Hi, I'm Ashley, and I used to be afraid of working out. I would see my friends go to these classes at fitness boutiques and think "I would be SO out of place there." I started to overcome my fears about this a few years ago, with the help of discovering the Tone It Up community and Pure Barre. Talk about a scary class to try - but much to my surprise, I found a supportive community of women all shapes and sizes. 

This was just the beginning. After starting PB, I ventured out and tried Flywheel (a high intensity studio spin class). I was shocked at how much I loved it and didn't feel awkward at all. 

Fast forward to the year 2017. One and a half years postpartum, REALLY not feeling confident. I tried doing PB and Flywheel again and just was really feeling like I needed something more drastic that my body had never done before. After all, I did rapidly gain 75 pounds during my pregnancy - this wasn't going to be easy. 

I have friends that do Crossfit and Orange Theory and have always thought there was NO WAY I could do those workouts. But one day, I decided it was time to try something new. And then ---  I found Barry's Bootcamp (thanks to my gal pal Lillian Charles). 

Was I terrified? Absolutely. 

But I'm writing this to tell you that you can do it too. If I can do it, you absolutely can do it. 

If you've decided to take the plunge and get BARRY'D like I did, here's what you can expect:

WHAT TO BRING

SOCKS + ATHLETIC SHOES

I was so used to wearing slippers and socks to Barre because no shoes allowed, and to Flywheel because shoes are provided. But much to my #lazygirl dismay, I actually had to dig up those Nikes and have them handy. 

WORKOUT CLOTHES

You will be doing a mix of cardio and weight work - so wear pants that stay up and a good sports bra + workout top. (Here are my favorite pants that don't fall down). 

WATER

If you forget your water, they have $3 Barry's water at the Front Desk. You cannot do this workout without water! I repeat. You cannot. Do this. Without water. 

A GOOD ATTITUDE

Seriously. You are here for a reason. Working out is hard - I know. But at least you're here, in a really cool studio, listening to some SWEET JAMS and basically getting a personal training session with all of your workout besties. (That's what it feels like and I FREAKING LOVE IT)

WHAT'S PROVIDED

TOWELS

A clean, dry workout towel as you enter the red room. A lavender scented, refreshing cool towel as you leave the red room. 

AMENITIES

- The "FUEL BAR" at Barry's has tons of smoothie and fresh juice combinations. This is perfect for the days where you have to go straight to work and you didn't have breakfast. They have vegan protein and non-dairy options too, which is a major game changer if you have dietary restrictions like myself!

- The clothing that they have for men and women is out of control CUTE. Every time I go, I have to stop myself from buying something. 

- Showers - this is essential! You can absolutely shower and get ready for work in these locker rooms. There isn't usually a line for the shower, and it is legit the most beautiful locker room I've ever seen. 

A BUILT-IN POSSE

No, seriously. This is what it feels like. You and about 40-50 other people who have the same goals as you. No one is looking at anyone, and no one is judging. I was really surprised at how much it actually felt this way in each class. And I was especially surprised when I tried all of the instructors, and loved every single one of them. You know how at some places, you specifically choose classes because of the instructor? I'm not sure if it's like this everywhere, but at the Barry's Bootcamp in Atlanta, I genuinely enjoy every instructor. Sure, they each have slightly different teaching styles, but they all have one thing in common: they're cheering you on. 

THE CLASS

Here's how it goes. You walk in, tell the front desk you're there, they'll remind you what spot you've reserved, and then put your stuff away in a locker. Grab your water and towel and wait for the instructor to open the door. Walk in, and go to the treadmill reserved for you. Or, if you're like me and doing Double Floor (no cardio) most of the time... you go straight to the floor and your assigned bench for weight work. 

At the beginning of each class, the instructor asks if there are any injuries - if you have one, BE SURE to tell them! They can help you modify moves in the class, and you don't want to risk hurting yourself. 

The instructor is super clear and informative on what you should be doing and when. Zone out, enjoy the music, and get to work. It's that easy. 

Oh, and one more thing: the actual studio that you work out in is referred to the RED ROOM. Because it is dark and has red lighting. In my opinion, it makes everyone feel a little more awesome and a lot less uncomfortable. 

Bottom line: Barry's is not your typical intimidating boutique fitness class. I have never once felt uncomfortable about working out there, not to mention it's the most effective workout I've ever done. 

To find out more about Barry's Bootcamp, visit the website here. 

A FEW OTHER THINGS TO NOTE SPECIFIC TO THE ATLANTA STUDIO:

Arrive at least 20-30 minutes early on your first day to figure out parking. It's easy once you've done it, but you don't want to be late because of it. That will also give you enough time to get acquainted with the studio. 

When you arrive at the Barry's Bootcamp on E Paces Ferry, park in the parking deck with the blue signs for Barry's. Park on level B1. Take the elevator to the Shops level. Before you leave the studio, don't forget to get your validated parking pass to get out. 

If you're coming to my February 3rd event at 1pm, I'll be there at 12:30 to help you figure it all out! Getting there a little early will also ensure that you get first dibs on the cute workout gear ;) See you all in the Red Room! xo

I have chosen to do my own House of Dorough LOVE YOURSELF transformation and I'll be posting my next update next week! For previous updates, you can read them here:

WEEK 1

WEEK 5

I am ALWAYS open to answering any questions you may have. 

Don't forget to follow along on Instagram as well!