Physique 57 DVDs: Review

Physique 57 is a terrific exercise studio that focuses on toning, strengthening and sculpting.  Not everyone lives near a location, or wants to pay the somewhat steep fees per class. 

Your solution?  Physique 57 offers workout DVDs that are absolutely effective and true to the live classes.  I own the Volume I workout (all DVDs found here), which includes the classic 57 minute full body workout, the express 30 minute full body workout and the arm and ab booster 30 minute workout.  My workout set also came with the Physique 57 exercise ball.  This set costs $59.95 plus shipping and handling.  Volume II is $10 cheaper, but doesn't include the exercise ball.  You can also buy both volumes, including the exercise ball, for $99.90 plus shipping and handling.

(photo credit)

I have used these DVDs several times and enjoy the workouts.  As mentioned in prior posts, I used to take similar barre-style classes at a different studio in NYC so I recognized many of the moves already.  The workouts on each DVD, even the 30 minute express workouts, are difficult and effective.  I definitely felt sore afterwards.  For moves that required a barre, I simply used the back of a sturdy chair dragged in front of the tv from the dining area.

I know people that use these workouts several times a week (I also know people that go to the studio several times a week for live classes).  Like everything else in life, you get out what you put in!  If you put in 100% effort and pay attention to form, despite the burn you will absolutely feel in your legs and abs, then you will benefit from these DVDs.  I incorporate these DVDs into my home workouts when I want to deviate from a straight cardio/HIIT/weights routine.

As a final note, I didn't pay the full price for these DVDs.  I bought my Volume I set on eBay, including the exercise ball, for a discount.  If you are interested in workout DVDs but you are looking to save money, I always suggest checking eBay first!

How I Started Working Out at Home - circa 2008

So there I was, a thirty year old woman, newly engaged, and looking for a small workout video to supplement my gym workouts at home when the weather refused to cooperate with my gym-going plans.

I was a member of a wedding chat board, and all the buzz that year was about Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.

I ordered it, used it once, and promptly threw it on my pile of movies.

Over three years later, I started the process of building my own "home" gym and started to scout out exercise DVDs, and remembered that I, once upon a time, owned this.  I decided to give it another try, and am glad to report that I didn't give her video enough of a chance the first time around.  The short 20-ish minute workouts are challenging enough... but I swap out the tiny hand weight exercises for some more hardcore kettlebell lifts.  I usually tack on something else after doing this workout -- anything from using the treadmill, to some relaxing pilates, to something insanely high-intensity... you know how it goes!  Once you get started, you want to keep going!