I Survived Barry’s Bootcamp And Now I’m Absolutely Hooked

Sponsored by Barry’s

It’s 5.45 am on a Monday morning and I’m stepping into the reception area of Barry’s for the first time. Walking up to those doors is like walking into your first day of High School. It’s big, it’s bright, and there are tons of new faces. It’s a whole new world to wrap your head around.

Barry’s was started by LA based celebrity trainer, Barry Jay who had the idea for a one-stop cardio and strength-training workout held in an immersive atmosphere. From its inception in 1998, the bootcamp has seen famous celebrities walk through its doors including Kim Kardashian, Harry Styles, Ellie Goulding, Mandy Moore, David Beckham, Isla Fisher and now me.

To give you a bit of context, I do a 45-minute workout three-to-five times a week however, I don’t consider myself to be an athlete, a runner, or even very strong (hello 5 kg dumbbells). So, when I found out that Barry’s consisted of treadmills, weights, and a devilish “Red Room”, my heart rate increased. A lot.

When you drop into the studio for the first time, you’re greeted by the smiling staff who were so friendly that it couldn’t possibly be quarter to six in the morning. I told them I was “fit” but not “Barry’s fit” and that frankly my freak-out levels were at an all-time high. I was met with giggles and a lot of positive reinforcement and I knew I was going to be okay.

Even though I told them otherwise, the staff reassured me with smiles as wide as their ears that “no, I wouldn’t pass out from being unfit” and that it was “recommended that I go at my own pace”. I told them that “walking is my own pace,” which I believe defeats the purpose…

When you first join, you are taken around the facilities. It’s important to arrive fifteen minutes early because it’s during this time that your questions are answered. You can also lock up your belongings, pre-order your smoothie from the Fuel Bar (I recommend this option rather than waiting in line later on), meet the morning’s instructor (they change every day), and get a really good run-down for what you can expect.

As I was taking advantage of the First-Timer 3 for $39 pack — a limited-time offer aimed at those looking to get an idea of how the classes work different muscle groups on different days — I booked in for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It’s not recommended to do Barry’s three days in a row as a first-timer, as you should really build up to it. I opted for it anyway and today I cannot walk (in a good way).

Each class throughout the week is designed to flex something different including upper body, arms, abs, lower body, and full body and the 50 minutes is split between the treadmill and the floor. They are also are very much dependent on the instructor, meaning that no two Barry’s classes are the same.

Now, as someone with a bulging disc in her lower back and a low-to-medium fitness level, the idea of running on a treadmill for 25 minutes of a 50 minute class was certainly not very appealing. In fact, when I booked in, I opted to “tread” and then “floor” for Monday only, with the other classes as “double floor” work.

Guys, I have to admit something to you. After that first class, not only were my endorphins pulsating through my body and my calories double what I would burn on any other day, it seemed I had drunk the Kool-Aid. I was already hooked. So much so that I couldn’t imagine two more days without feeling the same high. The following two mornings I asked if there was a treadmill available. I was a bona-fide Barry’s girl now.

Speaking to my Wednesday instructor from the Kings Cross studio, a very energetic and bubbly man by the name of Nic Kelly, he told me that there’s a reason why Barry’s is so addictive.

“It’s the experience and the community,” Kelly told me. “Everyone has a place in the Red Room. For a group exercise experience, it’s such a personal journey. You’re encouraged and elevated by the people that you experience it with.”

For someone who came in with a mindset that I couldn’t do it because I wasn’t sure I was fit enough, Kelly dispelled those concerns.

“There are absolutely no pre-requisites,” he said. “Barry’s is for everyone. It’s just about knowing your body, knowing your feelings, and trusting where you’re at.

“If we [the very talented instructors] give speeds for the treadmills or we give exercises for our floor, they are all realistic options. So, my advice to a first timer is listen to your body, listen to how you’re feeling and do your own thing.”

As for splitting the classes, Kelly recommends a three-day split.

“Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is a really good split,” he said. “It’s just a really incredible community to be a part of, as an instructor, as staff and as clients. It is more than just fitness.”

Tips From a First-Timer

• Go at your own pace. The instructors will give you a guide to follow, but if you’re not quite at that level, choose your own adventure.
• If you’re not a runner (like I wasn’t at the beginning of the week – but just look at me now), don’t hold onto the treadmill if you’re frightened. Holding on and running will just put more pressure on your body.
• If you’re in a rush, pre-order your (delicious) smoothie before class. You can pay by card, cash, or even add it to your account. Believe me, you won’t regret it and there are so many yummy flavours to choose from.
• Stay for the cool down. It’s only five minutes and the instructor puts on calming music while asking you to stretch, practice mindfulness and have gratitude for your body and the day ahead.

And finally,

• Not one other person is looking at you, kid, so don’t be intimidated by the others in the class – no matter how fit they look!

I am now Barry’s convert. On my final day, I paid for an additional six-class pass (you can find pricing here) and I won’t stop talking about it. If you’ve been thinking about joining for a while, this is your sign.

For more information, head to Barry’s Australia.