Barry’s - Palo Alto

Even though this style of workout is not for me, I do have to say that you definitely get your money's worth and will be sore after your first few times coming here. I used to come here several times a week and was in good shape, but I definitely recommend doing Double Floor workouts if you (like me) aren't a runner.

The instructors are hit or miss, so I recommend trying out a few. I haven't been back in probably over a year, but I just checked the app and saw that Boozer, Peter (who I loved taking classes from at SoulCycle too!), Matt, and Thomas are still there and I remember them all being great!

I love that the lockers have usb ports so you can charge your phone during your workout. It's next to Wetzel's Pretzels, and I battled myself after each workout and courageously would turn left out of the doors to avoid undoing all of the progress I had just made in the red room by shoveling Wetzel Bitz down my throat. There's also a Pressed Juicery on your way to the garage if you're that kind of person.

Absolutely loved my time here, I tried my first workout this past Saturday morning and paid around $37 for my workout and $12 for my after workout drink which was delicious!

I highly recommend this location as the trainer and the manager were so kind and made my first experience very welcoming making me feel like family. The workout did kick my butt as my legs are sore af today haha. But I truly enjoyed myself and being around people working hard!

One thing I loved about this experience was even though it was my first time, the trainer was calling me by name! Even if it was from his phone telling him or him remember from the sign up sheet, I'm highly impressed and it made the workout that much better!

Will definitely be going back once I'm back in town! 100/100

Also they have showers! And the Ouai soap they have in there is amazing as well as their towels! 5 stars!

Uuoofff ..... go off! Not for the weak! Meet me in the Red Room.

Barry's... how do I love, and dislike thee. It feels so good, but dang... it can be rough, but in a good way. Can modify or go full throttle. All levels are welcome by the big B.

The level of energy and enthusiasm of these instructors even in the wee morning hours is contagious... I'm talking to you Peter and Vinnie! One moment, you're thinking you should have stayed in bed, but then you grab the heavy weights, and turn up the treadmill at their guidance and instruction.

50 minutes of hard work looks something like this: Tread, weights, tread, weights... switched up and by the day of the week being concentrated to lower body, upper body, abs; dictated by their finely tuned schedule. Ends with a sssttrrreeettcchhh. Phew.

Another day in the Red Room, another fabulous instructor. Another sparkly sweat session.

Now gimmie my well earned smoothie.

My friend recommended Barry's to me and my job had a promotion so I said why not. I exercise at a moderate level and I'm always up for a challenge. It's easy to setup your account and book a class on the app. There's plenty of free parking in the mall lot. On my first day, the instructor Matt, gave all the newbies an introduction to the class and how it would flow. An hour later, I was drenched in sweat. The class was very challenging but in a good way. The instructor directs you in your exercise both when your on the floor with weights and on the treadmill. The music is loud and good, and it's dark/red inside. The amenities are clean, 3 showers, 2 private bathrooms, and plenty of lockers. They also have a "drink" bar serving all healthy protein drinks. I would highly recommend this workout if you're ready for something different and challenging.

AMAZING!!!!! My friend said I needed to try and I'm so glad I did. My first instructor was Matt M for Abs and As*. Love, love, love. The energy is so good. It was my first class and he was so motivating, energetic, and fun. I took my second class today at 6 AM with Vinnie and he was AMAZING. The instructions were clear, the workouts were intense, the energy was high and I feel whooped. This place is so much fun. If you need a workout that keeps you accountable, with high energy, loud music, works your whole body and is a lot of fun, this is it.

The shower rooms have Ouai products and dyson hair dryers. Lockers to put your stuff in. It's a highly addictive work out. Just take one class and see.

Love the classes and the instructors, but the front desk needs to learn customer service. I've never been treated so rudely at Barry's as I have been in Palo Alto.

+++ A M B I A N C E +++

Its loud and busy. Its hard to hear over people talking. All newcomers were given a brief primer before the class. It was incredibly loud though especially with the background music and people talking.

The receptionist was nice though. We filled out the form/waiver. They did not mention anything about vaccination or masks. However, we saw everyone else wearing their masks so we kept our masks on.

This feels like a small town where everyone knows everyone else. It felt a little awkward because I didn't know anyone but everyone else seemed to be hugging and greeting one another.


+++ T H E W O R K O U T +++

There is only one workout room and its DARK and I mean DARK inside. It has these super eerie red lights and the two longest walls are covered in mirrors. It was hard to see anything!

During the class you switch between the Barry's custom treadmill and the floor bench unit where you do the strength training.

This particular class I took was special because there was only one transition between treadmill and floor.

For the first half of the class, I started on the custom Barry treadmill and we did speed intervals and some hill sprints. I really appreciated that the instructor gave us 3 different difficulty levels. I definitely did the LOWEST level every time hahaha.

Side note: It was REALLY tough to run with a KN95 mask on. Most people were taking it off. There was no mention or enforcement of the rules. But I guess this might be irrelevant now since the mask mandate is ending soon.

For my class, my instructor actually had an injured wrist so she wasn't doing the workouts with us. This was really confusing because I didn't know who to look at or copy. She kept mentioning/spotlighting another customer who was celebrating their 100th class "Watch Sarah...get it Sarah...Sarah show us how to do it!), but I didn't know who she was so I couldn't see what she was doing. It being so dark did not help with this. Half of us were on treadmills and half of us were on the floor with weights. It was hard to know which group she was talking to. She was constantly talking, it was crazy.

I must admit though, this was an INTENSE WORKOUT. The running killed me. The trick is to get on the treadmill first so you're fresh when you run. Running after the weights is KILLER, don't do it! Reserve the treadmill first.

+++ F U E L B A R +++

You have to order your smoothie in advance. This is repeated frequently. I didn't order anything, but there was a water accessible water fountain.

+++ A M E N I T I E S +++

In the Women's Bathroom, there is this HUGE mirror when you walk in, with great lighting, and a bar that has all sorts toiletries: cotton swabs, cotton pads, cotton balls, tampons, pads, deodorants, sprays, and lotions.

The lockers even have USB outlets! Perfect for charging your phone while you're working out!

There are showers and towels. There's even a Dyson Hair Dryer in the bathroom, AMAZING!

+++ S E R V I C E +++

The staff was friendly, but it was really hard to hear them over all the people who were talking to each other and the music. People were literally shouting. Because we were new, after the class we were even given black envelopes with more information about Barry's and their rewards program.

+++ O V E R A L L +++

I probably won't go here regularly. I felt like an outsider. It was loud. I feel like I could have gotten the same workout with my husband by just watching a crossfit workout online. But, I understand why people who need accountability and don't have the equipment at home go to Barry's. They work you hard and it is a good workout! The camaraderie is special, but you pay for it.

I went because a few of my friends wanted to try and hang out while we were doing it. I thought it was a fun experience but if I want to do a physical activity with friends, I think I would choose climbing or hiking (its cheaper and you have more time to talk).

Overall, I think it was worth trying at least once! And if you like it, keep going. If you don't, at least you tried! It definitely gives me Soul Cycle vibes.

Get ready for an A$$ kicking!

The class is loud so wear the earbuds they offer. It moves fast so a bit hard for newbies (like me today).
Thomas is a great instructor with ample positive energy.
Definitely a place to exercise and also flirt if that's your thing. It is mine. Flirting uses 300 calories an hour so I do it for the exercise. Also, it's fun to flirt. This paragraph may or may not be classified as fiction.

PS. There was one prickly (overly rigid) person at check in, but the two other ladies were so helpful, kind, and understanding that deducting 1 star doesn't seem justified yet.

Get yourself ready to do your absolute best!

Barry's is a strength training + cardio workout that occurs in 4 different sections (2 sets of strength training on the floor and 2 on the treadmill). I've had the opportunity to do an upper and lower body class and have definitely felt the muscle burn in both. The inside is quite loud which makes it difficult to interpret what the trainer is saying sometimes but thankfully they will usually demonstrate the moves. Although others complain about the red lighting, I actually quite enjoy it since it prevents me from being self conscious in front of others and helps me focus on the workout. After you are all done, you must stop by their showers and enjoy the all of the Oribe products!

With this location, you have to order your smoothie in advance before the class. I treated myself to the Muscle up after one class and I wouldn't recommend. For being a "smoothie", it was far too watery with a mild flavor.

Strangely enough, the workout feels killer while doing it but you emerge feeling victorious and absolutely incredible. I can't wait to come back!

This review is for my fourth Barry's class and first in Palo Alto. The check in process was pretty smooth. A lot of people seemed like regulars so their check ins were really fast but I was taking a walk in spot so it took a bit longer. The class was also a few dollars more than I have been used to paying in the LA area. The class was full body focused and really kicked my ass but I guess that's what I asked for. The instructor, Janelle, was really good at demonstrating and explaining the exercises. I also thought the music was appropriately loud and a good playlist. There's lots of great options for post workout snacks, I'd definitely go back.