I’m a big fan of Barry’s Bootcamp. Have I ever gone? No. But how can I not be a fan when it’s a place that Harry Styles works out at. Oh, and David Beckham, Jake Gyllenhaal, Victoria’s Secret models…you get it.
If you (somehow) don’t know what it is, beyond the tell in its name — it’s a bootcamp — it pairs cardio intervals with strength training combinations. Oh, and it’s done in the Red Room (not the 50 Shades kind, a room where the lighting is literally red). If you’re thinking that sounds like HIIT…well, find me a HIIT session where you’ll burn up to 1,000 calories in a class.
The famed (and perhaps slightly infamous) bootcamp arrived in Australia in 2018, and has been expanding ever since — it has three studios in Sydney, and as recently as last month opened a studio in Melbourne.
The Latch got to talk to some of the top Barry’s trainers to find out just how you can become your strongest self this year. Oh, and we got to talk to people all with different specialties, so no matter who reads this, there’ll be a tip just for you.
Barry’s Bootcamp Instructor: Lucy Young
A collegiate track and field athlete in Canada, Young has been a HIIT and run coach for over six years, and has a specialty in pre/post-partum exercise. Her top two tips?
“Motivation can be driven through action. It’s a fact that we won’t always be motivated, but sometimes simply putting on your exercise gear, listening to upbeat music and/or watching clips of inspiring athletes/fitness role models can help get you in the mood to train!”
And for running? “I truly believe that the saying ‘I’m not a runner’ should be removed from our vocab. Of course, there are some for which running comes more naturally, however, sometimes all it takes are multiple small and achievable runs to form a deeper connection with running.”
Barry’s Bootcamp Instructor: Ellena Takos
An NYC born and bred actor and dancer, she’s worked at SoulCycle (another celeb favourite), and is studying Naturopathic Medicine and performing.
“There is no such thing as the “right time,” just time and what you choose to do with it. Find your why (your specific reason for wanting to become your strongest you) and use that to motivate yourself!”
Her slightly tongue-in-cheek advice for dancing? “Flexibility is key! Always warm-up and cool down your muscles with a big stretch to keep yourself limber. I promise it’ll pay off in more ways than one, in and out of the red room…”
Barry’s Bootcamp Instructor: Shannon Belcastro
You may have seen Shannon Belcastro before, being as he was a professional dancer for 15 years, working with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus. He was a Master Instructor at Barry’s London for eight years and is now head of curriculum for Barry’s Australia and Asia Pacific.
“HAVE FUN!! Your workouts shouldn’t be torture, find ways to workout that are so much fun you don’t even realise you’re burning calories. Train with friends that motivate and inspire you. Set yourself goals and weekly challenges. Enjoy yourself!”
His dancing tip? “In my experience, the thing people lack the most is consistency. Hold yourself accountable for the change you want to see in yourself.”
Barry’s Bootcamp Instructor: Kaine Blake
Weighing over 100kg at age 12, he found fitness and later become an underwear model in LA. He’s been a personal trainer for over 10 years and specialises in weight loss and HIIT.
“Getting fit shouldn’t be an overwhelming thought. I think enjoying fitness is about balance. You should train hard so you can have the fun you want to have. If you know Friday night is pizza night, push yourself harder, burn extra calories on Friday, burn those extra calories so you can enjoy yourself guilt-free. Personally, I love donuts and they taste even better after a high-calorie workout.”
As a fan of cardio, Blake says: “Cardio is so important. That doesn’t have to mean running for hours, it means keeping your heart rate up while you work out. When you elevate your heart rate and begin to sweat, you are in the fat-burning stage. So when you start to sweat, don’t stop for a break, dab that sweat with a towel and push through. Push through the sweat and sweat some more to reach your goal.”
Barry’s Bootcamp Instructor: Prue Cormack
Not content with just one title, Cormack is a physiotherapist, Pilates instructor, sports trainer and fitness instructor.
“I always try to listen to what my body and mind needs each day, it’s never productive to pressure yourself to workout in a way that your body isn’t feeling prepared for. I still try to move every day, but some days we sweat, and some days we recover and refuel.”
Her multi-hyphenate advice? “Make sure you do a good warm-up and if you have any injuries, try to do some activation in that area before beginning your main workout!”