Apparently going shirtless in the suburbs is a thing these days…and we kind of like it. Now that doesn’t mean we are throwing all of our tops away, but we support the movement and Chestnut Hill needed a little skin to spice things up. The newest location of Barry’s Bootcamp lives on The Street, inhabiting the old City Sports space next to Pottery Barn (and just a stone’s throw from lululemon). The suburban outpost is just what you would expect from the Barry’s Bootcamp team: killer workouts, top notch instruction, sleek design, beautiful locker rooms, stylish retail, and a fuel bar that comes with many great new additions.
Barry’s is HARD. If you are looking to tune out, find your emotional center, and go through the motions, pick another workout. If you are looking to get your butt kicked, sweat hard, feel the burn, and flat out get fitter, you are in the right place. Listen up boys and girls – yes we said boys AND girls – because Barry’s is where both male and female athletes come to play. If you want to feel like you’re back in high school or college preseason, this will be your jam. Show up and get ready to be put through the ringer. Barry’s isn’t for everyone, but for those of you who have the guts to walk through the door, we promise that you will leave wanting more. Remember, at Barry’s Bootcamp Chestnut Hill, you’ve got to get uncomfortable to get comfortable with going #shirtlessinthesuburbs.
It was Monday at Barry’s which meant Arms and Abs, but don’t think we didn’t use our legs. We started on the treadmill with a 12 minute segment that incorporated jogging, running, and sprinting all at no incline. We then hit the floor for arm and ab work. We hit all of the usual suspects with moderate dumbbells along with incorporated core work (think tricep extensions, banded biceps curls, push-ups, planks, dips, and many others). In typical Barry’s fashion there was a little bit of everything thrown at us. After 12 minutes on the floor we were back on the treadmill for another 9 minutes which was more of the same, but we cranked the incline up to 8.0 and tried to hang on for dear life. Luckily we were not shot out the back, and moved to the floor for our final 9 minute segment of arms and abs. We closed it out with a final stretch and quickly got ourselves to the Fuel Bar for a PB&J smoothie.
You know those people that were just born for the studio mic? And even more so, born for the “Barry’s mic”? Yeah, that’s Britt Vitello. We wouldn’t expect anything less from the Turnstyle fan favorite – Barry’s just suits her. Barking orders and commanding the room like a boss, you would never know that it was her first week on the job. Because Barry’s instructors create their own workouts let it be known that Britt ain’t gonna let you off easy. She brings the heat and if you hit her up on a Full Body day we can only imagine the pain cave you will enter. If you are looking for the easy way out, maybe hit up the corn hole court outside Shake Shack instead.
The Barry’s Chestnut Hill studio entrance is located on the back side of building and not on the main drag. You enter into a lobby, which is beautiful, but smaller than their Downtown location. Straight ahead are the red lights of the workout room and on your right is the Fuel Bar. No fear, all your favorites are here plus some welcomed additions. Beyond the Fuel Bar are the Men’s and Women’s locker rooms which both have self-locking lockers, ample space to spread out, 3 showers, and Malin+Goetz products spread out throughout.
The workout room feels very “Barry’s” – basically just what you would expect if you have ever been to another location. We love how sexy and cut we feel when those red lights are on. There are 22 Woodway treadmills (yes, they have dynamic mode) and 22 floor stations all with prime viewing for instructor demonstrations throughout class. Sound system was an A in our book and you know we are sticklers for details like that.
30 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111 Newton HIIT $$$
Barry’s Bootcamp Chestnut Hill
Newton Bootcamp, HIIT $$$
30 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111
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Barry's BootcampBootcamp, HIIT
When Monday rolls around, Barry’s Bootcamp regulars rejoice. After the Friday-through-Sunday line up of Total Body classes, the Abs & Arms class proves to be a nice break for our legs. But don’t get it twisted–the sprint intervals on the treadmill still get us…every time!
We found ourselves digging deep to muster up the energy to tackle the 7:40 p.m. encore class. Literally though, we stopped at Dig Inn on Boylston before class to fuel up. In hindsight, this was probably a poor choice; should’ve opted for a post-workout smoothie from their in-house smoothie bar. The good thing was our instructor, Chris Mcclendon, was reared up and ready to go with all the energy we needed to get through the 60-minute session.
The name of the game was Arms & Abs. Sounds plain and simple, but that would be naïve to think. Surrounded by an army of seriously fit athletes, we knew the HIIT class would elicit just that–high intensity.
We found ourselves assigned to the floor group first, and quickly set up our bench with a pair of 12- to 15-pound dumbbells and a resistance band, secured underneath the bench for curls and such. Chris filled us in on the 15/9/6 minute class structure, hitting the floor and treadmill for 15 minutes each, before working our way further down the ladder. Mentally, we loved this approach; because after knocking out our first rounds, we were already halfway through the torture we willingly signed ourselves up for.
Our class’ floor session delivered more arms than the abs on this particular Monday, about a 75/25 split, with the majority of dedicated ab work coming in the first 15-minute segment. The remainder of class did somewhat engage our core, but primarily focused on arms with various bicep curls and holds, tricep extensions, push-ups and bodyweight dips. All in all, we’re pretty sure you’ll feel the repercussions of this one through at least Wednesday–a compliment to any good instructor.
Chris’ teaching-style was refreshing, and a perfect fit for a Monday evening class after a long day at work. Think approachable coach meets kickass training partner. He provided motivation without having to bark orders like a drill sergeant and had us pushing past our comfort zones, especially on the treads. He was thorough in his demonstrations of the floor exercises, but then was quickly occupied with balancing sprint cues and simultaneously timing the floor segments. We’re guessing all of the studio mirrors are actually to keep us accountable for our own form, as that’s the one thing that Chris could’ve been more of a stickler on.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp, HIIT
Grab your heavy dumbbells and celebrate: It’s Butt + Legs day at Barry’s! The name of the game is moving below parallel and getting your butts low. If you don’t like to get low, perhaps you should stay home. But if you’re all about lighting your posterior chain on fire, this class is the place to do it.
The workout alternated between floor and treadmill, the typical format at Barry’s. We spent 12 minutes on the floor, 12 minutes on the treads, and then three three-minute segments alternating between the two areas.
The floor portion was filled with all the usual booty-building exercises: squats, lunges, hip thrusts, deadlifts and more squats. The treadmill portion was broken down into one long (12 minutes) segment composed of jogging, push pace and sprinting with a few inclines thrown in for good measure. The next three segments on the treads were in Dynamic Mode. Don’t know Dynamic Mode? You’re missing out! You use your own power to move the treads, like pushing a heavy sled down the turf. We combined skateboarding, side shuffles and all-out sprints to get the dogs barking…or more like howling.
There must be something in the water over there on Chauncy Street, as Christina worked us hard, a signature for all of Barry’s instructors. Christina gave us clear direction, firm orders and demonstrated all movements effectively. She was not a drill sergeant, which we appreciated on a day when we weren’t feeling 100 percent. She made sure to give encouraging words when the time was right. But there were a few moments when the energy in the room fell a little flat, and part of us wished Christina would’ve given us the soft kick in the butt we all needed.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp, HIIT
If there’s a weak spot in the Barry’s Bootcamp class line-up, we sure as hell can’t find it. Show up for class on Wednesday, and you’ll get a three-for-one workout. Formally known as Chest, Back & Abs, your upper body will thank you–that is, once it finally has time to recover.
This particular class was broken into four, 15-minute quarters; just like a football game minus the halftime or timeouts. Per usual at Barry’s, we alternated each segment between our designated floor section and treadmill. For the floor routine, we were equipped with a resistance band and a heavier set of dumbbells. A plethora of rows, lat pull-downs and push-ups ensued, with our favorite being the commando push-up. It’s not what it sounds like. Google it; we promise it’s safe for work.
The run portion of class started out at a relatively gradual pace, but quickly ramped up in the final rounds when we increased our incline at a rate of two percent while decreasing our sprint speed a mere 0.20. This was punctuated by a minute plus 15 percent incline jog. We were more than happy to lower our treadmills from the upright position when Chad finally called time on that round! The class spent an equal amount of time on each of the three promised areas–chest, back and abs–which was much appreciated since balance is key.
Any instructor that can flawlessly run a class like Chad Flahive and kick our butt (or in this case our chest, back and abs) all while finding time to dance a little while doing it, has won us over. For those that haven’t had the pleasure of taking a class with Chad before at Barry’s, Equinox or Public Body, you’re missing a gem. He’s sure to make you smile, correct your form, challenge you to bump up your tread speed and take on a heavier set of weights. That being said, if you’re looking for a class where you can fly under the radar, this might not be your match.
Barry's BootcampHIIT
Following a 10/7/5 minute breakdown, we rotated through three rounds each on the treadmill and floor. While each routine was challenging, the overall combination was very manageable. There was ample working rest to balance out the workload. Our floor work was a combined ab work into all the exercises. Derek incorporated leg kick throughs in a plank position, with an opposite arm foot tap (yup, that’s all just one exercise) and “booty band” reverse lunges into a high knee kick. If you haven’t had a chance to use the “booty bands” before, be warned — they’re a killer, in the best way possible. After adhering the band to each ankle, nearly every moment helped engage everything from our abs, to its namesake, the booty. And as if these strength sectors weren’t dynamic enough, Derek had us put the treadmills in dynamic mode for the mid-way 7 minute section. What’s dymamic mode? Turn off the motor of your tread and power it with your own strength as if you are pushing a sled. Not easy, then again Barry’s never is.
We can assure you that the ease Derek exhibits as an instructor is the only thing easy about his class. He has a positive and calming demeanor that came through the mic clearly, as he guided a full class of 50 athletes. Derek’s prompts and demonstrations were thorough and timely. There was never a point in which we were wondering, “what’s next?”. His passion for teaching showed throughout class, and translated into a motivating and challenging workout.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp, HIIT
Any instructor that can flawlessly run a class like Chad Flahive and kick our butt (or in this case our chest, back and abs) all while finding time to dance a little while doing it, has won us over. For those that haven’t had the pleasure of taking a class with Chad before at Barry’s, Equinox or Public Body, you’re missing a gem. He’s sure to make you smile, correct your form, challenge you to bump up your tread speed and take on a heavier set of weights. That being said, if you’re looking for a class where you can fly under the radar, this might not be your match.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp, HIIT
There must be something in the water over there on Chauncy Street, as Christina worked us hard, a signature for all of Barry’s instructors. Christina gave us clear direction, firm orders and demonstrated all movements effectively. She was not a drill sergeant, which we appreciated on a day when we weren’t feeling 100 percent. She made sure to give encouraging words when the time was right. But there were a few moments when the energy in the room fell a little flat, and part of us wished Christina would’ve given us the soft kick in the butt we all needed.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp, HIIT
To start off the New Year on the right foot, we went straight to the top of the Barry’s todem pole, for a class with Co-Owner Dustin Martin. The verdict? He owned it.
Starting out on the floor for the strength portion of classes, Dustin had us kick things off with a brief stretch and mobility exercises. Out of all the times we’ve been to Barry’s and we’ve been a lot this was one of the only time we recall a dedicated time for stretching before kicking up the intensity. It was a welcomed change and our bodies enjoyed it.
The class was upbeat, challenging, fast-paced and set to a killer playlist. Dustin definitely knows his regulars, and if you’re lucky enough to one of them, you’ll receive a little extra push. The class included a lot of lunges; Forwards, side, backwards – you name it, we did it. Aside from a set of medium and heavy dumbbells, this was a no frills workout.
Dustin delivered a kickass workout that aligned with what we’ve come to expect at Barry’s. There wasn’t much that set Dustin’s class apart from most of the other instructors at Barry’s, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a testament to the caliber of trainers in which he and his team hire, and the consistency at which they are trained.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp, HIIT
Chris’ teaching-style was refreshing, and a perfect fit for a Monday evening class after a long day at work. Think approachable coach meets kickass training partner. He provided motivation without having to bark orders like a drill sergeant and had us pushing past our comfort zones, especially on the treads. He was thorough in his demonstrations of the floor exercises, but then was quickly occupied with balancing sprint cues and simultaneously timing the floor segments. We’re guessing all of the studio mirrors are actually to keep us accountable for our own form, as that’s the one thing that Chris could’ve been more of a stickler on.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp, HIIT
Brian Weller is the boss. His outfit may just have been the best thing we’ve seen in weeks. He brings the heat right out of the gate. His tone is commanding with a sense of encouragement. He’s definitely not a softy, in the best way. He barks commands, you do it. No questions asked. His awesome pounding beats brought the vibe up and got us pressing the speed dial faster.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp
This workout pushed us to our max, but with a killer playlist and top-notch instruction we were able to power through. It was impossible not to feel confident under the flattering red lights at Barry’s. The entire experience had us fired up to come back again ASAP. That, and the Phat Dustin shake from the Fuel Bar.
Our workout took place on a Tuesday, which means we were focused on Butt & Legs. We started out on the treadmill with incline and speed work. Our steepest hill was at a 10% incline and it was definitely difficult to maintain the suggested pace, even as the incline was bumped down. Floor work included squats of every flavor (lateral, sumo, pistol), lunges, donkey kicks, and fire hydrants with resistance bands to add difficulty.
The middle round of class involved getting into “dynamic mode” – where we used only our legs to push the treadmill belt. Then, we got our cardio on with plyometric movements like jump squats, scissor jumps and up and overs. We were exhausted after this round, but finished with endurance and speed work. Plus sprints…lots of sprints. This workout was not for the faint of heart but we loved the variety in exercises and running routines.
Don’t let her sweet smile and friendly demeanor fool you – Kelly Whittaker is a true badass. Her style was an awesome blend of encouragement (“You’ve got this!”) and push (“30 seconds left, bump your speed!”) that got us pumped during even the toughest parts of class. Though she’s 100% high energy, it’s clear how seriously Kelly takes form. She demonstrated each move and offered modifications to make things easier if needed. She’s one of the best in Boston, we’ve already booked her class again next Tuesday.
Barry's BootcampBootcamp
We can assure you that the ease Derek exhibits as an instructor is the only thing easy about his class. He has a positive and calming demeanor that came through the mic clearly, as he guided a full class of 50 athletes. Derek’s prompts and demonstrations were thorough and timely. There was never a point in which we were wondering, “what’s next?”. His passion for teaching showed throughout class, and translated into a motivating and challenging workout.
