Tested and Approved: Barry's Bootcamp

I always wondered why so many celebs keep saying that they can eat as much as they like without putting on weight.  I seriously thought it was a massive lie (it is probably the case for some of them though) but I discovered recently that if you train as hard as Jessica (Biel), Jake (Gyllenhaal) and Katie (Holmes), you can burn so many calories that your cheeky dessert or pizza will be forgiven.  They all train at Barry's Bootcamp, the most famous ambassador apparently being Kim Kardashian (not that I am jealous of her bottom, but I have to admit, the rest of her body looks very toned).

Having read about Barry’s Bootcamp for years in various magazines (obviously in the US showbiz  & fitness section as the FT is alas not very interested in how to remain in shape), I kept hoping that the famous Barry Jay would open one of his studio in London. I decided to join their newsletter to be kept in touch about the Grand London Opening and I patiently waited for the holly mail to arrive.  On a cold day of November 2012, the (London) world was finally told that Barry’s Bootcamp would open its doors at the end of January. Not trusting 100% my fitness level, I only bought a 3 classes-package to start with. I registered for my first class well in advance as I wanted The Man himself, Barry, as a teacher. I started counting the days before seeing what all the fuss was about. Yes, I was excited by this new thing but I was also totally scared as the videos I watched on YouTube were not very reassuring. 

Barry's Bootcamp is just opposite Euston station on Euston Road. The studio is underground and has a New-York loft style, with bricks on the walls and high ceiling. I was greeted by over-smiling people who handed me a towel, a member card and of course some forms to fill in. After having signed my life away to a crazy-dancing guy who would have looked more suited in a night-club than a health-club, I started looking around the place. 

I first stopped in the beautiful changing rooms. Inside, it actually looks like a spa, not like the anti-chamber of a torture camp. Slow music, orchids, last generation lockers, razors, cotton buds etc... The showers are stocked with Malin+Goetz natural products and all i am thinking is: If only I could spend an hour relaxing here.

Luxury changing rooms

 

Malin + Goetz products

But it is 17h25 and my Legs, Butt and Shoulders class starts in 5minutes so I am heading towards the studio. It is very big, with probably 20-25 treadmills lined up and as many steppers on the floor. Like the rest of the place there is an edgy-underground atmosphere: dim light, massive pillars across the floor and mirrors everywhere. 

Studio

The loud music starts, Barry makes his entrance helped by his headset mic. We are not in London anymore, welcome to Los Angeles. I am not going to lie, the workout is very hard. I am not a Cardio-Vascular fan and this is challenging for me. The principle is simple: Interval training, heart rate going up, acid lactic, sweat and more sweat. But it works. The first 10 minutes are spent on the treadmill, running alternatively at 7, 8 and 9mph for 3minutes. Then it s back to 6 or 7 for one minute of rest before increasing the speed gradually to your maximum sprinting capacity. No break for us, straight to the steppers for a series of one minute long exercises: squats, shoulder presses, push-ups, biceps etc... Ten minutes later we are back on our new best friend, the treadmill, for 10 minutes of incline run, alternating sprints and jogs again. I am slowly dying but Barry re-motivates us and the class goes on. Fifty-five minutes after it first started, fifty-five minutes of very intense training, alternating cardio and weights, we finally stretch.

After the session I stop briefly at the fuel bar, where a handsome barman is making delicious protein-shake to recharge batteries. Going home was hard, my legs were like jelly and all my energy had vanished in sweat. I sat on my sofa for twenty minutes, trying to find the will power to move. I didn't know yet that the worse was to come: despite my hard pilates, personal training, yoga and jogging sessions, I had not been able to walk for five days after my Barry's session. Call it masochism, but I went back this week and I am really considering attending on a regular basis.

As nothing is perfect in this world, Barry's Bootcamp could improve two small things: the changing rooms get very busy between two classes (there was competition to get a locker) and the exercises on the floor work a lot the front of the body and I am wondering if my tighs are not going to be as big as a rugby player's...

Barry, see you soon, and Kim K, watch out, you are going to be jealous of my abs.

Barry's Bootcamp

16 Upper Woburn Place
London, WC1H 0AF
Entrance is on 163 Euston Rd, NW1 2BH
Phone: +44 (0) 207 387 7001