Bazaar Does Barry’s Bootcamp In Dubai (And Lives To Tell The Tale)
“As the mirror in front of me steams up, realisation dawns that sweat just got real”
Barry’s Bootcamp, which bills itself as the best workout in the world, opened its doors in Dubai this weekend and already places at its mega high-tech treadmills are in hot demand. Bazaar editor Louise Nichol goes for the burn
WHAT: Barry’s is a strength and cardio workout where you divide your time between running intervals on a treadmill and working your core and with weights at a floor station. Alternate between two treadmill and two floor sessions during the 50-minute class. If treadmills aren’t your thing, book the double-floor option for an entire class of weights and core. One instructor covers a class of up to 54 participants – half on treadmills and half on the floor at any one time – so it’s helpful if you have a knowledge of basic movement standards, such as squats, before signing up.
WHERE: The first Barry’s Bootcamp in Dubai is at Central Park Towers at DIFC (find it on Google Maps). It’s easily located at street level, with plenty of free parking in the office tower.
The workout focuses on intense treadmill sessions and working your core at a floor station
WHAT TO BRING: No need for anything other than a bottle of water, your car keys and maybe your phone for a post-workout selfie #thesweatlife. Towels are provided. On arrival you can pre-order a post-class protein shake, green juice or nut milk – the ‘Green Latifah’ contains apple juice, chlorella powder, spinach, blueberries, vanilla whey protein (Dhs40) while ‘Not Yo Average Khalifa’ is almond milk, banana, espresso and vanilla whey protein (Dhs35). Or throw back a ‘Slim Down’ booster of CLA and L-Carnitine (Dhs7).
WHAT TO WEAR: Leave the loose shorts at home (you’ll be lying on your back in front of a mirror, although lighting is forgivably low and red). Leggings by Under Armour or Lululemon are current Bazaar faves and Adidas Adizero Adios make light work of pounding that treadmill. Cute Barry’s merch is available to buy, should you feel the cult-like draw of communal exercise.
Instagram/barrysbootcamp
WHY: If barre classes are too low-fi for you, running solo is mind-numbing and you’re never going to pick up a weight without being ordered to (ideally by a pumped American wearing a headset), then Barry’s is for you. It’s a massive adrenaline surge, while being achievable and scalable to all abilities. If you’re unsure of your staying power, pick the slowest speeds and lightest weights from the range suggested by the instructor. Treadmill sprints are typically between 30 and 120 seconds, so the end is always in sight. Oh, and we only had to high-five a stranger once during the class, keeping the cringe factor within acceptable limits.
WHEN: Classes run seven days a week, with full body; arms & abs; butt & legs; chest, back & abs and abs-only variations and you can select your favourite treadmill or floor station, opting whether to begin with sprints or weights. Prices start at Dhs120 for a single class or book 50 classes for Dhs5,000. For the truly addicted, monthly memberships are also available from Dhs1,150 to Dhs4,770. Book online here.