Sandy Macaskill qualified as a tennis coach, sub aqua instructor and football coach before partnering with his brother James to bring the now famous Barry’s Bootcamp to London, loved by celebrities and supermodels for getting them photoshoot ready, and fast.
StyleNest caught up with him to find out more about makes the classes so effective, how we can all get the most out of any workout, and where he recommends in London to enjoy a drink or two to balance out all that hard work.
What led you to launch Barry’s Bootcamp?
Simple – my brother. He took me to a class in the States, and I was hooked after pretty much the first minute. We’ve played sports and worked out in different ways our whole lives, but there was literally nothing like Barry’s. It was exactly what we wanted to do – run and lift weights – but in an amazing atmosphere. Now we work together running it here in London.
For those who haven’t tried it yet, what can our readers expect from a Barry’s Bootcamp workout?
At its most simple, it’s an hour spent running and weight training. But beneath the surface, it’s about switching your head off and letting someone else (your trainer) think for you for a change. You give us your effort, and you’ll leave with amazing results and a smile on your face.
Barry’s Bootcamp classes sell out within 30 seconds of going on sale and fans include Kim Kardashian, The Beckhams, Naomi Campbell and Ellie Goulding. Why do you think the classes have become so popular, and so quickly?
Again a combination of the fact it’s the most efficient and effective workout you can get while also being great fun. No one would come back if they didn’t enjoy spending an hour with us.
You’re qualified as a tennis coach, sub-aqua instructor and football coach, so what is your own daily fitness routine? Any particular sports you recommend to our readers or fitness tips you can share?
I’m like everybody else – you see me in a regular gym, I’d be wasting time watching TV and wandering to and from the cooler with one of those tiny triangle cups of water. I need someone to hold me accountable. So my training routine is 4-5 classes a week at Barry’s, as well as practicing my own classes. I play football two nights a week, and now summer’s coming I’m hoping to get back on the tennis court.
What advice would you give someone new to exercise, to encourage them to stick with it, and also how to exercise safely?
If you’re completely new, take a class or get a personal trainer. You don’t want to go off on your own. As for sticking with it, momentum is the holy grail. If you struggle with self-motivation, sign yourself up for some classes, or PT sessions, and pay up front. That way it’s harder to back out.
And how can those who are already exercise fans avoid boredom and stay motivated, and keep seeing results?
Mix it up. That’s one of the great things about Barry’s. Each class changes, you never know what’s coming. When you plan your own workout, it gets predictable. Our trainers spend hours planning their class and playlists each day so you don’t get bored, and keep your body on its toes.
And what about nutrition? The workouts sound pretty intense! So how does your daily diet complement your fitness regime? Any secret ingredients or products that will help achieve results?
I’m not obsessively strict – it’s not like I’m photoshoot ready 365 days a year. I believe in being balanced. I’ll happily have a guilt free glass of wine or bottle of beer in the evening, but I try to eat healthily every meal at home. I will always have a protein shake after working out (two scoops protein, one scoop glutamine) to help me recover.
And what would your top three fitness and nutrition tips be for our readers?
- Honest effort, honest results.
- Stay balanced – don’t just obsess about one body part.
- Plenty of water.
Other than working out, how do you like to spend your spare time? Any hobbies or secret talents that we don’t know about?
If I’m not in a class, I’m teaching a class, planning a class, or working on the business with my brother – Barry’s is pretty all-consuming! Any spare time is spent with my family, though I try and play a ball sport three nights a week, whether it’s football, tennis, table tennis, squash…
What is a typical day for you at Barry’s Bootcamp, if there is one!
I’m up around 8, quick breakfast and tea, I’m at the studio by 9 and teach my morning class at 9:30. That’s an hour, after which I chat with clients, sort out any issues that have come up and try to sort through emails. At the moment I’ve found a good routine of jumping into the 12:30 class followed by lunch. Then I plan my class for the next day, sort my music, test out exercises. More emails and admin, then it’s time to teach my 6.40pm. After that, it’s home for supper with my family. We make a point of sitting down at the table together and chatting about our day. I generally have a few more emails, bookings etc to sort through, then it’s bed by midnight.
How would you spend your perfect day off?
Barry’s (class, not work!) in the morning, tennis in the afternoon, BBQ and a glass or two of good red wine in the evening.
You’re the man responsible for bringing Barry’s Bootcamp to London. Any spots from your secret London address book you can share with us? A great restaurant, healthy hang-out or favourite pub perhaps?
I love the Red Lion and Sun in Highgate, it’s my favourite pub.
And finally, what is your life motto?
I like what Steve Prefontaine said, which is to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. But I also believe in everything being about balance. I’m not sure the two concepts sit together, but maybe life’s like that!