It’s that time of year when every women’s magazine cover trumpets its own formula for the perfect beach body. If you are still feeling a wee bit zaftig from all of those wonderful winter comfort foods you consumed, have no fear help is around the corner. While there is no silver bullet to losing those extra lbs, Physique 57′s  DVD series is pretty damn close. Based on the famed Lotte Berk Method, Physique 57 is a rigorous ballet-inspired routine that is designed to sculpt  long,  lean dancer-like muscles in a full-body routine that takes just 57 minutes. The focus is on developing a strong core, muscle endurance and flexibility. I once heard Physique 57 described as Pilates on steroids. If you want to experience one of  New York-based Physique 57′s wildly popular classes without the $30.00 per class price tag, this home DVD series (of which there are now two) is just the ticket.

Physique 57 at a Glance.

Degree of Difficulty. Challenging to Very Difficult. As a relatively fit woman, I thought I would breeze through the 57 minute classic work out. Wrong. Ten minutes into the DVD, my quads were burning, my legs were shaking and I was pouring sweat. The classic routine starts with a warm up, followed by arm exercises using the 3lb and 5lb weights. I scoffed at these light weights until I did this arm routine. Trust me. They will be plenty heavy when you get into the workout. The Express 30-minute DVD is a bit less hard core but still a solid total body workout especially for those new to the Physique 57 regime.

Fun Factor. I’m not sure I would call Physique 57 “fun” but instructor Tanya Becker is appealing and her light banter keeps your mind off your burning tush as you go through endless squats, plies and leg extensions. The background music is a combination of hip-hop and deep house tracks that’s loud enough to hear without drowning out the instruction.

Production Value. Excellent. The studio is well lit and clear audio makes it easy to follow Tanya’s direction.  She explains each move very clearly as well as the proper positioning of your body to ensure optimal performance and injury prevention. For beginners or those who need to take it a bit easier, there are easy-to-follow modifications to all of the exercises performed in the DVD.

 Cost. About $60.00. The Physique 57 DVD kit includes three DVDs (Classic 57-minute work out, Express 30-minute work out, Arms and Abs Booster), a playground ball and pump. In addition, you’ll need a set each of 3 and 5 pound weights, a yoga mat and a blanket or thick towel.

Physique 57 Benefits. The workout suits just about all fitness levels and is especially good if you are looking to develop muscle tone and definition without the use of heavy weight machinery. This is an especially good workout for sculpting trouble spots like your rear, inner thighs, arms and abdominal region. With clearance from a doctor and some modifications, it’s possible to do Physique 57 through some or all a pregnancy and is especially great post-partum (Side note: Since they offer pregnancy fitness classes in their studios, my guess is that Physique 57 will add a pregnancy workout to its DVD series sooner or later).

Physique 57 Negatives. While Physique 57 claims to provide a good cardio workout (and it’s true your heart rate will go up), I would not rely on this workout for my sole source of cardio. Better to do this workout a few days a week and supplement with your cardio choice on alternate days.

Overall Rating. I’d give the Physique 57′s DVD series a solid 4.5 stars out of 5. This is a challenging full-body workout for time-starved moms and professionals that will produce great results with sustained effort. With a minimum of equipment and priced well under $100.00, Physique 57 series is also less expensive than other popular home workout series like Turbo Fire, P90X and Insanity.

Have you tried Physique 57 at home or in studio? What was your experience and would you recommend it to others? 

$1400. This is approximately the amount I paid my gym last year to not work out. Now I sort of had a good excuse because last year was my first full year as a new mom. Still, despite all of my good intentions, I think it made to the gym all of 10 times last year. That’s not to say I didn’t work out – just not at the gym. Late last year Dr. D. and I decided to get rid of our gym membership for a year to see if we could create a fitness routine at home. We’ve accepted that our days of 90 minute workouts are pretty much over now that we are parents. Over the next few posts I’ll share with you some of the equipment and DVDs I’ve tried out. My personal goal is not just exercise but to really get and stay in top shape. My criteria for a good work out DVD  is that it’s challenging, works all of my major muscle groups, can be completed in an hour or less, and has high-production value. My newest find is TurboFire and it’s replaced Zumba as my go-to workout out right now.

TurboFire is a high-intensity work out that is based on boxing, plyometrics and hip hop dance. Creator Chalene Johnson, developed a workout system that combines long high-intensity work outs, short (15-20 minute) High Intensity Interval Training (referred to as HIIT) and sculpting and stretching classes. The system is very much geared towards working all of the major muscle groups in the body. The shortest workout is 15 minutes and the longest is 55 minutes. If you follow Chalene’s system, you’ll work out six days a week with a day of rest mid-week.

TurboFire at a Glance:

Degree of Difficulty. Moderate to Very Difficult. I consider myself to be in good cardiovascular shape and this workout really challenged me. There is a lot jumping, kicking, jabbing and squatting and not a lot of rest periods. There are one minute “fire-drills” where you will go all out to boost your metabolism.

Fun Factor. High. Chalene Johnson has great energy and presence and the music is fantastic.  You really do feel like you are in class with her and the other class participants. She’s one part drill instructor –”You are a MACHINE. You can DO THIS.” and one part cheerleader “You are in the home stretch. Dig deep!” This might be annoying for some.

Production Value. Excellent. The studio the class takes place in is well lit and clear audio makes it easy to follow Chalene’s instructions.  She breaks down new routines to give you a chance to pick up the moves before moving into high gear. On the stage with her is one person doing the high-intensity routine and another doing a lower-impact modified routine. The music is great if you like techno and house music. Each DVD comes with the option to boost the music volume in the background once you’ve mastered the routines and need less verbal instruction.

Cost. About $150.00. The TurboFire system includes eight instructional DVDs, two exercise bands, a getting started guide and a nutrition guide. You may be able to find this system for cheaper on E-bay or Amazon as well.

Don’t Do TurboFire if…you have any kind of joint problems, including back, neck and knee injuries or if you are injury prone.  Also avoid TurboFire if you are pregnant or have just had a baby as your joints are still going to be jangly after giving birth. If you are not into club music, dance moves and lots of disco “woot” shouts you might also want to give this DVD a pass.

Overall, I’d rate TurboFire a four stars on a scale of one to five. I’ve withheld one star because I would like to see better low-impact modifications for people who are less fit. I love the variety of workouts on the DVDs, the music and the quality of the instruction. The work out is fast and intense and I love that I can get a full-body workout in less than an hour. If you follow the workout plan and modify your diet you will see results.  I’ve been doing the routine now for two weeks and have lost an inch off my waist and a half inch off my hips. So far so good.

Do you have a favorite exercise DVD? Do share!