Barry's, the workout that revolutionized Hollywood

Since Barry Jay opened a small Hollywood gym in 1998 with red lights, loud music, and a formula that combined interval running with strength training, the Barry's model has only grown.

With more than 90 studios spread across 15 countries and a global community of thousands of followers, this discipline has gone from being a Californian curiosity to becoming one of the most influential initiatives in contemporary fitness. In fact, its proponents present it as "the best workout in the world."

“ Barry's offers the perfect combination of interval running on Woodway treadmills and strength training with dumbbells on the floor ,” explains José García, president of Barry's in Spain, about this discipline that focuses on group training.

In cities like New York, London, Paris, and Los Angeles, it has become a recognized brand, with its own aesthetic that goes beyond training: clothing, events, collaborations with other brands, and a presence on social media turn Barry's into a kind of lifestyle that many want to be a part of.

“This combination helps you build and tone muscle, reduce body fat, and improve cardiovascular endurance. Combined with the industry's top instructors and carefully curated playlists, it offers a challenging yet fun experience,” adds García.

Barry's has opted for a hybrid formula that, according to its managers, allows for noticeable results in less time: 50- to 60-minute sessions that combine high-intensity treadmill exercises with structured strength routines, all in a carefully designed environment.

The space where the sessions take place—known as the 'red room'—delivered with a specific concept: music designed for each workout segment, immersive red lighting, state-of-the-art equipment (such as the Woodway curved treadmills), and trainers leading the class.

"Everything is designed to create a wow experience for our clients," says García. "And that's the result of more than 26 years of perfecting the method," she adds, referring to the rise of this sport, which is gaining ground among others like barré and machine Pilates.

Scientific research seems to support part of this strategy: according to various studies, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), combined with strength training, can optimize both fat loss and muscle gain.

One of Barry's distinctive features compared to other similar workouts is its structured muscle-group planning . Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific area of the body: arms and abs, lower body, torso, core, or glutes.

This way, regular attendees can follow a balanced routine without having to plan their own workouts. "Mondays are dedicated to arms and abs, while Tuesdays focus on the lower body," explains José García.

“As a client, I know I can attend several classes throughout the week and get a complete and balanced workout. This consistent concept applies to all Barry's locations around the world, so if I travel for work, I can easily maintain my regular workout routine. That's a unique advantage,” he comments.

This international consistency is part of the brand's DNA. Whether in London, Dubai, or New York, a client can visit any Barry's center and find the same class structure, the same focus on quality instructors, and the same distinctive lighting.

Although the classes are intense, the Barry's method is designed to adapt to different fitness levels. From beginners to experienced athletes, everyone can participate in the same session thanks to a system based on speed ranges and weight selection.

“Everything is scalable so all participants can achieve their goals,” says García. “We use speed ranges specifically designed for all running levels, combined with a specialized methodology that teaches first-time clients how to run while also pushing regular clients to their peak performance,” he adds.

Instructors play a key role here: they not only lead the session, but are also trained to observe participants and offer alternatives based on their physical condition, experience, or potential limitations. In this sense, Barry's attempts to replicate the benefits of personal training in a group setting.

One of the pillars on which this training is based is a sense of belonging. In a landscape where many gyms rely on individualized training and isolation (with users listening to music through headphones or without interaction with others), Barry's reclaims exercise as a shared experience.

“Group training is important because it fosters a communal connection during your workouts,” says García. “There’s nothing better than running next to your friend in the red room and sharing that exciting achievement together during class. Group fitness elevates the experience and pushes you to the next level,” she adds.

This strategy has been especially effective among young urban audiences, who value not only the physical component of training, but also the emotional and social component.

Barry's has enhanced this aspect with initiatives such as off-site events, community challenges, themed get-togethers, and a recognizable aesthetic that helps generate brand recognition. "The design is conceived so that every element contributes to the experience," says the Spanish team. "It's not just about training, but about enjoying the entire process: from the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out."

And the user profile is diverse: from young professionals looking for effective workouts before heading into the office, to active seniors, including entertainment figures, influencers, and athletes.