Today we’d like to introduce you to Lis Settimi and Catherine James.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lis and Catherine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We were both clients of the Bar Method Marina Studio in San Francisco, the original Bar Method location. We were introduced by the founders of The Bar Method because we both wanted to bring The Bar Method to Chicago.
In our first meeting, we discovered we were both from the Midwest but living in California; both loved The Bar Method for the same reasons (physical results, mental results and how it empowers women!); both went to Vanderbilt University for undergrad; and had the same birthday! We decided on the spot it was meant to be that we become business partners and bring The Bar Method to Chicago.
9 months later, in January 2008, we opened our first studio in the Lakeview neighborhood. We were one of the pioneers of bar-based workouts and boutique fitness studios in Chicago; six months after opening we were named Best New Workout in Chicago.
Our business exploded from there and we went on to open 5 locations in the first five years. Women in Chicago fully embraced The Bar Method’s 60-minute intense, no impact classes that gave them longer, leaner, toned bodies.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The first five years our business grew like crazy and our challenges were simply keeping up with demand which was a great problem to have! We were building new locations, training staff and building our team at a fast pace.
In 2013, the boutique fitness market began to grow and get more crowded, and then it exploded with competitors. People had and have so many options; our business was impacted by that as people went out to explore what else is out there.
Fortunately we saw lots of those people come back and say “I was in the best shape of my life when I did Bar Method consistently.” This year, in 2017, we’ve seen a great resurgence. It’s almost as if everyone tried all the other options and realized they wanted to be back at Bar Method – it’s been great seeing so many clients come back!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Bar Method Chicago – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are known for results! The Bar Method gives you a toned, sculpted body, and we do it in 60 minute interval-style classes that target the major muscle groups.
Our workout is done at a ballet barre, but it’s not a dance class – it’s an intense, low impact workout that burns fat and carves muscle. We build lean muscle mass so we actually raise your metabolic rate, and you burn more calories all day long – even after walking out of class.
Our instructors are trained to know the body and to focus on getting you into the perfect position for optimal results for each individual. Clients tell us they feel like they had a personal trainer in a group setting and that they’ve never seen a bigger transformation in their body. We know the mental results are just as important as the physical, and clients experience those too.
In addition to the great results we deliver, we are known for having a great community in our studios and being very welcoming. Sometimes our workout intimidates people and they are scared to walk through the door the first time, but when they do, they feel warmly welcomed and guided through their first class experience.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our main plan is to keep doing what we’re doing while always looking for ways to improve. Our Method is a living method and is always evolving to bring new challenges. We’re also always looking for ways to make our studio experience better.
Anyone who wants to get toned and leaner should try Bar Method!
Pricing:
- First Class $20
- New Client Special 30 Days Unlimited Classes $99. This is our best deal and a great chance for new clients to see what Bar Method does for their body in 30 days.
- New clients typically see changes in their body within 30 days by taking 3-5 classes per week.
Contact Info:
- Address: Lakeview
3144 N Sheffield Ave
ChicagoLoop
180 N Wacker Drive, Suite 200Wicker Park
1271 N MilwaukeeGold Coast
1 East Delaware, Suite 208 - Website: www.barmethod.com
- Phone: 773-935-2150
- Email: chicago@barmethod.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barmethodchicago/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarMethodChicago
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bar-method-chicago-4
