The Bar Method

I am in love with this studio! Yes, it’s a tough workout– but SO worth it. I’ve been going for 2 months now and my body is changing for the better. Even my friends have noticed a change! Plus, the staff are so friendly and welcoming which really helps when you are trying to motivate yourself to go to class.

I’ve been going to this location using ClassPass, and love it so much I go as often as the system allows. The workout is great, you get lots of attention to ensure you have the right form, and the instructors make an effort to learn your name if you are a regular. Ample parking downstairs, clean facilities and nice people at the front desk make it an easy in-​and-​out stop. I really like the socks they sell, too, and have 3 pairs.

THIS IS A TOUGH WORKOUT. WOW. I never understood why people did barre workouts, but after trying this out… I see the light. This workout is a serous body toner! It focuses on working the smallest muscles in your body but the repetition of movement and the PULSING seriously gets you! my body was shaking but in the end I felt so much stronger. I definitely think this is a supplementary type of workout because you aren’t really sweating much, but it will give you strength for sure.
give it a shot yall!

This place is the best bar method studio i’ve been to. I moved from NY recently and i was so afraid i wouldnt find a studio as good as mine back home. but after visiting about 4 other places in the area, this is the ONE! thank god. all the instructors I’ve had are excellent, my favorite being Jenny because she adds humor making everything go by very fast and fun. Plus she’s pretty good at remembering everyone’s names and correcting positions without making you feel like you’re doing it wrong. this place rocks, i would try it out. Be on time! you can’t come to class if you’re not on time… i think some people in the reviews below didn’t know that rule which is why there is one or two lower grades, undeservedly if you ask me.

I love this place so much I can’t even begin to to tell you how much barre has transformed my body. All the instructors here take the time to get to know your name and strengths and weaknesses and help you strive to Improve in so many ways. I just had surgery but I can’t wait to get back at the barre. THANK YOU SO MUCH LADIES :)

while keeping your hips straight, slowly rotate your toe behiiiiind your earlobe and uuuunder your thighs, slightly bending at the hips. Engaging your core, be sure to direct your smile into your medium weights. be sure to control the pulsating strain in your head while trying to figure out my instructions.
If this is what barre class has ever sounded to you, the barre method is your place!
The instruction is relevant, classes are small, allowing for individual attention. Instructors are relatable and attentive, and I always get a great workout from this place! I always feel like I am being understandably guided through my workout– something I sometime struggle with in workout classes.
Half star off for the music– can sometimes be soppy and general room for improvement.

I love this studio! The teachers are all amazing, sweet, motivating and welcoming! They get to know you by name and really pay attention to make sure you’re doing the moves right. I love The Bar Method, and especially this studio. It’s such a great workout! Parking is super easy and free, and the studio is nice and clean. Doesn’t get any better than this!

I was here 4 minutes late and although I’ve been to all other Bar Method studios, I hadn’t been to this one. They wouldn’t let me in because they have a stupid policy where people that are new to this studio can’t be 1 minute late. Great way of welcoming people. Won’t be coming back, thanks.

I have been doing Bar Method classes for 10 years and I absolutely love it! Bar Method really sculpts your body (especially your thighs!) like no other workout. It will also help you improve your flexibility and posture. Unlike most group fitness classes, there is a lot of individual attention. The teachers tweak and correct your form throughout class so that you don’t get injured and you can maximize your workout.
The studio is super clean, never too crowded, and has easy, free parking. I would definitely recommend trying it out!

Horrible experience. I have taken many fitness classes and by far the worst customer experience I have ever encountered. Save yourself some misery and don’t come to this location!

Let me start by saying I love Bar /​Barre classes and believe 100% in this style of workout as a great way to achieve a lean, flexible body.
I have been a fitness professional and instructor since I was 18 years old getting my first certification with Nautilus Plus for circuit training back in the day! Have taught hundreds of classes from Multi-​sport to cardio kick-​boxing to indoor cycling.
I enjoy going to different workouts as a way to «shake things up» and stay effective.
I’m 52 years old and know my way around a gym/​workout/​triathlon you name it.
The class I attended at THIS particular studio was hands down the worst group exercise experience I have ever had. The instructor was arrogant and offensive and
CLUELESS about the fact that EVERY PERSON MAY NOT LOOK EXACTLY THE SAME IN A POSTURE but can still be targeting the intended muscle group. Her adjustments were RUDE, calling people out by name with ridiculous adjustments that in fact OFTEN took away from the «burn» and focus. It was so over the top with her
micro management that my friend and I could barely get ourselves to stay through the class.
Her style was not only ineffective, it was down right no FUN and certainly not motivating in any way.
I’m fit, I’m lean, I’m flexible, and you would have thought I was a person who had never set foot in a gym before the way the instructor was «CLUELESSLY» obsessing on micro managing every move.
If you enjoy being under a microscope and literally moved into positions that may or may not HELP you target the intended muscle group because the instructor assumes
she knows EVERYTHING about YOUR specific anatomy you will love this dominating and absolutely no fun style of workout.
IT was a DRAG and micro managed to the point of humiliation and annoyance.

I’m pretty obsessed with the bar method and this studio is amazing. I started in the end of May and have gone about 3x/​week since then. I have some major back/​spine issues and all of the instructors here are great – they know how to modify things to accommodate and are all so friendly and knowledgeable (and patient with my inflexible-​self!).
My husband laughs at me because every time I get home or leave a class I go on and on about how it’s «the best thing ever.»
Anyway, I’m not at all athletic, never been a dancer, super uncoordinated, highly inflexible, and have a spine injury… and this work out is the only one I’ve EVER been this committed to. Makes me feel great every.single.time. Still get sore after every class, even months later, because the routines change and vary a bit and each teacher is a bit different.
I would HIGHLY recommend this workout and this studio to anyone.

I really, really enjoyed my workout here!!! The instruct
or, Vera was incredibly supportive as it was my first time taking this type of class. Immediately upon entering you have to sign a 2 page waiver which scared me a bit at first but everyone was very friendly. The instructor gets your name, you need to have socks, and everything else is provided (mats and weights). There were about 20 of us (all women of varying ages) on a Friday morning, 9:30 AM class. We were instructed to choose two 1lb, 2lb, or 3lb weights. I thought I was all kinds of bad ass scoffing at the 1lb weights til we started working out and my arm felt like I was trying to lift a steel beam!!! So I exchanged my weights for those 1lb weights quickly!!! I began to drip sweat just from the warm up. The class was a mix of yoga, ballet, weight and strength training, it was pretty awesome although I felt like one of my problem students must feel in class because Vera called my name a lot!!! But, it was a good thing as she called on me to correct my posture, tighten my core, or fix the direction my feet were pointing in. She would even come by and physically move my body to make sure I was in the correct position. My whole body trembled during this workout and so many muscle groups were addressed! A single class is $ 21 bucks it works out better to get a package. Free underground parking!

I’ve been running and lifting weights at a gym for 30 years. I needed a change and so I joined The Bar Method in MDR back in December of 2012. I was hooked after the first class so I signed up for a year. Since December I’ve been going to class 3 times per week. It’s improved my flexibility, posture, provided better muscle definition, and has even given me back an extra hour or two I would have been spending at my usual gym after work.
Surprisingly the seat-​work in Bar Method helped me to recover from a long-​term running injury as well. (seat and hip injury from overuse– too many miles over the years).
There’s a good vibe at this studio. The staff is welcoming and helpful. I always leave in a happier state of mind.

Help yourself get a better booty, toned legs/​arms and gain more flexibility.
I’ve been coming here as part of their first time customer incentive program ($ 100 for unlimited classes for a 1 month, it was a gift from my aunt and I did enjoy this gift.)
Classes:
Start, Middle, end:
Now to start I did struggle. It had been such a long time since I had done any kind of working out. But don’t get discouraged because as time goes by, it does get easier.
Also with each teacher you get something a little different and it’s those slight changes that make each class a little challenging and not always the same.
Taste of what goes on:
–First thing go to where the weights are and pick up two 2 pound weights and two 3 pound weights.
–They begin by warming you up with a few leg raises
–followed by a little weight work to tone those arms
–next come the push ups or and plank
–then a little stretching at the bar (fyi the bar at the other end of the room from where you enter is the lowest and easiest for first timers/​those not as flexible)
–The following work at the bar is the hardest, yet the most rewarding. You’ll be in 1^st position or w.e. working on your legs and butt
–almost done, now some core/​flexibility work on the blue mats against the wall
–almost there, crunch time and butt work
–end with a deep breath and some finial stretching, you’re done.
My experience:
Now at first I wasn’t sure how I felt about these classes and if I would be going back but now that my month is up, yes I will continue to go back once in a while because they do help you get tone and gain more flexibility. But I like to change it up from yoga, to dancing anything from ballet-​hip hop, and going to the gym. I think it’s good to have variation.
Recommendation:
–Those first two weeks I did struggle a bit and I found that in that first week taking a slow, primarily breathing and stretching yoga class, helped and made me feel better; it helped with any soreness. Also doing a bit of your own stretching before and after each class helps too.
–Sign up for the class you want to take, space is limited and this guarantees your in. If they’re too busy and you do a walk in you might not be able to get in (this might be rare). Also read their cancellation policy.
**Tip:
I don’t think that if you’re looking to loose weight, this alone will do it. Together with going to the gym can be good or after some weight loss come get toned up.
Place:
This studio is located on the second level in the right corner (if you’re going in from the stairs or elevator) Once inside, sign in and you can put your belongings in cubbies or they have lockers further inside. The place is well kept and so are the restrooms, you can find deodorant, mouth wash and lotion if you need it. They have one studio and its semi small but not bad. They also have a water cooler.
Staff:
All the ladies are nice and will answer any questions you might have. Prior to class you should let them know of any injuries or difficulties you might have so they can give you alternative things to do but usually they’ll ask you at the beginning of class when they do a «roll call.» If you’re new they’ll get to know your name so they can better assist you throughout class.
Parking:
First level parking is 20 min only I believe so be careful. There’s more parking underground. Spaces are a little limited and can be tight down there so I usually liked to come early. Usually when a class leaves spaces do clear up, so sometimes patience…
Pricing:
I’m not sure but I’ve heard they can be pricey, like in the $ 20’s, which I do agree can be a little crazy because I’ve never paid that much for a yoga or dance class so: /​thumbs down on that but their first time $ 100 unlimited classes for 1 month is a good deal, so I’ll take that. I hope they have and if they don’t, I hope they develop a student discount or a certain number of classes you can buy that would be a little easier and cheaper on my pockets. :)
Enjoy and don’t give up!

IN-​FREAKING-​CREDIBLE. I signed up for the $ 100 unlimited 30-​day intro and I can honestly say — BEST $ 100 I’ve ever spent. I LOVE this workout. I was addicted to cardio before Bar Method and never thought I would be satisfied by a low impact workout… WOW, was I wrong. Low impact? Yes. Low intensity? I don’t think so! This is one of the toughest workouts, and while the movements are tiny — you won’t be able to walk for days! Tough stuff and totally worth it!

Hands down, my favorite BM studio ever.
I started taking class when they opened a little over 2 years ago & it just keeps getting better. Since I no longer live in LA, I always make it a point to come here and take class whenever I visit. The staff is so friendly and they treat every client like family, because that’s exactly what the MDR studio is: a big family where sculpted abs, legs, arms and lifted seats are seemingly genetic.
As a workout, BM is as good as it gets. This isn’t a gym you come to for short-​term goals; the workout really is meant for a long-​term change. Each body type responds differently to BM so it can take weeks, even months, to see change… but it WILL come. Remember, results don’t happen overnight. A few months spent tucking, squeezing, & shaking, you’ll have a completely healthier, leaner body… guaranteed!
I do like to double up with running or yoga every once in a while but it’s not necessary. The workout is so intense and really is a full body workout… There IS cardio involved. You’re basically panting every other minute trying to get through thigh without resetting or even doing 50+ pushups within that one hour of class.
BM is super low impact. This is the SAFEST form of bar fitness you’ll find. I’ve tried other versions and they just don’t cut it; you don’t get the same targeted & intense workout you’ll get at BM. Each movement is carefully done so that you don’t get injured. I’ve felt so unsafe at Dailey, Pop, and P57, in which I’ve experienced getting sprains in my neck & ankles, and an aching back! NONE of that at BM, that’s for sure.
Additionally, the instructors know what they’re talking about. I’ve taken class at competing studios where the instructor just seems clueless about why you have to work out this certain part of the body, or what muscles are triggered by doing a particular movement. BM instructors here are so great because 1) they’re knowledgeable, 2) have bodies you WANT to work toward getting, and 3) are super friendly & make class FUN. I’ve never had a bad class at this studio in my 2 years of coming.
What I really love at MDR is that all the staff make it a point to know your name. Like that theme song from «Cheers,» it’s literally your life at BM (cheesy, I know). It seriously makes a difference when you’re acknowledged in class and not ignored. It’s such a warm environment at this studio, and taking everything else into consideration I can’t think of a better place to get your butt trimmed & kicked.

I have never, ever looked forward to an exercise class the way I look forward to The Bar Method — especially at this, the Marina del Rey studio. In fact, I’ve always FORCED myself to go to «traditional» classes, personal trainers, and gyms. I don’t like smelly locker rooms, sweating profusely, or glamazon bimbos in midriff tops who comfortably starve themselves while pretending to sweat it out to the latest fad.
At various points in my life, I’ve been an all-​star field hockey and lacrosse player; a Step/​Dance/​Zumba aerobics aficionado; and a complete klutz, devoid of any «dancing» ability — in fact, whenever I’d try to dance «cool,» my friends would gently back away. Thus, grace, flexibility, and/​or balance has never been my forte.
I’ve also been fairly thin for most of my life — until last winter, when I was diagnosed with a genetic autoimmune disease called Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). As a result of my inherently low antibodies (IgA proteins), I got a nasty flu that resulted in two kidney biopsies and near-​renal failure. I was prescribed Prednisone for six months, and I gained 40 pounds.
When I finally stopped taking the drugs I instantly lost about 15 pounds, but still retained a good deal of pudge accumulated from exhaustion-​lack of exercise-​joint pain. A friend recommended I try The Bar Method, so I attended a couple classes and was immediately hooked. Not only did I feel strong, pretty, and invigorated — these tiny movements were something I felt I could actually DO. I liked the way that the other students were completely focused on their own work, and the teachers corrected all of us in encouraging, gentle ways — think «cheerleader» as opposed to «Marines boot camp.» I found myself attending class every day — and settled on six days per week. That was in January.
After five classes, you’ll feel the difference. After ten classes, you’ll see a difference — the «side lines» of your body will start shrinking, and you’ll feel EVERY SINGLE MUSCLE IN YOUR BODY. After fifteen classes, your boyfriend/​husband/​booty call will notice the difference (wink, wink). After a couple months… your current closet will be obsolete. The students in my classes are younger than me, older than my mom, short, tall, stocky, skinny — and everyone is working toward their PERSONAL best.
Six months later, I have no joint or back pain. My IgA levels are considerably higher, to the amazement of my immunologist; I have greater bone density; I am doing FULL SPLITS for the first time in my life; during «round back» I can bump the bar above my head with my foot. Oh, and for vanity’s sake — I have lost 25 pounds, 4 inches off of each thigh, 5 inches off my waist, 2 inches off each arm… and my very favorite jeans that would not pull over my thighs several months ago now comfortably button and look pretty damn hot over my brand-​new butt. I HAVE ZERO CELLULITE. And, at the risk of «TMI» — my man LOVES what Bar Method has done for my body — besides the increased flexibility — really, ladies, all of that «tucking» does wonders for much, much more than what you see in the mirror! «Kegel Exercises» are LAME compared with Bar Method ;)
As for the MdR studio — these women are my coaches and my cheerleaders. They always have time before or after class to help me truly master the exercises, and they routinely let me know how I am progressing. I feel like a completely different person since the first day I walked through their doors — I am now slim, fit, flexible, and confident — not to mention HEALTHY. The Bar Method and the amazing instructors at the MdR studio gave me my life back, so yeah — I’m an «addict» too.

Love. It.
I used to do Bar Method a few times a week in Hermosa 3 – 4 years ago but stopped when I moved to Marina del Rey. With the end of my Bar Methoding also came reduced flexibility and strength despite continuing to be a runner (I actually think running tightened me up so if you do run/​cardio a lot this is a good class to complement that). I’ve intermittently gone to some other studios but by no means have I been consistent. When this studio opened up awhile back I was jazzed and a half since it’s just a 15 minute walk away. I finally bit the bullet this last week and got the $ 100 introductory special (unlimited classes for 30 days).
I started my package a week ago and have been 4 times now — the burn is just as good as I remember!
1. Staff: Teachers are super sweet and on top of it! They really take the time to adjust your form, encourage you by name and push you to go deeper («Anita, you can tuck harder! Lift higher! Almost there!»). I’ve had class with Raissa, Vera and Stacey now — and they all have kicked my butt.
2. Class: There is a great mix of strength exercises and stretching. You start the class with leg lifts and light weight exercises. Don’t be deceived though — 2lb weights with repeated small movements = MAJOR BURN! You roll into some stretching at the bar where you can pretend you’re a ballerina ;). Then go right into thigh work (expect your legs to shake shake shake), butt work, stretching, more leg work, abs, some fun «back dancing» for the butt and final stretching. I love how after each exercise there is a specific stretch to balance you out. The class will fly by!
3. Location: Easily located in a little plaza — plenty of free parking (big plus as other places have metered parking or you have to pay to park).
4. Value: Take advantage of the unlimited packages (especially the $ 100 intro one). Typically one class is $ 22 so imagine how much you save if you go at least 3X a week for 30 days! That drops classes down to about $ 8. And if you go more… even cheaper, even better value!
Check it out — and I’ll see you at the Bar to tuck tuck tuck!

Short
Best workout EVER (you work so hard the hour flies by)!
Increasing my flexiblity
Makes me happy, energized and stronger (without bulking)
You will get addicted
Classes are expensive but it really works and you see results fast
Long
LOVE the Bar Method workout and esp at Marina Del Rey b/​c the instructors are AMAZING, dedicated and make me feel comfortable. The instructors really make sure everyone is doing the exercises correctly, which is why I will continue to go to this location (even though I never tried another location). They learn everyones name and call you out if your not doing it right (in a helpful way not mean at all). It really pushes you to try harder and doesn’t let you take the easy way out.
I was one of those people who would only go to workout classes/​gym if I had a friend to come b/​c I would feel like I wasn’t doing the exercises the right away and people would stare at me. When I tried the introductory rate for $ 100 I went every single day that I was NOT out of town, and I really wanted to go and keep going — never felt weird or anything… And it kept me away from happy hour after work so that was a plus!!!
I was skeptical about this class and preferred to try Pilate’s b/​c im more focused on working out my upper body and core and though this class focused on your legs/​butt — not at all full body workout! After a friend convinced me to try the first class for $ 22 with her I was addicted and bought the introductory rate (which they will just add on the remaining after your 1^st class to total $ 100 — great deal). Sooo its true I really am addicted — just like EVERYONE says! My muscles feel like they are still burning for at least an hour after class and I feel greatttt afterward!!!
I took a break for 2 months because I’m doing summer traveling and the classes are expensive for my budget so I do want to get my money worth and attend 4 – 5 days a week if I’m paying for unlimited, but I already bought my next unlimited package that starts when I get back from vacation and plan to continue invest in these classes even after the price increases because they make me happy and really feel great!