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 recently started trying all of Jillian Michael’s dvds. She gives a tough workout in her 30 day shred and yoga meltdown!
I tried stand up paddle for a fun activity. And I’ve been throwing in some yoga lately too! 🙂
I recently tried out the Tracy Anderson mat workout – definitely kicks your booty! But I love it 🙂
I like FFF on facebook!
I really love working out to Chalene Extreme. It is a great strength training video from Chalene Johnson. I never get tired of hearing her motivational comments.
I also am digging the water aerobics I have been doing in the pool. It is fun to be in the water, staying cool, but still getting in a good workout.
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I don’t have a signature pose, but I feel like I should get one. I will think on it 🙂
Keren
Tweeted it! @goofyfrito
Physique 57 sounds like a great workout! I love to try new workouts, I recently tried the Biggest loser, cardio Max. Its definitely keeps me moving!
I’m a fan of FFF on Facebook 🙂
I like FFF on Facebook.
I haven’t tried any new exercises lately, but I would like to!
The other day, I tried Fitnessista’s workout#2 for summer shape up, it was an awesome workout and I loved it! However, I love incorporating new workouts so I don’t get bored and I would love to try this!!
I’ve been YOXING which is a combination of yoga and boxing. And… it… is… Amazing!! Please pick me, I’d love to try Physique 57!! 🙂
I tried a pilates DVD at home. It wasn’t bad. Love to try the Physique 57!
I tried P90X’s Ab Ripper X recently; it was a doozy!
Just liked you on FB 🙂
The last workout I have tried was P90X, good but definitely a time commitment and hard to fit in with my running schedule. I would love to try Physique 57!!
I “liked” FFF on FB!
I adore yoga…am completely in love with it. But I recently came across a 6-wk skinny jeans yoga routine in Women’s Health magazine and am excited to try it out. I started the plan on Wednesday and have been sore (a good sore, of course!) for 2 days now and can’t wait to get back to it tomorrow!
I tweeted!
I like you on Facebook!
I started doing Jackie Warner’s standing ab moves and I love them! They are really fun and so much better than crunches. P.S. I used tomato jars all the time for weights!
I haven’t tried anything super new lately unless walking during running counts (I’m 36 weeks preggo). I’d love this, though, for post-baby workouts!
I like FFF on FB
i just tried body pump and it kicked my tail!
I tried a cycling class at my gym, and my legs hurt (in a good way) like crazy! I’d love to try Physique 57, since I need all the leg burning I can get. 😉
Kayaking is my new summer workout!
Zumba! And I sucked at it!
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/kstrembel/status/81745649267245057
My fiance & I purchased a tandem bike last weekend. We’ve rode a few trails with one and decide it would be a good investment . 🙂
Tweeted too! @_seoul
I’m doing the Insanity workout. It’s actually not as crazy as the ads make it seem. It’s a fun workout.
After a recent running injury, I am working on incorporating more strength training into my routine and doing a better job at STRETCHING!! 🙂
Tweeted!
Like you on Facebook!
My husband and I are in month 2 of the Insanity DVD’s. I love them and hate them at the same time! Extremely good and hard aerobic interval workout.
its truely not a “new” workout, but recently I began using my drive way (which is steep) as a platform for lunges 🙂 so fun! at least to me. lol.
I also follow you on FB
I recently tried Turbo Fire for the first time! It was gooood 🙂
I liked you on facebook 🙂
I totally want to try this workout DVD after your review haha…with wine bottles 🙂 The last workout dvd I tried was Jillian’s 30-day shred and I am not a fan…too easy haha.
The last workout I tried was Jillian’s Yoga Meltdown..it was..different. I won’t say it was bad, but I didn’t really think it was yoga.
I tweeted on June 17th at 11:53 am!
I tried Cathe a few months ago because you — I love her!!! (so thanks for that!)
I haven’t tried a new work out recently, I am 35 days from my due date, and under orders to not push it. I have a list of work outs I want to try as soon as I get cleared, this includes Physique 57.
just getting back into running after baby #4!
A new workout I recently did was on the beach! We were on vacation with a couple other families last week, and a couple of the Mom’s lead a group of us in some hard core cardio circuits. I was finally forced to do my most hated move: The Burpee. Bleh. But I ended up having a lot of fun and getting in a great workout!
I also liked you on Facebook! 🙂
I just started to incorporate Bikram into my weekly workout schedule. It is so challenging and very different than my typical workouts, but I am really enjoying it!
I’ve recently tried new workouts on demand but a new DVD would be stellar!
I just “liked” you on facebook! I’ve been reading your blog for about six months now, and I’ve never commented! I would love to incorporate this new DVD into my workout regimen as I’ve only been running and am interested starting to strength train as well.