Chrissy Teigen, Alessandra Ambrosio and Suki Waterhouse all love going to the same barre-based class to keep their muscles toned – Physique 57.
The method utilizes intervals of cardio, strength training, stretching and recovery to lengthen and tone arm, thigh, glute and ab muscles while burning fat, with additional class offerings that focus on specific areas. The studio boasts that clients will begin to see results after only eight sessions. Prices for a single class range from $27 to $37 depending on the location, with package deals also available.
Us reporter Alissa Schulman took the 57-minute class four times a week for four weeks to see if she could get that model body. Here are the results:
Class 1:
I start with the Signature level class, even though Physique 57’s website recommends taking at least four Beginner level classes before Signature. Clearly, I made is a mistake, as I spend most of the class looking around with a confused look on my face, desperately trying to keep up. I must’ve done something right though, because my muscles are tired afterward and sore the next two days.
Class 2:
Recognizing my previous poor decision, I take my first Beginner class. This is so much better. The slower pace helps me to fully focus on each move and make sure I am feeling the burn in the correct muscle areas.
Class 3:
I finally feel like I can do each move with little to no correction from my (patient) instructor after another Beginner class!
Class 4:
My last Beginner class and the last class of my first week – also happens to be the first class that I think of as a little me time and not hard work. I’m feeling like a pro.
Week 2:
I’m traveling this week, so I can’t make it into the studio for class. Luckily, Physique 57 has an online option – Physique On Demand. I stick with the Signature online classes since I’m still new to this, but there is a mix-and-match option for more adventurous fitness fans. I’m definitely less inhibited during the online workouts at home than I am in the studio and make a mental note to bring that hip action into my next class. At the end of this week, I notice some new muscle definition in my quads and email my instructor to gloat.
Week 3:
I up my weights from 5 pounds to 8 pounds at the start of this week because 5 pounds started feeling too easy. It takes me a few classes to figure out what my 8-pound limitations are, but once I find them, I feel good about slowly increasing my range. I start to use the muscle emoji in texts to friends.
Week 4:
I look down and there are two visible upper abs. While I did have a flat-enough stomach before, I certainly did not have two visible upper abs. I get somewhat emotional over my abs — and my arms, and my quads — as I think back over the past four weeks. Is it bikini season yet?
At the end of it all, I understand why Physique 57 has a cult-like following. I’m seeing connections between my movements and my muscles more clearly now, but am still shocked by the wide age range of my classmates and very impressed every time I’m at the barre next to a pregnant woman. (Seriously, is there anyone who can’t succeed at this workout?)
Physique 57 has studios in New York City, the Hamptons, Beverly Hills, Dubai and Bangkok in addition to their streaming platform, Physique On Demand. Visit physique57.com for more details.
