Barry's - NoHo

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Barry's - NoHo

New York City, USA

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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 now currently seven locations in London, with single locations in both 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.

How Did Barry’s NoHo Score Overall?

The full client experience at Barry’s Noho was excellent, achieving TheFit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class was enjoyable, achieving our Recommended rating.

The Highlights

The club boasted spacious public and changing areas. The training room was darkened and impressively lit by red lighting.

Another highlight was the sound quality was high which enhanced the training environment.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“The coach was knowledgeable and was able to give me easier options where this was needed.”

“I was impressed by the equipment used as it was of professional quality and excellent condition.”

“The reception staff delivered a smooth experience overall.”

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

The phone call to the club was informative and efficiently handled, with the receptionist confidently describing the club's facilities, classes, and package options. While the tone was enthusiastic and professional, there could have been more warmth and personalization, such as by using the client’s name or asking engaging questions.

At the studio, the reception staff were friendly, greeting us promptly and completing the registration process smoothly. A helpful verbal orientation was provided unprompted, ensuring we felt comfortable navigating the space. Efforts to establish a personal connection were limited, with no questions asked to learn more about our evaluator.

Following the class, the receptionist was approachable, initiating a conversation and expressing appreciation for our visit. They provided clear information about package options and demonstrated strong engagement while discussing plans suited to our needs.

The Class Experience

Barry’s Noho has received The Fit Guide’s Recommended rating for its notable class experience.

The workout provided a strong structure with engaging music and clear instructions, but the overall experience could have been stronger. While the session flowed smoothly and was enjoyable in parts, there was a lack of personalized engagement, particularly for first-timers. The coach demonstrated professionalism but missed demonstrating a genuine connection that could have elevated the experience.

The coach handled logistical aspects well, including injury checks and guidance on regressions and progressions. Regular participants received some acknowledgment, but the session lacked a broader sense of inclusivity. The client felt that the coach was more focused on delivering the class efficiently rather than fostering a welcoming, dynamic atmosphere.

Despite these shortcomings, the workout itself was well-paced, with effective transitions and a well-structured cooldown. The music and the community-oriented elements, such as the community board, added positive touches, but the overall lack of engagement and energy from the coach detracted from what could have been a more inspiring experience.

The Equipment And Studio

The equipment used during the session was of professional quality and in excellent condition, with branded treadmills and benches adding to the aesthetic. The layout was well-spaced, and the lighting effects, which turned the room red, contributed to the branded atmosphere.

While the sound system and temperature were suitable, we spotted quite a number of cleanliness issues.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The club’s attention to detail and branding was evident, creating a polished and cohesive experience. The entrance, featuring an on-brand quote and a neon sign, set a strong sense of arrival. Public areas were fresh and comfortable, with nice touches like artwork, posters, and branded towels free of charge. Lockers with number locks were conveniently provided, although they lacked multi-functioning hangers.

Changing areas were spacious, well-presented, and clean, with thoughtful amenities such as body moisturizer, deodorant, and hair products. Specific lighting in the dressing area was designed to aid tasks like applying makeup, contributing to the elevated experience. Shower facilities were equally impressive, with hot water, strong pressure, and premium toiletries.

The availability of free water refill stations and paid beverage options, including flavored sparkling water, was appreciated. The smoothie bar with a pre-order option was a great feature.

Digital And Technology

The club’s online booking system and dedicated app were seamless and user-friendly, providing immediate confirmation and clear cancellation policies. While the website effectively conveyed the brand’s identity and provided a strong sense of what to expect, a more detailed "first timer" page would have been helpful. Social media offered helpful information.

The website was professional, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate, with clear class descriptions, instructor bios, and motivational copy consistent with the brand. Call-to-action buttons like "Book Now" and a regularly updated blog further enhanced the online experience.

The club used a branded app and a comprehensive booking platform, alongside digital on-demand classes via Barry’s X. While the technology supported bookings effectively, no additional tools were used to enhance the in-class experience.

Pricing

Barry’s NoHo offers trial deals of three sessions for $75, as well as a 16 (Ride only) sessions in 30 days option for $295

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from $290 for eight classes per month up to $550 for 30 classes.

Drop-in sessions are available at $42 per class, with smaller commitment packages also available, starting at a five-pack for $205.

Top Scoring Categories

Reception Services
four
Equipment & Studio
four
Public Areas
four
Digital & Technology
four

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