When and where
The SW1 sweat pad is the slickest gym in Barry’s London empire, where every Monday at 5.30pm Miles takes charge for a punishing upper body-focused session.
What’s the drill?
The 60-minute class is split between treadmill intervals (hill climbs, stamina runs and “dynamic mode” sprints) and high-intensity drills: think weighted squats, brutal burpee combos and slow-burn bicep pulses and bicycle crunches. Half the class runs while the others are on the floor, and the two groups switch every few minutes. Every class and every interval is different and swapping means the hour races past.
The skinny
Barry’s claims you can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour. The fast-paced combination of running and weights is heart-rate heaven.
Sweat count
Full wring-out: it’s exhausting but euphoric.
The social network
A mix of almost hilariously honed Adonises and pleasingly normal-looking humans. Thankfully, it’s really not as intimidating as you might think, particularly the post-work 5.30pm classes, although they can book up a week in advance.
Instructor appeal
Barry’s instructors look like models, which is fairly encouraging. Miles is no exception. He’s particularly good at breaking down and explaining combinations, but he doesn’t let up — he’ll push you. The shouting is friendly and encouraging rather than scary.
What to pack
Enthusiasm. People have been known to woop. Towels are provided, but the water bottles are plastic, so bring a reusable and fill up from the chilled taps.
The sounds
Loud. Miles likes swagger.
Locker-room chat
The changing rooms aren’t huge and get busy in the 15-minute crossover between classes. But there are plenty of lockers (no padlock needed) and eight showers in SW1, packed with Malin + Goetz products. There are hairdryers, GHDs, dry shampoo, deodorant, tampons and plastic bags for sweaty kit.
Tips for first-timers
Arrive for your first class 10 minutes before it starts for your induction (you won’t be admitted otherwise). It’s easy once you get the hang of it but requires explanation, and you’ll need to be talked through how the running machine works. Opt for the lightest weights they suggest at first and book to start on the treadmills.
The afterburn
Day two is the killer. After my first class I had to squirt shampoo on the wall and rub my hair in it: I couldn’t lift my arms above my head.
From £22/class, barrysbootcamp.com
