I have loved The Bar Method since I began taking classes at the San Mateo, CA studio in 2012. So when a job took me to Charlotte, NC, I was so sad to have to leave Bar Method behind. But imagine how thrilled I was when I got the announcement that they would be opening a studio in South Park in 2014! I got to take community classes while they waited for the studio to open, and everything started out perfectly.
I still think that The Bar Method is a great workout - it's safe, effective, and efficient. Bar Method has gotten me in the best shape of my life and for that, I couldn't be happier. I also like the instructors that the studio owner, Autumn, brought in: Lizzy, Sara, and Madeleine are all super nice, knowledgeable, and fun.
However, I have one major complaint about the South Park studio, and it was enough of a turn-off to make me reconsider taking Bar classes, which I've loved for such a long time. I had multiple bad encounters with Autumn Frk, the studio owner. Much of Bar Method focuses on creating a community among clients, and classes emphasize personal attention from the teachers (it's one of my favorite things about class). However, Autumn was actively rude to me on many occasions; she rarely acknowledged me as I walked in to the studio or to class, wouldn't look at me as I said hello or goodbye, etc. I have attended class at Bar Method studios across the country (from Seattle to Florida) and have never felt as unwelcome or unappreciated as Autumn made me feel in my own home studio.
I am sorry that I'm not able to give this studio a glowing review. The space looks beautiful and the other teachers seem great. Sara, Lizzy, and Madeleine all always made me feel happy to be there and excited to work out...I really liked all of them. I just can't forget or get past the bad vibes I got so consistently from Autumn.