More Isn’t Always Better: The BARCH Approach to Class Sizes
Why Class Size Matters: The BARCH Approach to Coaching Quality
At BARCH Richmond, we’re all about quality over quantity. Our classes are designed not only to deliver effective workouts but also to give each member the focused coaching they deserve. This week, we trialed a larger-than-usual class size—24 people at our 6am Monday circuit. While the energy was high and the space was buzzing, I walked away with one clear takeaway: bigger doesn’t always mean better.
When Bigger Isn’t Better
Let’s be real: a packed class looks impressive on Instagram, and sure, it’s good for business. But standing there as a coach with 24 people, I quickly saw where the cracks form in such a big setup:
Quality of Movement Suffers: With that many people in the room, it’s harder to keep an eye on everyone’s form. Coaching becomes reactive instead of proactive. If two or more people need corrections, I can’t be in multiple places at once. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring everyone moves safely and effectively.
Intensity Management: At BARCH, we pride ourselves on being able to tailor workouts to match each member’s load and intensity, if we need to regress or progress movements and loads. With 24 people, it becomes challenging to check that everyone’s at the right pace and using the appropriate weights, which can compromise the workout’s effectiveness.
Program Integrity: The workout is there for a reason, and part of my job is to make sure people stick to it. In a large group, it’s easy for individuals to drift from the plan—whether that’s skipping reps or going rogue with their own variations. As a coach, I want to guide every member to maximize the benefits of the workout we’ve planned for them.
Why We Keep It Tight at BARCH
Our approach to class sizes isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s a core part of our ethos. We believe in creating a workout environment that’s safe, productive, and personal. We’re not here to “pack ‘em in” and hope for the best. We want everyone in the room to feel coached, supported, and guided.
For instance, our Saturday sessions are an exception where we double capacity, but they’re purposefully designed to keep movements simple and easy to manage. Regulars know what to expect, and we’d never recommend it to a beginner. Even with more people, we create a vibe that’s fun, functional, and manageable.
Why We Choose Small(er) Classes
Coaching is about more than counting reps. It’s about building trust, correcting form, and ensuring every member leaves the gym better than they came in. That’s why we’re committed to keeping our classes small enough for coaches to make those one-on-one connections. Every movement, every lift, every bit of advice matters, and at BARCH, we’re here to deliver it.
So, if you’re looking for a gym where you can stand out instead of getting lost in the crowd, that’s the environment we’ve built here at BARCH. Because, at the end of the day, no one can truly coach 24 people at once—not in a way that does right by every member in the room