This week I was invited by Physique57 to participate in a two-week challenge along with other bloggers in the entertainment/fitness space (pretty sure I was the only fashion& beauty gal in the group) to take unlimited classes (they recommend four per week to see results) and try their method out. I’m always game for new workouts, and was excited to spend the next two weeks (actually I can only commit to about 9-10 days before I move) in their beautiful Beverly Hills studio.
Physique57 is based on the Lotte Berk practice and comprises of a 57-minute (intense) series of exercises that strengthens and stretches every muscle group in the body. The class focuses on isometric movements, a ballet barre and your own body weight for resistance–ensuring that your muscles will become strong, long and lean. And let’s be honest, ladies–who doesn’t want that? To be honest, I did three months of unlimited Bar Method classes this year (my sister swears by it), but was truly bored with the class and saw zero change in my body. (Parking was also a mess, and their West Hollywood location is dingy, crowded and far from inspiring, so I literally had to force myself to go a few times every week.) I’ve also sampled Cardio Barre and Pop Physique classes in the past, and was pretty convinced that barre-based classes just weren’t enough to change my body.
A little background on me: I was a dancer and cheerleader all my years growing up in Texas. For much of my youth, I lived for Friday night lights (literally), red lipstick and performing in half-time shows at stadiums throughout Houston. I also competed on an all-star cheer squad for a number of years and even went to UCA Nationals with my team in Orlando during high school. I was also on dance team in high school and dabbled in figure skating and gymnastics for a number of years too. Despite all of these ultra-girly activities, I’ve always had a curvier, more athletic frame than most (meaning: I will never have a willowy, lithe ballet body), and pack on muscle easily. As an adult, I’ve found the most success with Pilates Plus (SPX training), which completely transformed my adult body a few years ago. Beyond that, my other love is spinning, but due to an arthritic knee, have been backing off on those classes; and obviously can no longer run, whatsoever, due to joint pain.
Beyond that, I try to take power yoga, kickboxing and dance classes occasionally at Crunch Gym, but nothing gets me fired up about a workout like Pilates Plus. When I sign up for their unlimited monthly pass, I am literally in there 5-6 times/week! Now given that Pilates Plus is total body weight resistance and strength training, my muscle mass has increased (even more), and I’m still looking for the perfect method (believe me, I’ve tried everything!) to slim down overall.
There are literally moments where you think you’re about to die (anything involving squats off the barre, basically), but then in a flash, it’s over–and you’re moving on to another muscle group.I definitely work up a sweat (which almost never happened in Bar Method), so there’s a definitely an increased cardio component there. After it’s all said and done, you finish class feeling like a champion and are rejuvenated and relaxed–and more importantly, proud of yourself. Love it! I’ve only taken classes taught by Sarah so far, and she is fabulous. Motivating, sweet and challenging–just like I would hope for in an instructor.Needless to say, I was game for the Physique57 experience! I’ve been to two classes now and definitely think it’s an awesome workout. It’s about 1,000 more challenging than Bar Method, the class pace is a lot faster so I don’t even time to let my mind wander (which happened all of the time in Bar Method), and the movements are killer!
Here’s to more classes and hopefully seeing some results!
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