Barry’s Bootcamp: Class Review

I feel that this review has been a long time coming….. as Barry states, its ‘the best workout in the world’. It was the one studio class I wanted to try out!

Barry’s Bootcamp states ‘a Barry’s class can burn up 1,000 calories or more. It builds muscle, and boosts your resting metabolism, so you continue burning calories after the class is over.’  The class combines weight training with cardio.  Every day there is a different class training different areas of the body.

• Monday – Arms and Abs
• Tuesday –  Butt and Legs
• Wednesday – Chest, Back and Abs
• Thursday – Hardcore Abs
• Friday/Saturday/Sunday – Full Body

I went to a class on Friday lunchtime, which meant I completed the full body workout, using the treadmill and floor.

Katie, my instructor, welcomed me in to the studio a few minutes before the class, to talk me through the format of the workout.  She showed me how to use the treadmill and how to change it to dynamic mode (where you have to move the treadmill using your own body weight, rather than electricity/power). Katie explained she would shout out instructions to us on the treadmill, giving us different speeds and inclines to run at.  The floor work, would also be explained during the class, but we need a bench and weights to start with.

When the class started the room went dark and was lit by red lights – I was pleased as I thought no one will see me die on the treadmill in the corner!

The class was split between 7 minutes on the treadmill and 7 minutes on the floor.  The floor exercises would include squats, squats with weights, burpees, mountain climbers and lunges amongst other things.  When on the treadmill Katie would shout out speeds, one for beginners, one for intermediates and one for advanced bootcampers.  I struggled to keep the running up for the whole time, because of my asthma, so would walk quickly when I needed.

As I went to a lunchtime class (12 noon), the class included a protein shake – which was music to my ears (and muscles….).  I chose the chocolate and peanut butter shake with almond milk. So perfect for low fodmappers!

Barry’s Bootcamp was definitley a hard class, I did end up feeling sick half way through.  I did enjoy it though. I have another pass to use, so I will be returning.  I believe if you struggle with your running, it would be a good class to increase your stamina.

There are 4 Barry’s Bootcamps around London, Bayswater, SW1/Victoria, St Pancras and Moorgate.