I have been taking the classes for a little over 1 month now and I am addicted ! ! ! ! ! I am very active, most recently training for marathons and a devotee of boot camp. Additionally, I am into weight training. I have tried yoga, done spin ... basically gone the whole nine yards fitness-wise BUT the BAR METHOD stands alone. I get a killer workout and feel areas working that I didn't even know I had. I do feel a difference after 5 weeks- especially in my abs, triceps and I think my posture too! The thing I am most excited about in transforming my shape from muscular to long and lean! (Like a dancers physique). I just signed up for a package and look forward to seeing how I continue to progress. The only negative is the cost ... $20 per class BUT the other bar studios are more expensive. The staff, instructors and owners have all been very friendly, accommodating and professional! I & a friend travel quite a distance for these classes from Pleasanton but it's worth it. read more

This is a great place. The workout is tough but is also safe and highly effective. The instructors/staff are courteous and helpful. I am new to this exercise and the instructors consistently adjust me when needed as they are committed to making certain you are both safe and that you learn how to properly position yourself. The studio itself is very clean and aesthetically pleasing. Is it expensive? Yes - but worth every penny. Also - you can go often (5x a week) and not overdo it or make yourself sick. With other workouts, I have to limit myself or I can become run down. Not with The Bar Method. Thanks so much, Bar Method Walnut Creek. read more

Fantastic workout. I went during my lunchbreak and it was just perfect: the place has locker rooms, shower, towels and the trainer is very nice. Mixed clientele which I liked. the warm up felt a bit jazzercise-ish, but then we went straight to the weights. 2 pounders you think - no biggie, well if you are holding your arm out or above for a long period of time and only make small movements, that tricep stretch was welcome. The leg workout - killer. I had no way of dipping as low as others in the class did and still, once you are up on your toes the shaking sets in. All the movements are counts of 10-20 and there were roughly 3-4 (maybe more...i was concentrating hard) different movements right after each other with no break. Tha'ts what started the burn. Ab workout - challenging, but not quite as hard since I have been dedicated to Pilates for quite a while now. The stretching is good, maybe a bit too fast for me. All in, I can't wait to get back...tomorrow. Trainer found the right balance between adjusting , mentioning some things that one could do better and encouraging. read more

Went to Bar Method for a year, and I have to say it got me in the best shape of my life. I was even doing this during my 3rd pregnancy and gosh did it help me in getting back to my pre-pregnancy shape. Unfortunately, my schedule right now does not permit any wiggle room for classes but I will definitely come back as soon as my calendar allows me to do so! The only reason why I'm giving it 4 stars is due to the price range. It is a little steep and I'm sure not everyone can understand it (it was worth it for me since I used to go at least 4 times a week). I still try to do the workout at home but it is never the same when you don't hear the teachers do the final 20 second countdown for each set. :D read more

I personally didn't care for Bar Method. The location is great but I wasn't a fan of the room we worked out in (def didn't get me energized) or the equipment (fabric mats make me nervous, how often are they being cleaned?). The instructors were all very nice but I don't like how they don't do class with you like other barre places. Even more so they correct people way too much. I get that is their job but one time I was corrected 17 times in 45 min. That's a bit excessive. Especially when you are telling me to move 1/4 of an inch. Is that really worth it if you have already corrected me 15 times? I'm not new to barre so surly I can't be that off. It just wasn't very motivating and if anything it discouraged. Ironically, I was just talking to a friend and before I even knew the place she told me she tried barre but they corrected her so much that it turned her off and she stopped going. I thought it was so odd to give up a workout place b/c of that. Then I went to Bar Method and understood what she meant. Of course I circled back with her and yep, it was BM. I personally like Purre Barre much more but def try both. read more

There isn't much I can say except that this workout program is the best toning workout I have ever done in my whole life! It's a great combination of ballet, pilates, yoga elements (in terms of holding poses for a long period of time and all that stretching), and it's seriously started changing my shape in a matter of a few weeks! I go four times a week so I get my money's worth, and about one other day a week I run (which the bar method founder, burr leonard, actually advises not to do...apparently she says it messes with your face? what? i think i'll take my chances since I love running so much!) You really don't need to do much cardio to get in good shape since this workout really lifts and tones so well. However, it's a good idea to eat healthy so you get the full benefits. I am knocking off a star because it's pretty pricey - 220 a month unlimited autodebit, which is the cheapest package in terms of value. The only reason I justify such a pricey expenditure is it's definitely worth it if you go enough. read more

I just LOVE The Bar Method. I drive most days from the Oakland area to Walnut Creek because of this spot. You get addicted to the routine. The instructors are so well trained and patient. I have been to the Dailey Method (in my 'backyard') on Piedmont Ave. in Oakland, and it just did not resonate with me as did the Bar Method. The facilities are clean and organized...a great spot! read more

They definitely earn their Diablo Magazine title "Best Butt-Kicking Workout"!

Loving Bar Method WC! I had used the Bar Method dvds for about year and gone to other bar classes closer to my house, and finally made the commitment to attend classes at the Bar Method near my place of work. This studio sets itself apart from other studios I go to for a couple reasons: it has a women's locker room, it has two studios, and it has child care. It is clean, the staff is friendly, and they have many class times to choose form. I also LOVE their workout! The only thing I could wish for is that they expand their franchise to the South Bay to be closer to my home! Otherwise you can't really ask for more :) read more

After hearing great things abour The Bar Method from my friends, I finally decided to try it out. IT WAS AMAZING. I loved it. The teacher made me feel super comfortable during the first class and they were not pushy at all when I was trying to figure out if I should get a package deal or not. The stretching was great. I loved the feeling I got when I was done with class. The facility is clean and the staff are very friendly. read more

Wow! What a work out! I have been a runner for years and consider myself pretty fit ... until I started Bar Method. Kicks my butt every time. I have just completed my 5th week and the results are starting to set in. My "seat" (the Bar Method lingo) is definitely firmer and smaller -my jeans are actually looser in that area. This is not a work out for the faint at heart - you have got to love to hurt and be able to push yourself through the exercises. If you can do that, you will be rewarded! Yes, it's a little pricey, but you get a lot of bang for your buck. And frankly, how many of us pay $150 a month for a gym membership that rarely gets used! read more

I started doing bar method three years ago and have never looked back. After struggling for years to drag myself to the gym I was uninspired by any exercise. I was hooked on bar right away! It's tough to say why. It's fairly simple, repetitive and pricey. But you see and FEEL results almost from day one. The focus on posture in itself is life changing. Well now I'm an addict. Five days or so a week. Walnut creek instructors are the best. All different personalities from fun to coach to nurturing. Love them all. read more

You want to see your body change... The bar method is an excellent way to do so. The workout is the most targeted and best around for woman's figure in my opinion. Also, the Walnut Creek staff is wonderful and the facility/studio is clean etc. Also hard to believe but childcare is three dollars an hour and excellent. Nothing but positive things to say about Bar Method Walnut Creek!! read more

Bar method is the crème da la crème of barre studios and this particular studio is the bomb! Where to begin! The classes are an hour long and they have three varieties of classes Mixed(for all levels), Move and Advanced. They have several time slots and I have never had a problem getting into a class a wanted. The hour long classes are intense and focus on intense, muscle strengthening, toning and lengthening. You will definitely be sore the next day. What really sets Bar method apart is the attention they pay to students. The instructors take the time to get to know each student by name and they watch you closely during the class and make suggestions for corrections. I have never taken a class without receiving some kind of correction and this really makes a difference in how effective the exercise is. All the instructors are great, but I particularly like Laura, Cassandra and Michele. Mixed level classes with these ladies is a great option for the beginner student. The studio itself is clean and well maintained. The bathrooms are fully stocked with any amenity you would need (tampons, mouthwash etc.). There is also a shower and two bathrooms. There are more than enough lockers (with keys) to store your belongings. They also have a childcare room with an attendant for parents to leave their kids at during the class. Initially I purchased a groupon for the first month, then a did the new student special ($80 for the first month). The ongoing monthly membership is $170 a month and I believe they offer discounts for teachers and students. The pricepoint is a little steep for a monthly membership. However I'm sure once you go to Bar method, you won't want to go to any other barre studio! read more

The best place ever! I go there 4 - 5 times a week. I'm addicted. The instructors are excellent, the results are amazing.

Ok, if you had told me I would be writing a review for a bar method class 4 months ago, I would have laughed in your face. I tried this studio, because of a new student promotion, and I am in love with the workout! Just to clarify, I am not "little", certainly not a ballerina, I own nothing lulumon and I basically detest classes AND i LOVE this place. The teachers, all of them, are so supportive. They truly motivate you, correct your form when needed, encourage all body sizes and even know your name within seconds of meeting you. Each class is different, so I never bore of it. I lost 50lbs within the last year, but I am super out of shape and this place has transformed me and my way of thinking of exercise. I love the stretching, watching myself get stronger each week and the rush I get when the class is over. I MAY even buy a pair of their socks...... read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Bar Method!!!! :) After having 2 kids, my body was soft, and I wanted, I needed to firm up. The Bar Method (along with diet) gave me an overall body make over--long and lean! Not only are the exercises--a combination of ballet, yoga, Pilates, and isometric movements-very effective, the owners are amazing, and the people--mostly woman (yes, men are ALWAYS welcome)--are super friendly. Worth every penny! P.S. The complimentary child care is a great perk! read more

I am so NOT a fan of exercise! BUT - the Bar Method is the first exercise class I've found that I actually enjoy going to (albeit I'm in PAIN after). And I actually miss the routine when I need to travel for work. The best exercise routine in the world! Thanks Ladies! read more

The Bar Method gets all the stars I can give. I just love it. My first class was at the awesome Honolulu studio (if you're visiting Oahu, you should definitely stop by for a class or two!) with my SIL. When I came back to Walnut Creek, I got a lovely little post card from Elaina, the studio owner at Honolulu, congratulating me on working hard in my first class and letting me know about the Walnut Creek studio (which I had already looked up after my first class...). I just love it at Walnut Creek. I got the new student unlimited first month and I am trying to go about 3-5x/week. I've had a different teacher each time I've gone, and they're all great. The workouts are challenging but rewarding, and you can choose your options with guidance from the instructor. It's been about three weeks now and I feel great! The price of the monthly unlimited scares me, but I feel like it's worth it for me to figure out how I'm going to afford it after this month :) read more

Only six classes in on my new student monthly unlimited package but im addicted. I was super nervous to go -not sure why-but from the moment I walked in I was welcomed by the friendly staff. Took my first class with Audrey and it was phenomenal. The instructors check in with everyone, know everyones names and pay close attention to newbies like me. The hour goes by so quickly and it is such a great workout. They give you great feedback on how to improve technique or how to adjust/modify the moves. Im trying to go five days a week and am thinking of totally quitting my gym membership for this! thank you Bar Method! read more

I have been going to Bar Method for about 8 months now (about 4 times a week), and there is not a day I don't feel challenged by the workout. If you love feeling constantly sore, this is the place to go. You will start seeing results so soon you'll just want to keep going! I love the flow, the exercises, and the instructors. Check out Bree and Sonya for a butt kicking experience...And Mara is back! Thank you ladies for the challenge and the awesome times! read more

love love love bar method.. a great workout, wonderful staff, great results.

I am seriously addicted to the bar method!! I started going in June of 2008 and almost one year later, this work out has yet to bore me!! I feel better, stronger, and more toned but the best part is how much more flexible I've become from doing the bar method. I've done ashtanga yoga, bikram yoga, and pilates for years and have loved those workouts as well but despite it all, when I first started the bar method, I couldn't touch my toes...within six months, I was able to wrap my fingers around my feet!! The teachers are all great...upbeat, friendly, knowledgable, and in fantastic shape (there's nothing worse than and as unmotivating as having a lump-a-lump instructor lead you through a work out but that is definitely not the case here!)! The hour goes by really fast--I almost never find myself checking the clock--and the class really kicks your butt! Classes are as challenging now as they were when I first started...never seems to get easier and you really can't cheat...the instructors don't miss a thing! It is a bit pricey but I'm definitely willing to shell out the bucks for a workout that has kept me as motivated and interested as this one! Plus, they constantly have deals going on! If you are looking to get your body bikini-ready for the summer, you should definitely check out the bar method!! read more

I am visiting my parents for the holidays, so I decided to pop in and get a workout in. I have been to Bar Method in NY, and it's not my favorite barre workout, but it does in a pinch. I have to say the Walnut Creek experience was amazing. I was greeted by 3 extremely friendly Barbie looking people. They made me feel at home, showed me around, but didn't patronize me with too many instructions or hit me with a heavy salespitch (gotta love those CA manners). Mara was my teacher and she was incredibly supportive, knew everyone's names, gave careful safety cues. She encouraged and pushed everyone but also had a keen understanding of people's own paces and allowed modifications. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck, and I always felt safe. If I needed help, Mara was right there, and I never had to argue or explain why I was modifying something which was refreshing. Mara made class really fun and kept things moving so it wasn't boring. However she stayed with each exercise long enough for you to lock in your form which is also important! When I saw how good looking the instructors were, I was a little nervous that there would be those dreaded, "Work hard ladies after all that holiday eating," comments, but Mara kept the class focused on being strong and building functional bodies and muscles. I go to class as much for my mind as my body, so I really appreciated this. The only thing I don't like is the carpet. I have no idea why the franchise (and Pure Barre too) would pick carpet as flooring, but this is obviously not up to the individual studio, so I can't fault WC for it! Also looked like they had an awesome kids club if you need childcare. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town! read more