How Did Barry's Central Score Overall?
The full client experience at Barry's Central was outstanding, achieving our prestigious The Fit Guide 5-Star Award.
The class was also very impressive winning our highest accolade, the 5-Star Class Experience Award.
The Highlights
The class experience was everything that Barry’s stands for, with our instructor radiating positive energy, coupled with attentive, personalized service and coaching. Our pre-visit phone enquiry was also very professional and upbeat.
What Our Evaluator Had To Say
“This was a very enjoyable and high-energy class.”
“The coach was very professional, and I felt well looked after as a first-timer.”
“The reception staff were friendly and welcoming in all interactions during arrival and departure.”
What To Expect From A Barry's Session
Try a session in the famous ‘red room’ and you’ll see it’s so much more than treadmill running and weights. The red light, the pumping music, and the strong presence of the instructors all come together to create one of the most memorable experiences in fitness.
Offering both 50 and 60-minute sessions, a typical Barry’s class involves coach-led treadmill running alternating with dumbbell and bodyweight strength work on “the floor”.
Each day’s strength work has a different focus, with some days serving up ‘Full Body’ strength and others focusing on specific areas such as ‘Chest, Back and Abs’ and ‘Abs and Ass’. For those that prefer strength work, Barry’s offers the ‘double floor’ option, which skips the treadmill and doubles up on the weights.
The Reception Service
Our pre-visit call to the branch was very helpful - the receptionist led the conversation and was able to confidently answer any questions regarding the workout, facilities and location of the club.
The team at Barry’s were friendly, welcoming and professional both during arrival and departure, however, on enquiring about packages, only a cursory effort was made to help us continue our training.
The Class Experience
Barry's Central has achieved The Fit Guide 5-Star Class Experience award for an exceptional class, putting it amongst the leading clubs in London and the industry.
The coach did an exceptional job of connecting with everyone in the class, with both regular clients and newcomers getting due attention. The coach’s energy, coupled with the lights and music, made for a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
She even made sure she caught us afterwards to ask us how the session had been.
The Equipment And Studio
The equipment and studio were both clean and in good condition. Treadmills were from Woodway, with the strength equipment also high-quality and branded. The lighting effects rounded off a five-star feel.
The Facilities And Public Areas
Workout and shower towels were provided free of charge. Lockers were provided with number locks. Free water refill stations were available.
The facilities were pleasant and functional, but lacked some of the glitz and design features of newer Barry’s London locations.
Digital And Technology
The online booking process was seamless, and ample information about the studio and the brand’s values could be found on the brand’s website. Technology was not used to enhance the class experience directly.
Pricing
Barry's Central offers an introductory deal for first-time clients. Newcomers can enjoy their first session for only £9.
If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from £160 for eight classes per month up to £355 for 30 monthly classes.
Drop-in sessions are available at £24 per class, with smaller commitment packages also available, starting at a three-pack for £70.
The Barry's Story
Barry’s proudly proclaims their cardio and strength hybrid training to be the ‘best workout in the world’, and have built a large and loyal global following.
Founded in 1998 in Los Angeles by Barry Jay, Barry’s became a pioneer of the boutique fitness scene and one of its most recognized brands.
After steady growth during its first decade, Barry’s opened its first international location in Norway in 2011, followed by London two years later. There are currently seven locations in London, with one location each in Manchester and Liverpool.
The famous ‘red room’ has since expanded to over 70 locations across the globe in 14 countries including Singapore, Australia, UAE, Qatar, as well as other regions in Europe.
The company is now headed by former Barry’s instructor Joey Gonzalez, who is overseeing their further expansion with a mix of franchise and corporate-owned locations.
