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This was NOT an event for the flat footed, introverted 40+ suburban female. Young, fit, 20 and 30 somethings, this one was for you! The parking was a pain. Some of the instructions given by the front desk staff were incorrect. For ex. I was told the instructor was gonna come out and give me some guidance before class and that never happened. It was loud and there were no ear plugs from what I saw. The music was poppy and ratchet, very Gen Z. The smoothies were very expensive. The workout sessions were packed and in an open area with no where for one to hide or take a quick break without it being noticeable. It was an extreme sensory overload situation. I was so frazzled and didn't relax back to normal until after a couple hours of being back home. Why did I give it 4 stars? The place was well lit and clean. There were plenty of showers, mirrors and toilets in the sparkly clean restroom. It's in a fun location. The staff was nice enough. The instructor was a super sweet pregnant bad azz. This just wasn't for me but it was definitely a great workout. It challenged me and got me out of my usual routine. I'm still a little sore from it. I consider myself fairly fit and healthy and wanted to be completely honest in this review. If youre looking to get in shape and haven't quite found your exercise groove and you tried this or any other workout and absolutely hated it please don't let it discourage you. I've been there. There are so many different forms of exercise out there. Find what works for you, something fun that you want to jump out of bed for or run to after a long day. Something that you could easily do everyday. Don't try to force it with something you loathe and dread. There's something out there for everyone and regular exercise is so vital to our health. Thanks Yelp and Barry's for the experience. It wasn't for me but it was nice to try something different and out of my routine.
Yelp babey did nothing wrong on this one. I do not blame official yelp or anyone on the local yelp Houston team. I blame Barry's 100%, what an awful introduction to this brand. On Monday (within minutes of having received the sign up link from Lingyun) I registered my little account with Barry's and picked a weekend class. I have a demanding jerb and am not usually available during the week. So I was happy they had weekend offerings as you scrolled down far enough. The system let me pick my little weekend class and gave me the confirmed webpage (attached screenshot) without any errors. So I assumed we were Gucci and my confirmation e-mail with QR code would be forthcoming later in the week. Turns out we were not Gucci, we were not even Old Navy fam. On Friday I started to mildly panic I had no QR code yet since the weekend was a comin'. I asked here on this event page if other people were having issues and nobody was, so I then promptly e-mailed Barry's support. They got back to me later in the day that the system may have not told me the class was closed when I signed up (genius UI and UX!!!!!!) They offered remaining weekday dates I cannot make since I have un trabajo. So I don't get to experience my free Barry's class over the weekend and they collected a ton of my personal information from forcing me to make an account to sign up for the free class (I didn't ultimately receive) to sell to China or anyone else they want. Absolutely brilliant. Ten or so years ago we had a raft of free Yelp classes at various exercise places like RYDE near the three Starbucks intersection Lewis Black used to talk about and other brands like Revolution which was helpfully located just above Pondicheri. Registration for all those worked flawlessly and I decided which brands worked for me and which ones did not after I had visited their studios and smelled their candles (remember how good Revolution smelled!?!) Here, Barry's has made a very bad introduction to their brand before I even got in the front door to smell anything. I honestly expected better from Barack "Barry" Obama post-presidency when he started this chain to have something to do outside of the house. Thanks Obama!
Do I love when Yelp offers any fitness activity for Yelp elites? YES! Am I signing up for a membership with Barry's or even plan on returning? NO. I'll preface this by saying that I got a chemical peel during the week I was able to participate in the classes so I couldn't work out extensively. Before signing up, I knew Barry's was similar to Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) and I'm an OTF OG. Plus, I work out 6x/week and I power lift. I signed up for two classes; abs & ass on 2/6/25 @ 12:15pm and total body on 2/7/25 @ 4:20pm. Both classes were taught by Christina L. Once I signed up, I got an email confirmation for both classes and a follow up email with additional details pertaining to parking, time to arrive and etc. Since I knew where Barry's was, I knew it was paid parking so I didn't mind that. Now if I was member, that would be a barrier. I got there 15 mins prior and checked in at the desk. The reception I received was lukewarm but still informative. Again, if I was not already familiar with OTF, I would have been confused and overwhelmed. I scanned the lobby and appreciated the bar area, and how you could pre-order a shake that would be ready for you post the class. I took a few some pictures and headed into the red room. Christina was welcoming and full of energy. I was able to keep up because I'm used to HIIT workouts such as these but the music was extremely loud and it was difficult to see as the light in the room changed based on the exercise at that time. I preferred my Thursday class as it was in the middle of the day. The Friday late afternoon class was way too crowded so I left mid-way through the workout. Overall, I'm glad I was able to participate in this activity but Barry's culture and clientele doesn't suit me. It's truly meant for a specific type of personality. Loved the $14 shake though :)
Another really generous Yelp Elite Week with plenty of dates and times offered. My husband and I signed up for a late afternoon class on a Sunday. This was not my first time attending a Barry's class but I enjoyed it all the same. I found some of the free weight ranges to be a bit heavy, especially since we were asked to press/push the dumbbells over our heads and the recommended weight minimum was 15 pounds. I had decided to take it easy for this class since I had a pretty heavy week of exercise already and was appreciative that the instructor did not force anyone to push beyond their limits (physically or verbally pressuring). Our instructor, Christina, was both encouraging and motivating, so we had a really enjoyable experience. The only downsides are that some of the exercises are only performed for a short period so if you can't figure it out from the quick instructor demo, then you're on your own. Also, parking is limited here on weekend nights because of the surrounding restaurants, so you may find it easier to valet for $10.
So whats up with this event feeling like "how to get stressed anxious and probably hurt yourself in a fancy place" I appreciate Yelp elite events as they are ways to show people what the brand is about so we can share the word. Well this didn't have any guidance any explanation or welcoming, it took me back to middle school with no guidance feeling left out confused and wondering if this is even for me. Everyone talked about the parking situation so not gonna touch that. But for real no one guided me or explained what the work out was about they just told me your spot is track10 and then floor10 *****WHAT DOES THAT MEAN !!??? Like what ? *** I got there music is blasting RED LIGHTS ON and cortisol to the sky for what I could see. I didn't even know how to turn on the running machine there was so much noise I couldn't understand the "cues" the coach was giving are where for me are there for the other people??? What's happening?? Not to say when we were on the "floor work out" part I could see different people with bad form (I'm no expert but I worked with weightlifting coaches before) and thinking they're probably hurting more than actually achieving. BEAUTIFUL PREMISES! The bathroom shower I tried everything very nice but it's not with it for a high cortisol unsafe not guided work out Thanks for the event Yelp but this was a no-no Won't come back
In the words of Fat Amy... "Don't sign me up for Cardio" Now, don't get me wrong. This experience was in no shape or form bad. It was a great HIIT workout. It pretty much went exactly as I expected, interval training on the treadmill alongside quick-paced exercises targeting the back, chest, and abs. It kicked. my. butt. I am writing this review the day after and my whole body is sore. I'm sore in place I didn't know I could be sore. That being said, I would consider myself moderately active. I go to the gym to do weight-training several times a week. I also take Pilates/Lagree classes on top of that. But the one thing I do not do is... high intensity cardio. The last time I SPRINTED must have been several years ago and I felt like and old car being started up for the first time. I'm glad that I was pushed to the limit... but would I do it again? Probably not. As a first timer, I found the logistics of the class a little confusing and I ended up having to rely on my neighbors for some help. Essentially there is one instructor leading 2 classes at the time time. I was pretty lost at first, but as class went on, I started to catch on. Be prepared to lock in and really listen. Maddy was an awesome instructor. She was super energetic, had great taste in music and made the class as fun as it could be. However, it was pretty hard to keep track of her at times. Thank you to Yelp and Barry's for organizing this event. It was really awesome to get a good workout in.
I did not know what to expect other than working up a sweat! I'm glad I signed up for this experience because I definitely got in a sweaty workout. I arrived at Barry's about 30 min prior to class because I came straight from work. I parked in the lot and paid $2.56 for two hours of parking. Noemi was the first staff member I saw and she was very warm and welcoming. She gave me an orientation and what to expect. I also met a new yelp friend Mildred! Meeting new and old friends is one of my favorite aspects of yelp events! Christina led the workout and she had amazing energy! The workout was intense, especially for me after a long day at work but it was not a drill sergeant vibe so I was able to enjoy it for what it was. I'm looking forward to trying another class.
Never heard of Barry's until Yelp offered this special elite week. So thank you to Houston Yelp team for putting this together. Did a little online research so I knew it'd be a tough workout, but I was up for the challenge. Everyone's talking about parking, and I agree. It is annoying to have to pay for parking, but there is free street parking available a short walk away. When you enter, you check in at the desk and they assign your station at both the treadmills and on the floor. There are lockers in the lobby and in the locker rooms. You don't need to bring your own lock, which was great. The locker room was clean, there were showers and Dyson (!) hairdryers available. Towels available too. You wait outside until the instructor calls you in. I was told to start at the treadmill. It's intense with the instructor yelling what speed and incline you should go, but there were others who were just doing what they could handle. After about 10 minutes, you switch to the floor for weight training. You pick weights that are most comfortable to you. After 10 minutes, you do another round of treadmill and a final round of weights. Overall thoughts - I felt like I was in a club. Dark room with red lights. Loud music. The instructor is definitely in your ear the whole time. In my class, she didn't correct anyone's form from what I saw. Definitely potential for someone hurting themselves if they don't know what they're doing. I guess that's why they make you sign a waiver. I only did 1 class because the available classes didn't bode well with my schedule. I wouldn't have gone back anyway. It's just not my vibe. I currently do F45 and I like being in my comfortable space. Thanks for taking me in, Barry's. It was a good experience. And thank again to our Yelp team!!
I've had my eye on Barry's for a while, having seen many friends rave about it, so it worked out perfectly to have a Yelp Elite Week at Barry's Houston! With work travel, I was only able to attend a small window of the available classes. Thankfully my WFH schedule allowed me to attend a Thursday and Friday class during the lunch hour. Parking in this River Oaks shopping center is tricky. While the first 30 minutes are free, Barry's classes are obviously longer than that, so you end up having to pay for a minimum 2 hours of parking. For the price tag of Barry's, it would be nice if they validated parking for class goers. For the Thursday class, I signed up for RUN X LIFT Abs & Ass with Christina. Upon walking in, I informed Christina that this was my first class and she was super welcoming and explained to me how it all worked. After the class, she took the time to talk to me and encouraged me to come back to one of her classes. A great, welcoming first-timer experience! This class was not crowded at all; less than half full and plenty of room to spread out. I was told this is about normal for mid-day classes during the week. For the Friday class, I signed up for RUN X LIFT Total Body with Chloe. I unexpectedly ran into Zain R. and Mark W. at this same class too! This class was a bit more crowded, even though it was in the middle of the day on a Friday. For this one, you are rotating on the same-number treadmill and floor area as another person, which seems to be the norm for Barry's. I suppose this is not an issue other weekday classes, where you have the same treadmill and floor area all to yourself for the entirety of the class. Both classes were super intense! I burned nearly 600 calories in each class and found myself profusely sweating during and after the classes. I did notice that the treadmills and floor areas are very close together. I was worried about the worst case scenario of tripping during treadmill sprints and falling onto someone else, and vice versa. I am honestly curious how often this happens given how close everyone is to each other. The front desk staff were super nice and welcoming as well. During my first class on Thursday, they gave me a quick rundown of how the class works. Afterwards, they informed me of the different class plans as a newbie. While note cheap, you do get what you pay for, and clearly these classes are priced at a premium or a reason. You do get an intense workout with lots of sweat scrunched into 50 minutes. You can tell who are the regulars here, they know what they are doing and look good doing it. There were a couple of folks who were more focused on recording themselves throughout the entire class rather than actually working out, which I found slightly annoying. Not sure if they were also first-timers with the promo, but I guess working out at Barry's could be seen as a flex if you had never been before. Thanks to Jando, the Yelp Houston team, and the Barry's Houston team for making this a great Elite Week experience. I am strongly considering buying some starter classes and continuing my attendance at Barry's. Decisions, decisions...
Okay! Review update now that I'm 2/2 for the free classes. For first timer advice, please refer to my first review. Background: I have never done Barry's before. A few Pilates classes here and there. I consider myself moderately active with a desk job. My scoring is solely for the booking process as a first timer to Barry's. I did not have as bad of an experience as Daniel L., but it was still troublesome. My guest (+1) and I booked at nearly the exact same time. I got confirmation e-mails for Friday at 4:20 PM (the EDM sounded interesting) and a Wednesday at 6:40 PM. My +1 did not get a confirmation for the Friday spot. The next day, I received an e-mail indicating that the Wednesday spot sold out. So, I don't know what the point of a booking was for, considering that I was assigned a spot. Maybe they double booked or maybe they sold my spot to a paying member; who knows? Either way, I was only given the options for classes between 7:30AM - 5:30 PM on weekdays (and one 5AM option, which some people may appreciate but I am absolutely a night owl). These are impossible to make for someone working a normal 8-5 job. I took the latest possible spot I could since I wanted to try it out. We had to e-mail back and forth to verify reservations. The classes themselves were fine. We weren't given too much instruction at the desk, other than the assigned spot map and the alternating cardio to floor system. My first class felt a bit hectic, but I think it was just getting used to the system. The second class, I had a better understanding and I did some variants of the cardio (high intensity cardio doesn't go well with asthma). Both instructors were good. The Friday "total body" was barely more so than the "chest, back & abs" on Wednesday - it felt like very similar muscle groups, along with some added squats. Both classes included burpees and push-up variants, for example. Cardio in between floor workouts tended to be jog-run-walk cycles with some variations in incline. The workouts were definitely on the side of higher intensity. Random note, but Friday's "EDM" music was more house-style. I probably won't be back, but I appreciate the opportunity to try out Barry's! Thanks, Yelp, and applause for the instructors there.
It was a great experience going to Barry's!! The staff were super helpful and friendly. They gave out free goodies with the current challenge going on. I loved the Ouai products they have in the bathroom. I would recommend stretching on your own before the workout starts so you don't get too sore after. Sometimes I did feel lost but it was nice to follow along your neighbors.
I wanted to take a moment to update my review because businesses that offer complimentary classes do so to welcome new clients. After my class, the business owner personally reached out to see how I liked it. I let her know that I enjoyed it and mentioned that I had shared my thoughts on the elite page to help out. She responded with genuine concern, invited me back, and showed a real willingness to take feedback and make improvements. I truly appreciate her kind gesture and dedication to creating a better experience for everyone. I'm confident that future experiences will be even better!
Another awesome event! Stopped by for a HIT class or not was i worn out. The ambience is inviting. they have protein shakes and lockers for your things. the class welcomes all levels and is open to all modifications. Parking in the lot does cost but it's not too expensive. You can also buy clothes with the Barry's logo on them! i'll be back with a friend because i won't be the only sore the next day!
2 years ago
Thanks Yelp Houston, Jando, and Barry's for this amazing sweaty Elite 2 week event. I was so excited that Yelp decided on something fun, different, and active to start the new year on the right foot. Or at least offer an event to those that are wanting to start or remain getting fit. Barry's is an fancy and hip place for HIIT, that I have heard of but never been. This was an amazing opportunity to try something new for zero cost or commitment. A regular drop in class is on pricey side, almost $40 buck which is high end for the average crossfit, or gym drop in. Rebecca was super nice at the front desk, giving me a great lowdown of the land. My 2 classes 1. Abs & Ass 2. Full Body lower focus, was challenging! But the 2 instructors I had Lacy & Riti did there best to demo or talk it out, and give great energy and motivation. The class moves fast, which leads to real calorie burn. Thank you Yelp, keep up these kind of great events. read more
I was very excited to see this event. I've been wanting to see Yelp Houston do some physical health activities like I've seen other cities. I've heard of Barry's but have never been. Unfortunately, I had more things I didn't like about this experience than things I did. I didn't like I had to pay for parking. I know this isn't the gyms doing but it still sucks to have to pay for parking to workout. Walking in I was greeted with lots of energy and smiles. After getting checked in by the staff I was given a quick run through of how the class will be. And I do mean quick, from all the information given all I could remember was "you'll be at station 11". Once we were allowed in the classroom, the loud music started. I personally like having the music loud when working out but not when the instruction is yelling what items we need for the workout. The classroom had multiple stations set up, I would say too many. When getting equipment or moving to the treadmills it was congested. I was constantly saying, excuse me, pardon me? can I get by. Once the class started the instructor turned to music up even louder while speaking into the microphone headset. The micro microphone wasn't the best quality as his voice came out distorted over the speakers. I found myself looking to other people that have been there before to copy what they were doing. I didn't feel bad as I saw I wasn't the only that looked lost. The excuses we did were very basic and reminded me of the old lady on channel 8 (PBS) that would workout in a chair. Once the class was over you have the option of getting a juice from their juice bar. I felt the prices were a bit high but I can see you're paying for the convenience. I'm grateful for the experience but I won't be signing up for a membership here. read more
Shout out to Mark W. for making me his plus 1! I haven't done a Barry's workout in so long and now I remember why! While I do love a good a good HIIT workout class, I forgot how small and tight the red room, Barry's was. Transitioning from the floor to the treadmill is a bit crowded. Doing the floor exercises is a bit harder than I remember. If you've ever been to Orange Theory or SWEAT, the space between to do floor exercises is much better to do weights vs here at Barry's. So it was a bit difficult to transition from exercise to exercise. When we were instructed to do explosive jump squats to push ups, those were definitely a little harder to maneuver due to space in between to the benches. The treadmill portion was a little confusing since my side of the room was darker. It was harder to see the "on" button. The people on my side were also confused. Glad I wasn't the only one. But once we got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing. I actually loved the people on my side of the room. We motivated each other and it was pretty cool. Especially in a super dark room The instructor Chloe was very motivating and upbeat. However, it did get hard to hear at times. Chloe did come out to talk to us and asked us how our experience was. She even noticed that Mark still did the workout even with his disability. She was so moved and showed us her scar from her open heart surgery and could relate. I always love a good active yelp event other than food. Gives a great variety in events. And while I did enjoy a change of scenery, I don't think I could drop a chunk of change for a Barry's membership. The customer service was amazing, but the price and environment alone didn't convince me. I'll stick to ClassPass. read more
2 years ago
This was NOT an event for the flat footed, introverted 40+ suburban female. Young, fit, 20 and 30 somethings, this one was for you! The parking was a pain. Some of the instructions given by the front desk staff were incorrect. For ex. I was told the instructor was gonna come out and give me some guidance before class and that never happened. It was loud and there were no ear plugs from what I saw. The music was poppy and ratchet, very Gen Z. The smoothies were very expensive. The workout sessions were packed and in an open area with no where for one to hide or take a quick break without it being noticeable. It was an extreme sensory overload situation. I was so frazzled and didn't relax back to normal until after a couple hours of being back home. Why did I give it 4 stars? The place was well lit and clean. There were plenty of showers, mirrors and toilets in the sparkly clean restroom. It's in a fun location. The staff was nice enough. The instructor was a super sweet pregnant bad azz. This just wasn't for me but it was definitely a great workout. It challenged me and got me out of my usual routine. I'm still a little sore from it. I consider myself fairly fit and healthy and wanted to be completely honest in this review. If youre looking to get in shape and haven't quite found your exercise groove and you tried this or any other workout and absolutely hated it please don't let it discourage you. I've been there. There are so many different forms of exercise out there. Find what works for you, something fun that you want to jump out of bed for or run to after a long day. Something that you could easily do everyday. Don't try to force it with something you loathe and dread. There's something out there for everyone and regular exercise is so vital to our health. Thanks Yelp and Barry's for the experience. It wasn't for me but it was nice to try something different and out of my routine. read more
Yelp babey did nothing wrong on this one. I do not blame official yelp or anyone on the local yelp Houston team. I blame Barry's 100%, what an awful introduction to this brand. On Monday (within minutes of having received the sign up link from Lingyun) I registered my little account with Barry's and picked a weekend class. I have a demanding jerb and am not usually available during the week. So I was happy they had weekend offerings as you scrolled down far enough. The system let me pick my little weekend class and gave me the confirmed webpage (attached screenshot) without any errors. So I assumed we were Gucci and my confirmation e-mail with QR code would be forthcoming later in the week. Turns out we were not Gucci, we were not even Old Navy fam. On Friday I started to mildly panic I had no QR code yet since the weekend was a comin'. I asked here on this event page if other people were having issues and nobody was, so I then promptly e-mailed Barry's support. They got back to me later in the day that the system may have not told me the class was closed when I signed up (genius UI and UX!!!!!!) They offered remaining weekday dates I cannot make since I have un trabajo. So I don't get to experience my free Barry's class over the weekend and they collected a ton of my personal information from forcing me to make an account to sign up for the free class (I didn't ultimately receive) to sell to China or anyone else they want. Absolutely brilliant. Ten or so years ago we had a raft of free Yelp classes at various exercise places like RYDE near the three Starbucks intersection Lewis Black used to talk about and other brands like Revolution which was helpfully located just above Pondicheri. Registration for all those worked flawlessly and I decided which brands worked for me and which ones did not after I had visited their studios and smelled their candles (remember how good Revolution smelled!?!) Here, Barry's has made a very bad introduction to their brand before I even got in the front door to smell anything. I honestly expected better from Barack "Barry" Obama post-presidency when he started this chain to have something to do outside of the house. Thanks Obama! read more
Do I love when Yelp offers any fitness activity for Yelp elites? YES! Am I signing up for a membership with Barry's or even plan on returning? NO. I'll preface this by saying that I got a chemical peel during the week I was able to participate in the classes so I couldn't work out extensively. Before signing up, I knew Barry's was similar to Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) and I'm an OTF OG. Plus, I work out 6x/week and I power lift. I signed up for two classes; abs & ass on 2/6/25 @ 12:15pm and total body on 2/7/25 @ 4:20pm. Both classes were taught by Christina L. Once I signed up, I got an email confirmation for both classes and a follow up email with additional details pertaining to parking, time to arrive and etc. Since I knew where Barry's was, I knew it was paid parking so I didn't mind that. Now if I was member, that would be a barrier. I got there 15 mins prior and checked in at the desk. The reception I received was lukewarm but still informative. Again, if I was not already familiar with OTF, I would have been confused and overwhelmed. I scanned the lobby and appreciated the bar area, and how you could pre-order a shake that would be ready for you post the class. I took a few some pictures and headed into the red room. Christina was welcoming and full of energy. I was able to keep up because I'm used to HIIT workouts such as these but the music was extremely loud and it was difficult to see as the light in the room changed based on the exercise at that time. I preferred my Thursday class as it was in the middle of the day. The Friday late afternoon class was way too crowded so I left mid-way through the workout. Overall, I'm glad I was able to participate in this activity but Barry's culture and clientele doesn't suit me. It's truly meant for a specific type of personality. Loved the $14 shake though :) read more
2 years ago
Another really generous Yelp Elite Week with plenty of dates and times offered. My husband and I signed up for a late afternoon class on a Sunday. This was not my first time attending a Barry's class but I enjoyed it all the same. I found some of the free weight ranges to be a bit heavy, especially since we were asked to press/push the dumbbells over our heads and the recommended weight minimum was 15 pounds. I had decided to take it easy for this class since I had a pretty heavy week of exercise already and was appreciative that the instructor did not force anyone to push beyond their limits (physically or verbally pressuring). Our instructor, Christina, was both encouraging and motivating, so we had a really enjoyable experience. The only downsides are that some of the exercises are only performed for a short period so if you can't figure it out from the quick instructor demo, then you're on your own. Also, parking is limited here on weekend nights because of the surrounding restaurants, so you may find it easier to valet for $10. read more
So whats up with this event feeling like "how to get stressed anxious and probably hurt yourself in a fancy place" I appreciate Yelp elite events as they are ways to show people what the brand is about so we can share the word. Well this didn't have any guidance any explanation or welcoming, it took me back to middle school with no guidance feeling left out confused and wondering if this is even for me. Everyone talked about the parking situation so not gonna touch that. But for real no one guided me or explained what the work out was about they just told me your spot is track10 and then floor10 *****WHAT DOES THAT MEAN !!??? Like what ? *** I got there music is blasting RED LIGHTS ON and cortisol to the sky for what I could see. I didn't even know how to turn on the running machine there was so much noise I couldn't understand the "cues" the coach was giving are where for me are there for the other people??? What's happening?? Not to say when we were on the "floor work out" part I could see different people with bad form (I'm no expert but I worked with weightlifting coaches before) and thinking they're probably hurting more than actually achieving. BEAUTIFUL PREMISES! The bathroom shower I tried everything very nice but it's not with it for a high cortisol unsafe not guided work out Thanks for the event Yelp but this was a no-no Won't come back read more
In the words of Fat Amy... "Don't sign me up for Cardio" Now, don't get me wrong. This experience was in no shape or form bad. It was a great HIIT workout. It pretty much went exactly as I expected, interval training on the treadmill alongside quick-paced exercises targeting the back, chest, and abs. It kicked. my. butt. I am writing this review the day after and my whole body is sore. I'm sore in place I didn't know I could be sore. That being said, I would consider myself moderately active. I go to the gym to do weight-training several times a week. I also take Pilates/Lagree classes on top of that. But the one thing I do not do is... high intensity cardio. The last time I SPRINTED must have been several years ago and I felt like and old car being started up for the first time. I'm glad that I was pushed to the limit... but would I do it again? Probably not. As a first timer, I found the logistics of the class a little confusing and I ended up having to rely on my neighbors for some help. Essentially there is one instructor leading 2 classes at the time time. I was pretty lost at first, but as class went on, I started to catch on. Be prepared to lock in and really listen. Maddy was an awesome instructor. She was super energetic, had great taste in music and made the class as fun as it could be. However, it was pretty hard to keep track of her at times. Thank you to Yelp and Barry's for organizing this event. It was really awesome to get a good workout in. read more
2 years ago
I did not know what to expect other than working up a sweat! I'm glad I signed up for this experience because I definitely got in a sweaty workout. I arrived at Barry's about 30 min prior to class because I came straight from work. I parked in the lot and paid $2.56 for two hours of parking. Noemi was the first staff member I saw and she was very warm and welcoming. She gave me an orientation and what to expect. I also met a new yelp friend Mildred! Meeting new and old friends is one of my favorite aspects of yelp events! Christina led the workout and she had amazing energy! The workout was intense, especially for me after a long day at work but it was not a drill sergeant vibe so I was able to enjoy it for what it was. I'm looking forward to trying another class. read more
2 years ago
Never heard of Barry's until Yelp offered this special elite week. So thank you to Houston Yelp team for putting this together. Did a little online research so I knew it'd be a tough workout, but I was up for the challenge. Everyone's talking about parking, and I agree. It is annoying to have to pay for parking, but there is free street parking available a short walk away. When you enter, you check in at the desk and they assign your station at both the treadmills and on the floor. There are lockers in the lobby and in the locker rooms. You don't need to bring your own lock, which was great. The locker room was clean, there were showers and Dyson (!) hairdryers available. Towels available too. You wait outside until the instructor calls you in. I was told to start at the treadmill. It's intense with the instructor yelling what speed and incline you should go, but there were others who were just doing what they could handle. After about 10 minutes, you switch to the floor for weight training. You pick weights that are most comfortable to you. After 10 minutes, you do another round of treadmill and a final round of weights. Overall thoughts - I felt like I was in a club. Dark room with red lights. Loud music. The instructor is definitely in your ear the whole time. In my class, she didn't correct anyone's form from what I saw. Definitely potential for someone hurting themselves if they don't know what they're doing. I guess that's why they make you sign a waiver. I only did 1 class because the available classes didn't bode well with my schedule. I wouldn't have gone back anyway. It's just not my vibe. I currently do F45 and I like being in my comfortable space. Thanks for taking me in, Barry's. It was a good experience. And thank again to our Yelp team!! read more
I've had my eye on Barry's for a while, having seen many friends rave about it, so it worked out perfectly to have a Yelp Elite Week at Barry's Houston! With work travel, I was only able to attend a small window of the available classes. Thankfully my WFH schedule allowed me to attend a Thursday and Friday class during the lunch hour. Parking in this River Oaks shopping center is tricky. While the first 30 minutes are free, Barry's classes are obviously longer than that, so you end up having to pay for a minimum 2 hours of parking. For the price tag of Barry's, it would be nice if they validated parking for class goers. For the Thursday class, I signed up for RUN X LIFT Abs & Ass with Christina. Upon walking in, I informed Christina that this was my first class and she was super welcoming and explained to me how it all worked. After the class, she took the time to talk to me and encouraged me to come back to one of her classes. A great, welcoming first-timer experience! This class was not crowded at all; less than half full and plenty of room to spread out. I was told this is about normal for mid-day classes during the week. For the Friday class, I signed up for RUN X LIFT Total Body with Chloe. I unexpectedly ran into Zain R. and Mark W. at this same class too! This class was a bit more crowded, even though it was in the middle of the day on a Friday. For this one, you are rotating on the same-number treadmill and floor area as another person, which seems to be the norm for Barry's. I suppose this is not an issue other weekday classes, where you have the same treadmill and floor area all to yourself for the entirety of the class. Both classes were super intense! I burned nearly 600 calories in each class and found myself profusely sweating during and after the classes. I did notice that the treadmills and floor areas are very close together. I was worried about the worst case scenario of tripping during treadmill sprints and falling onto someone else, and vice versa. I am honestly curious how often this happens given how close everyone is to each other. The front desk staff were super nice and welcoming as well. During my first class on Thursday, they gave me a quick rundown of how the class works. Afterwards, they informed me of the different class plans as a newbie. While note cheap, you do get what you pay for, and clearly these classes are priced at a premium or a reason. You do get an intense workout with lots of sweat scrunched into 50 minutes. You can tell who are the regulars here, they know what they are doing and look good doing it. There were a couple of folks who were more focused on recording themselves throughout the entire class rather than actually working out, which I found slightly annoying. Not sure if they were also first-timers with the promo, but I guess working out at Barry's could be seen as a flex if you had never been before. Thanks to Jando, the Yelp Houston team, and the Barry's Houston team for making this a great Elite Week experience. I am strongly considering buying some starter classes and continuing my attendance at Barry's. Decisions, decisions... read more
Okay! Review update now that I'm 2/2 for the free classes. For first timer advice, please refer to my first review. Background: I have never done Barry's before. A few Pilates classes here and there. I consider myself moderately active with a desk job. My scoring is solely for the booking process as a first timer to Barry's. I did not have as bad of an experience as Daniel L., but it was still troublesome. My guest (+1) and I booked at nearly the exact same time. I got confirmation e-mails for Friday at 4:20 PM (the EDM sounded interesting) and a Wednesday at 6:40 PM. My +1 did not get a confirmation for the Friday spot. The next day, I received an e-mail indicating that the Wednesday spot sold out. So, I don't know what the point of a booking was for, considering that I was assigned a spot. Maybe they double booked or maybe they sold my spot to a paying member; who knows? Either way, I was only given the options for classes between 7:30AM - 5:30 PM on weekdays (and one 5AM option, which some people may appreciate but I am absolutely a night owl). These are impossible to make for someone working a normal 8-5 job. I took the latest possible spot I could since I wanted to try it out. We had to e-mail back and forth to verify reservations. The classes themselves were fine. We weren't given too much instruction at the desk, other than the assigned spot map and the alternating cardio to floor system. My first class felt a bit hectic, but I think it was just getting used to the system. The second class, I had a better understanding and I did some variants of the cardio (high intensity cardio doesn't go well with asthma). Both instructors were good. The Friday "total body" was barely more so than the "chest, back & abs" on Wednesday - it felt like very similar muscle groups, along with some added squats. Both classes included burpees and push-up variants, for example. Cardio in between floor workouts tended to be jog-run-walk cycles with some variations in incline. The workouts were definitely on the side of higher intensity. Random note, but Friday's "EDM" music was more house-style. I probably won't be back, but I appreciate the opportunity to try out Barry's! Thanks, Yelp, and applause for the instructors there. read more
It was a great experience going to Barry's!! The staff were super helpful and friendly. They gave out free goodies with the current challenge going on. I loved the Ouai products they have in the bathroom. I would recommend stretching on your own before the workout starts so you don't get too sore after. Sometimes I did feel lost but it was nice to follow along your neighbors. read more
I wanted to take a moment to update my review because businesses that offer complimentary classes do so to welcome new clients. After my class, the business owner personally reached out to see how I liked it. I let her know that I enjoyed it and mentioned that I had shared my thoughts on the elite page to help out. She responded with genuine concern, invited me back, and showed a real willingness to take feedback and make improvements. I truly appreciate her kind gesture and dedication to creating a better experience for everyone. I'm confident that future experiences will be even better! read more
Another awesome event! Stopped by for a HIT class or not was i worn out. The ambience is inviting. they have protein shakes and lockers for your things. the class welcomes all levels and is open to all modifications. Parking in the lot does cost but it's not too expensive. You can also buy clothes with the Barry's logo on them! i'll be back with a friend because i won't be the only sore the next day! read more
Love that Yelp Elite is encouraging us to participate in healthy activities! There's a reason why Barry's workout classes are so popular, and I'm glad we got an opportunity to check it out. The sign up process required filling out a form, which was easy to fill out though I wish we could see how many spots were available per class and had the ability to switch through the form as needed. My plus one and I ended up attending the HIIT Happy Hour class. The staff were friendly and welcoming upon check in. Lockers for storage are available both in the lobby and inside the dressing rooms. The class itself is super fun - very high energy with edm music as you go through 2 rounds of treadmill and strength training. I have NEVER sprinted on the treadmill this fast in my life, but she was really pushing us to our limits! It was exhausting but rewarding to finish the class, and even more rewarding that they provided seltzer drinks for us at the end (the "happy hour" part). The studio is in a busy area of River Oaks and parking is not free ($2), so that is a downside that might discourage me from coming back on a regular basis. But I would love to come to Barry's maybe once a month to get a good workout in! read more
The Barry's week was one of my favorite events this year. I love Barry's in general and it gave me a break from my regular workout routine. Few things to note: your satisfaction with the class is affected by the instructor you select. So ask for recommendations based on your needs. If you're new ask for someone who's more experienced, if you like a certain pace, music, etc. The ladies at the front are typically really helpful with this. My recommendation is go to LACY, but hurry she's pregnant and I'm not sure when or how long she'll be out for. Something new I learned they have an option for you to be on the mat the whole time and not touch the treadmill. I recommend doing both though. The workout is pretty intense, but they give you options and modifications for you to go at your pace. I would say the 50min goes by fast so push yourself because you'll be mad at the end if you feel like you didn't give your all. Trust me!! If you can go a little faster or do an extra rep, do it!! Classes I took: Ass and Abs, lower body- I didn't do under 500 calories in either class They also have really nice restroom shower areas, everything bougie. The had soap is quai scrub, the blowdyer is the fancy Dyson. Just very upscale. read more
Was super excited for this elite week event because I love an exercise class Barry's is in my neighborhood. I signed up for one lower body class and one full body class. The class is structured so that half of the program is on the floor lifting weights and the other half is on the treadmill, however, there are a few spots labeled as double floor which allows you to do all weights with no treadmill. I enjoyed the lower body class that I took and the instructor was encouraging and seemed to be correcting people's form. The full body class I took was more full and while still high energy there was less direction from the instructor about correct form etc. Overall I think that Barry's is a good option for people that would like to incorporate strength training into their routine and benefit from being in a group setting. I have a home gym and personally prefer to do my classes in the comfort of my own home. read more
Thank you, Yelp Elite Houston and Barry's for hosting us this week. I consider myself fairly fit... I was an avid runner; I do yoga; I do other workouts too... but I was not ready for Barry's Houston. I am wondering how to beginner-level people survive this!? The instructor Christina was helpful, friendly and motivating. She acknowledged there were newbies in the class, but I feel running on a 8 or 9 or 10 level on the treadmill is REALLY FAST. I have run marathons and I don't sprint like that.... so I was thinking a beginner level person would fly off the treadmill! Luckily, that didn't happen, however. She does mention that her cues are suggested and you can go at your pace. Thank you! The floor exercise is intense too. I am not a fan of burpees, and I tried my best. I am just proud of myself for making it through the 50 minutes. HIIT is not for me, but I'm glad to have given the opportunity to explore it. I would like to say the product offerings in the shower and bathroom are really nice, good quality. I suggest anyone who do Barry's to fully hydrate before and after class and eat a protein bar or two so you don't faint after or during class! read more
I've only been to Barry's once before and it was about 2 years ago, so I definitely needed a refresher on how things work here! When I first walked in, the staff quickly greeted me and then got me checked in. She refreshed me on what to expect/what to do then I got my stuff situated in a locker and went in for the class! While I love working out, I haven't been as consistent as I used to be lately, so this class DEFINITELY pushed me!! Although at the same time, I didn't feel overwhelmed, which I really appreciated. Parking tip: you have to pay for parking if you choose to park in the lot directly in front of their storefront. HOWEVER, you can park for FREE in the parking garage across the street that's connected to the strip that contains Barnes and Nobles. If you choose to do this, just be prepared to arrive at least 5 minutes sooner than you need to be there as you'll have time to walk across the street. read more
2 years ago
If you're looking for a HARD and INTENSE workout class, Barry's Bootcamp is definitely the one to go to! I was greeted by friendly staff as soon as I walked in. They did an excellent job explaining to me how the class worked. The facility is VERY spacious and clean. They have a merchandise store to the left for workout clothes and other things. They have a fuel bar for smoothies. You place your order before class, and it'll be ready by the time you leave class. They have lockers in the main area for you to put your things in too, so you don't have to carry it into your class. The restrooms were also very nice and clean. There were showers and also a locker room area for you to change. I took a 6:40 PM class with Maddy. She was so amazing. She was very hyped up and helps you stay motivated throughout the class to where you feel like you have to keep pushing yourself to get through it. But for those who can't keep up with the sprinting/running, she also said it's totally fine to just walk on the treadmill. I liked that she doesn't make anyone feel bad for going at whatever pace that they're going at. Going inside the Red Room, each station is provided with a towel, which is nice, because most workout classes I've been to do not provide towels. The class was very intense, and for the one I did, which was Run x Lift Total Body, we would start at either the treadmill or floor, then switch between the two, then switch again, and then switch again one last time. I actually liked this because it made the class go by really fast, and kinda gives you a break from the treadmill after sprinting/running so much. I definitely felt like I had a good workout in, and I would totally do it again! read more
I absolutely enjoyed this event. Execution was top notch as I walked in and they immediately knew how to advise me. I set up a log in and was able to select a class from the schedule. The only issue was the class times were limited, guess they were popular at 530pm or 630pm. I was able to schedule the 420pm class with Chloe. This was a perfect event for the first part of the year so we could get our sweat on. The gym had a dressing room, shower and restrooms. Also towel were provided along with lockers. Parking was reasonable at 2.00 after the first 30 minutes. The workout itself was very high energy. I was given all the detail at the front desk so I knew how to proceed. I did treadmill then weights then finished on treadmill. Chloe was so energetic and encouraging and everyone in the class felt the energy. I was sore for two days afterwards but in a good way. Thanks Jando for a great event. Here's to health in 2025. read more
I recently had the chance to experience an Elite Week at Barry's Houston, and it was hands down one of the best workout experiences I've had. From the moment I booked, the entire process was seamless. The manager made communication super easy and was incredibly responsive, which made scheduling a class that fit my week a breeze. The workout itself was intense in the best possible way. I was sore for at least four days after, which is always a sign of a great, challenging session. The combination of strength and cardio kept me engaged throughout, and I could definitely feel it targeting every muscle group. Barry's Houston nailed it in terms of both customer service and the quality of the workout. I left feeling completely drained but in a good way--like I'd truly pushed my limits. I'd highly recommend this studio for anyone looking for an intense, effective workout with top-notch service. Definitely looking forward to returning! read more
There were lockers available both in the outdoor waiting area and in the changing rooms. The changing room was equipped with sinks, showers, and Ouai products, plus a Dyson hairdryer for a nice touch. The classroom is pretty dark, which I don't mind, but it did make it a little tricky to follow the instructor at times. With the loud music and her trying to walk us through the moves, it was hard to stay focused and fully understand, especially as someone not used to gym weights. I ended up just following the person next to me to keep up. That said, it was definitely a solid workout--I was wiped afterward and felt sore the next day. While I'm not sure this style of exercise is quite right for me, it was a great opportunity to step outside my usual routine and try something new. Parking is metered after the first free 30 minutes. Plenty of spots. read more
Okay so I have now concluded my 2 classes at Barrys. I signed up for the abs/ass and run/lift courses. Lacy was great! In general I am not a circuit training girlie. It's just not my ministry. But I decided I'd try it out because I do exercise a lot. Let's start with the cons: You have to pay for parking... there is limited street parking but also it is metered. Secondly I do have questions about machine cleaning between sessions. In the classes I attend the participants hygiene was questionable because there are wipes. They scarcly used them. PROS. The studio is well maintaining and well lit. There is also a smoothie bar inside that provides the option to order a smoothie to be ready at the end of you class. Another pro are the instructors. They are great and enthusiastic. If you need a boost of moral or encouragement they got you. Also the music in the 2 classes I took was great! Shoutout to @yelphouston @barrys for providing this opportunity! read more
Writing a quick review after going to my second free class! We did a run/lower body class and I really enjoyed it! We had the same instructor from last Thursday, so shout out to her from Tuesday @4:20 class. I love the running and sprints. I definitely got more energy during my last run too. The workout was nice & I enjoyed the mix of pulsing.. quads are killing me already! It's always nice to have options and do whatever at your own pace. We left sweating! Definitely had a great time and very grateful for Yelp & Barry's for allowing us to do it!! read more
Thank you Yelp and Barrys's especially Chloe for whooping my butt into shape. The classes aren't a joke. You get a mixture of cardio and weights with minimal rest (the instructors do say go at your pace). I read there some issues with QR codes and what not but I didn't respond fast enough to deal with that but my overall sign up process was fine. Had no issues signing up for classes and got confirmations right away. Our +1s also didn't have any issues signing up and getting their waivers submitted. Upon checking into the class, we didn't get instructions on what we would do but I took a wild guess by the class name. We did two classes; glute/abs and legs. Both sessions had cardio mixed into them. I thought the ambiance was nice and the music was A1. I would highly recommend Barry's if you've experienced boot camp classes before and need a quick and structured workout. I would not recommend if you're a beginner and need detail instructions. Overall I had a great time! Thanks again Yelp and Barry's. read more
2 years ago
Confession time - I was a little nervous to sign up for this event. I love working out, but get self-conscious in group classes. I decided to go for it and I'm glad I did. It was really helpful to read before I went that you have to pay for parking. It was easy to navigate and thankfully not difficult to find a spot. I arrived only about 5 mins before class and that was plenty of time for this first timer. I also like that you have an assigned treadmill and mat; avoids confusion on where to go. I signed up for a full body workout and was on the treadmill first, floor second for weights and strength training. The workout was tough for me, but I knew it might be going in and was able to modify when I needed to. The instructor Christina was really good! Excited to try my second class. Oh and lockers are available for your bags, free of charge! read more
I've gone to a lot of different workout studios around Houston, and Barry's Bootcamp is top tier! Luxury amenities, proven workouts that work, HIGH energy, fun vibes, and the best instructors. My particular class was Run X Lift Total Body w/ Riti V. Shout out to Riti for being a great instructor! I believe it was her first class taught in Houston because she recently moved here from San Francisco. 10/10 would take her class again! I loved that she incorporated some hype Bollywood music to share a little bit of her culture during the class! I will say their class packages and their membership options are expensive, but rightfully so. They offer Ouai toiletries, sweat towels and bath towels, smoothie bar, Lululemon X Barry's merchandise, and so many other premium amenities. I will for sure take another workout class here again. I'll probably do the intro 3 class pack for $55, then ClassPass after that. Thanks for the great workout Barry's! read more
2 years ago
I've been going to Barry's for a few years now, so I was excited to receive two complimentary classes. Nice to get a change from just eating something. Now I was a little concerned for my fellow Yelp Elite members because Barry's might not be the best intro into fitness for the novice. It is loud, intense, and you're going to sweat a lot. This is all the reason I go there. Maddy & Christina were great as always. Judging from some of the reviews of the event, I don't think they knew what they were getting into. Congrats on trying something outside your comfort level, but don't give up on your fitness/health journey because Barry's might not have been for you. read more
2 years ago
What a great way to start off my fitness journey with a class at Barry's. My friend and I decided to go to the 12:15 class. Sign up was pretty easy with their link. I accidentally signed up for the wrong day but I called them and the changed it without a hitch. Walking in, the gentleman at the desk did a brief overview of the class and how it runs which was very helpful. As for the class, it kicked me butt. We did a combo of treadmill and floor workout. Our instructor did a great job of walking us through it but sometimes it did get confusing with all the loud music. Overall I had a great time and got a good workout in. Just like many other yelpers, the music was both loud for me and my plus 1. Definitely enjoyed this event and look forward to more read more
2 years ago
Intense but do able! And my favorite part is when it's over! the free Oaui shampoo and conditioner samples are worth the workout EVERY time! read more
Was a fun opportunity to try out Barry's houston location! I've been to the one in Denver and enjoyed it. The coach *Maddy was great and had lots of energy. You have options to start on tread or floor. Some people do just floor for a strength workout. The workout is what you make of it and what your strength level is. They give you ranges for weights and tread speeds. They also have the smoothie place to have one after class. I recommend writing your order on the paper before so it'll be ready when class is over. The smoothies are a bit expensive but tasty. But loved the opportunity to get some exercise in! read more
2 years ago
Big thanks to Yelp Elite Houston for the opportunity to try Barry's! The facility itself is sleek and well-maintained, but the overall experience left something to be desired. The front desk staff wasn't particularly welcoming, and it felt like they assumed everyone was already familiar with the workouts--there was little to no direction for first-timers. Also, parking was a pain. The closest option is paid, or you can park at Kroger across the street and cross West Gray. That said, the workout was solid, and the space is great. Just be prepared to figure things out on your own! read more
Service: very welcoming, helpful, and hospitable. Facility: very clean! However, the tread isn't the best on the joints as the motor goes from 0 to 100 randomly when the motor kicks in. It's not a gradual change from walk to run and my knees definitely felt it. I am an avid pelotoner--daily bike, tread use, and strength training. I am a very active person so I thought the Barry's class was too easy. This gym is definitely accident prone. The switching from running to walking to running on an incline with nobody really checking on you to lifting weights and nobody checking your form. Eek!! Also why are we using "the heaviest weights you can pick up" and not counting reps...but just pulsing to the music? No no no. Barry is a sure way to injure yourself. Class- energetic instructor with great music! Does she know how to give instructions? Yes! Does she help with form and proper running technique? Nope. Def had a fun time! However, I love my joints too much and want to workout for the long run (not just for a fun time to post on instagram). It was too easy for me-l'm sticking to peloton! read more
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More info about Elite Week: Barry's Houston
Ask the Community - Elite Week: Barry's Houston
I made my Barry's account Monday and signed up for a weekend class through the Yelp link Lingyun e-mailed that day, still don't have the class confirmed in my Barry's account. How long does it take to get confirmed from Barry's? It is Friday.
I got my confirmation the day of (Monday) prob an hour or two after I signed up. Check spam maybe? Wonder if it's because it was a first come first serve class? :(
