Arms, Abs, Seat, Thighs: The Bar is Set High at Bar Method, Scarsdale

When you walk in the door of The Bar Method in Scarsdale Village you begin to see why the studio has become the "it" spot for those looking for a challenging and results-oriented barre class with dynamic instructors.

Owner Sara Giller knows what it takes to keep those looking for a great barre workout engaged and coming back for class after class. She's a "hands on" instructor and encourages the same of her other teachers. During the class I sampled, every time I thought "this isn't so bad," Sara would saunter over with a big smile and witty comment before repositioning me by a centimeter or two- just enough to cause full body to shake and to realize that I have been doing barre incorrectly all these years at my gym. "A new client will see results to their body almost immediately," she said. "Not only will flexibility increase, but muscles they didn't know they had will surface."

Speaking of barre at the gym...there is no comparison between that and barre at The Bar Method. "The Bar Method requires intense teacher training on the part of the instructors. It is a supremely effective workout. We connect with our students and customize their experience based on their personal body limitations and level of fitness," Ms. Giller said. The floor is covered with luxurious carpet so your feet are comfortably padded as you raise up to your tippy toes for your thigh and calf workouts. You don't have to race to the barre to get a spot like at the gym and you're not so close to the person behind you that you smell their coffee breath. The equipment is clean and in top condition and every person in the room is readjusted throughout the workout in order to prevent injury and maximize the strengthening and lengthening of the muscles. The Bar Method is known for creating long, firm thighs, lifted seats, pulled-in abs, and toned arms and I could feel this after a single class (especially the day after).

As I recovered from the exhilarating one-hour class and as my shaking subsided, I noticed some unique things about the studio. The color scheme is purposeful (neutral, light, bright colors) and the windows are long and large allowing for the studio to be naturally sunlit. There's filtered water available and the locker room is welcoming. There are over 40 classes offered 7 days a week and most of the morning classes offer childcare in a cute and playful room next to the studio. Sara Giller assured me, "...the soreness is a sign of total body endurance and strength."

And what does Ms. Giller love most about having opened The Bar Method in Scarsdale? "I love everything about teaching a method that I believe in and I'm actually obsessed with. I watch people's bodies change in ways they didn't expect and for the better every single day. The results are fast and last and the workout never gets easy which is why people come back day after day." She added that, "...students in Scarsdale are competitive and they've done so many different classes elsewhere yet they are challenged here and I can promise they're never bored. I'm creative with my class design to keep them and their muscles guessing during their one-hour workout each time they're in the studio."

There are some new client specials right now so it's the perfect time to try The Bar Method. Parking is validated. Just take your time walking downstairs after the class. Your legs won't let you forget you just finished a barre class!

The Bar Method
7 Popham Road, 3rd Floor
Scarsdale
914-207-7798
www.barmethod.com