A Google User
January 3, 2018 18:19
This review has been long overdue. I left SF -- and my beloved DM --almost a year ago. Since then, I have traveled pretty much everywhere -- catching whatever barre class i can get. If a DM isn't there, I opt for another chain. This puts me in the position of being able to evaluate the difference across the chains. I know most think all barre classes are the same -- a little variance depending on the instructor. WRONG. I have been to every national chain in more than 6 major US cities in the past 12 months (not to mention International locations). I can clearly say that there are 2 key differences between DM and every other barre chain: 1) the caliber of instructor and 2) the focus on alignment. ON POINT 1: The training required of DM instructors vs those of the other top 5 national chains is incomparable. The specificity of DM instruction is unparalleled. There is no question on what exact muscle fiber needs to be doing what, where and when. Also, I have NEVER (in my 4 years at DM) seen an instructor with nothing less than perfect form. I am incredulous at the poor form demonstrated by instructors at other chains. My form is often better than theirs -- and I'm OLD! Seriously, I just watch injuries unfold before me. Scary! DM instructors also will not hesitate to adjust (realign) you. YOU WANT THIS! I am so disappointed at little adjusting goes on in other chains. How can I know if I'm doing it right -- if the instructor isn't letting me know through my alignment? ON POINT 2: I am horrified to see the focus on gadgets and weights (heavy ones) in some chains. At DM, the entire focus is ALIGNMENT. It doesn't matter how much weight one can do--- or how many reps... it is all about ALIGNMENT. Weights are even discouraged -- until form is right. If you are new to barre.... start here. Every other chain really does pale in comparison.