4 Hot New Group Exercise Classes to Try
Physique 57 totally has the vibe of a dance class.
2. Physique 57. If you ever heard about “barre” workouts that incorporate dance technique with strength training — one of the most frequently mentioned studios is Physique 57, which was started by two women who were huge fans of the revered Lotte Berk Method that closed in New York City in 2006.
Combining old-school ballet classes with more modern body sculpting methods (and props — they have lots of props!), founders Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi and Tanya Becker have started a mini-empire that now includes five studios, several DVDs and exclusive online workouts. Celebrities who are completely devoted to this studio include famous hard bodies Kelly Ripa and Erin Andrews.
What to expect: I signed up for a “mixed” level class at their SoHo location which is open to all and includes ballet bar, bands and a Physique ball, which was the size of a slightly deflated basketball, that we used for leg work. It’s a tough 60-minute class that you can tailor to your own fitness level. It had my legs screaming for mercy (in a good way)!
What you’ll need: Wear regular workout gear and socks (no shoes allowed). Try not to get too intimated by the women around you — most of them are in fierce shape!
How much? You can buy a monthly membership (starting at $250) or pay $36 for individual classes. There are also online classes that you can sign up for on either a monthly basis ($57 per month) or for individual classes ($5 to $7 per class)
Where to find it: There are studios in New York, Los Angeles and now Dubai, but you can also find them online here.