Photographed By Geordy Pearson.
The right music can make or break your workout. That's why we tapped some of the best instructors, trainers, and DJs to curate the perfect soundtrack for every session.
This Week: Noah Neiman of Barry's Bootcamp
You’re mid-workout: sweating, out of breath, with burning muscles. Yet, despite the grueling pace, you kind of feel like you’re at party — that’s the Barry’s Bootcamp secret. The 60-minute, high-intensity, cardio-plus-weightlifting workout is set to a killer playlist; combine that with the studio’s signature, club-like lighting, and you're guaranteed to get lost in the beat — and somehow forget about the puddle of sweat you're creating.
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A few years ago, the Chelsea, NYC studio took its festive vibes to the next level by hosting themed dance-party workouts. That’s where we first met Noah Neiman. He was dressed up (kind of; he was shirtless) as Marky Mark and was instructing the studio's '90s hip-hop themed class. In doing so, Neiman changed our exercise playlists forever — for the better. “People come to Barry’s Bootcamp not only for the insane workout, but also for the atmosphere,” he says. "A lot of it has to do with the vibe created by the music. It allows you to clear your mind and let your body just do the work without overthinking. If music can calm you, shouldn't it be able to bring the beast out in you, too?”
On the mix he made for us, Neiman included Nelly’s “Heart of a Champion,” which also happens to be this editor’s power track. “This song has it all: Nelly, a gospel choir, and trumpets," Neiman says. "If that isn't the holy trinity of good music, I don't know what is...every time I hear it, I want to start flipping cars over."
Neiman’s music is hard-hitting and heavy on the rap. If you have a tough workout on tap, this is exactly the badass, pump-up playlist you need. So, hit play, then hit the treadmill — and tune in next week for the latest installment of our Power Play series.
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