Back and Abs at Barry’s Bootcamp, FiDi
Barry’s Bootcamp is a Sweat Report favorite. This studio has a reputation that precedes it, and is known in the fitness world to be a badass workout. As a result, Barry’s classes might be intimidating to some — but they shouldn’t be. Like any class, you can work at your own level.
CLASS: Chest, Back and Abs at Barry’s Bootcamp, FiDi
TRAINER: Allie Cohen
SWEAT: 10/10
LEVEL: An intermediate level of fitness for Barry’s classes is recommended, because these classes are no joke!
TOP 3 TAKEAWAYS:
- The best workout in the world. Barry’s Bootcamp has literally been called the best workout in the world (Google it) and it’s easy to see why. You will push yourself, it will hurt, you’re going to question your sanity — and then at the end, you’ll feel amazing. You’ll accomplish things you didn’t think you could, and you’ll leave with a sweaty smile on your face.
- Red room of pain — No, we’re not talkin’ about Christian Grey’s room, we’re talkin about the dark room with red lights and loud beats that make up Barry’s Bootcamp classes. You’ll train, you’ll sweat, and you’ll party (kind of). For those who like the fitness trend of these club-style classes, then you will love Barry’s.
- Another day, another workout. Each day has it’s own focus for the weight training part of class — butt & legs, abs & arms, etc. But every class has a serious cardio workout too. You’ll probably run between 2 and 5 miles in class.
MUSIC: The music is electronic/techno-style and seems like it was made specifically for Barry’s workouts, because the sprints and intervals happen right when the beat drops every time. Regardless of your preference in music, it is the perfect music companion to this workout.
BRING: Water. You will need it! Towels are provided. You will need them too.
CLASSPASS: Yes
The space is located at 333 Bush Street, tucked into an alley but very easy to find. Make sure to check in at the front desk — they’ll tell you what your spot is (something like Floor 13 or Tread 21). Don’t forget that number: It tells you whether you’re going to start your workout on the floor with weights or on the treadmill.
The class layout is an interval, HIIT workout that finds you switching from metabolic strength training on the floor to sprint intervals on the treadmill. Meaning: After between 8 and 12 minutes on your first station, you’ll alternate to the other station with your same number. Then after another 8 to 12 minutes, you’ll alternate again. Most classes do this two or three times. Here’s a run down of what to expect:
THE FLOOR
When you signed up for the class, the class probably said something like butt & legs or abs & arms etc. Each day of the week has a dedicated targeted part of the body, and the floor section of the class is where you spend working that target. You’ll find some weights, and the instructor will demonstrate a set exercises for you to do, while the treadmill is running. Examples could be heavy chest presses, fast bent over rows, bicycle kicks, flutter kicks, lunges or anything!
You’ll do between 5 and 10 different sets.
THE TREADMILL
The instructor will call out a starting speed:
- 5 for beginners
- 6 for intermediate
- 7 for advanced
From there, you’ll listen to the instructor as they tell you to bump up the speed, turn down the speed, increase the incline, or turn down the incline. You might be on an endurance run where you’re running for a longer period of time (and we mean RUN); a hill run where you’ll increase the incline, a sprint where you all out, ball out; or a combination of the three. You have to listen to the instructor to know what’s next — but one thing’s for sure, you’re heart is goin’ to be racing.
Class goes by fast, and there’s one instructor with essentially two classes happening simultaneously so you have to focus on your form as well as what they’re saying. You’ll be working hard non-stop with minimal to no break between sets and exercises, but by the end you’ll have kicked some serious Barry’s butt.
One thing about Barry’s that’s really fascinating is that while the classes are intense, the reason it has a cult-like following extends beyond the sweat sesh. The instructors and mission is centered on pushing yourself and taking your mental and physical game to the next level
Barry’s Bootcamp | 333 Bush St. San Francisco | 415. 544. 9934 | Barry’s Bootcamp.com/studio/Fidi
