Barry's Bootcamp
High-intensity interval training popular among industry professionals for camera-ready fitness
Overview
Barry's Bootcamp is a high-intensity interval training studio that alternates between treadmill cardio and floor-based strength work in a 50-minute class. It has developed a cult following among entertainment industry professionals in LA and NYC for its efficient, results-driven workouts.
Classes are designed to push you hard in a short time, making them ideal for actors with packed schedules who need maximum results from minimal gym time. Each class is themed by muscle group, so you can target specific areas throughout the week.
How It Works
The studios attract a noticeable entertainment industry crowd, making them informal networking spots as well as workout venues. The energy in the room is motivating, and the community aspect keeps people coming back.
Individual classes typically cost $30 to $40 depending on location, with class packages and monthly memberships available at reduced per-class rates. First-time visitors often receive a discounted introductory rate.
Who Uses It
A great option if you thrive in group fitness environments and want a workout that delivers visible results quickly. The physical demands of acting, especially action roles, require a baseline of fitness that Barry's builds efficiently. The red-lit studio atmosphere and pumping music create an almost theatrical workout experience that appeals to performers. Many actors find that the intensity of Barry's classes builds the mental toughness needed for demanding auditions and long shoot days.
Pricing & Plans
Individual drop-in classes at Barry's Bootcamp range from $30 to $40 depending on your city, with New York and Los Angeles studios at the higher end of that spectrum. Class packages of 5, 10, or 25 sessions reduce the per-class cost to approximately $25 to $35, with larger packages offering steeper discounts. Monthly unlimited memberships are available at select locations, typically priced between $250 and $350 per month. First-time visitors can often access a single class at a reduced introductory rate of around $20 to $25. Compared to F45 Training's unlimited weekly model, Barry's can be more expensive for frequent attendees but more affordable for those who only go once or twice per week. The pricing reflects the premium studio experience, prime locations, and high-energy production value of each class.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Barry's delivers an exceptionally efficient workout, combining cardio and strength in 50 minutes so actors with packed schedules can maintain peak fitness without spending hours in the gym. The treadmill and floor format creates a balanced physique that looks great on camera, avoiding the bulky appearance that purely strength-focused programs can produce. The entertainment industry presence at Barry's studios, particularly in West Hollywood and Manhattan, creates organic networking opportunities that you simply will not find at a standard gym. Instructors are high-energy and motivating, pushing you past your comfort zone in ways that build both physical and mental resilience. The structured class format eliminates decision fatigue; you show up, follow the workout, and leave knowing you gave maximum effort. The brand has expanded globally, so if you are shooting in London, Nashville, or other major cities, you can find a familiar workout experience.
What Could Be Better
The per-class cost is among the highest in the group fitness market, making it unsustainable for many actors during periods between bookings. Classes are extremely intense and may not be appropriate for beginners or those recovering from injuries, as the pace leaves little room for modification. The loud music and dark, club-like atmosphere can be overwhelming and are not suited to everyone's workout preferences. Scheduling flexibility is limited, as popular time slots sell out quickly and cancellation policies charge fees for late cancellations, typically within 12 hours of class time. The treadmill-heavy format may not appeal to actors who dislike running or have joint issues that make high-impact cardio problematic. There is no at-home or digital alternative that replicates the in-studio experience, so your investment is entirely tied to physical attendance.
Our Recommendation
Barry's Bootcamp is ideal for actors who want a premium, high-intensity workout experience and can afford the per-class cost or commit to a package. It is particularly well-suited for performers preparing for roles that require lean, camera-ready physiques, as the cardio-strength combination is designed for aesthetic results. If you are motivated by group energy and competitive atmospheres, Barry's will push you harder than most solo gym sessions. However, actors on tight budgets should consider F45 or ClassPass for better per-workout value, especially if training more than three times per week. Beginners or those returning from injury should start with a lower-intensity option and work up to Barry's level to avoid the risk of overtraining. If you prefer a quieter, more mindful workout experience, yoga or Pilates will serve your performance career equally well without the intensity.
Pro Tips
Book the earliest available class on audition days, as the endorphin rush and physical confidence from a morning Barry's session can genuinely improve your presence in the room. Start on the floor side if you are new, as beginning with strength work allows you to warm up before hitting the treadmill at high intensity. Ask about their fuel bar or post-class nutrition options, and bring a protein-rich snack to consume within 30 minutes of class to maximize recovery. Follow the studio on social media for flash sales on class packages, which typically appear around holidays and the New Year. If you are preparing for a specific physical role, tell your instructor before class so they can suggest appropriate treadmill speeds and weight selections. Try classes with multiple instructors to find the coaching style that motivates you most, as the instructor can make or break your Barry's experience.