I have similar thoughts about Barry’s. It’s definitely for people who already know what it is. I went for two years and the only reason I didn’t hurt myself is because I actually didn’t push as hard as they wanted. I grew up an ice skater so I knew to stretch beforehand but still it’s a lot.
I can almost guarantee that anyone who is tuned into the NYC fitness/wellness scene has heard of AARMY. I tried out a few AARMY classes and had the same thought: wholly unsustainable.
I revisited it this past weekend and it has undergone some changes; the type of warmup depends on the instructor. Some instructors go with the standard static stretch (side lunge, hip stretch, t-rotation) while others focus on dynamic warmup.
As far as cooldown is concerned, the cooldown stretch is done right after a 3-to-5-minute agility round.
I would give it a try just to see what it is like. There a huge emphasis placed on 'team dynamics' and community ('culty vibes' and you high five everybody around you for some reason) which may or may not be your cup of tea. I mostly stay out of that as I am just there to work out.
omg thank you barry's is truly appalling, as someone who has spent years lifting. i truly don't understand how it is so popular, or how more people don't talk about how dangerous the one-size-fits-all approach to these kinds of intense workouts is. hard does not equate to good! i think this about solidcore as well.
Solidcore!!! i’m an experienced lifter, and I pulled a back muscle at a solidcore class that was essentially a weighted superset circuit in a 101° room. rapid RDLs with no form critique is just asking for injuries
Thanks! im pretty much back to normal, just a bruised ego from getting hurt during what a thought would be a fun, easy class. I’ll stick to slow, safe lifts from now on 😅
Went to a Barry’s class earlier this week and while I do LOVE the intensity of the class (like once every six months) I fully agree with the sentiment of this post. For so many years, I did the trendy workouts because I thought that was what I was supposed to now. It completely wrecked my nervous system and realized I actually love yoga and walking and low intensity activities. As someone who is energetically fiery and always moving quickly, the most supportive movement for me is the movement that slows me down and actually connects with me with my body. Love Barry's but love taking care of my physical mental and emotional well being even more!!!
really interesting POV here - love it! Are you also located in NYC? It feels like our culture is running rampant on those trendy INTENSE workout classes with minimal support. I wish there was a class with moderate to high intensity that always had physical/mental/emotional wellbeing at the forefront
Yes! I'm in Brooklyn :) I love Good Move in Williamsburg. Their dance classes are AMAZING and I love their HIIT pilates. I used to work for Shred415 which is similar to Barry's but way less sceney. Unfortunately it's based mostly in the midwest :(
I have similar thoughts about Barry’s. It’s definitely for people who already know what it is. I went for two years and the only reason I didn’t hurt myself is because I actually didn’t push as hard as they wanted. I grew up an ice skater so I knew to stretch beforehand but still it’s a lot.
totally - I found myself having to go extra slow/modifying even as an ex-college athlete, too
I can almost guarantee that anyone who is tuned into the NYC fitness/wellness scene has heard of AARMY. I tried out a few AARMY classes and had the same thought: wholly unsustainable.
Interesting!! Yup, I know AARMY but I haven't tried it yet. Was there any focus on form/warm ups/cool downs?
I revisited it this past weekend and it has undergone some changes; the type of warmup depends on the instructor. Some instructors go with the standard static stretch (side lunge, hip stretch, t-rotation) while others focus on dynamic warmup.
As far as cooldown is concerned, the cooldown stretch is done right after a 3-to-5-minute agility round.
I would give it a try just to see what it is like. There a huge emphasis placed on 'team dynamics' and community ('culty vibes' and you high five everybody around you for some reason) which may or may not be your cup of tea. I mostly stay out of that as I am just there to work out.
omg thank you barry's is truly appalling, as someone who has spent years lifting. i truly don't understand how it is so popular, or how more people don't talk about how dangerous the one-size-fits-all approach to these kinds of intense workouts is. hard does not equate to good! i think this about solidcore as well.
Solidcore!!! i’m an experienced lifter, and I pulled a back muscle at a solidcore class that was essentially a weighted superset circuit in a 101° room. rapid RDLs with no form critique is just asking for injuries
This!!! Yes! Ugh I’m sorry!!
Thanks! im pretty much back to normal, just a bruised ego from getting hurt during what a thought would be a fun, easy class. I’ll stick to slow, safe lifts from now on 😅
Went to a Barry’s class earlier this week and while I do LOVE the intensity of the class (like once every six months) I fully agree with the sentiment of this post. For so many years, I did the trendy workouts because I thought that was what I was supposed to now. It completely wrecked my nervous system and realized I actually love yoga and walking and low intensity activities. As someone who is energetically fiery and always moving quickly, the most supportive movement for me is the movement that slows me down and actually connects with me with my body. Love Barry's but love taking care of my physical mental and emotional well being even more!!!
really interesting POV here - love it! Are you also located in NYC? It feels like our culture is running rampant on those trendy INTENSE workout classes with minimal support. I wish there was a class with moderate to high intensity that always had physical/mental/emotional wellbeing at the forefront
Yes! I'm in Brooklyn :) I love Good Move in Williamsburg. Their dance classes are AMAZING and I love their HIIT pilates. I used to work for Shred415 which is similar to Barry's but way less sceney. Unfortunately it's based mostly in the midwest :(
Preachhhh haha I completely agree
I was surprised at the number of texts I got after posting this article - lots of people were feeling this!
Forward space!!! Exercise class that’s like going to the club minus alcohol
And also falu house in greenpoint
Land to
See in Williamsburg !!
Sea*