As the founder of BagServant.co.uk, you can imagine that I have a passion for handbags! But, however, handbags are not my only love. Some may say I am an exercise fiend and have tried out a range of weird and wonderful exercises in search for that perfect regime to keep me in shape. Body pump classes and weight training are two of my favourite forms of exercises – but that was until I discovered Physique 57…

What is Physique 57?

Physique 57 is a combination of exercises such as bar method training, traditional Lotte Berk Studio, ballet and a touch of pilates. Physique 57 is an innovative workout program that combines isometric exercises and orthopaedic stretches to systematically lengthen and sculpt your muscles and create a beautiful, lean body. Classes are taught in New York and LA and I even flew out to NYC to attend some classes and to stock up on the DVDs and equipment, as they are in short supply in the UK! The regime is fast-paced, fun and certainly gives you a tough work-out.

What are the differences between Physique and other similar programmes?

Lotte Berk technique was created over 60 years ago by a German dancer Lotte Berk, and the moves are based on modern dance, yoga and physiotherapy. The method is undoubtedly effective, the moves are traditional and have many similarities to yoga. However, Physique57 steps up those moves to create a more fast-paced work-out and it is practiced in time to a fun soundtrack.

The Bar Method is another similar regime and is simply a development of the traditional Lotte Berk routine. Posture enhancing, strengthening and fat-burning, the bar method is the most similar practice in the UK to America’s Physique 57 and is a great alternative. However, I still feel that the Physique57 work-out is quicker, more modern and delivers faster results.

Physique 57 combines the benefits from both those programmes and others such as pilates and yoga, and I personally feel it is the most modern transformation from the traditional Lotte Berk dancer moves and delivers the quicker results.

How does it work?

Through dynamic exercises, your muscles are targeted and overloaded to the point of fatigue, then stretched for relief. This ground-breaking process is called Interval Overload which includes muscle-defining arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, waist-chiseling ab moves and fluid stretches. One of the best points of Physique 57 is that each section is around 10 minutes long and although it is hard-work and exhausting, anyone can push themselves that little bit further just for 10 minutes.

Top Tip

You do not need to do the whole DVD/programme every time. Just 10 minutes a day will make a difference to your figure – and don’t give in, the more you do it the easiest it will become.

Visit www.physique57.com to buy or download the programmes and equipment.