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 tweeted
And I “like” you on facebook
I’ve been using the Bob Harper Inside Out Method DVDs lately and they’re great! I’ve also been testing the waters with P90X and Insanity workouts, just to see how I feel about them. But I’m like you and don’t usually get into DVDs that much. It takes a real good one to get me hooked, so I’d love to test this one out!!
And I already like you on Facebook!
I tried Jazzercise, I was not sure about it going in but once I started I was hooked. Lots of fun!
I liked FFF on facebook!
I have been doing Fitnessista’s Summer Shape Up workouts! I haven’t really done circuits like this before outside of a personal training setting, and I’ve really been liking it so far! 🙂
PS I tweeted 🙂
Tried the Zumba DVDs last week….have to say, I really like them! However, my all time fav is 30 Day Shred!
I already like you on Facebook!
ooh, i’d love to try this. i’ve just started dabbling in the bodydoctor workout (picked up the book in london) and like it so far…
For the past 2 weeks, I’ve been working out to Jillian Michael’s No More Trouble Zones DVD to shake up my routine.
I started crossfit a couple of weeks ago, and I’m loving it so far. I’ve done the classes similar to physique 57 before, and they were tough!
I just started taking vinyasa yoga classes! Holy hot…I love them!!
and I having been “LIKE”ing FFF for a long time!
I just bought my first “adult” bike!! I’ve been using it every day and I LOVE it.
I just did a blog post about all the new workout dvds I got in the mail today! The newest workout I’ve tried is pilates with a ball. I’m no longer a gym member, so I’m loving the workout dvds, and would love to win this!
I tweeted your giveaway!
Wow, sounds intense! I’ve been trying new weights workouts lately and been loving them.
I am trying new sprint workouts… gotta get back in the running game!
A new work out that I tried recently was hatha yoga. I’ve tried “yoga” before, but not a specific type. I love it!
I tweeted about the giveaway!
I’ve recently tried Violet Zaki’s Bridal Body Burn and I loved it. It just felt like a good workout the whole way through and the switches from one exercise to another were fairly smooth. I hate getting confused on what I’m supposed to do next when I’m working out!
I also like you(FFF) on Facebook. 🙂
I tried joining a gym! I usually always do different workout DVDs but I decided to try a gym to see if paying for it every month would help. (it hasn’t!) I’ll probably go back to my DVDs soon!
I tweeted about it!
Nice work! I’ve been wanting to try Physique 57 and a few other workouts for a while now. It definitely sounds like a killer.
I just started the fitnessista’s summer shape up plan. Her circuits and strength workouts are great and get you sweating in no time!
I’m also working toward running further distances in my vibrams, but it takes a lot of time to work up the foot strength!
OMG. I’ve been asking for these videos for the past 2 Christmas and birthdays. No one ever gets them for me. I want them sooo bad.
I like any Jillian Michaels DVDs. The workouts are usually short with weight training and high intensity intervals- best of both worlds.
Hi! Found you through Stacy Eats! I haven’t tried any new work outs recently – I think I am stuck in a rut of walking and then doing 2 days of weight training! So I need to win so I can try something new and get out of this rut!
ps I liked you on FB!
I’ve been reading a lot about this and I want to try it!
I tweeted 🙂
I liked you on FB
It’s not new for me, but as usual I’m loving my vinyasa yoga.
I’ve been wanting to try P57, as I’m always game to add some new DVD’s to my stay at home Mom workout repertoire :).
I tried Physique 57 at the Beverly Hills studio last month. I had a hard time finishing the class because it was soooo hard and soooo different from my normal routine. However, I didn’t feel at all sore the next day. Odd…
I’m in week 3 of P90X. So far the workouts aren’t as difficult as I thought they would be but still a challenge!
YES!!! I knew you’d love a workout like this if you gave it a shot. This is very similar to Core Fusion and the barre n9ne work I’m doing now. LOVE that it owned you. Hurts so good, huh? 🙂
I tweeted your give away
I already like FFF on facebook!
Jillian Michaels circuit workout DVD kicks my butt everytime… I thought I was in shape until I did it. But it feels soo good!
I can’t say I’ve tried anything new in a while, but I take taekwondo classes and do DVDs (The Firm and Billy Blanks) at home!
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I’ve been walking with weights since I can’t run right now!
I tweeted!
I have been using Bob Harper’s Inside Out Method DVD’s. I love them. He is not as sweet as he seems on Biggest Loser. He is tough!
I recently tried body pump and love it!!
I’ve been doing some Tone It Up workouts lately! I love them!
And, I now like you on fb! 🙂
I have been doing Fitnessista’s Summer Shape Up workouts! With modifications of course since i’m el preggo.
and of course im already a FB fan of you! :o)