I love coming to the classes here. The instructors are great, super friendly, classes are great, try the Strength class for an extra challenge. I love the studio, very cute and clean. They have bathrooms, lockers, and I believe a shower too? Instructors and front desk staff are very nice and helpful. Would definitely recommend The Bar Method to anyone who wants to try barre! Good location, lots of parking at Trader Joe's lot, and classes have a lot of room so it's easy to book a spot :) read more

Such an incredibly effective workout. The space is clean and the instructors are fantastic. The best thing about it is that I'm noticing changes in my body and it's quite remarkable. Finally have abs and other areas of my body are tightened up and look so much better. Parking is easy and everyone's friendly and welcoming read more

Tried a Barre class using class pass today and loved it! Ashley is a great instructor. She has a warm, fun energy and was extremely welcoming to both new and existing students. She made sure to help everyone with adjustments, keeping a keen eye on us newbies. The class was definitely challenging for me on some moves, but I appreciate the intensity. read more

First I want to make it clear, this review is not for the teachers at the Lakeshore Bar Method. I am writing a review about the office staff who kept messing up my membership and payments. I had to cancel my membership because I don't trust her. for the 1st month, I was doing the free try out and wanted to roll it into the 5 class membership but she talked me into getting the unlimited for one month and will roll me back to the 5 class as she said there was a promotion. as the 2nd month, i noticed i was charged again for the unlimited instead of the 5 class membership. i called and she said she will take care of that and i will have $80 credit to use for the 3rd month membership. However I came to find out i was charged for 2 memberships, one for the 5 classes and another one for the unlimited. I was completely baffled. from all these mess as I have never encountered anything like this. i emailed them and was told they can not refund me the $80 credit and also I had no more classes left even though I paid for that month. Cannot believe it! Be aware if you are thinking about joining also watch your bank statement. read more

I went to TBM Oakland for about 3 months. I enjoyed the classes they offer primarily the 45 minute classes, advanced and cardio. They just introduced their Strength format which is nice to change things up. For parking, there's 2 hour paid parking in front or at Trader Joe's. My favorite instructors were Kristina, Makenna and Ashlee. I did wish that they offered noon classes and that there was a gap between classes. The 9:45am classes would usually start ~5 minutes late since it takes a few minutes for the 8:45am class to filter out. Just an FYI in case you need to leave on time. read more

I have been going to The Bar Method-Oakland for two months now and love it! In a short time, I have noticed I am stronger and my mood has elevated. The class definitely kicks my butt but I feel a sense of accomplishment after each class. The usual aches and pains have been diminishing since taking these classes. The teachers are amazing. They are warm, encouraging and they work hard to build a culture of inclusion. They make a point of knowing everyone's name which is special. The building is clean, thoughtfully organized, and bright. Bar Method Oakland has become one of the highlights of my week! read more

I was at The Bar Method- Berkeley studio for four years, but couldn't keep up a consistent schedule once I moved to Oakland. It really was hard to leave it. I'm very happy I decided to join this studio. I noticed things are a bit different from Helen's, but the workouts are just as rigorous. That's the most important thing above all. This Oakland studio is just as close to my current spot as the other studio was to my previous home. Having it be nearby makes a huge difference when it comes to consistent attendance. I'll always love the Berkeley studio, but I'm really looking forward to continuing my regular exercise routine at The Bar Method- Lakeshore. read more

Plenty of classes. I find bar method focused on certain muscles. So I am not a big fan. But the studio is ran well and it is elegant read more

I love barre classes; they have been my primary form of exercise since 2008. My favorite studio closed during the pandemic and I was hoping to make a new home at Bar Method. Here are the pros: - full schedule of classes - a lovely studio that is clean and well appointed - convenient location Here are areas they could improve: - Bar Method is the OG of franchise bar studios and the cueing reflects that. It's prescriptive and focuses on body slimming which is a bummer when you are trying to work out to improve self-esteem and want to be free of colonial beauty ideals. They need an update that reflects body positivity and an awareness of body mechanics, not just what people look like doing the exercise. - Please ask clients if they have injuries they are working through before correcting them. - Please ask for consent before hands-on adjustments. Not sure how this didn't get addressed among instructors with the pandemic, much less all the information we have about trauma-informed instruction. Best wishes for continued success! read more

I love the bar method! It is a place I often frequent because I love the way I feel when I leave; like I can conquer the world! I used to run, but after many injuries, I need exercise that is high intensity and low impact. That is bar! I get such a great workout without injuring myself in the process. Bar method on Lakeshore in Oakland also has great instructors - Kristina, Chelsea, Alex, and Audrey to name a few. The facilities and bathroom amenities are clean and there is always parking in the Trader Joe's structure (especially on the 2nd floor). I can't recommend bar enough - it has been life changing for me - my body and mind are stronger because of bar - I'll probably be a life- long client! read more

The workouts are always challenging and the instructors are encouraging. What sets this studio apart from others is that the instructors put effort into knowing your name and correcting your form, so you will continue to improve every time you come Schedule covers a wide range of time slots, so it's great that i can still make class even when I have a crazy work schedule Would definitely recommend! read more

I started taking Barre classes last year and I am so grateful that I found this studio. I love the variety of classes (e.g. basic Barre, Strength, Cardio, etc.), the instructors and the clean, bright, lovely studio conveniently located on Lakeshore in Oakland. But the icing on the cake has been to join the beautiful community that the owners, Makenna and Ashley, have created. It is always fun to walk in and be greeted with a big smile, staff calling out your name and being happy to see you. I look forward to taking class and seeing everyone's big smiles. read more

I've been a member of this studio for many years. First, why i love barre: i do agree that it isn't necessarily a weight loss exercise. It is, however toning and muscle strengthening. And most Importantly to me, stretching. As a result of bar, i feel strong, more toned (I've melted a lot Of my cellulite on my thighs), more flexible and mentally centered. There is a 'physically meditative' quality to the workout that is incredibly restorative. And this studio feels like a refuge. It has a clean and peaceful, friendly and welcoming feel. The owners and stable community of teachers and member staff are awesome. During the pandemic, they've worked hard to offer a mix of outdoor classes (which are heavenly) and tons of streaming options. I used to run, and do boot camp. My exercise routine has gone from something i had to drag myself to do, to something i can't wait to do. I take long walks on the days i don't do bar and that mix has given me much more body confidence than i had when i was running/doing f'ing burpees. And the workout is, or can be, kind of sexy. read more

Arrived within the published 10 minute window for a class. Sign on the door now says door will be locked within 5 minutes. The studio should update all signage on their website and ClassPass so they avoid wasting people's time and locking them out of classes. read more

Lakeshore Ave. has historically been a very fashionable street. It hasn't been the talk of the town as other busy Oakland streets such as Piedmont Ave. or the Rockridge District, but personally, I've preferred it that way. In the '70s and '80s, boutique clothing stores lined the avenue. Then shopping habits changed, the identity of the street in the '90s was a little confusing--or was that just the '90s itself? Nowadays, it's not about what you're wearing, it's more about how you look wearing it. Some schmo walking down the street in a bath towel will look out of place, while the same towel on someone with a chiseled body looks like they're going to a modeling gig. To serve the health and image conscious locals who want to look good in a bath towel (or lack of), new exercise businesses are popping up on Lakeshore. The big gyms have had their heyday and many of us got tired of going to the air conditioned warehouses filled with rows of dreadmills, electronic music blasting while CNN plays on the flat screens. For a while, I didn't know what Anderson Cooper sounded like, but I associated his face with a heavy bass track that went oonce oonce oonce. The new exercise studios are very specific in their offerings. This is better for the community, it encourages people to join many different places rather than one place that tries to do it all. The latest addition to Lakeshore is a branch of The Bar Method franchise. They made a beautiful remodel of what was Ken Pitt's martial arts studio (he moved around the corner to Santa Clara Ave.). The exercise mostly attracts women since it focuses on strength without building a lot of mass; its origin is with dancers, so you won't see many cutoff sleeve t-shirts and bros getting all swollbraham lincoln. Because of the mostly female clientele, the women's locker room is significantly nicer than the men's. The guys get a toilet at the end of the hall with a spacious shower opposite it, across the hall. There are plenty of lockers with locks on them for customers to use. There is even a small daycare room with a beautiful sunlight overhead. The studio is on the 2nd floor, I believe stairs are the only option to enter. But if someone can't walk up stairs, there's probably nothing for them in the bar method series of exercises. The bar method is like pilates, yoga, ballet, and a Catholic school posture clinic rolled up into one torturous salad with frisee. It's hard to cheat in the bar method, which is what makes it so challenging. There aren't many (any?) exercises that use momentum or any kind of body swing to pass time while you dream about what to eat at Top Dog afterwards. You're either doing it right, or working towards it, no cheating yourself here. It's an exercise that's easy on the joints too. read more

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I visited the Bar Method's Lakeshore location and took a class from a teacher who was nearing the end of her training and was being evaluated by an experienced teacher. Even though the evaluating teacher was intently writing down comments in the corner of the room she got up several times to help me. First, she swapped out my weights and then she gave me a full-on bear hug to get me into the right position at the barre. This may sound crazy but I really loved it. As a person with no ballet history and terribly tight hamstrings, her full body help was a saving grace. Whenever I think about this studio I have warm fuzzies because of that experience. Trying a new and unfamiliar workout can be a challenge. Thankfully, the folks at this Bar Method are kind and welcoming and help you feel at home even if you're brand new. read more

The space is clean, bright and in a convenient location for parking. However, it is very difficult to reserve a class before or after work. You often need to book a week or more in advance. I have gone over 12 times in the last three weeks and not a single instructor has ever said anything positive to me about my performance. I know that's kind of a weird thing to complain about, but they have said plenty of negative things about my performance! I would hope that with all of that noticing my work, they might notice one good thing. It seems to be a place where the regulars get the most attention and positivity in class. When you're learning something new, it would help to get a little bit of the instructor's time too. Just not feeling the love and the booked classes aren't helping either. read more

I have tried pretty much every exercise program in the book and honestly, dreaded them all. I would make up every excuse to not go. Too tired, needed to clean the bathrooms, anything, so when I started The Bar Method, I figured it would be another month of struggle to go and then I would be on the hunt for that elusive workout that I loved. The unicorn has been found. Nine months in and I am addicted. Never in my life have I become grumpy when I had to miss a workout class nor have I ever been one to plan my social calendar around when classes are offered. I am now. I have never felt stronger in my life either. Physically, the changes started immediately. I had put on 20 extra pounds in two years and my closet was mostly clothes storage for "someday." Every class I witnessed myself doing more, stretching further, holding the pose longer. It gets easier but so far, it hasn't stopped challenging me. I think this is because it is a very personal exercise, even though you are in a class of people. I appreciate the overall workout I get. Oh, and those clothes? They all started to fit again AND look better than ever. Another reason I love going is the community. The instructors are upbeat, friendly, approachable, and genuinely want to see you succeed. I have never felt judged or belittled and my intimidation went away after the first week. They emphasis form first and that is something that takes time and muscle memory. The in class personal directions can feel embarrassing at first because you are vulnerable when you are challenging yourself and just learning, but I have never felt they were meant to be an attack. Two things I want to share as your fellow student sweating her butt off in the class; first, all directions from the instructor remind me to check my own form, no matter who the comment is directed at, and second, even now, I have had to be called out about using my right leg when they clearly said left. Three times and two of those were directed at me. There is a genuine camaraderie among the staff and the students, as one would expect from people who sweat, struggle, and cry together for an hour and then come back the next day for more. Okay, maybe that crying part is just me, but truly, it is a safe place that I look forward to going to every day. read more

My excursion into the Bar Method started with a lucky opportunity to try this class out via Yelp Fit Club 2018. This was the hardest yet most satisfying guided workout I've had in a long time. So one month has passed since my initial trial and I signed up for a one month unlimited class offer. I have done about 9 classes in that time. The noticeable results are definitely an increase in overall strength in my legs, hips, butt, arms and core. This also toned me up and helped me drop a few pounds so that my tight clothes fit better- Yay! I did not expect that so I'm really pleased. With so much work on the legs as a whole, single leg balance is so much improved; really rock steady on one foot more than the other. I really appreciate that the instructors know my name (and make it a point to learn everyone's name) and give me directions to correct my form. If I could manage doing this class 4 times a week I'd be happy and it's a good goal to make those body changes happen quicker. Now that my one month is over, I missed about a week of it, and I really miss it. I want to continue and will sign up again. read more

The Bar Method - Thanks, Yelp Fit Club for introducing me to The Bar Method!! - Barre Classes Near Me - Oakland, California

Ladies looking to tone and tighten--THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO! Mama's looking to loose the baby weight--THEY HAVE AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE SO YOU CAN TAKE CLASS! This little gem of a studio is right on Lakeshore with free parking in the Trader Joe's parking lot up to 2 hours. I'd walked by this place so many times and never even knew it was there until a good mom friend of mine told me they had childcare and recommended that I check it out. Definitely one of the best things that happened to me in 2017 was discovering Bar Method in Oakland. Everyone is super friendly: from the front desk, to the instructors, to the other students. You are made to feel welcome from the moment you walk in. Classes can seem intimidating but the instructors are all super helpful and caring so you improve a lot from class to class because they really keep an eye out for the newbies. The individual corrections and adjustments as well as the encouragement and motivational words during class are EVERYTHING, especially if you are like me when I started and haven't worked out in a while. Each instructor has their own teaching style so take a few different ones to decide which ones you like best. Studio itself and space is not only beautiful but always clean. There are showers available if you want to rinse off after class plus towels and water are complimentary! Childcare is in a separate room with plenty of toys and activities for your little ones. What really appealed to me was that they limit the number of kids to 5 max with up to 2 max that can be under two years old. This was extremely reassuring since my little one just turned a year old and I know he needs a little more attention than the big kids. Yes, he cried every time I left him for the first 2 months. However, Mrs. Ida who is there to watch the kids is so great with the little ones that she was able to get him to stop crying shortly after I'd leave him with her. Now he just gets right to watching the tv or playing and doesn't even notice that I'm gone. If you do decide to check it out, bring socks or buy a pair of the barre socks with the sticky bottoms from the front desk. You'll feel wonderfully sore the next day and know that you're already toning up those muscles after that first class. read more

I'm very impressed by the follow up from the owner of this studio. One of the friends in this group emailed her with our experience and immediately Audrey called my friend to personally apologize, then sent everyone in our group a thorough and sincere apology and comp, ensuring her team will be spoken to about the incident. Having seen this, I'm looking forward to attending another class to see the true experience this studio has to offer. read more

I've tried a wide variety of classes over the years including Dailey method, Pilates, yoga, crossfit, spinning, zumba, and just straight up gym. Came to Bar Method for a change and have been here long enough to decide I won't be back. Classes are formulaic to the point that after the first few weeks it was a chore to go through the motions... Yet again. The same few muscles are worked over and over again, it's repetitive and feels unbalanced. As someone with a strong baseline fitness level I was never sore, or challenged. Instructors seem to lack basic anatomy/alligment/fitness knowledge beyond the class structure. Over the weeks I've heard phrases like "grip you seat muscle" (really.. seat muscle?) "work your stomach muscle, the deep one" (uh.. The stomach is not a muscle) " use you posture" "lets make those abs show by tommorow!" and other such gems. All these things aside.. Today was the real nail in the coffin. I watched a super pregnant woman doing her best to struggle through class. She was making slight modifications to ensure the safety of her body and baby. The instructor stopped teaching to ask her why she couldn't do the exercise the "right" way; the woman pointed to her belly and continued with the modification. The instructor was extremely rude to this poor woman calling her name out over her headset every time she modified and telling her not to modify and couldn't she do it the other way. At one point the instructor even pushed the woman off the floor to do an ab series and told her she had to follow along exactly. Abs at a late state of pregnancy?!? Not only was the situation extremely uncomfortable to watch it was also concerning that the instructors don't seem to have the safety of the students in mind. Workouts are not one size fits all! I won't be back. read more

So, yea...since I can't respond directly to another review I'll just re-UPDATE my post right here. One reviewer implied how awesomely fit she was and how the routine exercises weren't challenging. I've been an athlete all of my life and if you're not shaking by the end of a quads set then you're not doing it right or you're not challenging yourself enough. Terminology: I'm a nurse and can understand muscle terminology but not everyone can. I don't take offense when an instructor says to lift your seat muscle or other like terms because well.....who cares as long as it's done right! Two years later and two babies later my body has never looked better. Not only do I look strong but I feel strong. I'm ready for a Zombie apocalypse strong. The teachers are great and the community is fantastic. #ImOneMotherTucker read more

If you haven't gotten this groupon yet you're missing out! Amazing studio. Huge, beautiful, and bright. Welcoming and accommodating front desk staff. Lots of dedicated members, who go regularly. That wasn't intimidating though. The instructor makes an effort to know each person's name and provides individualized feedback throughout the session. Each one is a little different. Not a sweating/exhausted kind of workout, but definitely a burn- isolate different muscles kind of workout. Fast paced, great, up-beat music. Lots of classtimes. Highly recommend! read more

I am so glad I found this place! I used to walk past it on my way to work everyday and finally decided to buy a 20 class pass to try it out. Let's just say I was hooked. I love the workout, the people that I've met in classes. The instructors are great and Audrey and Chelsea (the studio owners) are amazing. This style of workout really fits what I like since it's more structured and focuses and building both strength and flexibility. read more

In town for Thanksgiving visiting family and I thought I'd better get some thigh on before I got my pie on. (Ok that was terrible, I know...) Bar Method to the rescue! Just like my home studio, the class was challenging, the instructor was great, the staff was friendly, and the facility was clean and had everything I needed. Wish you could use your passes from other locations but after asking it makes sense as the cost is different city to city. A great experience. I'll try to squeeze in one more workout here before I fly home. read more

TLDR Version: * Instructors: skilled, personable, and patient. * Classmates: encouraging. * Facility: immaculately clean. * Workout: a variety of carefully crafted moves to help you tone your entire body! Overly winded reaction: as a person who feels intimidated by group exercise classes at the gym (and isn't exactly the most fit), the idea of barre class scared me. But ladies it's not scary, it's AMAZING. *Instructors* The instructors learn your name and make it a point to give each member of the class personalized guidance. They also give the class step my step instruction on how to get into the proper position for each exercise, and sometimes come around to shift you around a bit if needed. *Classmates* There are a number of FIERCE ladies in the class who take any of the suggested modifications for increased difficulty and rock them. Though my body isn't ready for that, I never felt like anyone else in the class was anything but sweet and encouraging (and fierce of course). *Facility* the studio is on the second floor. Lockers are super clean and they provide the key! No need to bring your own lock or attempt to remember a combination. *Workout* the workout is challenging but not overly complicated. I was sore for a few days but it was worth it! This is my first Yelp post ever but I just had to communicate my excitement to the world. read more

This review is long overdue as I've been attending Bar Method classes for more than a decade, mostly at the Oakland and Walnut Creek locations. Their workouts are still challenging after all these years and noticeably increase my strength and muscle tone. New exercises are introduced on a regular basis so I never feel bored. The Livestream options have also been very convenient throughout the pandemic, allowing me to continue classes at home. My favorite aspect of Bar Method, however, is the sense of community within each studio. You're greeted by name with a genuine smile, making you feel welcome and at home. Over the years, taking classes at both the Oakland and Walnut Creek Bar Method studios helped me through the grief of losing my mother, got me in shape for my wedding, helped me reclaim my strength after having babies, and also provided an outlet to decompress from a high stress job. Studio owners Audrey and Chelsea are wonderful people and instructors. I am moving out of state and can't imagine what I'll do without these studios - I can't recommend them highly enough! read more

I have a friend who is in spectacular shape AND eats whatever she wants. When I asked her about her workout routine she gave me this prescription: Bar Method, 3x per week, for a perked-up buttocks and ballerina-like posture. Ummm...where do I sign? I went for their 1-month unlimited deal ($100, or $80 during the month of January), and followed the suggested 3x per week regimen. What I immediately loved was: - A clean & inviting studio. The floor is cushy & carpeted, yet always freshly cleaned. Everyone wears socks during class, so no germy feet come in contact with the carpet. The aesthetic of the studio is fresh & modern, almost spa-like. - 1-hour classes that really pack a punch! Prior to Bar Method, I was doing hot yoga regularly. It's also a great workout, but I always had to shower afterwards, making the total experience a 2-3 hour ordeal. With Bar Method, the workout is very isometric, so you'll feel the burn all over, without breaking a big sweat. I can actually go out to social engagements immediately after class, with a little refreshing of the deodorant. Wink, wink. - The upbeat teachers & meticulous adjustments. The workout is somewhat formulaic, though the exercises vary from class to class, so you don't get bored. You always do about 15 mins each of arms, legs, abs, and butt, and the teachers make sure you're doing every exercise correctly. As a new student, I felt very well instructed and after about 3-4 classes I could get into the postures like the regulars. All the teachers are so perky & professional, it's tough to pick a fave. - Great class schedule! They offer classes in the morning, afternoon, and evening, so I have no excuse not to go. I sign up for my classes online, so when I show up I just give them my name and hop into class. I'm now an official member, paying $175/month, which is no small commitment. But, I really do feel that the workout is working it's magic. I already feel firmer, flatter, more upright, energized, all that good stuff. Totally worth trying if you've hit a fitness plateau, or just need to chisel away at your wine belly (right here!) read more

Today I got a perky reminder that it has been three weeks since I took a class.Why haven't I been in? Because of an injury, due in no small part to the bar classes I took. I spent a week in pain, requiring two chiropractor visits at $95 each. I knew it wasn't smart to start off taking multiple classes in a week, but it is policy for Bar Method staff to urge people to do that-- taking three to five classes a week, i was told, was 'common.' This may be true for people who are under forty and who have no previous history of injury. (And who have unlimited funds for classes. That adds up to quite a lot.) Though in pretty good condition from regular exercise, I am 64, with a herniated disc in my low back and other problems with neck and knee. About which I was completely forthcoming. I was assured that these would be 'no problem' because of the trained, skillful teaching staff and the way classes are so well designed. They are not. For one thing, the classes are much too big for one teacher to actually correct mistakes students are making. I don't blame the teachers for that. I blame the design of the franchise, which is to maximize profit. Positions intended to maximize strengthening of the abs put dangerous stress on the neck and low back-- even if done 'correctly.' There there are the so-called 'stretches.' These are held for less than three seconds, then on to the next thing, and since classes are back to back there are often no opportunities to stretch after class. You can do almost anything a few times to a young healthy body as 'exercise' and it won't really do lasting damage, but eventually.... Let's just say, I feel sorry for those who are doing this to get 'a new body' and think that something based on ballet is risk-free. All the women I know who were dancers for thirty years have problems WAY worse than mine. So, good luck to you all. You are going to need it. I'm going back to swimming. Boring, but much, much more beneficial. read more

I am turning into a bit of a gym hopper or maybe I just haven't found the perfect place yet. When the bar method first started on lakeshore I got a great coupon so I jumped right in. The first class or two were a bit strange because you have 25 people in a room! But they have their calculation down pretty neat because it doesn't get uncomfortable. A lot of the session is at the bars at the wall and there is enough space for everyone. The teachers are very efficient and chirpy and keep the class moving right along. I went at a time when I needed help with a few extra pounds and it got fixed within 10 days. I followed the system for only a month since I moved soon after otherwise I am sure I would have continued to see a lot of improvements. It's a great system that challenges you to strengthen and lengthen your body at the same time. Perfect, you can't really get tight muscles doing that. I would like to get back to it some day if the time and location allow. read more

I've been doing the Bar Method consistently since the Oakland studio open in May 2013. I love the beautiful studio and awesome instructors. The classes are always challenging. They introduce new moves through out the years so no two classes area the same. They've been my saving grace during this pandemic with Livestream Zoom classes. I'm so happy I've been keeping up with it. They have a sister location in Walnut Creek which is also very nice. read more

I've been going to Bar Method Oakland since July 2013 and I've been hooked since then! The gym never worked for me no matter how hard I tried, however, Bar Method is a workout that keeps me going. I started off with a Living Social deal and after a month of discounted classes I stopped going because I didn't want to pay so much to workout. I returned to the gym (womp womp), but I found myself avoiding the gym and not getting much out of my few gym workouts so I decided to return to the Bar Method realizing that my body is worth the investment and that's where I am two years later! About the workout: It takes a few classes to get the hang of it and make the most out of class, but once you learn the basics you will be on your way to some great workouts. The class also requires a lot of mental focus, which is great because it distracts me away from the day-to-day stress and I feel more energized to start my day. My flexibility has also greatly improved, I'm more toned, and I feel much better overall. Oh and my clothes fit so much better than before ;) About the instructors: The instructors are also amazing! They are always on the lookout to make sure I'm doing the exercises correctly. They also motivate me, especially in the mornings when I'm still half asleep. Bar Method is definitely a tight-knit family :) Cancellation policy: I have a love and hate relationship with the studio's cancellation policy. Since I pay for unlimited monthly classes, there is a $10 dollar no-show/late cancellation fee if I don't cancel a morning class ten hours in advance or if my bed kidnaps me and I don't make it to class (you do get two freebies per calendar year though!). However, most often than not it is the cancellation policy that gets me out of the bed in the mornings so I guess I love it more than I hate it! Studio: The studio is super cute and clean! I feel like I'm walking into a spa! It is stocked with towels, mouthwash, lotion, kleenex, and many other things you might need before and after your workout. I love Bar Method Oakland and I highly recommend it to anyone! read more

I went to my first class and I was greeted by Becky at the front desk. I arrived super early while class was still in session and she showed me around their studio. Very clean, sparkling white locker room with lounge bench, two private bathrooms and a shower, complimentary use of lockers, full length towels and small towels, mouthwash, tampons, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hair dryer. Pretty much everything I expect from a Bar Method Studio--clean and modern. Asha was the instructor and she was great at instruction and motivating us. The hour seemed to fly by! I'm looking forward to using the rest of my LivingSocial deal and will definitely consider coming back again afterwards. Parking can be hard sometimes but you just have to allocate time to find it. read more

My first experience doing a Bar Method class was in Marin and I was turned off by the cliquey vibe and the lulu lemon plastics. Thank goodness I gave it another shot! The location (mile from my house) is why I tried it again. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the girls at the front desk and the the meticulous adjustments the instructors made when you were doing the exercises. This is not for you if you don't want to be adjusted or touched. The studio is bright and clean with a diverse group of instructors and members. Such a different and positive experience compared to my first. It has kept me coming back and becoming a member. read more

This work out will make you feel STRONG. Not as in can-lift-200lbs strong, but you'll feel limber and as if all your muscles are being used, because they are ! I found out about this using a living social deal, which makes it a tad more affordable, (let's keep it real, it's a bit pricey), but I'm honestly debating paying the full price because that's just how good it is. There's a learning curve here, but I've tried ALL the trainers at this location as of Feb 2016, and every single one of them has been super helpful and attentive. At first I thought I was being "picked on", (lol), because they kept correcting me, but those little corrections make a HUGE difference. I did it for three weeks and although I didn't lose any weight, I do fit my clothes better, I FEEL lighter, and I have more definition on my shoulders. A definite MUST try. (Plus the bathrooms are plush as hell!) read more

Amazing place. I joined two months ago and am super impressed with the staff, location, parking and ease of in and out of this gym. The teachers are stand out. All are excellent, and you feel supported no matter how hard you find bar. This is not an easy class for newbies, it takes a few months for the body to really get into the step of this but the transformation is incredible. I think this is one of the better gyms/classes I have been too. Child Care is great too. Cluny read more

I've been coming to Bar Method Oakland Studio since it first opened in 2013. I had already been going to the gym, had taken yoga, piliates etc., but I was still not prepared for taking my first class. I was hooked on the exercises after feeling so sore (the good kind of sore) the next few days. It may take at least a month of classes (3-5 days a week), but when you see results it's awesome! The exercises really do change "the shape" of your body. I'm a girl with some muscular arms and legs and always had trouble slimming them down since I usually bulk when I go to the gym. Bar Method has helped trim me down in all the right places and now I have great "lifted" seat! The instructors are great. I have my favorites, but I think there is an instructor for everyone. We all have different body types, flexibility, stamina etc and I found two instructors that remember what I'm capable of so they tend to push me in class for more improvment. It's also helpful that they correct posture so you know if you are doing the exercise correctly or not. The studio is very nice and the equipment in the room is well maintained. Same goes for the restroom areas. I think they really take pride in having a nice place for their students to use and get changed in. The staff are always friendly and they remember who you are which is a plus. I don't have to check in anymore since they check me in as soon as they see me. I like booking my classes online too! Overall I'm glad I started going and I plan to continue for a long while! read more

I love the Bar Method! I started from a living social deal, and after the changes I saw in my body I got the monthly membership! I had gained 10 lbs in the summer of 2012, and no matter how much I ran, did Pilates, rode my bike, restricted carbs or calories or common food allergens, etc. I could not drop the stubborn weight. Much to my surprise, after 6 bar classes, over a period of three weeks, I toned my body and lost 6 lbs! So six of those ten lbs that wouldn't budge for 3 years just started melting off. I couldn't believe it. This workout will change your life. It will change your shape. It will change the way you feel about yourself. It will work muscles you didn't even know you had without risk of injury. My posture is better, my confidence has increased, and I can fit into my favorite jeans again. Look, every girl deserves to wear her favorite jeans until they fall apart. If you're contemplating taking this class, do it! And stick with it. You'll be sore, but if you keep at it you'll quickly get over the hump. (If you're not sore, you're not doing it right. Talk to the instructor and she'll help you modify or correct your posture). Take measurements, do weigh-ins and see how things change in just one month. read more

I consider myself a pretty active person. I tell people it's because working out is a necessary part of surviving the stress of every day life. But the truth is (don't tell anyone!) I looovveee my wine. So I gotta do something to (try to) balance that out. I have tried what seems like millions of different workouts. Bar Method has become my favorite form of workout. Who knew moving one inch = so much pain and satisfaction? Even though I have been coming for months, I still find every class challenging. They have modifications to make things harder or easier, depending on your abilities that particular day. Bar Method has no doubt made me stronger and more flexible. And more importantly, I look forward to going to class! I love the super friendly instructors, the gorgeous, clean studio, and the hard workouts. Come try out Bar Method! And don't forget to tuck! read more