I Tried 3 of L.A.'s Newest, Hottest Barre Studios

As a long-time fitness enthusiast and barre devotee, I’m always excited to try out new studios and classes. When I heard about three hot new barre studios opening up in Los Angeles recently, I knew I had to check them out and share my experiences. What I discovered was not just great workouts, but also welcoming communities focused on holistic wellness and self-care. Here’s an inside look at these studios and why they’ve quickly become some of my new favorites in L.A.’s vibrant fitness scene.

The Rise of Boutique Barre Studios in L.A.

Barre workouts have exploded in popularity over the past decade, combining elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga into low-impact but highly effective strength and toning exercises. Los Angeles has long been at the forefront of fitness trends, so it’s no surprise that the city is home to some of the most innovative and luxurious barre studios. The three new studios I tried each offer their own unique spin on barre, creating experiences that go beyond just the physical workout.

Studio 1: Mindful Movement at The Barre Lab

My first stop was The Barre Lab, a serene studio in Silver Lake that emphasizes the mind-body connection. From the moment I walked in, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The space features soothing neutral tones, natural light, and living plant walls.

What sets The Barre Lab apart is their focus on mindfulness and breathwork throughout class. We started with a short meditation to center ourselves before moving into gentle warm-up stretches. The 60-minute class flowed seamlessly between barre exercises, mat work, and mindful movement.

I especially appreciated how the instructor offered modifications for all fitness levels and encouraged us to listen to our bodies. There was zero sense of competition – just a supportive group of people moving together with intention. By the end of class, I felt both physically challenged and mentally refreshed.

Studio 2: High-Energy Fun at Barre Beats

For my second studio visit, I headed to West Hollywood to try out Barre Beats. This lively studio brings a dance party vibe to traditional barre workouts. As soon as I entered, I could feel the energy – upbeat music was pumping and the reception area was buzzing with excitement.

The 50-minute class flew by in a blur of pulsing movements synchronized to the beat of pop and hip-hop hits. We moved quickly between exercises targeting different muscle groups, getting our heart rates up while still maintaining the controlled movements barre is known for.

What I loved most was how the instructor’s enthusiasm was contagious. Her words of encouragement had the whole class smiling even as our muscles were shaking. The fun, playful atmosphere made it easy to push myself without feeling overwhelmed. I left class feeling energized and ready to take on the day.

Studio 3: Holistic Wellness at Barre & Be

My final stop was Barre & Be, a studio in Santa Monica that takes a holistic approach to fitness and wellbeing. More than just a workout space, Barre & Be aims to be a wellness destination. In addition to barre classes, they offer nutrition counseling, meditation workshops, and a small but thoughtfully curated retail section with clean beauty products and athleisure wear.

I opted for their signature 75-minute “Full Being” class which incorporates traditional barre exercises with elements of yoga, guided visualization, and even journaling. The extended format allowed for a more gradual warm-up and cool-down, which my body greatly appreciated.

What stood out most was how the instructor wove in themes of self-compassion and body positivity throughout class. Rather than pushing us to go harder or faster, she encouraged us to notice how the movements felt in our bodies and to appreciate all that our bodies do for us. This mindset shift was incredibly refreshing and left me feeling not just physically worked out, but emotionally uplifted as well.

Finding Your Perfect Barre Match

After trying these three diverse studios, I came away with a deeper appreciation for how barre can be adapted to suit different preferences and goals. Whether you’re looking for a mindful movement practice, a high-energy cardio session, or a holistic wellness experience, there’s a barre studio out there for you.

What all three studios had in common was a sense of community and inclusivity. I saw people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels participating and being fully welcomed and supported. This accepting atmosphere is a big part of what keeps me coming back to barre classes.

While I enjoyed aspects of all three studios, Barre & Be’s holistic approach resonated with me the most. I loved how they emphasized overall wellbeing alongside physical fitness. That said, I could see myself returning to The Barre Lab when I need a calm, centering experience or Barre Beats when I want to shake off stress with a fun, high-energy class.

Embracing the Barre Lifestyle

Beyond just the physical benefits, what I’ve come to appreciate most about barre is how it encourages a lifestyle of self-care and mindfulness. The focus on proper form and body awareness in class has made me more attuned to my posture and movement patterns throughout the day. The emphasis on breath has helped me manage stress more effectively.

Moreover, the supportive community aspect of these studios has inspired me to be kinder to myself and others. There’s something powerful about a group of people coming together to move, breathe, and grow stronger – both physically and mentally.

Whether you’re a barre veteran or completely new to the practice, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try a new studio or class format. You might just discover a new favorite workout or, even better, a new perspective on fitness and wellbeing.

FAQ: Exploring L.A.’s Barre Scene

Q: Do I need dance experience to try a barre class?
A: Not at all! While barre incorporates some ballet-inspired movements, no dance background is necessary. Instructors will guide you through all the exercises and offer modifications as needed.
Q: What should I wear to a barre class?
A: Comfortable, form-fitting workout clothes are best so the instructor can see your form. Many studios prefer bare feet or grip socks, but check with the specific studio for their policy.
Q: How often should I do barre to see results?
A: Consistency is key with any fitness routine. Aim for 2-3 barre classes per week, combined with other forms of exercise and proper nutrition, for optimal results.
Q: Are barre classes suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Barre is low-impact and can be modified for all fitness levels. Many studios offer intro or fundamentals classes specifically designed for newcomers.
Q: How is barre different from other workout classes?
A: Barre combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga for a unique full-body workout. It focuses on small, precise movements to target specific muscle groups, often using light weights and your own body weight for resistance.