What to Wear to Barry's Bootcamp: The Complete Red Room Survival Guide

Quick Answer: Wear moisture-wicking fitted tops and bottoms that stay put during sprints and burpees, proper running shoes (not training shoes), and bring a sweat-absorbing headband - you'll need it. Skip cotton everything, loose shorts that ride up, and anything with zippers or buttons that'll dig into you during floor work.

Step into Barry’s Bootcamp and you’ll be hit with pounding music, red lights, and an instructor who has zero interest in easing you in. 

Within a minute, you’re sprinting uphill at 10 mph or cranking out burpees with dumbbells. It’s brutal, it’s addictive, and it leaves first-timers drenched in sweat, wondering why they didn’t wear smarter gear. 

That said, what you wear can make or break your Red Room survival. Get it right and you’ll move seamlessly from sprints to floor work. Get it wrong and you’ll be wrestling sweat-soaked cotton while your shorts ride up mid-mountain climber.

Key Takeaways

• Barry’s Bootcamp combines treadmill sprints and floor strength training in 50-minute HIIT sessions, burning up to 1,000 calories.
• Moisture-wicking tops like tanks, tees, and long sleeves prevent overheating, cling, and discomfort while supporting unrestricted movement.
• Bottoms should be compression leggings or fitted shorts to avoid chafing and sagging, while cotton and baggy gear are best left out.
• Running shoes are essential for Woodway treadmills and incline sprints, while training shoes only work in strength-only double floor sessions.
• Sweat management requires more than a towel - performance headbands and hydration strategies prevent distractions mid-class.
• Barry’s Fuel Bar offers customizable protein shakes ($9-12) and snacks that speed recovery with whey, vegan, or egg white protein options.
• Start your Red Room survival plan with gear built for sweat - shop JUNK’s collection and take control of your training.

What Is Barry's Bootcamp?

Barry’s Bootcamp is not your average workout - it’s 50 minutes of heart-pounding HIIT inside the iconic red-lit studio known as the Red Room. Expect to burn 700-1000 calories as you split your time between treadmill sprints and targeted strength training. One day you’ll be blasting arms and abs, the next it’s all about legs or chest and back.

The Signature Setup

Every studio features $12,000 Woodway treadmills, prized for their joint-friendly cushioning that makes sprinting at 6-12 mph and climbing 12% inclines possible round after round. There’s no gentle warm-up here. Within the first minute, you’re off the walking pace and straight into a run, guided by instructors who call out beginner, intermediate, and advanced speeds while also directing floor work.

Floor Work and Equipment

On the floor, you’ll rotate through dumbbells (5-30 pounds), resistance bands, and bodyweight moves that test every muscle group. Expect push-ups, squats, burpees, and compound lifts, all packed into quick bursts that leave little time for catching your breath.

A Culture of Intensity and Community

Since opening in 1998 in West Hollywood, Barry’s has grown into a global fitness phenomenon with more than 80 studios worldwide. The formula remains the same: hard work, fun, and results. The community vibe is real - you’ll find energy from the instructor, the playlist, and the sweat-soaked camaraderie of everyone around you.

Essential Barry's Bootcamp Clothing

The right gear can make or break your experience in Barry’s infamous Red Room. From sprinting on $12,000 Woodway treadmills to cranking out burpees and heavy lifts, every piece of clothing has a job: stay secure, wick sweat, and keep you comfortable as the intensity ramps up. Below is a full guide to tops, bottoms, footwear, and headbands designed to handle Barry’s intensity.

Best Tops for Barry's

Choosing the right top is all about keeping sweat under control while giving you full mobility during treadmill and floor transitions. In Barry’s, every second counts - so you need fabrics that wick moisture, resist cling, and move with your body. Here are the best styles to consider:

Tanks: Maximum Mobility

Tanks are the go-to for athletes who prefer complete freedom of movement.

• Why They Work: With exposed shoulders and lightweight fabric, tanks prevent overheating during long sprint intervals and allow unrestricted motion for lifts and pushups.
• For Women: Racerback styles are ideal, staying fitted through burpees and ab work while pairing well with high-support sports bras.
• For Men: A simple fitted tank keeps the focus on performance - no bunching or flapping during sprints.
• Pro Example: Racerbacks like JUNK’s Breakthrough Tank combine softness with stretch, making them perfect for cardio-heavy days - these also happen to be some of the best clothing choices for running.

T-Shirts: Balanced Performance

T-shirts are the versatile middle ground: they give coverage without locking in heat.

• Why They Work: Short sleeves keep shoulders covered, while fitted cuts prevent fabric from riding up during mountain climbers or kettlebell swings.
• For Women: Slim-fit tees work best - looser cuts can feel heavy once the sweat sets in.
• For Men: Raglan sleeve designs are ideal for overhead lifts, preventing restriction through the shoulders.
• Pro Example: Lightweight options like JUNK’s Breakthrough Tee offer soft, breathable blends that handle high sweat levels while still looking sharp outside class.

Long Sleeves: Warm-Up and Layering

Long sleeves aren’t for the whole class, but they’re essential for warm-ups, cool-downs, or cooler studios.

• Why They Work: They add just enough warmth pre-class and can be quickly peeled off once intensity builds. Raglan construction keeps movement unrestricted.
• For Women: Slim-cut long sleeves pair well with high-waisted leggings, giving full coverage during stretches and ab work.
• For Men: Lightweight performance long sleeves layer easily over tanks or tees without trapping heat.
• Pro Example: Breakthrough Long Sleeves are a good option here - breathable, stretchy, and versatile enough for both training and casual wear.

Optimal Bottoms Selection

Your bottoms need to stay locked in place, no matter how much you move. Barry’s mixes treadmill sprints with explosive floor movements, so anything loose or baggy is going to cause problems.

• Compression Leggings: Perfect for women, these prevent chafing, stay up during ab work, and provide support during squats and lunges. Many come with side pockets for locker keys or phones.
• Fitted Shorts: Mid-thigh fitted shorts (for both men and women) stay secure during plyometrics and sprints. Men often layer compression shorts under looser athletic shorts for added coverage.
• Avoid: Basketball shorts and cotton bottoms - they’ll ride up, sag with sweat, and make floor work uncomfortable.

Footwear Requirements

Shoes might be the most important gear decision you make for Barry’s.

• Running Shoes: Stick with running-specific shoes from brands like Brooks, ASICS, or Nike’s running line. You need cushioning for sprint intervals and grip for treadmill inclines up to 12%.
• Skip Cross-Trainers: CrossFit or flat-soled shoes lack the cushioning needed for Barry’s treadmills, which can leave you with shin splints or sore knees.
• Dynamic Mode: Barry’s treadmills often use “dynamic mode,” where you power the belt yourself. This requires excellent traction, so make sure your soles aren’t worn out.
• Double Floor Classes: If you book a 50-minute strength-only session, you can wear training shoes. For every other class, stick to running shoes.

Headbands for Moisture-Wicking

Barry’s Red Room is notorious for one thing: sweat. With no warm-up, dim lighting, and humidity cranked high, you’ll be dripping within minutes - making sweat-wicking headbands a big bonus.

Why Headbands Matter

Without one, sweat runs into your eyes during sprints and burpees, blurring vision and breaking concentration. Constantly wiping your face with a towel disrupts your flow and costs precious seconds during transitions. A high-quality headband solves all of this by pulling sweat off your skin before it becomes a problem.

JUNK’s Big Bang Lite Collection

These headbands use JUNK’s Technical T-shirt Fabric, designed with four-way stretch, quick-dry wicking, and UPF 50+ protection. They stay lightweight, non-slip, and breathable even in the sweatiest classes.

• Sweat. Swear. Repeat. Big Bang Lite: A Barry’s-perfect headband that embraces the grind while keeping your face clear of sweat.
• Rise & Grind Big Bang Lite: Bold red with a motivational edge. Keeps you cool while reminding you why you showed up.
• Sweat Equity Big Bang Lite: A gritty yellow-green design that embodies hard work. Lightweight yet built to withstand Barry’s intensity.
• Mountain Climber & Boca Big Bang Lite: Vibrant designs that pair high performance with head-turning style, perfect for standing out in the Red Room.

If you’re unsure how to use these headbands for Barry’s Bootcamp, read our guide on wearing headbands with long hair. 

JUNK’s Flex Tie Option

For athletes who prefer an adjustable fit, the Vagabond Flex Tie offers pro-grade jersey fabric with wicking, stretch, and breathability. At 29 inches long, you can tie it exactly how you want, ensuring it stays secure through every sprint and burpee. 

Sweat Management Strategy

Barry’s Bootcamp is notorious for producing sweat by the bucket. The combination of sprints, heavy lifting, and the Red Room’s heat can leave you drenched within minutes. To stay focused on form and performance instead of wiping your face every 30 seconds, you need a complete sweat management strategy. 

Towels: Your First Line of Defense

Every Barry’s studio has sweat towels available at the entrance, and you should always grab one. A small, lightweight towel is perfect for treadmill intervals and quick face wipes between sets, while a larger towel can handle full-body coverage after class. Keep your towel close - toss it over the treadmill rail or floor bench so it’s always within reach.

Headbands: Keep Sweat Out of Your Eyes

Headbands are a must if you want to stop sweat from dripping into your eyes mid-sprint. Performance designs wick away moisture, stay in place, and dry quickly. 

JUNK’s Big Bang Lite Headbands, like the Tactical Black, Mis Amigas, or Arabian Nights, combine 4-way stretch and breathable fabric, making them perfect for high-intensity workouts. 

If you prefer a customizable fit, the Flex Tie Headbands, like the Jet Black Flex Tie, offer the same moisture-wicking power with the added benefit of tying them as tight or loose as you want - making them excellent for wearing with short hair and long locks alike. 

For different hair types, JUNK also offers options tailored to shorter or longer styles, so you’ll always find something that works for you. Shop the full athletic headbands collection to find a style that matches your needs.

Apparel Choices That Matter

Your clothing plays a big role in sweat management. Skip cotton, which soaks up sweat and gets heavy, and instead choose moisture-wicking fabrics. Breathable compression leggings or shorts reduce chafing and prevent fabric from sticking, while fitted tops avoid bunching or sagging once they’re wet.

Hydration: Inside-Out Sweat Control

Sweat loss isn’t just about comfort - it affects performance. Hydrate well before class and sip water during breaks. A large, reusable bottle is a must, and electrolyte mixes can help replace what you lose during a particularly intense class.

Smart Layering and Extras

On double-floor or theme days, when sweat output climbs even higher, layering can help. Lightweight tees or tanks that you can swap out mid-class prevent you from feeling bogged down. Wristbands can also double as quick face-wipers, keeping your towel fresh for the heavy work.

Barry's generates more sweat than most people produce in a week. The combination of sprints, weights, and red-lit humidity creates a waterfall effect that requires serious management. Without proper sweat control, you'll spend half the class wiping your eyes instead of focusing on form.

Grab a towel at the studio entrance - this isn't optional. You'll use it constantly between rounds. The Athletic Headbands collection offers various widths and styles for different sweat levels and hair types. 

Barry's Class Format Breakdown

Barry’s Bootcamp has built its reputation on the Red Room, a studio lit with red lights, booming playlists, and instructors who push you harder than you thought possible. The format blends treadmill intervals with floor-based strength training, creating a workout that burns up to 1,000 calories in 50 minutes. Here’s how it’s structured.

The Core Format: 50 Minutes of HIIT

Barry’s is built on 50% treadmill intervals and 50% strength training, split into alternating rounds. You’ll sprint, climb hills, and recover on the Woodway treadmills, then hit the floor for weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight moves. The constant switch keeps your body guessing and your heart rate high.

• Treadmill Rounds: Short sprints, endurance runs, and hill climbs - all great ways to start training for marathons.
• Floor Rounds: Targeted muscle group training using dumbbells, benches, and resistance equipment.
• Stretch and Recovery: Five minutes to cool down and bring your heart rate back to baseline.

Class Options: Tread + Floor or Double Floor

You can start on the treadmill or the floor, depending on your preference, and everyone rotates halfway. Don’t feel like running? Barry’s also offers a Double Floor workout, which skips the treadmill and gives you 50 minutes of pure strength training.

The Weekly Muscle Split

Barry’s programming ensures that no muscle group gets neglected. Each day has a specific focus so your body recovers properly while still training hard:

• Monday: Arms & Abs
• Tuesday: Full Body (Lower Focus)
• Wednesday: Chest, Back & Abs
• Thursday: Abs & Ass
• Friday: Total Body
• Saturday: Full Body (Upper Focus)
• Sunday: Total Body
  
  

This alternating focus means you can go multiple times per week without overtraining the same muscles.

What Makes It Different

Barry’s is as much about the atmosphere as it is the workout:

• The Instructors: Known for energy and motivation, they’ll cue every sprint and rep.
• The Music: Curated playlists designed to hit right as you push into top speed or max effort.
• The Community: The “Fit Fam” vibe means you’re never grinding alone.

First-Timer Preparation Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to get you started - so you have everything you need for an intense Barry’s workout.

Before Class

• Book online and choose starting position (floor is harder)
• Arrive 20 minutes early for orientation
• Eat light meal 2-3 hours before (banana with peanut butter works)
• Hydrate throughout the day, taper off 1 hour before

What to Bring

• Water bottle (refill stations available)
• Shower essentials if using amenities
• Gym bag essentials for post-workout
• Change of clothes (you'll be soaked)

During Class

• Start conservative with speeds and weights
• Focus on form over competing with veterans
• Use modifications when needed
• Breathe - people hold their breath constantly

Post-Workout Recovery at Barry's

After 50 minutes in the Red Room, recovery is essential. Barry’s has designed its post-class experience to match the intensity of the workout, offering everything from protein-packed shakes to spa-level locker room amenities.

Refueling at the Fuel Bar

The Fuel Bar is Barry’s answer to fast, functional nutrition. Prices range from $9-12, and each shake is made with your choice of whey isolate, vegan, or egg white protein. Pairing protein with carbohydrates helps repair muscles, restore glycogen, and reduce delayed onset soreness so you’re ready for your next class.

• Popular Picks: “Brazilyn Nut” packs enough calories and nutrients to replace a meal, while “Bananarama” offers quick carbs and protein for a lighter option.
• Customization: Add-ons let you adjust your shake to your goals, whether you want more healthy fats, dairy alternatives, or extra protein.
• Convenience: Pre-order before class so your shake is ready the moment you finish, saving time and keeping you on track.

Snacks and On-the-Go Options

Not every Fuel Bar visit has to be a sit-down recovery moment. Grab-and-go snacks are available for anyone needing a smaller bite or a quick boost between commitments. The menu balances performance enhancers with lighter options so you can fuel according to your day.

Locker Room Amenities

Barry’s locker rooms rival boutique spas. You’ll find Dyson hair tools, Oribe products, and, of course, the famous “good lighting” designed for post-workout selfies. These touches make the $30-40 class price feel more justified, especially if you plan to head straight from Barry’s to work, brunch, or errands.

Common Barry's Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s go over a few mistakes that you absolutely need to avoid when exercising at Barry’s Bootcamp. 

Clothing Errors

• Wearing new, untested gear (blisters and chafing guaranteed)
• Cotton anything (becomes a wet blanket in minutes)
• Loose shorts without compression underneath
• Jewelry or accessories that catch during exercises

Performance Mistakes

• Competing with veterans on day one
• Starting at advanced speeds/weights
• Skipping the five-minute stretch
• Not adjusting equipment between exercises

Preparation Failures

• Arriving late and missing orientation
• Eating heavy meals too close to class - advanced meal prep makes sure you have fuel ready
• Forgetting water bottles
• Not bringing shower supplies

Why Proper Gear Matters at Barry's

Barry’s Bootcamp is a high-intensity experience that pushes every limit. Success in the Red Room depends on preparation, and what you wear plays a major role in performance and comfort. 

Moisture-wicking apparel prevents sweat from becoming a distraction, while secure bottoms and proper running shoes ensure you can move from treadmill sprints to strength training without issue. A reliable sweat management plan, complete with towels, hydration, and headbands, keeps you focused instead of fighting discomfort. 

Post-workout, Barry’s recovery tools like the Fuel Bar and spa-like amenities make the effort feel rewarding. By avoiding common mistakes and coming equipped with the right gear, you’ll turn each class into an opportunity to train harder, recover smarter, and keep showing up.

Ready to conquer the Red Room? Start with proper sweat management. Shop the complete JUNK Brands collection for headbands that survive Barry's intensity. From first-class nerves to 500-class milestones, quality gear makes the difference between suffering and thriving. Welcome to Barry's Bootcamp - where the workout is brutal but the results are undeniable.

Red lights. Loud beats. Non-stop sprints. 🔥 Barry’s Bootcamp doesn’t wait for you to catch your breath - so your gear has to keep up. Moisture-wicking tops, compression bottoms, and sweat-proof headbands are the real MVPs 🏃♀️💦 Ready to survive the Red Room? Shop your gear now and crush your next class. #RedRoomReady #BarrysBootcamp #JUNKAthlete

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Eat Before a Barry's Bootcamp Class?

Eat a light, balanced meal two to three hours before class. Something like a banana with nut butter provides quick carbs and steady energy. Avoid heavy or greasy meals too close to your session since they can slow digestion and make treadmill intervals uncomfortable.

How Many Times a Week Should I Go to Barry's Bootcamp?

Most members attend three to five times per week. The schedule alternates muscle focus daily, so attending multiple times doesn’t overwork the same areas. Mixing in rest days or lower-impact workouts helps balance recovery while keeping results consistent.

Are Headbands Really Necessary for Barry's Bootcamp?

Yes. The Red Room’s heat and intensity cause heavy sweating within minutes. Headbands prevent sweat from running into your eyes during treadmill sprints or burpees, which saves time and focus. High-performance options wick moisture quickly and stay in place even during the hardest intervals.

What Makes Barry's Different from Other HIIT Classes?

Barry’s combines premium equipment like $12,000 Woodway treadmills with strength circuits and carefully curated playlists. The intensity is paired with a strong community culture, so while the workout is demanding, you’re motivated by the energy of both instructors and classmates.

Can Beginners Handle Barry's Bootcamp?

Yes. Instructors provide beginner, intermediate, and advanced pacing options on the treadmill, and weights can always be scaled. First-timers are encouraged to start conservatively and focus on form. Over time, the structured programming helps build stamina and strength without rushing progress.

What Is the Fuel Bar and Is It Worth Trying?

The Fuel Bar serves protein shakes and snacks specifically designed for recovery. Prices range from $9-12, and you can choose from whey, vegan, or egg white protein. Custom add-ons let you adjust carbs, fats, or protein to fit your goals, making it a practical post-class option.