Barre Bliss-Uptown

I love Barre Bliss! I began taking barre classes about 2 years ago, and started at Barre Bliss about a year ago. From the studio I was at previously, Barre Bliss is such a breathe of fresh air! It’s welcoming for everyone, no matter your size, shape, strength, or physical background.
At the Uptown studio, I am obsessed with Emilie’s Thursday night candlelight class! It’s the perfect mix of yoga and relaxation, and muscle burning barre work. When I’m feeling ambitious, I take Chris’ cardio class and get my butt kicked. It’s sounds silly, but it makes cardio fun!
Do be sure to sign up for class ahead of time, especially in the winter months! I recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early, so you can relax, get your mat set up in a place you want, and settle in before class.

I was introduced to barre through a Unilocal event held at Pure Barre in Eden Praire. I wasn’t sure I wanted to sign up so I decided to try Barre Bliss since they had a 10 class special on Groupon.
The instructors are great! Barre cardio on Fridays in Uptown, with Robyn, is the best. She pushes you and you know you’re going to have an intense session. My muscles are super sore afterwards. I’ve never had my calves worked so hard I nearly cried getting out of bed the next day from the soreness. Bottom line, you feel good about your workout. She’s awesome, and is definitely worthy of 5 stars herself for her class.
Unfortunately, I have no desire to return. The studio is unwelcoming with all of their rules. It’s like you’re a child. When you register you get an email with 10 bullets points on what not to do, and it’s posted everywhere at the studio. It’s basic stuff like don’t talk on your cellphone while working out, no chatting, no heavy lotions, etc. Common sense stuff.
First day of class I went to the SLP location, mapquest reports it’s 15 minutes from my office. I left 30 minutes early and got stuck on hwy 100 with the construction. I arrived a few minutes before class. I parked in the back lot and rushed to the front. Another girl was behind me and followed me, she was also new. When we got to the front door, there was a sign that said the entrance is in back. Funny, maybe they should put that in their welcome email.
We ran to the back, we got there at EXACTLY 5pm and the door was locked. We looked at each other feeling stupid. We knocked since we could see the class hadn’t even started and people were walking around. The instructor opened the door and told us we were lucky we had her otherwise we’d need to leave. Horrible first impression.
The next class I arrived an hour early and waited in the parking lot. I was so terrified of the embarrassment of getting turned away. The next eight classes I arrived at least 30 minutes early.
I want to be stress free to start my workout, not stressed about getting there and making sure I know all the rules. I’ve signed up at Shape Me Group fitness instead where there’s a variety of classes, and no worry of being scolded.
I’ve read some of the responses from the owner for other reviews with constructive criticism, and the responses seem pretty defensive. That’s fine. I’m entitled to my opinion, and this studio is not for me.

Awesome classes and instructors!
I have struggled with back pain for a long time, and have become so much stronger and more confident ever since taking Barre Bliss classes. All the instructors are great; Lisa B. in particular is so welcoming, deeply cares about each one of her students’ needs, and is incredibly professional and knowledgeable. She took the time to get to know me personally, understand my specific back pain, and ensure that I always feel comfortable with the exercises. If I ever do not feel comfortable, she helps me with an alternate pose/​exercise that will achieve the same result but eliminate any pain I feel.
I would highly recommend Lisa’s classes to anyone looking to try Barre, particularly if they are recovering from an injury. She makes sure you are in good hands!
Thanks for all you & your team do, Barre Bliss!

I’ve been here around 10 times. My favorite instructors are Laura and Molly. I’m glad I purchased a groupon instead of a membership. The class taught by Tammy was unplanned and she shared to much personal information before, during and after class. The uptown location is «new» however it feels unfinished and forgotten about. No mirrors, a couple floor fans and a not so welcoming front. I’ve never seen the owner there, to make an effort to get to know potential student members or show leadership skills. I look for local business’ to support, but with a more professional feel. This wasn’t for me.

Got there five minutes late for an 8:30 am Saturday class (through class pass). Shad shook his head at me through the closed door and pointed to the exit. Like a small child pointed to their time out corner. The class was doing ab work on mats in bright light, I don’t think my entrance would have disturbed some mystical yoga sensory experience.
Anyway, my fault for being late. But not sure if shaming potential new customers is a great business practice… I won’t be going back. But if you go you better be on time!

I love this studio! My roommate brought me here and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s always parking (they have a lot in front of the studio) and the studio is nice, big and clean. I’ve taken classes with Chris and Molly, who are both great in very different ways. The one thing I really appreciate is the verbal and hands-​on corrections they both make. It’s super helpful and their directions are always very clear.
I also like that this isn’t a studio where you’re the only person sweating or struggling through a pose. I’ve been to some places where I feel like I’m surrounded by professional barre class-​goers and I’m this awkward neophyte with sweat glands that actually work.

I lucked out and received a private for my first Bare Bliss Basics class with Lisa. What a treat, and I’m so glad I took this class first!
She took a real interest in my needs and abilities, focused on form first and maintaining a mind-​body connection, and was super encouraging while secretly kicking my butt. I worked up quite a sweat.
I am feeling the effects the day after yet can’t wait to get back.

Okay, here’s the deal with Barre Bliss: the community here is REAL. I moved to Minneapolis for a one-​year training and was fortunate to stumble into this studio and make it my temporary home. I have taken barre classes for a few years in other cities and in Minneapolis, so I’ve explored several studios (both corporate and mom-​and-​pop types). I can safely say that the vibe at Barre Bliss is as authentic and supportive as it gets. The classes are wonderful (i.e., tush-​kicking and empowering adventures that leave me stunned to learn I have all of these tiny, previously untouched muscles in my body), they offer a solid variety and convenient class times, the studios are clean, etc. etc. etc. As if these were weak selling points (haha), the people here just exude the most beautiful energy. The owner, Mia, is intense, sassy, and hilarious. Her right-​hand woman, Molly, is so genuine and warm. I have never met an instructor I disliked, and each instructor truly has a unique style. Shout-​outs to my favorite classes/​teachers, Molly, Chris, Laura, and Meredith. I highly recommend this studio if you are seeking both inner peace and outer love and support… you will find the Barre Bliss community to be welcoming, fun, and full of strong, hopeful people who share a passion for movement! I’m leaving town soon and am so sad to leave Barre Bliss behind, but if you live in the area, let me live vicariously through you and get your butt to this amazing barre studio!

Cool studios to check out! I have taken 2 barre class and 2 cycle sculpt classes.
The cycling class is my favorite and a great workout. You spend the 1^st 20 minutes or so doing exercises with the UGI ball, followed by the rest of the time spinning.
I have not found the barre classes to be as challenging vs other barre classes I’ve taken but I’ve only done 2.
The uptown studio is very cool, and the SLP location is nice also but I recommend adding a better solution for filling your water bottle in the SLP location… seems like a miss for classes to be $ 20 each but to have to fill your water bottle under the sink in the bathroom.

Bought a groupon, and have gone to 3 classes, 2 barre and 1 UGI. LOVE the studio. I’ve tried so many different fitness and yoga studios around the city, and instantly loved the feeling I got at this one. It is a beautiful studio, a quick drive from my home in Longfellow, and has a good schedule for a small studio. I wish there were a couple 8pm classes, but I am super excited to continue going to barre! (This was my 2^nd barre class ever. I’ve been doing yoga for years. It was a nice change, and have a feeling it is going to kick my ass back into shape!)

I bought a pack of 10 classes through Groupon as a way of mixing up my workout routine. I get easily bored just jogging or doing the same routine at the gym, and Barre Bliss was the perfect shakeup! I love the variety of classes and the chance that I get to try out so many different cardio & strength workouts.
The vibe of the studio is very «come as you are», and the studio and classes are perfect for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
My only suggestion is – after moving from Uptown to Saint Paul, I would love it if a location opened up in MacGroveland or Highland Park! It would be wonderful to have you guys in my neighborhood again!

Today was my first class for bliss yoga. Though the class was ok, good physical exercise but they should change the class name from Bare bliss Yoga, because there was nothing of yoga in that class. I was expecting more serene movements, but this was no different from going to another hard core gym class with loud music and instructor shouting. In yoga, instructors don’t shout and music must be calming. Not for me, I was looking for yoga! Please change your name, its misleading.

75 minute Barre Cardio it’s challenging but worth it and fun. I have been coming to this studio for the past 2 years, and have explored other barre studios, but this is by far the best experience. The instructors are personable, engaging, and aware. They make sure your have a safe, fun, and effect workout. Love this place!

I love this unpretentious studio! The classes are GREAT, and the instructors are down to earth. The workouts are just difficult enough that it is still fun. I am happy there is a barre class in town that stresses technique as well as calories burned. The music is awesome.

In the dead of winter I managed, somewhat miraculously, to get four friends out from under their covers, into their gym clothes, and over to Barre Bliss for our first class. We were weak. We were silly. We were dumbfounded by the way these ladies were turning the simplest movements into the most difficult. We sweated through it while exchanging looks of «Are they serious?» and «I have no need to be that strong in my inner thighs!»
Having been a lifelong whiner when it comes to exercise, I figured the physical challenge and existential questioning would have sent me home with an ice pack and a bad attitude. However, the studio’s body-​positive approach, the tunes that push you along, the ballet class nostalgia without the dance-​class anxiety, and the room full of positively fierce ladies and the occasionally fierce male made sign up as a regular. Nine months later, I still look forward to spending my weekend mornings at the studio and even the occasional 6am weekday. I leave feeling like a superhero who’s high on life.
Do it for your body/​mind/​soul. Give yourself a few weeks of dedication and you’ll love this kick-​ass community of women who are killing it at the barre.

I have had a membership here for about 6 months and I am officially obsessed. I do the barre bliss and barre bliss cardio classes 3+ times a week and I actually look forward to going. Molly is my favorite instructor– she is an amazing teacher! Friendly, low-​key studio that offers a great workout every single time. Try it, you won’t be sorry!

I went to my first (and last) class at Barre Bliss this week. It was a great workout and the teacher was helpful in showing me proper technique.
I won’t be going again, however. My iPod and some other personal items were stolen out of my coat during class. While the studio’s response has been sincere, they’ve repeatedly told me I should have put my valuables in the cubbies in the workout room. Aside from the fact that I was explicitly told by the instructor to hang my coat in the hallway, it would have been better if the studio: 1) had a person at the front desk; 2) installed a security camera; 3) locked the door to incoming traffic during class. Maybe I’m spoiled because I’ve never gone to a studio that hadn’t taken at least one of these measures. Not only was my stuff taken, but the thief (or thieves) apparently tried to steal the computer from the front desk!
I’m out a few hundred dollars of stuff, so of course I blame myself. First I blame myself for following the instructions given to me by the employee. Then I blame myself for daring to buy something worth stealing. Then I blame myself for even going to Barre Bliss to begin with.
The experience, aside from the theft, was great. I don’t want to scare people from going here. But it’s not a secure building, and for a business that primarily caters to women, I think it’s important to let people know what happened.

I just bought a Groupon for Barre Bliss and went for the first time today: totally impressed. The barre class was fun and super challenging. I’m already sore in the best way! I’d never taken a barre class before, so the instructor made me feel very welcome and showed me exactly where to go and what I’d need. I usually go to hot yoga at pricy studios, and this class had elements of yoga I love but with great conditioning and strength training elements that yoga leaves out. I got my roommate to buy a Groupon too after my great experience and I’m looking forward to trying more classes! I highly recommend Barre Bliss!

It’s called «Barre Bliss» for a good reason.
If you haven’t tried barre workouts yet, head on over right now. Barre is a combination of yoga, pilates, and ballet. There’s a lot of stretching and mindfulness involved — but don’t worry, your legs will soon be shaking uncontrollably, your body sweating, and your willpower faltering despite all that zen. Afterwards you’ll leave with an exhausted sense of «bliss.»
Barre Bliss has a great lineup of teachers who each bring a different approach and set of moves. Molly in particular is an amazing teacher. She has infectious positive energy and isn’t afraid to correct your form, which I appreciate.
I wish I could continue going to Barre Bliss on a regular basis (I did the introductory month), but it’s just out of my price range. Luckily, there are $ 10 classes available throughout the week that make it possible for me to continue to get blissed out.

I took a few classes here over the spring and summer this year. I have no ballet or dance background (save for the 5 year old me who did Old Mcdonald in a pink tutu pig costume circa 1993.) and I found the classes to be challenging but doable.
The focus isn’t on dance itself but the isometric movements that strengthen and lengthen the muscles to get you closer to that «lean ballerina body». And I mean who doesn’t want to get leaner and longer these days?
I took several of the «Barre Bliss» classes which are their general barre workouts. They begin with yoga movements and stretching, which sometimes I felt lasted a little longer than I would have liked, but then again I am also a novice at yoga. From there you move into leg, ab and arm work and round out the session with light stretching and breathing before a calm «namaste» to end the class. They utilize mobile barre setups in the room as well as small weighted balls, inflated playground type balls, and hand weights, all with varying weights so you can choose what works best for you (3,5,8 lbs etc).
I also took the Ballet Body course which they no longer offer but it taught some of the basics on how to align your body correctly for the movements in Barre Bliss and was still challenging enough to feel like a work out.
I have a few uses left on my Groupon (unless they’ve expired… which isn’t really clear) and I’m looking forward to continuing to challenge myself and perhaps try one of their boot camp or Barre Bliss Cardio classes.
One thing to note — the room itself isn’t air conditioned so on HOT summer days bring water and a towel if you tend to run warm. You can also rent a mat for $ 2 or bring your own.