The Bar Method

I’m giving this studio two stars because the work out and the instructor were great. However, my overall experience was ruined the moment I walked in.
They tell you to bring jelly socks with, so I brought my open toe jelly socks. When I say open toe, there is barely any toe showing. The lady at the front desk caught me in them and told me I had to wear full toe socks as those are not allowed. I really didn’t want to spend $ 16 on another pair of jelly socks as I have three pairs at home, but she didn’t give me much choice. It was either I borrow a pair of normal socks or buy the jelly ones. I’m not sure why she was making an exception for the normal socks all of a sudden and not for the open toe jelly socks.
I ended up buying the socks, which made me late for the class. No one wants to walk in late to a workout class. The combination of having to pay an unnecessary $ 16 and being late to the class put me in the worst mood, it was hard to even enjoy the class.
I’ve gone to the location at 1 E Delaware and it’s a completely different experience. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. With several other barre studios in the area, I will never go to this studio again.
I was extremely disappointed by the lack of customer service I was received. If you’re going to make me late to a class or make me buy jelly socks to attend your class, at least be apologetic about it or do something to make me not want to walk across the street to barre code.
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Absolutely LOVE the workout and absolutely hate the prices. I’ve been doing Bar Method on and off since 2009 and it’s still my favorite workout ever. I just don’t understand where the pricing comes from… but anyway, somehow I’m cheap and I’m STILL willing to cough up my hard-​earned dough for a Bar Method membership so that proves just how much I love it!
I’m also always impressed at how amazing their instructors bodies are! Like seriously; I’m inspired by these women. If I can get a body like that from doing Bar Method, keep the classes comin’. I highly recommend. They’ll kick your booty. Literally.

For someone who hasn’t worked out in a while (like years) I knew I had to make a change. Barre is exactly the challenge I was looking for and needed. I am not the most coordinated person and many positions or movements can be challenging for someone like me but that is exactly why I love this class. In order to continue with working out, I have learned that I need someone to hold me accountable and I need someone there to make sure the form I have is correct and if not, bring on the corrections… it forces me to push myself a little harder!
When it comes to the instructors, you can’t go wrong with any of them… they all push you to your limit. In particular though, Rheannon is extremely challenging… which I love. She will also put you back into the correct position when you fall out of it… unfortunately this happens alot for the uncoordinated person — like myself.
All in all… I have officially become addicted to Barre — The Bare Method.

I love Bar Method!
The location is super convenient (right by the Belmont red/​brown), the studio is clean, and the staff is great! The exercises are very similar to Pure Barre, but the instructors do a better job (in my opinion) of making sure you’re in the right position and getting the most out of your workout. A warning — they’ll definitely call you out in class by name. It was a little intimidating at first, but now I appreciate hearing my name when they’re correcting my form or complimenting me.
This facility also has showers which is a nice perk. Try a class — you won’t regret it!

This barre studio is by far my favorite out of the million (okay 4 or 5) in Lakeview. I love that the instructor makes sure to know everyone by name. I enjoy the corrections as it forces me to push myself a little harder, Barre is all about the form and if I’m doing it wrong I want to know. They will also yell out encouragement and compliments by name.
These classes are hard, your legs will shake and you feel wonderful afterwards. I also enjoy that the exercises are balanced with the perfect amount of time spent on each. I agree with the other reviewer who stated you don’t have to worry about them inserting 100 burpees into the class. I did a class at another studio the other day and we did 25 minutes worth of planks.
The studio is very nice and clean. Take a class you won’t regret it!

Go!
I will not lie, I was almost scared off by some of the reviews. Really, who wants their name ingrained in everyone’s brain because they were corrected so many times in their first class? Anyways, it turned out the staff here is super friendly, and I loved the fact that the instructor, Sarah, memorized everyone’s name, especially since she doled out far more compliments than critiques. It was inspiring hearing her tell other students they could beyond rock a move — it showed she knew her students just that well.
I loved the class. I was introduced to new props, and I loved the abs section. My back isn’t the best, and the cushiony pads we used gave the perfect amount of support. I also dug the selection of arm weights, so I can aspire to rock the five pounders. Eventually. Thighs are always a bitch in any barre class, and it was no different here. Oh, and since this class is a full hour, you get in some good stretching, which kept me from being too sore the next day. The facilities are gorgeous, and there’s showers so no «I can’t work out before work» excuses here! Definitely a great place to get your barre on — for both the friendly staff and the killer workout. Like I said earlier, go!

LOVE The Bar Method. Love is a strong word in general, but it’s truly one of the strongest when it comes to me + exercise. I’m not athletic by any stretch and I’ve been complaining through workouts and sports my entire life. until The Bar Method! My first class was in May 2014, a fundraising class I put on for work, which I loved and immediately signed up for the «new client special» for $ 75 and I was hooked!
Yes — it’s pricey. I got lucky when I signed up for my new client special, they were offering another special where if you committed to the monthly membership during the first month, the rate would be $ 155. Now I’m locked into that rate, which from what I can tell, is much cheaper than the normal rate, and on the affordable end of the spectrum for barre classes. Price is definitely an issue for me, but the way Bar makes me feel helps me to justify the expense.
The classes are so structured without being boring. I love that I always know what’s next, when stretches are, when thigh is about to happen, etc. Music could use some improvement, but it’s generally good. The Lakeview studio is always clean, classes are usually not completely full (I always go in the evening), and the instructors are knowledgeable and friendly.
In a world of scary, intimidating, and painful workout classes — this one is a true gem!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Bar! I’ve been a member for 1.5 years. Yes, it’s expensive, but this is the best workout that I’ve ever used. I’ve also seen the most results here than any other workout I’ve tried. The teachers give you great feedback during class so you know you’re doing everything right. The positive instruction helps motivate you and keeps me coming back!
The facility is nice and clean and the studio is close to my house. The work out is HARD. Yes, it follows the same structure each class (shoulders, biceps, triceps, thigh, seat, etc) but the exercises vary each class which keeps it interesting. The fast paced movement and music keeps you going and the instructors are always on the beat of the music.
Lots of stretching between exercises and at the end leaves me relaxed and revitalized.

Similar to Rachel H’s review, it took me a bit to get assimilated to the more serious nature of the Bar Method over other studios. That being said, I also have seen results faster than other studios (particularly in my abdomen, which is my problem spot with working a stressful job full time).
First though, let’s talk about the facility… hello, CLEAN and NICE with 3 showers, lots of towels, and plenty of mirror space (even hair dryers). This is excellent for me for my commute. There is ALWAYS a receptionist, which I love too.
Second, let’s talk about the actual class. Some might knock it for the routine… but hello, that’s why it’s called a METHOD. I have found that I enjoy that I can work hard but at the same time actually de-​stress because I am not worried about an instructor throwing in 100 burpees or 1 mile sprints. It’s consistent, and it’s consistently hard without being boring.
Third, let’s talk teachers. I’ve been to a number of them (Justine, Rheannon, Lindsey, and more… those are just my favorites). They are all qualified, professional, ready with their routine & music that’s got a great beat without at all being the same. They put in some of their personality with their class (Rheannon will always make you do multiple planks with a smile, Justine can even make seat work fun, and Lindsey is certainly the expert on form & has creative moves). It’s a high level of instruction that is consistent, again, a favorite for someone who can’t always make the same class due to a high-​maintenance boss.
The Bar Method is great for someone who wants to really change their body with good form (none of my injuries hurt!) and with great instructors who come prepared and with good beats. I’m getting married next year, and I am excited that I’ve found a place to compliment my cardio that will show me results.

It took me a few classes to get used to the Bar Method as opposed to Pure Barre. Bar Method is a bit more serious and you will get called out in class regularly on how to improve your form. At first, this was intimidating and a bit unpleasant. However, I’ve come to appreciate their attention to detail. Once I’ve gotten more comfortable with barre classes in general, I realized I liked this important attention to form. It’s a great workout here, and I’ll continue to come back.

I wish I had read reviews of others who aren’t really into ballet, pilates, etc. I workout 6 – 7 days a week doing bootcamp, weights, running, cardio, etc., and have never felt as, for lack of a better word, dumb, as I did during BM classes.
Pros:
–It is a great toning workout. Again, I’m in pretty good shape, and this kicked my butt!
–It’s like nothing I have ever done before and was a nice way to change it up.
–The studio is nice, clean and big and is really close to my apartment.
Cons:
–I had foot surgery about 5 months ago and still don’t have full flexibility in my foot. I wrote this on the card I filled out on my first day and assumed the instructors would know this information. If I had new students, these are things I would want to know. After two classes of being told to lift my feet higher I finally told the instructor. Except then I had to tell every instructor, which is annoying and since you don’t get to talk to the instructor before class left me embarrased. Beware if you have any injuries that limit your flexibility!!!
–I went to the 6 am classes and I almost felt like the instructor had it out for me. I want to be corrected, but literally every exercise she called me out. Every. Exercise. I’m sorry, I can’t be the only one that needs to move my toe an centimeter to the right. The last class I went to, the instructor corrected both my plank and push ups. I’ve had personal trainers actually compliment my form on both of these exercises, so it is beyond me how I could all of a sudden do them incorrectly.
–No one talks in class. I came from a gym where everyone was friends. Not so much here. It’s all business.

Awesome workout for toning and is very technique based. The instructors keep you engaged because they learn everyones name before the class. During the classes they will come up and correct you to help you get the most out of your workout.
The studio itself is located right next to the L and has garage parking next door. The studio is clean and well designed.
Classes vary slightly throughout the week, but there are changes to the routines as you progress through the month. You do not need to be experienced to join a class as the instruction is very good. Sign up for classes are easy online or download their app. Just make sure you cancel 1 hr before a class if you need to or they WILL charge you $ 20. My one compliant about the studio is the transition between classes. The moment one class ends another one is beginning. I always felt like I was jockeying for position and to get out after class was over.
I love the studio, I just couldnt afford the very steep price per class and I even feel it was too high for a monthly membership. Perhaps if it was more convenient to Roscoe Village I would pay the premium but I just couldn’t justify it. Plus If you drive it is always $ 2.00 for parking in the garage next door.
Enjoy your first month as a new member because the price will jump up drastically!

Don’t let the fact that it’s a ‘ballet’ workout fool you.
The Bar Method is hard.
Save for a fact that there is a barre in the room, the dance comparisons stop there.
This is a full on muscle and core head-​to-​toe workout.
Challenging for almost every fitness level, you’ll always have a lot to strive for at BM.
Heh. I said BM.
Anyway…
The first class left me almost immobile the next day.
The second class had every muscle shaking almost to the point of exhaustion.
And the third?
I actually got a commendation from the teacher for my awesome form.
Go, Me!
Love the challenge, don’t love the price.
BM is pricier than any gym, yoga studio or specialty exercise boutique I’ve ever frequented.
And that’s saying a lot.
You’re looking at about $ 220 for a one-​month unlimited membership (shit!) or $ 24 for pay-​as-​you-​go drop-​in classes (yikes!).
I had to sadly phase out my BM time due to cost alone.
And that’s unfortunate.
While I can kick my own ass for free, I really did like it here.

I started off at the Bar Method with a Gilt voucher for a month unlimited, then moved on to get their first month introductory special and then signed up for autopay for three months. They usually require a 4 month commitment for the autopay but since I’d been going for two months when I signed up and I was moving out of town at the end of the three months, they made a note and worked it out for me.
The instructors make a point to learn your names, which makes it feel like they’re picking on you when you’re new. However, I love that it made me accountable so if you need a little push they will give it to you. A month in and my flexibility was better than it had ever been in my life. I was shaking in the middle of every class and I had amazing abs a few months into the routine. It’s really an effective workout. I went 5+ times a week.
A few notes about this studio. It’s not the kind of place you come to make friends, unfortunately. The people kind of keep to themselves, not very friendly, and the instructors can be standoffish. But, no one was mean and I didn’t worry too much about the atmosphere. Everyone was friendly enough. but standards can differ from person to person.
Parking is bad as there are only a few metered spots. I’m not sure about the structure nearby but I gather that it’s not free (I lived nearby so I would just walk over). There are two showers which can get a bit busy but people are good about taking short showers. They provide hair dryers, towels, shampoo, and body wash. There are lockers with keys so I never have to worry about my stuff. They also have daycare for $ 8 for certain classes so you can come with your kid (s) as well.
Would definitely recommend. The pricing is steep but it kept me committed. Having great abs from the workout helped too ;)

My review is a bit dated, but I was just not impressed by this place that I didn’t feel compelled to write a review quickly. I bought a Gilt City voucher for 3 classes for $ 30. I went once. Normally I would be mad that I didn’t use the full value of my voucher but that’s how little I cared for this place and even more sad… I live on the block.
As others have mentioned the atmosphere is a bit stuck up but there were people of all shapes and sizes there. You need to be dressed with pants below the knee to participate. They are serious about this… also there are certain rules about prepaying monthly fees which are in my opinion astronomical. I think it’s $ 175 a month. I go to LA Fitness for $ 50/​month. 90% of the exercises we did I’ve done before in a weights or pilates class at my gym. That should show you how poor the value is here. You will be touched during the class to ‘correct’ your pose. The instructor I had spoke through the entire class with no silence ever. These moves can all be done yourself at home and I’m sure you can find a DVD with these exercises for less than $ 20.
There’s no doubt in my mind that you can see results from the workouts done here, and if it works for you that’s great. But there are significantly less expensive alternatives out there. I’m thin by doing a mix of cardio, pilates and weights at a basic gym in addition to a healthy diet with ‘treats’ in moderation. It’s not that hard.

This is the corporate location for Bar Method Chicagoland.
This studio is large, clean and chic. Very friendly lady at the front desk… I am a regular at Wicker Park, my heart lies there.
I did enjoy my experience here! Bar Method is the best!

My everything hurts.
BUT. My everything also feels so much stronger.
The instructor ladies I’ve worked with are super toned themselves, and are really concerned about you keeping proper form. So they’ll run around during class and correct you when your hips are out of line or when your leg could be lifted higher.
I’m hooked. And don’t let the fact that I call it «ballet torture» put you off — you’ll be hooked too.

I recently purchased a Gilt City voucher for this studio; a great way to try out this workout for half the price (each class is normally $ 20). Overall I had a great experience from the initial scheduling of the first session right through the end of my first class.
This studio is located conveniently off the Belmont CTA stop. When you enter there is a wall of cubby holes for you to store your shoes (the workout is done only in socks so no need to bust out your fancy footwear & should you happen to forget your socks, you can purchase a pair for $ 12). The locker room is small with several showers. I liked that they provided keys to the lockers so one less combination to remember and/​or lock to bring!
An army of fit women lined up in front of their respective studios and the class started immediately (note: get there early since you will not be allowed into the class late). Stephanie was our instructor and she was fantastic! I will admit that I was intimidated when I learned that the instructors come around and help you adjust your form so that you are doing your workout correctly. I am pathetically inflexible and Stephanie repeatedly helped me get through one of the most challenging workouts ever without making me feel self-​conscious at all! Believe me — everyone else is too focused on getting through their own workout so no need to feel embarrassed.
The workout itself is challenging and tough — I think my body shook almost the entire hour — but you really feel like your body is getting a great workout in all those problem areas. It was great to have Stephanie making sure I was doing each move correctly so I was getting the most out of every move & I enjoyed her explaining which muscle groups we were working out in each move. What is great is that you can slightly modify each move to fit your level of fitness.
Can’t wait to book my next class (once my soreness goes away!) and then once my vouchers run out, I’ll have to find a way to justify spending extra cash on this workout in addition to my already hefty gym membership. Great overall first impression!

I love the Bar Method! I’ve been going since March 2012 and try to go 4 – 5 times a week. I’ve been a member at gyms and did the treadmill/​elliptical with a class or two here and there. I would always find myself getting into workout ruts. I can tell you, I have yet to get into a rut at the Bar Method and I’m approaching a year anniversary of taking classes! I still like to run, but the Bar Method has really made a difference in the toning/​definition of my muscles. I’m 5’2 so I LOVE that the leg work makes my legs lean and look longer. I can actually count a few abs when I look in the mirror! The instructors are all so great and work hard to learn your name so they can correct your form, push and challenge you — they all have their own style which keeps it fresh.
I didn’t take any measurements before I started my membership, but I can tell that my thighs, booty and waist have toned up. My posture is much better and I have received quite a few compliments on my arms when I wear sleeveless dresses and tanks. My husband has definitely noticed a difference too! :)

I’m getting married in Nov. My dress is beautiful and strapless. My arms are not in the best shape. I need to tone and «reshape» my body. These classes are doing it for me! The class is in three portions: upper body, lower body, and abs. And it. Is. INTENSE. Have you ever worked out your muscles to the point where they are on fire but then you just keep going and then they feel like liquid? This happens to me in every class: my triceps, my quads, my calves… You look around and everyone else is shaking just as much as you.
The instructors learn your name in the beginning of each class and they will correct your positioning during class. At first, it feels like you’re back in school but then you realize they are only helping and that is a great thing.
I’ve been to three classes this week already. I think I see a difference. Or I am trying to see a difference. Whatever. It’s working. I can feel it. And that’s enough for me.
The only downside is that it is pricey. The unlimited monthly is $ 175. After my «special» newbie unlimited price is up in July, I think I’ll be more inclined to get class packages (more likely in my budget). The classes are definitely worth it.