The Bar Method Northfield

Catherine is indeed a Master! She & her team are extremely attentive & caring in helping me attain my fitness goals. Bar Method is by far the best discipline I’ve experienced for all around strength, sculpting, endurance, and posture. I feel stronger than ever! Thank you Catherine!! ❤

I recently joined The Bar Method, and I cannot put into words how amazing my experience has been thus far. The owner, Catherine, is extraordinary. She has an incredible amount of industry knowledge, combined with 15+ years’ of teaching experience. She has opened 5 locations in the Chicagoland area, all accomplishments are a direct testimony to Catherine’s hard work/dedication.

I have tried every type of workout class you can imagine, and this is the first time I’ve ever felt the need to share my thoughts/write a review. I have completed over 40 classes already and prioritize The Bar Method to be part of my everyday routine. It’s taken years to realize the importance and benefits of a full body workout, the significance of toning/sculpting the “right” way. The instructors ensure you’re performing each exercise correctly and offer the encouragement needed to get through the workout. I rarely look at the clock and I am consistently challenged. Each class offers a variety in movements/workouts, so it never feels overly repetitive.

I am fully committed and look forward to class every day. Bar is worth checking out!

I’ve taken barre classes at many different studios, but in my opinion, I love the classes and atmosphere at Bar Method Northfield the best. In fact, I choose to drive 20-25 mins to the Bar Method even though there are other studio options much closer to where I live. What sets Bar Method apart? The owner, Catherine, and all the instructors greet you with such warmth and enthusiasm every time you walk through the door. The workout is challenging, but I always leave class feeling accomplished and stronger. Catherine has cultivated a serene and friendly environment, there is a devoted client base, and instructors regularly take the classes. And lastly, if you have any physical limitations, for example, my spine is fused, the instructors are able to offer safe and effective modifications. I highly recommend Bar Method Northfield.

Bar method is a unique form of workout especially for someone like me who loves dancing. I have taken various kinds of workouts including, pilate, yoga, and purre bar. I also run, play tennis, pickleball and swim. None of these matches the intensity of a full body workout. Bar method classes are choregraphed to lift your butt, give you poise, develop grace, tone your muscles, strengthen your core, boost your confidence, and sharpen your focus to the instructor's voice to challenge every muscle group to balance fitness gains. No mats, just weights, ball, and 3 different sizes mats to support your exercises which is provided during class. Classes are instructed by beautiful, qualified instructors who not only have amazing bodies that inspires me but choreograph creative workout routine by adding new and mixing up exercise routines that challenges my capabilities. Bar method is super amazing as the workout exercises all your muscles in one class. The plies, develope, arabasque, weights, limbering at the barre, and push-ups have helped me regain the body I have always yearn for even at this later stage of my life which I think is important in staying healthy. The upbeat music and inspiring feedback from the instructors keep me on my toes to challenge myself to the edge! Thank you Catherine for creating this beautiful and positive workout environment that motivates me to enjoy my workout regime!

Our first class at The Bar Method Northfield was my first barre experience. Really great workout. Used muscles I've never activated before.

Catherine was extremely friendly and helpful getting us registered for our first class.

Jessica was so good about helping us with adjustments and modifications through the whole workout. It was easy to follow but super effective. I'll be feeling it my glutes for days!

Highly recommend if you're looking for a great barre class!

Really love how attentive the whole team of instructors is! I have discovered newfound strength and determination thanks to this Bar Method! Feels like another level of core training, more improved and focused than I have ever tried before and just overall great fitness routine!

Bar is the only workout that helped me get back to my pre baby body after twins. I love that the method is so thoughtfully sequenced, safe and focused on largest muscles of the body, and posture ! Catherine is an incredibly knowledgeable instructor and this motivates me so much every class! I love Bar Strength and Bar Cardio options to round out my fitness routine. I love the community at this studio - it reminds me of my ballet studio growing up!

When a friend told me that The Bar Method was opening in Northfield, I was over the moon. I was a die-hard Bar Method client over a decade ago- but multiple moves to various cities and states forced me to let it go. Over the years- I’ve tried many other workouts: bar classes, yoga, cycling, boxing, strength training, etc- but Bar Method always remained “the one to beat”.

Returning to The Bar Method truly felt like coming home. My body quickly responded to the practice, and results have followed. Now, 4 kids later, I feel the best I’ve felt in since religiously attending Bar Method classes all those years ago.

Catherine is an incredible teacher. She is encouraging, motivating, and challenging. The studio is clean, bright and fresh. The other clients are friends, both new and old, driven and determined. I truly look forward to attending The Bar Method almost every day.

This is a great studio! The owner Catherine is amazing; she is very attentive and motivating. The other instructors are all solid, always upbeat and have lots of teaching experience. They make sure you use proper technique without making you feel awkward. Classes are definitely tough but the results are attainable. Lots of friendly women (and the occasional man) with many regulars. I look forward to each class; there’s a routine and they’re good about mixing in new exercises.

From the moment you walk into the gorgeous, stylish new studio, the experience begins. Catherine greets every attendee by name, and once class begins, makes you feel like you are the only one there. The lighting, music, constant queuing, coaching, correcting form and camaraderie all feel like the most purposeful hour of my day. The workout is so focused and so succinct, I don’t think about another thing while I’m inside. You see not just physical results from the workout right away, but a strong connection to yourself and the community after just one class. Catherine is a gift to Northfield and to the art of barre!

I love the Bar Method Northfield! The owner Catherine is so warm and friendly and really makes every client feel welcome. This studio has such a wonderful community and is so supportive. It’s a great place to challenge yourself and get an amazing workout while being surrounded by good people. All of the instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, hands-on, and encouraging.

After months of going to the Bar Method in Northfield, I can confidently say that I feel stronger than I have in years! My muscles are leaner, and my posture, flexibility and balance have improved, and I'm able to push myself deeper in each muscle movement. Catherine is the very best and I'm thrilled she opened the Bar Method in Northfield! I am a HUGE fan!

When I saw the sign for the Northfield Bar Method studio I was coming off of 2 years of mostly cardio based exercise by my lonesome. I could tell my body needed some balancing out with some focus on core strength and flexibility, so I signed up for a 2 week introductory membership. I can tell you that right from the get go, Catherine and her team are fantastic at creating a welcoming and encouraging environment. Everyone who enters is welcomed by name into the fresh space. They are excellent at creating a variety of routines that work your body from head to toe. They give specific verbal and tactile cues throughout the class to make sure your form is perfect, which I place high value on as a physical therapist. I also appreciate that I am getting the most out of every movement, making it an extremely efficient workout as well. You get results right away particularly with an increased postural awareness.
I do believe there is a secret sauce to this method, and it’s the community that comes into the studio fostered by Catherine and her team. It may be what surprised me the most. I didn’t realize how much I missed the environment of group exercise: saying “hi” and catching up before and after class begins, the positive peer pressure of pushing yourself alongside your fellow classmates, and the promise of it all happening again at the next class. Definitely a recipe for success!!

Only positive things to say about the Bar Method Northfield studio. The owner Catherine and all her instructors are amazing and so professional. Such a supportive community and the best full body, no impact workout you can do for yourself!

I have been taking barre classes for nearly 20 years - from California to NYC to Chicagoland, and The Bar Method in Northfield/Chicago, led by Catherine James, is hands down the BEST. Catherine and her team are knowledgeable and disciplined. The thoughtful encouragement and careful instruction I’ve experienced at The Bar Method with Catherine has my body (and mind) feeling better than ever!

This is the best long term workout for a strong, lean and toned body. Catherine has a gift and is truly passionate about the health and well-being of her clients. She is a phenomenal teacher and taking these classes is a gift. Bar method Northfield has been life changing.

The Bar Method is an incredible workout!! Catherine James is an exceptional teacher and the muscle engagement is next level! I leave each class feeling sore and shaky and yet totally refreshed and stretched!! Addicted!!!

Wonderful workout! The Bar Method Northfield meets the needs of a wide variety of ages and abilities. Professional, experienced teachers lead the class and the owner, Catherine, is very warm and welcoming. Highly recommended!

Today I completed my 20th class after friends encouraged me to give Bar Method a try. One trial class in and I was hooked after falling out of a routine for an entire year (thanks to a hamstring injury from a high intensity workout followed by months of physical therapy).

As a mom of three young children, my new year's resolution was not to give something up but to make my health a priority. In the studio I am welcomed by name and am challenged in new ways every class -- even when attending four a week. It's the first full-body workout I've done where my mind doesn't wander for a single moment.

As a woman it's easy to look in the mirror and find something to critique. But at Bar I look around and only see strength, perseverance and beauty. And I'm so thankful to be part of this community.

Bar Method is the best workout in the north suburbs. You really see results fast! Catherine, the owner, is so nice and all the instructors are knowledgeable, helpful and push you to be your best. Highly recommend!