The Bar Method Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Barre fitness studio franchise offering classes that combine elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga for a low-impact, full-body workout.

Founded in 2001 by Burr Leonard in San Francisco, California, The Bar Method has grown into a distinguished fitness franchise with over 75 studios across the United States and Canada.

Headquartered in Woodbury, Minnesota, the company began franchising in 2008, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring its unique workout methodology to diverse communities.

The Bar Method specializes in barre-based fitness classes that integrate elements of Pilates, yoga, and strength training into ballet-inspired workouts. This approach utilizes isometric exercises and low-impact movements to target specific muscle groups, promoting flexibility, total-body definition, and enhanced endurance.

What sets The Bar Method apart is its commitment to science-based techniques and personalized instruction. Instructors undergo rigorous training to deliver precise guidance, fostering a supportive and empowering environment.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial franchise fee$42,500
Franchisee Training, Travel & Living Expenses$1,260 – $9,240
Leasehold Improvements$129,300 – $214,500
3 Months’ Rent + security deposit$21,375 – $32,775
Construction Management Fees & Site Survey$0 – $15,300
Office Supplies$2,000 – $3,200
Grand Opening Program$16,200 – $25,000
Architect/Design Fees$13,750 – $24,225
Initial Fitness Equipment$7,900 – $9,700
Furniture, Fixtures & Millwork$22,371 – $32,613
Technology Package and Licenses$14,648 – $23,739
Interior and Exterior Signage$19,200 – $25,550
Initial Retail Inventory (Retail Package)$2,300 – $3,550
Insurance & Bonds$2,700 – $3,550
Miscellaneous Expenses$2,900 – $12,990
Additional funds – 3 months$5,900 – $32,800
Total estimated initial investment$304,304 – $511,232
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial franchise fee$42,500
Franchisee Training, Travel & Living Expenses$1,260 – $9,240
Leasehold Improvements$129,300 – $214,500
3 Months’ Rent + security deposit$21,375 – $32,775
Construction Management Fees & Site Survey$0 – $15,300
Office Supplies$2,000 – $3,200
Grand Opening Program$16,200 – $25,000
Architect/Design Fees$13,750 – $24,225
Initial Fitness Equipment$7,900 – $9,700
Furniture, Fixtures & Millwork$22,371 – $32,613
Technology Package and Licenses$14,648 – $23,739
Interior and Exterior Signage$19,200 – $25,550
Initial Retail Inventory (Retail Package)$2,300 – $3,550
Insurance & Bonds$2,700 – $3,550
Miscellaneous Expenses$2,900 – $12,990
Additional funds – 3 months$5,900 – $32,800
Total estimated initial investment$304,304 – $511,232

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The Bar Method franchise provides a comprehensive training program for its franchisees. Initially, the "Principal Operator" designated by the franchisee must attend the New Owner Training Program. This program may be conducted virtually or in-person at the franchisor’s designated location.

The training includes both classroom and on-the-job components, covering key areas such as marketing, sales, and operations. Franchisees may also be required to complete a Teacher Training program, where at least three teachers (including the owner if applicable) must be certified Bar Method instructors before the studio opens.

In addition to the initial training, ongoing training is available to ensure that franchisees and their teams stay up-to-date with the franchise system's changes and updates. The franchisor may offer workshops, coaching, and additional evaluations as needed.

These services are provided at the franchisee’s expense, and the costs vary depending on the nature and extent of the training required. Franchisees can also request further assistance for specific needs, such as operations or customer experience training.

Territory Protection

The Bar Method franchise provides territory protection by designating a "protected territory" around the franchisee's studio, typically covering up to 50,000 people. This area is determined using demographic data and natural boundaries, and no other Bar Method studio can open within it during the franchise agreement.

While territories may overlap, no other studio can physically operate in another franchisee's protected zone. Upon renewal, the franchisor may reassess and adjust the territory based on updated demographics and guidelines.

Competitors

Below are some of

The Bar Method

key competitors in the

Fitness Studios

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

73

New
+
-3%
-3%

$42,500

$304,000

$511,000

n.a.

$353,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

The Yard Gym

The Yard Gym is a functional fitness franchise offering strength, HIIT, group training, and performance programs, serving adults seeking serious results, and known for warehouse aesthetics, scalable design, and engaging training models.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$237,000 - $954,000

Vertica Fitness

Vertica Fitness is a boutique pole fitness franchise offering classes, parties, and skill training, serving fitness enthusiasts and new learners, and known for low startup cost, turnkey curriculum, and inclusive, community-driven branding.

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$184,000 - $312,000

SWEAT440

SWEAT440 is a boutique fitness franchise offering 40-minute HIIT and strength circuit workouts with new classes starting every 10 minutes, serving busy adults, and known for convenience, community engagement, and scalable fitness studio operations.

Franchisees

?

13
+
1200%
1200%
Investment

?

$278,000 - $681,000

Modo Yoga

Modo Yoga is a wellness franchise offering hot yoga classes, workshops, and teacher trainings, serving environmentally conscious yoga enthusiasts, and known for eco-friendly studio design, global community values, and an inclusive, supportive practice environment.

Franchisees

?

8
+
-20%
-20%
Investment

?

$463,000 - $931,000

JETSET pilates

JETSET pilates is a boutique fitness franchise offering 50-minute high-intensity, low-impact full-body workouts on custom reformer machines, serving health-conscious adults, and known for seamless transitions, DJ-curated playlists, and transformative modern Pilates experiences.

Franchisees

?

12
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$413,000 - $807,000

Iron Bodyfit

Iron Bodyfit is a fitness franchise specializing in electrostimulation workouts, offering efficient 25-minute sessions designed to improve strength, tone muscles, and boost overall wellness.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$276,000 - $535,000