The Bar Method Santa Barbara, Agoura Hills

Instructor Jodi Conroy embraced The Bar Method lifestyle while learning from and eventually teaching under its creator, Burr Leonard. Jodi then opened her own franchises in an effort to acquaint more Californians with The Bar Method's signature mix of interval training, isometric exercises, dance-conditioning moves, and low-impact techniques gleaned from physical therapy. During routines, patrons unfurl legs and stretch spines into balance-affirming positions, often utilizing a ballet bar for leverage rather than anchoring legs in recycled Christmas-tree stands. The muscle-lengthening workouts build stamina while streamlining physiques and have garnered praise from such celebrities as Drew Barrymore and Anna Paquin. The Santa Barbara Independent has commended Jodi's "clean and pleasant" Santa Barbara studio, as well as its "personable and funny instructors [who] do an excellent job of supporting each student."