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Barry’s Bootcamp

Happy Friday and greetings from London! The past two mornings, while in London for work, I was able to spend some time at one of my favorite workout spots – Barry’s Bootcamp.

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For those of you who are long time readers, you may remember that Barry’s Bootcamp actually helped us stay in shape and run half marathon PRs after we broke up with my personal trainer. I’ve written a few posts previously about my experiences back in NYC including my first Barry’s Bootcamp experience almost two years ago.

For the rest of you, I thought I’d share a review of Barry’s Bootcamp in case you’re interested in trying it yourself. Many people often say they are intimidated by it so I figured this post could help you realize that while it may seem intimidating, it will instead help you realize your abilities and provide you with some great treadmill and weight moves you can incorporate into your own future workouts.

What is it? Barry’s Bootcamp is a Los Angeles based company which has now expanded to 13 different cities including locations in England and Norway! Started back in 1998, the workout advertises that it offers the “best workout in the world.” While that is quite subjective, I will promise you that during the hour long class you will definitely get an efficient workout that burns calories and tones muscles! The 60 minute class includes a total of 25-30 minutes on the treadmill, 25-30 minutes of weights/plyometric moves and a cool-down stretch. You can choose whether you want to start the class on the treadmill or on the floor. I love starting with the treadmill portion but Bo loves starting with the floor, it’s totally personal! Most classes break up the portions by doing a total of 2 10-15 minute treadmill pieces with 2 10-15 minute floor sessions. This provides a great break and allows you to work a different set of muscles before getting back on the treadmill. The schedule alternates so that each day there is a different body group or focus for the floor portion (Arms and Abs; Legs Butt and Shoulders; Chest Back and Abs; Hardcore Abs; or Full Body).  You will be able to see the day’s focus when you sign up online.

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What should I wear? You will see everything and anything in the classes as it still attracts some people who are clad in the latest and greatest workout styles while others wear head to toe Barry’s paraphernalia. In a way, the outfits and crowd are similar to Soul Cycle and other cult workouts as they love the workout as much as they love the brand itself. I tend to wear either shorts and a tank or breathable, lightweight crops and a tank. I always wear my lightest pair of running shoes as the treadmill portion is a speed workout and sport a headband to ensure my hair isn’t falling in my face. Whatever you wear, make sure you’re ready to sweat and possibly be in a warm room as certain locations get quite warm.

Will I be able to finish the workout? What will it be like? The treadmill portion is challenging but the great news is that you control the intensity. The instructor will give suggested speed and incline levels, typically providing a range. However, if you’ve told them it’s your first time, you’re a beginner or recovering from injury they will never pressure you to go beyond your ability. They save that motivation for more experienced people who aren’t new or who want to challenge. Expect the treadmill portion to be no longer than 10-12 minutes and include some sprints and some inclines.  The floor portion usually features hand weights which you can also choose to make as light or heavy as you want. Most moves are dynamic or compound, meaning that they include two moves in one such as a squat and overhead press or weighted tricep dips. Make sure to watch the instructors form to ensure you know who to properly complete the move and go at your own pace.

Is there music? Oh heck yes there is music! Each instructor has their personal style but I promise you that you will be running or pushing your body to the beat.

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Tips to ensure you have a great first Barry’s Bootcamp experience

  • Class reservations can be made a week in advance via phone or their website
  • Classes tend to fill quickly
  • There are lockers with locks, showers, and a fuel bar serving smoothies at almost all locations. Most locations also include blow dryers and shower products but call ahead or check site to confirm.
  • Arrive early as most locations can be a bit chaotic.
  • Class prices vary by city but are around $30. There are packages and corporate discounts which can help reduce the price.
  • Each location has a different cancellation policy but average is 12 hours in advance.
  • Always tell the teacher if you have injuries or it is your first time so they can support you and make adjustments.

Have you tried Barry’s Bootcamp or a similar class? Have any other questions about the workout?

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ashleyd /

Workout+Wine

My Wednesday night was amazing. There really isn’t any other way to describe it. I should have known in advance as the event had all the ingredients for the perfect evening:

  • A great workout
  • Wine and snacks
  • Thought provoking conversation

The lovely ladies at Uplift Studios took their popular Workout+Wine to another level last night by sponsoring a Workout + Wine book club! Inspired by all the conversation surrounding Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In, the ladies thought it would serve as the perfect platform for book club event! Eleven women joined for the workout while others came for the wine and discussion afterwards!

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Eleven of us had our butts kicked during the workout portion of Workout + Wine. Shannon Macdowell may be tiny but damn is she mighty! Her energy, great playlist, and attention to form will kick anyone into shape quickly and make them sweat within minutes. The workout was Uplift Strength which means we used lots of heavy weights, including my favorite dumbbell weight these days, the 15 pound bad boys! There were only cardio bursts but between the sumo jump squats and the burpees, we were all exhausted by the end of each 4 minute cardio set.

IMG_7973 IMG_7977After the workout guests were able to enjoy an array of delicious, healthy snacks and plenty of wine! I was starving after a double workout day and was therefore thankful that the snacks included more than just cheese and crackers. There was a delicious salad, quinoa, cheese, fruit, popcorn, and more!

IMG_7978For the next hour, I experienced one of the most uplifting (Oh hello pun, but really) and supportive conversations with a group of strangers. Though I only knew four of the women personally, we each opened up and spoke about our experiences in the work place throughout the years. There was a wide array of ages represented in the discussion which meant a multitude of experiences to share. Each person was engaged, supportive, and provided some great ideas on how to tackle some of the obstacles and situations we face as women on a daily basis. While each of us agreed that the book, Lean In, isn’t perfect it definitely has provoked some great conversations lately.

IMG_7980 photo 1 One of my favorite points of the evening was when Leanne, one of Uplift’s founders, asked the group if we each considered ourselves feminists. Until recently, I never considered myself a feminist. But, after reading the book and last night’s discussion, I’ve been reminded that feminism isn’t about man hating or not wanting guys to hold doors for women. Those are all the stereotypes that make the term so polarizing. Feminism can mean something different for each person but for me it means making the best opportunities available to women whether social, political, or professional.

Even after the event officially ended many of us lingered, discussing experiences and echoing the same feeling. Even the founders were in awe at the event’s success.

“….starting any business has its challenges, of course; however, experiencing the power and insight that came through like it did last night makes any challenges 100% worth it.” Leanne Shear, Co-Founder, President Uplift

This isn’t the only event Uplift offers in addition to their daily workouts. This Sunday they are hosting a Sunday Funday “Bootcamp, Bloodys & Brunch” which will include their signatures Uplifting-Strength workout followed by socializing over everyone’s favorite hangover remedies! To check out more information, head over to their site or email them at info@upliftstudios.com!

How about you? Do you consider yourself a feminist?

*This is not a sponsored post and I was not compensated for the class nor provided a complimentary class. These are all my own, genuine opinions. I just really, really love Uplift!

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ashleyd /

An Uplifting Start to My Sunday

I have at least 2 more Vermont posts coming including a phenomenal restaurant review, but it’s 8:45 and I am quickly fading. Therefore, tonight’s will be a bit shorter and instead be a recap of an awesome workout class I enjoyed today back in the city!

After a wonderful weekend in Vermont, my brother had an early (6:20am!!) flight out of the Albany Airport this morning. Instead of making him figure out a car service, I offered to drive him to the airport on my way back to the city. While I’d normally stay in Manchester until around noon on a Sunday, leaving early actually gave me the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds: a weekend in Vermont but a Sunday in New York City with Bo!

We were up and out the door by 4am in order to ensure he arrived at the airport an hour in advance. By the time he jumped out of the car and I moved into the driver’s seat it was clear that coffee needed to be the next order of business. Luckily, there was a Starbucks on the road where I could get a much needed iced coffee while also snagging a perfect oatmeal for breakfast.

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By 8:30 I was walking back home from the rental car office in the West Village, ready to enjoy a wonderful Sunday in the city.

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Since Bo didn’t get home until the wee hours of the night after a bachelor party, I decided to unpack and organize while he slept and then slip back out of the house for a quality workout. Maybe it was the four hours in the car this morning or the three glasses of wine last night, but I was craving a hard core, sweaty workout. After consulting the Equinox schedule and seeing that there weren’t any classes I really wanted, I decided to take advantage of the Uplift Studios new client special and squeeze a class in between a run.

I enjoyed a 3 mile run around Gramercy and Madison Square Park before hopping into Uplift Studios for their 55 minute 10am Uplifted class. Helena greeted me at the front desk and offered me a bottle of water and cup of coffee, on the house, before suggesting I head into the locker room to change before the class. Their inspiring messages greeted me in the locker room as I wiped the sweat off and dropped off my jacket in exchange for a workout towel.

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Today was my first time taking the 55 minute Uplifting class but based on the class description I figured it’d leave me sweating just as much as the weights and cardio portion of the Fit & Flow class.  Here’s the description from their website:

Uplifting
This total-body class focuses on strength training, using dumbbells, balls, resistance bands and body weight exercises to work all the major muscle groups to a point of fatigue, while incorporating plyometrics and cardio bursts throughout the workout to boost the fat burn.  You’ll leave feeling uplifted in more ways than one.  (Images source and source)

As soon as I entered the studio, Chelsea, the instructor greeted me with a huge smile and told me I’d be in for a treat. Helena was right when she said that Chelsea’s personality and fun was contagious. For the next 55 minutes I did moves that I’ve never done before in any of my workout experiences while jamming to an awesome playlist including some old favorites like Eminem, that helped push me through the last few seconds of each move. The class was killer from minute 0 to 55.

This was one of the more creative classes I’ve taken, using tools such as a dyna band to add resistance and spicing up normal movements like prisoner squats or even jogging in place by adding weights or combination moves. I was drenched just five minutes into class and the mirror in front of the studio kept my focus on form and ensuring that I wasn’t cheating. There is no where to hide in a studio like Uplifts because there are no “columns” or back row spots!

A few things that I find consistent in every Uplift class and love thus far:

  1. Instructors take the class right along with you for at least 1/2 of each set when not correcting the other students. This helps you see perfect form and feel like they too are feeling the burn.
  2. They use the count down method, letting you know how long each set is going to be and also telling you when you’re 1/2 way, 1/4 way, and then finally done. It really helps you know when to give the final push.
  3. Heart rate is kept up the whole time by using intervals. While I hated every second of our burpees with a lateral shuffle, the bursts of cardio helped me break a sweat early and keep my heart rate up every time she added them, every 5 minutes or so.

If you want to read more about Chelsea’s Uplifting class, check out this review on Rate Your Burn which echoes many of the same thoughts!

Rant or Rave? Do you like the countdown method or would you rather not know? Do you like creative moves in a class or more traditional ones?

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