A new sensation in exercise — The Bar Method— is making its way into the Valley. The fitness studio franchise, which built its presence in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, is winning over Valley residents with its unique ballet-inspired workout, said franchise owner Katelin Chesna. Chesna, along with business partner Emily Beason, opened The Bar Method Encino in May. Business has been so good, the duo is looking to open a second studio in the next year, possibly in Simi Valley or Northridge, Chesna said. “Every month we’ve had a revenue increase,” Chesna said of the Encino location. “Our customer retention rate is good.” The Bar Method, founded by Burr Leonard, combines techniques used in dance conditioning and isometric training to target all muscle groups and improve posture. With gross revenues of $14 million for 2010, the San Francisco-based company ranked Number 26 on The San Francisco Business Times’s list of Largest Women-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area. The Bar Method faces stiff competition in Southern California, where there are scores of gyms, fitness studios and venues that offer yoga and pilates training. Currently, the franchise has three Valley studios — one is located in Agoura Hills, another in Burbank and Encino. There are 16 studios in Southern California, with three more opening in the next several months. “I think there’s a demand,” Chesna said. “The business has grown exponentially and competitors have popped up like crazy.” — Angela Melero
A Different Kind of Bar in Encino
