Ending your Barry's membership made easy

About Barry's

Barry's is a high-intensity fitness studio brand that originated in Los Angeles and has established a strong presence across the United Kingdom. Known for its signature Red Room workout experience, Barry's combines treadmill intervals with strength training using free weights and resistance equipment. The brand has built a cult-like following among fitness enthusiasts who appreciate its challenging, results-driven approach to group exercise.

The Barry's concept revolves around 50-minute classes that alternate between cardiovascular work on specially designed treadmills and floor-based strength exercises. Each class focuses on different muscle groups, allowing members to target specific areas throughout the week. The studios feature dim lighting, energising music, and motivational instructors who push participants to achieve their fitness goals.

In the UK, Barry's operates multiple locations primarily in London, with studios in areas such as Canary Wharf, King's Cross, and Victoria. The brand has positioned itself as a premium fitness offering, attracting professionals and fitness enthusiasts willing to invest in high-quality workout experiences. The studios maintain a sleek, modern aesthetic with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including showers and changing rooms.

Members typically join Barry's for the structured workout format, the community atmosphere, and the accountability that comes with booking specific class times. The brand's reputation for delivering visible results has made it particularly popular among those training for specific fitness goals or seeking to break through plateaus in their exercise routines.

Plans, features and pricing

Barry's UK operates on a class-based pricing structure rather than traditional monthly gym memberships. This model gives members flexibility but can also make budgeting more challenging. Understanding the pricing options is essential before committing, as costs can accumulate quickly depending on how frequently you attend classes.

Class packages and pricing

Prices vary slightly depending on location and current promotional offers. The unlimited monthly membership represents the premium option and is typically chosen by dedicated members who attend four or more classes per week. This package operates on a rolling monthly basis and requires advance notice for cancellation.

Key features and membership benefits

Barry's memberships and class packages include access to all signature workout classes across their UK locations. Members can book classes through the Barry's app or website, typically with the ability to reserve spots up to two weeks in advance. Premium unlimited members often receive priority booking privileges during peak times.

The studios provide complimentary amenities including towel service, toiletries, and secure locker facilities. Some locations offer additional perks such as smoothie bars or retail spaces selling branded merchandise and workout apparel. Members also gain access to the Barry's app, which tracks workout statistics and allows for easy class management.

First-time visitors usually have access to introductory offers, which might include discounted class packs or trial periods. These promotional rates are designed to encourage new members to experience multiple classes before committing to larger packages. Keep in mind that introductory offers typically come with specific terms regarding cancellation and refunds.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Barry's terms of service is absolutely critical before signing up, particularly if you're considering the unlimited monthly membership. Many members encounter difficulties during cancellation simply because they weren't fully aware of the notice requirements and contractual obligations when they joined.

Membership commitment periods

Barry's unlimited monthly memberships typically operate on a rolling contract basis. Most importantly, these memberships require advance notice for cancellation, usually 30 days before your next billing date. This means if you decide to cancel on the 15th of the month and your billing date is the 1st, you'll still be charged for the following month.

Class packages, by contrast, are generally non-refundable once purchased. If you buy a 10-class pack and only use five classes before the expiry date, you typically cannot receive a refund for the unused sessions. This is a crucial point that catches many members off guard, so always consider your realistic attendance patterns before purchasing larger packages.

Notice period requirements

The standard notice period for unlimited memberships is 30 days, though this can vary depending on when you joined and any specific promotional terms. During this notice period, your membership remains active and you continue to have full access to classes. Additionally, you're responsible for the monthly fee during this period.

Barry's requires written notice for cancellations, which is where many members make critical mistakes. Verbal notifications to staff members or instructors don't constitute official cancellation requests. Similarly, simply stopping attendance or removing payment details doesn't cancel your membership and can result in outstanding debts and collection proceedings.

UK consumer rights and legal protections

Under UK consumer law, fitness memberships are subject to specific regulations that protect consumers. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that contract terms be fair and transparent. If you signed up for a membership online or away from Barry's premises, you might be entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

However, this cooling-off period typically doesn't apply if you've already started using the services during those 14 days. Furthermore, Barry's terms usually specify that by attending classes during this period, you're agreeing to waive your cooling-off rights. This is perfectly legal provided it was clearly disclosed during the sign-up process.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Cancelling your Barry's membership by post is the most reliable and legally sound method available. Throughout my years processing subscription cancellations, I've seen countless situations where members thought they'd cancelled through other means, only to discover months later they were still being charged. Postal cancellation with proof of delivery eliminates this risk entirely.

Why postal cancellation is your safest option

Written cancellation sent by Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery creates an indisputable paper trail. You'll have proof of exactly when Barry's received your cancellation notice, which is essential for calculating your final billing date. This documentation becomes invaluable if any disputes arise about whether you provided adequate notice or if the company claims they never received your cancellation request.

Additionally, postal cancellation forces you to be clear and specific about your intentions. There's no room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation that can occur in verbal communications. You state your membership details, your cancellation request, and your expected final billing date in writing, creating a formal record that both parties can reference.

Keep in mind that email cancellations, while seemingly convenient, often get lost in spam filters or can be claimed as never received. Barry's terms of service typically specify accepted cancellation methods, and postal mail is universally recognised as valid for contractual terminations under UK law.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs to include specific information to be processed efficiently. First, include your full name exactly as it appears on your membership account. Next, provide your membership number, which you can find on your account dashboard, email confirmations, or previous invoices. Additionally, include your date of birth and the email address associated with your account.

Clearly state your intention to cancel your Barry's membership. Use direct language such as "I am writing to cancel my Barry's unlimited membership" rather than ambiguous phrases like "I'm considering ending my membership." Specify the date you're submitting the cancellation and acknowledge the 30-day notice period, stating when you expect your membership to end.

Most importantly, request written confirmation of your cancellation and the final billing date. This puts the obligation on Barry's to respond and creates an additional layer of documentation. Include your contact details so they can send this confirmation, and keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

The correct postal address for cancellations

Sending your cancellation to the correct address is absolutely critical. Based on current information, Barry's UK head office address for membership cancellations is:

• Barry's UK
• Studio Republic Ltd
• Third Floor
• 86-90 Paul Street
• London
• EC2A 4NE
• United Kingdom

Always verify this address is current before sending your letter, as companies occasionally relocate their administrative offices. You can confirm the correct address by checking recent correspondence from Barry's or contacting your local studio for verification. However, don't rely on verbal confirmation alone for the actual cancellation process.

Sending your letter with proof of delivery

Never send your cancellation letter by standard post. Always use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery services. Recorded Delivery costs approximately £3.35 and provides tracking and proof of delivery, which is sufficient for most cancellation purposes. Special Delivery, while more expensive at around £6.85, offers next-day delivery and more comprehensive tracking.

When you send via these services, you'll receive a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt safely along with a copy of your letter. You can track your letter's progress online through the Royal Mail website using this tracking number. Once delivered, you can obtain a proof of delivery certificate showing the exact date and time Barry's received your cancellation.

This is where services like Postclic become genuinely useful. Rather than printing letters, addressing envelopes, and queuing at the post office, Postclic handles the entire process digitally. You create your letter online, they print and send it via Royal Mail Tracked delivery, and you receive digital proof of postage and delivery. For anyone with a busy schedule, this saves considerable time whilst maintaining the legal validity and security of postal cancellation.

Timeline and what to expect

Barry's should process your cancellation within a few working days of receiving it. However, don't panic if you don't receive immediate confirmation. Some companies take up to two weeks to send acknowledgement. If you haven't heard anything within 10 working days, follow up with another letter referencing your original cancellation and including copies of your proof of delivery.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake members make is miscalculating their notice period. If your billing date is the 5th of each month and you send your cancellation on the 10th, your 30-day notice period means your final billing will be on the 5th of the following month, and your membership ends 30 days after the letter is received, not sent. Always add a few extra days to account for postal delivery when calculating your final payment date.

Another frequent error is failing to cancel any stored payment details separately. Whilst your cancellation letter terminates your membership contract, some members prefer to remove their payment information from Barry's system as an additional precaution. You can typically do this through your online account settings after sending your cancellation.

Additionally, don't assume that unused class credits will be refunded automatically. If you have remaining classes on a package when you cancel your unlimited membership, these are separate products and won't be affected by your membership cancellation. However, if you're cancelling because you're leaving the area or have a specific reason, it's worth including a polite request in your letter asking if any unused credits can be refunded as a gesture of goodwill.

Tips from former members

Understanding why people cancel

Throughout my experience processing Barry's cancellations, several common reasons emerge repeatedly. Cost is the primary factor, with many members finding the unlimited membership financially unsustainable long-term, particularly if their attendance drops below three or four classes weekly. At that point, the per-class cost exceeds purchasing individual class packs.

Injury and physical strain represent another significant cancellation driver. Barry's high-intensity format, whilst effective, can be demanding on joints and muscles. Some members find they need to incorporate more recovery time or lower-impact activities than the Barry's model accommodates. Others discover the workout style simply doesn't align with their fitness preferences or goals after the initial novelty period.

Life circumstances change frequently, prompting cancellations. Job relocations, schedule changes that make class times impractical, or competing commitments all contribute to membership terminations. Additionally, some members join with specific short-term goals like wedding preparation or holiday fitness and always intended to cancel after achieving those objectives.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Former members consistently advise cancelling at least 35-40 days before you actually want your membership to end. This buffer accounts for postal delivery time and any processing delays, ensuring you're not accidentally charged for an extra month. If you're travelling or have a busy period coming up, send your cancellation before you leave rather than trying to handle it remotely.

Consider the timing relative to your billing cycle carefully. If you're billed on the 1st of the month and you cancel on the 28th of the previous month, you've potentially wasted most of that month's membership value. Instead, aim to send your cancellation shortly after a billing date, maximising your use of the final paid month whilst ensuring proper notice.

Maximising your final month

Once you've sent your cancellation, make the most of your remaining membership period. Book your favourite classes in advance, try class times or instructors you haven't experienced before, and use all the facilities you've been paying for. Some members report feeling liberated during their final month, attending more frequently because they know there's a definite end date.

Furthermore, take photos of your cancellation letter, your proof of postage receipt, and your delivery confirmation. Store these digitally in multiple locations such as email, cloud storage, and your phone. This redundancy ensures you'll have access to this documentation if any billing disputes arise months or even years later.

What to do if problems arise

If you continue being charged after your membership should have ended, immediately contact Barry's in writing again, referencing your original cancellation and including copies of all proof of delivery documentation. Send this follow-up letter via Recorded Delivery as well. In your letter, request an immediate cessation of charges and a refund of any payments taken after your cancellation date.

Should Barry's claim they never received your original cancellation despite your proof of delivery, your documentation becomes essential. The Royal Mail proof of delivery showing someone at that address signed for your letter is legally significant evidence. Stand firm on this point and don't allow them to claim you didn't provide proper notice.

If the situation remains unresolved, you have several escalation options. First, contact your bank or card provider to dispute the charges, providing them with your cancellation documentation. Next, consider filing a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman if Barry's uses Direct Debit, or with your local Trading Standards office for broader consumer protection issues. Keep in mind that these processes take time, which is why getting the cancellation right initially is so valuable.

Alternatives to complete cancellation

Before fully cancelling, some former members suggest exploring whether Barry's offers membership freezes or pauses. If you're dealing with a temporary situation like injury recovery, travel, or financial difficulty, a membership freeze might be more appropriate than complete cancellation. This option isn't always advertised but may be available if you ask directly.

Additionally, consider whether switching from unlimited membership to class packages better suits your current situation. If you're attending less frequently but still enjoy Barry's workouts, purchasing smaller class packs as needed eliminates the monthly financial commitment whilst maintaining your access to the studios. This flexibility often works better for members whose schedules have become less predictable.

Final advice from the experts

The single most important piece of advice from former members is to keep absolutely everything documented. Create a dedicated folder, either physical or digital, containing all Barry's correspondence, payment receipts, your cancellation letter, postal receipts, and delivery confirmations. This organised approach makes resolving any issues exponentially easier and faster.

Trust the postal cancellation process over any verbal assurances or informal cancellation methods. Even if a staff member at your local studio seems helpful and promises to "sort it out for you," this doesn't constitute official cancellation. Be polite but insistent that you'll be following the formal written cancellation procedure regardless of any additional help offered.

Finally, remember that cancelling a fitness membership doesn't represent personal failure. Your circumstances, preferences, and priorities evolve, and your fitness routine should adapt accordingly. Whether Barry's no longer fits your budget, schedule, or fitness goals, cancelling professionally and efficiently simply means you're making informed decisions about your wellbeing and resources. Use the postal method, keep your documentation, and move forward confidently knowing you've handled the process correctly.