Physique 57

I’ve taken a few classes at Physique and, overall, enjoyed them a lot. I’ve always been quite skinny, but was lacking strength so I was ready to commit to some serious strength training. I took 4 beginner classes and every time I had to stop multiple times during an exercise — especially during «seat work». I was sore as hell the next day! The instructors are really great, motivating and understanding if your legs give up on you from time to time. Shannon is especially sweet and easygoing! I was sore as hell every day after a class, but I don’t think I’ll continue going as it doesn’t get me sweating enough. There are a few cardio intervals, but not enough to feel like a real workout to me… plus, I can do most of these exercises at home. I recommend it for newbies to the fitness world (but be ready for some pain!) looking for an introduction to strength training/​toning exercises. The studio itself is clean & neat and everyone was friendly.

A few months ago, I saw a Physique57 ad somewhere and scoffed at the tagline «addicted since _​_​_​» which they post underneath their Amazonian models. Well, guess what, now I’m addicted.
Trying to get back into shape post-​baby is a difficult endeavor. After swimming and running five days a week for eight months, I had lost the weight, but was still shaped like a Nerf ball. I decided that I must shake things up. I had heard my friends speak wonders of barre classes, but everyone had a different opinion on their favorite: Pure Barre! The Barre Method! Xtend Barre! So I got a ClassPass and decided to give barre (and yoga and spinning) a try. I hopped around the city to different barre studios, and they were just not my thing. On the last week of the month, an opening popped up at Physique57, around my lunch hour, and I signed up on a whim. That’s when I became addicted.
It’s true — the facilities are not as nice as some of the other studios. There are no locks on the lockers, no water fountain, only three showers, and a dark and cramped locker room. But the classes are a league of their own. Antoinetta was my first instructor, and as my legs shook dangerously during some bends, she cheerily announced that the shaking was normal and meant I was doing it correctly. Instead of annoying me, her enthusiasm just gave me a boost. That first class, I couldn’t finish any of the exercises — and my abs burned like someone had sliced me in half. I was shocked — what? I’m a runner! How could this be? I went back two days later for some more pain. And then again two days later. I quit ClassPass and got a one-​month unlimited beginner’s special and went three days a week. The website boasts that you see results after eight classes. They are right. I feel stronger, I sit taller, and my pants fit better. The instructors are all great cheerleaders and everyone is there to work hard. I used to feel intimidated by my torn leggings and running t-​shirts, but no one judges. When Lauren R. or Leah are teaching that day, I try to sign up for their classes. And yes, the cancellation fee is brutal, but it has worked as the best incentive to make sure I go to the class I signed up for, instead of heading home. Give it a try — it may not be for everyone, but you might also become addicted.

Nice spacious studio. The workout is quite mild — perhaps because I took the beginners (recommended before you jump into a regular barre class). Friendly and professional instructor. I’ve taken several barre classes and I’d say flybarre and bar method is much more challenging. But this is way better than exhale. Class isn’t overly packed so you get the attention needed for correct form and posture.

Front desk staff is rude and unhelpful. Never going to go back. As a new client, a little more care could be shown to be helpful.

I once read somewhere that Physique 57 is «the Bentley of pain» which intrigued me because I feel like I am always searching for the toughest workout there is, and this barre workout lives up to the hype. You will be pushed to the highest brink of pain and then learn to mentally stay with the movement, rationalizing the pain as a sensation that will be over soon enough if you can just stay with it. When I first started, I had to break out of the poses every once in a while for a quick break from the fiery pain in my thighs, but now I can do all the sets without stopping. I also take intermediate classes now too which are essentially like mixed, but with no stopping between sets, and a quicker pace, starting with thighs all the way through to seat. I started with the newcomer challenge and went about 4−5x per week, and now add it in with my normal rotation of barry’s, flywheel, and exceed, for the great toning it provides. It’s an amazing challenge, and very hard to do, so give yourself props after every class. I had wanted to attend their Physique 57 Escape in Marrakesh, but unfortunately it was canceled. Hope it gets re-​scheduled!
Also props for great, of-​the moment remixed hits that are motivating to get you through the classes. I think we all know how much of a bummer it is to take a class with dated music that is neither inspiring nor loud enough. Clean facilities. Spacious studio. And I love how the barre has predefined spaces so you’re not next to someone who doesn’t have an understanding of personal space and manages to grab your hand because they’re so on top of you.

Love Physique — they really have the best and most qualified instructors. You can tell the difference in the classes and the technique they demonstrate. It is expensive, but you do get what you pay for — they have showers, lockers, and the staff is very welcoming — all of which are not guaranteed in NY fitness classes. Oh, and its totally addictive!

I took my first class here today with ClassPass, and of all the barre classes I’ve taken, this one was definitely my favorite. The teacher (Ashley) was super helpful with getting the correct form, but as a first timer, I also didn’t feel like I was constantly singled out. I liked the various equipment we used (and the mats are very comfy). The class was the perfect size! This class felt like the toughest workout of all of the barre classes I’ve tried — a couple hours later, my legs can still feel the work that they did this morning. I liked the use of slightly heavier weights than in other bar classes. It’s a lot more focused on actually curling the weights/​doing rows/​etc. than simply holding the weights out in a static position. There were modifications offered to make certain movements either harder or easier!
One thing — compared to other studios, the locker room is not great. The lockers require actual locks (as opposed to the lockers at most studios where you can set your own PIN), and the layout is very crowded & a little confusing.

I just finished the newcomers challenge (unlimited 1 month) and can now write a more informed review. I generally went 5 – 6 times a week.
Location:
Conveniently located right outside the C, E Spring Street Station. There are 2 Citibike stations within a two block radius for those that need it.
This SoHo location has 3 studios (yes, they’re carpeted and while some may complain about the cleanliness… y’all choose to live in NYC and I’m sure they vacuum, minimally… I actually think the carpet helps me maintain grip during class, which is important since I’m so injury prone). Definitely more spacious than the original 57^th St location. I’ve never had an issue with showers because there are three, and not many people seem to use them. Lines for the 2 bathroom stalls though. Bring your own lock for the locker. They have basic necessities like shampoo, soap, conditioner, q-​tips, baby wipes, hair dryers, hair brushes, hair ties, and towels — all free.
Clientele:
I will agree with others and say this is generally a younger crowd. I don’t feel judged or overwhelmed with snobbiness by any means. Not the most rambunctious crowd– on the quieter side, but everyone’s there to work.
Class:
Newcomers* socks are mandatory!
I’m a more explosive, weight-​lifting workout kinda gal. However, I will admit that I will leave Physique with shaky legs, quite frequently. When I first started, I did big movements. Now, I will maybe move my leg up and down two inches, and feel the burn, baby. (So basically, I’m doing it right. wahoo!). Key words: pulse, pulse, wrap wrap, etc.
I really enjoy the mix of barre work along with the floor work and the thigh dance intermission.
My fav classes were the beg/​intermediate/​mixed classes and cardio. I would say do cardio after you have about 6 – 8 classes under your belt.
Instructors:
Everyone is baseline good.
Standouts: MERCEDE, CHAD, SADE (esp her cardio classes), BRADY
go
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Clothing:
Most everyone wears capris or long tights/​pants with a fitted tank top. Ya know, if you wanna fit in.
Results:
I used Physique 57 to complement my kettle bell-​based gym workout. I do not think it would work as a weight-​loss method, but it certainly works to tone your body. My legs have always been very muscular (thunder things, if you will), but they are now the most slender and lean I’ve ever seen them after this one month. Super happy about that! Did it do anything for my abs considering their involvement? I do think my abs are much stronger, but visually, no. I think stomach fat has a lot to do with diet and I didn’t really change it, so I’m fine with it. Everyone knows it’s all about the DIET! I just love food too much.

I liked the small class intimate feel. The instructor definitely paid some personal time correcting my posture. I took the beginner class’s — and it pushed me — but not hard — very doable.

Five stars for the classes, instructors, and adorable friendly front desk staff. ONE star for the fact that all studios at this location are at least 90 degrees, and disgustingly dank and humid. Morning, noon & night, regardless of day of the week, regardless of the month of the year. You can almost SEE the mold and bacteria gleefully multiplying, to say nothing of the increased risk of people getting heat stroke etc. It can’t be meeting health code regulations.

i tooked physique 57 class religiously for 6 months and loved it at the time.
not so much now when I was looking back.
the class in physique is mainly beginner, mixed level, int and advanced.
and beginner is just as hard as mixed level.
the class itself are going in the same format.
start with arm thigh leg abs and stretch and in between each section we get a little stretch throw in.
the instructor are always so nice and upbeat– the music is trendy and loud for the most part.
I loved it at the time, i thought it was the hardest thing in the world and felt so accomplice but after a while of doing the class 4 – 5 times a week for 6 months.
my body just not change the way i expected it to be. the change is there but is it worth 4 – 5 times a week? i really don’t think so.
the truth is, there’s little to no cardio in the class —
so, you’re still gonna need to do cardio to burn as well as taking physique class as well.
and i just don’t think i have 2 hours 4 – 5 times a week to do that.
physique is working efficiently if you have 10 lbs to lose and already tone but if you have more than 20 lbs to lose — the result is just not showing.
so after addicted to pain of barre class for 6 months and not losing much of anything.
i am just not convinced that the workout is working out.

Physique is my favorite barre place in the city. I used to have an unlimited membership but since it is rather pricey I use Classpass now. I am consistently surprised by the amount of improvement I see.
I also love their personalized attention. It’s not only corrections, but also encouragement.
I would prefer if they had a water fountain though. I carry around a reusable bottle and I hate that I have to fill it in the bathroom. It is shocking for such a upscale studio they neglect the environment so throughly.

I mean, it’s one of the originals for a reason. The instructors provide thinspiration, and the classes are tough and addictive.

I’m not a barre novice and can generally hold my own in most classes. So I didn’t think it was a big deal when I tried a mixed level class at Physique57. I was in for a surprise because the class was about 10 times harder than others I’ve taken around the city!
The thigh series was KILLER. I thought I was going to pass out. I love that they used heavier weights in these classes and take the moves a little bit slower. I definitely felt the burn more that way. The instructors are really vigilant about form here so if you are shy about people touching your body you should probably give the instructor a heads up! Class went by fast, which is important to me — there’s nothing worse than a class where you’re looking at the clock ticking down every 5 minutes.
The carpet was annoyingly slippery and affected the way I was doing some of the moves. That’s really the only negative thing I can think of. Bring a lock (they have lockers) and socks. I’m already canceling this week’s evening plans to book more classes.

So I took my first physique class here yesterday, 4pm beginner on Saturday. I’ve taken one class at pure barre in brooklyn (seems to be a copy cat of physique but not as good, music was stupid loud, couldn’t hear the instructor at all, set up not as good) and used to belong to equinox and take their barre classes, which are still my #1 fav but can’t justify the price and they don’t offer the pilates /​barre type classes as often as I would like.
This definitely felt like a good workout and I believe it would change your body if used regularly. I’m feeling soreness in all the right places today. That being said for the price there were a few disappointing aspects of the class.
I am working thru few injuries so would have really loved the intro class that they seem to have taken off the schedule. I arrived 20min early and told the instructor re injuries and she was nice about it but it’s a fast class with lots of students so I understand her not being able to give me modifications. I think she didn’t fully comprehend how my injuries would impact things (aka not being able to bend my big toe joint means planking doesn’t work).
The space was lovely, white airy and clean. My fellow clients (prob 8 other beginners in the class), and staff nicer than expected. The studio set up was nice w spot in the center for instructor to demo and be clearly seen which was great. Unfortunately she didn’t demo or verbally queue enough in my opinion, esp for a beginner class and esp at the end — at one point she told us to look at a student I couldn’t see and also told us to «diamond» or some term that was physique specific without demo. I often found myself looking at my fellow students who at one point were doing wildly dif things, so they were lost too. Instructor spent a lot of time figuring out pp’s names and trying to take roll call w out seeming to take roll call. Would have been a better class if she’d just yelled our names and carried on. I’m used to pilates classes where there is a ton of instruction on your form.
The music was just ok, really could have helped deal w the thigh burn to have some great beats or even old eighties. They did play the Barbie song which made me want to run out of the room, instructor told us we were not plastic barbies but Barre-​bies which made me want to run faster. There was also a lengthy speech about picturing what type of «behind» you would like to have, to picture it, picture is gleaming and tanned and glistening on a beach or just at home in low lighting. That was just sort of weird to me. The ab portion actually killed my back, but this is my own personal prob due to injury. Instructor saw I had struggled w prior ex and did kindly recommend I double up my mat. If I go back I would prob just do my own ab series until I’m recovered. The pure barre ab series was much worse just for reference if anyone else has back problems.
So I’ll probably try another class (maybe at original location) and see if music is dif and presumably since they do the same exact workout every time, I’ll figure out the form as I go along but not exactly ideal considering cost per class — Id rather get it right the first time.

It’s always a treat to workout in NYC… there are so many class options in the city that we don’t have in Phoenix where I live. So, when I had a bit of free time yesterday, I took a look online and found that Physique 57 was nearby and had a 1:15pm beginner class on the schedule.
I’d heard of Physique 57 from reading about it in magazines and seem to recall one article mentioning that Kelly Ripa is a huge fan. Who doesn’t love Kelly Ripa? That must have been huge for them!
Anyways, I called to confirm that I could get in (the answer was yes), and made my way over just in time… I filled out some paperwork, paid the $ 20 first class drop-​in rate, took off my coat and boots, and walked into a carpeted room. Chad was the instructor and he was welcoming to all and had great energy and music. He corrected form just the right amount and had a nice balance between talking about the exercises and positions, while throwing in a bit of his own personality.
My experience at Physique 57 was very much like some of the barre classes I’ve taken at home, but it was a good workout nonetheless. I’d definitely put it in my rotation if I lived here and wouldn’t hesitate to return on future visits either. This location was super convenient to where I was staying, so that makes a huge difference as well.
If you’re looking for a full body workout and don’t mind a little muscle burn or shake, check this place out!

I’ve been going to Physique (religiously) since early August. I signed up to get in shape for my wedding, but became addicted.
Since I’d been to the Bar Method (and done a few Physique videos at home) I felt prepared for what was in store. (Although, I wasn’t prepared for the hefty price tag.)
Fortunately, I was able to save almost $ 100 with a promo; my first month pass was around $ 200. I did the newcomer’s challenge successfully which yielded me 20% off my second unltd. month — which brought the price to $ 313 (incl. tax.)
As for the actual class: I love it! I go 5 – 6 times a week in the early morning. The classes are pretty full, but don’t feel crowded.
I’ve seen visible results and I feel great.
The staff is friendly and the instructors are amazing. They check on you and correct you — or notice you struggling and shout out words of encouragement.
Classes are fast paced and energetic. Each class follows one formula, each varies enough to keep me interested. The studio has a nice set up with lockers (buy/​bring your own lock) and showers, hair dryers, make-​up wipes, etc.
Cons:
Cleanliness: I often wonder how frequently the carpets are cleaned. You’re on the carpet a lot and the thought of all these ladies’ sweaty bodies all day long absorbed into the carpet really grosses me out. I feel the same way about the barre, the playground balls, and the mats… Classes are way too close together for a wipe-​down between.
The price: While I definitely agree, «You get what you pay for.» I’m not sure $ 36/​class is reasonable… even for NYC. It’s crazy. It’s the one thing that has me hesitating on signing up for another unltd. month… Especially now that Class Pass is available.
That said, if you’re looking for something different in your workout routine (or want to really «feel the burn») I definitely recommend Physique57!

I took beginner classes here and the instructors I had were excellent. Had lots of space in the room on Saturday afternoon classes. I can see why Physique 57 workout really works. I’d say it was the best and most effective workout class I have taken (also the instructor made it fun, though it is very painful at times, the class goes by fast!)
If you like a teacher, I say try to stick with that one. Though I lucked out and had another really good one who was subbing for the regular one I hoped to have, when I went to a different location this workout class was a whole different (and not in a good way) experience.
Love the apples when you’re leaving to raise that blood sugar! :)

A workout that burns, esp your thighs. I think it’s a workout for a specific body type or maybe I didn’t try it for long enough. My butt did look better, but I need heavy weights. So at the end if the day it wasn’t for me; however majority of the women in this class and the instructors look amazing!!! Worth a try to see if this is or is not for you. It’s pretty much the same format everyday, so there aren’t really any surprises which may or may not work for you. Front desk is friendly and all the instructors are too. Maybe when I come back in my next life as a skinny person, this will be the workout for me.

For a long time, I consigned barre classes to a workout for middle-​aged trophy wives. Although I felt like I should give it a try before completely dismissing barre, it just seemed morally wrong to pay $ 36 an hour for a perky doll to command me to lift my butt «up an inch and down an inch.» When Gilt City offered a two-​week unlimited pass for $ 99, and one of my friends offered to sign up with me, I decided I to finally give it a try.
I was pleasantly surprised by the facilities! NYC boutique fitness studios tend to be tiny, which is expected with rents being so high. But Physique on Spring Street had a roomy waiting area, three decent sized studios and a clean locker room with showers. I expected the instructors and front desk people to be snotty, skinny b-​word, but they were surprisingly warm. Most of the instructors came around and introduce themselves before the start of class, and asked if anyone had any injuries or was a first timer.
The beginners class starts off with some quick warm-​up exercises and push-​ups. We then moved on to arm exercises with the free weights. Physique seems to use slightly heavier weights with lower reps, which I liked. Then we go to the barre for a tortuous thigh and butt section — basically endlessly pulsing your thighs/​butts up and down, while thoughts like «I swear I’m never eating carbs again» run through your head. Just when you think you’re about to die, the pain stops and we moved on to abs. The last five minutes of class is dedicated to stretching. Overall, I think if you’re in decent shape, the beginners class isn’t too bad, despite the fiery burn.
After taking a handful of classes, I can see a bit more definition in my abs and arms. I think if I subsisted on a diet of steamed kale and Fiji water this could be my only exercise, but given that I eat cheeseburgers and fried chicken, I’m gonna need some intense cardio to burn off all that goodness. Going forward I will probably buy a class pack and drop in a couple times a month. I would definitely consider the monthly if Physique threw in a fast paced dance class. It looks like a fair number of instructors are professional dancers, so that should be easy to add to the schedule.