I'd been wanting to take a Barry's Bootcamp class for a while, and yesterday, I finally worked up the courage to do it!! Spinning is the loml (SOULCYCLE ILY), but it was nice to try something else!!
I took 7 AM arms and abs with Shea. Upon arriving at Barry's, the workers at the front desk were super friendly!! They explained everything and were super patient. There's a fuel bar where you can pre-order a smoothie, and they'll have it ready for you by the time you're done with class. (I pre-ordered a Matcha Made in Heaven ($9), and it was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUUUS! It's made using matcha, spinach, banana, almond butter, vanilla whey protein, and almond milk. REAL INGREDIENTS YUM)
The instructor made sure to give a shoutout to the newbies. As we walked into the room, he stood by the door, giving everyone fist bumps. There I was, thinking...what did I get myself into.......music blaring, lights dimmed...where am I?? Is this a nightclub??
I thought it would be a good idea to start off on the treadmill because of all the horrendous things I'd heard about running so much you're about to cough up a lung and how you should get it out of the way.......so I booked a treadmill as my starting spot! You're given instructions on when to switch to floor and what equipment to grab. During both the cardio and the strength training portions, you're facing mirrors, so you get to watch yourself as you workout. There's something kinda empowering yet frightening about this
If you're a beginner and don't really have much lifting experience, you may find yourself HELLA CONFUSED. The instructor didn't really go around checking form or anything, so for a lot of the floor portion of the workout, I just looked around and imitated what my neighbors were doing. It was really loud in the room, and I couldn't really hear what he was saying clearly, so I was kinda just doing stuff and not sure if it was working (but I guess it did work because I am feeling some soreness today??). As for the running...omg I don't really like running.......but it was kinda almost bearable in the setting with the loud music and the darkness of the room and the red lights and almost rave-like environment. Raves I can dig. Running not so much. But this was...aite. Aite-ish...just ish
The intervals are a surprise, so you never really know what you're doing until you show up and are told what to do!! This class was split into four intervals. At the end, there's an optional stretch (but you're paying $$$, so you might as well stay if you can!!)
They have two double-floor spots at the studio for those days you might not be feelin' like doing the cardio portion or if you're getting your cardio for the day elsewhere. You're in a room full of people, but really, your workout is what you make of it. The instructor will yell out speeds and inclines, but those are suggestions. No one really cares if your speed is half of what it should be or if you need to take a hot second to catch your breath. It's encouraging seeing the people next to you sweating buckets and pushing themselves, and that makes you want to do the same. And you're paying an arm and a leg, so might as well get out of your comfort zone and push yourself!! But again, they don't MAKE you do anything. It's all in your power. This workout really can be for anyone!!
Bottom line: Kinda pricy...but it is boutique fitness, and they have really nice toiletries (Oribe products)!! They have showers and bathrooms, as well as lockers you can use (you don't need to bring your own lock). A class costs $34. There's a first timer package with three classes for $70. They also have other packages and membership options. There are sweat towels you can use, and I also saw water bottles on the counter. On one counter of the fuel bar, they have a water bottle refill station. I think I'll be back!! This really is a great workout, and if you're lookin' to try something new or on the quest to find some new workout motivation, head on over to Barry's!! read more