I think the 3.5 star average is a bit too low, but there are some improvements that are needed. I overall enjoyed it. Barre Code overall is such a great workout, and I love its variety of classes and encouraging instructors. Mallory was encouraging and does a great job. I don't like that we have to bring keys with us into the studio; the keyless lockers in the River North location are better IMHO. There is also no cell service. The studios are very small - at least mine was. This made the class a bit frustrating insofar as I was worried I would be kicking my neighbors. I wish some of the people were told to move more to the front to spread out. The space is already too small for the amount of people who signed up, and jockeying to find a spot is frustrating. Being nervous about encroaching on someone's space or, worse yet, hitting them is anxiety provoking, and I don't want unnecessary anxiety when I'm trying to do a great workout (who would?). I would also recommend turning the lights down a bit in the studio - other locations do, and it feels a bit cooler! read more

I took a class here through ClassPass and truly enjoyed it. It was 50 minutes of non-stop movement and strength-building. You definitely get out of it what you put in though, so go into the class with a mindset to really commit and push yourself, not just go through the motions. read more

The Barre Code Michigan Avenue - Inside the class space - Barre Classes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have only taken the hitt classes here. Sometimes it gets packed and the room feels cramped. In the evenings it get crowded. The class is very hard if you give it all. It's very challenging with all the different moves with little rest periods. And I'm looking for that. It gets your hear pumping and you have to focus. My only complaint is that there is the one women who comes to the class. And every time she sits next to me in front row. She doesn't follow the instructions at all. When people are doing burpees she's casually stretching her back. The whole damn 50mins she's doing something opposite. And it is soo distracting when you want to focus and follow these hard moves. I don't know why this crazy comes to class and basically does nothing but stretch and watch other women. Such a weirdo. I commented that to the instructor. She said she comes there and does that all the time. So I stoped going to this location and went to the river north. And everyone follows the instructions there. And the studio is much bigger. read more

I came here with a friend who works nearby, and I had a good experience overall. I've been to other barre classes, and I liked that here, we did the seat exercises on the ground rather than at the barre, which is sometimes really uncomfortable on my standing leg. Since I wasn't familiar with the structure of the class, I felt like it passed very quickly, which was nice as well. The instructor was good, but I did dock a star because it seemed like there was an issue with the microphone. My friend and I moved to hear better early on in the class, but even after that, I probably caught 3/4 of what the instructor was saying. Hopefully they will be able to get this fixed, because it seems like a great studio overall! read more

Awesome studio, I took my first class earlier this week and had a great workout. Admittedly though it had been an extremely long time since I set foot in a gym this was one experience I will not quickly forget. The studio is cute, modern and sleek. The classrooms are clean and mirrored. Gym equipment (weights and straps) are outside the room. Lockers are conveniently located. I took the barre express and it really kicked my butt! One day after I'm sore all over! The exercises really target all different areas: core, thighs and arms. The Instructor was very motivating and music is good. Would recommend more grippy socks. I will go back for more classes! read more

I used to love going to Barre Code. Such a fun atmosphere and work outs were very challenging. However, the more you go, the more you realize that work outs are the same over and over again. Most of the instructors are very friendly and do their best. However I do not think any are certified, if they are there are very few. The instructors spend most of the time checking themselves out in the mirror than paying attention to students form. I have hurt myself so many times because they just don't care. Barre is hard and if you don't have proper posture you are bound to make mistakes. It is also very disheartening to hear ex students now employees talk about how hard their classes are and they wouldn't be able to do them as students. Ok then why are you torturing me? Anyway, used to love barre code and truly it did give me a nice butt. However, this is just plain dangerous now. read more

The smallest movements you do in these classes will come back to bite you in the butt. I love the variety of these workouts and the "cardio blasts" that seem to make their way into every class. The instructors are great, the music is fabulous, and the energy of the classes makes the 45 minutes or an hour fly by. This Michigan Ave location is new (opened today) and I took the inaugural Barre Brawl class. I am so excited to have this studio in my hood since it is closer than the River North location I previously attended. Just to note, take the elevator to B1 (basement level) to find the studio. They have done a great job transforming the space. Changing rooms and lockers are available. read more

This location has given me one headache after another. Between last minute instructor changes to charging me for absent classes that I actually attended to today getting locked in their elevator and no receptionist answering the phones to help me! I tried calling them again when I knew the class would end at 12:50pm (three calls 12:49, 12:52 & 12:55pm and no one answered though everyone is out of class at this point and putting on shows to leave. I highly advise to visit river north or one of the other locations better managed. Oh and I just received a text being charged for today's class when I was locked in an elevator before class even started. Nice huh? read more

The Barre Code Michigan Avenue - Thank you for charging me after being locked in your elevator unable to get help to get out 2 minutes before class started. - Barre Classes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

*This is a review about the Barre Code Michigan Ave bathroom facilities I enjoy the Barre Code classes and go multiple times a week. This is a review about the cleanliness of their bathrooms at Michigan Ave. I understand that it's a shared bathroom but oftentimes the soap is out and there is no toilet paper. This is a common occurrence. Even if the building is not maintaining the bathrooms often enough, I really think the Barre Code should take it upon themselves to put in additional toilet paper and hand soap. read more

I am new to Barre Bee, but I must admit that I am totally hooked! The studio is really nice and they have showers and really nice amenities if you decide to take a morning class before work. So far I've taken Barre Bee, Barre Brawl, and Barre Interval and they've all kicked my butt. I am sore in places I forgot I could be sore in! I do recommend socks with that grippy stuff on the bottom. I've been having some issues with foot slippage in the classes. I think my favorite thing about this studio is that they keep the lights on pretty low while you work out. This is nice because it gives the effect of beer goggles- making me look much more attractive than I am while working out, thus making me think I'm really not as red and sweaty as I feel which makes me work even harder. I would love to tell you to give it a try, but I sort of don't want to because I don't want the classes I want to go to to fill up! read more

As someone who gets bored easily by workouts, Barre Code is the perfect mix to keep me coming back for more and leaves me sweaty after every session. The variety of classes lets me focusing on cardio (Brawl, HIIT) or strength/toning (Barre Code, Burn) or both (TBC) when I feel like it! The instructors are very good at helping to motivate and to adjust when you need assistance. You can kick up the intensity if you want, but modify if you're hurt. read more

Barre Bee Fit is great! I just started recently and I'm addicted! I love that they opened the location on Michigan, finally a bar class close enough to work that I can justify walking over there after. Instructors have been great so far at Barre Bee and the place itself is stylish and has everything you'd need to get set for your workout. Changing rooms, lockers for your stuff, and showers for afterwards. Oh, and if anyone out there is thinking about switching from Bar Method to Barre Bee Fit, I'd encourage you to give it a try! It's a bit cheaper and I found I was more sore after Barre Bee Fit classes. When I took Bar Method I felt like 60% of time was spent on legs and my core was never very sore afterwards. Barre Bee seems to be much more evenly spread between arms, core, butt, and legs. Barre Bee Fit is also nice because during the workout they'll tell the whole class helpful tips on keeping form and all that, while at Bar Method they're good at remembering your name and correcting you on an individual basis. Some people, I know, aren't comfortable with that kind of attention. Barre Bee Fit is a much more casual atmosphere. I did the minus one star because I'm not a big fan of the fact you need to cancel your reservation 4 hours prior to class in order to avoid the $10 penalty. (That's with the unlimited monthly!) I plan on going to classes after work... things get busy at a drop of a hat sometimes and I won't find out until after noon I need to stay late. I took classes at Bar Method in Lakeview and they let you cancel with no penalty up to an hour before. *shrug* But if you know you're set to go then this isn't a biggy. Also bummed that their 45min Express barre class during lunch isn't bit earlier. Oh say, 11:30? But oh well, after work classes will have to do! Bottom line? Give it a shot! You won't regret it! : ) read more

The Barre Code is amazing in every way. I have only ever been to the Michigan Ave location & can attest to the fact that everyone who works here is so friendly & helpful (which helps for those 6:10 am classes...). The instructors are very motivating & all provide a solid workout. I will say the "Barre Code" class is somewhat easier than some other Barre studios I have taken classes at, however it is still an amazing & fun workout. My favorite class by far though is "TBC" (think cardio blasts mixed with strength training)! I love the sense of community at The Barre Code & will definitely be a long time member. read more

If giving zero stars was an option, I would do it. The classes were enjoyable for the most part and the studio was relatively clean. However, this company has by far the worst customer service I have experienced in a very long time. I have emailed THREE times in the past month regarding cancelling my membership (well within the ridiculous 14 day cancellation requirement) and never heard back. Not only that, I was charged again this month for membership! Absolutely UNACCEPTABLE. In addition, there is no voicemail setup or ability to actually ever speak to a manager and clearly no one monitors the email. Oh and the instructor that teaches HIIT Restore on Monday evenings is the most unfriendly woman I have ever encountered. Very rude, even when thanked for class, and aggressive while teaching class. If the studio knows what's good for them, they'll get rid of her and her poor attitude. For a company that preaches empowering women, they clearly don't make sure the staff is aware of this. I don't usually like to pull the "I work in customer service" card, but this time I feel it is appropriate. Clearly Barre Code doesn't value its customers and doesn't care about reputation. It really isn't that difficult to respond to one of three emails sent within 30 days. I actually only cancelled my membership due to relocation and used to talk about how much I enjoyed my membership. However, you can bet I won't be referring any new business anymore! Don't join if you know what's good for you. Pay an extra $50 a month and join an Equinox gym that offers a wider variety of classes, actual gym equipment, and excellent customer service. read more

I have been attending Barre Bee for about 12 weeks now. This is really a review for all of their studios here in Chicago: Pros Affordable Compared to Other Stuidos Lots of Locations Lots of Class Time Can be a decent work out Love Barre Burn Cons Only one studio has locker rooms Instructors do not make corrections for the most part No Locker Rooms Prime Time Classes can often be full Variety of Classes - Would like more Bardio, Interval, and Baryasa Options Overall, it is ok. I guess you get what you pay for. I am going to keep going for another month or two and then will look into a more traditional gym read more

Go elsewhere. The classes are sub standard and the customer service is just terrible. The actual ballet bars in the studios are falling apart and the instructors are more focused on their own image in the mirror than helping students perfect their form and get in shape. I have a bad back and some of the moves were really hard. I wish that an instructor would have taken the time to help me modify and improve on my form so that I could become stronger and better. That was not the case. I did have a couple of good teachers- but the mediocre ones out numbered the good ones. And the classes became pretty dull pretty quickly. The worst part of Barre Code is their customer service, especially in relationship to the membership and cancellation. You cannot cancel your membership online and when you email them, there is an automatic bounce back email that says cancellations must be made 14 days prior to renewal. This was a complete shock to me, as I was not informed of this when I signed up nearly 8 months ago. When I emailed them my surprise, they sent a very non friendly email that that was their policy and that that was it. I work in the hospitality industry and would professionally not respond to a patron they way they responded to me. I have never had to dispute a charge via my bank- and unfortunately this will be the first time. Personally I want to be apart of a gym that cares about its members and its patrons and after dealing with Barre Code via email- I do not feel that they are that place. With so many places within walking distance, I would highly recommend looking else. read more

I only do Interval, Brawl, and TBC because I feel like I get good workouts with those - lots of cardio and muscle toning. I skip Barre Code because I get bored with an entire class of mostly just toning and little cardio (and Burn would just be the hot version, so I skip that too). I used to do Baryasa as well (yoga), which gave me a nice break/change from the other high-impact classes I normally do, but they no longer offer it at the Michigan Ave location :((( I've been going here for almost a year now, and although the workouts are good, I am starting to get a bit bored as the instructors can only come up with so many moves and routines (but I suppose this would apply to other studios like spinning or yoga?). Pros: -Friendly staff -Convenient location for me -Good workout Cons: -Price: I wouldn't say it's worth $139. Thank god I got grandfathered in to the $99/month price. -Crunches: There are sooooooo many other better ways to work your abs than crunches (which I think is one of the lamest & most uncomfortable methods), and yet, I often find myself having to do them in class. I hate it and normally just do other forms of ab work on my own. -Stretching: With all the muscle toning, jumping around, etc, the stretches at the end of class are a joke and last 2 minutes top. I'm really surprised that Barre Code doesn't devote more time (maybe at least 5 minutes???) to stretching, considering it is an important part of physical fitness and can help prevent injury. I know they say "Feel free to stay after to stretch" but if there is a class right after, it can be awkward once people start rushing in for the next class, or if it's the last class, you feel like you're in the way when the instructor starts cleaning. read more

review is for barre code overall... fantastic well-rounded classes. i'm a barre veteran of sorts. while pure barre and bar method follow the traditional "barre" format (which i obviously enjoy because i'm a student as well), "barre" code is a misnomer because they offer many different formats. if fact, the classes i've attended so far barely utilize the barre! my favorites are brawl and barre code. the 3 studios i've visited all seem to have the same characteristics: random dark upper level or lower level gutted space. i almost feel like i'm in a decked out studio apartment in the city. i'm disappointed in the changing area/lockers - wished it was more of a traditional locker room to accommodate more people. really stressful to wait for a changing room when i'm coming for a lunch break. it's just a very bizarre set-up IMO. like any studio, you need to find instructors that work well with you. when i first started taking classes, the instructor would come up to me, whisper some sort of adjustment and walk away and i'd have no clue what she meant. while some don't like when instructors get all up in your business (like pure barre and bar method), i think hands on assists and adjusts are the only way to help a student get the most out of class. read more

Great instructors and amazing community! My favorite classes are brawl and barre with Jen

I love The Barre Code at Michigan Avenue! I have been going regularly for about 6 months and I still get an incredible work out each time I go (the shake doesn't go away!). There's a variety of classes to balance both cardio and strength. The instructors at this location are all amazing and those at the front desk are always so nice and welcoming. Jen is the instructor for a lot of the classes I go to because of my schedule and she is WONDERFUL! She brings such a positive attitude and SO much energy to each class. She also spends the perfect amount of time making adjustments when needed, which I find really helpful. If you're looking for a great workout at a much more affordable price than other barre places, I highly recommend trying out The Barre Code! read more

This boutique, all- women studio is sleek and inviting. Although i wish with everything that there were clean and attractive showers available. I agree with what others have said about needing to find the right instructors if you want to get the best workout. After a few weeks i have found my perfect schedule. A few classes i can personally recommend are brawl with Sarah jane, baryassa with Helen, and tbc with Lina. I think it is totally possible to get a good workout here if you find the classes and instructors that work for you. read more

Great classes great instructors. I pre paid for a week of classes but wish I had done my homework first. This location couldn't have been more convenient for me, almost across the street from my office and my train. BUT, there are no showers. They offer early morning weekday classes but you can't shower so that was a definite deal breaker. The fees aren't that far off of from other studios that do offers showers so even though the other studio has a much less convenient location, for the sake of my co-workers I will choose the shower. read more

I've been attending barre classes for the past 3 months and I loved all of the classes. The instructors were motivating and corrected your form throughout the classes. My favorite classes were the barre code, burn, and TBC. Every class leaves your muscles fatigued. The staff at the desk are always helpful and pleasant when you arrive. read more

I really love this studio! It's small, but the receptionist is always very friendly to me and the instructor is great! I typically do a morning barre. Also love that they have items to help me get ready afterwards in their changing area. read more

I really like this place! Ive been doing yoga for years and I want to integrate some variety. Ive attended three classes and my experience was wonderful! The instructors were kind and motivational - even though I often need modifications. I would love to attend one or two classes a week but the price for an individual class is incredibly high. For now, ill be going once in a while but I hope they consider reducing their prices to get more regular customers. They also need more classes! I hate the limited classes in the weekends. They desperately need 8pm classes on weekdays as well! --- Update: I have to bump this place from a 4 to 1. Quality of instruction has really shot down and customer service is horrible. I emailed the studio about an experience I had but I never heard back from them....im stuck with a few more classes and Im dreading it. When I first started to come here, the instructors were great. They showed you how to do things with modifications and then they came around to see if people were doing the movement correctly. They don't care about form at all which means the likelihood pf injury os super high. There are lots of barre classes around the city - avoid this one. read more

There is no competition, Barre Bee Fit is the BEST!!! They offer a variety of different classes and all of them have some kind of toning aspect to it. The instructors are really nice and are available for questions before and after classes. The owners and executive team are also super nice-- to be able to take classes with them at no additional cost is such a great deal. There is so much I love about barre bee fit but what I love the most is no two classes are ever the same and every class I attend kicks my butt. I feel like it is impossible to get bored with working out at barre bee fit- they constantly change the routines and the music. They also get me to do workouts that I have absolutely no motivation doing by myself at home like the chair, planks, and tri-cep dips. If you like taking back-to-back classes I totally recommend taking Ellen's Monday 5:45pm bee class and then her 7:00pm brawl class. Ellen does a great job changing up the abs, arms, and butt series so that you do not do the same thing in both classes. Other favorite teachers of mine are Ari, Jillian, Suleen, Madeline, Ali, Carla, Justina, Stephanie, Teresa, and Susan. Susan and Ari are also fabulous instructors to take back-to-back classes with (only they both teach on Saturdays at the same time at different studios). Anyways tons of great instructors at Barre Bee Fit. They will keep you motivated! read more

Love taking barre classes here! Some classes are definitely more challenging than other but 100% more enjoyable than going to the gym. Teachers are helpful if you do not know how to execute a move and the front desk is always welcoming. Don't forget if you cancel a class within their cancellation time frame, they will charge you. read more

At the Michigan Avenue location, a couple of the instructors are rude. In an interval barre class, I injured my lower back.

My friend had a code for a free class, which was great because I've been dying to try Barre Brawl, which was named one of the best workout classes in the nation by SELF Magazine. While I've hardly been to a workout class that I disliked (see AIR Aerial Fitness), this class was hands down the most fun I've had during a class ever! It was a mixture of kickboxing sequences (with optional weights), strength work, and just a lot of jumping around. The instructor was super cute and enthusiastic and the sequences weren't too hard to keep up with even though I was new. The class also had a short barre sequence towards the end, which is just the way I like it because traditional barre classes can get a little repetitive for me. There are also a ton of other classes to choose from, so I feel like I would never get bored. If I wasn't already attending a bunch of workout classes through a Groupon and LivingSocial deal, I would sign up for an unlimited monthly membership in a heartbeat! read more

The studio manager does a great job of keeping everything neat and tidy! The instructors are great - love Ellen. She will keep you moving and her classes are always motivating. If you are looking to workout and meet some awesome people this is the place for you! read more