The L.A.-born results-driven workout - Barry's Bootcamp - has come to Sydney, with it's Surry Hills location newly opened and Martin Place set to launch in the coming months. If bootcamp doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, don't worry, it didn’t to us either ... until we tried it.
Here, lead trainer of the Sydney-based outposts, Blake Bridges, gives us the low-down on the world of Barry’s Bootcamp.
What is it and what are the benefits?
Known for its reputation as one of the toughest workouts there is, Barry’s Bootcamp is the original high-intensity workout. The Original class combines a cardio workout on the treadmill with strength and resistance training on the floor. The combination of movements works cohesively to give you a leaner, stronger physique, maintain heart health, build muscle, stimulate endorphins and maximise fat loss. There is also a Double Floor class, which is a strength-focused class with no treadmill, catered to those with a goal of building muscle.
Each day at Barry’s focuses on a different muscle group, so you can fire up your legs and glutes on a Tuesday or hit some hardcore abs on a Thursday. The choice is yours, except on weekends, which are reserved for a complete full body workout. The program of targeting different muscle groups each day of the week ensures a balanced workout and gives muscles proper recovery time between classes.
Who is it for?
Barry’s challenges the idea that bootcamp is only for athletes or the extremely fit. Barry’s Bootcamp is designed for everyone, at any age or fitness level. Modifications can be provided so that the class is tailored to suit each individual’s abilities. If there is a particular move that doesn’t work for you, you are encouraged to flag down an instructor so they can work with you to develop a movement which is challenging but also suited to your needs and capabilities.
Members are able to choose their instructor, as you get to know the different instructors and their different training styles (some instructors teach slower, more controlled movements, others focus on power and lifting weights) you are able to attend the classes that you enjoy the most so you can get the most value out of your workout.
Outside the gym ...
What you do outside of the gym is just as important as your workouts in aiding your fitness journey. Making sure you’re sufficiently hydrated and following a clean diet plan which incorporates enough protein and carbohydrates for brain health and overall muscle recovery. Stretching and down time are vital to give your muscles time to strengthen and build, and it's important to listen to your body and take a recovery day or two so that you feel good and build the energy to work harder in your next class.
Depending on your fitness goals, we recommend attending at least three classes per week to strengthen and maintain overall fitness. Clients wanting to focus more on muscle building should be attending around four to five classes per week.
