In "Sex and the City ," Carrie Bradshaw became famous for going against the grain. If she hadn't escaped from Miranda's "Goddess Workout" class early, she'd joke that she got all the cardio she needed from shopping. Sarah Jessica Parker, on the other hand, reportedly enjoys doing barre at a fitness studio called Physique 57.
With offices in New York, Philadelphia and other cities around the world, Physique 57 also offers virtual fitness classes. Dance-like barre moves and bodyweight-based exercises are available to anyone in the mood to move and groove, including me, who recently transitioned to a low-impact fitness lifestyle.
After trying virtual workouts and IRL Physique 57 workouts, I felt stretched, sore, and a little like a ballerina. Read on for my honest review of fitness classes.
What is 57 constitution?
There are countless barre training programs on the market, but what makes Physique 57 stand out is that it offers carefully designed classes that work all of your muscles through a combination of cardio and strength training.
Most movements use your own body weight as resistance. You can also use the ballet barre for support during extra-deep stretches or during exercises like push-ups. Depending on the class you attend, you can also squeeze a mini exercise ball, pull on a resistance band, or use some hand weights. The result is an intense but low-intensity workout designed to maximize your full-body strength.
Physique 57 is also constantly changing its training plans, so while the class structure remains the same, you can always try a new combination of exercises. Target? Keep things interesting while preventing the dreaded workout plateau.
exercise
Whether you're new to barre training or want a thorough workout, there are a variety of Physique 57 classes to choose from.
For ease, choose the Beginner Sculpting Course. This signature workout uses all of the studio's go-to exercises, like wide-leg incline squats and a glute-building move called the "pretzel," to give you a unique, all-around workout. If you are new to the barre or want to perfect your form, this is a great one to try.
There's also Power Sculpt, which is next level. It offers more intense strength training and higher reps, keeping your heart rate high at all times. Although difficult, players of all levels are still welcome as it's always possible to modify your moves or take a break.
You'll also get back sculpting, which focuses on your back and triceps; a state-of-the-art energy sculpting lab to take things to the next level; aerobic dance workouts; and a class called Amped Up to increase your cardiac output; Pilates core classes for all levels; ab-focused core labs; HIIT classes; recovery stretching routines; and prenatal routines.
Prices may vary by location, but an annual membership costs approximately $157 per month, monthly memberships are $179, and a single IRL session is $32. On-demand classes start at $24.99 per month, and virtual streaming classes are $23 per class.
my experience
For a quick refresher on levers, I started with Sculpt: Morgan 101 Arms, a 15-minute exercise using heavier weights and movements designed to target your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back muscles -Think planks and slow bicep curls. Even though it was short, my arms felt full of air because we were moving so slowly and deliberately.
Next, I took another on-demand class from Morgan, but this time it was gentle barre work with a focus on technique. This was perfect because I was feeling a little low on energy, so I appreciated the lighter weights, basic movements, and reminders of alignment. We use the back of a chair and dumbbells to perform heating moves like leg pulses, squats, and arm extensions, resulting in a full-body, relaxing (but challenging enough) workout.
Later that week I took a strength sculpture class at a local studio in Philadelphia. The class lasted a full hour without a break, but I barely noticed the time because I was completely focused on channeling my inner ballerina to hit every muscle in my body.
As we move from stretches on the floor to a series of planks, bicep curls, tricep extensions, squats, more squats while holding the barbell and resistance bands, and finally core training using a mini medicine ball At this time, the coach cheered us up. At one point we also put the ball between the knees to add more leg work.
Like many barre classes, Physique 57 uses small pulsating movements and lots of stretching - a bit like in a ballet class. The goal is to work the muscles through the entire range of motion while stretching and lengthening the body.
During class, the instructor came to me a few times to make small adjustments, just like a ballet teacher would do. By moving my arms or legs slightly to align them correctly, I'm able to get the most out of each movement, which she says also helps prevent injuries. (This also allowed me to feel the burning sensation more fully.)
The instructor also encouraged me to pick up hand weights that were slightly outside of my comfort zone. (Consider using a six-pound weight instead of two.) This way, my muscles are constantly stimulated and I don't have to do as many reps. At the end of the class we did some great stretches, like Child's Pose , which were like a dream for my quivering lower body muscles.
judgment
As I was walking home from my workout at the studio, I noticed that I felt like two inches taller—no doubt thanks to all the stretching on the barre. I also get the ~BEST~ post-workout endorphin rush that makes all the sweating and burn-inducing micro-movements 100% worth it.
After trying Physique 57 for a week, I can see why Sarah Jessica Parker is a fan. The barre move hits all the little muscles in your arms, legs, and core, making you feel incredibly strong. I will definitely be back for more.
