“The Best Workout In The World” is a tough title to live up to, but Barry’s Bootcamp has certainly earned its stripes (and then made it a tag line). A true icon of the L.A. fitness scene, this model and celeb-adored chain of studios has been kicking butts and taking names since it’s original WeHo location opened in 1998, which just re-opened this month better than ever! In honor of the reboot, we sat down with the Barry – Barry Jay – and Barry’s Bootcamp CEO, Joey Gonzalez, to talk about the signature workout that’s gathered a cult following while transforming countless bodies, attitudes and the boutique fitness industry as a whole.
Read our interview below to learn what these fitness revolutionaries eat, how they stay active outside of the studio and why hard work is everything…
Upon waking I…
Barry: Hit the alarm off, think about how much there is to be grateful for (before feet hit the floor), get out of bed and have meal number one.
Joey: Grab my 8-month-old daughter and cover her in kisses.
Daily breakfast:
Barry: Depends whether it’s a low-carb day or a high-carb day, but generally speaking, oatmeal, 4 ounces of tofu, one tablespoon of nut butter.
Joey: A shake with protein, fruit, water and almond butter.
My fitness philosophy in one sentence:
Barry: Eat right, exercise, don’t make excuses and live to inspire.
Joey: If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
Daily supplements:
Barry: Body By O products including Cortisol Complex, L-glutamine, Thermo Complex, Immune Complex, Pre- and Post-Workout and Allzyme after every meal. If protein powder counts, I use Vega or Sun Warrior, both are vegan protein powders.
Joey: Smarty Pants vitamins, Fuel Bar protein shake with creatine.
Once a week for my health I:
Barry: Colon cleanse.
Joey: Get a massage.
Go-to juice or smoothie:
Barry: Barry’s Bootcamp signature “Simply PB” with vegan protein powder (so I can’t wait for it to be in WeHo now).
Joey: The PB&J at Barry’s.
3 staples always in my medicine cabinet/on my vanity:
Barry: Aspirin (for heart benefits), probiotics and Marvis toothpaste (my favorite).
Joey: Excedrin Migraine, Rembrandt Whitening toothpaste and floss.
Always have a stash of _ in the office:
Barry: Well, I don’t really have “an office” except for in the house where I write, so I just head to the pantry or fridge: Peanut butter is great when I’m hungry and it’s not meal time. Just a tablespoon though – okay, a heaping one.
Joey: Bottled water and almonds.
Best part of my workday:
Barry: The hugs and love! Before and after every class – what a great job!!
Joey: Try and get time in studio and taking class almost every day, which is always the highlight.
Daily non-negotiable:
Barry: Getting out of bed. Okay… eating vegan.
Joey: The Workout.
Simplest way to improve health:
Barry: Eat clean, nothing processed, exercise 4-5 times a week.
Joey: Is that a trick question? The easiest way to improve health is by sleeping more.
Fave Bootcamp move of all:
Barry: Jack Knife!
Joey: The Jack Knife.
Fave workout:
Barry: Arm day!
Joey: Barry’s, duh.
At least once a week I cook…
Barry: Chopped seasoned broccoli for the week when I’m prepping for myself.
Joey: Ground turkey with veggies. All my friends know it.
If I could give just one piece of health advice it would be...
Barry: Don’t eat processed foods, avoid sugar.
Joey: Nothing easy works.
Fave mind-body break:
Barry: Writing, definitely writing.
Joey: Movies.
Fave way to workout beyond the gym:
Barry: Hike with the pups, body weight (pull ups, pushups, dips, etc.) at the park.
Joey: Walking to Larchmont with my family.
My current mantra:
Barry: You’re never too old, it’s never too late, just do it (thanks Nike).
Joey: Work hard and be nice to people.
