You’ve probably heard of this cult group workout class all over social media. Since opening its doors in 1998, it has grown in popularity with the celebrity following of Kim Kardashian, Jake Gyllenhaal, Katie Holmes, and many more. But do not let that scare you away, it’s not just a posh LA studio. Doctors, lawyers, students, stay at home moms are among the many ordinary people coming in to get a taste. 

Now, this is not your traditional gym, with loads of different machines that you have no idea what each does. When I started my freshman year of college, I gained those unwanted 15 pounds everyone tells you about. It is not a myth I promise! I tried so hard to eat healthily and use the gym equipment in the basement of my dorms. But living in a city that is notorious for having an endless amount of good food, I couldn’t prevent the inevitable.

When I finally moved out and settled into my first apartment, I was determined to find someplace where I can lose weight and be the best version of myself. Gyms such as Equinox was out of the question because as a broke college student I could not afford to fork up those $300 a month, a personal trainer was also not an option, so I looked into group training.

I stumbled upon Barry’s, and I did a ton of research on them, I read every article out there, saw every YouTube video, searched their hashtag, and even stalked some of the trainers! I know it’s a bit excessive, but if I was going to pay money and invest myself in this, it had better be worth my money. 

Now I am not a person that is into a group workout, especially being around strangers without my makeup on, hair done, and drenched in sweat. But I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try, and I am so glad I did!

THE PROCESS

So first and foremost you should make an account with them online. You can choose the studio you want to go to, pick your position (I’ll go into more detail), instructor, and sometimes they have specials going on for first-timers. When it is finally time for your class I definitely recommend getting to your studio at least 15 minutes before your class is supposed to start, especially if you are a first-timer. It gives you a chance to get acquainted with the inside without a ton of people in the building arriving and leaving. 

The receptionists are literally the sweetest people you will ever meet, and I have been to many studios and they are the same in every city. The more you come in they’ll start to recognize you and it’s such a great feeling! You tell them your name and they’ll tell you where you are going to be starting. Either on the treadmill or the floor, sometimes if the class is not full you can request a change or they might make some. They will always know if it is your first time, and the person checking you in will give you the rundown of things, take you back to the locker area and show you how everything works. They have a ton of amenities, blow dryers, tampons, lotion, deodorant, and shower essentials if you plan on getting ready there at the studio. 

Now before class starts you can fill up your reusable water bottle at the fuel bar or buy a bottle there. Before the instructor opens the doors for you to come in, they have a designated team to clean all the machinery that was used. By this time the receptionist would have introduced you to the instructor (or they’ll ask if it is anyone’s first time). Do not be embarrassed, everyone went through it before and everyone is so friendly, they want to help! The instructor will then show you where everything is for floor workouts and show you how to operate the treadmill (no brainer right?!). 

It’s showtime! The layout of the class is this: if you start on the floor you’ll switch to the treadmill, back to the floor, and end with the treadmill. If you start on the treadmill it’s the same idea just backward, get it? Quick side note, the number you are assigned to when you start is the same as the treadmill or floor, for example, if you start on “T-2” when you switch you will go to “F-2” do not make the same mistake I did and go to any random number haha. 

Now you may think that you are an athletic person or you may not be. But when I tell you this class will murder you, it will murder you! Men and women that are clearly in better shape than I am, always end the class drenched in sweat. Depending on the instructor you pick, you will kind of know what to expect from their class. I highly recommend reading their bios or checkout their Instagrams. They’ll usually post things about their class and you will get a better idea. Each instructor is amazing, they will push you to the extent you did not know your body to go to. For my girls that do not like running, trust me you’ll like this running! I’ll include some of my personal favorite instructors to take in the NYC area at the end.

DAYS OF THE WEEK

MONDAY: Arms and Abs

Be prepared for sweat to start your week. Lots of floor action this day with a more relaxed time on the tread. 

TUESDAY: Full Body (lower body)

If you are first starting, I recommend possibly booking a double floor if you absolutely hate running. This day will have you contemplating your life choices! Incline and sprinting are a major component on the tread this day and weighted squats. You will walk out with your legs feeling like noodles and feel it for a couple days after! Good luck climbing stairs!

WEDNESDAY: Chest, Back, and Abs

My favorite day to go to class! It targets all places that people always tend to focus on at a traditional gym. You can expect bent over rows, tricep kickbacks, bicycles, resistance band work, and more!

THURSDAY: Abs and Ass

For my guys and girls that do not like working out their upper body, this day is for you! Booty bands and ankle resistance bands are commonly used in class this day. Another great work out if your main concern is to get a flat tummy and a big bottom.

FRIDAY- SUNDAY: Total Body

I consider all these “weekend classes” a focus on your whole body because ideally, that is what it is. Depending on your instructor you will focus more on other parts of the body than others. Whenever I attend a weekend class I always make sure I book a class with one of my favorite instructors. So I’ll always know what part of the body I am going to be training. Even if it means going to a studio that is not necessarily close to me.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

A little PSA for you all, although each class is focused on a certain area of the body. The instructor might add a workout or two for a different muscle group, just to balance everything out. For example, Wednesday’s you might have a squat or lunge workout while working with the weights. Also, do not worry about getting bored with the classes. Instructors changes their routine every class as well as rotate their music, so there is always something new and refreshing!

 

MY FAVORITE NYC INSTRUCTORS:

1. Erick Wilson

2. Mackenzie Ross

3. Ian McAndrew

4. Kat Sauser

5. Amanda Asaro