Class Review: Formula 57 @ Physique 57

Class: Formula 57
Class Location: Physique 57
Instructor: Kim
Class Description: “Formula 57 is a 60-minute class designed by Physique 57® instructor Chanelle Lagace that combines Physique 57®, Mat 57^® and Physique Stretch. Using her Pilates certification, professional dance experience, and expertise as a Physique 57® Instructor, Chanelle combines a series of cardio and strength exercises to produce a tighter, leaner, and stronger body” (via Physique 57)
Reviewer: Sam

Favorite things about the class:

1. It is fast-paced so you never get bored.
2. Intense ab work
3. Energetic music

Least favorite things about the class:

1. While I don’t find this to be a shortcoming of the class, some people may not like the fact that there are no stretch sessions/breaks in the entire class until the very end.
2. Because the class is so fast-paced it is not for newcomers as it is expected for you to catch onto verbal cues and know the different positions. So it can be a little disheartening at first when you don’t know the routine and you feel like you are the only one out of sync. This will change as there are plans to have different levels(beginner/advanced) in the Formula class.
3. Currently there is only one level.

Additional Comments: The first 30 minutes of the class are spent on the floor with 2 sets of weights (usually 5 or 8lbs as the heavy set and 2 or 3lbs as the light set), and the remaining 30 minutes are spent at the barre. The class starts off with a quick warm-up followed by an upper arm series using the heavy weights and a series of lunges performed while holding the weights. You then move to the floor and after a set of push-ups and planks the intense core work begins. The format is similar to a pilates class however a lot of the exercise require holding onto the lighter set of weights. Even though you are using a “light” weight of merely 2 or 3lbs the constant and repetitive movements make your arms feel like lead! The next 30 minutes are spent at the ballet barre with thigh and glute work after which there is a final ab series which is performed with the ball underneath your upper back. I definitely feel a much deeper ab workout with this move. The class ends with a stretch . Overall, its super-fast paced and challenging, but a lot of fun and an extremely efficient way to pack in a workout within 57 minutes. Note, that it is recommended to take a few Physique 57 classes before taking Formula 57.

There is a small amount of variation of the exercises between the different instructors but the overall class format is the same. While this specific class was taught by Kim (who is excellent, with great energy, accurate verbal clues and constant attention to make sure your form is correct), all the instructors that teach Formula including Chanelle, Alicia, Mandy, Lauren and Antonietta are fabulous and you will get a phenomenal workout in any of their classes. Definitely one of my favorite classes!

Over all Class Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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