How The Bar Method Exercises Work Bookmark and Share body sculpting workout
1. How does the Bar Method sculpt the body?

The Bar Method integrates the fat-burning format of interval training with muscle-shaping isometrics to quickly and safely reshape the entire body. Its non-impact, one-hour workout targets all major muscle groups and improves posture. The result is a recognizable “Bar Method body” featuring sculpted arms, flat abs, a lifted seat, and elongated thighs.

2. Will the Bar Method help me lose weight?
interval training

Absolutely! The Bar Method class alternates between exercises that demand intense bursts of energy and deep stretches. This format produces both high caloric burn and firmer muscle mass. Most students who do The Bar Method regularly become slimmer and lighter, sometimes within months.

3. Is the Bar Method aerobic?

Yes. Even though the exercises look different from those of conventional aerobics, The Bar Method workout challenges the body’s strength and endurance throughout the class and delivers a high level of overall fitness.

sculpting exercises
4. How is the Bar Method different from Pilates ?
core workout

Pilates uses machines and mat work to re-align the core muscles by working the small muscles groups. The Bar Method uses the body’s own weight to isolate, strengthen, and sculpt all major muscle groups. Pilates exercises are largely performed in a sitting or prone position while the Bar
Method’s exercises take place both at the ballet bar and on mats.

5. How is the Bar Method different from Yoga?

Yoga is a method of physical, mental, and spiritual release and renewal. The Bar Method focuses exclusively on fitness by strengthening, stretching, and aligning all major muscle groups resulting in power, physical grace, stamina, and significant body change.

glutes
6. How often should I do the Bar Method Workout?
intense exercise

Research shows that exercises yield the best benefits when performed three to five times per week. Likewise, to get the best results from The Bar Method, come to class three to five times per week.


7. What do you do in a Bar Method workout?

The Bar Method™ is a one-hour, total body workout. It starts with a warm-up, free-weight exercises and push-ups and moves on to intense leg and seat work at the bar, then abdominal work at the bar and on mats. Every exercise includes active stretching and is followed by additional stretching to elongate the muscles just worked.

stretching

8. How is The Bar Method different from other bar workouts?

The Bar Method focuses on effectiveness, safety, and body awareness. It is the only bar workout that was designed under the guidance of physical therapists to ensure joint safety. Its teachers receive unique training in healthy patterns of movement, body connection, mental focus, and posture. At the same time The Bar Method emphasizes sculpting more than other bar workouts by targeting the muscles that play the largest role in changing the shape of the body.

9. What are Bar Method core strengthening exercises? See all about core strengthening›

10. Where can I take a Bar Method classes? See a complete list of Bar Method studios›

Bar Method FAQs printable pdf›

 

The Bar Method Exercises with Burr Leonard

 

toned legs

Thigh work: High Heel Parallel

  • Shapes the thighs
  • Increases daily caloric burn by building dense, compact muscle in our body's largest muscle group;
  • Strengthens and aligns the muscles around the knees.

    Result:

  • Beautiful, longer-looking, gracefully defined legs;
  • Increased stamina;
  • An overall leaner, slimmer, more youthful body.

 

Thigh work: Diamond Shape

  • Sculpts the thighs, hips and seat;

    Result:

  • Slimmer hips and flatter outer legs.

 

firm thighs
flexibility
defined muscles

Stretches After Thigh work:

  • Elongates the upper legs;
  • Protects the knees by making the muscles that
    run through them more elastic;
  • Increases range of motion, minimizing stress on the lower back
    as you walk and run.

    Result:

  • High, smooth hips similar to those of dancers;
  • Longer looking legs;
  • more comfortable stride;
  • More vertical carriage.


Standing Seat Work

  • Lifts the seat muscles;
  • Narrows the sides of the hips;
  • Tapers the upper thighs;
  • Improves posture.

    Result:

  • Slimmer, longer-looking legs;
  • Elegant carriage.
  • A healthier back.
good posture
fat burning exercises


Fold-Over Seat

  • Strengthens and defines the seat and hamstrings;
  • Develops a leaner body.

    Result:

  • Firmer, narrower hips and seat muscles;
  • Increased stamina and athletic ability.

Pretzel

  • Tightens and defines the seat muscles;
  • Tones and slims down the sides of the waist.

    Result:

  • High, round, “cut” buttocks, and a smaller, firmer waist-line.
lifted seat
body sculpting


Stretch After Seat Work

  • Flattens the outer seat;
  • Increases the range of motion in the hips.

    Result:

  • Pretty, slim looking legs, and a high, defined seat.

Curl

  • Strengthens and flattens the abdominals;
  • Stretches the postural muscles;
  • Increases over-all stamina.

    Result:

  • A straighter, slimmer, more youthful torso;
  • A healthier back.
flat abs
stress reduction


Final Stretch

  • Elongates the seat and hamstring muscles;
  • Locates and then releases any part of your body where
    you habitually hold tension.

    Result:

  • Increased flexibility plus longer more graceful leg muscles;
  • A calmer mind and added confidence;
  • Renewed energy and vitality.

Back to Top

Corporate Home Page  • About The Bar Method  •  What It Is  •  How It Works  •  Success Stories
 Studio Locations  •  DVDs & Accessories  •  Ask Burr  •  Moms To Be
Corporate Press Room    Burr's Bar Method Blog  • Studio Franchising • Contact Us


©2001-2010, The Bar Method, All Rights Reserved
Site design by: Sherry Mouser