Bar Method class members work on their flexibility. Courtesy photo.
Now, before you jump to the conclusion that I’m involved in some sort of drinking regimen, let me explain. The Bar Method is a high intensity, no-impact workout that’s a cross between yoga, Pilates and ballet conditioning. And it kicks my butt!
It’s truly unlike any other exercise class I’ve taken because it combines the best of several disciplines in a novel way with the aim of sculpting and elongating the muscles to create lean, dancer-like bodies. The workouts never fail to challenge me no matter how often I go. And even after I leave the studio, the words of the instructors continue to nag at me the rest of the day.
I’m reminded to pull my shoulders back and down from my ears, push my navel in towards my spine and tuck my pelvis to lock it in a stable position. As a result, my posture has significantly improved, not to mention my flexibility (I never knew I’d be able to touch my nose to my knee!) and overall strength. Founder Burr Leonard developed the Bar Method in 2001and began opening studios in a variety of urban locations across the U.S. One recently opened at Redmond Town Center. It’s the first of its kind in Washington state.
Owners Beverly and Luke Currier, along with their partner Maika Manring, had previously been involved with the Bar Method in San Francisco, though the Curriers had never met Manring until they sat down in a Wallingford coffee shop to discuss becoming business partners. All three had grown up in the Pacific Northwest and relocated to California, but after spending a number of years away from home, they decided it was time to return to the Seattle area.
"We wanted to come back to be closer to family," comments Manring. "But we couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the Bar Method behind, so it was the perfect solution to become business partners and open a studio here."
She continues, "We were each ready to give up longtime corporate careers and dedicate ourselves to doing something more personally meaningful, something to help others."
Bev Currier adds, "We love the Bar Method because of the transformative physical results it creates in the body, particularly with toning, slimming, building strength and stamina. We also love the confidence it gives women and the community of friends that is inevitably built within a studio, and we wanted to bring that experience to the greater Seattle area."
Currier learned of the workout from a woman who cut her hair. She had been stuck in a fitness rut for awhile and knew she needed to try something different. After taking her first Bar Method class, she was hooked. She says, "I thought I was in good shape, as I ran and lifted weights four to five times a week, but the Bar Method humbled me. When I took that first session, my thighs and seat were on fire and I felt muscles I had never felt before. It was an incredible challenge. It’s still challenging for me each time I do it. But, that’s why I’ve gotten the results I have – flatter abs, more muscle definition, better shape and down a whole size in my clothes."
For Manring, the Bar Method initially presented an opportunity to cross train. She had been a devout runner and solo exerciser, but running was taking its toll on her body. After taking Bar Method classes for awhile, she realized that she was getting stronger and more flexible. "I was seeing results without the pounding," she comments. "My body was leaner and I had more definition. I began doing it almost daily and running less and less. And I really looked forward to going because it was more than just a class. It was a community."
Both Currier and Manring teach the classes at the well-appointed and inviting Redmond studio, where they welcome both women and men of all ages and fitness levels. They emphasize that the Bar Method provides benefits for everyone. The workout employs subtle, highly controlled movements and killer poses that require intense concentration. The aim is to exhaust the muscles and burn fat around them. Subsequent stretching makes the muscles look longer and more defined. The one hour workout, which is done to upbeat music, has a precise, structured format that moves at a quick pace to keep the heart rate up.
"The body becomes leaner and more slender and posture greatly improves," explains Currier. "Then there’s the confidence that comes with these physical changes. Women, in particular, stand taller and carry themselves better because they believe in themselves. As a teacher, that’s really my ultimate goal for each one of my students. Seeing that confidence grow is the true reward."
Marianne Anderegg has been taking classes since the Redmond studio opened. She was looking for a non impact exercise that would also help strengthen her back. In just a few months, she has noticed several differences in her body. "I have increased flexibility," says the Redmond woman. "And my back is better because my core is stronger. I’ve lost inches and firmed up all over."
She adds, "It’s hard work though and you really have to focus when you’re doing the workout. Bev runs a tight ship and takes it seriously. She’s very particular about form, which I appreciate. But, she’s always willing to provide modifications if needed."
For Anderegg, the Bar Method has become a part of her daily routine. She says, "I feel compelled to go. I hear Bev’s voice in my head telling me not to give up on me. She really provides so much encouragement and motivation. I don’t want to let her down, but, more importantly, I also don’t want to let myself down either."
Jennifer Gourdie, another student at the Redmond studio, has also become a devotee of the Bar Method. She comments, "I’m addicted to how the Bar Method makes me feel and the results I get from it. My body is more defined and carved out and my flexibility is so much better than when I started. What’s great about this type of workout is that it’s no impact so you can do it every day and you’re not hurting your body."
Gourdie used to run as her form of exercise. She also dabbled in strength training and yoga. Now, she primarily does the Bar Method. "It gives me everything in one class – cardio, strength training and balance and flexibility work."
The Kirkland woman points out that the instructors, both Bev and Maika, are very communicative and provide much feedback during class. She adds, "They watch you intently and correct your form if you’re doing it wrong. They really care about their students and want to help them reach their goals. I love their positive nature."
Though the Bar Method Redmond has only been open for a few months, it has already generated quite a buzz. The studio won second place in the gym category of KING 5’s 2009 Best of Western Washington and it has been garnering much media attention.
"Business has exceeded our goals and gone beyond our expectations at this point in time," says Luke Currier. "It’s been a lot of hard work and long hours. I tell people that it’s like giving birth to a child, but it’s been so worth it. We’re delighted that the Bar Method has been received so well by local residents. We believe in it and it gives us such incredible satisfaction when we see the difference it can make in people’s lives."
Currier explains that the goal is to eventually build out a second studio at the Redmond location and then open another facility in Seattle. He adds, "We have clients who come from Seattle and they’re looking forward to the day when they won’t have to make the trek to the Eastside in order to get their Bar Method fix."
Bar Method Redmond is located on the second floor of Redmond Town Center, across from REI. For more information: 425-556-5163 or www.barmethod.com.
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