August 16, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
The Bar Method boutique fitness studio at 99 South St. will reopen Sept. 15 under a new owner after closing nearly a year ago, offering not only an invigorating workout but also a much-appreciated sense of community following a long period of isolation due to the pandemic.
Hingham resident Suzanne Garland, who acquired the business over the summer, is excited about this new opportunity. "The timing worked out to reopen the studio," she told the Hingham Anchor. "I was a client for six years and have really missed working out there as part of my routine and seeing all my friends."
Garland's three children will be in school full-time this fall, so the time is right, she said. "I will have my days free and fortunately will be able to be home with my kids in the afternoon."
Eight former instructors will be returning and will help both loyal and new clients settle into their own routines. "There was so much excitement among former clients about the reopening that I did some pop-up classes this summer at Paragon Boardwalk in Hull -- using Adirondack chairs instead of the usual barre, with a beautiful view of Nantasket Beach."
While the instructors undergo recertification, Garland will offer free community classes. (See schedule below).
The Bar Method offers workouts for students of all levels. Barre exercises are designed to transform the body, improve flexibility, and boost endurance through high-repetition, low-impact strength training and incorporate elements of Pilates, yoga, and other strength-training workouts.
"The Bar Method focuses on small, precise movements rooted in kinesiology and anatomy that build muscle endurance," Garland said. "The entire workout is shaped by science."
Clients range from teenagers to individuals in their 70s. While most are women, men are also welcome. The highly-trained instructors customize the exercises to meet the needs of clients of all ages, including modifications for pregnant women, those who have sustained injuries, or individuals with arthritis.
The former childcare area has undergone a makeover, featuring more neutral tones. Childcare will still be offered, but the space will also be used for pop-up classes for teens and their friends, seniors, and other groups and also for pop-up displays by local small businesses to share what they have to offer.
To sign up for a free community class, email hingham@barmethod.com.
The schedule is as follows:
* Sunday, Aug. 22, 9 a.m.
* Monday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m. & 6 p.m.
* Tuesday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m.
* Wednesday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m.
* Sunday, Aug. 29, 6 p.m.
* Monday, Aug. 30, 9 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Garland is excited to be reopening the studio at this time. "People are ready to get out of their basements where they have been exercising [during COVID] and get back to a community atmosphere," she said. "Being in a group is motivating and you tend to work harder."
Face masks will not be required but may be worn by clients at their own discretion.
For further information, visit www.barmethod.com/hingham, Instagram @thebarmethodhingham, and Facebook page. The pre-sale period begins Aug. 23 when clients may lock into the lowest rate of $139 a month for unlimited classes