The Bar Method

I mentioned yesterday that Dori, Melissa, and I tried a new class called Bar Method. It is a Lotte-Burke method style class based out of California. They just opened one in Soho a few weeks ago so we had to try it out to see how it would compare to Core Fusion!

Luckily I found guest passes on Facebook. I called and made the appointment for Cinco de Mayo. For some reason they had us down for the night before but fortunately they were still able to squeeze us into the class. They were very accommodating and gave us a tour of the studio. The paint smelled brand new! The lockers rooms were very spacious and had all of the commodities like mouth wash and lotion that Exhale has. I did not notice razors though. I like the free razors at Exhale. Everything was very clean and I enjoyed not having to play locker wars like I normally do before Core Fusion. Who knows what will happen if the class gets a little more popular though.

The description on the website  sounded extremely similar to Core Fusion:

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.

The result is a noticeable “Bar Method” sculpted body featuring:

• Firm, elongated muscles
• Reduced body fat
• High muscle definition in the chest, upper arms and upper legs
• Improved posture
• Long, narrow thighs
• A lifted seat and defined hamstrings
• Strong, flat abdominals
• Increased stamina and energy
• Extended youthfulness

We walked in and were told to get 2 and 3 pound weights. Dori and I opted for 3 and 4 pound weights since that is what we use in a Core Fusion class. I am happy we chose the heavier weights! I will explain why in a minute.

The three of us took spots in the front of the room. We started warming up by lifting our legs. In Core Fusion we lift our arms and legs at the same time. I think the 3 of us started to lift our arms but quickly stopped when we realized we were not in Core Fusion. We did not want to offend the teacher. As we were warming up, the teacher said all of our names. She actually memorized all 30 or 40 names after hearing them just once. Pretty impressive.

Next we moved onto arms. She told us to get our heavier weights. We did bicep curls. We did these bicep curls about 50 times at least. Dori and I started looking at each other wondering when we were going to move onto the next arm exercise. It started to get boring. Eventually we were instructed to pick up our lighter weights for the next arm exercise. We did this one over and over again as well. We probably did 3 exercises in total with pauses in between. During Core Fusion, we do about different arm exercises nonstop. It never gets boring. It actually burns. We did triceps on the ground. No pulsing. No putting our legs up to make it more challenging. I was surprised when we were told to put our weights away. I wanted more arms!

Next we did 30 push ups. That was it. In Core Fusion we hover above the ground at the end of the push ups till our arms burn. We also do a bunch of pulses. We also usually do planks, side planks, planks with runs, etc. There were no planks in Bar Method. Another disappointment.

We moved over to the bar next for some leg action. The teacher warned us it would burn and be incredibly hard. I got excited because I was ready for something challenging. We started off by stretching our legs. We were told to put our foot over the bar instead of against it.

Source: http://www.barmethod.com/bar-method-exercises.html

I did not feel comfortable with my foot above the bar. It kind of hurt my ankles so I ended up putting a towel under my foot. Next we were told to put our feet together and raise our heels all the way up. We moved up and down over and over. My thighs hurt a little but not to the point where I felt like I needed to cry (hi Core Fusion). We did 2 more sets of exercises for our thighs. During one part, the teacher was trying to correct my form. She wanted me to push my butt in and push my shoulders back. Instead of nicely adjusting me or telling me what she wanted me to fix, she came around me and gave me a giant bear hug. She actually squeezed the crap out of me! She was squeezing me so hard that she was shaking! This was no way to correct my form. If she simply would have pushed my shoulders back, I would have gotten the point. She did this to Dori and Melissa and we all thought it was odd. Thighs were over and I barely felt any pain. Yes, I dread thighs in Core Fusion. At the same time, I love how I feel after when my thighs are burning. I feel like it is a waste of time when thighs are too easy.

We moved on to stretches on the ground. We did them against the wall instead of in the middle of the room. They were short and sweet. Next we stood up sideways against the bar for butt. We lifted our legs behind us and pushed back over and over.

Source: http://www.barmethod.com/bar-method-exercises.html

This one move was the only butt exercise we did until the end of class. I barely felt it. In Core Fusion, my butt burns during this section! My legs also burn during butt! Bar Method butt was way too easy. I want this butt:

I can’t imagine that ever happening from the one exercise we did in class at Bar Method.

We moved onto some ab exercises against the wall. I was in curl position but the instructor told me to sit up more. In Core Fusion this would have been too high up. We held the bar while sticking our legs straight up. This was fine. Next we did flat back against the wall. We held the bar while doing different leg moves in the air. This was similar to Core Fusion but not as painful for some reason.

We did more pushups and then moved onto abs. We were told to get in the curl position but with our elbows on the mat. This is usually the starting position in Core Fusion. Eventually we either hold our arms against our legs or up in the air. I was surprised when we left our elbows on the mat for abs. It was so easy! We did typical crunches while holding on. Someone tried to put their arms in the air to make it more challenging and the teacher told them not to! Finally at the end of abs (which was only 4 or 5 minutes long), we were told we could put our arms in the air. I was actually happy to do the more challenging ab move. I wanted a workout!

Source: http://www.barmethod.com/bar-method-exercises.html

In Core Fusion I usually can’t handle the curl. It burns. I’m not usually able to keep my arms in the air for more than a few seconds. I was completely fine doing this in Bar Method.

We finished with the same butt moves that we do in Core Fusion. We lay on our backs and lift our butt up and down. I finally felt like I was doing something during this since it lasted long. We finished with some quick stretching. I looked over and had no belt to stretch with. Where was my belt? Oh…they ran out. Fine. There was not much to stretch anyway since I barely felt like I worked out!

Eventually the hour was over. I could not believe how easy the class was. I did not break a sweat at all. I usually leave Core Fusion drenched and in pain. I usually can’t walk up the subway stairs after class. I usually feel energized and amazing after. I did not feel this way after the Bar Method. I would rather a class be insanely hard and have the option to modify it myself than feel like I got no workout at all.

I can’t get over the price of this class. First of all, there is only one location in New York. Exhale has 6 locations in New York. There is also only one class level. Exhale has Core Fusion Beginner, Open, Advanced, Sport, Yoga, Music Flow, and Cardio! A one month package to Bar Method is $440!!! Crazy! Just one location at Exhale is only $150a month. A montly pack to all of the Exhale locations is still cheaper at just $285 a month. This also includes discounted spa services and guest passes! I don’t know where they get off charging so much money!

Today I found out that one of the teachers from Core Fusion was genuinely concerned about why I haven’t been to class. Dori explained to her that I ran out of classes in my 10-pack and was waiting for the classes to go on sale again at RueLaLa.  She was worried that I would lose everything I’ve worked so hard for. She even gave Dori a free class to give to me. I’ve never experienced a place where the teachers really care about each student. She did not want to see me lose my results. Once again, Core Fusion amazes me. I’m glad I tried the Bar Method but will be sticking with Core Fusion to get the personal attention, incredible workout, and lean, toned body I deserve.

Be sure to check out Dori’s review of the class here!

Related posts:

1. The Bar Method-Round 2!
2. A New Goal: Refine Method
3. Core Fusion Cardio!
4. The Body NYC: A Month in Review
5. Core Fusion Challenge: The Results