“Forget the power plate; forget Tracey Anderson” (so I was told recently); “if you want longer, leaner, firmer muscles with more definition you should be studying The Bar Method”.

Needless to say my friend’s enthusiasm was enough to encourage me to do a little research. What I found was a US-based company with studios dotted across North America and Canada promoting a unique system that promises “to burn fat and carve muscle”. The Bar Method, so read it’s website, is a “powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles.” It’s made up of exercises that are based on science, interval training and dance. Oh and it’s endorsed by Drew Barrymore and Madonna.

Overwhelmingly convinced, I booked myself into New York City's only studio (located in Manhattan’s Soho district) last week, excited by the prospect of a "lifted seat” and toned thighs. I walked into the studio expecting to be met by a typical gym environment. Instead I was struck by how beautiful it was. The lighting was so complementary, the music so inviting, the staff so darn friendly. To my surprise it was more day spa than nightclub.

Taken on a tour of the facilities I was introduced to a number of studios where handheld weights, bands, mats and of course a ballet bar can be found. The flooring is spring-bound carpet (all classes are performed in socks. How civilized), while the walls are mirrored to help you maintain form and posture and get the most out of your workout.

As for the change rooms: well, what a revelation they were. Every kind of body care dispenser one might imagine was discretely attached to the vanity wall (since when does a gym offer mouthwash?), the use of towels were complementary, and if one was to arrive early, as I did, helping yourself to tea and the latest issue of Paris Vogue, W and more was encouraged.

By that stage I was beginning to believe the Bar Method studio (The Bar Method is a franchise, by the way, so I’m supposing every studio must be the same if not similar) was a city hideaway of the highest order. With this on offer who cares what the workout is like, I thought to myself. Right? Wrong. Little did I know the class itself was going to be absolute torture.

For an entire hour I lifted my legs and arms, all the while clenching my butt as hard as can be and regretting my decision to sign up. Compared to the girls around me – all of which were incredibly toned, I might add - my form was way off, so too my strength, and my stamina. I was burning, churning, heaving and cursing. I wanted to walk out.

After the class the headset-wearing instructors asked me what I thought. My response? Well, they took one look at me as chimed, “Oh, don’t worry, we’ll have you in shape in no time.”

And you know what, I reckon they will. For two days later, just as I’d started looking elsewhere, the ache set in. Though not in the usual areas; no, in fact areas where muscle definition has remained absent for some decades. Could the pain be worth it after all? Well, I might just be a willing to find out, so off I go again tomorrow.

Although The Bar Method is yet to open a studio in Australia (fingers crossed it won’t be long) you can still experience it for yourself. Go to their website to purchase one of two DVDs out now.