But at Barry Plant HQ, Fridays mark the start of a different kind of hard work.
Every week, the entire team takes part in Fitness Fridays, swapping business attire for activewear and sweating it out in intense bodyweight personal training sessions held in a vacant meeting room.
The workout is then followed by a team lunch, giving everyone the chance to refuel and reconnect.
Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell, who introduced Fitness Fridays, explained the thinking behind the initiative.
“We’re blessed to have developed an incredible culture at HQ, and everyone works extremely hard throughout the week. By the time Friday arrives, it can be challenging to maintain high energy levels, so we wanted to find a way to support the team and show our appreciation for their hard work. Exercise gives me so much energy and makes me feel great, so I thought, why not bring those endorphins into the office?” Pennell said.
“I called my personal trainer, Mariko, and she loved the idea. She has come in every week since and runs fantastic sessions for us. We have been doing these workouts for over six months now, and I have been amazed and thrilled by the level of participation and enthusiasm.”
“Our people and our culture are what set Barry Plant apart from the competition, and Fitness Fridays are just one of the ways we invest in both, supporting our team to be their best in servicing our network.”
The first Fitness Friday took place on 6 June 2025 and was led by Mariko Whyte, founder of IGNYTE Strength Hub.
The entire team arrived in activewear before taking part in an intense bodyweight personal training session. While muscles were sore, spirits and endorphins were high, especially with a team lunch waiting afterwards.
“I figured that if personal training sessions were not enticing enough on their own, a catered lunch of charcoal chicken, chips, gravy and salad for anyone who participated would help get people excited about Fitness Fridays,” Pennell said with a smile.
“Mari is amazing, and her energy is infectious. At first, it was just about personal growth, but what I didn’t realise was how much direct benefit there would be for the business, as well as the individual. Gradually, I realised that as we all sat around eating afterwards, we were solving problems and creating new concepts, fuelled by the post-exercise endorphin rush. It’s become a roundtable of superhuman thinking!”
One person who is excited about Fitness Fridays is Design Studio and Brand Systems Manager Mathew Fox, who has attended every session since the initiative began.
“It’s easy to be invested in Fitness Fridays when you essentially get a 90-minute catered lunch break and can tick off your exercise for the day, all within work hours. The charcoal chicken, chips, and gravy is a pretty great carrot to dangle for the team at the end of a busy week,” Fox laughed.
“In all seriousness, though, it’s a fantastic initiative that Lisa has introduced. It has absolutely increased connection within the team, gets us all sitting down for lunch together and encourages us to do something really positive and healthy. The endorphins set you up so well for the rest of the day.”
Mariko Whyte, founder of IGNYTE Strength Hub, shared her insights and experiences with the Barry Plant HQ team during their training sessions.
“As a coach, there is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the real, measurable impact that exercise has on people’s lives. It’s never been just about improving fitness and mobility; it’s about elevating every aspect of their wellbeing. And doing this with a group of like-minded people can only enhance those benefits,” said Whyte.
“Barry Plant has become a wonderful example of what happens when a team embraces movement and approaches fitness with enthusiasm. People flourish. Post-training creativity rises, focus sharpens, and motivation elevates. The ripple effect of these sessions goes far beyond the gym.”
With the initiative proving so successful in 2025, Fitness Fridays are set to remain a staple of the Barry Plant HQ weekly calendar, every Friday at 12pm.
“It’s fantastic that Lisa has decided to continue it in 2026. Paying for personal training and lunch every week is no small expense, but the team loves Fitness Fridays and is incredibly appreciative of the initiative. I just hope the couriers and visitors who come to the office on Fridays read this article and understand why we’re dressed like this,” Fox laughed.
Fitness Fridays are more than just a workout or a catered lunch; they are a reflection of the culture at Barry Plant HQ.
They celebrate teamwork, well-being, and the value of taking time to connect and recharge together.
By prioritising both health and camaraderie, the initiative reinforces a workplace where people are supported, motivated, and energised to finish the week strong. It is this commitment to a positive, inclusive, and high-energy culture that continues to set Barry Plant apart.
