Truly love the class and workout. It accomplishes exactly what I want-- toning and lengthening my muscles. I honestly don't understand how the hour goes by so quickly, but every time I am shocked at how fast the class seems! Beautiful facility and great location, too. Although I am about to give some detailed constructive criticism, I gave Bar Method Fairfield 4 stars because I really do love the class and look forward to continuing it!
However, there are a couple of instructor-related complaints that I have heard from several members with whom I agree. While the instructors are generally quite positive, motivating, and clear, there are a few qualities that must be improved:
1) There is quite a bit of quiet time which should be used to describe the moves more carefully. I often find myself confused about important nuances-- for instance as whether to point or flex my feet. I wouldn't mind this so much if they didn't then correct me as though I should have already known what to do (in spite of never having been told). This is just about good teaching practice-- you can't correct someone if you don't first make the expectation clear! Perhaps if there was more all-class instruction the individual corrections would be more advanced because students would already have the basics down!
Compare this to Bikram Yoga in which every moment is utilized. This may not be everyone's cup of tea because it requires a lot of active listening, but you can be sure that students comprehend the poses more quickly, thus minimizing the need to call individual students out. When I do Bikram Yoga at my favorite studio, each and EVERY student is given positive feedback (especially those who struggle), and most get 1-2 corrections. This particular Bikram class tends to have 30 students at a time, so it's all about efficiency of language.
2) I love getting corrected. It is helpful and improves my practice. However, in practically every class I have attended, the instructor picks 1-3 students to correct constantly, neglecting to correct the "better" students. Each student starts from a different place and has individual goals, so it is quite unfair to "pick on" less skilled students. Furthermore, out of a dozen classes, I think only one instructor has said something positive about me during class (I have a long, long way to go but I am certain I am doing a lot right-- even if I weren't, it is the instructors job to pull something out of thin air in order to make students of ALL levels feel welcome). I don't need to be complimented more than once per class, but when the only students getting positive feedback are those who seem to have been doing the class for years (and are possibly superhuman), there is something wrong. Positive feedback is MOST important for students who are new or not as in shape. I would like to see Bar Method Fairfield adopt this ideal more wholeheartedly.
In summary:
Pros
--Amazing workout
--Plenty of personalized real-time corrections
--Fun class, goes by super quickly
--Clean, bright, inviting facility
--Kind staff who seem to truly love what they do-- this is an awesome mindset and makes me excited to come to class!
--Staff go out of their way to recognize faces and names, which is very welcoming
Cons
--Instructors sometimes come across as "playing favorites" which is quite unwelcoming
--Instructors rely on correcting individuals instead of giving clear, specific instructions to begin with
--Instructors should increase positive feedback, particularly for those who aren't already in kick-ass shape! read more
