Comments on: Room at the barre? Another Lotte Berk-inspired megastudio opens in SoHo

By: Refrigerator Look Book: Candice Kumai | Well+Good NYC

Refrigerator Look Book: Candice Kumai | Well+Good NYC — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:27:51 +0000

[...] routine of eating whole, clean foods, drinking lots of water and tea, and practicing yoga and the Bar Method.We peeked inside her stylin’, balanced fridge:That’s a lot of coconut water! Is it for [...]

By: Mallika Iyer

Mallika Iyer — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:03:03 +0000

I respectfully disagree with Dori and BN.
The Bar Method is extremely challenging and hasn’t become less challenging over time. The more you do it, the harder it becomes somehow (explain that to me please!)
I have never been bumped around because of new students, and they have been extremely good to do business with.
My one gripe however is the exercises – while effective, do tend to become monotonous. I try to get around that by mixing it up with yoga and zumba. I would love it if they reduced their prices though – coz I don’t see myself wanting to leave it anytime soon!

By: Mischa

Mischa — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:04:08 +0000

Dori’s comment is utterly ridiculous. It’s like someone who says “yeah, i trained for the marathon, but it wasn’t hard because I WALKED”–give me a break! The essence of any class, particularly body sculpting is form. This is the true emphasis and true challenge. When one has the proper form and engages properly in each exercise, the exercises are challenging.
I’ve been taking class at THE BAR METHOD for about five months and the transformation of my body is nothing short of miraculous. Having exercised my entire life (and yes, i did train and run in a marathon), I can say that I have never been able to shape my body–in fact my rather stocky body had become even more stocky over the years in spite of a good diet and exercise regime–I guess you could say that this body type runs in my family. So, when I started at BAR i was pretty skeptical that anything would come of it. However, after attending classes regularly (about 4-5 times per week), my body has transformed into nothing that I’ve ever experienced before. It’s becoming elongated and elegant.
The point is not to just “do” the exercise, the point is to challenge yourself at every juncture. People who just “do” it, obviously don’t get it and they probably won’t see any results. If you make it a point to challenge yourself, you’ll feel and see the difference over time.
Yes, it’s true, the classes are becoming more crowded, but the owners plan to add more classes soon. They have become pretty successful in the short time that the studio has opened and all the regular students know that taking the classes pays off in real dividends.
If you’re ever uncertain about how to do a move properly, the instructors are always there to help and guide you.
All the best to everyone!

By: BN

BN — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:48:26 +0000

I Love the Bar Method and have been a client at the NYC studio for over 6 months now going monday-friday at the same time each day. Unfortunately the owners of this studio do not have any client loyalty as I have been bumped from classes for newer students, if they don’t start offering more classes in the morning I’m going to be taking my business elsewhere.

By: norma jean

norma jean — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:46:14 +0000

AND, the DVD’s are working for me and I am 61! Incredible workouts this Bar Method!

By: Tanya

Tanya — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:18:26 +0000

I respectfully disagree with Dori’s comments.

I have been doing the Bar Method since the studio opened in April and find it to be one of the most challenging workouts. As some background, I am familiar with Lotter Berk and have done Physique 57 for 1.5 years before that and also took a bunch of Core Fusion classes. P57 is without question challenging as well, but the instructors are not as hands on (in general).

Bar Method classes are not easy. In fact, they become more and more challenging if you stick with it and perfect the ‘tuck’, which is a feat onto itself. There certainly are planks in the classes and the arm exercises, if done properly, are extremely intense. In addition, their ab exercises are FAR superior to that of P57 or core fusion. When I do ab exercises here, I am able to get into the underlying muscles and feel my abdomen work, instead of my lower back.

Above all, I have seen wonderful changes in my body. My shoulders have become defined, my abs are coming in quite nicely, my legs are more tone and my seat has lifted, which I thought was impossible given that I’m in my late 30s! My posture has also naturally improved – I feel that I am naturally able to carry myself more upright without even thinking about it :)

Dori’s comment regarding price is completely false. The Bar Method is more cost effective than P57 or Core Fusion, so that statement is just plain wrong.

Any workout is all about how much of yourself you put into it – if you stick with bar method, you will be pleased. Plus, the staff that works there are such a delight – they make a tough workout a much more pleasant experience :)

If you’re looking for a new workout or to change things up, give the bar method a shot. Don’t allow online postings to dissuade or persuade you. All I can say is that after 3 months and sticking to it, it’s working for me:)

By: Dori

Dori — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:04:32 +0000

I was excited about a new player in town and when I went to class I was very disappointed. Compared with Core Fusion’s Open level class, this one was way too easy. We also didn’t do any planks, which I believe is essential in core strenghtening classes. The arm weights section had no variety, we only did three exercises. My friend who took it with me went back to give them one more shot and said it was still just as easy.

I think anyone unfamiliar with Lotte Berk spinoffs will find this challenging, but anyone who has taken class at any of the competitors will not find it worth the high price.