Good Sweat
LA export Barry’s Bootcamp sexes up the NYC fitness scene
Barry's Bootcamp combines camo, cardio-strength training, and night clubbing.
This weekend, Barry’s Bootcamp, an intense Los Angeles-based fitness program popularized by celebs like Kim Kardashian and Katie Holmes, opened its first dance-club-inspired doors in New York City.
But will New Yorkers go for the workout with its decidedly LA vibe?
The mirrored studio feels like a night club: The lights go down, the music goes up, and the hour-long class kicks into gear, alternating between intense cardio drills on a treadmill with strength training on the floor using free weights and resistance bands.
"The best city in the world deserves the best workout in the world," says Joey Gonzalez, head of the NYC location
Because of the fluffy (albeit camo-dressed) wrapper, I wasn’t prepared for complete muscle fatigue from weighted side planks or utter breathlessness from sprints on a tough treadmill incline. “What we deliver is a boot camp experience in a dance hall-night club atmosphere,” says John Mumford, who founded the company in 1998 with wife Rachel Mumford and Barry Jay Stitch.
So maybe it’s fitting that instead of military-style derision, sexual innuendo was the motivating force of choice in my class? “Feel the burn between your legs—from the workout, not your STD,” screamed Martin George, my LA-based instructor, as well as: “If I’m not turned on, your ass is not high enough in the air.” Is this the fitness version of the casting couch? (The company has since put the kabosh on sexual innuendo.)
All the essential boot camp elements remain unchanged for the New York studio. Well, except the price: At other locations, a 5-class pack costs $85. In NYC, it’s $150, a figure based on what other boutique studios here charge, says Mumford.
So will New Yorkers be wooed by the shiny promise of a chiseled West-coast bod for $30 a class?
“My take is that New Yorkers are certainly more buttoned up, but the city is faster, and they’re into the new and the good,” says Mumford. “If we can provide that to them, I think they’re going to line up for it.” —Lisa Elaine Held
Updated: Wed., July 20, 2011
What do you think, New York City?
Barry’s Bootcamp, 135 W. 20th St., btwn 7th and 8th Aves., Chelsea, 888-619-0005, www.barrysbootcamp.com
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I took the very first class at 7:15am – and really enjoyed it. It’s definitely a fun different vibe. Minus the price, it’s seems like a great place and a good addition to NYC.
I wish him the best, however, if Barry wants to be successful in NYC he must drop the West Hollywood gay ghetto brand and be a little more inclusive. David Barton is in a fight for his business life for making the same mistake
I took Harley’s class yesterday at Barry’s Bootcamp, and it was great! But definitely on the pricey side for a 60 min bootcamp in NY. Enjoyed the challenge.
I was signed up to take class yesterday but had to back out because my knee was bothering me. Sounds intense! I definitely need to try it soon. Great review, I know what to expect now…. probably not something I’d do regularly though.
i took Joeys class Sat morn – was great! It’s a little pricey but a great workout so it’s worth it!
I took Barry’s class yesterday at 830. It was definitely a challenging class. I don’t think the price will be a hindrance to the studio taking off. It’s known to provide results so once it establishes a following people will be willing to pay that amount.
I think Barry has something good going on. Took class yesterday and as a runner who is very in shape, I was definitely intensely challenge. LOVED the treadmill use, VERY uncommon but HIIT is an amazing way to torch calories. And per Sean’s analysis of ‘WH Ghetto Gay’, I don’t agree. I think it’s a great workout, intensely challenging and it’s in Chelsea. Last time I checked, a pretty bustling gay mecca. I get the David Barton thing, but this isn’t even comparable re: Barton’s challenges. It’s a boutique workout studio. I also don’t see BBC as not inclusive enough, I think it’s a very niche class, and you’re not getting/they’re not looking for Physique converts or yogis clad in pink lululemon (Disclaimer: I wore lulu to the class but still consider myself hardcore ;) ) they’re looking for the Crossfit/warrior fitness types and people on the fence about other workouts who really want a challenge. Gay, straight/whatever, I think it’s a great way to torch calories and get in sick shape if done consistently. IMHO.
[...] –Barry’s Bootcamp offers New Yorker’s a workout with an L.A. vibe. (Well + Good NYC) [...]
[...] –Barry’s Bootcamp offers New Yorker’s a workout with an L.A. vibe. (Well + Good NYC) [...]
I took a free class on Sunday. It was AWESOME!! Best burn I have had in ages!!! Unfortunately I cannot afford the price tag attached.
I took the free class too and liked it. I’m more a fan of outdoor workouts though and a huge fan of Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp, which leaves me sore for a good two days afterwards. Treadmills are great but nothing beats running outside where you have to push yourself up hills and use your own body weight. Plus, it’s way too pricey to do on a regular basis.
Sorry but he won’t last long. Initially people will be willing to try it out but essentially everyone is looking for a bargain. Its not that hard to get a great workout in NYC (minus the disco lights I guess:). I just got 10 kick-ass bootcamp classes for $9 each on Lifebooker – you can chose between many different locations/outdoors-indoors and most of the places will provide you with the great hard-core workout.Best part?You will still have some money left for that fresh-pressed green juice from the One Lucky Duck:)
Don’t let the lights and music fool you – this is one hard workout! You walk out knowing you have worked every part of your body without question, and that for me is worth every penny. When I go to the gym myself, I never feel like I have gotten as complete a workout. And when the weather is freezing and no one wants to be outside, they’ll be lined up to get such a great workout indoors. I predict success!
I live four doors down from Barry’s bootcamp on 20th street but I feel the price tag is too high. There are too many workout options in this neighborhood to be bothered with one that hikes the price just b/c they think that it’s what the market will bear. Unless they give me a compelling reason why what they are offering is different can’t justify it.
I went on Friday and posted a review on my blog. My legs are still sore but upper body is fine. I absolutely cannot stand running and had surgery on a torn meniscus years ago so don’t think this high-impact workout will be something I’ll do consistently. That said, I do think it’s effective, when done right.
I took the Legs & Butt class last night w/Alycia and this was one of the best workouts I ever had. I love how they incorporate the treadmill use into the class. All in all, this is a very effective workout that I highly recommend and cannot wait to go back!
[...] heard folks at Barry’s Bootcamp and Bend & Bloom discussing the issues, and YogaWorks sent out an email blast linking to an [...]
[...] amazing. (Sorry I suck remembering my camera – see photos and read a great review of the class here) We split into two groups, one group started on the treadmills and the other in the center of the [...]
I have to say, I LOVE this workout and have honestly NEVER seen results so fast. The staff is friendly, the facility is clean & upscale AND the most intense hour of exercise flies by while actually feeling fun. The people who accuse this place of being overpriced have NOT been doing their homework. There are only 2 other indoor bootcamps in the area (both to which I’ve been) and they’re significantly more expensive. The odd thing is neither of these other places have locker rooms and showers, let alone Malin + Goetz skin care products and a Juice Bar! There is no need to gamble on the success of the studio, considering Barry’s Bootcamp has been around for 14 years with stores all over Southern California. Not to mention they’ve only been open in NYC for a month and certain classes already have a wait-list. (unfortunately for me)
I can’t say enough great things about it and feel bad for anyone who doesn’t give it a shot. It’s unreal.
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