Add mine to all the other 5-star reviews for this place.
By way of introduction, I am not spry. I am not flexible. I am not "coordinated". I am presently not that fit (I've been a slug over the holidays and gained some weight. Argh). I am not "young". I have health issues (bad back, presently a fractured rib from falling while ice skating. I mentioned I wasn't coordinated, right?). I go on marathon walks along the seawall during the warmer months but I really need to find some type of exercise that works for me when the weather here is cold and rainy. Nothing I've tried has worked for me: running on treadmills but going nowhere, too uncoordinated for aerobics classes, freezing pools too uncomfortable to swim in... I've tried 'em all and nothing has "clicked" with me.
And then I found this place.
I got a Groupon and signed up for 20 sessions, so as to give this place a decent chance. I had emailed Issabella to set up an account online and she was great in helping me navigate the site, the club policies and registering for classes. (I can't stress enough how patient she was with me, as I had a ton of questions - especially with the Groupon, and "paying" for my classes online with it). I also popped into the studio a few weeks ago, unannounced, just to ask a few questions. Issabella was there, along with a trainer, Anna, and they were both so friendly and helpful, explaining what this "bar method" was, what to expect, how to properly prepare and dress for the sessions, etc. I had a really good feeling about this whole thing. And when I mentioned how uncoordinated and how unfit I was, I was reassured not to worry, you can modify all the exercises how best to suit you, that everyone was on their own journey, this exercise program works great for all bodies, of all abilities.
I went to my first class today. I showed up early and was shown the dressing room. It was nice and well-stocked, with lockers (each had it's own key, so no need to bring your own), showers, complimentary lotions and potions and shampoos, complimentary towels, even hairdryers and deodorants. Nice!
There are two work-out studios and my class was in the larger room. There's a bar running horizontally along the walls and two walls are mirrored. There are small hand weights and mats of various sizes and straps for various stretching exercises. The class was full, with 30 people there, so not a lot of room. Still, it wasn't uncomfortably packed. There were 2 or 3 guys there, and the people there were of all ages and body types. I liked that.
Carolyn was our instructor. She placed me along the wall beside someone who was a veteran Bar-er (perhaps this lady was a fellow instructor, even, taking the class. I'm not sure). This lady helped me SO much with proper positioning, and mat placements and more. And Carolyn also came to me frequently to position me properly. (These positions and movements are not as easy as they appear to be!).
I still have no idea how Carolyn knew everyone's name and was able to walk through the class and give everyone such personalized attention.
The music was great and the hour went by quickly. I definitely felt like I had a work-out. I signed up for another class for tomorrow (they recommend taking classes on consecutive days). As I was leaving, Issabella presented me with a lovely box of Epsom salts with my name on it, recommending me to soak this evening. Plus I got a follow-up email, telling me what to expect post-exercise. Excellent customer service all around.
It sounds like this place is pricey but they have specials, and there are Groupons out there. If it works (which I believe it does, based on all the reviews. Plus I have some very fit friends in Seattle who swear by this bar exercise), then it will be money well spent. This place is great, between the lovely facility and the personable and knowledgeable staff and the great customer service. Top notch. read more