How I spend my mornings in Manchester

As a young adult, waking up early in the morning has never been appealing to me, nor has working out until my face is the colour of a tomato. However, this changed when I discovered Barry’s Bootcamp. Barry’s is a workout class chain across the world. With Bootcamp in major cities across the world, including Manchester, when I found out that The Juice Academy (my place of education) was a ten-minute walk away every bone in my body wanted to give it a try!

Up before the crack of dawn

I start my Wednesday mornings in my family home close to Preston by waking up at 5:10 am to complete darkness. After arguing with myself about whether it is worth it to get out of bed, I get ready, pack my bag and drink my protein shake. As the weather has been getting colder, I defrost my car and head down the motorway to Horwich Parkway train station. During my train journey, I like to swap between listening to some of my favourite artists such as Drake, Aitch and J. Cole. Occasionally, I like to listen to a podcast, but sometimes I feel it is still too early to listen to anyone speaking. When getting off the train at Oxford Road station, I prepare myself for the cold Manchester air that I have to walk through. I enjoy the brisk walk I take through Manchester to Barry’s. It is mesmerising to see the busy city so quiet and calm.

Setting myself up for success

Once I reach Barry’s Bootcamp I sign in and head to the changing rooms to drop off my belongings and take a cheeky mirror selfie or two. After the gym has been cleaned from the previous class you will know about it as Mark Ross, the trainer of the class I attend, cranks up the music. When going into “The Red Room” you are greeted by a fist pump and a “good morning” as you head to the spot you have booked out. On Wednesdays, the classs’s run at Barry’s run is chest, back and abs. The class consist of 25 to 30 minutes of HIIT workouts, which are usually a guided run on the treadmills, and 25 to 30 minutes on the floor using free weights. The class ends with a cool down and a round of applause from everyone in the class. I remember leaving my first class and feeling embarrassed after looking in the mirror and seeing how red “The Red Room” had made my face, but after looking around and seeing everyone else was in the same red-faced boat as me, I knew I had done something right. And that something was working my absolute arse off in that class!

Preparing myself for the day ahead

After the class, I take the time to hop in the shower and then begin to get ready for the rest of my day. Once I have blow-dried and styled my hair and ensured my face is cleared of all redness, I head over to Starbucks for an Iced Mocha with coconut milk. I spend around half an hour in Starbucks to allow my body to recover before I begin walking to The Juice Academy.

Isobel Regan, Cohort 36, Content Marketing Apprentice at Don't Panic Events