Since moving to New York City over three years ago, I’ve made my rounds to the different bar method studios in the city. Each time a new one opens I feel the need to give it a try, especially as more and more open near Gramercy.
While I may try numerous different places, every single time my heart eventually leads me back to Physique 57, the very first bar class I tried back in April of 2009, when Bo was living down in the Financial District. I used to walk the mile to the Spring Street location and enjoy evening classes during my May unlimited package. During that month I took more than 15 classes and loved each and every one for the same reason: the level of instruction and attention to detail. All pictures courtesy of Well+Good. 
Friday evening Well+Good NYC and Physique 57 hosted a group of bloggers for a class with the co-founder, Tanya Becker. This was such a treat as we had the opportunity to enjoy an intense workout while laughing and getting to know each other since many people were visiting the city for BlogHer. I loved sharing the class with them, especially those who questioned the light weights in the very beginning. This is definitely a high repetition class incorporating resistance training and deep stretching while working the entire body with small movements.
Even though it had been a year since I walked through the doors of Physique, as soon as I saw the familiar bar, blue carpet, and playground balls I knew it would be a wonderful workout. While this was one of the most intense classes I’ve taken, I never once worried about injury or not “feeling a movement” as both Tanya and her assistant were circulating the class constantly, adjusting form and providing very detailed instructions.
I dare you to try one of their classes and leave without working each of your muscle groups or feeling your legs quiver. Due to the class diversity and instructors’ watchful eye this just isn’t possible. There are times when I wish I lived or worked closer to one of their New York City locations as I truly love every class I take and feel that after only one class I can feel myself standing taller and engaging my core muscles. I do not question whether I would see results equal to my personal training sessions. But, much to my wallets elation and my marathon training legs, taking regular classes just isn’t possible right now.
But, if you’re ever looking for someone to accompany you to a Physique 57 workout, just shoot me an email and I’ll be there! If you don’t think taking a class in NYC is in the cards, I can’t recommend their DVD’s enough! My favorite DVD is the Physique Arm & Ab Booster since it is only 30 minutes in length but includes 14 minutes of arm workouts that engage each and every muscle and leave my arms screaming by the end. You can read my full review here.
If you want to read more about Physique 57, check out the other review from Meghann, Caitlin, Gina, and Theodora!
I’ve been getting really into barre since starting a VBarre package at NYSC last month… may have to check out the Physique 57 DVDs to try it on the road! Glad to know that you love them 🙂
I have got to try this place! Looks like an awesome workout. If it was anything like the Pure Barre class, I’m sure my muscles will get a good workout!
I LOVED it. LOVED. I have half a post written…gah. work.
I am SO envious at all the class possibilities you have up there! I’d become totally addicted to trying them all!
Thanks for linking back to my review, Ashley. I loved meeting you and hanging out while WORKING out! I wasn’t sure how intense the workout would be in the beginning (yup one of those) but 5 minutes into the class I was loving the burn. The attention to the students really IS amazing! I wish I lived in NYC so I could go more often but even if I did I’m not sure it’d be in the cards for my wallet right now either. Still I can’t wait to try the DVD we received. Hope to see you again soon 🙂 great review!
Ashley I am so jealous of your class! I tried to go to as many as I could when I lived in the city and ever since then have been using all of their videos. They even were sweet of enough to give me a schedule using the videos so I could do their bridal challenge at home and it made such a difference! Good luck marathoning! Next time I visit the city we’ll take a class together!