The Bar Method

Over a year later and I am still going strong here. I have never EVER stuck with an exercise program this long. The teachers make ALL the difference. They are incredibly invested in keeping you safe while pushing you to your limit. After experiencing years of lower back pain, I am in the longest stretch in recent years of not experiencing any issues with my back. The exercises are gentle yet extremely effective. My body has been transformed. I am lazy. I hate exercise. And I am addicted to this place. I know people talk about how expensive it is, but when you come regularly, it is $ 10 OR LESS per class. I feel like I get a physical therapy session each time I come and it’s waaay less expensive than going out to lunch 3 – 4 times a week. Reassess your priorities and seriously consider trying this place out.

The staff is always welcoming and the facility is very modern and clean. I love that the classes are a challenge yet fun. Your not doing the same repetitive positions every time– they switch it up! The instructors call you by your name and are always available after class for any questions you may have.

I enjoy doing barre at The Bar Method. I have a back injury & thankful The Bar Method is a safe workout where I can tone my body and see results. They are huge on modifications. The small isometric movements are great to burn away stubborn fat. I have been to many barre studios & The Bar Method without a doubt has the most painful (in a good way) thigh section. It makes me sore for days!
All of the instructors I have had have been great. Just to name a few: Luz is a ball of positive energy. Brooke has a peaceful demeanor. Kendra & Alex T have the best music. Kate A’s class is really tough.
The lockers rooms are beautiful & clean & the studio is well lit.
I wish there was at least 5 minutes in-​between the 6:15PM and 7:15PM classes. Sometimes it’s nice to relax on the carpet and do some stretches right before class starts.

hmmm. I really wanted to like this studio. Love the looks, the towels, the times classes are offered, but it just did not inspire me. Seemed a bit slow and methodical compared to other barre classes I have taken. I was actually running through my to do list during class – not a good sign for me. I never broke a sweat and never felt really challenged, not to mention, what are all those props for? Those weird fabric square white pillows, I could not figure out why or how to arrange them? Do they take the covers off and wash those? I also do not understand the whole wait list gimmick. On the weekends, you need to wait until an hour before class before you can be sure if you are in or not. it was clean and the instructor seemed nice, as well as the clients, but it just did not do it for me.

This fall marks my 4^th anniversary of Bar Method classes. I started in the DC studio, going about once a week, but now the Bethesda studio is my home. I now go on average 3 times per week. Bar Method was the first (and only) strength regimen that has inspired me and kept me engaged. The results have been amazing — toned hamstrings, calves, and glutes, sculpted arms, the beginning of a six pack and I can even see my «true» love handles (i.e., my external obliques) instead of my muffin top. My posture has also improved tremendously. Finally, I am also a runner, and endured years of sporadic knee pain — no more. The Bar Method exercises, particularly the calf lifts, strengthened the stabilizing muscles around my knees.
As for the clientele, I find it varied in age, beginning fitness level, etc., particularly at the Bethesda studio. You definitely don’t have to be an exercise rock star to begin. And in fact, the exercise rock stars will probably suffer just as much in their first few classes. :)
When traveling, I have visited other barre studios (Dailey Method and Pure Barre). They were great workouts as well, and I enjoyed learning the different takes on the Lotte Berke technique. If you’re trying to decide what might be the best fit, I’ll share these observations on what I thought made Bar Method different:
1. More feedback from instructors. At Bar Method, the instructor is continually giving personal feedback (by name) and providing hands on adjustments. This occurred some at the other studios, but more at Bar. Depending on your personality, I suppose this could be a negative, but I have found that getting the feedback is the best way to improve my form and the effectiveness of the workout.
2. More options for exercises. The instructors at Bar are constantly giving advice on modifications based on body types and comfort, as well as options for making exercises easier or harder. Tight hips? Don’t sink as far in second position. Less flexible? Go to a stall bar (with lower rungs) to stretch. Are you a superstar in an exercise? Here’s how to make it more challenging.
3. More stretching. For some, this is a negative, as it means less cardio and blood pumping sets; however, given all the tension I carry in my body, the stretches have been one of the most important and transformative aspects of my workout.
4. Fun facts about muscles. This definitely varies among instructors at Bar, but several instructors have made sure they are very familiar with muscle physiology. During the class, they are good at explaining why keeping a certain form is so important either for targeting a muscle (such as transverse abdominals) or protecting, for example, your knee or back. For me, knowing why doing an exercise in a certain form is important helps keep me motivated to keep good form.

It’s been some time since I’ve taken a class at Bar Method, however, I haven’t been back in that time because I have found several other studios that are comparable in price and make me feel comfortable as I am. Bar Method was my first Barre experience and is what got me excited about the work out in general. I loved Bree who I believe is still there, but was never thrilled with anyone else. For the most part, the atmosphere was arrogant and uninviting to a young, poor, college student, who was just starting out. The studio is really clean and classes are challenging and consistent so that is a major plus. If you’re convenient to the studio or fit in with the general Bethesda population, this is your place. Anyone else, seek different.

I’ve been going to a bunch of different barre studios through classpass and this is my favorite studio by far. The staff is extremely welcoming and kind. The studio is fantastic, very clean, and designed well.
The instructor was the best. It was my first time, along with 5 other newcomers and she knew us all by name and personally assisted us during class.
Definitely will be back and will probably buy a package after my classpass is over.

I’m not one for getting into aerobic class trends, but Bar Method has become an excellent addition to my regular workout schedule. One thing I’d like to point out is that I don’t go to Bar Method on a weekly basis multiple times like other regulars, as I have been adding barre to my other physical regimen (cardio, weight training, kick boxing). I got sucked in by a friend that had been attending for some time during their November bring a friend month. I got to try out a barre class for free which was great, plus I didn’t feel guilted into buying a multi-​class pass. I have had different instructors so far every time on Sundays but Luz is my favorite. She will challenge you, but not try to work you past what your body can handle. Most of the instructors are crazy friendly and not intimidated although there have been one or two who were a bit more Marine-​like. Not every instructor is like that, but I recommend trying a couple of the different open classes to see what instructor fits your needs best.
I wouldn’t recommend Bar Method to people that are really out of shape and haven’t been to a gym in years. This kind of aerobic activity is easier to get into if you have been already working out to some extent but need to work on muscle strengthening/​core.
Bar Method is also not cheap, but for someone like myself that does not have a fancy gym membership, I find that I can stomach the price of a Bar Method class pass every couple of months. The Bethesda staff are friendly and will go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable.

Awesome barre studio in Bethesda. I was in town visiting the family and booked the Saturday mixed bar class through classpass. The studio is clean, spacious and well equipped with locker room, shower, hair dryer and toiletries. The staff was helpful and friendly. The girl at the front desk gave me a tour of the studio upon arrival. Kate, the owner, was the instructor of my class and she was absolutely fantastic. She took extra care of me knowing it was my first time. She gave everyone personal attention throughout the class and walked around to correct our postures to make sure everyone got the most out of their workouts. The class had great energy and challenge that you’d definitely feel it the next day if not right after. I would definitely come back when I’m in town again.

I am so glad I decided to try Bar Method Bethesda, because I think I actually found a workout I can stick to. I was a little intimidated by the idea of a bar workout class (would everyone be in super dancer shape? Would it be snooty? Would I be able to keep up?) but I had a great experience for my first class.
When I checked in, both the person at the front desk and the instructor welcomed me warmly, and then I got a tour of the space and some explanations about how class starts (you grab your weights and then take a spot in the center of the room.) The instructor also made sure to help me during class so I wasn’t lost at all.
The other thing I really liked about this studio is that they don’t push you about buying more classes or a package. After the end of your first class, they’ll give you an envelope with the schedule of classes and an explanation about packages and pricing, but they absolutely don’t push you to buy.
Great and friendly studio, and best of all, a workout that will totally kick your butt! I swear after 3 classes I am more flexible and my arms already look more toned. I’m hooked! I can’t wait to see how I’m going to look after a month or two of going regularly.

Just walked out of a barre class. Shocked and amazed at the pretentiousness & arrogance at this studio. I’ve never felt so ostracized in my life. Gave Bar Method another shot, but shockingly they just validated my feelings from the first class I took over a year ago. I’m a huge fan of barre, practice it almost daily at home, have been to many studios and feel that it’s one of the best methods of strength training for those with EDS (a genetic connective tissue disorder, which many dancers have, as well as many who don’t even know it), but I will never, ever recommend Bar Method to anyone. I literally had to explain myself and «my modifications» to the instructor several times during the class, which then proceeded into the «what is EDS territory?» and I was told that I either had to do the Bar Method «approved» modifications or not take the class. And … I was also told that there’s no way to know that I’m modifying an exercise bc I need to or if I’m just being «lazy.» Seriously? Ummm… I’m sorry, so you are telling me that I cannot go from a high releve to a lower one, in the middle of an exercise, bc I haven’t told you ahead of time that I may need to lower my heels at times and bc my lower releve didn’t appear to exactly match the approved Bar Method modification? (I guess my lowered releve wasn’t quite half way between a flat foot and a high releve. Thus, not allowed). My experience at every other barre studio has been leaps and bounds above Bar Method. Asking for a refund from Gilt City. I feel bad for anyone who is just starting to workout and/​or hasn’t experienced another barre class. The Bar Method way isn’t the only way and there are several ways to safely modify an exercise; however, there’s a serious lack of education at this studio snd thus, could cause injury to plenty of unknowing people. It’s called listening to your body, but apparently that’s not an approved Bar Method modification

My only other barre experience was with pure barre, and I am now on Team Bar Method. The instructors are very well trained and skilled in form and prevention/​management of physical injuries. They are also very motivating and caring while at the same time pushing you to improve. At bar method, I feel a real sense of community. I never felt that way at other studios. Here’s some food for though for those who are considering joining:
— The price is fair (compared to other studios)
— The instructors will take good care of you
— The facilities are nice (includes showers)
— You can join this Bethesda studio and also use your membership at the DC location (Metro center)
I’ll also say that I’ve never looked better than when I do bar 3 – 5 times/​week. I also try to mix in some cardio (running or spin), but that all depends on your preference.

First class today and I disagree with the other first timer review on Unilocal — I found the staff and the studio in general to be warm and welcoming and not at all pretentious. Your first class, $ 24, is also deducted from the cost of a package if you sign up for one on the same day. The class was challenging and the instructor pays careful attention to everyone, from beginners to regulars. I can’t wait to go back.

soooo good!
great work out, excellent instructor. beautiful studio…
even super convenient parking right around the corner.
this was just the workout this worn out traveler needed.
now i’ll have to find the bar method close to home!