About Us

The Method in Brief

The Bar Method™ exercise system creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by reshaping and elongating muscles while maintaining an intense pace that burns fat and increases stamina. The hour-long class is composed of eight or nine strengthening exercises followed by stretches. The strength work combines holding positions that use the body’s own weight with small, controlled moves that increase range of motion and stamina. Stretching is focused on the hips, chest and lower back to improve posture and body alignment. Students begin the class with free weights and push-ups, move to the bar to work their legs and abdominals, and finish on mats for more core work and stretching.

The Bar Method creates noticeable changes in its students’ bodies (see Before & After for photos and stories), sometimes after several weeks of classes. Results after one-to-two years of classes include:

• Greatly reduced body fat
• Lean, firm, elongated muscles
• 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

This summer KCAL-TV (Channel 9) named the Bar Method “number one workout in Southern California”, and Extra cited the Bar Method as “the best of the best when it comes to star workouts.” The press has also reported that the Bar Method “fills in the glaring gaps that yoga and Pilates leave open” (Brentwood Magazine) and is “the new Pilates” (San Francisco Chronicle). The Bar Method is available at a growing number of studios around the country.

The Bar Method, Inc. is wholly owned by Burr Leonard and Carl Diehl. Burr (shown right), a former business journalist, and Carl, a lawyer, opened their first studio in Greenwich, Connecticut and during the 90s added three more Connecticut studios in New Canaan, Darien and Westport.

In 2001 Burr and Carl sold their four Connecticut studios and relocated to California. They are the sole owners of the San Francisco/Marina Bar Method studio, which they opened in 2001, and are share holders of the Los Angeles Bar Method studio, launched in 2003. Burr and Carl each own 50% of The Bar Method Franchising, LLC, which they incorporated in 2007. Burr’s sister, Mimi Fleischman, is the sole owner of Bar Method of L.A., LLC, the two L.A. Bar Method studios and the rights for Southern California.

Studio Franchising

The Bar Method has a national reputation for superior teacher training and excellent support for our existing franchisees.

Beginning in early 2008, we will embark on a new franchising program that will seek to expand the Bar Method over the United States and Canada and possibly other countries.

Support:

The Bar Method provides thorough teacher training and operational training to each franchisee. It also helps franchisees locate an ideal facility, negotiate a lease and construction contract and lay out and design the studio. Franchisees receive the Bar Method's source list, specifications for construction, and any corporate discounts the Bar Method receives from its suppliers.

Franchisees will also receive the Bar Method's collection of 40 inspiring music mixes on CD or ipod, arranged to follow the format of the class. Bar Method licensees are also sent teacher newsletters and new music mixes on an ongoing basis and will receive ongoing visits and support by Bar Method staff.

Promotion:

Bar Method studios share in the on-going national promotional campaign lead by Los Angeles studio owner and veteran event promoter Mimi Fleischman.

New Bar Method home exercise DVDs, a national press campaign, and a book on the Bar Method are in the planning stages.

Shown above are (left) owners of the Chicago, IL Bar Method, (center) owner of the Marin, CA Bar Method, and (right) owners of the Bar Method in Downtown San Francisco, CA. — Photos by Kate B. Grove

The Bar Method, Inc. acts as franchisor to eight other studios:

For information about franchises in all other portions of the United States and Canada, as well as other countries, please contact Carl Diehl by e-mail: carl@barmethod.com.  

For general information about classes and schedules, and contact information for all our studios see Locations and Schedules.