Above : instructor Mackenzie Hester at Barry ’ s ; left : the fitness center ’ s Red Room |
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and get a full , well-rounded week of exercise . Classes are meant to push you and challenge you , but are customizable , making them achievable for any and all clients . |
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Bringing together cardio and strength training in its signature workouts , Barry ’ s ( formerly known as Barry ’ s Bootcamp ) is a boutique fitness studio specializing in high-intensity interval training for more than 25 years . Started in West Hollywood , the fitness chain has expanded to over 80 studios across 14 countries — with more on the way — including a location that opened at Fashion Island in April . Instructor Mackenzie Hester , who teaches classes at Barry ’ s Newport Beach , explains what makes the studio so unique , what to expect from a workout there and why it ’ s beneficial to your health .
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE : WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS BACKGROUND AND HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH BARRY ’ S ? MACKENZIE HESTER : I have been in health and fitness for some time now . I grew up playing beach and indoor volleyball through college . Once I stopped playing , I was looking for something that would keep me active and in the fitness world . I started teaching spin and did that for about five years until I was introduced to Barry ’ s in 2016 . I was instantly obsessed with the Red Room and the feeling I got showing
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up to the studio to take class day after day . In 2017 , I became a full-time instructor at our Irvine location , picking up any extra classes in the LA area as often as I could . … I couldn ’ t get enough . Fast-forward to 2024 [ and ] I have taught in Irvine , Los Angeles , Long Beach and am now a founding instructor … for our brandnew Newport Beach location .
NBM : WHY IS BARRY ’ S STUDIO SO UNIQUE ? MH : Barry ’ s has been around since 1998 and continues to expand and innovate every year . A huge factor that makes Barry ’ s unique is that , as trainers , we have the freedom to create our own [ class programming ] … and playlists so you never get bored — your body and mind are always challenged . It is an amazing group environment that welcomes all fitness levels .
NBM : WHAT CLASSES DOES BARRY ’ S OFFER ? MH : We offer 50-minute HIIT classes that are split into treadmill intervals and strength training with dumbbells and resistance bands . Every day , we focus on a different muscle group ( i . e . arms and abs , full body , chest / back / abs , etc .), which allows a client to take class every day
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NBM : WHAT SHOULD A FIRST-TIMER EXPECT OUT OF THESE CLASSES ? MH : A first-timer should expect a fun , highenergy environment with loud music and dim lights . You walk into the Red Room and instantly feel like you have walked into the best party ever . Your instructor will motivate you and encourage you to try your hardest while also having fun , making sure you leave feeling accomplished .
NBM : WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF A HIIT WORKOUT ? MH : HIIT workouts are a very popular and effective form of cardiovascular exercise . A few benefits of a HIIT workout — and not limited to these — are they improve your stamina , increase your strength [ and ] your body will burn fat during your workout and will continue to burn after your workout is over . The high-intensity interval training and strength training combination will lean , tone and sculpt your body .
NBM : WHAT TYPE OF GEAR SHOULD EVERY- ONE BRING TO CLASS ? MH : When attending a Barry ’ s class , make sure you have a good pair of running shoes and water . We have water and energy drinks for sale , and towels are provided at your starting station . We want you to come as you are , and trust that you will walk out of the Red Room doors feeling incredible and proud of yourself .
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COURTESY OF BARRY ’ S |
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