BARN NEWS

Hi from Barn HQ,

So, the doors may be closed again but that doesn't mean we are going to stop trying to keep you fit and healthy. For the next 4 weeks we will be delivering 26 weekly classes direct to your home. Members can simply book on in the usual way and then join the class in the members area. You will find a full list of online classes and instructions on how to join on the Barn at Home  page.

If you aren't currently a member and would like to join in with these classes we are offering a free 4 week membership, simply click on the green message icon and send us your name, phone number and email address and we will set you up to be able to access classes for FREE.

As with the last lockdown members will not pay for anything they haven't been able to use and all the Barn at Home classes are totally FREE. Rolling monthly members will get December free so next payment will be in January. All annual members, passes and credits will have the 4 weeks added on to your membership. If you have already taken the 20% discount on your monthly membership in the first lockdown we will be extending this for a further 6 months.

Our Personal Trainers will also be posting a daily home workout to our members on the Facebook Barn Members Group. If you're a member and want to join this group simply send a join request on our main Barn Facebook page.

We know how important your health and fitness is and we will do everything we can to keep you motivated and engaged. Stay positive, stay kind and we'll see you soon.

Team Barn

Couch to Kili challenge. Kilimanjaro is 5895m high so I plan to run that distance every day in November with the last one on the 30th running 58.95k. 

On Sunday 29th we want to get as many people as possible to run 5.89k. Whether you’re a good runner or currently on the couch it doesn’t matter. Donate £5.89 to the amazing  The Nasio Trust and take part. 

If you want some training then why not join in with our new run club on Thursday evenings. You can book your space on the app in the usual way.

You can donate here https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/couchtokili

Hope you can join me on the 29th November. 

Hi from Barn HQ,

So, we're pleased to say this is the last update, a few more than we wanted to write but we got there in the end. As we're sure you've heard we have been given the green light and will be reopening on Saturday 25th July.

We have been busy getting ready for life after lockdown. We have created a couple of new outdoor areas called the Field and the Shed. Both of these are great additions and we can't wait for you to be able to use them. So here's how it's going to work:

BOOKING SESSIONS

To ensure we keep control of numbers you will have to book both your classes and your gym sessions. This can be done simply on the app by clicking schedule a session. In the yellow bar along the top you will see date, activities, resources and instructors. This is a search bar and the easiest way to navigate is to click resources which (from Saturday 18th July) will bring up 4 options, Gym, Studio, Field or Barn at Home. Click the studio and it will bring up the next 7 days of studio classes. Click gym and it will show the next 7 days of gym slots and so on... Want to join in one of the studio classes at home then you will need to book the class on the Barn at Home section and follow the instructions HERE on how to get started.

You can check out the new class timetable on our website HERE.

If you have any technical issues with the booking system please email hannah@thebarnfitness.co.uk and she will try her best to help you out.

S P A C E

The gym has been given a new layout creating lots of space between equipment so we can keep to the recommended social distancing guidelines. Our usual capacity in the gym is 36 but we have reduced this to 20 and that's with the added extra space in the Shed which will be available for you to use as part of your gym workout (no more than 5 in the Shed at anyone time). We will open up 5 gym spaces every 15 minutes throughout the day and they will be for 1 hour.

In the studio we have boxed off a personal workout space ensuring distancing throughout the class and we have programmed a 15 minute gap between each class to allow us time to clean up and get ready.

ON ARRIVAL

When you arrive for your gym session or class simply scan in (either at the main reception desk or for classes in the studio). You will then need to sanitise or wash your hands before and after your workout. Then collect one of the spray bottles and use this to clean all the equipment you have used. We have provided extra sanitiser and blue roll stations around the club.

We have tried to keep everything simple and have reduced numbers, spaced equipment and ask that everyone do their bit, we're all in this together.

If you are feeling unwell or have any of the Covid-19 symptoms then we ask you do not come to the club.

CLEANING & HYGIENE

We have signed up to the UK Active Fit Together Campaign and we are an approved Covid-19 response facility. Along with the help of you guys cleaning equipment after use we have implemented more stringent and improved our cleaning measures and will be closing slightly earlier to allow for a deep clean every day. We have also increased the routine cleaning throughout the day so please be assured we are doing everything we can.

ACTIVATING MEMBERSHIPS

Everyones membership will be reactivated so you can start booking your sessions from this weekend. Your first payment will be on 1st August and will be a discounted fee taking into account the extra 10 days you had paid for in March. Your monthly fees will revert to the standard amount from September. Anyone with an annual membership will have the days you have missed throughout lockdown added on and likewise anyone with passes or credits left will have these added back on.

We understand some of the changes are not ideal but please bear with us as we reopen under the guidelines we have been given. We are doing our best to make everything as safe as possible for our members and staff and would appreciate your support in what has been a difficult and unusual time for all. We hope you are well and very much look forward to welcoming you back to the Barn.

Take care and see you soon,

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

We were hoping this update would be our last and we would be welcoming you back on Saturday but it's not to be, just yet! We are now hoping for a mid July reopen but still waiting for an official date from the government.

THE SHED is now ready and we are using it for personal training sessions and from next Wednesday we will have small group classes called Shed FiiT. These classes will have no more than 5 people and can you please bring a mat and towel along with you. They are bookable to members in the usual way, the barn app or use the members area. The Shed will be available for members to use as part of your workout when we reopen.

We have committed to the UK Active FIT TOGETHER campaign and we will be an approved Covid-19 response facility. We are working through all the relevant guidelines to ensure everything is as safe as possible for when you return. Measures include control of numbers by having a class and gym booking system, studio floor has been boxed to ensure distancing, cleanliness levels will be increased and the gym has a new layout creating space and distance between the equipment. There is more and we will inform you of these prior to reopening.

Thank you to everyone that liked our Facebook page, we now have over 2000 page likes so the winner of a free annual membership is Bo Jonsson.

We are still running our virtual class timetable and have been (and will continue to do so) posting some of them on our Facebook page so you can do the class at a time that suits if you can't make the scheduled time.

We have everything crossed hoping the next update will be our last and we will be welcoming you back to the Barn but until then, stay safe, stay active and take care,

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

We are keeping everything crossed hoping the government will allow us to reopen on 4th July. We have been busy getting everything prepared so you can train safely when we return. We are following PHE and UK Active guidelines and will let you know about the safety measures we have put in place prior to reopening. We've been creative and have some exciting ways for you to workout, whether that's at the barn, the great outdoors or at home.

THE BARN

We have a new gym layout to ensure adequate space between equipment and cleaning and hygiene levels will be top of our priorities. The studio will have floor markings to allow adequate distancing. We are currently reviewing and adapting the timetable to ensure we have gaps between classes but don't worry, we will still have all your favourites.

OUTDOOR FITNESS

We have created two new outdoor training areas. The SHED is an outdoor gym space with a roof cover. It will be an extension to the gym and will be available for members to use as part of your workout. It will be filled with cardio, free weights and functional training equipment. 

The FIELD is a large open space next to the barn where we will be running outdoor classes throughout the remainder of the summer called Field FiiT.

If you love your fitness in the fresh air then these are for you.

HOME WORKOUTS

As many of you know we have already launched our virtual platform and this is something that will continue when we reopen. Our entire class timetable will be streamed so if you can't make it to the barn for your favourite class you can always join in at home. You can check and book the current virtual classes on the app or HERE.

All the outdoor fitness and the virtual classes will be included in everyones membership packages.

BARN SHOP

Want some high quality equipment to workout at home or to join in with the barn classes? We have created an exclusive partnership with Dyaco UK to give members access to huge discounts on commercial quality equipment for home training. The link to the shop is on our website HERE. Simply request a quote for the equipment you would like and Dyaco will give you the exclusive Barn member price. They will then inform you of delivery dates and payments. This is something we would have liked to have launched sooner but I'm sure you can appreciate there is a world shortage of home workout equipment at the moment. More products will be added over the coming days and weeks.

2000 LIKES

If you haven't already why not like our Facebook page? If we reach 2000 page likes by the end of June we will randomly select someone to win a free annual membership. That's got to be worth a like!

We are very excited to welcome you back to the Barn soon.

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

The government are indicating that gyms will be able to reopen from 4th July so we are busy getting ready for you to return and train in a safe way.

We want to come back bigger and better and are adapting and moving the club forward to be able to offer you even more. Along with the new gym layout to ensure adequate spacing, introducing time slot booking for the gym and many other measures we have some exciting plans.

We are making the most of our beautiful location and creating an outdoor workout space that will include Bootcamps. Follow us on our Facebook page as we get this area ready.

We have already launched our virtual class platform and we will continue to stream our complete studio timetable when we reopen giving you greater flexibility. Want to buy fitness equipment for your home workouts? Look out for the new Barn shop that will be launched next week.

Apologies if you've been experiencing problems joining our new virtual classes. This virtual malarkey is all a bit new to us too so please bear with us while we iron out any issues. To join a class we recommend you follow these steps:

Step 1 - Login to the members area which can be found on our website HERE.

Step 2 - Once you have logged in click the My Schedule which will bring up the classes you have booked.

Step 3 - Click on the class that is about to start.

This way of joining a class has worked much better than trying to click the link from the class confirmation email.

Finally, a huge congratulations to Barn PT Conor and member Bryn for their a-MAY-zing challenge running a half marathon every day in May and all under 2 hours. They completed it with every one between 1.45 and 1.58 and in the process have raised more than £4,000 for the Nasio Trust.

We've missed you and can't wait to welcome you back to the Barn.

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

Barn Virtual Classes

When we reopen we have an exciting new platform to be able to deliver our classes direct to your home.

We've made it easy for you to be able to join in with our classes even if you can't make it into the club. It's really simple, here's how it works:

1. Book your class in the usual way via the Barn app or in the members area. When booking you will see every class appear twice (when we reopen), in the studio or virtual so you just book whichever option suits you. Want to come to the Barn then book the studio option or book the virtual option if you want to do it from home.

2. A couple of minutes before the class starts login to your members area, you can find this on the home page.

3. Once logged in click My Schedule on the left hand side of the screen which will then show your classes you have booked. Simply click the class you are joining.

Cancelling a virtual class space and waiting lists work in exactly the same way as regular studio classes.

We have 3 classes next week using this new platform available to book now on the app or members area. During the closure we will continue with someFacebook and IGTV live classes as we build up our virtual timetable.

Virtual Membership

We have now created a virtual membership for anyone that wishes to only do the classes from home. When we reopen this will be £19 per month and will give unlimited access to all our virtual classes. You can join now for FREE giving you access to these classes and you won't pay a penny until we reopen.

Simply click HERE where you can buy a virtual membership and create your account. 

Barn Shop

We will very soon be launching our Barn shop where members can buy all the equipment they need for classes at home such as pump sets, mats, steps, kettlebells and spin bikes etc. All the equipment is high quality and will be delivered direct to your home. You will need to have an active membership to be able to access the shop.

1:1 Personal Training

Personal Trainers have been given the green light to restart 1:1 training with clients outside so why not book a session or two with one of our lovely trainers. You can find out about them HERE.

Contact Us

We have now made it easier for you to message us. The best ways to currently contact us is to either click the send a message button on our Facebook page or alternatively you will see a new message icon on our website, simply click this and write your message. Apologies for any delay in replies to messages recently, with the closure it's been difficult replying in good time.

Team Barn can't wait to reopen but we do hope in the meantime you have been enjoying our Facebook and IGTV live classes and hope you will enjoy our new virtual classes.

Stay safe, stay active and stay alert,

Team Barn

It's looking like gyms will be reopening early July (fingers crossed), maybe a bit earlier but that's obviously dependant on lots of unknown factors.

At Barn HQ we have been busy preparing for life after lockdown and making sure we will be able to provide a safe space for our members to return. We are lucky to have a lovely open space with fresh country air, we are also lucky to have personal changing cubicles, toilets and personal shower facilities which we can take full advantage of as it maybe a future requirement.

We have/will be doing the following so we can maintain physical distancing when we reopen:

All gym equipment has been repositioned to create plenty of space between each station.

Markers have been placed on the studio floor to maintain 2m distancing for classes.

Classes will have at least a 15 minute gap to ensure adequate cleaning time and to stop the busy crossover.

Time slot booking system will be introduced to control numbers in the gym at any one time.

Check-in has been moved away from the reception desk to stop congestion.

Bag storage and lockers have been relocated to ease congestion points.

Cleaning schedules will be increased and a full deep clean will take place before we reopen.

All members will be provided with their own sanitiser spray upon arrival so you can fully clean your workout station and equipment before the next user.

All members will be asked to bring their own towel and mat. We will be selling Barn branded workout mats at cost price.

We will follow government and industry guidelines and there will no doubt be other recommendations, we will inform you of these before we reopen. 

It is also going to be necessary to adapt some of the classes so it is the perfect opportunity to review the class timetable so please let us know if you have any ideas or requests.

In the meantime we hope you continue to enjoy the virtual classes and can't wait to see you back at the Barn again soon.

Stay active, stay safe and stay alert,

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

Run4Nasio Challenge

Barn personal trainer Conor and member Bryn are taking on an amazing (and slightly crazy) challenge. They are running a half marathon every day throughout May and trying to complete all of them in under 2 hours. They've just completed their 4th one and are doing really well with everyone so far completed under the 2 hour mark. They are doing this to raise money and awareness for the Nasio Trust so if you fancy donating you can HERE. 

Myzone 

We've had lot's of members asking about getting a Myzone tracker to be able to join in with the challenges and for a little extra motivation. We have partnered with Myzone to be able to offer members a £70 discount on the MZ-3 tracker meaning you can buy one for £59.99 (RRP £129.99). All members should have received an email with a link to purchase your Myzone tracker at the discounted price. Please let us know if you would like one but haven't received the email. You can check out a video HERE that explains how Myzone works.

We have again been entered into the global Myzone challenge for May so earn 1300 MEPs and be in with a chance of winning cash prizes.

This months Barn Myzone challenge is who can average the highest average effort over the month. The winner receives a free PT session.

Classes

We have added another 4 classes to our YouTube channel and will be adding more over the next few days. You can subscribe free HERE.

We have 13 live classes this week, you can check details on the schedules on the Barn app. 

With Zoom classes you will need to book on in the usual way and then check back before the class (on the app at the place where you book the class) to get the Meeting ID and password. 

Thank you to everyone that has sent in a photo of you doing a workout at home. We are creating a collage for when we reopen so please email us your photo if you want to be included.

As always, stay active, stay safe and stay at home,

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

Step for Nasio Challenge

The Nasio Trust has become one of the main charities we support and we have done many fundraising events over the last couple of years, of which many of you have attended and supported. Last year a team of 16 from the Barn went out to Tanzania and Kenya to climb Kilimanjaro to raise money for the amazing Nasio Trust that is a local charity (based in Abingdon) that work and support communities in rural Kenya and we ended up raising more than £30,000 in the process. After the climb we went to volunteer at the Nasio centre in Mumias (Western Kenya) where we got to see how the money we had raised was being spent. The Nasio Trust not only school the local children but they have feeding programmes and a medical centre to support the community. We all felt totally privileged to have had the opportunity to visit this amazing place and we were overwhelmed by what they are doing there and the positivity of everyone we met considering the conditions they live in.

We are now in very weird times whereby people are worried about what the future holds but we are still very fortunate to live where we do. The future in places like Kenya if coronavirus gets hold is very scary. Nancy Hunt, CEO of the Nasio Trust commented; "Should the virus take hold in these poor communities the results would be catastrophic. In the west we are fighting one battle - that of the virus, but for most of the people here, the immediate worry is how to survive."

So, we thought we'd set a challenge in May called Step for Nasio. Kilimanjaro is 5895m high which roughly equates to 3.66 miles or 8235 steps. The challenge is to complete 8235 steps every day whilst being at home. It's just a bit of fun and something to help you think about keeping moving whilst staying at home but if you would like to make a donation to this great cause you can do it HERE, no amount too small (or too large).

Sports Massage

Steve Holder has kindly offered a free 15 minute virtual consultation for any Barn members that have any aches, pains or injuries during lockdown and can't get to see anybody. To contact Steve you can email him at stevo@eng.uk.com or check out his website HERE.

Upcoming Live Classes

This coming week we have live classes every day on Facebook or Instagram including BodyAttack, BodyBalance, HIIT, Abs and much more. We also have our first Pilates class on Zoom with Emma. It's limited to 15 people so book your place on the app in the usual way and we'll send you your meeting ID and password beforehand.

The team can't wait to get the Barn back open and we are already planning some exciting things for when we do but in the meantime stay safe, stay healthy and stay at home.

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

We hope everyone is keeping safe during these very strange times. We also hope you have been able to take advantage of this amazing weather by getting out for a daily run, bike or walk. Alternatively doing some exercise at home or in the garden. The team have taken a photo of themselves last week whilst working out at home. We would like to capture this moment in time with photos of as many of you as possible working out at home. We want to create a huge collage we're calling #TheBarnUnitedInFitness and want it ready and displayed for when we're all back at the Barn. If you would like to be included in the collage please send your pic to enquiries@thebarnfitness.co.uk or to our Facebook page.

Need some motivation or just missing your Barn instructors, here are the upcoming Live classes:
Thursday 16th Core & Conditioning with Amy at 9am (Facebook)
Thursday 16th 15 Minute Abs with Stephen at 12.30 (Facebook)
Friday 17th HIIT with Conor at 9am (Instagram)
Monday 20th LBT with Sharon at 9am (Instagram)
Tuesday 21st 15 Minute Abs with Stephen (Facebook)
Tuesday 21st Yoga Tone with Debs at 9am (Facebook)
Wednesday 22nd Lower Body Workout with Hannah at 9am (Instagram)
Thursday 23rd GRIT with Suzanne at 9am (Facebook)
Friday 24th HIIT with Conor at 9am (Instagram)
Saturday 25th G'Day Tone Live from Australia at 9am with Jacqui (Facebook)

StayIn WorkOut to help our beloved NHS and save lives.

Stay safe,

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

It's been great to see so many of you enjoying the Live classes our instructors are doing on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We are adding more in next week with a couple of 15 minute ab classes. Check the schedule for next weeks live classes on the Barn app.

This Saturday at 9am we will be doing a live Spin class on Facebook that is suitable for anyone with a spin bike or a turbo trainer at home.

Over 400 of our members have signed up to the LesMills On Demand in the last 7 days and we do hope you are enjoying the workouts.

We want to do everything we can to help keep you active and healthy during this time so we have now partnered with Trainingym to be able to offer members even more virtual workouts to do from home. All members should have received an email with details and how to login.

The Barn has been included in the new Global challenge by Myzone. Any Myzoner earning 1300 MEPs in April will go into a prize draw with first prize being $5,000 and 10 runner up prizes of $500. 

We want to help the community wherever possible and have an online workout session planned for the Scouts and Cubs group. We are also talking to local coronavirus support groups about how we can help.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email us and stay healthy, stay safe and stay at home.

Many thanks,

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

Firstly, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has taken up the offer to continue their membership fees with a 20% reduction for the next 12 months, it will be a massive help.

All the team are missing the hubbub of the Barn and looking forward to seeing everyone when this is over but in the meantime we are doing things virtually, hence the new brand logo BARN VIRTUAL. We will continue to offer classes and workout ideas from our Barn Instructors and give you as much online choice as possible.

LIVE Classes

We will have live classes most days on Instagram Live or Facebook Live. Make sure you follow us on social media and for live class times you can check out the schedules on the app. We've had a great response so far to these with over 1000 people viewing this mornings HIIT class on Facebook Live.

HOME Workouts

You can subscribe for free to our YouTube channel called The Barn Fitness Home Workouts. HERE we have all different classes and workout ideas for you to follow, all by our Barn Instructors.

LesMills On Demand

We have partnered with LesMills to bring our members the entire LesMills On Demand programme for FREE for 60 days. Simply click the LesMills tile on the Barn app or follow the link on the email that all members should have received.

Myzone

To all our Myzoners, we have created a couple of new challenges for April.

Challenge 1 - can you earn 70 MEPS for every day in April? Anyone that achieves this will win a Barn drinks bottle.

Challenge 2 - is called Barneys at Home. Who can spend the most time in the yellow and red zones whilst working out at home throughout the month of April? Whoever spends the most time in these zones will win a PT session.

Look after yourselves and your families, stay safe, stay healthy and stay at home.

Many thanks,

Team Barn

Hi from Barn HQ,

We have now been closed for a week and have been blown away by the response, so many lovely messages.

Many of you have asked for us to continue taking your membership fees during the closure, this is a lovely gesture and is gratefully received. For those that have or would like to do this we would like to reduce your payments by 20% for the next 12 months. This way you will not lose out financially but it will go someway to help keeping us going through the closure.

We have had lots of requests to borrow/hire equipment and this is something we had planned to do but with partial lockdown and no non-essential travel taking place this is going to prove difficult. However, we have a couple of new ways to help you keep fit and healthy at home during this time.

We have set up a new YouTube channel called The Barn Fitness Home Workouts. You can subscribe HERE for free and join in with the workouts that are being put together by our Barn instructors. 

We are also doing live workouts on our Instagram page every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am. The first one was this morning with Hannah and had 87 of you join in so follow us HERE to take part.

We are in the process of putting together Barneroo which will be to help out the local community where we can. We are currently liaising with other community groups with details of this in the coming updates.

We will be doing a regular updates during the closure so until next week, stay safe, stay healthy and stay at home.

Many thanks,

Team Barn