Looking to raise the bar in your workout routine, but not sure how? Then barre classes may be just what you’re looking for! Designed to strengthen and tone your muscles, this high-intensity, low-impact workout will leave you wondering why you didn’t start these classes sooner. We’ve rounded up the 11 best barre studios in NYC so you can tone and strengthen your way to a brand new you.
See Also: The 16 Best Pilates Studios In NYC
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The reputable Pure Barre classes are designed to completely transform your body through strengthening and toning in just 50 minutes. With multiple class types, there's something at Pure Barre for everyone. There’s Foundations (free introductory class), Align (balance, flexibility and strength), Classic (balls, weights and double tube), Empower (cardio, barre and interval training), Reform (resistance, strength and sliders), and the newly added Define class format (strength and power). These specialized classes allow for focus on specific muscle groups for a guided and intentional workout.
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63 W. 8th St. / 212.228.9606 / Website
Combine strength, cardio, and mindfulness and you’ve got a barre3 workout! Co-founder Sadie Lincoln’s emphasis on body wisdom and redefining what it means to be successful in fitness is illustrated in barre3’s classes. Their signature approach includes sustained holds, muscle-burning micro-movements and heart-pumping cardio bursts. These workouts focused on body positivity and inclusivity will leave you feeling empowered from the inside out.
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The gym that has TikTok in a frenzy offers barre classes. In fact, they offer three variations of barre: Barre Fit Cardio, True Barre, and Barre Beyond classes. The Barre Fit Cardio class is high-energy and promotes maximum caloric burn and the True Barre class is a ballet fitness class with conditioning, core work and stretches. Their recent addition of the Barre Beyond classes adds an extra layer of cardio that'll have your core ablaze. With precise movements and attention to detail, these classes will leave your muscles toned and sculpted.
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Their motto of, “Not just any barre class. A better barre class,” speaks volumes about the work they do at The Bar Method. Although no two classes are alike at The Bar Method, one thing remains the same: you’re gonna get a high-energy, heart-raising workout in a positive fitness environment. Their classes are organized based on style and preference. They have the Bar Method class (classic), the Bar Method Cardio class (with cardio incorporated), the Bar advanced class (for those looking for an extra push), the Bar Flow class (with yoga moves incorporated), the Bar Strength class (strength and endurance), and the Bar Restore class (stretch). This no-nonsense approach is sure to hold you accountable and push you toward success.
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Who says a spa day can’t include a good workout? Between their two NYC locations, at Exhale Spa you can do just that! Their signature barre classes will get your blood pumping and leave no muscle untouched. As for those who are looking for an extra push, they also have barre + cardio classes that utilize both hand weights and rapid cardio intervals. All your hard work will leave you ready to relax and enjoy the rest of Exhale’s excellent amenities.
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As the icon Fergie once sang, you can work on your fitness and they can be your witness at Physique 57. At Physique 57 they encourage participants to become their best selves with their high intensity, low-impact workouts. They offer multiple class types to accommodate different fitness levels. There's Sculpt (beginner), Power Sculpt (intermediate), Back Body Sculpt (intermediate), and Power Sculpt Lab (advanced). Additionally, Pilates and barre combine for their Core Lab (intermediate) class, talk about feeling the burn!
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1164 3rd Ave. / 212.861.2390 / Website
This fitness and wellness center focuses on barre, dance, and stretching total-body workouts. This blend of movements can be seen in the array of barre classes they have available. At Elements they have curated their own signature classes including Barre/Toned (barre socks required), Barre/Sweat (barre socks are required), Barre/Dance, and Barre/Stretch. For those who are looking to get fit quick, they have an Xpress series for just that! In just 25 minutes you’ll have sweated, toned your muscles, danced and stretched is a modified but beneficial format. As they say at Elements, “Give us 25 minutes and we’ll give you the world.”
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27 W. 20th St. / Website
What started off as Zoom workouts transformed into a blossoming business. When the Covid pandemic hit in March 2020, Katie Hickl and Kara Liotta wanted to continue working out despite the gym closures. So they decided to be girl bosses and create their own program. For those new to barre and wanting to master the basics at home, KKSWEAT offers a three part virtual introductory class package. Between their various fitness challenges and fire playlists, Kate and Kara are sure to get you sweating with any of their classes.
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Although Harlem Pilates is known for their exhilarating Pilates classes, this studio has more than meets the eye. Their barre classes intertwine both mat Pilates and traditional barre movements for a full body workout that'll leave your breathless. The upbeat and joyous atmosphere will have you running, or gingerly walking, back for more.
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27-18 23rd Ave. / 347.924.9004 / Website
Amongst the plethora of fitness classes offered by Unlimited Body NY, they offer barre classes. They dub their classes as a “full body workout to gain stability for knees, back, and core using light weights and your own body to build elongated muscles” that’s good for all levels. Their small class sizes allow for individualized attention that’ll aid you in accomplishing your goals.
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COMPLETEBODY’s barre fusion class taps into barre’s ballet origins. These classes are practiced at a ballet barre, but don’t stress there’s no dancing involved. The combination of barre and Pilates makes for a killer glutes workout, just in time for the summer.
No matter which barre studio you choose, you’ll be both looking and feeling your best in no time.
Photography by: CRISTIAN CASANELLES/Getty Images
