movie + the Bar
Hiiiii 🙂 How’s your day going? So excited you liked the almond milk truffle recipe. So glad round two wasn’t a total fail… in fact, most of them are gone. 🙂 Also, don’t forget to check in here with today’s workout to win an amazing prize pack from Sizzlefish!
Yesterday, Livi and I had a date and went to see Paddington. We had almost the entire theater to ourselves,
and a lovely popcorn to share.
We ended up leaving the movie early -Liv was a little freaked out by the Nicole Kidman villainess- but we still had fun. 🙂
Yesterday was an off day from the gym, and we had Taco Tuesday night here at home. Latest trick to the taco meat: brown it up with bell pepper, onion, salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, and oregano. Before serving, add a splash of Tamari. It was perfect rolled up with corn tortillas, spinach, guacamole, manchego and salsa.
From the title of this post, you may be thinking I’m talking about this kind of bar:
(HOT BAR)
or perhaps this
(for the record, these bars taste like candy)
but it was this kind. 🙂
[This was a photo of the Bar Method studio, but I was asked to remove it.]
I finally took a Bar Method class last week, and I’ve been meaning to write a Focus On post. I think I may need to try another class before I make a full assessment, because as of now, it’s my least favorite barre studio that I’ve tried. (Some of the ones I’ve tried include Pure Barre, Barre3, Core Fusion, Physique57, Barre Body, Dailey Method, Booty Barre, Total Barre, and Studio Barre).The studio was absolutely gorgeous and the woman at the front desk was sweet and wonderful, but I didn’t love the class itself. As far as workouts go, I got a good workout, but I’ve been trying to put my finger on what was “off” about it; I decided that it was a mix of the coaching style and low-energy vibe. It may have been the instructor, so as always, I think it’s beneficial to try a class with more than one instructor to see if a studio is a good fit.
The coaching was almost all in a negative manner, and seemed unnecessarily specific. “Sarah, move your toe in one inch.” “Mary, lift your arms one inch.” A majority of these didn’t seem to be big enough deal-breakers to me to be constantly calling out participants individually. (I’m not saying this is *right and the only way* but when I’m coaching and notice something one or a few people are doing incorrectly, I’ll make a general statement to the group and usually they will correct it without being called out in front of everyone. If they miss the memo, I’ll walk over and gently adjust them or move the mic away and just talk to them for a second.) Also, I didn’t hear much praise for the people who were rocking it out (and some girls in there were rocking.it.out.) So, while I got a good workout, it’s not on my “must go back now” list. I’m glad I gave it a whirl, though!
Today, I’m excited to spend the morning with my little sidekick and teaching spin later tonight.
Hope you have a great morning. <3
xoxo
Gina
If you take barre, what’s your favorite style or method?? If you aren’t a barre fan, have you tried any new classes or studios lately?
Something to do: Workout #4! This is a mix of strength with cardio blasts. Bonus: you can do it indoors with a pair of dumbbells if you’re snowed in. xo
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I too has the same experience with bar method! Not my favorite. Barre Fusion, Booty Barre, Define, Barre3 and Physique 57 are my favorite.
I agree! We just got Bar Method here in Charlotte, so they’ve been hosting free community classes for a few months now as part of their marketing strategy. Even though they’re free, I stopped going because something was just off about it. Glad I’m not the only one that felt this way!
You should so try The Batre Code. Talk about positive energy. And we even have an interval barre class… That could be your one true love Gina!’
ohhhhh that sounds awesome
I just tried Barre Code last week (BC class) and loved it! It was really challenging for me, but I can’t wait to try it again this weekend.
I was actually thinking about a drinking bar, haha! I love Pure Barre and Barre3 workouts. And THANK YOU for the at-home friendly workouts! Much needed right now!
i thought i’d have a pic of one in my photos, but no haha. just hot bar, and bars you eat
That’s so interesting that you dislike that style of teaching!
I actually LOVE getting called out very detailed feedback.
Just goes to re-enforce that we all like something different when it comes to our fitness an teaching styles!
-That being said, I’ve only taken one Pure Barre class so I really don’t have much perspective on Barre itself!
There are so many barre options! Omaha just got not one but two Pure Barres. I just wish I could justify the cost.
I STILL haven’t tried a barre class of any sort, but I totally agree with you on the preferred style of making corrections. I think I’d be kind of embarrassed or uncomfortable if the instructor kept calling me out like that, and as you say, I think it’s important to balance the corrections with praise for what the participants are doing really well!
For me, instructors can make or break a barre class. I used to belong to a local studio here and they started churning out instructors like it was a factory. Every class, someone new was teaching. Eventually, I didn’t feel connected to any of the instructors and cancelled my membership. I used to love Bar Method here in Chicago – definitely give it another go!
I agree with you about making a general statement to the class rather than calling out individuals. My Sunday morning yoga class is pretty intimate. When I see one student maybe leaning too far forward in side angle or with legs too close or far apart in a warrior pose I will make a general suggestion to the class (“look down at your feet and consider if you can get more from the pose with a longer stance.” “try not to fall into your shoulder.”). The worst yoga experience I ever had was an Ashtanga class in which the teacher, who I had just met that class, called at me from across the room to make an adjustment. I understood that she didn’t do many hands on adjustments but for a newbie that can be a total deal breaker.
gah. sometimes that type of feedback makes the whole class blah even if you’re not the one being called out. At my bikram studio there’s one instructor who will just pick someone and rail on them the whole class. And even if it’s not me (which it usually isn’t) it affects my vibe of the class because I feel so bad for them!
I felt the exact same way when I went to a class there as well. Could not put my finger on it…but I have not been back 🙂
I love barre and take a ‘native barre’ class that has a little more movement and fun music!
That is so strange about Bar Method. I don’t like negative feedback in a class, but I do appreciate it when instructors are watching everyone and making sure everyone is performing everything correctly. It can be done in a positive way though! So excited they made Paddington into a movie. 🙂
I usually stick with Flybarre – I’m a Flywheel addict so I may be biased. My sister is also an instructor so that may double up the bias as well!
ahh i’ve been wanting to try that!
Gina, I had the same experience at the bar method here in Chicago! I love PureBarre, and Dailey Method is okay too. We don’t have Barre3 here, wish we did. I agree with everything you said about the coaching style and instructor, so I should probably give it another try but like you, it’s not high on my list. I prefer PureBarre for my barre workouts!
I felt the same way about Bar Method! I got a groupon for 4 unlimited weeks so I went a lot – and my feelings were the same from day one. I don’t like all the constant (and it really never stops) feedback and calling out people’s names. I love Pure Barre and was used to that style of teaching so was really taken aback by Bar Method. I also felt like Bar Method was really low energy. I didn’t feel like I was getting as good of a workout as Pure Barre.
I had that same experience at Barre Method as well! I’m glad I wasn’t alone in feeling that way!!
I recently tried a Pure Barre class… And it was way tougher than I expected! I’m still debating about whether I want to go back or not haha.
I had the same experience with The Dailey Method which is in SF and similar to Bar Method. I didn’t get a great workout. I have heard better things about Pure Barre. I think I may just prefer other workouts!
I’ve had the same experience at The Bar Method. I always felt like I wasn’t ‘good enough’ at it because the instructors called me out individually and there wasn’t a lot of ‘great work’ & praise. I’ve taken a few class a BM and found that this is how they train their instructors. In contrast, I do LOVE Pure Barre – I always felt like a great student there and was confident in my abilities at the barre. The instructors were encouraging and corrective in a manner that didn’t make me feel as if I were called out.
yes, overall it just seemed very negative to me. corrections are great (and so important for safety) but classes should be fun 🙂
I don’t enjoy classes where teachers are like that. It turns it into a stressful thing when I’m usually there to de-stress!
I’ve been a Pure Barre enthusiast for over a year now and wonder how different types of barre classes differ. We have lots of different options here in Chicago, including The Bar Method. I’ve never been to a Pure Barre class where they call people out individually for negative things – only if they’re doing well. Interesting to hear how other classes are taught.
Thanks for the focus on this. I have been wanting to try a Barre/Bar class and there are so many options! I am sure they all have their pro’s and con’s but it is great to get some insight on each one!
It’s hard to find that balance — an instructor who is specific enough, but doesn’t drag the class down with the tiny specifics. Part of me thinks that some of their exercises are just a bit too contorted, too! I’ve done a lot of classes, but those exercises were some of the most complicated and intricate I’ve ever tried.
Always fun to get in a barre workout, though. 🙂
Always, Anita
Wow I wouldn’t like that at all if someone was calling me out by name in a class. Best to correct the person by coming over. No need to point it out to everyone. I’m very sensitive to that because I have some limitations and I hate it when someone tries to call me out when they don’t know I can’t do the move that way. This is one reason why I don’t do a lot of group fitness classes.
one thing i learned from les mills is that different people prefer different types of coaching. some, like you, are super sensitive to being called out, while others like it. it’s why it’s important to not use the same method for everyone in your class
Have not tried it, but the new workout I tried last week (and still have blood blisters from) was crossfit! It would be fun to try out a barre class sometime:)
I actually love the individual attention at Bar Method! I took Pure Barre for awhile and I felt like the instructors weren’t very diligent about making sure you were doing the exercise with the correct form, and I really appreciate it in Bar Method when the instructors correct you. I feel like with such small, targeted movements, if no one is watching your form closely you could just be coasting through class and not getting into the muscles that the exercises are targeting. I’ve always felt like corrections have been done in a positive way at my studio, and that instructors praise a lot too, so maybe try another class with a different instructor? I’ve only done Pure Barre and Bar Method so I can’t compare to any other barre type class, but I for one LOVE Bar Method and would recommend it to anyone!
Julie, I completely agree with you. I loved the personal attention at Bar Method. I took BM classes for about 2 years and appreciated being corrected to ensure I was doing the movements correctly and safely. It must really come down to the instructor and culture at the studio. I always appreciated that the BM instructors learned everyone’s name and always felt that they wanted you to succeed. I moved to a new city 1.5 years ago and now attend Pure Barre instead of BM b/c of proximity to home. While I love the actual PB workout, it does bother me that some instructors never bother to correct me – or even get to know me and encourage me.
yeah i think that was what was weird to me. even if you’re correcting (which is great, and instructors should be!), it’s nice to balance the positive with the corrections
So sorry you had that experience at Bar Method. I have been going since the Fall and it is the best thing I have ever done. I went on a recommendation of a PT after an injury and now that I have recovered I haven’t stopped because I feel so good. While the instructors at my studio do call individuals out for modifications, they also praise individuals by name just as often.
Xtend Barre is my favorite! Like you, I have tried a variety of barre studios. I always leave Xtend Barre feeling like I got a great workout — they keep you motivated, don’t call you out individually in front of the class and are truly experts in the technique. There are a few studios in your area…would love to see you try a class and write a review!
That movie theater pic is so cute! I have a 2.5 year old but I don’t think she is ready for a movie yet. She hates when things are too loud, so I’m afraid to take her. Are kid’s movies as loud as adult?
Also, I am obsessed with your Brownie Batter Amazeballs. SO GOOD!
i’m so happy you like them! i’ve found that they’re not as loud because they don’t tend to be as action packed.
I just started barre3 and I like it- but I do really miss my cardiobarre studio in socal! Seriously class passes by so fast, defiantly my favorite workout. I’ve tried daily method too which I thought was a bit boring. There is a bar method studio down the street from me now but I’m not so sure I’d like that teaching style!
So before the barre phenomenon, bar method opened up in St Louis 5+ years ago and I drove past it several times thinking it was just a bar supply store… haha whoops! I have since moved to Denver and love having all the different variety of barre classes here. I would say that Bar Method definitely depends on the instructor. I love Pure Barre, my legs are definitely shaking and get a great workout. The Dailey Method is more of a blend of Barre and Pilates. It’s awesome at working my core more than the other barre classes I’ve been to. I still haven’t tried Barre3, so that’s next on my list!
Good for you for leaving the theater with your daughter when she was frightened. All too much, parents say, “Ohh, you’re not_.” (Fill in the blank.) When a child is told that they are not scared, sad, upset, it’s ok, etc, they don’t develop a sense of discernment. If a child is encouraged to feel their feelings, later on they will be more in-tuned to their “gut.” And that gut feeling often times saves us from peril or trouble as an adolescent, or teen. She will thank you later for listening to her cues. It will go farther than you even can imagine, in this season of your parenting. (I am a older mom, with a teen, tween, & a preschooler 😉
totally agree. that was something that was confusing to me as a child (feeling scared, and told i wasn’t scared or something similar) so it’s been important for tom and myself to always honor how she’s feeling, especially if she’s expressing it
I’v been so curious to try Barre Method….thank you for the honest review of it! I agree with the teaching style- it is nice when instructors are a bit more discreet rather than calling people out.
Side note- I just posted my favorite gluten-free vegan V-day recipe (Red Velvet Pancakes with Cashew Cream Glaze)- check it out if you’re interested!
xo, Lauren @ http://alovelysideproject.com
Also, my V-day lookbook is on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymJ2Sb80zi4
I couldn’t agree more regarding coaching style. I have never had an instructor do that – they all make general comments like you do – but it would be a big turn off. And I’m not one to usually be bothered by being pointed out… although I’m sure it would be a HUGE deal-breaker for many! Not cool!
It’s so interesting to hear your (and other commenters’) feedback about Bar Method because it’s the only Barre-type class I’ve taken, so I’ve never had anything to compare it to. I’ve since ended my membership for other reasons, but now I’m curious about other Barre workouts!
I am super bummed to hear that you did not like The Bar Method as much as I do! I think that for most clients the first class is a strange experience, so I hope you give it another try. I agree, all instructors are different and you will find your favorites. I certainly have mine!
I am a Bar Method Instructor at another studio in CA and wanted to tell you more about the method. Yes, reading some of this hurt my sore glutes because I am so dedicated to the method and knowing that your experience was low energy and negative makes me want to stomp over to your house in my Lululemons so you can get your money’s worth. 🙂
One part of the method is addressing every student by name, and I find that most clients appreciate this personalized attention. Bar Method was also designed with physical therapists (I am sure you know this), much of the one inch corrections you heard may have seemed too small to make a difference but are meant to move clients into a safe position. Sometimes this means clients are only one inch from that, especially the ones who have been taking class for a while. I can’t speak for other barre based classes but I can speak for the Bar Method. Becoming certified is intense, period. Instructors are trained over the course of a week, take exams on anatomy, have 6 months post-training (which involves spotting and hosting free classes-community classes #notformarketing) take an exam on a 600 page manual, then record a video to be approved. This process while rigorous shows just how detail oriented and safe the workout aims to be. Like I said I can’t speak for other barre based classes, but I have seen a few ads for barre instructor training that only involves one weekend to get certified. Personally, I would not feel comfortable teaching clients with only one weekend of training.
Lastly, The Bar Method tends to avoid group or general verbal corrections because in most cases the entire class doesn’t need the same attention. But you are right, people work their asses off at Bar Method and they deserve to be praised for their hard work. What I appreciate about my fellow instructors is that they call over 25 students by name, count on beat, remember choreography, turn on the fans, dim the lights, correct clients, praise clients, pass out balls, pass out mats, smile, and try to be energetic all at once. I am amazed by everything about the Bar Method, both the instructors and clients inspire me. It is a positive place and I feel lucky to be a part of it.
-Hope you give it another chance
Hmmm … yes the instructor can make or break a class, so it’s smart to give it another shot. I enjoy Pure Barre and I had a great class at Pop Physique as well.
ahhh i’ve been wanting to try pop physique!
I have only had the opportunity to try Bar Method “live” (I have tried Barre3 and P57 on DVD). I liked it at first but after awhile I thought every class felt way too similar. Some instructors included more difficult exercises and seemed to have more reps (as some classes were definitely “harder” than others), but all were structured the exact same way, which made it feel repetitive after a couple of classes. Are other barre methods like that? Like “first we warm up with arms, then we do thighs, then butt, then abs”, etc.? In addition, it seemed like all the instructors even said the same exact things and made the same types of corrections using the same words!
I think they use names to try to make the class more personal, like “we are all buddies here”, but as they ask your name when you walk in specifically so they can use it to correct you, it kinda kills the “girlfriend” vibe. It’s like if I had known what you were going to use my name for, I wouldn’t have given it to you :).
yes, many barre studios will have a specific order they train in, but the exercises in that set should be different each time
haha and totally agree about the name thing!
Such a bummer you had a not so great Bar Method experience!!! I am a Bar Method devotee (I’ve tried a bunch of others as well, including Pure Barre and Physique 57) – I think it definitely depends on the instructor and the studio – they’re all so different and can make or break the class – definitely give someone else another go! The Princeton studio is AMAZING!
i totally agree; different instructors and studios make a huge difference
I’m a Pure Barre gal, I love the workouts (variation, music, format) and the positive coaching style. I’ve taken over 115 classes, so my next goal is the “250 club”. I do like variation in my workouts though (running, zumba, strength, etc) so this may take a little while! (I was shocked at how long it took to get to 100 going 3-4x a week!)
wow, that is awesome!!
I’ve yet to try Barre out, but I think I will soon (been eyeing it like a fine piece of ….candy haha). I definitely would hated hearing people be singled out so I can see why you wouldn’t enjoy it- especially since you teach and know not to single people out! We’ve only done the movies one so far (my girl is 2.25 years old), and we made it through about an hour. I’d be interested to see how she does now. And also seeing Nicole Kidman as a villain!
yes! i was like, “how are you a villain?” but she was good at it 😉
It’s refreshing to hear that you also prefer more general comments. Everyone has room for improvement after all.
I do BarreAmped at the local studio but haven’t tried other forms. Maybe time to expand my horizons! I did a yoga sculpt class this morning & love that best myself.
An empty movie theatre? You must’ve went at a convenient time. 🙂 Most of the time when I go it’s pretty darn crowded. You know–rush hour, weekends, friday afternoon?
tuesday 11am is the time to go haha
My old barre class was cancelled, so I’d love to find another one. I do Barre3 videos sometimes, but its not the same as the classes.
I completely agree with your review! I’ve taken numerous instructors and I think that low energy is just their method. They are very formal and not very encouraging. Decent workout though.
I’m so happy to hear you say this, because I had the exact same reaction when I took a month of Bar Method classes a year ago! I though it was just me, but I felt totally picked on the whole time, so much so that I was almost scared to make another move for fear of being called out. In the end it just got embarrassing, and for the amount of money it costs was just not worth it.
I’ve never tried a barre class but I have gone to an ab class where the instructor did the same thing! This was a free class at my school gym, and my 2nd time going to one. She personally called me out because I didn’t know I was supposed to “register” for the class and give her a ticket. She made a huge deal about it in front of everyone! I was totally thrown off because the 1st class I took (a completely different one) the instructor didn’t say anything. Let’s just say I won’t be going back to her class!
wow so interesting! I am sure it depends on the instructor but having only tried pure bar and bar method myself I dont know that it will be THAT different next time. I had only taken bar method for the longest time and loved it – i found the subtle corrections helpful bc in bar sometimes an inch or two really DOES make a difference (my first few classes i found easy until i took the adjustments to heart and then I was sweating like an animal). I also feel a bit “safer” bc I feel as though they are trained to ensure you dont hurt yourself. So many people recommended pure bar so I gave it a try and while i found it a bit higher intensity, I felt that we moved through each section so fast, that I had little time to adjust and get into proper form before switching it up. I also felt confused bc there was very little said (to individuals or to the class) to specify if we should be “tucked” or whatnot therefore I questioned if i was doing it correctly and didnt really notice as much in the way of next day muscle fatigue. I will probably give it another go though just to be sure. Doesnt hurt to mix it up!
That is one of the many reasons I love yoga- the teacher usually doesn’t instruct or command or even praise so much- it’s more like maybe a few adjustments depending on the students anatomy and personal comfort zone. I did ballet for years and definitely find this quite different! I’ve tried the bar method once and thought the same thing. Great post, thanks 🙂
I just bought a Groupon for two weeks of unlimited Pure Bare. It is a little out of the way, but it was too good a deal not to pass it up. Even if I only go 3 or 4 times, I def. will be getting my money worth! There is also an Orangetherapy that just opened up sort of close by so I will have to check it out. I know they let you do your first class for free, so that is pretty cool.