I have used Physique 57‘s workout DVDs for years and experienced excellent results. For example, I was never able to do one full on-toes pushup until after working with the Physique 57 Volume 1 set for a few months. Anyone who remembers me from high school PE class would confirm that I could barely do the modified pushups! I must admit I am a bit of a “fan girl” when it comes to Physique 57 due to the wonderful results I experienced. So prepare to read a gushing review…
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| Most of the Necessary Equipment for the Physique 57 Classic Workout Volume 2 |
Workout Summary:
Instructor: Tanya Becker
Difficulty Level: intermediate to advanced
Runtime: 57 minutes
Purpose: bodyweight strength and “toning” and flexibility
Music: upbeat pop and dance music
Equipment Used: playground ball, yoga mat, ballet barre or substitute, at least two sets of dumbbells, thick towel or cushion (I roll my yoga mat)
Menus and Chapters: This dvd includes chapter breaks that are not listed on the main menu. The main menu is pretty basic including an introduction from Tanya, the main workout, client testimonials and some basic information about Physique 57.
Impact Level: very low
Setting: a brightly lit studio with the instructor leading a class
*I listed a ballet barre as required equipment. You don’t need an actual ballet barre, other household furniture will do just fine. You may use a sturdy chair, the back of a sofa, kitchen island, etc. I do have a portable ballet barre, but for Physique 57 I usually use the back of my sofa as my “barre”. It is placed perfectly in line with my television and is actually just the right height.
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| Screenshot of Menu Page for Physique 57 Classic Workout Vol. 2 |
My Impressions and Experience With Physique 57 Classic, Volume Two
After some time away, I started using Physique 57 DVDs again. I am currently taking a swimming class and feel that I want to work on my core strength and endurance as a complement. I started with Physique 57 Classic, Volume 2, why volume two? It just happens to be the workout I fancied yesterday. I know I should review Volume 1 first but I feel the volume 2 set is slightly better produced than the original Physique 57 set. Both sets include excellent workouts, but the volume 2 DVDs have chapter breaks (an improvement over the original set). I wasn’t sure whether I had the core strength and endurance to complete the full workout–so I opted with the version with chapter breaks!
I just wanted to comment on the weighs used in this workout. I feel that Physique 57 is primarily a bodyweight workout that includes the use of relatively light weights to further enhance the bodyweight work. It includes some small pulsing movements and isometric contractions, as is typical for barre workouts. I know it has been fashionable in fitness circles to criticize workouts that use lighter weight resistance, but I feel the use of light weights is very appropriate and effective for this type of workout. I also lift heavier weights, but the use of heavy weights would not be safe for this nor for other barre workouts. As I mentioned, my strength and muscle endurance improved immensely from using other Physique 57 workout DVDs. So depending on where you are in your fitness journey, it is possible to see functional strength gains due to consistent use of this workout.
What I Like About This Workout:
- The instructor, Tanya Becker is highly charismatic and motivating.
- The workout keeps moving, little time is used to set-up between each exercise. This can be a pro or con, depending on your preferences. I think it does add a slight learning curve, but after following the workout a couple times I knew what to expect and would set up my yoga mat, water bottle and weights for quick transitions between exercises. The exercises themselves work at an appropriate speed for me–fast enough that no time is wasted but slow enough so I can maintain good form.
- The music is motivating and upbeat. Too often, workout DVDs use rather generic sounding music due to royalty issues. It is always an improvement when the music somehow enhances the workout experience.
- Physique 57 Classic Volume Two is a great full body workout. The “Classic” workouts move through a typical barre workout sequence. The sequence includes: a warmup, upper body work with weights or on the mat, standing leg work at the barre, a second set of upper body work on the mat, standing seat work at the barre, core work on the mat and exercises for the lower back followed by stretches. Each interval also includes a short stretch break before moving on to the next section of the sequence. While many of the movements are functional, compound bodyweight exercises, I feel that every major and many minor muscle groups are worked.
This Workout DVD Might Not Be For You If:
- You prefer slower paced barre workouts with a calmer energy. Some barre workout fans love faster-paced workouts such as this, while others like a more peaceful vibe so they can really focus on the mind-body connection. The mind-body connection is still important to get an effective workout from Physique 57 dvds, it just has a more extroverted, high energy vibe.
- If you have no experience with barre workouts or a related genre such as pilates or yoga then your learning curve might be a little steep. There are other barre workouts more suitable for a beginner. I started using the Physique 57 Volume 1 set with no prior barre experience, but I had previous pilates, dance (including adult beginner ballet) and yoga experience so was able to follow along with the modifier at that time. I do think other ambitious beginners could do similar, if they give themselves permission to take micro-rests and follow the modifier.
- Tanya Becker’s comments may inspire some and annoy others. She uses a mix of useful form cues, inspirational comments, and “tongue in cheek” comments that are also inspirational for some. Like anyone with a strong personality, some may click with her and others not. I would suggest searching YouTube for the trailer from Physique 57 DVDs to get a feel for whether you will enjoy her instruction style.
Disclosure Statement: This review is for a product that I purchased. This is my honest opinion and I have not been paid for this review. I have included affiliate links to my Amazon Associate Account and may receive a small commission if any readers follow the link and purchase. Most likely, I would use such commission to buy Physique 57‘s new workout Physique Cardio Sculpt.
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