My nutritionist recommended that I try barre classes instead of my normal workout routine of kickboxing (which I loved but always left me slightly injured)... so after a little mental battle, I decided to try Local Barre, since a friend in the Hoboken area had recommended them. I was worried about the expense since I am a full time student and work part time, but I was lucky enough to sign up for some package deals that were quite a steal!!
In order to just try out the class and see if I liked it, I purchased the 2 for 1 happy hour. That's 2 classes for just $15!!
I arrived very early to class so I could ask questions about my injuries and get a feel for the place. I first went to the downtown location (there are 3 locations in hoboken). I walked in and was BLOWN AWAY by the decor and ambiance of the studio. It really is beautiful. Very modern & sexy if I do say... dim lights, dark hard wood, really beautiful. A true change from a kickboxing gym.
My first class left me shaking! Instantly, I knew, "OK. I Am doing this!"
Having started in November, it was perfect timing for their Cardio Barre Challenge which was 6 Open Barre Classes and 6 Specialty Barre Classes all to be used by Dec 22.
I also love that you can book all your classes online and there is a 4 hour window to cancel if you can't make it- which they are very nice about honoring and working with you if say... your stupid bus doesn't show up on time and you have no other way of getting there from WNY (which happened to me a couple times- noting- I should write a yelp review of NJT route 89 bus!!)
I went to all 3 locations during the challenge and loved all of them. I know that the Monroe location is expanding and moving to a larger space soon, so that is great news.
My only suggestion would be to offer more Specialty classes, esp during challenges such as this. It was easy to schedule the open barre classes, but the specialty were offered much less often and got filled very quickly, making it a challenge to complete the 'challenge'. But I did complete it!! YAY! ending on Dec 22 with two classes of cardio barre and barre fusion.
Out of the specialty classes, I have to say my favorite is the barre fusion class which adds in yoga and pilates for core workout and a lot of great stretching.
All the instructors, aka 'barre-tenders' that I took class with were great, so I'm not sure about the other reviews. I thought they were all very in tune with their body and how to instruct you on which muscles to focus on and HOW to do that by rotating joints and angles... maybe it helped me because I'm a licensed massage therapist and know muscle origin and insertion... but I thought their method of instruction was very concise and easy to understand. I also thought all the classes were motivating, original and challenging. When you felt you were ready to move up to a different level for more challenge, they offered suggestions.
Each class is an hour long and what I really love is the amount of working out you do as well as all the stretching. After an intense set, you are instructed on how to properly stretch the muscle group that you just worked. This avoids getting those short bulky muscles and adhesions that form when muscles get tight. (as an LMT, knowing that most people do NOT stretch after working out, I found this to be very helpful because it is structured IN the class)
I was extremely happy with my experience at Local Barre and recommend it highly!
I'm so addicted that even after I moved to San Francisco two days ago, I'm still continuing with barre classes... look for more reviews soon.
Enjoy!! read more