The Bar Method

I have been going to Bar Method in Brentwood for almost a year now and have never felt better or stronger. The staff is incredibly friendly and goes out of their way to be extra helpful. I have loved every instructor I have taken classes from and really recommend all of them. Love Bar Method!

I started Bar Method over a year ago with a chum from work. We decided to buy a month’s worth of classes thru Gilt City. We had scoured other bar type classes, such as Pop Physique, Pure Barre and Cardio Barre and thought this would be the same type of routine, probably with a couple of different tweaks. I was honestly surprised to see how much more challenging and attention to detail Bar Method paid in class compared to the other bar type studios I had attended. At the time, Class Pass was not around so when we paid for classes at the other barre type studios, it was not just for three classes a month, rather it was for a month at a time or more so the comparison to Bar Method was not generic. From my first class in Bar Method to my most recent class this week, I am still challenged. Though I have memorized the routine pattern, the complexity of the moves on my body has not plateaued. I enjoy the standard bar classes and when I feel brave to challenge myself more, I love taking the cardio-​pumping bar move. My first teacher, Kim Hoy, was awesome in grounding me to learn technique properly and she still teaches some of the most challenging classes. I LOVE Amberlee’s bubbly personality and fo’real attitude — she makes bar fun and funny and INTENSE. I personally request less reps and NO MORE ZINGERS. Brittany Thomas when I first started was learning to become a bar instructor and I have to say she probably learned from the best because she is a strong teacher with a killer workout. I remember after one class a fellow student asking me if we just took regular bar or level 2. Sufficient to say, her class was AWESOME because we had just finished regular bar. I believe all the instructors at the Bar Method are serious about teaching and improving their students and as regulars themselves, you can see that they take their discipline seriously. Personally, I try to take 3 – 4 classes a week to see a real difference and I think the monthly renewal rate is a good deal if you stick to it. I am one who believes sometimes it takes seeing something to believe it and if you were to take one Bar Method class, I believe it is recognizable — be it the way how the teachers look good and teach well or how sore you feel afterwards. A year later, I remain a Bar Method regular, I still get a great workout, I still feel challenged, and my legs still shake. Bar Method was also the first workout EVER where I learned to do a full body push-​up. WOOT.

The instructors are great! They push you to do your best while correcting your form. The classes are convenient and it’s honestly one of the hardest workouts I’ve ever done.

A Great Bar Method Studio… I’m visiting from Dallas where I am a regular Bar Method participant. The folks here are very friendly and professional. I look forward to coming again when I am in Santa Monica.

I love that the instructors remember everyone’s name, and come over to each person to give advice to make sure they are doing everything correctly. Everyone is friendly, from the minute you walk in the door to when you’re leaving. The instructors are energetic, and it is a really, really, hard work out

Love this place!!! Everyone is super nice. I mostly take Helen’s class and the super petite blonde instructor. The classes are super hard and they really work on form and give individual attention.
Insider tip wear socks and be prepared to work hard!
There is a parking lot below withe validation is a couple dollars.

I really loved the workouts and promoted Bar workouts to my friends! I was huge fan!
However, I was really disappointed with how they handled my account. I had an unexpected life change and they refused to let me out of the contract early. I had to pay for an entire month even though I couldn’t use any because I moved out of state. I understand they are a business, but I would have thought best business practice is to consider individuals on a case by case basis. I’m left with a negative experience with Bar.
I’m sad they prioritized business over humans :(

I am in LOVE with Bar Method. The staff is so incredibly friendly, and the instructors are always on top of their game. They are cheerful and very present. One of my favorite things is how attentive they are. They are always correcting and improving my stance, posture, etc. This helps to diminish injury and increase effectiveness. I hate to exercise, so to say I love any form of intense exercise, is just a testament to how good Bar Method really is!

I wanted to write an update just because…
I have been going for over a year now and it is still my happy place. And deals do exist! You can earn points through perkville and with said points you can get a percentage off auto renew packages. They also offer Bar Move which is a more cardio-​intensive class that always keeps you guessing what’s next! I will never go to any other bar type class.

They are so good! They focus on attention to detail and give you good feedback during class! It is a very friendly studio and its a good workout! Cardio and Toning and Stretching! Nikki is amazing and she will kick your butt. Its one of the better Bar classes in the area! I walk so i don’t have to worry about parking, its a small studio, they do have lockers, bring socks.

I’ve tried Cardio Barre classes all over town– Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Santa Monica… and this is by FAR the best Bar classes on the West side of LA! The instructors are well trained, consistent, remember everyone’s name so they can give each person individual instruction (I don’t know how they do that), and the classes are challenging but not impossible. And everyone who works there is just really nice! Go– you won’t be disappointed.

The best exercise regimen you can ask for! I love this place. It’s so true! After 10 classes I had already lost 5 pounds:-)
I love the fact that you’ll not sweat like a pig once your finished. It’s only one hour and it gets by pretty fast.
The instructors are super friendly and helpful. You don’t have to have dance experience to be able to do the workout. Might be little pricy but it’s worth every penny. I wish I could upload a before and after of my body.
They will validate your parking so you can park freely without getting a parking ticket.

I have never considered myself to be a very athletic person. However, a little over a year ago, I took a Bar Method class in Brentwood, and it immediately became an essential part of my daily routine. The Bar Method is a great workout — everything burns and shakes. Class has improved my focus and balance, increased my flexibility, and I always feel great afterwards. I lost 10 pounds! And the best part is – I’ve been able to keep them off. For the hour that I’m in class, I can forget about everything else going on in my life and just be in the present, focusing on the exercises. To be honest, it’s often very difficult to drag myself to class after working all day. But, once I’m there, I just get right into the choreography of the class — and I forget all of it. And I end up leaving every class in a much better mood, feeling accomplished and stronger.

The Bar Method is next to my place of work. It has a pleasant atmosphere and easy to find studio. On each of my visits there, I’ve always had an excellent experience with the staff. They have always greeted me with a smile and helped me with whatever I’ve needed. Most of the clients I help attend The Bar Method and always come in such a great mood. They must be doing something right! Mimi, the director of The Bar Method, donated a free class to new clients for a recent celebration for our store. Our guests were so thrilled to find out that they received such a wonderful gift & I know that attending their classes will only bring more gifts, greater health, and more abundance.

Been to 2 classes so far (instructors Crystal and Allison) and both were awesome. I’m amazed by the attention and care they give to each client there. Tightened/​toned after only 2 classes… can’t wait for more!

A co-​worker recommend Bar Method to me and I am thanking her for it every day I go to work! I L-​O-​V-​E this workout. It’s honestly my favorite hour of the day.
I came to Bar Method after gaining 10 pounds since graduating from college. I bought the $ 100 monthly pass and I lost 7 – 8 pounds within the first month. It’s made such a difference in my physical appearance that a friend commented on Facebook how fit I look in my pictures.
The workout isn’t as scary as you would think it is. You feel the burn and you will definitely be sore the next day but in a good way! And you focus on all of the muscles that a woman wants to work on. Arms, inner thighs, abs, etc. I also like that they offer modifications for certain exercises because I have a wrist and neck injury.
The staff is so friendly. The instructors I recommend going to are Kristen Campos, Michelle Mathot, Jennifer Keyes, and Crystal (I can’t remember her last name). They are all extremely qualified and do an amazing job making you feel comfortable in class.
I always get such an amazing workout here. I highly recommend it to anyone. It’s worth every single penny!

I hopped on the bandwagon and joined Bar Method at the start of the year. 2 months later, I hope to be on this bandwagon for a LONG time.
Even though I am going through the «awkward» phase (first 3ish months) where your body is kinda bulky, I feel great! I have built a lot of density in my muscles and feel so strong while still increasing my flexibility — each week I get lower and lower in the splits and I am actually starting to believe I may someday get all the way to the ground. I am not a dancer and never have been, so that idea just blows my mind.
The reservation system is super simple online and I LOVE the cancellation policy — if you cancel within 4 hours of the class, you lose a class from your series or a day from your unlimited plan. It’s nice you aren’t assessed any sort of fine but given the cost of each class, you still feel the drain on your wallet if you flake. Since I always take class in the morning, this ensures that I never talk myself out of going to class because I am not going to wake up at 4 AM to cancel and avoid the penalty. I just wake up and go!
Every teacher I have taken with has been fantastic. They are all warm, helpful and happy, which makes class fun. Don’t be fooled though — class is NOT a breeze. They push you, but do so in an encouraging way. And they’re always correcting your form and calling you out by name if you are doing particularly awesome which I love. My favorites are Tiffany, Kym, Marnie, and Amberlee. They all teach a fast-​paced mixed level class and I appreciate that since I am still too scared to take a Level 2!
I have nothing to compare Bar Method to as I have never tried other ballet barre classes. However, as a junkie for data and research, Bar Method stood out to me because every single exercise has a purpose. From the precise form to the stretching that precedes or follows to the breathing, it all targets very specific muscles in the safest way possible. The form can be tricky (I struggle so much with seat work) but I try each class to make it better because I know I will get the best workout this way. I just love how well-​thought out everything is. EVERY movement is geared toward building then lengthening your muscles.
If you have thought of trying Bar Method a million times like I did and you haven’t pulled the trigger for whatever reason, JUST GO. It is not scary or intimidating, there are people of all ages/​genders/​sizes (really, I am not just saying that), and the money will be the best you ever spend on exercise because you will want to go (as opposed to the 50 – 100 buck gym membership that lays dormant for weeks/​months). If you buy the unlimited 3-​month and can commit to 4 – 5 times a week, it ends up cutting the cost per class by over half. Plus, you will feel better, all day long. My best days are the days I start with Bar Method… that’s why I keep going back!

The Bar Method is one of the best workouts I’ve ever had, and I’ve never been disappointed by a class. I’ve tried the various locations in the Los Angeles area, and this review is more about the Brentwood facilities than the actual workout.
PARKING: They validate parking for $ 2 for two hours, or you can park on the street.
FACILITIES: This location felt smaller than the others, and the work out room felt cramped. Maybe it was because the class was so full.
AMENITIES: Unlike the Burbank, West LA, or West Hollywood location, this location charges for socks and towels. The cost is super cheap though, but it would’ve been nice if they went the extra mile with the amenities like the other studios.
OVERALL: This wasn’t my favorite location. It’s not as easy to get to if you’re not a Brentwood citizen, and the vibe wasn’t as relaxing or welcoming.

I’ve been around the block when it comes to Bar Method Studios:
So far I have been to West LA, Marina del Rey, Hermosa, Encino, Burbank, and now Brentwood. Next week I will be in Pasadena to go with my friend coming from Claremont.
So why am I such a nomadic BMer? Well I love this workout so much I want to share it with my friends and the best way to get a reluctant buddy of mine to give it a try is to get to the nearest studio to them. That’s how much I enjoy BM — I’m like a traveling salesman for them and instead of getting paid I get some major tuck tuck tucks and burning thighs!
#1. Across the board there is a fantastic energy and consistency amongst all studios to care for their students, learn their names, give individual attention and make the experience as fun and as challenging as possible.
#2. For Brentwood specifically — it’s in an adorable location — a bit smaller than other studios I’ve been to. Parking can be irritating (as is the case with many LA BM studios) and getting here if you are not local is a real pain. I came from Marina del Rey and cut through Walgrove to Cloverfield to avoid Lincoln… Once you get here though — if you’re early –relax a little in the outside sitting area. Stop by Starbucks. Walk around and enjoy the area. My instructor that day was Kym and she was awesome! Great energy — came by multiple times to check my form and correct as needed. She was fantastic!
#3. Take advantage of the Share Bar Method promo some places have:
. It’s a fantastic promo that is kind of hidden to some people.
p. s. Do Not Park On Avalon in Brentwood… I did not read the signs and in my hurry to get to class I almost got ticketed/​towed. Thank God my friend caught it and moved my car for me.
p.p.s If you’re feeling especially proud of your accomplishment after class there’s certainly nothing wrong with a small reward from Sweet Rose Creamery just down the street. Walk off the shakey legs from BM and get yo’self some salted caramel or melon sorbet.

Whoever invented the Bar Method is an evil genius. One hour there flew by and after my first class, I can barely move my arms! The class consists of lots of teeny tiny little movements with very light weights or at the bar. As someone who has never been at a ballet bar in my life, I can now see how those dancers get those ridiculous bodies.
In terms of this particular location, I also had a great experience. The lady at the front desk was really nice in explaining everything and even threw in a pair of socks when I told her I didn’t realize I needed any. (They’re normally $ 1.) The instructor (her name escapes me), was very good, very friendly and really attentive to each lady in the class. I was especially impressed at how good she was with names. She asked everyone just once and remembered right away. I need to learn her secret!
The classes aren’t cheap for sure — $ 22 for one class if you don’t get a package. But they’re running a holiday sale till Christmas, which you can sign up for online, and when I get back I’m thinking of signing up for their new member special, which is $ 100 for 30 days unlimited. A month of this stuff and I may see a whole new Christina Y!