and teachers a tough, but only do it to make you work hard! Yes there is a lot of lululemon wearers, but you have to admit there clothing is comfortable! Don't be scared there are many types of people, and they are all nice!
I admit it. I'm one of them. The Lululemon-clad fembots marching down Fillmore and Chestnut streets in oversized sunglasses and decidedly non-workout handbags (because who needs a workout bag when the only thing you have to carry with you is a pair of socks?) - yeah, I'm in that group.
My first Bar Method class was actually a few years ago with a friend of mine who, at the time, actually hustled all the way up from her home in Mountain View to this studio - and she does not like the city. So I figured it had to be good - and it was. But I was maxed out on workouts I could take on at the time.
Fast forward to 2006 after I tossed out my running shoes, and I've been hooked ever since. I've run marathons...I've rock climbed...I've been practicing yoga for 5 years...and my legs still shake, my arms still feel like they're going to fall off, and my abs still get that delightfully painful next-day-soreness from every class.
For those who say this isn't enough of a cardio workout, or they just don't really feel anything after repeating the same exercises for a while...they're not pushing themselves hard enough in the classes...enough said. The instructors do a great job of pacing the classes and encouraging the students, and making physical adjustments. But like any other exercise you do, you can slack off periodically by not fighting through the burn, standing up when you should be squatting down, etc. So it's on you to fight that urge and get your money's worth for your hour!
I shoot for classes 3x/week and really feel a difference in my body, even though that wasn't actually a goal of mine in the begninning. But I've lost an inch from my waist and overall feel stronger with improved posture.
The only downsides to the Bar Method are its popularity and cost. You really do need to reserve your spot ahead of time - else, oh yes, you may suffer the horrifying experience of dropping into a 6am weekday class and being turned away - OUCH. But with their online reservations system, it's pretty easy and I'm just now in the habit of setting my schedule for the week every Sunday night. As far as cost is concerned, yes, it's expensive - but the workout really is great, as is the space and the schedule (classes offered pretty much all day, 364/days a year!). I might have given 4-1/2 stars because, as some others have noted, the staff is sometimes...how shall I say...less than excited to be there. But that seems to have improved as of late, and let's be honest - the customers can be a tough crowd.
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Put in 1 hour, work hard, and get the best, highly effective all over work out.
The exercises tone, strengthen, lift (in all the right places) and make you feel strong, elegant and graceful.
The facility is clean, comfortable and efficient and all the teachers are great. My personal favorites are Emily (love her music selections) and Jen (great motivator!)
Don't worry about what others are wearing or doing, ect- just go, do something nice for yourself and mix it up!
I've been going for almost 4 years and it keeps me in such a fit state that at any given moment I can try a new sport, get in a bikini or throw on a 30 lbs. pack and go on a travel adventure with confidence and ease. Try it.
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This place just rocks. All the leg shaking and stretching packed into one hour with good music and I immediately see (and feel!) results.
My very first class the instructor Jessica who is awesome helped me through each move and made me feel comfortable twisting into a pretzel, throwing my leg up over my head, and doing some crazy high-heeled leg moves. I've never had a problem getting into a class when I wanted, and its never felt too crowded. I tend to get bored with workouts, but this class is different.
The classes are pretty expensive.. but it works!!
You mean the bar it from my life method!
Yes, I was intrigued by this uber Marina methodology. A former ballet girl myself, I was psyched to call a dance studio home for my hibernating muscles and get all buff and have people on the street point at my biceps and ask me if I have a license to carry them guns.
Hooray!
But it was not meant to be. My spidery ballet senses were on edge the moment the class started. I stood of course in first position at the bar by the mirror. I was told to turn my toes in. Stand NOT in first position at the ballet bar? Hmmm...
From there, when we weren't being encouraged to hang from the upper rungs of a wooden ladder like monkeys (it's good for your back, they chanted!), I found myself slouched against the mirror wall doing some sort of Quasimoto-friendly sit-ups. Are these orthopedist approved??
Let me see if I have this right--the bar method is all about putting up a ballet bar and lots of mirrors yet not acting in any way like a ballet studio. What's next? Why not open up a butcher shop and sell only turnips? A car wash where all you can do is dry clean your clothes?
Sorry, folks. The bar method is barred, banned, and fired. Time to grand jete to another exercise outlet...
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Wow, if I could afford it, I would look freaking amazing in six months by taking regular classes here. I think I would have the most amazing tushy ever in fact. The class was HARD, like hard where you think about crying hard, but also hard like, wow, the pain kind of feels good. Eh, maybe I'm just a wuss. Anyway, enough rambling -- I would definitely take a class here and see what you think. I wish it was closer to me in Noe, and then I might just be a regular!
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ahhhh...this is where my obsession with the Bar Method began. I was determined to get into shape, thanks to Yelp. I did this along with hiking the hills and parks of SF. It worked wonders. In one yr, I went from 1 pound to 4 pound weights and gained muscle. And yes, i lost weight too but my goal was to gain muscle.
The prices have gone up but the results make it worth it. Comparable places are Dailey method, though the discipline, passion and focus of instructors/owner at this Fillmore BM is bar none #1. Burr personally showed me around with her cute pomeranian. i've tried Boot Camp,pilates, yoga and nothing has 'stuck' like this workout. I really should be a spokesperson for them. I've gotten several friends to try it - one is addicted!
I went with a friend to check this out since I had heard a lot about it and don't have any classes available to me in San Diego. We went on a Sunday morning to a mixed level class. The instructor and staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The instructor gave us a little additional help since we were new but didn't make us feel uncomfortable or singled out.
That being said...this class was hard! I consider myself in good shape and go to the gym 3 times a week and bust out a ton of cardio as well. My body was shaking so hard I could hardly stand at one point. Unfortunately, both my friend and I agreed that it was very pricey and would get boring rather rapidly. Also they say to get all the benefits and to change your body completely you have to attend 3 - 5 classes per week consistently for a couple of years! At that price...who can afford it. I think I'll stick to the gym and yoga.
So I kinda went a little overboard with the 30 day unlimited classes for $100 in December. Along with doing other exercise, going to the bar 1-2 times a week does it for me now.
A great workout with very bright and cheery instructors. They provide positive feedback to your form and progress.
Lots of leg shaking here. Be ready to be challenged and see the results happen. You gain better posture, stronger bodies and overall radiance.
The online scheduling is very convenient too. The locker room is quite a scene, everyone sporting their latest lulu. Very Marina =) love it....
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Personally this class got boring for me quickly. I signed up for the 30 day into and could only go once a week because I got so sore. it's a great workout I do admit, but for the price, i recommend doing the intro so you learn the correct postures and then investing in the DVD. The class doesn't change much from week to week.
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How is it that after an hour of shaking and muttering to myself at Bar Method, I cannot wait to do it all again? Results.
I joined up with a yoga studio in the summer (that I still heart), felt centered, felt toned. Jogged a few times a week, felt great then bored. But after the intro month with Bar Method going 4 days a week, there is no way that I will stick to just my old routine. Why? Because in one month, I am stronger, defined in muscle groups that I never knew I had, and feel no guilt about eating whatever I want.
Jennifer, Hill and Elizabeth are awesome. The rubber ball is my enemy. The most crowded classes are lunchtime during the week and weekend AM (unbelievable). Least crowded are the classes between 4 and 6.
Believe the hype.
PS. I've checked out Dailey Method too - the principle is the same, the workouts slightly different, and yes the music is better. But Bar Method will spoil you - more organized, more spacious and better about correcting form. Check them both out though and judge for yourself.
Update 12/07
After now having done both Bar Method and Dailey Method for a few months now, some additional notes. Bar Method is much better about encouraging the new student, regardless of level of fitness. However, Dailey Method is a more challenging workout. If you're looking for friendly instructors and encouragement with a tough workout, stick with Bar Method. If you are looking to throw yourself into an intense workout and are self-motivated, check out Dailey Method.
Despite astronomical prices at both studios and recent price hike at Bar Method - I will continue to mix it up between both. Results generate demand.
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wow...so I started taking pilates pretty regularly since the summer. I have done all types of workouts/trainers/cycle etc. I love Bar Method! I used to be a dancer, so just being in a room with bars and mirrors makes me feel at home. During the first 30 day trial for 100$ I went 27 times! I have lost a few inches and can fit into jeans that I never thought I could! Do the mixed level for the first 10 sessions then if youre up for a workout that will make you want to yell and curse at the instructor, take level 2. Kate Grove will kick your ass! Anything that makes me do 60 push ups a class is a class for me. I need motivation, and this place def brings it! Clean, spacious and friendly...bar method rocks!
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As women get older, they need to do weight bearing exercises to build lean muscle mass & support their bones. I promised myself I'd get back into weight lifting and all that healthy BS this past Fall.
Lo & behold, I did the BAR Method and its worked out wonderfully.
My rear end was screaming for mercy after doing countless bends at the bar on point. I did the $100 month special in October and I could immediately feel and see a difference in my body.
I would recommend to anyone to try it out for a month.
I even woke up early to attend class.
(And I'm a night owl. Like, don't ever want to wake up & will give you dirty looks if you talk to me before 10:30.)
I was that motivated.
I slacked over the holidays and have been avoiding it because its really expensive.
$24/per class unless you purchase a big package.
That being said, I've incorporated it into my workout routine & budget and am most pleased with the results.
4.5 stars, it would be 5 if it was more reasonable to the pocketbook.
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UPDATED 2/19/08
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Shortly after my original review, I was contacted by the studio's manager, Beth. She expressed her concern about my unpleasant experience there, and asked me to call her so we could discuss the incident.
When we were able to chat, I explained to her what went down. She was totally sympathetic, and understood how I could have been displeased w/her front desk staff. She explained to me how they are very busy, with numerous classes a day, which entails tons of people coming in and out of the studio. They emphasize helping the clients at the desk, which explains the curtness of the people on the phone. Albeit, not to disregard the front desk staff's behavior, Beth broke down the scenario to me.
She was kind enough to give me a complimentary class, and asked me to come back to the studio for another chance.
Beth's astonishing customer service, listening ear, and amiable personality convinced me that the few incidents I endured were just isolated experiences due to the fact they are slammed w/classes and clients. Because of her willingness to rectify the situation, I will definitely give the studio another chance!
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*This review does not apply to the instructors as I have had a wonderful experience in class.
Some of the staff are curt, rude, and very short be it on the phone or in person.
Being that you are at the front desk, you are the first impression for the clients... Their attitude and presentation should be impeccable: polite, courteous, and helpful above and beyond. Sad to say, this is not the case.
I was quite surprised because this is the owner of BM, Burr's, studio. You would think that the service would be on point.
My regular BM studio is in San Mateo, and I come to the Marina to join a friend. I attempted to go this past Sunday, but decided not to because of their poor service. I will never go back to this studio. I refuse to contribute my funds to an establishment w/such hostile workers. At San Mateo, they are more than accommodating and willing to help. It feels like home...A place where they welcome you and call you by first name.
It's also significantly cleaner, and without signs asking you to throw your gum out -- as if we were children, but I guess the people who go to the Marina studio are a mess if they need to be told. You have to check in your key @ the desk for socks -- again another trust issue. Truth be told, I feel that the clients are much more proper and respectful at San Mateo. There are no signs of instruction; perhaps the San Mateo people are more civilized.
When it comes down to it, I think it shows that the owners in San Mateo, Laura and Noreen, really care and love their establishment, and it is exemplified through them and the service of their employees.
This style of exercise WORKS like no other. Nothing else makes me feel this satisfied.
However since they raised the prices I'm a bit annoyed...
Love it! Heather is the best. Notable things:
1. Not once has a man been in class (although they are welcome but I like that it's all women)
2. The classes have a limit so it's never over-crowded (you can reserve class on-line up to 3 days in advance!)
3. They provide socks and towels! Or you can bring your own.
4. Locker with locks (you don't have to bring your own lock)!
5. Multiple showers WITH shampoo, bath towels and blow dryers.
6. 3 Studios so there is always a class to fit your schedule
7. Routine always varies slightly which is a bonus.
8. Lovely reception/front waiting area.
9. You can bring your dog and have it hangout in the back patio while you work out (they can't be inside and must be well behaved)
10. Great music and all great instructors
I'm doing the beginners unlimited for $100 and am going 5-6 times a week - and it is showing. It WORKS and I'm hooked.
PS. They validate parking (cost to you is $1) for up to 1.5hrs at the Lombard garage.
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Forget Disneyland - the Bar Method is the most wonderful place on earth.
I began about a month ago. I was fat and lazy! Now I have dropped 10 lbs and have energy and muscle definition. I haven't changed my eating patterns and have done no additional exercise - just Bar Method 4 times a week.
I don't care what anyone says - Emily is the best instructor out there. As a DJ, I can fully appreciate her impeccable taste in music. She gives solid instruction without patronizing newbies. Emily will make you want to work your hardest for her and most importantly, for yourself.
The staff and the students are 100% friendly and non-judgmental. Come as you are despite your body type and fitness level!
Don't waste $100 on jeans. Join the Bar Method for a month and fit back into clothes you never thought you could!
The Bar Method has improved every area of my life. So what are you waiting for?
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I never knew my legs could shake so violently....until I did the crazy ballet move at the Bar Method. It shakes because its working. My legs never shook while running. See, Bar Method is better.
An hour here has done more for me and my body than a month at the gym. Ya its expensive, but it's a sure thing. Instead of buying some free weights, some dvds, a personal training session, subscription to Self, blah blah and blah and waste your money... go to Bar Method and get results.
So every time I go to class, I want to write more about Bar Method. My posture is better and I feel straighter and longer. I can now imagine what it might feel like when I'm sinewy in a few months.
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Holy crap, this is tough. My legs have never shaken, burned and ached so much, and yet for some perverse reason I actually love this class. Ok maybe not so much during it, as I silently swear for 60 minutes BUT as soon as it's over, I feel fantastic. I have taken advantage of the $100 unlimited use for a month, and only manage it 2-3 times a week, due to the aching afterwards. So I've done about 6 sesssions and I can already see results. I was a little apprehensive before my first class due to all the 'lululemon skinny-mini marina girl' references other reviewers have made, but I think this must be in the mixed or level 2 classes. In level 1 there are people of all shapes, sizes and everyone has been really friendly.
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Yes, I'm a guy, and I'm reviewing the Bar Method. Disclaimer: There is no WAY I would have gone to a BM class, were it not for the fact that Noelle Q. bet me that the BM would be harder than I thought it would be. I mean, Marina girls, Lululemon pants, huge engagement rings...this wasn't for me. But I'm a good sport, so I went one Sunday morning.
So I show up and there are 14 Lululemon-clad women in the lobby plus two Pomeranians -- an interesting start. I went into the studio and the instructor, Kate, introduced herself to me. She had on a headset and I was freaking out. What was this? Jazzercise? Step aerobics? I went over to the weight rack, which consisted of weights ranging from 1 to 10 pounds. I mean, come on now. Seriously.
But you know what? It was pretty tough. The BM is all about tiny movements with little weight, repeated over and over. Put that together with having to maintain some fairly difficult positions for what seems like an interminable period of time, and it hurts. My legs were shaking pretty violently on more than one occasion. The class finished with some core exercises that certainly felt like they were working.
So, yes, it was harder than I thought it would be.
Note: guys are required to wear long pants because otherwise your package will be on display to the entire class during a number of the exercises.
Now, I don't know how effective this is, but if you looked around the studio, the results speak for themselves. All the women were toned and really flexible. Meanwhile, I was struggling to get my leg up onto the frigging bar. But if you're a woman who wants to get toned but not bulky, this seems like a pretty good option. And if you're a man who wants to increase his flexibility, this is a good (albeit humbling) way to do it.
So it may be expensive, and it probably isn't as effective for men who want strength, not tone, but the staff was really nice and I was left pretty tired by the end of class. My quads were shot for a day. I don't know that I'd go back because I prefer working out outside, but I might check it out again. Also, for guys, the eye candy is a little distracting when you should be working out.
And it's completely cliche to have a crush on a fitness instructor, but I now have a total crush on the instructor, Kate. Crush aside, she really was the best part of the class, correcting my form on a number of occasions when I was doing something wrong, but not making me feel like an idiot. If you're going to check out the class, I would certainly sign up for one of hers.
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Oh my f**king god. Am I sore. Everywhere. Never have I been this sore from any workout, and I am by far no novice to working out. I've done pilates, core training, kettle balls, yoga, dance, cardio barre, strength training, isometrics, you name it, I've tried it. I get bored easily. What can I say?
But this past year, I turned 30. (I know I dated myself just now). And being 30, combined with the fact that I work alot (though some people don't think I do) combined with the fact that I'm just lazier now, combined with the fact that I was on asthma medication last year that makes you GAIN weight (I know the doctor shoulda told me that was a side effect, and then I woulda said, let me die of an asthma attack then,) and then combined with the fact that my metabolism has slowed down translates into 15 lbs more than I want on my little 5 feet and 3/4 of an inch frame.
So due to everyone in LA doing it, and the rave reviews on Yelp and the awesome before and after photos on their site, I signed up for a class this morning, Level 1 with Juliann. She kicked my ass. Looking at her you would think she's sweet and nice and gentle, which she is, but she is also all about pushing you to your limits. She'll tell you it's okay if your legs shake, and your abs are burning, that is what you want. And though I may be hating the exercise at that second, after it's all said and done, I am glad I went.
Here is how it works based on what I was told and read: little movements with little weights (they have a ton of 1lb weights which I skipped over, grabbing the 3 lb weights but now regret) and they make you do the tiniest movements over and over. Something about the tiny movements, the exercise and the weight, works you. To the point of shaking and sweating! I kid you not.
Yes it's in the Marina, which is way across town for me, and the girls there at 9:30am (the only Level 1 specific class- most others are mixed levels which means anyone can go-something I"m not ready to do yet based on the number of corrections I had today) are mostly new moms that don't have to work (which is all I got based on the conversations I had with everyone in the locker room) so it's not the same crowd I run With. (Single, goes out and drinks too much during the week, and sleeps in, works from home in my PJs and writes on Yelp and Myspace all day). But everyone was nice.
I am hoping that once I get better I can go to a mixed level class in the evening and meet other women in my situation (ie. not married with children) as I just moved back here after an 8 year hiatus in San Diego.
Based on the fact that the women in my class had babies 2 months ago and were thinner than me and the fact that Juliann has the perfect body, I signed up for the unlimited month. I plan to go 3-5 times a week. Watch here for updates on how I do with it and if it works.
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It sounds like it would be really easy but something to do when you are too lazy to go to the gym. Once you walk in, there are all these Marina girls waiting (yes, I know I am one too) and you get 3-5 lbs. weights. How hard can this be? Well, I was totally wrong. My arms and legs were shaking about 10 minutes into the class. The strange thing is I had a great time. You really feel that you are working each muscle and after doing it a couple of times a week, you really notice a difference.
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Ass kicking workout. The clientele is a little intimidating -- tall, slender, high ponytail types. But everyone is in pain soon enough and that somehow is a bit levelling.
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hungry for some pretzel...
"I can't believe she's making me do this *bleeeep* *bleeeep* IS SHE SERIOUS!?!?! mother *bleeeeeeeeeep*" - regular thoughts going through my mind for a full hour of class with amazingly nice, and wonderful instructors. Oh the guilt
Every session I have to vehemently dehort myself from swearing like a sailor aloud.....But the bar method really works....the first few weeks I felt like it wasn't doing much but after a month, I feel great! I'm coming close to turning the big 40- well, in a few years...fine, ok, well over 10 years... but my metabolism still isn't the way it used to be....can't go around eating medium pizzas by myself anymore! Bar method helps me tone and anti-up the energy level. I have to agree, it's addicting!
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This is the hardest workout I think I have ever had. I have been doing extremely expensive private pilates for the past 4 months, which have been good, but bar method kicks major ass. It is like ballet bootcamp on crack. The scene is very marina stepford wife, rocks, louis vuitton, and all. Fortunately, I have a rock too so people arent as afraid to talk to me, even though it appears most girls are a size 2, blonde, and boring, while I am an 8, brunette, and sassy. I havent lost any weight from pilates, so I am hoping bar method does the trick. I havent given in yet to wear the lululemon uniform, which I find very strange. Everyone wears the same outfit to class...again alluding back to the whole stepford wife thing, but if you can look beyond the weird scene and focus on this being an amazing work out, you will love it.
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The award for "Best Workout in the Bay" for people (mainly ladies, and Marina girls at that, and let's get real, Marina girls who are obsessed with Lululemon--although its hard to tell if a Lululemon obsession comes before or after you enter into the Bar Method cult) who are overly concerned about "getting bulky."
As much as it pains me to pay $20 for a class in which I am surrounded by the above-referenced species, I do it.
As much as it infuriates me to be judged for wearing non-matching socks or--gasp!-- Adidas pants to class, I do it.
As much as it bewilders me that I can use a 25 lb. weight to do curls at Club One but can only use an 8 lb. weight in the class, I do it.
As much as it weirds me out that one of the owners always has his eyes half-open when he addresses you, I do it.
As much as it worries me that the Fluidity infomercial is startin' to look mighty fine to me at 3 in the A.M., I do it.
As much as I loathe the fact that "seat work" and "waterskiing" are now terms of art in my vocabulary, I do it.
But seriously, this class is pretty, er, kick ass.
Um, am I getting "man-shoulders?" It's kinda hard to tell under my RocaWear hoodie.
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I used to work there as the lowly "front desk girl" LOL Nah, I really did enjoy it... even though I did leave, I still feel the need to defend them from this recent "backlash" lol...
A: "HIGH PRICES" -While the prices ARE high... they hadn't raised their prices since they opened... and oh man... if you only KNEW all the work they had (and still are having to) put into that building and the fact that they pay (and train) Their staff far better then ANY fitness business I've worked for, then the rising cost make just as much sense as the rising rents and min wage in SF (which is simply a fact of LIVING in SAN FRANCISCO and not Sacramento) it's crazy... but I'll explain more later.
B: "THEY ARE JUST LIKE 24 FIT" - To be honest i don't think they will EVER sink to the level of Bally's or 24 hr fit... for whom I've also worked for in the past (but happily QUIT to work @ BM after seeing the determination of the owners and employees)
C: "STUFFY/STINKY" - Although they do their best to provide almost a "spa" experience... let's be real... you go there to WORK OUT... this includes SWEATING ladies (and a couple gents). Complaining that they room is too stuffy RIGHT after a class is a joke, would you rather they made you WAIT to work out so that your nostrils wouldn't be offended... just breath!
D: "CROWDING" - Are "crowded" classes (a sign of success, which they are remedying by opening MORE studios) really the fault of the BM? i remember having to turn SO many ppl down (not matter who you were or how long you'd "been" with us) when a class was full because if there are too many people... the teacher just can't give adequate time to each student when it is over crowded. So that was the BM turning DOWN money in order to provide the best experience for the clients who were already IN the class.
E: "STAFF/EXPERIENCE" - again, i can't argue about the high costs... but you are paying for MORE then a "workout".... you are paying for the most caring people in the fitness world to make sure that you feel fully taken care of, supported, and informed so that you can reach your true fitness GOALS. If you work there, you really do spend 23hrs a day, 7 days a week thinking about HOW you an improve a clients experience and well being in whatever way possible. If it's a teacher discussing with a single student how they can improve on their form in class, or the support staff making sure the locker room is well stocked, clean, and put together... all the staff (owners, office, teachers and operations alike) REALLY do care about the clients... i have the literal thousands of emails to prove it! Because you don't care, you won't work there for long! LOL.
In closing (this has turned from a reply to some one's review into it's OWN review) Money is a fact of life, I figure that if you can't afford the classes that is a fact of life as well, there are other alternatives, but that my NO means that BM should receive a low rating because they've had to "move with the time"... soon enough other alternative methods will be increasing as well, w/o the "perks" of the BM.
So I'm rating this not only on the quality of the work out (which we all know by now is AMAZING) but also on the quality of the time spent there! With all of the amenities including validated parking, HUGE number of classes, great childcare, ease of sign up and scheduling (posting changes on the web site is fully acceptable, they can't call every student! LOL), on-site extras like Pilates and Massage and the fact that I've NEVER seen Burr or Carl (the owners) turn down ANYONE, no matter what they were doing, if they are looking for advise.
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I love the Bar Method. The instructors there make me work out eighteen times harder than I would if I were at the gym doing a workout on my own. They encourage you to work your quads so hard that your legs shake uncontrollably. And lately we've been doing 50 to 60 push-ups during each class. After each muscle group is worked it gets stretched so there's a lot of stretching going on too.
I've been going to the Bar Method for over two years and I'm more flexible now than I was when I was a kid. That's a good thing. And the time seems to fly by while I'm in there -- until we get to the ab workout at the end... but at that point I know that my hard workout is almost done for the day and I feel like I've accomplished something great. Yay Bar Method!
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As I worked out I wondered - if I do Bar Method 3-4 times a week will I magically transform into a trophy wife? Some of those women could increase their hand weights if they left the rock at home!
If only the MILF Hunter knew about this studio...
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I'm obsessed. That's it. Obsessed.
Standing on your tippytoes and doing other seemingly easy but actually excruciatingly challenging reminds me of the years and years I spent taking ballet lessons, which is part of the reason I'm obsessed. Sans tutu of course.
Now, if only I could find a way to keep that introductory pricing to last forever...
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I've been doing the class for a couple of weeks now, and while I'd like to give them 1 star for making my body ache no other and for going through an hour of what seems like torture, I'm giving them 5 because I at least feel like I'm getting more in shape.
Every time I'm there, I always remember "oh yeah, this is why I hate it," but when I'm back at home and showered and clean, I forget about that hour and all is good.
I've had several of the instructors, and my favorites so far are Emily and Heather.
The only bad thing about this place is that it's pricey.
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I signed up for the 30-day intro at the Bar Method. After 5 consecutive classes I could already see a difference! This place is amazing. Having played soccer all my life and never danced, I was sore in places I never had been before. I literally crawled down my stairs the next day. The workout is a mixture of stretching, pilates and ballet bar work. The teachers are awesome and the classes don't really get too crowded. The best part is you can sign-up on-line and reserve a spot for any class.
Downfalls: these classes are NOT inexpensive and the music selection isn't that hot.
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OMG Becky! Look at her butt! This is what I was thinking after walking into the building. Almost everyone here is in awesome f'ing shape...
I went to this class for the first time with my friend Allison. She use to be a regular and swore I'd fall in love with the work out.
5 minutes into the class Allison was no longer in "the circle of trust." Hey, this shit hurts.
2 minutes after that I had a Charlie horse in my triceps.
But dammit, after the class I felt great, even if I could barely walk.
Having the addictive personality that I do, I'm now hooked and have sworn to not let this class get the best of me.
It may be expensive as hell, but it is *so* worth it.
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i SO wanted to like this place, since i was quite familiar with the works from LA, and not only that, it's just down the street from me. how nifty! whatevs... what a work out! *yawn*
nooootttt really ...
it was seriously soooo packed in there, they seriously need to cut down the amount of people who can seriously take up the space.
the instructors are cool, well knowledgable in the field, and i know that this isn't my sanctuary or anything but it is a place where i do want to release my tensions and sweat and tears.
read my LA review, but minus the packed class, it was just okay.
personally, i also didn't relaly like the fact how i couldn't buy a package here and use it down in LA or back and forth, which is quite stupid since they are the same name, but different owners? weirdos...
ok, time for a shower now... see you all tomorrow because you know i'll write something for lunch and i'll have another 2 overdue entries coming right after... :)
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I think I might be addicted. I am going about 1-3 times per week, at the SMO and SF studios, and honestly feel gross when I don't go. It kicks your ass every single time... If you like a tough workout that combines ballet, yoga, pilates, weight training, and more, then I would highly recommend the Bar Method.