Oh Bar classes, how I love (and sometimes loathe) thee. You kick me in the ass but give me a great one doing it- Poetic justice, if you will. But the Bar Wars! So many classes and options to choose from! What is the difference?! I have attended all of the above classes and many, many times at that, so please allow me to explain the variation of these bar classes.
Bar Method
Fisher-Price my first bar class! Bar Method is the original bar class and while challenging at first, it is also totally manageable. Bar Method has a basic vocabulary of moves that target each key muscle group of your body. Right when the going gets tough, the song changes to something soothingly slow and it’s time to stretch that muscle group. This method of breaking in between muscle groups to stretch is awesome-sauce, if you ask me. It allows you to focus on the task at hand, knowing relief is on its way. Eventually though, the basic vocabulary of moves becomes repetitive and only the spunkiest teacher can keep you coming back for more. Bar Method is great for first-time Bar goers and those who really want to focus on their tuckus.
Physique 57
Physique 57 is like Bar Method on Crack. Physique retains the resistance training that Bar employs, while adding on a whole other layer of cardio that simply seems non-stop. In short, it’s a Mother Fucker. I’m sorry, but there really is no other way to describe a Physique class without dropping an F-bomb. I utter it at least once in every class. Even the teachers seem like they’re on crack as they smile throughout the hour with sadistic glee. I find this mirth infectious though and totally up my alley. This class is great if (a) you like to torture yourself and do it with a smile and (b) if you want to focus on your quads (where I usually feel the most the day after).
Pop Physique
If the porridge at Bar Method is too cold, and at Physique 57 it’s too hot, then at Pop Physique it’s just right. Pop Physique is a little more closely related to Bar Method, with distinguishable (yet fewer) stretching breaks in between muscle groups. They aim to play hip music that’s well timed with each muscle group. This class also wins out for me since it seems to best target my own personal weak spots, arms and abs. That said, the teachers are a less hands on and I’m not sure what I think about the wood floors (I can’t woop and yelp without it bouncing off the walls and making me sound like a crazy-lady!). Also, you’re expected to spray and wipe the matts after each class. I know, so lame of me that I find that annoying, but I do.
Cardio Barre
Ok to be fair, I hated this class so much the first time, that I never went back. So here’s my take on one class only.
- unfriendly staff
- nowhere to park
- crappy ’70s music
- no adjustments from the teacher
- overcrowded class
- all flailing cardio, no resistance… just swingin’ my arms around, not feeling a work out
BUT- I did spot the blonde from Garfunkel and Oates in my class and I think they’re totally hilarious. So that was a plus.
Do you take any of these bar classes?! What do you think!? 
I just took my first class – The Bar Method and two days later – my ass is still killing me, my triceps feel stiff as hell and my calves are still on fire. But I have to admit I loved every minute of it and will definitely go back for more. Especially if it turns this junk in the trunk into buns of steel!
Jen! GREAT post! Cant wait for you to try I heart Fitness XO with Melanie and I when you are back in action.
XOXO
I’ve tried Pure Barre, Go Figure, The Dailey Method, Bella Barre, Sutra Skullpt and Karve here in Arizona and my favorite is definitely Pure Barre. You should try it! They have tons of locations in California. Get well soon! xoxo
I have been looking forward to this post Jenny D!!!! CARDIO BARRE is just like Jazzercise! Totally 80′s with hardly any resistance work and little rhyme or reason to the movement. No parking and having to bring your own towel is totally ghetto. BAR METHOD is a great place for newbies but after taking a PHYSIQUE 57 class, taking a BAR METHOD class feels like taking a nap. You know my fav is the creme de la creme of bar classes — PHYSIQUE 57!!! The workout itself is always challenging and never gets easier. The teachers seem genuinely invested in your workout and your overall experience and their high energy might be the only thing that gets me through to the end of the grueling workout. They’re so hands on with giving adjustments and don’t let you slack off. Also, I love the studio and the parking – A+ for customer service! And finally, here’s my gripes about POP PHYSIQUE — the workout itself IS a good workout — but in this craaazy barre climate where there’s so much competition (we’re not even touching on the other classes available in LA — Core Fusion, Pure Barre, Ballet Bodies, Barre Blah Blah Blah) a good workout alone is not enough — the overall experience must be great. Gripe (1) the studio sucks. It looks like it cost them 25 cents to put that place together and I am not feeling the cheap 80′s decor at all. The whole thing reminds me of gym class in elementary school. (2) The teachers just don’t give a s**t. They don’t know your name, they rarely give adjustments, and they’re clearly not invested in your experience. Also, if I’m in better shape than the instructor, it doesn’t give me much motivation to workout. I want an instructor that’s in sick shape! (3) I can’t take the music there. (4) the front of house staff lacks polish. *on the plus side, it is walking distance from our houses!*
Can’t wait till you’re all better so we can continue our workout regimen!!! I miss you so!!!!
And yes, you need to come to the Valley for I Heart Fitness XO..holey moley….
xxx
The Bar Method is much harder than you might think at first. It all depends on how hard you want to push yourself. Perhaps that is why it could seem easier. I have been going a long time and it still can be challenging.
I have tried these other classes too because I am just that curious. Cardio Barre was, I agree, flailing to no avail. You can tell a man designed that workout for women. Physique 57 was a good class but honestly, not as comfortable on the joints. You would have to really watch your knees here. Pop Physique is a CHEAP knock-off of the bar method. They even copied names of moves. The wood floor with mats is not only annoying but not comfortable. Let me be clear, Pop Physique is a COPYCAT. And not a good one.
Bar Method WINS. Always. The first and the best.
This is way more helpful than aytnhing else I’ve looked at.
Oh yay, I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for commenting, Zoha!
I love P57 and Tracey Mallet’s Booty Barre!
I think you should give Cardio Barre another try… I started going through a Living Social deal, and after 2 or 3 classes, my body had already changed significantly. I lost 7 pounds in a month (without changing my diet). I’ve been going regularly since then, and it really is the only thing that’s ever worked for me. It’s family run, and all the staff members are warm, funny, and care about their clients.
I totally respect your opinion, but I really do think if you tried it again and stuck with it enough to get the routine down and perfect your form, you might change your view…and your body too
I’m not sure when you tried it, but perhaps it was early on, when they were just starting their business? They’ve nailed it in my eyes, going above and beyond, and even coaching clients through detox cleanses etc… I can’t urge you enough to give it another whirl.
Really helpful review! I started Bar Method about 6 weeks ago and appreciate the focus, structure, and instructor attention. However, I’ve wondered what will happen if I stick with it for several months and start to get bored with the routines.
As for effectiveness, I haven’t noticed any significant changes in my body nor any increased strength in class and I definitely haven’t lost any weight. That’s disappointing, given that I have been attending 3-4 times a week and also do 2 additional days of cardio during the week (running, stairs or elliptical). However, I believe in giving something like this a full 3 months before deciding whether it’s effective.
I tried both Bar Method and Pop Physique and really enjoy both. I guess it depends on the location…because I dont remember any out of shape teachers or ugly rooms in the Pop Physique I tried out (Hollywood).
I really enjoy the workout but havent done it long enough to see any increased strength yet. What I dont like though, is that even though the classes are still challenging for me, the more i do it, the less sore i get. THe first time I ever did it i was sore for like 2 weeks, my entire body. Now i only get sore for like 2 days and its only my arms that get sore, even though i do feel like i am pushing myself with abs and thighs. So Idk…
I just tried cardio barre for the first time yesterday and really enjoyed it. To me it was exactly what it advertises to be, a ballet barre class with cardio. I used to take a traditional barre class to keep toned and adding the cardio is just a plus.
Physique 57 is definitely (excuse my french) hard as F. I’ve only taken two classes, which were back to back and I definitely felt the burn, but those prices and the inconvenience of 1 location took it out of the running for me.
I started bar method a couple weeks ago in Solana Beach (San Diego area) && I love it! The Bar Method studios are ALL independently owned & operated so not one is alike so it’s unfair to judge. The instructors are all completely different with Rockin bods & fun personalities. The studio is gorgeous & perfectly maintained. The workout is amazing…intense if you make it & they correct you so you’re shaking & feeling the burn without calling you out. It’s an incredible studio…it’s addicting! Love Bar Method in Solana Beach!
PHYSIQUE 57. The others are not hardcore enough. It’s the Bently of pain
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