Physique 57 is a technique developed by Tanya Becker, a former Lotte Berk instructor. Tanya has succeeded in updating the LB Method while retaining its essence. The result is a challenging, high-energy, FUN workout that produces awesome results. P57 uses upbeat music (dance, drums, hip-hop) and it is a non-stop workout. I have tried and enjoy pretty much all “barre” workouts available and this is by far my favorite. It’s addictive!

The workout is set in a bright studio with wood floors, blue panels in the background, and portable ballet barres. There are six background exercisers, all instructors or students from the NYC studios. They are fit and extremely flexible. All participants smile during the workout and seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves. Their enthusiasm is infectious! One participant (Shelly) demonstrates more advanced variations of the moves and another participant shows modifications for less experienced exercisers. Equipment required: A ballet barre or chair, a mat and thick cushion (or rolled towel), and a playground ball.

The Express Workout is touted as a total body workout but the upper body work is quite limited. Although the upper body muscles as recruited to stabilize the body during some of the barre work, upper body exercises basically consist of two sets of pushups and one set of triceps dips. Nevertheless, Tanya packs a lot in this short session that will leave you feeling pleasantly worked out and energized. Here is a general breakdown:

Warm-up:
• Alternate knee lifts
• Pushups
• Side plank
• Plank with double knee tap
• Triceps dips
• Chest stretch

Thighs:
The thigh work consists of plié and squat variations as well as knee dancing.
• Plié series with fee in a small V position and a ball placed between the thighs: (1) Pulse down; (2) Squeeze ball / plié down and lift up; (3) Pulse down; (4) Shake hips side-to-side / plié down and lift up; (5) Pulse down; (6) Plié down to heels and lift up
• Hold the ball in the hands and squat / alternate heel lift
• Put the ball down and hold the barre / Shake hips side-to-side / Shake faster with heels up
• Parallel position, legs together and heels up: Pulse down; Plié to heels and lift up
• On floor: Knee dancing

Seat:
The standing seat work consists of variations on hip extensions, leg adductions and arabesque. It includes tempo variations as well as changes in range of movement (i.e., small isometric pulses versus large, full range movement).

Abs:
The ab work consists of variations on isometric curls performed in a reclining position with the lower back supported with a rolled towel or cushion.
• Place the towel/cushion under your lower back for support and place the ball under the feet, hands under thighs: (1) Curl up and down; (2) Extend legs and bend knees; (3) Hold legs extended and shimmy the shoulders.
• Hold the ball in your hands and do a figure 8.
• Place the ball between the knees: (1) Squeeze the ball; (2) Curl up and down, pressing the hands forward.
• Extend the legs and place the ball on your stomach, with the elbows on the ball: Curl up and down.

Stretch
Brief but thorough stretch focusing on the hips and glutes.

Instructor Comments:
Tanya is a super dynamic, energetic instructor. Some exercisers might not enjoy her constant talking and “attitude” but I personally find her motivating, positive, and funny with comments like: “You are a thigh warrior!” or “Strive now. You can do it!” She does not interrupt the workout to provide alignment cues but she provides a lot of solid form pointers during the exercises.

Fuzzie