I tried really hard not to have pancakes again for breakfast this morning, but I couldn’t help myself – they’re so good!
topped with PF sauce, berries, and almond butter
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
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Alright, my loves, let’s try this Physique 57 review thing again, shall we? I can’t guarantee that it will be as epic as my initial one, but I’ll do my best.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the month, I’d decided to undertake a fitness challenge of sorts to celebrate May. I was a little iffy at first, but after doing barre training for a little over a week and a half, I have officially fallen in love. It makes me feel strong, flexible, and most importantly – at peace with myself and my body. The Core Fusion DVDs have been great, but after hearing a ton of positive reviews about Physique 57 I decided to take the plunge and order a DVD for myself.
I thought I’d share my reviews of the workout with you a.) because I have nothing else to talk about and b.) I really really really want y’all to try it! So, let’s get to it.
The Method:
Although the exercises in Core Fusion and Physique 57 are essentially identical for the most part, both DVDs couldn’t be more different. While Core Fusion is really relaxed and mellow, Physique 57 is much more fast paced and upbeat. Basically, it’s like core fusion on ecstasy. Core Fusion is also divided in to five 10 minute segments, whereas Physique 57 is just an entire hour long (er, 57 minute long) workout and more similar to a standard aerobics class (which I prefer!) The DVD focuses on arms, thighs, glutes, abs, and ends with some stretching.
Arms: Similar to my thoughts on core fusion, I thought this segment was a little too short. Like I said yesterday, the high reps/low weight thing is awesome for toning but not necessarily muscle growth, so I’ll still be doing my upper body training as well. That being said, the moves are good and an added bonus is that you can increase/decrease the weight to accommodate your fitness level.
Thighs: Oh god, I have no words. I have never felt such an intense burn in my legs before. For any fellow yoginis out there, it’s pretty much chair pose on steroids. (I am all over the drug analogies today, huh?) The instructor utilizes a barre (I just used a chair) and exercise ball (I’m sure a regular playground ball or rolled up towel would work) to aid with the movements and seriously? It was so legit. I [like to think] I have fairly strong legs but this hit muscles I really didn’t know existed. I was so sore yesterday!
Glutes: This may have been my favorite portion of the DVD (probably because it wasn’t as painful as the thighs) but it just felt really effective. Again, you use a barre (or chair) and a mat during this segment with little rest in between. Oh, and don’t be fooled after the barre training portion of this segment when the instructor tells you to sit down. I thought we were going to be doing some stretching, but she takes you right in to the pretzel. Killer!
Abs: Initially I felt like the ab work was a little basic, but it definitely got much more intense and by the end of the 10 minutes my abs were hating on me. I also really loved the music during this section (so much so that I tried to find it on itunes to download but had no luck. mehh)
The Instructor:
Okay, seriously, I kind of want Tanya to be my best friend. She is hilarious, energetic, her cues are on point, and she’s really great in terms of reminding you to focus your attention to the muscles your working. Some of her one liners literally had me LOLing. I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed while working out. It was wonderful. The other women in the video were all really upbeat and radiated positivity as well. It made me feel like I was actually in the class.
The Cost:
I bought the Classic Full Body 57 Minute DVD for $24.95 + the exercise ball for $10.00 + S&H = $42.95 . (The ball and S&H killed me!)
The site also offers collection sets, so if I’d known how much I would have loved the workout I definitely would have bought one of those instead. They’re so much more cost effective and they also provide a 30 day free trial.
The first set includes:
- Classic 57 Minute Full Body Workout
- Express 30 Minute Full Body Workout
- Arm and Ab Booster 30 Minute Workout
- Exercise Ball with Pump
Total Cost (if not returned with 30 days): $59.95 + $7.95 S&H
The second set includes:
- Classic 57 Minute Full Body Workout – Second Edition
- Advanced Express 30 Minute Full Body Workout
- Thigh & Seat Booster 30 Minute Workout
Total Cost (if not returned within 30 days) $49.95 + $7.95 S&H
Then there’s the big daddy collection, which includes all 6 DVDs + the ball for $99.90
like I said, I definitely wish I bought one of the collections rather than the single DVD. Ah, if I could turn back time – if I could find a way.
So, my thoughts on Physique 57?
The good: I’m hooked.
The bad: I’m hooked… and now I’m so tempted to buy all of the DVDs.
No, no, I can’t. *Willpower Jenny, willpower.*
For now, I’m going to continue with revised plan, alternating between my Core Fusion DVDs and Physique 57. I tend to get bored if I do the same workout continuously (how could you not?) so I like that I have a few options to choose from depending on my mood. If I’m feeling relaxed and zen, Core Fusion will be delicious. If I’m feeling energetic and in need of some motivation, Physique 57 is where it’s at! I think both methods compliment each other perfectly. 
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Do you tend to stick to one style of working out or do you prefer to change it up? Cardio? Strength training? Yoga? Pilates? I’ve dabbled in all of the above and am finally coming to terms with the fact that my body responds best to an exercise regime focused on strength and stretching (in other words, Barre!). I really am in love, guys!
Happy Friday, all!
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