The Bar Method

Amazing workout, first and foremost. They’ll work you until your muscles are shaking. The instructors make it a point to know everyone’s name and giver personal instructions. There’s a nice locker room complete with showers, shampoo, conditioner and hair dryers. I highly recommend this place!

I have been to 4 classes so far and I think they do an excellent job. The instructors give many helpful corrections. They know your name. They are supportive and well educated about movement and posture. You really learn something here, as opposed to other barre classes where they just assume you will figure it out or don’t take the time for hands on corrections. If you want to learn to subtle movements in the correct way and enjoy the interaction with motivating teachers, this is your best bet. The facility is spacious decorated nicely, very high end.

I hate exercise. It basically makes me miserable and I spend the entire time wishing I could stop.
That’s why I’m immensely thankful for the Bar Method. This is an enjoyable, challenging workout that I don’t dread doing. It doesn’t feel impossible for people who come and aren’t in great shape already, but it WILL kick your butt. They offer a ton of modifications to increase the challenge level up to your maximum ability. So if you don’t find it hard as hell, it’s only because you’ve made that choice not to challenge yourself.
The emphasis here is on exercises that engage your whole body, especially your core. You’ll hold challenging positions until your muscles are shaking, and then hold them some more. The instructors are so positive about pushing you to achieve the most you can do.
Yes, the instructors will use your name as they nudge you to your best form. Yes, this will happen especially during your first few classes — it’s expected! You don’t have the muscle patterns down yet. No one else there is judging you for needing adjustment; they’re just thankful it’s not them! Look, when you pay for a personal trainer, you’re paying to have someone pay constant attention to you and urge you to work as hard as you can, with the best form you can achieve. The Bar Method gives you a whole month of that, at the price of two personal training sessions.
Class demographic skews heavily toward slim, young white women wearing Lululemon yoga tops and the $ 14 branded Bar Method socks. There are usually a couple of attendees of a different age, race or body type, though, and in any case you’re definitely not being judged. You’re all powering through it together.
You can sign up online beforehand, which is really good for my psychological commitment to attending class. There are a ton of schedule options including early to mid morning, lunch hour and early evening, so it’s easy to find a workable time. A recent rate increase brings the regular monthly rate to $ 190. Yes, that’s a lot, but it’s barely more than a gym membership and an hour with a trainer. I’ll take this any day.

I loved the workout but it was a total bait and switch. Told if I signed up right now I would get a «Forever rate» that was $ 20 a month cheaper than normal rates. After 6 weeks I was told that rate was no longer available and my monthly was now the same as everyone at an additional $ 25 extra a month.

I very much enjoy the classes, but was very disappointed in their customer service recently. I had to cancel a morning session the day of as I woke up sick. I called to see if there was any way I could cancel without losing the session. Apparently there was nothing they could do given their «system limitations» when it comes to 10-​session cards. With so many workout options around, I will not be getting another session card or coming back for those single sessions any time soon. It’s a shame because I used to be a huge fan, but being penalized for being sick has definitely rubbed me the wrong way.

I am a skinny fat girl.
That’s right. I am small with no muscle definition or tone. I aimlessly wander at the gym attempting random weighs and overdoing it on cardio. Well no more! I am on my 4^th class now and I love it. I love the exercises, the stretching and the process. What I can’t say that I love is the calling out. Listen, if I am doing it wrong please tell me but if I physically can’t have perfect form (yet, because I am new) cut me some slack. Telling me 20 times to straighten my leg when I am not able to just yet won’t magically straighten my leg (I have zero flexibility, hence why I am taking this class) Please be patient! Although I must say most instructors are. I also was pulled aside by an instructor to let me know it usually takes about 10 classes before you get the hang of it. I appreciated that very much! I will keep on it and write back with an update. Thanks ladies!

I personally did not like this type of workout for several reasons that may not apply to everyone. I bought a month long membership and really thought Id love it. Ive been doing a mix of pilates, yoga, barre etc for a few years and understand that all instructors are different. The place is clean and the front staff was really friendly which is why I give them 3 stars. I went in and found a spot and the instructor had memorized my name along with two other newbies (although I’m not new to barre). Throughout the entire class the instructor continued to call me out for every single thing I was doing. Even if I chose to stretch a slightly different way! All they want is for the entire group to be uniform which I understand is critical to ballet but why to a workout class and why does it matter if I stretch with my leg is bent a little further to the right? I work out because my work life is stressful and working out eases that stress. This is not the case when instructors are all over every single move you make. This is a group class, I don’t see the value in picking on an individual person throughout the whole class, on a microphone none the less. I went back a few more times and it was the same. My friend also joined and complained about the same thing. The instructors need to lay off a bit. It was not enjoyable at all and I was secretly fuming the whole time. I personally hated it but I can see how other people may enjoy the complete direction. I will never go back.

I am ridiculously addicted to the bar method and I have never been a gym rat. I danced ballet until I was 16, quit, and essentially never worked out again. Well age 30 hit and things were not headed in the right direction. I found Bar Method in August and have been going 3 – 5 days a week since, when I don’t go I feel terrible! The instructors at this location are fabulous and I like all of the people I interact with there from reception to the other students. I always drag friends along when they’re in from out of town to show it off. I saw a definite change in my body, losing 10 lbs off my small frame. I also like that the classes offer more challenging options once you’ve mastered the basics to keep it challenging. Nearly a year into it I still feel challenged every class.

I’ve been going here for almost 3 months now and I love my hourly torture session and feel a little «off» the days I don’t go. I’m seeing and feeling results — my body has a long ways to go before it looks like «a dancers body» but I’m liking the improvements.
Nice clean facilities, friendly instructors and parking in the jewel parking lot is very convenient. The cost is reasonable — more then a gym, less then a personal trainer… probably the amount you will spend on a yoga membership in the city.
I gained a lot of weight in my first pregnancy and it took me close to a year to lose it all. I feel hopeful that doing bar method during my next pregnancy will help me stay in better shape and help me bounce back quicker.
My only (minor) complaint is that I wish they had more weekend classes and a 6:30 on Thursday. Often they get booked up on weekends if you don’t book them by Friday afternoon.

This place is great! As a new student, did not feel intimidated @ all. The instructors are super patient and helpful, pointing out what you need to fix w/​o making you feel dumb. Every single time I have called, the person on the other line has gone out of their way to be helpful, patient and friendly … They also have reasonably priced and great childcare, starting @ age zero :) Parking is free and easy in the lot in back.
The workout: different and AMAZING. You will be in pain the next day, regardless of how fit you think you are!
Only down side … the hood is a bit sketch.

Love this studio! If you are looking for a great workout to do in just an hour this is the thing. I am stronger, leaner and more toned.
I have not worn shorts willingly since high school, and after 3 months of bar method, 4 – 5 times a week, I just went out and bought 3 pairs! The cost was a bit daunting for the monthly membership, but it has been worth it for me.
Studio is clean, staff is friendly, instructors are inspiring. Thanks Bar Method!

Month and a half and counting. I absolutely love this place! I hold a special place in my heart for Stephanie Quay… I hear her voice at the most random times of the day telling me to squeeze my shoulder blades and to fix my posture. LOL. In my opinion she gives the best classes and kicks my bootay. Julianne is awesome too! I stalk them for my classes. This is not to say any of the other instructors aren’t great. They all give amazing classes… I just have a special place in my heart for those two!!!
My body is changing big time! I’m loving it! My husband has noticed a change and so have I.
LOVE BAR METHOOOOODDDDD!!!

Love, love, love this studio! This studio has been my first experience with Bar Method, and the staff and instructors are always so friendly and fantastic. It didn’t take long for me to feel like this studio was home to me. I’ve been a member for almost 3 months now– and enjoy doing a workout that I can adapt for my various injuries. The studio is clean, the staff is motivating, and there is parking in the Jewel lot.

I really can’t say enough awesome things about the Wicker Park Bar Method. The location is close to my house, there’s free parking behind the studio, and the studio is clean and spacious with awesome locker space equipped with mirrors/​showers/​changing area to freshen up after class when I need it.
I adore my 9:30am class with Stephanie — she’s just the right amount of encouragement and of kick my a** — and there are so many mornings I definitely need the kick. ;) I’m fairly active in working out — I take weekly dance classes and attempt the occasional rare running venture — and the Bar Method (and Stephanie) do AMAZING things for toning my muscles and creating a leaner/​stronger frame. The Bar Method movements seem small — as my first class began I thought «This is it?» — but you will feel your muscles WORK. Especially that pesky glute to hamstring area (I call it my low-​butt) and the jiggles-​while-​I-​brush-​my-​teeth tricep area. No matter how often I go, I always feel the burn the next day. (Which is a good thing, I promise.) And it’s a major accomplishment that I can now do real push-​ups!
I’ve never tried to wear shorts to class (I don’t love my legs enough to do that in a work out atmosphere. No one wants to see that. Trust me.) so I’m not aware of a pant-​only policy. Definitely make sure you arrive 5 – 10 minutes before the class starts — they limit the number of people in each class (thankfully) and you don’t want it to fill up before you get there. (Though, as Chicago traffic often warrants, there was a mishap a few months ago and I got delayed on Milwaukee making me a few minutes late for class. I got lucky and the class wasn’t full when I ran in and the girl and the front desk allowed me to scurry in 2 minutes after class started. I was seriously dying inside as I assumed all eyes were on me, but Stephanie was gracious and accommodating in getting me weights and finding me a spot in the room. Love that girl.)
I can’t recommend this location or this workout enough. Seriously. Go.

This is an amazing workout in a great facility. Teachers are fantastic. They guide students through the technique, challenge you to stretch yourself beyond what you thought your limits were; all with great energy. The teachers are fun, but know how to leave you totally gassed at the end of the class. A serious workout that will change your body if you stick with it! I definitely recommend Bar for women AND Men!

I purchased a Bar Method package from Gilt City a month or so ago after hearing rave reviews from one of my coworkers. The workout is seriously effective and the hour long classes go by so quick! The facilities are BEAUTIFULLY kept. Showers are available, which is great when you go to morning classes before work. My only slight frustration is, because classes are relatively small (not complaining about that), the teachers really focus on individuals and helping them improve. This is really great, especially for beginners like me. Unfortunately, in the 2 classes (out of 3) that I’ve gone to, I feel like I am corrected A LOT more than the other people and it feels a little too personal. I love that they want people to do the moves correctly to get the best workout, but it’s just a bit intimidating. I will definitely be using my 3^rd class, but I’ll just have to develop a thicker skin so I can make it through all the criticism!

So first of all there are a lot of complaints on here about dress code or policy on timeliness… There are rules and codes in certain places that people should be aware of. It says right on their website to wear pants that cover your knees or longer, and that if you’re a new client to arrive at least 15 minutes early… so if you came to class and didn’t do those things, well someone is going to say something to you. That’s the name of the game.
I have been a gym rat for years and have been with personal trainers for the past few years and consider myself in pretty good shape cardiovascular-​wise as well as strength-​wise. I took my first class, and holy crap, this is a hard class… hard in a different sense than the gym offers. It’s a good balance of using your own body weight to increase balance and tone and make lean muscles instead of bulky ones.
The next day my glutes and thighs definitely could feel the burn from the night before, but I was still able to be mobile and get to the gym the following day. I definitely recommend this class for people looking to supplement their cardio gym routine and stretch their muscles for a toner more flexible body.
And yes… wear longer pants. Get over it.

I’ve been coming here for a few months now. I have to admit that I love the staff, the cleanliness of the place, and the cancellation policy (some places ask you to cancel over 24 hours ahead of time — ridiculous!). I do wish they had more classes in the evening though.
I switch between the Bar Method in Wicker Park and the Loop. While the Loop one is slightly cooler, the Wicker Park offers free parking.
After being persuaded to do this, I’m glad I tried it out but I may not go anymore because I’m not seeing any results. I do feel leaner, but definitely NOT stronger or thinner. I haven’t seen any difference in my body. The 2−3lbs weight don’t do anything for me.

This is a weighted average: 5 stars for the class and the location and the facility. They are awesome workouts, the facility is beautiful, the instructor was great.
…And 1 star for the very weird, Puritan way they treated me the first time I went to class. I wore long yoga shorts that came to my knee, not an unusual outfit for this type of class (and I know because I have been to Core Fusion classes at Exhale Spa about 100 times). But they INSISTED that I wear long yoga pants to attend class. They kindly offered me a pair of oft-​used spare yoga pants, which had surely met countless bare va-​jayjays. I declined this offer and they asked that I come back another time when I had pants on that came over my knees. When I asked why it was so important, they said, «Because that’s the rule. And we do some things on our knees.»
And the room is carpeted… Huh?
Any reasonable facility would likely emphasize that this was the standard, and say something diplomatic like, «Okay, next time please wear pants, but have a great first class!»
The end of the story is that I begged, almost getting on my knees (except that I had pants on that were too short, of course) because I had made childcare arrangements to come to class. After 10 minutes of discussing this in front of the other women watching me fight for my right to exercise in my cargo yoga shorts, they let me in class.
So all in all, the class was great, but if they were as flexible with their rules as they make your hips, it would be a 5 star review.

I’m so glad that my friend finally convinced me to try The Bar Method. She has been going for months and has had great results. I’m a little peeved that I didn’t try it sooner. =/
I already belong to a gym and I have a personal trainer so I thought that I was set. I love my personal trainer, he’s great but at $ 60 a session I can’t afford to see him more than twice a week. Sure my gym offers classes but the classes don’t always coordinate well with my schedule.
Anyway, I tried The Bar Method and I was hooked! In fact, I can’t shut up about it! After the first day, I came back the next day, and I kept coming back everyday since. Its a workout that you can do everyday and you really feel like you accomplished something with your workout. I leave feeling stronger and with a clear head ready to begin my day. I go to bed excited to wake up and go again in the morning!
If you are someone who aimlessly wanders the gym or spends hours a week on the treadmill without results just try the bar method for 30 days and you’ll see finally get the results you’ve been looking for!