The Boutique Fitness Franchise Offers Low-Impact, Ballet-Inspired Workouts

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Helen Liu followed her passion when she opened her Bar Method franchise in Berkeley, Calif., in May 2013. She first learned about the fitness franchise in 2005 while attending law school in San Francisco. Her friends, who had taken dance classes with her, thought she’d love it. But with no nearby studio, it wasn’t an option then. That changed in 2009 when Liu moved to San Diego and found a Bar Method studio nearby. “I took that first class and never looked back,” she says. Her love for the workout eventually led her to open her own studio.

Founded in 2001, the brand has grown from a single studio to more than 90 locations across North America. The Bar Method is known for its low-impact, ballet-inspired workouts that appeal to clients of all fitness levels. By focusing on proper alignment and form, the classes offer a safe and effective fitness experience for everyone.

A key element of these workouts is the bar— or ballet barre — integral to helping clients achieve precise alignment and balance. The Bar Method is celebrated for its methodical approach to body transformation. Each class blends elements of Pilates, yoga and traditional strength training into a ballet-inspired barre workout. The emphasis on high-repetition, low-impact resistance training is designed to sculpt total-body definition, improve flexibility and boost metabolism.

Liu believes The Bar Method franchise stands out in the crowded fitness space. “The intelligent design and technique are unparalleled,” she says. “The level of attention each participant gets in a group setting sets us apart. We focus on deep connections with our clients while they enjoy the benefits of working out in a community.” She’s proud of the high-quality instruction her studio provides, thanks to rigorous training and ongoing education for instructors. “I always tell my clients, ‘I want you here for the long haul!’” she adds.

A Career Change

As a former attorney, Liu was no stranger to hard work, but she craved a career that felt more fulfilling. “In litigation, it’s tough to control your schedule. Owning a small business is all-consuming at times, but it allows me the flexibility to be with my family,” she explains. When her husband took a job at UC Berkeley, Liu saw an opportunity to reconnect with the community where she had studied as an undergrad. “I was not seeking just any franchise opportunity. For me, I was only interested in The Bar Method.”

Like many business owners, Liu faced her fair share of challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic topping the list. “My studio was closed for 385 days,” she recalls. Despite the closure, her team pivoted quickly, offering livestream classes and even outdoor sessions in local parks. “It was impossible to maintain our client base throughout the 12-plus months, but the support we received from our members was incredible.”

‍Prioritizing Wellness

There have been countless pleasant surprises, too. Liu cherishes the strong relationships her studio fosters. “One great joy is to see mother-daughter pairs and spouses who take classes together, encouraging each other to build and maintain physical and mental wellness.”

Liu sees the growing focus on health and wellness as a generational shift. “It’s wonderful to see people prioritizing their well-being. I think we’re at a point where we aim not to take physical fitness and mental wellness for granted,” she says. At The Bar Method, she’s seen hundreds of clients improve their strength, flexibility and self-confidence. “We help people feel good in their bodies and minds, and that’s key to living a full life.”

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