If you follow celebrity workout trends as much as I do, you’d know that it was a big deal when Barry’s Bootcamp opened their first Canadian location in Toronto two weeks ago. Voted “The Best Celebrity Workout” in multiple publications, this boutique studio is a hit with A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Jessica Biel and Carrie Underwood. I want ALL their bodies — minus Kim’s rear (I’m sorry, I’m just not into it!), so I was eager to try their high-energy and even higher intensity class that claims to burn an estimated 1,000 calories.
Fine. You called my bluff. I was nervous as hell. There’s something about going into a fitness class and not knowing what to expect. Amiright? So that’s why I’ve started this Studio Spotlight series — to give you the real deal on the workouts that you want to try. So if you’ve never done the class before, here’s what you can expect.
The Price: Before you start the 50 minute HIIT class that alternates between guided treadmill runs and strength training, you will be hit with a $32 charge. It sounds steep and it is, but it is also comparable to all the other boutique gyms in the downtown area.
Graffiti Wall
The Merchandise Wall
The Space: The 8,000-square-foot space is located right downtown Toronto at 310 Richmond Street West. It is the company’s largest studio in the world to date. The ground floor houses the Fuel Bar where you can preorder your smoothies to be ready for when you’re done class. Surprisingly an escalator brings you up to your workout. I think they are trying to preserve your energy as there are no stairs in sight. The smooth ride up the escalator leads you to a large reception areathat boasts a selection of stylish merch. To the left, there’s a small fitness room called Barry’s Flex Lab which is used for stretching and custom classes. There you’ll find vibrating foam rollers that are 2x more effective than a regular foam roller! I’d probably pay $32 just to use these, so at this point I’m feeling good about the money I’ve spent.
The Fuel Bar
The Workout: You will never know what to expect when you walk into the main workout room that is solely lit by dark, red bulbs. That’s because no class is the same. Like ever! The class is split between high-intensity cardio on the treadmill and strength training exercises. Participants are divided into two groups, treadmill and floor. While one group runs, the other group squats, deadlifts and crunches and then you switch. I found the cardio component on the treadmill the most difficult.
For one, I never run on the treadmill when I’m at the gym and if I did, I sure as hell wouldn’t run at 4.0 incline with a speed of 12. Yes, 12! The instructor coaches you on what speed level you should be at for a walk, light jog, run and a sprint. Of course you can take this with a grain of salt, like everyone does at a spinning class when the instructor says to dial up. The instructor is there to motivate you, but you are really in charge of your workout. I knew there was only one thing that was going to get me through those 12 speed sprints. Good music. Thankfully Steven, the instructor that led my class was bumping all the right hip hop and trap music to get us through the toughest part of the class.
Kanye West’s Mercy hits the speakers and I’m suddenly an Olympic track star competing for gold. Steven, who’s guilty pleasures are hard tacos and a nice cocktail would even control the fans in the room and give us burst of cool air just when I thought I was about to drop my speed down to a comfortable zero. Regardless if you’re on the treadmill or on the floor, the workout is fast paced. Intervals only last 30 seconds or 1 minute so if there’s a move you hate, the silver lining is that it won’t last very long so you just have to push through. You’re definitely going to sweat, but don’t worry they’ve got an ice cold eucalyptus towel waiting for you when class is over. Amen!
Overall: Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also motivating and worth it!
Barry Bootcamp Instructor Steven and I
Have you tried Barry’s Bootcamp? What did you think of their classes?
