Sculpt Your Body with The Bar Method - An Interview with Jennifer Curtis

I love to test out all modes of exercise. As a trainer, I believe it is important to know the benefits of every type of exercise, so that I can help my clients find a practice that they will enjoy. On a personal level, I like cross-training so I am always adding something new to my exercise routine. 

This spring, I got the opportunity to try out something new (to me, at least), called The Bar Method. The studio opened just minutes from my house, in my very own town! I gave myself a six-week challenge, doing The Bar Method exclusively for toning, and nothing else (other than cardio). 

The results were wonderful. My body become much more shapely, and people commented on how great I looked. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to interview Jennifer Curtis, owner of The Bar Method in my area. I hope that you get the opportunity to personally try out a Bar Method class sometime soon. It's wonderful.

BF: All the buzz is about The Bar Method. Studios are quickly popping up all over the country. Just the other day, I heard someone at the nail salon refer to The Bar Method as a "ballet Pilates sort of class." Let's clear this up. What exactly is The Bar Method?

JC: The Bar Method is a one hour, total body sculpting workout that is unlike any other exercise practice. It integrates the fat burning format of interval training, the muscle shaping techniques of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning, and the science of physical therapy to create a revolutionary new workout that quickly and safely reshapes your entire body.

BF: What is the basis for The Bar Method?

JC: The Bar Method is based on the technique of Lotte Berk, a dancer who combined her ballet bar routines with her rehabilitative therapy to form an exercise system. Burr Leonard was a Master Student, Teacher, and Lotte Berk studio owner. Burr continually improved the method, with the help of physical therapists, while led her to founding The Bar Method.

BF: Do you have to be a fit person to start The Bar Method?

JC: No! We welcome all different fitness levels, shapes and sizes. The Bar Method is safe and effective for all. (For before and after stories, go to http://www.barmethod.com/stories.htm)

BF: I've seen advertisements for classes that are, well, imitating The Bar Method. The studios don't have bars, and the instructors aren't Bar Method trainer. Is this safe? Is there specific training to be a Bar Method instructor?

JC: Well, they say imitation is the highest form of flattery so.. Thank you! However, a knock-off Bar class will never yield the same results as our Bar Method clients see. Our founder, Burr Leonard, has been working on the Method for 25+ years, all Bar Method teachers must first be Master Students, then pass extensive training and co-teaching programs prior to leading a class. (This is not something that can be self-taught from taking a few classes or watching the DVDs!)

BF: What kind of benefits can students expect to see once they've started The Bar Method?

JC: The Bar Method quickly reshapes your entire body, reduces inches, increases strength and flexibility, and improves posture. The result is a clearly visible change in body shape. Muscles look longer an more defined, the body becomes leaner and more slender. Simply put, our clients enjoy long, lean legs, flat abs, and sculpted arms and seats.

BF: How can someone find a Bar Method class in their area? If there are no classes available, can they get a DVD to use at home?

JC: They can visit our website at www.barmethod.com and click, "Find A Studio." DVDs are available at both our studio and online.

Jennifer Curtis on opening The Bar Method studio:  I recently took a big leap of faith, left my corporate career to follow my dream of owning my own fitness studio, bringing The Bar Method to friends and neighbors in the Mountain Lakes, NJ area. It's been nothing but fitness and fun ever since! I hope readers will visit our studio, take a butt-kicking class with one of our talented, certified Bar Method Instructors and treat themselves to an amazing total body workout! 

The Bar Method of Mountain Lakes is located at 135 Hawkins Place in Del's Village. You can reach the studio at (973) 263-BAR9 (2279). You can buy and reserve classes, for the Mountain Lakes studio or any studio countrywide, at www.barmethod.com.