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The Bar Method
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Fitness & Instruction [Edit]
2422 W Victory BlvdBurbank, CA 91506
Neighbourhood: Burbank
(818) 842-0842
- Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri-Sun 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 9 pm
Tue, Thu 7 am - 1:30 pm
Fri 4 pm - 7:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
67 reviews for The Bar Method
67 reviews in English
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Review from Athena Q.
Burbank, CA
4/29/2012 19 Check-ins Here
I absolutely LOVE the Bar Method in Burbank! All of the instructors are so motivating and inspiring that I keep coming back for more. I joined back in March 2012 and I've already seen results (better posture, becoming leaner, etc). I leave the classes feeling so satisfied with my workout. I usually go to the classes where Jennifer, Joyce, or Joey teach it and they are truly AMAZING!
I never regret waking up early on the weekends or going on weekday evenings after work to get my workout in. I totally recommend the Bar Method in Burbank :) -
Review from G. S.
North Hollywood, CA
5/18/2012
There was a moment where I felt I was in the Black Swan scene getting instructed, "Attack it! Attack it".
Yes the instructors here are all about the correcting. I understand the need for adjustments but I'm not an ex-dancer or ballerina. I don't have a strong command on form and posture. The instructors' tone of voice is not upbeat. Its more short, a bit snappish. I've been to boot camp and those instructors are very motivating without the 'tude.
But the upside is you do get a good workout. I felt the burn, the trembling, the damn-this-will-hurt-tomorrow soreness.
There's the pros and cons.
For me, I prefer that my exercise regime help me unwind, decompress from work or even a bad day. I guess I'll stick to spinning classes and yoga. -
Review from Diana L.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
5/1/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Really love this Cardio Barre, they are super friendly and try to work with you one on one during class. My favorite instructor is Jennifer. Another plus about this barre is that you can borrow socks if you forget yours, they have locker rooms and a coffee/hot tea machine. I never mind coming here to workout!
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Review from Erin A.
Lake Balboa, CA
5/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
great workout even though you're not moving around , i was sweating a lot, id love to go back, but it's kinda out the way from where i live, so i bought the dvd and i do it at home. love this workout
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Review from Becky S.
Thousand Oaks, CA
4/4/2012
I went to my first class today and loved it. I signed up for the $100 dollar for 30 days unlimited (for new students) as soon as the class got out. Shannon was very good. There were two teachers in the class to help correct my movement. A pilates instructor told me to go to The Bar Method specifically for this reason.
I usually do high impact workouts, but I feel like this will be a really good change for me. I have banged up knees and a weak ankle....this class did not hurt my ankle or knees, yet the workout was still extrememly challenging.
The facility itself is very nice. They offer socks, towels, water and coffee. Very clean. Plus the girl at the front desk was friendly and helpful. I am looking forward to my new relationship with The Bar Method :) -
Review from stephanie m.
Los Angeles, CA
11/15/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've taken several classes here as well as the Pasadena location so its difficult not to compare them. But I just love the conveniences of the Burbank location. The classes all seem to be the same, "kick your butt without realizing it 'til tmrw" workout :-) The instructors are very helpful and energetic, and patient with you if you're still new. The workout room is always clean and comfortable. The only thing I would say is that Pasadena location has better music selection than here.
But I love that the Burbank location has super convenient parking, full coffee bar, woman's locker room is nicer, a bit larger and has full showers, and all the things you might have forgotten to pack in your gym bag :) I would have to say the employees at the Burbank location are friendlier too (scheduling over the phone and in person too). I recommend trying some classes here to see if its your cup of tea. -
Review from Anita W.
Updated - 11/8/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal 7 Check-ins Here
I took advantage of the $59 for $95 Yelp Deal and got the 5 class series (such a great deal - dropped the usual cost down from $19 to $11.80 per class).
I typically go on Saturdays at 9am which are taught by Juan Barba. He is such a bright, happy teacher which is something we definitely need when dragging ourselves to class on a weekend morning. To be honest, I don't seem to burn as many calories in these classes as I have in other locations (on average I burn 400-ish at the West LA or Marina del Rey location and about 300 in Burbank). That said, I'm not necessarily here to be a calorie burning fiend but to work on my tone and flexibility. This is a great strengthening class with some of the most entertaining and fun teachers who will make the hour of pain fly by.
Take advantage of the deals offered (intro special, Yelp deals, etc.) and give this place a try. Your poor thighs and butt may hate you but you'll walk out with a satisfied smile.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/25/2011
Joey Decker. You are AH-MAZING.
I've been bar methoding in and out for the past couple of years… Read more »
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Review from Crystal H.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
2/6/2012
Super nice staff & facility, instructor very helpful (Shannon rocks), fellow classmates are polite, good music, work out kicks your butt, but well worth it come bikini season. I'm going back.
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Review from Amanda P.
Burbank, CA
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here with the intention of buying a full month but paid for one day at the door. One class was all it took to know that this wasn't for me. I have taken a class somewhere constantly for 20 years. I am a gym rat. Si what turned me off was the teacher. I understand wanting to correct new students, I appreciate that always. But I felt like she was trying to correct just to correct and at least twice she was wrong. I mean really wry g based on a lifetime of obsession with exercise and a brief period as a pilates instructor. At one point she over corrected until it was impossible to physically lift and I thought she has no idea what she is doing.
I had taken pop physique so I get the contortions. Still trust me cage was wrong.
I didn't buy the month pass. -
Review from Caroline C.
Burbank, CA
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been coming here since 2009, and this is my "go to" place when I need to kick up my work out routine. No need to review instructor's bio or look at their pic. Trust me, everyone is great and they will kick you into shape. Their facilities are clean, great amenities, I love that they have coffee and tea that you can take to-go.
You will come out sweating and feeling great. It will be the best hour and money spent. -
Review from Anna K.
6/14/2011
I haven't met a bar instructor who didn't have:
a kickass, lean, toned body,
a killer smile with a voice smooth as honey,
a sweet&firm personality.
jennifer was no exception.
focused much more on isometrics,
tiny tiny, virtually invisible movements
using the force of gravity
to challenge those calorie BURNing muscles,
ensuring an effective&toning workout
all in 60 minutes.
I've only checked out 2 other studios
but this is the first with a locker room.
clean, well lit with various sized lockers
to store your valuables with peace of mind
as you turn that key with a click.
full amenities with showers.
oh and complimentary keurig coffee&tea
to keep yourself hydrated :]
extremely helpful and courteous service
from the moment i walked in to the minute i left.
loved loved seeing guys there.
it shouldn't be limited to just chicks. -
Review from Kim M.
Toluca Lake, CA
7/24/2011
The classes here will work you, tone you, and you will see results quick!! Every instructor that I've taken with (normally in the mornings and on weekends) delivers a kickass workout, has a fantastic personality, is completely knowledgeable about the human body and the muscoloskeletal system, and consistenly assists and corrects you to get the best work out for your body that you can get in a class setting.
Their workouts focus mostly isometric exercises using the deep intrinsic muscles, delivering a calorie and fat burning workout that forms strong long lean muscles. Their 60 minute classes fly by, and always start and end on time.
They have a great locker room that is completely equipped with all the necessities to prepare yourself for your day post-workout, including everything from a shower to mouthwash.
Bar Method is now apart of my regular workout schedule, and will be for a long time to come! -
Review from Caroline C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/4/2011
Speaking as someone who doesn't like to exercise, what keeps me coming back to The Bar Method studio is that I like having an instructor put me through my paces, AND I can see the results!
The facilities are spotlessly clean, with some nice extra touches like complimentary toiletries and coffee. I have always found the staff members to be friendly and helpful. It's everything that I would ask for from a workout and more. -
Review from Jenn C.
Updated - 2/25/2011 47 Check-ins Here
OK. I think that its time for an update.
i feel as though the more I go to class, the harder it gets. Maybe its because I'm finally getting it and its just starting to click. No doubt, its hard.. and it was hard in the beginning... but it wasn't what I expected in a workout. I knew that I was working out though. The burning in your thighs, abs, arms, and shoulders don't come from just standing around... we do work in that studio! I can definitely see that its working. I'm becoming more flexible and I can see more definition in my legs and my arms.
I really like that the instructors have fabulous bodies as well. I once went to a pilates studio and my personal trainer was not in the best shape. If my trainer does not look good, then I don't trust that they know what they're doing. The teachers here at The Bar Method have fantastic bods and they have fabulous posture and REALLY nice butts of steel and arms. Yes, I looked. You would too if you saw them!
The one thing that I absolutely love about The Bar Method is that even though I go 4x a week, the workouts are little bit different depending on what the teacher wants to do and how full the classes are. We do hit all of the same areas, but just different exercises. It keeps me on my toes and I'm constantly learning something new.
If you want to come to The Bar Method to lose weight, I would suggest running and adding more cardio to your routine and eating a clean diet. I don't feel as though The Bar Method was designed to have people dropping pounds like dead flies, but in the long run I know that its extremely beneficial for your health.
I see older ladies and just plain OLD ladies that are stronger and more flexible than me! WHAT!? yeah.. I said it and I'm telling the truth. These old ladies have more definition in their arms than I do and they're twice my age and they can drop down and do the splits! what the hell!
Its through seeing these things that i KNOW for a fact that Bar Method does work... you just don't see results right away.Listed in: health and fitness
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/8/2011
i've been conditioned to think that if i'm not huffing and puffing, red in face, and dripping… Read more »
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Review from Maneka B.
Burbank, CA
9/14/2011 55 Check-ins Here
I love this place! I was looking for a place to exercise that was close to my house. The Bar Method in Burbank met those requirements. But, I got much more than I was bargaining for. I am not very flexible or inclined to do things like this. But, this place has been amazing for my body. I have been doing it for a month and already notice a difference in my strength, flexibility, and the way I look. The teachers are amazing. They will support you at the level you are at. They know when to push you and when you are doing your best. Also, they remember your name. The location is clean and there are lockers (with a key) where you can keep your stuff. I recommend this to anyone and everyone that I talk too!
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Review from Sharyn V.
Valley Glen, CA
Updated - 11/29/2010
I had the pleasure of taking a class this past weekend with Joey for the first time. I usually go during the week after work, so I schedule my classes with Jennifer and Joyce. But since I was off this past Friday, I took an early morning class with Joey, and he was so much fun! I wish he taught more evening classes.
Also now that I've been going for a while, I notice that Joyce is alot tougher than Jennifer!!... they are both great, but Joyce takes it to another level of difficulty!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/4/2010
After nagging my friend to excersise with me, she found this place that she thought might intrest… Read more »
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Review from Misha F.
Van Nuys, CA
7/30/2011
Total Addict.
I'll be honest. The only reason that I even tried Bar Method is because it is literally a 3 minute drive (all green lights) to my office and wanted to find a workout regimen that I didn't have to move heaven and earth to attend.
My body had (for whatever reason) decided to start shedding those last 15 lbs of baby weight from that totally cute kiddo I had 2 years earlier - I wanted something new after the countless 10k's, a half marathon, two stints of P90X (which was a total winner pre-child) and a 40 day start to Insanity - I figured what else do I have to lose?
I signed up for my month (unlimited) for $100 and within 2 weeks I started to feel changes in my body. I saw changes in my arms, butt and legs within a month - 4 months later I have definition no other workout program has ever given me. OH and I no longer have knee pain. This low impact workout KILLS your body but doesn't wreck your body.
The teachers are lovely - everyone knows your name and the attendees become familiar faces every week.
I can get to class and back within an hour and 15 minutes and when I have extra time, I lollygag and use the shower facilities.
I have never geeked out on something more than this.
I love love love this place.
I am still challenged and I know that I will continue to be. -
Review from Shari M.
Burbank, CA
5/19/2011
I tried the Groupon for 3 classes for the price of one! what a deal! I really liked the atmosphere of this studio, great crowd of women, nice locker room etc. If I could afford $20 per class I'd take the 60 minute class all the time! The 2 teachers I tried were great, giving proper adjustments and cheering you on.
Hardest workout ever and I love it! Just wish it wasn't so darn expensive :-( -
Review from Sherille V.
Burbank, CA
8/16/2010
I can't say enough great things about this place, the instructors and the work out.
I was concerned to even try the new workout since I'm not the most flexible person. Based on my conversation with the operator I decided to give it a shot. She said it would actually help with my flexibility as well as my posture.
I've never been hooked to ANY workout before. The facility is very clean and the instructors are very motivating and helpful making sure you posture is correct. The workout is perfect for me...Low impact and high intensity. My posture has never been better and my flexibility has much improved. I've been to about 15 classes and I've definitely seen a huge difference.
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this facility to everyone! -
Review from Dianna L.
Burbank, CA
1/16/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I took advantage of the Yelp deal on the recommendation of my sister-in-law. Now I'm hooked. Great workout! I wish I'd found this place sooner. All of the instructors are fabulous!
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Review from Thomas B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/16/2011
If you are reading this you're wondering if The Bar Method is right for you. Is it better than yoga? Is it better than Pilates? Crossfit? PX-90? Krav maga? The lap band?
I can say with 100% confidence: I don't know.
I can also say with 100% confidence: it doesn't matter.
What matters is you're checking out The Bar Method because you're thinking of making a change in your body or your life. That's amazing! Really.
So why are you procrastinating by looking for the "right" program that magically will be easy and awesome and 1% more efficient than other programs? Why not just pick what is at least a very good program and get going to who you want to be. Right? Picking a non-existent perfect program isn't the goal...your life is. Get on it, pal!
So this is what you do. Go to the studio tomorrow. Yes tomorrow. It never will get easier than tomorrow. And plop down $20 for a test run. Hang on, that's the most you may ever pay for a class...
IF you don't absolutely HATE it (really HATE) then plop down an additional $80 to get a month of all you can eat classes. It's a good deal and you need that time to get over the 'how the hell do I do this' resistance.
You will get results. Just commit to going three times a week. Three times. At least three times. Maybe no more than three times. But for sure three times. Don' miss three times. You need it to make changes, three times a week that is.
And it also brings the per class price to about $8. That's a terrible glass of Chardonnay. Skip the Chardonnay and go to class. You'll be twice as close to your goal.
Then don't think about it for 30 days. Just do it. Three times a week. Be a robot. Mindlessly execute. Comply.
THEN evaluate. Odds are you will like the changes and double down for another month. That's what I did. Rinse and repeat the formula until you can't bear to do it anymore.
Then when you're sick of it start one of those other programs you were thinking about today. Life is long...but only if you start now!
Am I an owner, or an employee, or lover of the aforementioned? No! Just a patron who is totally hopped up on caffeine right now and excited that you, a person I don't know but whom I've probably cut off on the highway, are about to take charge of your health and your life!
I am.
Don't let me down. I typed this long assed review FOR YOU. Go do it!
Or I'll cut you off again. -
Review from aysha m.
Los Angeles, CA
1/13/2011
The Bar Method is quite possibly one of the toughest workouts I've tried (and I've tried quite a few) and for that I love it! I've been going for three months now but only on a regular basis for the past month and I can definitely see results (i.e. my butt looks good). The main thing that I love about the Bar Method is that it's a full body workout and you don't have to use any fancy equipment.
I've taken classes with three different instructors (Joyce, Jennifer & Joey) and all of them are great and defintely challenging. Plus, the studio itself is probably one of the nicest I've seen. I'll definitely be sticking with the Bar Method for while. -
Review from Tara M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/12/2010
I love going to the Bar Method in Burbank for 2 reasons:
1. It actually works!
2. The environment is so classy and nice.
I started going to Bar Method and after doing it just 1 time a week for about 2 months, I noticed that my butt actually sloped smoothly into the top of my leg rather than what it normally did of hanging below. I had a nice butt!!! I never thought that was possible! I found I walked much more gracefully and straight too because it really solidifies your inner core.
I did Bar up until 8 months pregnant with my first child and my pregnancy was easy, I think in large part to the strength it provided me which helped me deal with the added stress and weight on my body. I started back again when my baby was 5 weeks old and it snapped me back into shape so quickly. This is the one exercise class that I find really makes a difference and does it quickly.
The Burbank studio is such a nice space to walk in to. It's well designed and they really make an effort to have you feel taken care of. There's reverse osmosis water and the individual coffee K-cup machine. Both of these are free! They also have everything in the bathroom to help you get ready after class from hair ties to mouth wash.
I highly recommend Burbank Bar Method to anyone and everyone! -
Review from Chinese D.
Atwater Village, Los Angeles, CA
8/12/2011
My first session this morning with Joyce was wonderful - she was sweet and encouraging and relentless in getting your body position accurate. Her music was not blasting in your ears, nor was she pushy to the point where you wanted to give up. The studio is immaculate and welcoming. The receptionist is also helpful, efficient, and not pretentious. The workout had my muscles shivering so badly that you feel like they're going to collapse. Feels wonderful and my body is thankful! Pay them a visit!
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Review from Misty A.
Pasadena, CA
6/18/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Why should I even write a review when pretty much everybody has given it 5 stars hah, well that's just how much I like it.
I went to Pop Physique and was burning my balls off from their structured workout, however something just didn't feel complete.... so I tried Bar Method and it was almost the exact same workout, but they changed it here and there, which Pop Physique did not. Also, the one thing that hooked me instantly was the LARGENESS of the space. It was literally ass-to-face at PP, and kind of old and the floorboards creaked and were uneven. Bar Method has such a NICE facility, and REALLY nice CLEAN bathrooms with deodorant, lotion, hair ties, showers, lockers and all... they even let you borrow cute socks if you forgot yours! Pop Physique makes you leave class or BUY socks! LOL.
The staff is pretty much amazeballs as well. I've been to classes with Jennifer, Joyce, and Joey and I dig them all. They actually give you good input all throughout class, which is just like personal training, and THEY REMEMBER YOUR NAME!! I went to PP for 4 days straight for 2 weeks with the SAME teacher and she still never bothered to ask me my name....
There's also very convenient parking, thank BeJeesus.
On a side note, I actually have social anxieties and this place has done so well in welcoming and comforting me so I don't actually feel nervous at this place at all! Thank you Bar Method :) -
Review from Minjah Eyuwhat X.
Sherman Oaks, CA
1/26/2011
This was my first Bar Method location I tried and it set the bar really high for everyone else.
Uber clean
Great amenities
Free parking!
The owner is considered a Master Trainer and his staff is very nice.
This studio kicked my butt, in a good way, from the very first class.
I have a feeling that after trying the other Bar Method studios, I will come back to this one (and wonder why I ever l left in the first place!!) -
Review from caroline l.
Los Angeles, CA
5/16/2011
I spent 29 years of my life abusing my body and thinking that my good genes would pick up the slack. In denial and lazy, I slowly watched as my body became a marshmallow of love handles, muffin tops, and double chins.
Earlier this year, I decided that enough was enough and embarked on a "Fit before 30!" campaign. And for the first time in my life, I now weigh what my drivers license says I am (c'mon, I know we all lie on those things).
Bar Method was great for me. It doesn't help to shed weight fast - you really just have to diet for that - but it did help tone my body and tone it FAST. After a week or so, I started seeing results and it just made me want to go even more. I hate cardio, so this was perfect for me. It's a tough workout, but you get what you give. There are ways to cheat through the workout, but why would you want to?? (unless you were muy hungover like I was one time... sorry Jennifer).
Finally I have a butt, and a cute one at that!
The instructors are great and everyone is friendly. I love this place. -
Review from michelle b.
Toluca Terrace, CA
8/23/2011
I dig this class a lot. Everyone is super friendly. The whole establishment is clean and new and really designed to accommodate you and your needs. The class leaves you sore and always pushes you to go a little harder.
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Review from Megan S.
1/26/2010
I originally clicked on an ad through Facebook for this (which I NEVER do) and did the intro special - 1 month unlimited for $100. The first class was all it took to get hooked on this. They focus on small movements to tone and lengthen the muscles as well as strengthen them. The core workout at the end is insane.
The instructors are great too, it's like getting your own personal session with the way they come around and correct you. They each have their own playlist on iPods that play at a moderate volume throughout the class, keeping you pumped up (if their energy doesn't already do that for you). If you are a first timer, take it easy, because you'll be hurting the next day.
The changing facilities are in pristine condition - the shower is nicer than my shower at home, and they have a little complimentary Keurig coffee/tea maker for after class.
I do this in addition to Bikram Yoga, and I think it is the perfect complement to any workout.
I just recently took my mom (who has severe scoliosis) here, and she loved it too - she practices Ashtanga and Vinyasa, and said she is going to start incorporating this into her workouts at least once a week.
Also - bring the guys! It's refreshing and encouraging to see more men attending lately - there's a reason both genders teach the class, it's great for everyone! -
Review from Joy B.
2/23/2009
Burr Leonard, the founder of The Bar Method taught a class at noon this past Saturday free of charge to promote the newly opened Burbank studio. Not only was I psyched to take a class led by the big cheese, I was equally as happy to be keeping the $20 single class fee in my pocket!
The space is super cute, modern, clean and brand new. They have lockers that you can use that come with keys similar to those found in spas. I took the class with 2 GF's, one of which pre-registered us for class (I don't think you can just walk in, you have to reserve a spot).
I envisioned the exercises would be pretty similar to Cardio Barre, which it was, except that TBM are "tuck" nazis and are far better at making sure you don't do the exercises sloppy or with bad posture. There is a stark difference between how intense it feels when you aren't "tucking" vs. when you do tuck.
It is quite possibly the most awkward and odd looking posture on earth, but hey, whatever works! I found the floor leg lifts (to work abs) kind of awkward too; because you're kind of slouched against the wall. The ab stuff on the mats took some getting used to because their mats are so cushioned and I feel like I have more control on flatter surfaces.
Burr went through a series of exercises focusing on legs in first and second ballet positions. Since my normal workout routines don't focus much on calves and standing in this position for such an extended period of time, my legs started wobbling and shaking out of control like a cowering dog scared out of its wits!
2 days later, my gastrocnemius' are killing me. Perhaps more pre-stretching of my calves are in order the next time I take on the Bar.
Overall this is a great workout I plan to include sporadically since I already have a gym membership and access to tons of great classes I'm really happy with.
PS: I didn't get the sock memo, so if you come sans socks the friendly staff will happily provide you with a loaner pair. Also, it is a good idea to bring a towel into class with you if you tend to sweat profusely like yours truly.Listed in: fitness wh*re tested &…
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Review from Allen L.
Burbank, CA
2/25/2011
This Studio Is So Nice & So Are The People Who Work There...Joey Is My Favorite Instructor, He Always Makes Sure You Are On Track & Feels Like A Personal Trainer Even Though There Are Many Other People In The Class. After Only 2 Weeks I Already Saw A Huge Difference In The Way i Look & Feel.
I Also Like The Free Parking And Laid Back Cancellation Policy! -
Review from Sarah M.
Irvine, CA
1/12/2010
I am new to The Bar Method - so far, I love it and the Burbank studio is beautiful.
This workout is so challenging and fun! During warmup we use light weights to hit our shoulders and arms, then we move to the bar where we might use props or just our body weight to hit the butt, thighs, and calves. I love when I'm trying to hold my plie (high on your toes! Pelvis tucked! 2 inches lower!) and my legs are literally shaking from effort. We finish with floor work for the abs and legs. It's an hour of concentrated effort that leaves me in that weird state: completely tired out, but also refreshed and fired up for the day.
It's kinda old school - I feel a little Jane Fonda-y counting crunches with my socks on. It's reminds me of the old Abs and Legs classes at Womens Workout World, but with better music and fewer leg warmers. I definitely appreciate the way our teacher helps with alignment, positioning, and motivation, but doesn't chide you if you collapse before completing that last rep.
The locker room is super clean and well stocked, if a little small. The longest I've waited to take my turn in one of the 2 showers is 5 minutes.
I am very happy that I gave Bar Method a try, and I'll definitely keep returning to the Burbank studio. -
Review from Tricia N.
Burbank, CA
1/1/2010
I consider The Bar Method the perfect workout. And, I know from workouts...I ran marathons for three years, took private pilates lessons for 10 years, did intermittent stints with boot camps, salsa, jazz and belly dancing, worked with a kick-a$$ personal trainer for a year and still train for and do triathlons/duathlons.
For people like me, who have back problems (for me, it's a fused spine from scoliosis surgery I had as a teen; flatback symptoms and a horrible herniated disk episode), there are few truly intense workouts that also help improve our condition. Those include swimming, Iyengar yoga and Bar Method. For me, Bar Method is the most challenging, rewarding and (despite the high cost) the most accessible.
The Burbank studio is incredibly welcoming and pristine; all the instructors are great and the vibe is all about the fabulousness of Joey Decker, the owner and Bar Method superstar in his own right. But the real draw is the workout. The free weight work, the ab work, the stretching, tucking and burning calves/legs, the feeling of accomplishment when you've made it to the final stretch of seat work and stretching and have earned the right to savor a few seconds of hanging on the stall bar. It never gets old or boring for me; I have butterflies at the start of each class because I never know if I'll make it through the reverse pushups or how close I'll get to that split I've been chasing since my high school dance line days.
Just know that you'll need to make a few adjustments to certain poses or stretches if you do suffer from back problems (the instructors will know how to guide you), but you'll walk out of each class standing taller and feeling stronger than you ever did. I'm actually now at the point where an hour-long class can correct my flatback symptoms (which I only get when I go without exercise for a few days; a vicious cycle).
My one problem with Bar Method is the cost, which would still be a stretch even if I wasn't an unemployment statistic. But, I've been able to get my Bar Method on thanks to the fact that each studio is a franchised business and runs intermittent specials. I've done the $100 intro special at half of the Southern California studios, and recently took advantage of the "second chance" promotion at the WeHo/WLA studios, where previous customers could do a second unlimited month for $100. I do whatever it takes, because this workout is worth it! -
Review from Julie G.
Pasadena, CA
1/30/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I've been to this Bar Method as well as the one in West LA. I would say that the classes here are less intense and more friendly for people who are not very active (like me!) I've taken classes with Juan and Joey, who are both great! They're upbeat and definitely help motivate you! The only reason I took one star off is because they close early on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays! I wish they were open for longer hours go I would be able to attend more classes!
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Review from Hilda B.
Burbank, CA
5/27/2011 10 Check-ins Here
I started going to bar method in Burbank a little over a year ago. I love the place, the people and the workout. I can't say I've lost any weight though, but I attribute that to stress (and my sweet tooth). What I like about it is that you feel the results right away and you tone up, but there's a catch, in order to get a good workout, you need to use proper form. The instructors are great about helping correct you, especially if you're new to class, because let's face it, if you're corrected the first time you're more likely to break the bad habits and get the better work out every time.
I read a couple reviews about not breaking a sweat and something about the class not having the bodies that the reviewer wanted, I literally laughed out loud (I'm one of the chunky chicks). It's just funny because the people in the class aren't necessarily a reflection of the quality of the workout. you can have a bunch of super fit people in a room just swaying, just cause everyone in there is skinny doesn't mean it's a great workout. And let me note, I am chunky but that doesn't mean I'm in bad shape, I like to eat so I haven't lost weight but my body as a whole feels better because of bar method, I'm definitely stronger, and although you won't see me running in any marathons, I have a lot more energy and less pain overall when I'm going to bar than before I started (and that couple months where I wasn't able to go in between).
Overall kick ass workout. Don't get scared off the first time you go, it can be tough, but it's soooooo worth it to keep going. :) -
Review from Ashleigh Marie B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/14/2011
I LOVE The Bar Method. Love it. I've lost over 15 pounds (in conjunction with a much lower carb diet) since starting it 7 weeks ago (I did 4 classes a week for 4 weeks and then took an almost 3 wk break due to a temporarily hectic schedule). My body toned up so much and so I want to keep my momentum up and get back into it. In the past week, I moved to Hollywood from downtown, where I was going to The Bar Method in Pasadena. Now that Pasadena is a lot farther and my month trial there ended anyhow, I decided to try the Burbank studio the past Friday.
I'll preface this all by saying I really wanted to like it, esp since Yelpers *obviously* love it! I expected to be WOW'd...but I wasn't.
It's a really, really nice studio, nicer even than Pasadena speaking in terms of amenities. It's a really accommodating and luxurious facility. They have an awesome coffee corner with the little one-cup barista machine and all the various flavors of coffee, tea, and coffeemate creamer, it's decorated really cute, and even though I brought my Bar socks, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they give you socks before class. There's a *great* locker room WITH showers and all the fixins, and the studio is put together really well. Which brings me to something I both liked and disliked--this studio is shared with a dance company, so there were dancers there in the other studio practicing. It was REALLY fun to watch...but for me, who has become somewhat of a Bar snob in my short time doing it, I like that Pasadena is a BAR studio, not just an 'amalgam of various types of movement and exercise' studio. It added to the feel of the studio that turned me off--that it's not a Bar studio, it's just a dance studio. Which brings me to the next thing I wasn't crazy about--the actual class.
The first thing I didn't like was the room in which class was held. It felt like I was trapped in there--even with the huge Bar mirrors, it was a really closed-in room with no windows or light, and I felt my claustrophobia flaring up as soon as I walked in. Then the actual class. How do I say? In Pasadena (and yes, I'll have to continue to compare because that is my only point of reference) class is truly like a personal training session. And it's pure Bar--every tuck is watched, posture is always corrected, Bar/dance terms are used. I really appreciate this because it helps me replicate this stuff at home when I get the urge just to do a quick 40 reps of something for a little jolt. But my class (taught by Joyce, who was very sweet and a great instructor) was more like a [modern/jazz] dance or aerobics class. It was like "and a 1, and a 2" type of thing. One thing that makes Bar so intense is when you just keep doing reps of something and there's no counting and you're like "for the love of God, when will it end!" I think it helps fatigue the muscles more because of what's going on in your mind. The Jane Fonda feel of the Burbank class totally turned me off--not to mention the music.
The music was awful and totally distracting. Of course, it's a matter of personal taste--in Pasadena, I love that they play hits and Top 40 stuff that really keeps the momentum pumping. On days when Mason plays Brittany during thighs or Jenn plays some random Trey Songz club song during abs, it really helps to keep the light-hearted-but-hardworking culture of the studio fresh. Meanwhile, I despise dance and electronic music, which I never heard at Pasadena--and that's what was bumpin' at Burbank. It was actually probably the thing I disliked the most. While Joyce was great, I also didn't feel the same amount of personal attention. I think it's partly because I've gotten the hang of it and don't require as much correction; but I also think it has to do with the culture of the Burbank studio.
Both of the instructors I met (including Joyce) at the studio were lovely, but I don't plan to go back to Burbank anytime soon. This is not a negative review---I love The Bar Method however you slice it--this studio just wasn't for me. Obviously, it's wildly popular and most people like it. However, for my tastes, I think I'll have to eat the extra $75 and go back to Pasadena--and that's saying a lot because if anyone likes to save a buck or two it's ME! It looks like I'll have to beg, borrow, and steal to make it a reality because The Bar Method is so expensive that it's not worth doing if you're not loving it. -
Review from Rosie M.
Burbank, CA
5/25/2010
I started Bar Method on May 1, 2010 and I gotta tell you that I have seen improvements already! My whole body aches with such delight!
It's like a new romance all over again and it's SO addicting. I really like how clean the Burbank Studio is and I just LOVE all the teachers too!
My favorite part is that I am only a couple of minutes from the studio, which makes it easier to go, plus there is always plenty of parking available....so NO excuses now!!! -
Review from E A.
Burbank, CA
7/11/2009
I hate exercise but I love the Bar Method. The lovely studio and kickass teachers in Burbank are a big part of it, I'm sure.
I'm in love. I'm addicted. And I'm so sad that my unlimited month is about to run out.
Is sobbing good for the abs, if I'm simultaneously tucking and curling? -
Review from Michelle E.
Burbank, CA
6/2/2011
I am a recent convert to Bar method, and I must say, I LOVE this place! Ever since my friend brought me here, now I keep bringing people here! I love how clean and nice the place is. The staff is all sop friendly, and I really love the instructors. They are so welcoming to new students, and they are all great teachers. I highly recommend this location if you live in the valley because it has a giant parking lot, and the complimentary keurig coffee and tea makes for icing on the cake of a great workout! :)
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Review from LISA D.
Burbank, CA
1/21/2011
Low impact - TOUGH workout! Have been going for the past 3 weeks approx 3 times per week and have grown to love the pain and the shake! I'm starting to see and feel the results!
The Instructors are fantastic and each offer their own motivating style. Each are so welcoming and really make you feel a part of the team - they remember your name, show you how to properly position your moves to get the maximum impact. Class goes by quick!
Very very clean, great space, nice locker room with showers, complimentary workout towels, coffee & tea for before & after class...
Totally recommend this class and the studio!
