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 love how you used wine bottles as weights! I always knew wine was versatile, but never thought of that 😀 Recently I’ve been doing Jillian Michaels’s 30 Day Shred, it’s been really convenient when I was an all-encompassing workout in just 30 minutes. I also checked out a strength-training yoga DVD from the library and am excited to try it out. Would like to try Physique 57 too!
I just started doing a Yoga Booty Ballet class. Its so much fun, and a good workout!
I just started doing Spinning a month ago, and fell in LOVE!! I have heard of this and would be tickled pink if I won!
I already like you on Facebook 🙂
I tweeted this!
I like you on FB
I recently started doing the Body For Life workouts and I love them!
I just tried this workout called the Death Deck using a deck of cards and 4 different exercises done for reps that equal each number on the card…. it totally kicked my butt!!
I haven’t tried out any new workouts lately, just the same old same old of running, yoga, and BodyPump! I guess that’s why I want this DVD…to mix it up a little!
I tweeted!
my current favorite workout is urban rebounding. so much fun. I love barre workouts. Hope i win the dvd!
I also liked you on facebook 🙂
and tweeted 🙂
My Physical Therapist office has this awesome skater thing I can’t even describe. But it had my legs quivering and was so fun.
I bought Ripped in 30 by Jillian Michaels. It has 4 30 minute workouts and it is challenging. I recommend it!
jillian michaels 30 day shred. It’s actually pretty good! and i usually dont think dvd’s are so effective, but i was sweating and breathing pretty hard
I’ve been checking out your blog for a few weeks now and I love it! You’re an inspiration and you attitude can’t be beat. Keep it up! As for a “new” workout, I just jumped on the running bandwagon and am stuggling my way through those first miles
I’m normally just a runner because a gym membership in the city is sooo expensive!
tweeeted!
I recently tried yoga for abs- OH BOY! I was burning after that one.
I tweeted <3
After watching your success with it, I’ve started the couch to 5k program (its kicking my bum, too – I have NO endurance) as well as incorporating some strength training learned from my old buff brides book – but I sure could use some new ideas!
I already like you on fb, too 🙂
I’ve been swimming lately and I love it!
I tweeted! 🙂
And I already like you on FB!
This is my first time visiting your site. I have tried Jillian Michaels Online Circuit Training and that is really kicking me, however I would love to try this new DVD. Great site so far, I am sure I will continue to visit!
I went and spent the night with my BFF and she got me to try Insanity! Let’s just say my muscles were shaking for two hours afterward!
i tweeted {dailygraces}
i like you on facebook 😉
[…] You Don’t Want to Miss Out On: Physique 57 Giveaway (ends […]
I haven’t tried a new workout lately, but I need to, so this would be perfect!
I like your FB page.
I have finally been getting into running- it’s so hard & I can barely go 2 miles, but it feels good to see slow improvements. This program looks like the perfect complement to go along with running!
I recently started spinning classes when I got a stress fracture from running. I am now obsessed.
Thanks for the give away and your blog.
I just started taking Pilates mat classes at my gym and I love it!!!
I tried Jillian Michaels’ “Yoga Meltdown” DVD recently. It was a decent workout, much more strength oriented than yoga-zen.
I tweeted! (@carrotrunr)
I liked FFF on facebook.
TRX and The Dailey Method
I’ve been wanting to try the Tracy Anderson method for awhile!
I have also tried Jillian’s Ripped in 30 just last week! Would love to try this one.
I started trail walking.
Liked you on Face Book. Also, started doing Jillian’s yoga program since breaking my jaw and having to stop running for while.
I recently tried Jillian’s 30-day shred.
A new workout that I’ve tried recently (last week) and now absolutely LOVE is Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown. It is challenging, especially after doing a half hour of cardio before hand. It gets me sweating buckets but I love working hard in my workouts 🙂
I would love to try this workout DVD!!!
I tweeted!
I just started doing the Nike Training Club workouts. They are hard core!
And I like FFF on FB 🙂