Barry's Just Opened In Chestnut Hill And Aims To Kick Your Butt

CHESTNUT HILL, MA — If you've kept up to date on what the Kardashians are doing, then you might already know all about Barry's, the bootcamp-like gym that had Kim Kardashian gushing about it's LA location in 2011. It took a while, but in 2013 a Barry's franchise opened in Boston. It was slammed. So, late last month the owners Brian Weller and Dustin Martin opened a second Barry's. This time, in Chestnut Hill.

"We had a large customer base from Chestnut Hill," said Weller. "It just made sense."

In fact, folks would drive as much as an hour outside of Boston to get to the Downtown Crossing location. No more, says Weller. Barry's joined the likes of Healthworks and Soul Cycle and Lifetime and Equinox in Chestnut Hill on June 24, opening in the space formerly occupied by City Sports. Less than a week after it opened, the fitness studio was packed Friday morning.

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What makes people travel for Barry's? Caitlin McDonough used to travel from Weston to Downtown Crossing for Barry's. Now her commute is significantly reduced and she says she's excited about the new location. Why?

"For the money it's such a good workout. Almost like having a personal trainer," said McDonough who added she felt the instructors were knowledgeable and made modifications for anyone who came injured or pregnant that made her feel good.

The website says not to be afraid of the Marine Corp- inspired workouts, the red lights or the intensity.

So what's a Barry's workout like?

Barry's is different from the likes of Healthworks, Equinox and Lifetime in that it doesn't just give you equipment and let you have at it. More in the spirit of Soul Cycle, it has a specialty. It offers one type of class each day and that class is broken up into five or six 10 minute chunks. Half of the time is spent on a treadmill working on hill training and speedwork or some sort of interval training. The other half is spent with weights and floor exercise. All 50 minutes to an hour is in a room with red lighting "you look better in it," explained Steph at the front desk with a smile.

The idea is that it's also motivating and soothing. The music is loud and also meant to be motivating. The room, though small with 21 treadmills and the same number of spaces on the floor, was well ventilated. And good thing: Barry's makes you sweat.

After checking in, filling out a waiver, and getting assigned a treadmill (remember whether you're starting on the floor or on the mill, as that will be helpful later) you can head to the locker room, drop off your stuff in a locker and head out to the fuel bar to order a smoothie - anything from the 150 calorie, $11 "Skinny B*tch," with blueberries, coconut and vegan protein powder to the "SuperFood Flex" for $11 and 450 calories. And it will be waiting for you when you get out of the class an hour later. If you have a credit card on file, they'll conveniently charge that.

A Barry's certified trainer opens the doors after his last class and lets the gathering crowd of mostly women know he's ready for them. And with a high five and a smile, participants file into the dim room, pick up hand weights for the floor workout and head to their assigned spots.

They don't mess around at Barry's. At a recent work out a newbie was told to pick up two medium weights and one heavy. Steph who greeted her recommended the 12 or 15 lb weights as the "light" option.

A recent Friday floor workout consisted of a warm up, some squat work with with shuffling and weights and some ab work. The treadmill workout included incline sprints and level sprints alternating with recovery. The instructor, Weller, made sure to let participants know how many seconds were left, but (thankfully) rarely channeled the Richard Simmons-style backward count down. The workout sped up and slowed down in time with the music, which worked. Weller also made a point of correcting those who were at risk of injury and paying extra gentle attention to helping one newbie get the rhythm correct when she couldn't quite get it right away.

The craze

Founded in Los Angeles in 1998, the idea behind Barry’s was to make getting into the best shape fun. Barry’s method utilizes what they call the most effective combination of High Intensity Training by incorporating 25-30 minutes of interval-based cardiovascular routines on treadmills with 25-30 minutes of strength training using free weights, resistance bands. The workout is results driven — pushing participants to their physical and mental limits — and efficient. They claim a one hour workout burns up to 1,000 calories.

The classes are customized to focus on a different body part each day of the week, and instructors aim to create a positive atmosphere, complete with high fives and jokes throughout the workout.

Boston in 2013

Former investment bankers, childhood friends and longtime athletes, Weller and Martin - took a class in NYC on a whim to see what it was all about. Weller said he'd worked as an investment banker for five years and it wasn't loving it. The Barry's workout experience was enough for him to quit his job and convince his friend to join him and become personal trainers, take the special Barry's training and open their own shops in Boston capitalizing on what Weller said was a lack of boutique fitness that wasn't yoga.

The duo, who are both 35 and from upstate New York, have plans to open another Barry's in the Back Bay in 2018.

As for the competition, especially in the Chestnut Hill area?

Weller says he thinks Barry's fits into the landscape at Chestnut Hill.

"I do think we offer something different. We're the only brand that offers a running lifting class. And it's the most effective workout. We are not doing anything different than what's out there," said Weller. "We just bring a community touch to it. "

Amenities: Free combination code lockers, hand towels and bath towels. There are three showers in the ladies' room that include: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash. By the sinks there are hair driers, face wash, deodorant, q-tips, cotton makeup remover pads, and a scented candle. Available at the front desk: Ear plugs, hairbands, bobby pins, and mints.

Classes run: $30 each for drop-ins, but with various packages the rate goes down. During its first 30 days open, Barry’s at The Street is offering 3-class packages for $75 (valid only at the Chestnut Hill studio) and $20 classes for first time participants (valid at both Downtown Crossing and Chestnut Hill studios).

Clothing line: Barry’s has its own retail line of tanks and workout gear for sale.

Smoothie bar: A signature Fuel Bar, serving a menu of healthy and energizing smoothies and snacks, each designed to help clients reach their fitness goals.

Barry’s is located at 55 Boylston Street, in the space formerly occupied by City Sports, the entrance is the backside of The Street facing the water; 617-487-5117.