I have now tried a one month membership (or 10+ classes) at three different bar/barre practices in St. Louis and I can safely say this is my favorite! In general, the workout here was more fast paced than most other studios, and I walked away feeling like I had genuinely had a great full body workout.
First Class: I walked in for my first class and the teacher as well as the girl who was behind the desk were incredibly welcoming and seemed genuinely excited to have me trying the studio. The teacher took time to walk me around the studio, show me exactly where I could change, store my bag etc., use the restroom, find the aids for class (weights, tube, ball, etc.). She also took a few moments to talk me through some of the "lingo" that the studio uses. Some I was familiar with from other studios, some I wasn't but I still appreciated that she took the time.
She also warned me that the class moves quickly, and reminded me to listen for her voice, and look at the other instructors taking class if I got lost, or to look at correct form. The classes certainly do move quickly which can lead to that embarrassing moment where my legs are still in a diagonal and everyone else is ... not ... but everyone seemed to be engaged in their own workout, not really noticing that I was a move or two behind.
Other Students: I found my classmates to be friendly and helpful. It was clear that the veterans knew each other, but I still felt welcome. There has also always been at least 1 (sometimes 2) other teachers taking class with you that they point out so you can look to them for form/moves etc.
Teaching Style: The teachers I have taken class from are all very encouraging and helpful. They will praise students while still on the mike but move the microphone away from their mouth to give a correction so that their reminder to "tuck" or move this way or that isn't broadcast to the whole class. I cannot express what a difference this makes - especially as the new kid in class!
Space Itself: The space is clean and comfortable in both this studio and the CWE studio. Each has a separate changing area as well as restrooms so that restrooms are not bogged down with those changing from work etc.
Cleanliness: This is also the first studio that I have attended that cleans its mats, balls and tubes every class! I was always a bit grossed out elsewhere when mats were used, sweated on (at least a little), and then returned to a stack.
Price: It is pricier than the other studios in town though not by a huge margin. The ability to go to CWE or Ladue, and the number of classes available outweigh (for me) the cost differential.
Overall, 100% worth the trial unlimited membership. I am happy to have found the studio I plan to practice at going forward. read more