By now you have likely heard of Barry’s Bootcamp right? The cult workout has easily become my favorite ways to sweat this year! From the music to the community and the fact that it challenges you on every level, all while being achievable, is something that you cannot put a price tag on. At the end of the month, I will be teaching five classes per week in Burlingame, CA and since I try to take 4-5 classes a week personally, I will be spending quite a lot of time sweating it out. Basically, I have become obsessed and am so excited to learn and grow within the BB family here in NorCal!
After having CJ, I never thought I would feel like myself again. A chance meeting with our CEO, led me to my first Barry’s class in March. You can read full details on the story here. After my first ten classes, I was hooked! 6 months and 50 classes later, I can honestly say that I am the strongest physically and mentally than I have ever been. Barry’s is now my home away from home, my therapy and my happy place.
So, with the brand expanding all over the world and with more and more locations across the country including LONG ISLAND, PORTLAND and PHILADELPHIA, I wanted to encourage you to simply sign up for a class in your area and let you know all you need to know for your first experience in the “red room”.
Here’s the 411
Barry’s Bootcamp is a cardio and weight training class. You will spend half the 50-60 minutes in class in total, half on the treadmill utilizing a combination of endurance, HIIT, hill and flat runs and the other half of the class on the floor, resistance training.
Each day of of the week is a different program to target alternating muscle groups. Ideally, this means you COULD go every day of the week safely and effectively.
Monday is Arms and Abs, Tuesday is Full body (lower focus), Wednesday is Chest, Back, Abs and so on…
Hate running? No, problem!
If running is NOT your thing, that’s OK! You can always sign up for a Double Floor or DF spot where you will only focus on resistance. Many locations are now offering LIFT classes as well that are purely resistance training.
On the floor you will always use dumbbells and a bench. You may even utilize round or long resistance bands to up the ante.
Class always begins with a quick lobby intro where your new “teammates” will be welcomed in, you will be informed on what equipment you will use and what to expect on the treadmill.
When on the floor, always perform exercises to the left side of your bench!
When you sign up for class, you choose whether or not you want to start on the floor or the treadmill. The harder option is definitely starting on the floor. Starting with resistance training forces your muscles to use available carbs and glycogen from your muscles, by the time you get to the treadmill you are pretty taxed and you body now turns to fat as its fuel source. Sound tough? YOU ARE TOUGHER…I promise.
Tips for a successful first class:
Show up early (at least 15 minutes beforehand) to get to know the staff, studio and to let the instructor know if you have any injuries. This way, they can offer you modifications to have a successful first class and possibly show you the red room.
Prioritize your training shoe. My advice is to wear your favorite running shoe over your favorite training shoe. In the beginning, I did the opposite and my imbalances and IT Band pain went away when I got fires for real running shoes.
Pre-order your shake! If I know I am having lunch or dinner soon after class I order the “basically air” which has blueberries, water and protein to rebuild muscle and replace glycogen lost. If I need a good meal replacement shake or if I know I will not be eating for a couple of hours I order the “Matcha Made in Heaven and add BCAA’s”. It gives me a boost of energy and the banana and protein keep me full and satisfied. If you pre-order your shake at the fuel bar, it will be waiting for you when you leave class!
Seamlessly Go From the Studio to the Streets & Bring Your Tribe
Barry’s has showers with Oribe toiletries as well as free hair ties, plastic bags from your sweaty clothes and some of the best athleisure swag for purchase you can find anywhere. period.
Barry’s also loves to support the community! Think corporate and charity partnerships and we are always down for a private party! Yup, if you are a sweat junkie, you can host a private class in honor of your next birthday!
Check out the Barry’s Bootcamp website to find a location near you and take the jump! I promise, getting into the “red room” will be the best thing you could do for yourself this year!
