Meet Anya Lahiri, the woman we fitness lovers in the UK need to thank as it was Anya who brought Barry’s Bootcamp to the UK! I went to Barry’s Bootcamp a while back with Nike and I can honestly say it was one of the hardest workouts of my life, I have been meaning to get myself back down to one of their super intense workouts.  If you want to whip yourself into shape then Barry’s is the place to do it….I mean look at the shape Anya is in right? If that doesn’t persuade you (which I don’t see how it couldn’t) perhaps a quick read of my Barry’s Bootcamp review will do the trick?

Anyway back to Anya, now not only did Anya help bring Barry’s to the UK she is one of the top trainers there and apparently has been labelled ‘the beast’. As well as Barry’s Anya also is a Sweaty Betty ambassador, does work for Nike, and when she has the time she also can turn her hand to modelling and acting. Superwoman or what? So I was intrigued to find out more about Anya, we chat about how she first discovered Barry’s, her exercise regime, her favourite eating spots and much much more. I hope you enjoy what this incredible woman has to say :)

1. Can you describe how health and fitness has played a role in your life?

I got into Health and Fitness when I started modelling at 16. I guess initially it was to maintain the unrealistic body weight that my first modelling agency wanted me to be but it became a bit of an addiction. I loved the endorphin rush exercise gave me and it became about feeling good within myself rather than the way I looked.

2. Can you describe how you first discovered Barry’s in 2006?

I discovered Barry’s when I was in LA acting. My room mate was a desker and kept pestering me to go with her. It sounded terrifying but I eventually gave in and went to my first Butt and Legs class with Joey. It was love at first squat. I couldn’t walk for weeks but became obsessed. Every time I was back in London it felt like there was a massive fitness hole… I’d be the crazy chick in the gym sprinting up hills with the whole treadmill shaking.
From first discovering Barry’s how did you go about helping to set up the London branch? I introduced James and Sandy to the concept and the owners of Barry’s in LA. When they took on the London franchise I decided to teach at the LA locations and gain experience and knowledge. I moved back to London a month before we opened to help launch our first London location.

3. Did you always know that Barry’s would be such a success in London?

Yes…. there was nothing like it on the fitness scene in London. Barry’s has been successful in the U.S since 1998 and there is a reason… It really is the best workout in the world. It’s not rocket science. Cardio and resistance which equal results!

4. What do you think makes Barry’s so different from other exercise classes out there?

Every class is different so you never plateau, you are pushed beyond your limits and it is like one giant exercise party.

5. What’s a typical day in the life of Anya Lahiri?

A typical working day…. I get up and ALWAYS have breakfast, hop on the train to Barry’s with my dog Crusoe (the bootcamp pooch), teach my 8.20 class, take the 9.30 or 10.45 class and then take Crusoe out for a long walk. Lunch is usually over emails sorting out events/press/all thing’s barry’s related. I teach the 5.30 and 6.40 and then head home. I sometimes have a client after classes and sometimes there is the odd acting audition or casting thrown in the mix. The great thing about my job is that every day is different with different clients and different events. Last week I was on Sark Island for 3 days working with Nike and then helping Ellie Goulding on a shoot so it is never dull!

6. Can you describe the kind of food you eat in a day?

Barry’s makes me crave healthy food. I always start the day with porridge as it gives me the energy I need to teach my insane 8.20 clients. For lunch I tend to have prawns and avocado, tuna salad or the Good life eatery salmon and sweet potato pots. Dinner is usually Salmon and roast veg or stir fry or if I am feeling incredibly lazy Linda McCartney Vegi sausages…. they are my favourite. I am not an eat meater so I find most of my diet consists of fish to give me the protein I need. I also have protein shakes after class… Neopolitan and Miami Mango Madness are my favourites. If you are at Barry’s you should give them a try!

7. What’s your favourite meal and do you have any healthy cooking tips?

My favourite meal is lunch… I am always starving my lunchtime and have done a class so feel like I really deserve it. I also LOVE dinner, it is quite a sociable event for me as it is usually time to unwind and catch up over food. My healthy eating tip would be to cook with coconut oil… much healthier and makes everything taste AMAZING.

8. Do you have any favourite eating spots in London?

I love Leon for a quick lunch, for dinner I love cheap and cheerful Lebanese restaurants, There is an amazing one two doors down from my house called The Cedar. Everything is fresh and delicious… the best salads ever!

9. Can you describe your exercise regime?

I am a Barry’s obsessive… it is pretty much all I do. I try and fit it in atleast 4 times a week. I also walk every day as I have a dog, sometimes I feel like my feet literally do not stop moving. I should really try and incorporate some more yoga into my life. Stretching is so important to compensate for the stress you put on your body through running and lifting.

10. What’s the best thing about your job?

Seeing clients results and working with them every day. So many of them have become good friends and their achievements genuinely make me feel so proud. Sometimes I look around the room and am astounded at how hard they are pushing themselves.

Follow Anya on twitter and instagram