My Barry’s Bootcamp Experience

Barry’s Bootcamp is an ideology of intensity, fitness, and community. You run together, lift together, and get stronger together. In my last Lifestyle Edit post, I mentioned cross-training, and this is it. I’ve been going to SoulCycle, but I wanted to add something different.

I was introduced to Barry’s Bootcamp and got hooked. This is perfect if you’re looking to lift and run, or just lift.

the red room

Barry’s signature branding consists of the Red Room. What is it about working out in red lights? Is this the type of infrared therapy that heals your skin while working out? People have said sprinting in a dimly lit room is dangerous, or people can get injured from poor formation. Honestly, if the instructor tells you to sprint at 9, 10, or 11, and you know you can’t, take it at your comfortable sprinting speed. It’s all a suggestion. 30 seconds of burpees don’t mean fitting in 20 sets half-assed. Push yourself, safely. The last thing you want is to trip on the treadmill or pull your back during a jump squat.

Also, the red room is not that dark. It’s red, and you can see perfectly fine.

If the treadmill is not for you, the Double Floor (DF) option lets you skip the treadmill altogether. I thought I had to make a double booking for Double Floor. Nope, all I had to do was look for “DF” when I was reserving a slot in the class.

The best part about Barry’s Bootcamp is that each day has a dedicated focus area:

• Sunday: Total Body
• Monday: Arms & Abs
• Tuesday: Full Body – Lower Focus
• Wednesday: Chest, Back, & Abs
• Thursday: Abs & Ass
• Friday: Total Body
• Saturday: Full Body – Upper Focus

Instructors have the routines and timing down. Whether you’re running or lifting, you’ll do the same routine when you swap. Lifting can include variations of dumbbells, long bands, and short resistance bands. There is a variety of weights and resistances. When you’re on the treadmill, the routines vary between speed and incline.

facility features

• Smoothie Bar: There is a smoothie bar within the facility that preps smoothies with protein powder, berries, nut butter, and other goods. You can pre-order before class starts, so a freshly blended smoothie waiting for you after class. PS – this is a separate charge. My favorite is the Superfood Flex so far!
• Lockers: Very easy-to-use lockers to store your belongings. I’m happy to be at the age where I don’t have to bring my own locks.
• Bathroom: Okay, the fact that the women’s bathroom has the Dyson Supersonic???
• Clothing Shop: Barry’s collaborates with Lululemon (and other brands). Y’all know I am a Lululemon girl now.

yay or nay

Barry’s Bootcamp is worth the money if you put effort into the workout. I think the instructors are amazing for managing two different sets of workouts at once. Even bigger props for keeping time, too. Those 15 seconds don’t feel like microwave seconds. You’ll be distracted by the music or the instructor giving instructions to the other group.

Barry’s is also a great place to celebrate not only personal completion milestones, but also birthdays, holidays, and more. This is a community.

Barry’s vs. SoulCycle vs. Other workout facilities; honestly, choose what is best for you. Barry brings positive results where I found myself SORE for three days and burned more calories. It’s good to cross-train. There are true workout warriors who do double workouts; Barry’s and then right to SoulCycle across the street, back to back.

I do see the value, and I enjoy the experience so far. Highly recommended; try it out at least once.

Barry’s Pasadena
326 S Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101