Well, That Hurts!
Posted: June 16, 2011 at 6:35 pmBefore heading out for my beach trip, I received a little something special in the mail.
Natasha from Physique 57 offered me a Physique 57 workout DVD to try out and review on the blog. I had heard others mention how much they adored the challenge of Physique 57 workouts and my intrigue quickly grew. I believe in trying new forms of fitness to continue to grow in strength and challenge our bodies in new ways. So, I happily accepted the offer and couldn’t wait to break out the workout.
Since I wouldn’t have access to a gym during my vacation, I figured completing the DVD as my strength training on the trip would work perfectly and give me the chance to fully try out the workout. Plus, I knew it would travel well as the workout calls for minimal equipment – a lightweight ball, 3-5 pound hand weights, a mat, and access to the back of a sturdy object such as a chair or couch.
the ball – seems so innocent, but a powerhouse tool in disguise
During our afternoon down time I popped in the DVD ready to see just what this Physique 57 workout could deliver.
I have a confession. I didn’t expect much of this workout. I thought it would be a neat way to switch it up, but not something I would love. I have my Cathe addiction after all. I will admit when I make a wrong assumption and, boy, did I assume wrong.
Tanya gave great motivation and instruction throughout the DVD and really created a comprehensive workout for the body. She focuses on good form, provides alterations with modified moves or challenges, and keeps the workout progressing smoothly. She knows just when to give you that little extra oomph without sounding annoying. I also appreciate that she emphasizes the hard work and consistency it takes to reap the full benefits of the workout. I love a realistic instructor who helps you believe in yourself to work harder.
And you will work hard. The 57 minute workout goes through a few different sections. You start with the warm-up which goes through some planks, standard squats, push-ups and arm weights. Yes - that’s all just the warm-up!
New rule: on vacation, wine bottles make the best form of weight resistance. Or they work in a pinch when you realize you left your 5 lb dumbbells at home. No matter what though, my arms were a-quivering by the end of the moves!
Once you finish the warm-up, you move to a lot (lot lot lot) of pulsing squats and leg lifts/hicks with and without the ball. Let’s just say chilling in a squat on your tippy toes while squeezing a ball with your inner thighs sounds fine and dandy. In reality, you will want to hurl that ball at the screen for the fire in your legs…but then remember how its helping your booty so instead grit your teeth and bear the (good) pain.
Eventually the DVD ends with some more upper body work. You complete more things like push-ups, triceps dips, and planks along with a series of core work that I can’t even begin to describe. I believe the best work for the core comes less with crunches and more with moves that focus on pulling in the core and tightening overall. Physique 57 provides just that and after 10 minutes of their abdominal moves I already felt like I had a tighter stomach. I honestly don’t think I have come across a more challenging abs focused workout on a DVD.
When all was said and done, I admitted that Physique 57 owned me. I fully intend to continue incorporating the workout as an additional challenge and variety. I’m pretty, okay very, picky about workout DVDs. I didn’t expect Physique 57 to impress me this much, but it certainly did. It’s a winner!
And speaking of winners – one of you will win a Classic Full Body Physique 57 Workout DVD of your own. Three ways to enter below -
- Leave a comment telling me a new workout you have tried recently.
- Tweet the following: I would love to try @Physique57 so I hope to win this giveaway from @TinaFFF - Leave a separate comment letting me know you tweeted.
- Like FFF on Facebook and leave a separate comment saying so.
Giveaway open to US residents only. Ends Sunday night at 9 PM EST. Winner announced on Monday morning. Good luck!!!!
I just tweeted!
I already like on your FB and I like you in real life too 😛
I’ve been wanting to try one of those barre workouts, but I’m not sure that we have any in the area…
I like you on FB 🙂
The picture of you with the wine bottles is priceless.
Tweeted!
I *like* you on facebook
Last week was my first attempt at the C25K program and my legs felt it! Today I did it on the elliptical to help improve my endurance in a more controlled environment 🙂
I recently tried spinning for the first time and loved it!
I absolutely LOVE the wine bottle weights- talk about motivation to get through your workout! 😉
I’ve really gotten into kettlebells lately and love them for a quick at home workout.
I just started p90x – I am not doing the full program but it is still kicking my butt!!!
Sounds like a kick butt workout 🙂 Love that your little peanut joined in the action. And the wine bottles are awesome weights ;). I would LOVE to win these DVDs. They will be perfect to use when the peanut to-be is sleeping. I haven’t tried any real new workouts lately, but I have put spin back into my weekly rotation
I’m like you… so picky about workout DVDs! I recently tried Jillian Michael’s 6 Weeks to 6 Pack abs… not a huge fan. I kept feeling like I was going to hurt my lower back!
and I already *like* you on Facebook 😉
You look awesome! And I love the wine bottle weights…perfection.
I recently tried a spin class! I’d taken a couple in the past, but it had been years!! I love it now 😀
Sounds like an AWESOME workout!!
I did the Tough Mudder Training Workout this week, and boy was it tough! I was posted about it on my blog today (http://wp.me/p1pM1L-1uU).
I’ve been wanting to try Physique 57, I’ve heard great things!
Love the wine weights! You may need to lighten that load tonight though. 😉
I just did a killer leg workout based on a few mag articles – love to change it up.
We missed you last night!
i tweeted!
new(ish) workouts ive been doing are the bodyrock workouts! all my workouts are at home (haven’t been to a gym in 2 years!) so they’ve added a nice little spice to my daily routine 🙂
and i “like” you on FB 🙂
I tried hot yoga for the first time a couple weeks ago and loved it! It definitely was a great challenge for me and I’m at the point right now where I’m ready to switch up my typical routine, PLUS I’ve been dying to try physique57 for a year now!
Pick me pick me 😉
I have recently tried som interval running workouts on the treadmill. They def kick my butt!
I tweeted 🙂
I have recently tried treadmill running that incorporates hills- yikes that’s a killer
I just tweeted 🙂
I’ve never thought of using wine bottles as weights – good thinking!
I recently took a Zumba class for the first time and it was so much fun! It wasn’t what I expected at all.
i havent tried anything new in awhile so i would love to try this!!
I tweeted:)
@allisonforsh
i liked ya on facebook:)
I am already your friend of FB
Well, I actually went to a pole dancing class. Did pretty good for my age:)
I’ve tried a bunch of new bodyrock workouts in the past week when I couldn’t get to the gym…which is exactly why I want to try Physique 57! Usually I just stick to my strength training (from Rachel Cosgrove’s book) and running.
i just started trying bodyrock workouts and love them! would love to try physique 57 as well! thanks!
Tina I loved this recap — sounds like a super intense workout!
I have recently tried yoga and I enjoy it, although I want to take some instruction to make sure I’m doing the moves right!
i liked you on facebook! and hello!
Today for a cardio workout I did 20mins running, 20cycle, and 20 ellipitical! 20-20-20 keeps things interesting 🙂
I recently tried a new HIIT workout on the treadmill that totally kicked my butt! (I love workouts that do that!)
I tweeted!
I kicked my own ass so hard last weekend I was limping and crippled for 5 days. I did a new free weight routine at the gym that included lots of fun new workouts that I got from the Nike Training App. Ooof! OUCH
I “like” FFF on Facebook!
I just tweeted about the giveaway!: I would love to try @Physique57 so I hope to win this giveaway from @TinaFFF – http://bit.ly/iuxvWd
Holy cow, that does NOT sound fun!
I recently tried a pilates DVD. Wasn’t a huge fan but I was trying to branch out in my Yoga/DVD world.
I tried the Bar Method Dancer’s Body Advanced Workout video for the first time yesterday. It hurt as badly as I imagine P57 does!
I have all three of the first set of Physique 57 DVDs. They are definitely a workout. You should try the Ab/Arm booster. The abs on that KILL! 🙂 I completely agree – who knew a playground ball could do so much!
Ah, I just tweeted that I REALLY REALLY want to win this giveaway! I have been *dying* to try this workout DVD!
Annnnd, a new workout that I recently tried was a pull-out card workout for core work from an issue of Women’s Health. The workout was all standing and used a hand weight so I really like the change up!
I love the pictures with your daughter! You are setting such a good example for her. A new exercise I tried? Definitely Zumba via the game at Fitbloggin! So fun.
Oh and definitely liked FFF on Facebook!
Liked your FB page!