From your first step inside a Bar Method studio, you become aware that there is something different about this workout.
It’s not just the soothing, serious colors and beautiful photographs on the wall.
It’s not just the sculpted, lovely shape that the women (and yes, sometimes men) who come to these classes seem to have in common.
As if this isn’t enough!
Rather, it’s after the workout begins that you sit up and take notice.
And for an investigative mind such as mine when it comes to all things fitness, here is where the inspection begins.
Consistent delivery of solid, sound instruction
I’ve never, ever had a bad Bar Method studio experience. That includes those at this San Francisco location (How Kate kicked my butt in Bar Method class) and the studio in Walnut Creek. There are several in the San Francisco Bay Area.
How many have there been for me? Probably under 20. Yet that is enough time to have experienced no less than 7 instructors. And the consistency of quality hasn’t waivered – not once. It’s like the Starbucks of studios – you know you are going to get exactly what you came for, with no compromise in the quality or standard of delivery.
As it turns out, this is no accident.
The intention behind the method.
The Bar Method truly IS a method, on mulptiple levels. Physical, mental, and emotional. This is because the choreography of the workout flow is holistically designed to engage not only the body layer by layer but also to keep the mind focused.
The choreography here is more than the sequence of steps. Let’s get that clear.
Physically, the Bar Method workout incorporates and well-thought out – and planned – sequence of instruction. The workout builds from simple warmup, weaving in stretches and isolation work to intentionally alternate between comprehensive (all body) work, isolation work to work deep into the muscle for superior body shaping, and stretching to create greater flexiblity, strength, function, and beauty.
Mentally? There’s no down time. Every minute of the 60 minute (count on precise start and end times, a real plus) sessions is planned and presented in a fashion to keep moving things forward. There’s no time for glancing at watches or catching a quick chat between sets. The workout keeps advancing, building with the creative force of instructional detail, counts, and the music.
Emotionally one emerges from this well-planned experience refreshed not only in body, but spirit. The hour is meditative due to focus and orchestration.
A conversation with Burr Leonard: more to report!
The Bar Method delivers this experience, of course, without you knowing exactly why or what the plan is, and that’s just fine.
Yet as a teacher, fitness coach and pro for a few decades myself, and as one always looking to investigate what works and what doesn’t, it was a treat to experience having the design behind the workout explained personally by Burr Leonard, it’s creator, herself. Perceptions were confirmed, as enlightenment about more of the details of the workout took place in our conversation.
So, consider this Part 1. More to report as interviews are transcoded.
What’s on the video?
For now, enjoy the video of a day at the Bar Method Studio, including:
- clips from a mixed level class taught by Burr Leonard, Bar Method creator
- private, one-on-one instruction from Burr in a favorite, signature Bar Method exercise: the Pretzel!
- a glimpse inside the San Francisco Marina studio, the Bar Method flagship location
And stay tuned for Part 2. Find the studio nearest you here: The Bar Method, where you can reserve class space in advance or pick up a video for home practice.
© Lani Muelrath 2009 All Rights Reserved
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Thanks for that great video and article, Lani. I look forward to Part 2.
Patricia,
Thanks, I’m glad you like! The video was fun to make.
I have an hour’s worth of notes from my interview with Burr so have some great material to present.
I appreciate your post Patricia!
Lani
Hi Lani,
This sounds interesting. There are no classes around me, so I plan to order the DVD’s. Do I need a bar? Also, are these compatible to do with T-Tapp? I am a die hard tapper but that is all I’ve been doing and tend to do to much of it I think.
Also, I would like to know your opinion of The Classical Stretch series by Miranda Esmonde White.
Thanks
Tracey
Hi Tracey,
Just went to a studio class yesterday and again feel all “perked up” on the “backside” – love the isolation work!
You do not need a bar, as a matter of fact in the videos you will see some of the participating instructors using a chair.
Yes, compatible with T-Tapp as I do both. The alignment and placement features you will find logically connect: the tuck, shoulders over hips….And you will have those effects of safe position creating intensity and difficulty, as you put the workload into the muscle rather than the joints. Bar Method you will feel more targeted to specific muscle groups where T-Tapp you feel more full body. Both can have their place in a health-building and highly effective body shaping schedule.
I am not familiar with the Classical Stretch series to which you refer – you’ll need to email me a link so I can check it out! I tell you, I’ve become SUCH an advocate of stretching as more regular practice, and that is one reason I’m going to be having so much of it in the upcoming Muscles Mud and Merlot Retreat. It’s a full experience for Body and Mind at that one!
Thanks for your comments Tracey and I look forward to continuing our conversation!
Lani
Hi Lani,
I’m doing a follow-up on results to working out to the Bar Method DVD’s. I have been working out faithfully to them, 4/5 x a week since Jan. My arms, and legs/thighs are toning very nicely. My ab/lower abs, hip/glute area, not so much. I’m so discouraged, in fact I put on shorts that fit OK a year ago, now they are tight in the hip/ab area! I’m 53, maybe I’m just doomed to carry weight in that area. I am ready to jump back on the boring treadmill again during the leg lift segments, I hate that thing(treadmill)! I don’t feel my diet is any different than before. I’m just not getting the results I was hoping for from the Bar Method workout. I wish I was, because I enjoy the workouts and Burr, but not enough to keep doing them if I’m not losing in the area’s I mentioned, but gained in those area’s! I’m very puzzled as to why that has happened. I have been doing the workouts long enough that it shouldn’t be where the muscle lifts transition the Bar Method speaks of.
Thanks! Susan
Susan,
Your post poses so many interesting questions that I’m going to make a blog entry out of it.
Stay tuned – and thanks so much for the provocative comments!
Lani
Great! I’ll look forward to the entry.
Susan
Hey there!
Please Google the following (you can copy it from here): Miranda Esmonde-White Classical Stretch
You’ll fid her website and other information about her techniques. She’s a pro-ballet dancer who is now a fitness instructor, and her workouts are comprised of basic ballet, yoga and Tai Chi moves.
I have fibromyalgia, and along with restructuring my diet, I would be nowhere without Miranda’s PBS specials. For those having a hard time leaving the house to go to a gym, these workouts can be a godsend!
Check out the new Bar Method Super Sculpting DVDs! Video review on the way this week…