RSS FeedThe Bar Method Makes You Work (Out)
We thought we’d start off the new year by accepting an invitation to try a class at the DC outlet of The Bar Method (750 9th St NW – entrance on H St between 9th and 10th St NW). There’s a whole lot of shaking going on but we’re not talking about dancing. You’ll see what we mean.
(All photos courtesy of The Bar Method DC)
When we first heard of the The Bar Method and walked by, we though it might be a spin off of a DC lounge but as we learned, it is something quite different. It is a body sculpting studio – the website describes it best:
The Bar Method™workout creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles.
To the soft beat of pop music, the full sixty minutes is spent working and isolating one muscle group at a time. The arms get exercised first (shoulders, biceps, triceps – including push ups). Then come the thighs followed by the seat (i.e. your tush) exercised at the bar that runs around the perimeter of the room. The group moves to the floor for core work including working the abs and more seat work. Stretching takes place after every muscle group.
We found that the short repetitive motions and paying attention to form as directed are instrumental to getting the most out of each exercise which isolates a single muscle at a time. The instructors keep an eye on you and redirect you back to the right form if you slip away. The motions are deceivingly short in gesture but doing enough reps will bring whatever muscle(s) is (are) being worked to exhaustion. In fact, it makes it (them) shake. The exercises struck us as a balanced blend of yoga, pilates, and ballet.
The just under 3000 square foot space is nicely lit and has two studios. There is a women’s changing room (sorry guys, you’ll need to essentially arrive ready to go), bathrooms, and free lockers available to store your belongings during class. Kate Arnold, the owner and founder, came back to DC from Chicago where she enjoyed BarMethod so much that she decided to start a studio in DC. There are five instructors delivering just over thirty-five classes per week morning, midday, and evening. Pricing varies by package purchased.
There’s no doubt that if you want to tone targeted areas of your body, this regimen will do the trick. So remember that when everyone’s talking about shaking, it’s about the twitching your muscles will do during (and maybe after?) class. We were sore for a few days after so we know it worked. The Bar Method injects a calm, precise approach to exercise and that we find most welcome.
Bar Method
750 Ninth Street NW
(entrance on H St NW between 9th and 10th St)
Washington, DC 20001
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Phone: 202-347-7999
E-mail: dc@barmethod.com
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I absolutely love the Bar Method. The fact that it’s within 7 minutes (walking distance) of my PQ apt (The Artisan) makes it that much easier to go every day! This is seriously the best workout around.