Seven years ago, I dropped in on a free “community class” at the Bar Method Berkeley studio and almost 1,000 classes later, I can say that it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my physical and mental well being (which became even clearer during the long months of the pandemic!). From the get-go, I was warmly welcomed by the staff, and any intimidation I envisioned feeling immediately melted away when I saw how uplifting and supportive the instructors were of the array of abilities, body types, and ages around the studio. They have a way of making individual corrections and compliments sound equally positive! After all of these years, I’ve never become bored or complacent, thanks to the variety of classes (from Bar Express to Advanced) and the periodic challenges that inject an extra dose of fun and camaraderie into the Bar Method Berkeley community. Speaking of community, when the pandemic hit, Helen and her staff pivoted to remote classes with impressive grace and speed, and it’s not much of an exaggeration to say that those Zoom sessions were a lifesaver during the long days of quarantine; the studio still streams most of its classes for those who want/need that option. As the world has reopened, though, so have in-person classes—in the safest, most thoughtful way imaginable: vaccines required (and masks, too, at least for now), top-of-the-line ventilation, and deep cleaning between classes. If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and inspiring workout—and a supportive community of interesting, friendly folks—I strongly recommend you give Bar Method Berkeley a call!

The Bar Method in Berkeley has provided far and away the best workout experience I have ever had. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the facility is modern and clean and the instructors are knowledgeable, helpful and super friendly. I have tried numerous forms of exercise in the past, both classes and gyms, and I have not been able to motivate myself to stay engaged in the workout for more than a few months. The Bar Method in Berkeley feels totally different to me - it is a hard workout but one that I want to do over and over again. My body feels so much stronger and the results in terms of toning and weight loss are truly impressive. Very highly recommended!

Bar Method Berkeley is an amazing place. Their workouts are fun and engaging. My strength, balance and flexibility have all improved. The instructors create a welcoming environment that is inclusive for people of all types and ages. Highly recommend!!

I've been coming to classes here for a little over a year and love it! All the instructors are amazing, remember everyone's name, and gently correct your form. You can make the class as hard as you need it to be that day, and when everyone's movements sync together and with the music, it's really something special 💕

I have shopped around many studios in the area and the Bar Method Berkeley is my favorite. The classes are well designed and the instructors are professional and warm. Highly recommended it!

Bright, clean and airy studio. Wonderfully friendly, welcoming and supportive staff who challenge you to do your best. A great workout that is very aware of alignment and injury prevention. Great all around!

I have been a client at this studio for 9 years. It's hard to believe, but the time has flown by! During the pandemic Helen, the studio owner, showed us what the true meaning of community was by keeping us all in touch and engaged with online Zoom classes, contests and optional outdoor classes at a local park! We stayed strong together and helped keep each other sane during the shut downs. Once the studio re-opened, Helen being a great business person, added 4 large air purifiers around the studio and updated the HVAC system; there were always ceiling fans. I sincerely appreciate that the air purifiers are still being used. We work HARD in class but it is worth it! I love the way Bar Method is continually evolving and we now have several new formats (Bar Strength, Bar Cardio and Bar Flow) which continue to keep long-time clients engaged and challenged. Cardio was something that was a little sparse before so I'm very glad we have more classes for that now. We also have fun contests a few times a year which further motivate us to work out. The instructors and staff are all wonderful and there are no "bad" teachers, just strong, skilled and caring ones who go through an extensive training and testing program before they are certified. We are also extremely fortunate to have several master teachers in the normal rotation! The emphasis on proper form is what keeps me coming back because I not only want to exercise, but I want to do so efficiently and to not hurt myself! One thing to note is if you do not like to be called out by name with corrections to your form during class, then this may not be the exercise method for you. It is not negative if you are called out in class. It's only for your benefit to keep you from injury and to help you get more out of the exercise. If you come in with that understanding from the start, you will be well-prepared and not be taken aback or offended. If you are a perfectionist, however, you will love it from the start. After 9 years I still receive corrections to my form, especially when I am physically spent, sleepy, or we are doing an unfamiliar exercise, and just like at the beginning of my Bar Method journey I appreciate it! It means the teacher has my best interests at heart and I'm all for not getting injured and also getting the most out of every move I make! Also, different teachers can point out different issues which makes me even more aware of how I can improve. So, don't be afraid to give it a try and if you get called out a lot in the beginning just know we've all been there and it will only make you stronger.

There is something about the lighting, the people and the teachers that make going to the Bar Method Berkeley a real pleasure. Sometimes when you are doing your 100th push up you might ask ”Is this making a difference?” And I can definitely say yes! On Saturday I thought I’d challenge myself to walk all the way up Marin Ave from The Alameda and I have say that after 200+ classes at the Bar Method it was much easier. My calves and glutes are definitely stronger. Helen and the team are always mixing up the classes and are really helpful with any adjustments. If you are looking to try something new I highly recommend Bar Method Berkeley.

If I could have dreamt up a workout that was exactly customized to challenge my mind and body, it would be the one you find at the Berkeley Bar Method studio. Between the bright, natural lighting of the space and the care, attention and expertise of the instructors, it's easy to feel welcome. But it's the spirit of the place that draws me back, from the class formats that become familiar but never tedious to the unique exercises that leave your muscles feeling exactly the good amount of sore. And I'll let you in on the secret it took me too long to figure out: the more you go, the more you'll want to go. It's 60 minutes of the day that I never regret.

I started bar method about 2 weeks ago and I love it! I am a runner who’s been looking to build strength in a progressive and mindful way and this is it! I already feel stronger, my plank holds are longer, and I’m becoming aware with my body patterns/imbalances. I love that all the instructors are open to reviewing questions after class. Lovely studio and friendly staff :)

This is my happy place! The Bar Method Berkeley is such a welcoming community, and I love taking class here. Come for the friendly staff & instructors, stay for the strength, stamina, and grace.

I began coming to this studio shortly after it opened and quickly became addicted to this exercise which is still challenging me almost 10 years later. Knowledgeable and caring instructors who will push you to do more than you thought you were capable of and also make you laugh! A wonderful and welcoming community. I always leave class with a stronger feeling body and mind.

My favorite bar studio in the east bay—I’m so lucky is so close to my home! Helen and the team of instructors are talented and supportive of everyone’s fitness journey offering challenges and modifications in every class. The schedule is amazing with many convenient options 7 days a week and even has livestream options. I love all the contests/challenges to keep the community engaged. Finally—the bar method community is friendly and welcoming at each class!

I am a devoted fan of The Bar Method Berkeley. I've been taking classes 3 to 4 times a week for 8 years. The teachers are highly trained and knowledgeable, each being unique, helpful, patient and fun. Not a young woman when I started, I must admit the first 2 or 3 classes were a bit of a challenge, but once my muscles adjusted, I had, and still have, an exhilarating feeling of accomplishment and well-being at the end of each class. The studio, always sparkling clean and tidy, is run amazingly well. Helen, the owner, is a creative, clever and thoughtful business woman who continually comes up with ideas to make the studio work for everyone and to make the studio a place you want to be. During the COVID lockdown, she responded with livestreaming classes on Zoom and holding weekend classes outside in the park. Currently, classes are offered in the studio, livestream and as recordings. And finally, I want to point out the supportive, friendly community of all who teach and all who take classes. It is a comfortable, positive environment.

My fave workout! You will work muscles you didn't know you had. But the best thing about The Bar Method Berkeley is the community - I am always so impressed by the instructors and staff knowing everyone's names, the hands-on corrections they provide and the fun challenges they organize.

I have been taking classes from this studio remotely for over a year now. The classes are challenging and very effective yet fun and entertaining. This is a workout I actually look forward to! The instructors are very well trained to provide safe and effective sessions that will improve your strength, shape and posture. Each class is different so you don't just go through the motions. The workout is always paired with great music. I don't live close enough to the studio to take in-person classes but the zoom classes have been working surprisingly well for me. All of the instructors are doing an amazing job at creating motivating and fun classes for all attendees in-studio and remote. I am so grateful I found this studio and I highly recommend it.

I love the encouraging environment of Bar! You can be any age, weight or level of fitness and feel welcomed. The program really is a total body workout, and it’s never easy but can be made harder if you choose all the hardest options. I’m the kind of person who hates machines at the gym. I’d never stick to anything if I had to lead myself through; having these very trained teachers who know how to guide me to get the most effective workout without hurting myself is like having a personal trainer for a fraction of the cost. I find it meditative to be able to throw myself fully into the hard exercises - but never jarring or stressful in the way that HIIT can be (good for those of us with adrenal fatigue) - a kind of focused zoning out that a well led class allows me to do! I feel stronger and have toned and tightened without a big focus on weight loss which can be discouraging. It’s happening naturally. I am grateful for this non competitive, supportive and fun studio.

The Bar Method workout is challenging and grounded in a deep understanding of how the human body works. The highly trained instructors provide individual corrections throughout class, ensuring that everyone is using proper form so as to avoid injury and get optimal results. And the classes are fun! I have been attending classes at Bar Method Berkeley for 9 years, and the workout is still challenging and effective. There are multiple class formats offered, some more aerobic, others more yoga-like and restorative. The workouts incorporate strength training, cardio, and stretching. Bar Method is truly a workout for every level of fitness enthusiast. The best thing about the Berkeley studio however is the community. The owner and instructors are so warm and inclusive, and the community of members is diverse, vibrant, and supportive. It is truly my second home, and my happiest of happy places. I highly recommend Bar Method Berkeley to anyone who is looking for a place to get fit, stay fit, and join a wonderful community!

Wanted to include a review of Berkeley Bar Method deep into the COVID pandemic. This studio has been a life saver for me in balancing connection with fitness and strength. While not in the studio now, they offer remote classes (live with access to recordings for 1 wk) as well as the occasional outdoor class. The instructors are knowledgeable, supportive and helpful. They’ve adapted so well to the online format—join us and give it a try!!!!

I love The Bar Method! As a runner, taking Bar Method classes has been an important part of my training regime keeping me injury free for over 5 years! The instructors at this beautiful studio are extremely knowledgeable, caring and give personalized attention to everyone in class. The vibe is welcoming, friendly and I really appreciate how there are people of all body shapes and sizes welcomed and made to feel accomplished for being there and doing the work!

I'm so glad I "found" the Bar Method!! I started my barre exercise journey at a different brand of class in downtown Berkeley. Bar Method is, honestly, just better in every way. The community is diverse in age and ability. The instructors are awesome with modifications especially for women who are pregnant or have had breast cancer. The space is so clean, bright and airy. The kids who are getting care while mom is taking care of herself seem truly happy to be there. And, most importantly, the movements feel so safe and strengthening. Instructors are extremely well trained to keep everyone's joints and muscles safe. My favorite classe "Bar Restore" with Erin-- 30 min exercise, 30 min stretching. Awesome. I love this community and can't wait to get back in the studio! In the meantime, the live stream classes are working well.

I love everything about The Bar Method in Berkeley! I am so much stronger than I was before I started taking classes. The instructors are kind, knowledgeable and inspiring. The community is friendly and encouraging. And as a bonus, the studio is clean and organized!

A friend convinced me to do a one month trial of Bar Method Berkeley a little over three years ago. I figured I'd try it for a month, but didn't ever see myself as the type of person that would go to a barre classes regularly...And here I am, three years later, and not feeling my best unless I get to class 4-5 times a week! What impressed me most when I started was that there is no single "type" of person that comes to this studio-- it's people of all ages and body types all participating in a workout that works for them. The classes are fast-paced and fun, and instructors offer modifications for when you're new, or if you're recovering from an injury, or to make it more challenging when you're stronger. The instructors are fantastic, the members are lovely, and the studio is a great space in a great location (early morning/evening the meters are free, and there's non-metered parking a block away). They've taken COVID precautions very seriously-- great ventilation, air purifiers, masks, and proof of vaccination. Definitely would recommend trying out, even if you don't think it's for you--you might surprise yourself like I did!

Always spotlessly clean and bright studio with wonderful and supportive instructors and staff! They have been flexible and accommodating in offering virtual classes during the pandemic, which have been a lifesaver. As a long time client, they have kept me motivated and dedicated to improving my form. Highly recommend this studio if you’re looking for barre classes!

Great studio! All the instructors and staff are friendly and nice. The studio is always clean. During the challenging workouts, the instructors offer modifications and corrections for good form and best results. I only started going to the studio recently, but I never felt intimidated since everyone's been welcoming. It helps to see varying levels of experience and receive encouragement during the workouts!