Summary

A male's personal experience with becoming a member at Barre3, detailing his initial skepticism, the challenges of being the only man in class, and the ultimate decision to commit to Barre3 due to its beneficial workout regimen.

Abstract

The narrative describes the journey of a man who, after being introduced to Barre3 by his roommate's girlfriend, becomes a regular participant and eventually a member despite the initial awkwardness and logistical challenges of being the sole male in a predominantly female environment. He finds the workout beneficial for his body, especially after a back surgery, and appreciates the blend of movements, stretching, weights, yoga, and breathing exercises. The article touches on the social dynamics within the studio, his adaptation to the studio's amenities, and the welcoming attitude of the staff and instructors. The decision to become a member was driven by the unique quality of the workout that left him feeling accomplished and rejuvenated, outweighing minor inconveniences like restroom etiquette and the initial discomfort of being the only man in class.

Opinions

The author was pleasantly surprised to find that Barre3 workouts did not aggravate his back issues but rather felt beneficial.
He did not feel awkward attending classes with female friends but initially relied on their company to feel comfortable.
The author experienced a transition from attending classes with friends to going alone, demonstrating his growing comfort with the Barre3 environment.
He notes the friendly reception by the studio staff and instructors, feeling that they enjoy having male participants.
The author humorously acknowledges the extra attention he receives, such as being given extra towels and the consideration of restroom availability.
He is self-aware about the impact of his presence, such as other participants avoiding the space around him and even moving away, which he finds amusing.
Despite the initial discomfort and logistical adjustments, he has no regrets about becoming a Barre3 member, emphasizing the superior quality of the workout compared to other fitness options he previously used.

What it’s like to be a male member at Barre3

A day in the life as a Barre3 guy

My first ever Barre3 class (*shirt was light gray before class) with Alex, Kelsey, and Lisa

A few years ago, my roommate’s girlfriend (now wife), Kelsey, told me I should visit her Barre3 studio where she worked. I told her I’d check it out sometime.

And when sometime finally came, I was hooked.

I had back surgery about 10 years ago and most workout programs have only aggravated it.

But after taking a Barre3 class, I was shocked to find it felt better. The movements, the stretching, the weights, the yoga, the breathing… it was a perfect blend for my body.

Surrounded by 20 ladies in class, I sweated generously as the instructor dropped some extra towels off by my side. The next week, I went again. I made it a Saturday morning routine where I would attend a Barre3 class with one of my gal friends and then go grab a coffee afterwards.

I never felt awkward as the only guy in class, so long as I was there with someone I knew.

Improving my post-workout poses with Jayme (*shirt is certainly a lighter gray this time)

As time went by, it got more challenging to find a lady to go to a class with every week at the specific time I would be going. So I had to make a choice… only go when someone I know goes with me or start showing up on my own.

Eventually, I just started showing up on my own.

For another year, I would pop in and out of classes once a week or so.

I’d set up on a back corner barre, get my extra towels, and get my workout in.

After about a year of going every once in awhile, I got to thinking, ‘Should I just become a member?’

And after some contemplation and debate, I let my other club and yoga memberships expire and I became a member at Barre3.

So what’s it like being a male member at Barre3?

Let’s start from when you walk in.

You’re definitely going to run into someone friendly at the front desk. They seem excited to have a guy in the studio, but I think they’re pretty excited for everyone.

Next off, you may need to use the restroom. There’s a women’s restroom and a unisex restroom, and if there’s a lady in there, well, you’re gonna be out of luck. I don’t mind this. I work with an NBA team so most of our amenities are catered towards males even though we have several females in the office. So I understand. The studio is taking care of the majority of their clientele. And I’ve learned that I may not get to use the restroom before class and I might as well just change my shirt in the lobby after class.

But when I do use the restroom, yikes! I started realizing I would walk out sometimes without putting the seat down. I don’t have to worry about that at my house or work. Sometimes I’ve walked back into the Barre3 restroom to make sure I put the toilet seat down, and ashamedly, make sure there’s no ‘dribble’ around the toilet, ya know. It’s like, everyone’s gonna know it was me.

I feel like the instructors along with the other Barre3 staff enjoy having me (and other guys) there. Or maybe it’s just their job too. But they’re all super nice and welcoming.

But when I walk inside the studio space, well, you better believe no one comes to workout next to me. Wherever I stand, you can be assured that there will be empty spots on both sides of me. I get it. Why would you choose to stand next to the only guy in class? It is what it is.

I’ve even had ladies pick up their stuff and move further away from me, that’s a bit much, haha. I’m just there to workout!

At the end of class, when the instructor tells people they can leave early if they need to, for about 7 straight weeks, all the girls closest to me left. 7 weeks! I was like, ‘This can’t be a coincidence!’ Don’t worry ladies, there’s no need to leave early, get your breathe work in and relax.

So why did I become a member?

I work out at the gym in my office. And I belonged to a yoga studio. And I occasionally went to a club with various classes.

But no class gave me as great of a workout and sweat while feeling accomplished and yet rejuvenated. I walk out of classes feeling better than when I come in.

Since dropping my other memberships and going all in on Barre3, I haven’t regretted it.

The studios are great, the staff and instructors are amazing, and the workout is as good as it gets. So if I have to wait in line for the restroom and make sure to put the toilet seat down, I think it’s well worth it.

Look at how happy we (Maddi, Sarah, and me) are, still wearing the same shirt, and yes, it gets washed after every class