Spoiler alert: Push your limits and you might burn up to 1,000 calories per class.

For HIIT lovers, the arrival of Barry’s Bootcamp Singapore is long overdue. The OG of HIIT workouts, the first Barry’s started 21 years ago in West Hollywood. Since then, it has gained a cult following as the original strength and cardio interval training workout, and is now present in 11 countries and 56 outlets, with Singapore being its first foray into Asia.

While there’s no shortage of fitness regimes these days, few have lasted as long as Barry’s. If a celeb roster is anything to go by, the likes of Kardashians, Melanie B, the Beckhams and even Michelle Obama have all given this science-based workout their seal of approval. We speak to Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez to find out all you need to know before signing up for a class.

The Workout

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HIIT and don’t quit! 👊🏼 ⁣ ⁣ Barry’s signature HIIT method incorporates 25 minutes of interval-based cardio on treadmills with 25 minutes of strength training. Find out why we’re the best workout in the world by being one of the first to sign up for classes As they go live TOMORROW!⁣ #barryssingapore #barrys #barrysfitfam #barrysbody
A post shared by Barry’s Singapore (@barryssingapore) on May 3, 2019 at 12:11am PDT

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Choose from two types of classes, the Original (Run + Lift) and the Double Floor (strength-based, treadmill-free workouts). The founding premise of both is rooted in the tried-and-tested combination of cardio with weight training, paired with intense bursts of anaerobic exercise and recovery for maximum fat burn. Another unique point? Each day of the week is devoted to a different body part (e.g. Arms & Abs, Chest, Back, Abs, Full Body etc.) so it is possible to hit up Barry’s Bootcamp the recommended five times a week, if you like.

(Also read: How to Modify Your Running Routine to Burn More Calories)

“This class isn’t geared towards runners necessarily. It’s interval training, so your heart rate goes up and down, and there’s a lot of built-in recovery as well,” explains Joey. “The whole idea isn’t to elevate your heart rate the whole time, as that actually burns muscle. It’s about harnessing interval training to burn fat. So picture, a jog for a minute, a 30-second sprint, and then a walk. Another big part of our message also is the benefits of strength training, which is so important for your bone density and metabolism. And Barry’s offers true strength training. We don’t just throw around three pound weights – the weights go up to 25 kilograms.”

While the workout sounds intimidating, it really isn’t, according to Joey. The workout focuses on back-to-basics exercises such as squats, lunges, deadlines, curls, shoulder presses, jack knives.

“The magic lies in the sequence of the exercises, together with the challenge of the weight, and how we programme it. Another bonus is that our instructors are highly focused on the floor,  and working the room to really help make the corrections.”

(Also read: Best High-Support Sports Bras For Bigger Busts and HIIT Sessions)

The Barry’s Crew

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Get ready to get Barry’d when we open at Raffles Place this Saturday 🚨 💥 Book your class via the the link in our bio! #barryssingapore #barrys #barrysfitfam #barrysbody
A post shared by Barry’s Singapore (@barryssingapore) on May 8, 2019 at 7:34pm PDT

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Central to Barry’s is its crew of trainers which Joey singles out as fitness professionals who are “experienced and smart, that are inspirational and aspirational. You want to show up to a class and be inspired, and look forward to having fun but also trust that your instructor knows what he or she is doing in terms of delivering a Barry’s body.”

(Also read: Try These Challenging HIIT Workout By Jaime Teo)

The Barry’s Body

While everyone’s body and metabolism works differently, there is a Barry’s type of body, explains Joey. “It’s what you would get from doing the programme five times a week, which is lean with low body fat, strong, and fast – sort of like a well-rounded body. At Barry’s, you don’t really see very thin or super muscular individuals, but more lean body types.”

The Red Room

If it sounds ominous, it is – a little. The sexy-hued room (yes, the lighting is uber flattering for selfies) with a badass sound system is where all the action goes down. Kitted out with 21 treadmills and 27 benches, the maximum class size stands at an impressive 48. While it sounds like there’s ample space, the opening week’s classes are already getting snapped up so get booking here. Each class ranges from $23 to $46, depending on the type of membership (1-, 3- or 12-month).

The Frills

Getting your booty working is only part of the fun at Barry’s Bootcamp. They’ve thrown in a few nifty extras: Barry’s-branded gym merch (so you’re always suitably kitted out) that’s on rotation every four to six weeks, Dyson Supersonic hairdryers and the ultra-luxe Oribe amenities, to ensure your hair is always on fleek. There’s also really important touches like the high-end Woodway Treadmills, which Joey attributes to running on a track. “Woodway Treadmills have been at the forefront of innovation for decades. The creators have eliminated the deck and belt components of a treadmill. Instead, the treadmills have strips of steel that are covered in rubber so it’s a slotted system, and moves under your feet more naturally. With every step, it really lowers the impact on the joints.”

(Also read: 6 Low-Impact HIIT Workouts For Those With Bad Knees)

The Fuel Bar

Why work out if the first thing you reach for post-workout is a bubble tea? (Yes, we’re guilty of this.) Make a better choice at the in-house fuel bar with 18 different shakes (from $10) according to your needs. For instance, Lean & Green, Need for Speed, Signature, and Health Nut.

We tried the Signature AvoCardio – a Singapore-specific concoction – made with avocado, coconut, banana, strawberries, honey, spinach, vanilla and whey protein, and it was one of the best things we drank all week. Full of good fats and not overly sweet, it was a meal in itself. Best of all, there’s a pre-order option, so place your order before class and pick it up on the way out.

Barry’s Bootcamp Singapore (tel: 8666-0303) is located at 18 Robinson Road, #03-03. For more info, visit www.barrysbootcamp.com/studio/raffles-place or email rafflesplace@barrysbootcamp.sg.

(Also read: The Best Fat-burning Classes in Singapore to Get Lean and Toned)