I purchased a 5 class new student introductory offer and as of last week I completed my 5 classes.
My thoughts......
First - barre was new to me and so I certainly wasn't use to this type of activity. For me, this was one intense workout that made me drip sweat like a land beast. I was sore after every class and really felt it in every muscle not just thighs or arms.
Second - they have a lot of classes. You need early? They have early. You want late? They have that too. There is a class that will fit into your schedule and that's handy for someone like me whose work schedule isn't the same every day.
Third - It's convenient and it's an attractive space in which to work out. Why does this matter? I don't know that it does, but so many people who write reviews always comment on the space if it's old, outdated, crusty, raggedy, etc. This place is new, modern, clean & cute. It's easy to get to, I never once had an issue with parking & there is a coffee shop literally 3 doors down for your post workout caffeine fix.
Ok, so all that & only four stars? Well, it's small and the five classes I attended were all packed. I always felt like I was on top of someone or that I might kick someone if I didn't pay close attention.
They don't have a changing room, I didn't know that for my first class & showed up in my work clothes & a gym bag. Their only restroom is inside the studio so you'll need to wait until class is over to go in there & change. That first time there was a queue of people who just finished working out waiting to use it and then me waiting like a dope to go change. I changed at work after that initial class.
As a workout it is probably five stars, but as a whole, I never really felt fully comfortable there. I always felt like I was doing it wrong but seldom if ever got corrected. I always felt too clumsy, too sweaty, too frumpy, too fat, too much - but that's my own hang up not theirs. It's a great work out and fit in nicely between kickboxing & the gym. If you're going to give it a try, do yourself two favors - first, spend the $16 and buy the barre socks right away. Second, try to take at least one class with Marla - she was so encouraging and motivating, I wish she taught there more often but no matter who leads, you're going to get a great workout. read more