Barry's Ride - Chelsea

1

Barry's Ride - Chelsea

New York City, USA

recommended

The Barry's Ride Story

Barry’s Bootcamp 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 Bootcamp became a pioneer of the boutique fitness scene and one of its most recognized brands.

In February 2020, Barry’s launched a cycling and strength training pop up, telling us “the world’s best workout just got on a bike”. Barry’s Ride was born, but with the fitness industry stop-starting through the next few years, a full launch of the concept was held back until 2022. Once the full experience arrived, Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez called Barry’s RIDE X LIFT a “natural extension” of the brand that was in line with their core values of innovation, broadening their community and transforming lives.

How Did Barry’s Ride Chelsea Score Overall?

The full client experience at Barry’s Ride Chelsea was good, achieving our Recommended rating.

The Highlights

The whole experience captured the famous Barry’s magic, with the lights, the music and a coach that was enthusiastic, energetic and looked the part.

Another highlight was the branding, equipment and studio, which were all first rate.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“You could see the coach gave 100% to the workout. You could feel his energy.”

“The equipment and studio space lived up to the strong reputation of the Barry’s brand.”

"I found the reception team to be very friendly and welcoming. They did a great job, despite it being very busy.”

What To Expect From A Barry’s Ride Session

Barry’s Ride is best described as the regular Barry’s workout, but with a stationary bike taking the place of the treadmill. With 50% on the bike, 50% strength training on the floor, the format will be familiar to anyone who’s done a Barry’s session and offers the chance for you to experience the famous Barry’s ‘red room’ magic in a different modality.

For those that don’t like running or want a lower-impact workout, this is a welcome addition to the brand. Of course, you can still expect the banging tunes and industry-leading coaches that Barry’s is famous for.

The Reception Service

The phone call to the club was professional and informative, with the staff member clearly explaining the club’s amenities and class options. Their enthusiastic tone left a positive impression, but there was a lack of personalized service, as we were redirected to the website for pricing details without additional guidance.

At the studio, the reception team was welcoming and worked efficiently despite the busy environment. Registration was smooth, and staff provided clear explanations about the class. However, there was no unprompted orientation or guidance on where to wait, and interactions could have been more personalized with the use of our evaluator's name or tailored questions.

After class, the staff continued to be friendly but missed opportunities to proactively discuss membership or package options. While basic inquiries were answered knowledgeably, the sales process lacked engagement.

The Class Experience

The class offered a lively and energetic atmosphere, driven by motivating music, dynamic lighting, and a coach who brought enthusiasm to the session. The unique combination of cycling and floor work added variety and challenge, making the workout engaging for those familiar with the format. However, for a first-time client, as our evaluator was, the lack of detailed instruction and onboarding made the experience more chaotic than cohesive.

While the coach demonstrated effort and dedication to managing both sections, the session’s structure made it difficult to deliver consistent guidance. Verbal instructions were often rushed and hard to follow, leaving the client to rely on copying others. Opportunities to provide individual attention, particularly to first-timers, were missed, such as offering assistance with bike setup or conducting an injury check. Despite these challenges, the coach’s enthusiasm and use of shoutouts added bursts of encouragement that contributed to a positive group vibe.

The session flowed well in parts, and transitions between the bike and floor work were explained clearly. However, a lack of progressions, regressions, and detailed visual demonstrations meant the workout was less inclusive than it could have been. The cooldown, while brief, helped bring the session to a close, though it could have been more structured and comprehensive. Overall, the class had a good energy, we just would have liked to see a more inclusive and guided experience for all, particularly newcomers.

The Equipment And Studio

The equipment and studio space lived up to the strong reputation of the brand. The flooring and equipment were clean and in excellent condition, and the high-end Stages bikes reflected Barry’s commitment to quality. The space was well-organized, with branded dumbbells, bikes, and logos featured throughout, enhancing the sense of brand.

The sound system was, as you would expect from Barry’s, capable of pumping out their usual mix of beats and house to a high spec. It was loud, so if you’d like a quieter experience pick a spot away from the speakers.

The lighting effects, including vibrant orange highlights controlled by the coach, added energy and atmosphere to the session. Fans contributed to a fresh and comfortable environment, completing an overall impressive experience.

The Facilities And Public Areas

Barry’s is famous for its slick and sexy branding, and the public areas at Barry’s Ride Chelsea are no exception. As soon as you walk through the door, there’s a strong sense of arrival. Simply put, you know you’ve just arrived at Barry’s.

Impressive features included branded neon signs and the "Chelsea" Hollywood-style display. The public areas upstairs were particularly impressive, featuring thoughtful design touches like reflective mirrors and motivational signage. Complimentary branded towels and lockers with number combination locks were provided, though lockers lacked hangers.

The changing rooms, while clean and stocked with amenities such as moisturizer, deodorant, and cotton buds, were cramped with only one bench and lacked notable design features. The shower facilities excelled with multiple stalls, strong water pressure, hot water, and premium toiletries, enhancing the overall experience.

Free water refill stations and paid beverage options, including flavored carbonated drinks, were appreciated. The smoothie bar added value, offering a premium touch to the experience.

Overall, the club delivered a high-energy, branded experience.

Digital And Technology

The club’s online booking system and branded app provided a seamless and user-friendly experience, with clear confirmation emails and cancellation policies. The website effectively conveyed the brand’s identity, featuring professional design, consistent colors, and high-quality video media. While the booking process was strong, including helpful explanations, social media lacked a schedule or direct booking links.

The website was mobile-friendly and easy to navigate, with detailed class descriptions, instructor bios, and an engaging tone that resonated with the brand’s youthful, energetic audience.

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

Pricing

Barry’s Ride Chelsea 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

Equipment & Studio
five
Public Areas
four
Digital & Technology
five

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