“How did you get involved with bari?” That’s the first question people ask me after they look at bari’s roster of incredible trainers. As a mom of two, I’m not the cookie cutter fitness instructor among our team of twenty-somethings. But here I am — a mom, a fitness enthusiast and a bari trainer and studio co-manager. So how did I get here?

Let me first say that I have always loved the fitness world, probably in part because I’m a very competitive person. When I got pregnant with my first daughter I envisioned that I’d be that cute pregnant mom who doesn’t look pregnant from behind and walks on the treadmill daily to keep my figure. I couldn’t have been more wrong! I gained 40 pounds, a double chin and cellulite on my legs and butt. Strangers randomly approached me to offer predictions I was having a girl - which, as you all know, means they thought I was huge (not a compliment to a growing-by-the-day pregnant woman).

After having my daughter (the strangers were right, after all), I had taken off most of that weight and then got pregnant with my second daughter. My stomach literally popped the second I found out I was pregnant again, and I just tried to hide my figure behind big baggy clothes the entire pregnancy, avoiding all cameras. Unfortunately my second baby girl was a September baby which meant I got to show off my biggest body (ever) during the summer months at exactly the same time my husband was training for triathlons and getting fitter/leaner by the day.

Post baby I counted down the days until I could start working out again and vowed to take off all the baby weight and get strong (not skinny… but strong!) I sought out challenges both physically and mentally that would get me back in shape and provide personal goals to accomplish. Two summers ago I completed my first sprint triathlon! Last April I completed my first half-marathon. I did every workout under the sun (kickboxing, spinning, running, bootcamps,etc). I’m in better shape now than I was before I had kids, and I am always on the lookout for the workout that is going to give me the best results and greatest challenge.

Knowing that both my girls would be starting preschool this past fall, I was looking for an opportunity in the fitness world (which, prior to bari, I had never been a part of) for a few mornings when they were at school. I’d caught wind of bari earlier in the year via a Facebook announcement about bari opening a studio in Summit. After investigating, I was intrigued. Trampolines, sensory cardio, bands from the ceiling, skimmers and balls? I had never used or seen these in an exercise class, and I’ve been to my fair share of classes. I immediately signed up for their newsletter, and when I learned in late May that they were opening and offering a free first class, I signed up with high expectations.

I was hooked after the first class and immediately emailed the studio manager to find out about training opportunities! Instructor auditions were scheduled a few weeks later. So with no formal background in fitness instruction, a required headshot that I got from Picture People at the Willowbrook mall (yes, I was embarrassed sitting in the waiting room with little kids!) and a perplexed husband who still didn’t understand what bari was, I tried out and was offered the opportunity to go through (and hopefully survive) an intensive bari training. Over the next two months, I attended bari classes 5 times a week, drove into Tribeca weekly for training sessions, received the best mentoring from our senior team of trainers and had a VERY supportive family. On August 1st I became a bari trainer!

I noticed a HUGE difference in my body within two weeks of starting the method. My oblique muscles were defined, my butt lifted and my legs, which tended to bulk up from all the running, completely leaned out. Hello, #baribody.

The results were more than welcomed, but connecting to other moms in class has been the most gratifying experience for me. I get their frustration that, post baby, our bodies have changed. And the fact that our bodies have new weak zones and trouble spots. And it’s because I know all of these frustrations and moments of doubt so well that I get so inspired to introduce them to a workout that really works. I get so excited to help them fall in love with their workout (I’m a walking example that this is possible!) and with their bodies. The results I have seen from taking bari classes are undeniable, and, if you haven’t fallen head over heels for bari yet, you’re only a few classes away from becoming bariddicted!

Having bari come into my life has been so much more than just a workout. Seeing the changes in my body has been rewarding, but this overwhelmingly positive lifestyle has made me a happier person. While I sometimes feel like a walking advertisement for bari, I truly believe the endorphins released in class have made me a better mom, wife and person.

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to NYC Triber Tess.

I first experienced bari a year ago when I moved to NYC from DC. I had heard a lot about it through my friend and veggie guru Sarah Levy and was excited to try it out. I remember my first class was with Kara. I immediately developed a serious girl crush on her and tried my hardest to keep up. I could hardly walk the next day!

But I wanted more. I continued to come to bari every couple of weeks, while trying out all the other fitness studios NYC had to offer. It wasn’t until I was selected to be in the Healthy Bitch Daily’s Get Healthy Challenge that I decided to commit to at least 4 bari classes a week. It was then that I started to really look and feel different. I loved the workout, the inspiring words from the trainers and the entire bari community. I never felt alone during the challenge.

I knew then that I wanted to be involved with bari in a bigger way and asked if I could help out with their PR efforts. I had become so passionate about bari that I wanted to spread the word to anyone who would listen. It’s been great bringing press into the studio to experience bari first-hand and generating some well-deserved buzz around it. It’s also been rewarding to see my friends get hooked, especially my best friend Laura, a.k.a. social media queen of bari. It has been so amazing to watch her transform her mind, body and lifestyle.

So what is it exactly that makes me so excited about bari? For starters, I love that no two classes are ever the same; with the trainers always switching things up, I am constantly challenged. And yes, I’ve lost weight, toned my body all over and pretty much look awesome in everything. But that’s not what made me fall in love with bari. The method and the people taught me that I could always push myself harder than I originally thought and that the result would be a happier me. I have seen this two-fold: from the sweat-filled classes and trainers like Courtney, Sarah Hackwith and Lindsey pushing me to hold my planks 8 seconds longer or double up my bands and also from the business side of Alexandra, Sara and Sarah pushing each other to look for new ways to motivate the bari community and promote the brand and experience to those who have yet to try it.

Recently, bari helped me find the courage to leave my comfortable job for a more challenging one and end a very long term relationship. Both situations were good, but not great. And that just wasn’t enough for me anymore. This summer, I dealt with heartbreak and an intense workload, but bari has been my therapy through it all, and I don’t think I would have been able to make either of these decisions without this support system. So thank you bari - not only for making my butt nicer, but for making me a bolder and happier person. Here’s to year two in NYC and a stronger me.

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to NYC Triber Alyssa

My Triber Tale is definitely a journey, not a destination. It’s an ongoing battle every.single.day. One where I push myself to be the best version of myself possible.

It all started when I went through a heart-wrenching breakup with my boyfriend/fiancé earlier this summer. I don’t need to tell you breaking up sucks. The last thing I wanted to do was put down the Ben & Jerry’s and get off my couch to put on sneakers and endure (an excruciating amount of) physical pain. And it was painful. So painful, in fact, for the first time in weeks I did not think about what was going on in my personal life for 55 minutes.

Something happened after my first baribounce class [after I nearly went flying off my trampoline] - I felt more amazing, strong and confident than I had in months. I walked out of class happy. Could there be life after a broken heart? The answer was yes. Had I found it in bari or myself? I found it in myself- but bari was able to get me there.

Not only have I gotten stronger physically, but what I marvel at is how strong I have become in my mind and soul. I started noticing how my morning workouts made me calmer and more level-headed throughout my day in the busy world of advertising (thanks for that, Sai & Jenny!). For years, a self-proclaimed “not-a-morning-person,” I find myself now waking up before my alarm in anticipation of class. Don’t get me wrong, some days are harder than others; but I always find myself coming back.

bari is like a home away from home. It’s the place where everybody knows your name. It’s where you make friends (shout out to my girl Diem) and look forward to seeing those smiling faces in the morning. bari is a family. There is no judgment or insecurities or expectations. bari will kick your butt, and I promise you will be sore as sh*t. I also promise that you will be the best possible version of you; mind, body and spirit. So whether you’re having a bad day, couple of weeks, going through a breakup, unhappy with your body, or just looking to really have alot of fun working out; get yourself to bari. You won’t regret it.

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to Triber Laura.

When I embarked on the baripeel journey, I was nervous that this was going to be like the time I signed up for the expensive gym, but never went — or the time I promised myself I would learn to love running, but didn’t. After moving to NYC four years ago, I gained about 15 pounds and found the city to be so intense that I could not focus on caring for myself. I gave up on goals during the past few years here and didn’t want that to happen this time. What I realized during the first week of peel that made this experience different from previous fitness endeavors is two-fold: Bari is full of inspiring, motivating, brilliant instructors who actually give a shit about me and that this time, I wasn’t reaching for success alone. I realized that I had my gorgeous best friend/Maid of Honor, Tess, by my side. I had a huge group of Bari Tribers who were all in this challenge with me. And I had incredible trainers who made coming to class a happy, sweaty occasion every single time.

My motivation did not waver throughout the weeks, which shocked and excited me. I stayed focused and continued to challenge myself every time I stepped into class – which isn’t hard when little hotties are kicking your ass. It also helped that during week one, I lost six pounds and continued to lose a couple pounds each week after that. Today, I am down 13 pounds! I have to attribute a lot of that scale movement to the Bari food. During peel, I completely changed my diet. I went from eating a ton of gluten, processed food and dairy to eating clean. I also cut out caffeine completely for all six weeks. Guess what? My chronic headaches and stomach problems disappeared. I was losing weight and feeling lighter, stronger and healthier. It is amazing how this transformation changed my life. (I am considering another detox in June if anyone wants to join me).

The best part were the reactions from people in my life. My fiancé is so supportive of how hard I have been working. I mean, this benefits him as much as it benefits me! I’ve been using social media to spread positive energy and health, which has inspired people in my life. Of course, haters gonna hate, but I just laugh them off (they’re just jealous of how happy I am). I went to a wedding after week five of peel, and everyone said something to me about how toned and thin I looked. A few guys told me they “weren’t hitting on me or trying to be weird,” but asked me “uhhhh, did you lose like a lot of weight?” Haha – YES. Yes, I did. (Then my fiancé got jealous, and I loved it.)

Although baripeel is officially over, I am just getting started. This is the beginning of my new life: my life full of sweat, kale, muscles, positive energy and Bari.

XOXO
Laura Tubbs (soon-to-be Mrs. Maher on 11-08-14)

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring Bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to Triber Janine.

February marked my one year anniversary as a Triber, and my personal journey
has been so rewarding. My story is not about losing inches or body fat, although I
experienced both and more; it’s about gaining skills to live a healthy life and
having fun doing it!

My goals in the beginning were BIG. I was looking to carve out “me time,” reduce
stress, sleep better, eat healthier, increase my energy and gain physical strength.
Plus I really wanted to regain my love for fitness with a program that would
sustain me for the long term and fit into my new life. It needed to be challenging,
convenient and fun! At the time this seemed like no small feat but to my surprise
I achieved all of this and more with the help of the Bari team!

My journey begins at the end of 2012 when I decided to take a sabbatical from
my career and turn my focus to my family. I became a full time mom to my then two
and four year olds. I was aware that this was going to be a difficult but rewarding
role with many hours of physically and mentally challenging situations. I wasn’t
sure if I had any of the skills needed to be a good mom but I was determined to
give it my all.

Unfortunately my all wasn’t very much at the time. I hadn’t worked
out in five years, and I was not eating or sleeping well so I had no energy and was
in terrible shape. If I was going to succeed, I needed to make some changes
immediately. Thankfully the Bari Soho Pop Up opened in the same building as my
son’s school! I had no excuses!

Bari trainers Katie and Kara brought me on board and totally inspired me right
from the start. They were super sweet, fit, talented trainers with big smiles and
lots of positive energy. They taught me all the routines, kept me motivated and
pushed me when they knew I could do more. As I progressed, they encouraged
me to try new classes (like Bounce even though I was terrified of the trampoline)
and work with other trainers. I was hooked! With the help of Sara, I picked out a
package, downloaded the Bari app and was well on my way to becoming a full-fledged Triber. I made a commitment to change and felt very empowered.

By the time the summer arrived, I could not believe the physical and mental
transformation my body had gone through. I had lost inches, toned my arms,
legs and back and had uncovered a few abs hidden below my baby belly. I was
sleeping better, eating better, had a lot more energy, felt less stressed, more
focused and had endorphins pumping through my body that helped me get
through an eight hour day with my two year old! I felt stronger, healthier and had a new
found admiration for what my body could do!

After spending two months away from NYC and Bari for the summer, I was ready to
get back into my routine. I was greeted with the exciting opportunity to join the
Tribeca studio and take full advantage of all Bari has to offer. I was honored, but
a bit nervous that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. After measurements with
Michelle, I jumped into my first Macro class and it was like I never left. The
minute the music started, I felt a rush of adrenaline and remembered what I love
about Bari!

Now each morning I look forward to seeing the smiling faces of Sara and
Mariana at the front desk. I can’t wait for Lindsey to yell “you’re welcome” or
have Courtney challenge us to breathe or hear Michelle remind us that our
bodies are stronger than we think… all while they smile and sweat with us. Yes,
trainers, we do hear you!

Today I am so happy to have Bari as a valuable part of my healthy lifestyle and
my ongoing commitment to sustaining my fitness goals. I continue to be inspired
by how hard the Bari trainers and staff work to help us get fit and keep us
challenged and motivated every day. Their knowledge and passion of fitness,
technology and nutrition as well as their commitment to all the Tribers is
energizing! I feel privileged to sweat alongside the amazing men and women
that I see in class every day who challenge themselves to be healthy and strong.
Thanks to the entire Bari family for inspiring and supporting me to be my best self
and for sharing the gifts of friendship and encouragement with me. I wish everyone success on their ongoing personal fitness journey!

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring Bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to Triber Jane.

When I started writing this I had to think about what brought me to Bari in the first place. It was strange to think that I could not remember how I came to walk through the front door of this place. Was it because it’s been a place I felt instantly accepted? A place that gave me the challenge and sense of belonging that I didn’t know I was looking for? Everyone comes to fitness for different reasons — I can honestly say I didn’t really have a “reason” for coming to Bari. Something drew me to trying it — and after just a few classes, I was hooked.

When I started coming to Bari I had badly sprained my left ankle (I’ll spare you the details), but I was simultaneously looking to rehab, keep up with the new fitness commitment I started last spring and avoid surgery at all costs. What I ended up getting from Bari was an outlet for my competitiveness in a place where no one would judge me for wanting to be the best. I’m only competing against myself anyway. I was always athletic growing up, playing sports from a very young age. I’d forgotten how good it feels to work towards a goal, get good at something — and sometimes even win. Even if it’s just winning a single workout where I was better or pushed harder or burned more than I did the week before.

I have to thank some of the trainers specifically for getting me on the right track. Thank you, Courtney, for teaching me how to dance — I was truly hopeless. No joke, people — the girl literally Hopscotched, Rodeo’d and Charlestoned with me like 400 times during those Sensory Cardio BariFocus classes last fall. If ever you were on the fence and decided to not take that class, feel good about that decision because you would’ve suffered through my total inability to do the steps. Thank you, Lindsey and Michelle, for letting me know in no uncertain terms just how far from “in shape” I was! And also for building me from the ground up into believing I could actually achieve the results I was looking for.

I’m like everyone else here. I’ve tried other workouts and belonged to a number of gyms over the years. But none of it stuck, and I ended up at Bari — why? Because it freakin’ works, that’s why. There is no spa or hair salon or or cafe to hang out in, but yet we all rush here for class 15 minutes early every day. Crazy! My fitness is no longer the thing I’m always trying to squeeze in. It’s now the center of my day. What? When did that happen? But that was when transformation happened. That was when the desire to master everything about this workout that has kicked my ass each day since the first day (I’m looking at you, trampoline) really kicked in.

I still have a long way to go, but I’m excited to keep at it. I’ve so enjoyed meeting all of the cool, funny, smart and super accomplished people at Bari. It’s been an incredible winter, one that’s left me no longer in fear of summer. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. See you in class!

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring Bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to Triber Vicki.

About a year ago Jasmine inspired me to take one of her classes. I stood in the back and cried the entire time. I was mortified at what I saw in the mirror. And I couldn’t do anything. I was completely crushed and wanted to hide within myself; at the same time I wanted to take charge of my devastated state of being.

Jasmine convinced me to begin at the new pop up locations, where there would be other new students. Slowly I started taking only her classes and in the smaller class setting, she gave me lots of one-on-one training. She did more for me than she will ever know. I hated going but hated the look on her face more when I told her I didn’t want to do it. The hate turned into dislike and the dislike turned into tolerance, and that turned into a small smile. I couldn’t do most of what the class involved. She went slow and made me try the exercises and props that scared the crap out of me. The tears slowly turned into smiles and sometimes laughter. One day she told me that eventually I would need to branch out and try new trainers. I immediately retreated within myself. What would they think of me? I still can’t do half of the exercises? They will think I’m a loser and laugh at me after class. NO WAY. Well Jasmine, being the tough girl she is, eventually got her way.

I met Courtney. I immediately apologized for all of my shortcomings and physical failures. She smiled and patted me on the shoulder and with a wink we started class. By the end, I had a new girl crush. Courtney was that warm fuzzy feeling in my heart that has kept me inspired. We instantly clicked on a level where no words need to be spoken. I realized I can do this.

Somehow (probably after a couple drinks) Jasmine convinced me to graduate from the pop ups to the Tribeca studio. I was terrified. I stood in the back and took a deep breath and apologized for all my shortcomings. Jas continually checked on me throughout class. I felt ok. I was the fat kid in class but was able to keep up. Kinda. This inspired me to conquer that fear. I got an Up Band. I started paying attention to my food intake. I started to feel good.

Suddenly I loved class. I couldn’t get enough. I wanted to live at the studio. But that meant I would need to “branch out.” Gulp. It all happened at once… I just dove into the deep end with my eyes closed tight and held my breath. I started all my classes apologizing for all my shortcomings and physical failures. Every time I was met with a big smile and an encouraging wink.

Andy is my dance cardio energizer bunny. He brings out my childhood joy. Melinda keeps me calm and in control of my body. Plus I get to use my hip flexors! And then there is Lindsey. She brings out the warrior in me. I’ve taken classes from most trainers and have love for all of them.

I took on the Bariddicted sweat challenge. It was a monumental moment in my year. 37 classes in one month. I felt amazing until a very devastating loss at the very end of the challenge. Sara listened to me and let me cry. She hugged me and made me see that I didn’t fail. That I didn’t lose. I owned the challenge. I not only inspired the people in my life but also the trainers.

Jasmine may give a tough face and give ya some strong sass, but that girl is why I am where I am in my journey. She just won’t give up on me. She has given me hope and believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. She has a heaping heart of gold and is a true believer.

Bari has helped change the way I view myself. I feel I am in the thick of my journey. I have good days and some really bad days. I don’t stand in the back of most classes anymore. I’m still the fat kid in class, but I know I’m working to change it. I still can’t do all the exercises, but I don’t give up. I modify the crap out of them. Proudly. I take everything slowly and absorb the process. I try to dance with total abandon. Sometimes (especially in Bounce) I feel like Goldie Hawn in Housesitter when she takes the dance class, and I laugh. I am seeing an amazing wellness coach and dear friend, Kelly Wadler of Shine On, who reminds me to love myself. I juice and enjoy it. I am cooking healthier and enjoying it. I’m learning to find the balance.

Looking for an extra dose of inspiration? Catch up on our Triber Tales series by skimming the archives here.

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring Bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to Triber Meral.

After reading about Bari Studio in a Best of New York review in 2012, I had to try it out. Trying out new gyms and workouts had become my thing, and since moving to Manhattan after business school in 2008, I’d tried EVERYTHING. But my idea of what a gym and a workout should be changed after I started going to Bari — there is everything before Bari, and then there’s everything after Bari.

Before Bari, I swam in high school and kept up a routine gym schedule through my college, work and business school years. Once I arrived in New York, I went to a regular gym in the city for my cardio workout and supplemented with toning-oriented workouts at various studios. You name the studio, I’ve probably been to classes there for at least a month or two. Three and a half years (and way too much money) later, I still wasn’t seeing the results and definition I wanted for the amount of time I was spending in the gym.

Cut to my first experience at Bari on March 23, 2012 — a BariONE private with Melinda. I explained my disappointment in results so far and what I wanted to get out of my workout. I wanted a one-stop-shop for cardio and toning, and a workout that would define my muscles but not build them as I have a tendency to build muscle in my legs (for this, I blame my father).

Melinda’s enthusiasm for Bari — coupled with the intensity of the workout — both excited and terrified me. She taught me some basic cardio sequences, introduced me to the trampoline (my 5’11” limbs didn’t cooperate on the trampoline until months later) and went over arm, leg, and abdominal toning exercises. But the best part was that Melinda set the entire workout to one fantastic playlist so I didn’t really notice how exhausted I was until the end of the hour.

I hadn’t been that tired after a workout since two-a-days on my high school swim team. After the workout, we went over my fitness goals and Melinda prescribed me a class regimen of 4 to 5 Bari classes a week. At the time, I already worked out 4 to 6 times a week on my own so I wasn’t sure how I would fit this in, too. I don’t typically rush into new commitments without thinking over my work schedule and existing commitments (yes, I’m Type-A), but I must have been coming off quite the endorphin high that evening because I immediately signed up for the full unlimited membership. I bought the Bari workout — hook, line, and sinker.

I started going to classes at Bari about 3 to 4 times a week and would still go to my regular gym on off days.

But I quickly realized that my old workout wasn’t doing it for me anymore. I just got so much more out of an hour at Bari than an hour at the gym. So I gave my gym the old Costanza “it’s not you, it’s me” and started seeing Bari exclusively.

There were a number of things I noticed after going to Bari. I thought I was in good shape before but soon realized my body wasn’t as agile and my feet weren’t as nimble as they’d been in my 20s. Did something change overnight when I turned 30? No, my body just wasn’t used to moving and being challenged in this way. My slower-paced workouts were not doing me any favors in this department. It took a couple of months, but I learned the sequences and things just started falling into place.

I also noticed I was sweating a lot more after a couple months. To me, this wasn’t exactly a perk of being in better shape, but it meant that I was working harder and getting more out of my hour at Bari each day.

My body shape was also changing. During BariPEEL this March, Kara took my measurements and we tracked my body redistribute my weight. I lost inches in places I never expected. My upper body was already on the thinner side for my frame, but I lost an inch in each of my forearms. What? I gained an inch in my biceps, which were non-existent before. My waist was getting more defined and my hips were getting smaller. Before Bari my legs, while muscular, were not my idea of “shorts season” appropriate (we are, of course, our own harshest judges), but after Bari, I noticed toning in my legs where I’d never seen it before.

Before Bari, I exercised and went to the gym a lot but was never really excited for class or my workout. Going to Bari changed that. Taking class at Bari is my favorite part of the day. The environment the trainers create and the motivation they provide in and out of class is unlike any gym or studio I’ve seen. I can’t wait to leave work and be reduced to a sweaty (yet happy) pulp by Michelle, Lindsey, Kara, Courtney, Melinda and the rest of the trainers.

I’m definitely addicted to Bari, and that’s a good thing. My experience at Bari has changed my outlook on what exercise should be, given me a better understanding of my own body, and taught me how to push myself beyond self-prescribed limits. Bari has helped me set and attain fitness goals, and then set them even higher.

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring Bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to Triber (and uber talented personal strategy coach) Gabe Nies.

I’m a cut-to-the-chase, bottom-line, type–A kind of guy.

For years I battled with getting and staying in shape. There is nothing better than eating rich food, drinking great wine and having fun in NYC. Unfortunately, all of that fun manifests in extra weight and affects my mood and energy.

As a life coach, it’s absolutely necessary that I am quick in my mind, that my energy is pure and that I walk the walk.

I’m not a stranger to the gym or running along the Hudson, but I found that I was getting bored during my workouts. I am naturally large-framed and tall, and I tend to bulk when I do “regular” workouts—which I don’t like.

Who wants to do what everyone else is doing? Who wants “regular?” I don’t. I want the best. I need unique insight and smarter strategies to get me better and more effective results faster.

After hearing about Bari for a couple of years from a friend, I decided to try it out because I saw my friend’s results. I made a few appointments with head trainers Michelle and Lindsey. They took my measurements, did an overall (and area-specific) body fat test. They asked me exactly what I wanted. So I told them.

Here is what I listed as my goals:

• Lose body fat (in general, but particularly in very specific areas)
• Tone up and look leaner
• Be inspired
• Be excited about (and obsessed with) my workouts
• For people to notice a transformation
• Look better naked

Now, the workouts.

Holy shit.

I’ve been to challenging classes and had great trainers before but nothing like this. The workouts were fun, included unique cardio, sculpting and core workouts. I’d never moved like this before.

To be 100 percent honest, they worked me out to the point of complete exhaustion. I get lazy sometimes, but I had my trainers in my face encouraging me to complete every single move correctly as they were designing my body and correcting problem areas. For every push back I gave them, they pushed right back—which is what I like. After all, if we could do this on our own, why would we have the results we have (or lack thereof)? Sometimes we need smart help!

We decided to do another body fat/measurement analysis after three weeks.

I went from over 17 percent body fat to a low 14 percent body fat. That’s nearly 4 percent body fat reduction – IN 3 WEEKS!

What?

Michelle was reading the inches I lost, and I was looking at myself in the mirror with my shirt off as she was taking my measurements, feeding the numbers into the computer and I almost didn’t believe that in such a short amount of time I could ACTUALLY SEE what the results were from working out only three to four times per week.

Needless to say, I’m a Bari Triber for life. Thanks, guys!

Welcome to Triber Tales, our ongoing blog series featuring Bari stories told from our clients’ points of view. These are tales of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of sweat; these are a testament to the mental and physical potency of getting addicted to your workout and having a strong, close-knit community at your disposal. This week, we’re turning the mic over to Triber Emily.

I never really understood people who rallied behind certain workout routines with the same fervor that might otherwise be expected from someone deeply committed to their religion. To be honest, I found that passion in the world of physical fitness a little weird… and cult-like. I would overhear people describing their classes and their trainers: “So Amazing!” “I feel like a new person.” “Seriously, that was so much fun!” Really? You had fun spending an hour sweating in a room with people you don’t know, while someone yelled at you and watched you struggle to keep up? Thanks, but I’ll pass.

Then a good friend told me about a place where the workout was more like a dance party, and also sometimes involved bouncing on a trampoline with weights. That sounded like nothing I’d ever heard of and, since I was bored to tears with the treadmill, I thought I would give it a try. My first one-on-one was fun (if also a little bit embarrassing), but I was still a bit hesitant. I mean, isn’t ‘tribe’ just a friendlier word for ‘cult’?

Cut to six months later. Here I am – the girl who thought she would never be one of those fitness converts – Bariddicted. I feel better about myself and I’m a happier person when Bari is part of my day. I have been trying to think about exactly what it is that makes Bari so special, and I’ve realized it is the people. Everyone there is so friendly and genuinely kind, you just can’t help but feel welcome.

That infectious energy translates into the classes, where you can feel the trainers giving you all their support as they push you to work harder. It’s the little things during class – the shout-outs of encouragement, the walk-arounds to offer helpful corrections – that make a world of difference.

Michelle: You introduced me to the world of Bari with a smile and no judgment. You make me want to challenge myself. Thank you. Lindsey: I leave your classes feeling like I can conquer the world. I’m happy every time I see you. Kara: There are not many things that make me want to be in public at 6:30 a.m., but you are one of them. You know just when to push and when to give a little boost. Also, my butt thanks you. Courtney: Your pep talks are amazing, and I wish I had half of your energy. I know I’m not the only one who appreciates the individual encouragement you give. Andy: I cannot help but smile during your class. I just want to keep dancing, and you make the time fly by. Jasmine: you find ways to make sure everyone in your class feels like they can kill it, which isn’t easy to do. You make me want to be stronger. Melinda: Your bounce class is fierce. You give me something to aspire to. To the trainers who are no longer at Bari – I miss you! To the trainers who I haven’t had a class with – I know I’m missing out, because Bari only has the best. I look forward to getting sweaty with you.

I know that this “Triber Tale” was supposed to tell my Bari story, but it’s all of you at Bari who have made my story what it is. So thank you. Thank you for pushing me to work harder and be better, and for proving me wrong. Turns out that if you think there’s no way a workout could actually be fun, you just haven’t met Bari yet.

Photos via Emily Bretz