Many credit the origins of barre to the Lotte Berk Method...
...which started in a London basement in the 1950s and was exported to New York city in the 1970s. Pulling in elements of yoga, Pilates and ballet, over time the method was refined and tweaked into what we now call ‘barre’.
Barre saw an explosion in popularity during the 2000s, with the strong emergence of quality barre offerings just as the boutique fitness scene was picking up pace. During this decade, top barre brands were founded that are still going strong today, such as Pure Barre, Physique 57, The Bar Method and Barre3.
These brands are all featured in the New York edition of The Fit Guide and are riding the wave of increased interest in barre, with continued growth across the US and into other developing fitness markets.
Our highly-trained Experience Evaluators anonymously visited New York’s leading barre studios, scoring each visit across more than 250 objective standards, so if you’re looking for a high-end barre experience, The Fit Guide will help you find the very best place to ‘feel the burn’.
Want to see how all barre studios and other clubs ranked? Check out The Fit Guide New York.
Physique 57 Soho
Address 550 Broadway 3rd floor, New York, NY 10012
Physique 57, so called because its first studio was on 57th street in New York, is one of the city’s most well-known and respected barre experiences. After our visit, we can see why, with their flagship studio scoring 5-stars for both the overall and class experience awards.
Founded in 2006, ‘Physique’ (as it’s often more succinctly known) offers 57-minute classes that focus on ‘pulsing’ or isometric movements designed to target specific muscle groups. In a typical Physique class you can expect to use light weights, resistance bands, and exercise balls that all contribute to a fun and effective full-body workout.
At their Soho location our evaluators were particularly impressed with the coach to client connection, the clear, easy-to-follow instructions and the warmth of the team. A true 5-star experience all round!
Physique 57 Soho won both of our highest awards: The Fit Guide 5-Star Award and our 5-Star Class Experience Award.
Pure Barre Union Square
Address 39 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010
Pure Barre was an early arrival in the boutique fitness scene with their first studio launching in 2001 in the basement of an office building in Michigan. The brand expanded to other locations locally before opening studios across the country, with the first New York Pure Barre opening in 2012 in the Upper West Side.
Today, Pure Barre sits under the Xponential umbrella of brands, with over 500 locations across the US, Canada and the UK. With both their Union Street and Flatiron clubs scoring well, we can see why the experience has proven so popular.
Our evaluators were particularly impressed with the Union Street class experience which scored our top award of 5-stars. The instructor made a big effort to connect with everyone and ensured the workout was at the right pace and difficulty level. The class was rounded off with a round of applause from the room and the sense of community was clear to see. Highly recommended!
In our second year of evaluations, Pure Barre Union Square won both of our highest awards: The Fit Guide 5-Star Award and our 5-Star Class Experience Award.
Physique 57 - 60th and 5th
Address 14 E 60th St Suite 1003, New York, NY 10022
Our second year of evaluations in New York saw Physique 57 continue its charge into fitness excellence. Physique 60th and 5th on the Upper East Side become the second addition to their 5-Star Award winning portfolio.
During our anonymous visit to their club, our instructor delivered an exceptional class, creating a supportive and engaging atmosphere that balanced challenge with care. They made a strong effort to connect personally, learning names and offering individual encouragement. As first time visitors, we were made to feel special and welcome.
In terms of the workout part of the class, we were delivered a well-structured session that featured clear explanations, inclusive modifications, and a strong focus on form and technique. The class was wrapped up with a cooldown that provided a relaxed atmosphere, ending with some thoughtful closing words to round off the experience.
With upbeat energy and a commitment to fostering community, the coach ensured a highly positive and enjoyable experience for all. We'll be back!
Physique 57 60th and 5th won both of our highest awards: The Fit Guide 5-Star Award and our 5-Star Class Experience Award.
Barre3 West Village
Address 63 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Barre3 was founded in 2008 by Sadie Lincoln in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. What started as a single, flagship location has now blossomed into over 170 locations across the US and internationally, each with a focus on body positivity, empowerment, and redefining what success in fitness means. The Barre3 program is designed to be accessible to people of all fitness levels, and their instructors are trained to offer modifications and adjustments to help clients get the most out of each session.
During our visit to the West Village location, our evaluators found an upbeat and positive instructor who delivered a well-structured class, coupled with a clean and nicely designed studio and reception area.
Barre3 West Village won The Fit Guide Award Of Excellence and our highest Class Experience 5-Star Award.
The Bar Method - Cobble Hill
Address267 Pacific St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
The Bar Method, founded in 2001 by Burr Leonard, was inspired by the Lotte Berk Method to create a unique approach that delivers strong, lean bodies. What began as a single studio in San Francisco quickly grew into a thriving franchise with over 100 locations across North America. The Bar Method currently has a large and expanding footprint in New York and New Jersey, with close to 20 studios and counting.
During our anonymous visit to their Cobble Hill location, our instructor delivered a highly impressive class, combining warmth, professionalism, and a strong personal connection with every in teh class. They greeted us warmly, offered personalized adjustments and encouragement by name, and we, as first timers, felt supported and welcomed.
The class itself was smooth and engaging, with clear instructions, well-structured options to make it easier and harder and seamless transitions between movements. A strong sense of community was clear to see, as our instructor recognized milestones, told us about upcoming events and engaged with us before and after class. The instructor's vibe, personality and demeanor made this a truly outstanding experience worthy of our highest awards.
The Bar Method in Cobble Hill, New York, won our two highest awards: The Fit Guide 5-Star Award and our 5-Star Class Experience Award.