Michelle's Musings: A Mom-Friendly Workout Solution

It is January - need I say more? It's that "fabulous" time of year when we finally slow down post-holidays and regroup. OH. MY. GOSH. How did I gain 12 pounds in 6 weeks?! Yes, it's THAT time of year. New year, new promises, new you... which usually means a new, expensive gym membership.

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I am a vocal Physique 57 addict. I am in their studio 3 - 6 times per week and have been since June of 2006. 

Physique 57 is an innovative workout program that uses your body’s own weight as resistance (a welcome break for Supermoms who spend their days lifting 30-40 pound toddlers). Through dynamic exercises, your muscles are targeted and overloaded to the point of fatigue, then stretched for relief. Physique calls this process "interval overload" which includes gut-wrenching arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, a solid 10 minutes of ab moves and fluid stretches throughout and at the end of the class.

When a friend asked me to attend a Physique class with her at the Bridgehampton location way back in summer 2006, I wasn't sure what to expect. The class was challenging but manageable with a very positive and encouraging environment. The teachers learn your name quickly and only positively reinforce you so you will never feel inadequate or in the "spotlight." During that first month, I only attended one class per week and after only four weeks I (seriously) lost one inch off of EACH leg. It was a mini-miracle for me and I never looked back. My biggest motivator is the ability to "turn off my brain" for an hour which as a mother is so rare.  

Yes, I promise you CAN look like this!

One of the best aspects of Physique is that you can continue the technique throughout pregnancy with only slight modifications. Unlike other exercise programs, you will see women in advanced level classes who are easily 7-9 months pregnant rocking out. It is amazing on the back end as well when you are ready to bounce back post-delivery after your doctor gives the A-okay of course. You should check out a prenatal workshop if you are in the NYC area and your schedule allows it. Prenatal instructor Alicia (who is even pregnant right now) is a disarming guide to exercise with a growing bump.

Prenatal instructor Alicia

So, you don't live in New York, LA or the Hamptons? No problem! Physique just launched three new online workouts (Physique F.I.T., Physique Cardio and Physique Prenatal) as well as two existing DVDs (Classic 57 Minute Full Body Workout and the Thigh and Seat Booster).

All 30 minute videos are $5 and the 57 minute videos are $7 which gives clients 48 hour access. Clients also have the option to sign up for the monthly unlimited program for $57 which provides unlimited access to all the videos for 31 days. That is a serious steal considering a single studio workout is $36.

Co-founder Tanya Becker works with a client

Sign up for online workouts pronto:  http://www.physique57.com/online-workouts.html Your swimsuit (and husband) will thank you later!