Meet Justin Valle of Barry’s Bootcamp in Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Valle.

Justin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I first started at Barry’s Bootcamp, three years ago, I did not know what to expect. My cousin had been working there for a bit, so I knew it would be a good time, BUT I wasn’t exactly “fit” and the whole BOOTCAMP part sounded a little intense. I had full-on G.I. Jane scenarios playing in my head as my cousin convinced me to apply.

It wasn’t long before I realized it wasn’t this super intense military-style Bootcamp. It was a group of people that uplifted and encouraged each other to be the best versions of themselves. Before I knew it I was hooked! What started as just another job, actually initiated a lifestyle change in me.

I became part of a team that supported and inspired each other to not only reach their fitness goals but also their emotional, professional, academic and spiritual goals. We call each other family and we really do mean it! I mean, most people spend more time with their co-workers than they do with any of their loved-ones… shouldn’t you be close!!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think that my main struggle (And probably everyone else’s) was to really hone in on what is gonna make me happy. Sure money is great, BUT we all know mo’ money, mo’ problems. It’s like we’re programmed to invest our mind, body, and soul into our careers without ever stopping to ask ourselves if we’re even happy! Just grin & bear it and focus on that finish line, girl! I realized that though I have a finish line in sight, I want to fully enjoy the race. We only have one life to live (unless you’re a cat) and I, for one, don’t want to waste any time doing something that isn’t bringing me joy. Beyoncé says that her greatest aspiration in life is to be happy… and that’s good enough for me! I knew that positivity, support, health, and community were important to me, and I found all of that in the fitness industry.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Barry’s Bootcamp story. Tell us more about the business.
Oh, you mean Barry’s Bootcamp: The best workout in the world!? I’m glad you asked! Technically speaking, we offer high-intensity interval training style classes with a focus on different muscle groups throughout the week. Our classes are led by instructors that pride themselves on creating the perfect workout, playlist, and experience to ensure that you can burn up to 1000 calories per class!! But what really separates us is the Fitfam community. A group of people who all decided to show up and push themselves further than they thought was possible. We hold each other accountable and we celebrate our progress. I honestly used to HATE working out, now I literally get FOMO when I miss a specifically intense class!

When I first started at Barry’s, I was mixing up shakes at the Fuel bar. I am now working alongside the studio manager to maintain a strong, supportive team and nourish the community that inspired me so much.

Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
It’s funny, growing up, I was NOT into fitness at all. I literally had a doctors note for every P.E. class! I was overweight, heavily asthmatic and gay (A.K.A. The Trifecta). Luckily for me, it was strongly instilled in me to not take things so seriously and to find the humor in any situation. My sense of humor became my sword and shield to conquer any dragon that came along. Take THAT, Daenerys Targaryen!! Even to this day, I find that laughter really is the best medicine. Every day, I really do strive to spread laughter and positivity and I hope that I can inspire someone to do the same! We gotta counteract all this negativity in this world with some good ol’ fashioned love!

Pricing:

• Miami Summer Six Pack- 6 classes for $110
• Miami Single Class- $30

Contact Info:

• Address: Midtown-
  3252 NE 1st Ave Suite 105
  Miami, FL 33137Miami Beach-
  1835 Purdy Ave
  Miami Beach, FL 33139Aventura-
  2920 NE 207th St Suite 105 Aventura, FL 33180
• Website: Barrysbootcamp.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @justin.goes.here

Image Credit:
@matt_roy, @vacostudio, @cbvsomm

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