Showing posts with label physique 57. Show all posts
Showing posts with label physique 57. Show all posts

fashion & fitness friday

This week flew by & left me all sorts of dazed & confused.

In fact, the whole month of July so far has been a blur. It's just going by so quickly. I finally had time to check out my monthly shoe picks from KimmyK, Just Fab, & Sole Society. So stay tuned for another post about my picks.
combining 2 of my loves - stationary & shoes

Monday, I had to run up to the airport to pick up my mom & brother. They had gone to Las Vegas for the weekend with my dad...who went from Las Vegas to San Fran (which left me runnin' the show at work).

Look what my mom brought me back - she must have known I needed a 'pick me up'....

according to matt it's not just a "fish" - it's a "coi"

Love Thomas Sabo.

I have a charm bracelet -

which is strictly shoe & bag charms; & then I have a necklace that is for all the sentimentals.
Mom thought I should add the fish to my bracelet....but I added it to my necklace. My bracelet is only bags & charms! (I may not be super picky about keeping a clean house - but I demand order to my charms!)


Do you like charm bracelets / necklaces?
Do you have either?

I have a Juicy Couture charm bracelet as well. Which Matteo always complains about when I wear it. He says it makes too much noise. Blah blah blah...

FYI: the Juicy Couture charms look super cute on necklaces...I've been known to rock a few on my Return to Tiffany's necklace. (Only 1 charm at a time though)

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How were your workouts this week?

My workouts for the week....
Monday: Physique57 (P57) vol 1, 57 minute workout
Tuesday: P57 vol 1, 30 minute full body workout & 4 mile run
Wednesday: P57 vol 1, 57 minute workout, 4 mile run, & P57 arms & ab booster
Thursday: rest day
Scheduled:
Friday: P57 vol 1 57 minute workout, 4 mile run & P57 arms & ab booster
Saturday is scheduled as my "long run"....hopefully that stands true!

Doing the P57 workouts require a yoga mat, but at times that mat is such an unsteady surface for me. So when I recently saw these shoes, I thought 'what a great idea!' Sanitation AND stability!

Blake Brody's 'Ali'

"Blake Brody's In-Studio Footwear provides fashion-conscious women with innovative eco-friendly shoes to use during studio activities like yoga and Pilates.....a stylish shoe that encourages stability, prevents cramping, and protects against moisture and irritants....
Each shoe in the line is made with environmentally-conscious & humane materials that were hand-selected for their unique characteristics. The progressive technology behind the materials allows the shoes to be breathable, antimicrobial, and delicate enough to maintain a feel for studio surfaces..."
I can see the benefit in them...I do think the price tag is a little hefty in comparison to my running shoes. I don't attend a yoga studio regularly to justify the price.

Yoga studio floors often give me the creeps...thinking about festering bacteria. What a stylish sanitation barrier these shoes make!

Would you ever consider wearing yoga shoes?

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The garage sale hasn't sold out - the Coach sunglasses are still available if anyone is interested!

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Physique 57 - a 30 day review



I was a bit apprehensive in beginning the Physique 57 program...only because it's in the "barre method" category. I had attempted barre method before, but since I had never taken ballet, was at a disadvantage in the past. The previous instructors would cue wth "first position", "plie'", "arabesque", etc., which was a foreign language to me. I figured that as long as it felt awkward, I was probably doing it correct.

So while the Physique 57 program is a barre method program, in no way did I feel like I was at a disadvantage for not having the basic knowledge of ballet. (Now, gracefulness & balance...that's a different story.)


Physique 57 website describes the program as this:
The Physique 57® technique is a focused and proven cardiovascular program of isometric exercises and orthopedic stretches designed to rapidly transform your body.  Our interval training sets use your own body weight for resistance and combined with dynamic exercise sprints, muscle groups are targeted and overloaded to the point of fatigue and then stretched for relief.  We call this process Interval Overload which includes muscle-defining arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, waist-chiseling ab moves and fluid stretches to create a long and lean, supple body.
Their website also boasts that you can see results in as little as 8 workouts.

A little company history:

Physique 57® co-founder Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi is a dance enthusiast, Columbia MBA and former Wall Street professional.  In 2005, upon the sudden closing of The Lotte Berk Method, a highly respected fitness studio offering the eponymous technique created in the 1950s by a former accomplished ballet dancer, Jennifer realized that she and legions of devout Lotte Berk followers needed a new home. Teaming up with Tanya Becker, one of the foremost instructors of The Lotte Berk Method for over a decade, Physique 57® was born—a modern take on Lotte Berk's fitness revelation, paired with world class business management techniques.
The DVD volumes:



It was advised that I follow a regimen of completing the booster once a week, the 57 minute workout 2-3 times a week, and the express workout once a week; as well as alternating between the 2 volumes each week

Physique 57 also highly recommends that if you are doing other forms of workouts besides the P57, that you complete the P57 workout FIRST.

That is SO correct.

I learned that on my second day. I ran before P57. I thought I'd be in the clear since it was just a "booster" workout, but I was wrong.

You'll also find a little celebrity endorsement...



What you will need:
  1. A chair, or other *waist high* sturdy surface to lean against. (Unless you have a barre.)
  2. Yoga mat
  3. Pillow or a really thick exercise mat (Used in some of the workouts to cushion your lower back.)
  4. Playground ball (included, unless you buy individual DVD)
  5. Two sets of dumbbells, 3lb & 5lb / 5lb & 8lb



Here are how my weeks looked during my 30 days:

Week #1: Volume 1
Monday - express workout, followed by 5 mile run
Tuesday - rest
Wednesday - run 6 miles then arm/abs booster
Thursday - express workout, followed by 4 mile run (
Friday - 57minute full workout
Saturday - 9 mile run
Thoughts: well for one, I messed up & did the express workout twice, and only managed 1 of the full 57 minute workout. So far so good! I'm really enjoying the system! The instructors aren't annoying.

Week #2: Volume 2
Sunday - Vol 1 - 57 minute workout
Monday - 5 mile run
Tuesday - 3 mile run, P57 thigh & seat booster
Wednesday - Vol 2 - 57 minute workout, followed by 4 mile tempo run
Thursday - rest day
Friday - P57 57 minute workout, followed by 4 mile run
Saturday - P57 30 minute express workout,  followed by 5 mile run
Thoughts: I kicked off the week with volume 1's 57 minute workout & then switched to volume 2 for the balance of the week. Since the training plan didn't have me running "hard" this week, I was able to do the P57 after a run!

Week #3: Volume 1
Sunday - rest day
Monday - 5 miles, abs & arms booster
Tuesday - Saturday: total bust, unable to workout b/c of car wreck

Week #4: Volume 1
Sunday - still not working out
Monday - 4 mile jog
Tuesday - P57 30 minute express dvd; abs & arms booster
Wednesday - 4 mile jog
Thursday - P57 classic 57 minute workout
Friday - 8 mile jog
Even though I've only been doing the modified moves for the abs sections, I can still definitely feel "the burn". I wish I had a ballet barre...the chair is not the same.

 My thoughts on the program:


I honestly, really enjoyed Physique 57. The trainers really didn't bother me, I never felt like chucking the tv remote at them :) I thought the cueing was spectacular and their instructing was spot on.

I'm not gonna lie though, it was a bit intimidating how flexible not only the instructors, but also the participants in the background, were. I'm pretty sure my groin muscles laughed out loud when I attempted the "anatomically correct split" that we were cued to do during the stretches. 

The modifications that are given during the abdominals are still challenging. I opted for those during my 4th week while recovering from the car wreck.  

The workouts are fast paced, which I really like. There is never any 'dead time'. In fact, I had to pause the dvd a few times just to have a few extra seconds to get a sip of water & align myself for the next section.



Some things that may be helpful:

  • If you sweat like a beast (like me), do this workout in yoga pants. There are some moves that require you to place the playground ball behind your knee. (Knee is bent, ball is held in place between knee & hamstring). Seriously, the ball would slip & slide because of the "back of knee" sweat.
  • Make sure you have a super thick mat or "sturdy" pillow. In some moves you have to position this mat behind your lower back. The instructors also suggest a thick blanket or towel...but those didn't work for me. What did work was a foam posturepedic style pillow.
  • Physique57 posts monthly challenges on their Facebook page. Once you have a good grasp on the workouts, try out some of their challenges!
  • The instructors & participants use a ballet barre. By the end of the 4th week I was wanting a ballet barre. A bar stool & chair (yes I tried both), were becoming more of a headache to use. The stool swivelled & the chair slid; plus the backs on both didn't provide enough support for me to position my arms the same as the instructors.
  • Shaking & burning is a good thing. If it starts to get too unbearable, take a second & relax the muscle group...but then jump right back in!

So have I noticed any physical changes?

Heck yes. I'm kind of bummed though, because while I did go into this thinking that there would be some changes...I didn't think it would be enough to need "before & after" pictures. Wish I had taken at least one of my tooshie, because it has definitely "firmed & lifted" :) I would have loved to see the change.

If you do this program (or any other for that matter), I encourage you to either take before & after pictures or take your measurements (chest, waist, arms, thigh, hips).


What now?

I plan on still using the Physique57 dvd's. It's a really great system if you're up for the challenge of using predominantly your body weight, and if you like the idea of overloading muscles.

If I'm ever in the LA or NYC areas, I would love to pop in to their studio for a class. I'm that much a fan!

discounted dresses & free shoes always make me smile

After a week hiatus, I'm back on the Physique57 program!

Since I missed a full week of training & P57 workouts, I decided to repeat my last full week of both. Which meant yesterday was not a run day, but rather a P57 day!

I completed the 30 minute express workout, & followed it up with the arms & ab booster.

Holy sore.

Luckily I was smart enough to follow the beginner moves, that way I could compensate for the neck & back pains.

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Yesterday, Ideeli featured an ECI sale...if you're in the market for summer dresses, this brand is great.

It's one of my "go to's" for dresses. Nordstrom carries this line & I've never had an issue with the quality of the dress.



 The sale ends today...I'm glad I logged in this morning to check out the goods :)

How do you feel about maxi dresses?

I personally LOVE them.

If you had to pick 1 of the 4 shoes below, which would you pick?

"News Flash"

"Flirt"

"Hot Tequila"

"Casting Call"
These are all Naughty Monkey brand shoes. Remember that video I was soliciting for y'all to vote for??? Well I took 3rd place in the contest, which means I won a free pair of shoes.

These are my choices. All from their summer / spring lines. They may be a bit over the top for a few of you out there...Matteo wasn't crazy about any of them...I on the other hand, totally like them.  

So after viewing each of them on various shoe sites - since they offer 360* views & convincing Matteo that I won't emberrass him when I wear them; I've made my choice!

I still want to know which you would choose though.

flossy flossy

Welp, the iPod struck again.

I was in the tail end of my 4 mile run yesterday...@ 3.7 miles to be exact...& then it happened. IT QUIT WORKING.

My legs kept going & the iPod decided it wanted to "search for sensor" instead.

Luckily my treadmill is reliable. 



Other than that, it was a great run. The training plan said to run at a 10:24 pace, but I stuck with a 9:50/10:00 pace.

I followed up the run with the Physique57 Abs & Arms Booster. This is only the second time I've done this particular dvd (since the plan only calls for once a week, every other week), but already I noticed improvement. I also noticed how much more conscience I was over my form. The instructors really stress pointing toes / tightening abdominals / straightening legs.

Well, I'm off to the dentist! I love going to the dentist...for real, no sarcasm.

Do you love or hate going to the dentist?

I'm not sure why I like it. Everyone in my family hates it. 

I do dislike that high pitched pick thing that shoots water though.

Oh & the fact that I get a horrible case of bed head - but only on the back part of my head.

Yay for clean chompers though!

get it girl, get it get it girl

Yup, hope you caught on to those lyrics - thanks Gwen Stefani.

Yesterday evening was my tempo run - 4 miles, with 2 of the miles at a 9:09 pace. I rocked it. Seriously, I was super happy.

Before I ran though, I did my Physique57 workout - and luckily my legs weren't jello for my run!

My hind-hams, however, felt ridiculous. At one point during the workout they hurt so bad they went numb. That was odd.

(image from cafepress)
****News Alert****

I have registered for my 1st half marathon!


I'm excited & nervous...

I know I have plenty of time to prepare...but still, I'm nervous :)

Expect more of these news alerts in the upcoming weeks.

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Go check out Emz giveaway!

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While I was checking out my blog stats - because I do that - I found this & it warmed my heart.

Speaking of stats, someone found my blog by searching
 "workout run naughty monkey".

Normally that would be an odd occurrence.

But given I've been soliciting my video for that particular brand, it's just another day.

Hopefully that person was kind enough to click on that link there to the right & LIKE my video on facebook :)

blogger really annoys me sometimes

Please note...I had some pictures to add to this post, but naturally that dark cloud that looms over my head (a la Eeyore), has caused Blogger to not function properly. Sorry!

Wow. It's flippin' June 1st!

Which also means, hunker down it's officially hurricane season.

I don't know about y'all, but I feel like all the workouts I did over Memorial Day weekend, were totally "un-done" by what I ate.

Recap:
Friday - no run, 57 minute Physique 57 workout - followed up by some
Bang Bang Shrimp @ Bonefish Grill! (along with a side salad & some seared tuna - Matty & I always order Bang Bang Shrimp as our appetizer)
Saturday - 9 miles, followed up by pizza night with MattyB
Sunday - 57 minute Physique 57 workout before church - then lunch with Matty's mom, brudder, & brudder's g/f (yellow rice, black beans, Cole's garlic bread & key lime pie for dessert), then dinner with Matty's aunts, cousin, & grandma - PIZZA AGAIN.
Monday - 5 mile run, followed up by a cookout with my fam...I ate 2 hot dogs, I NEVER eat hot dogs; along with countless whole grain tostitos. And that night? Oh yes, we indulged in leftover yellow rice & black beans...and key lime pie!

So I've come to the conclusion that I have no self control, half marathon training makes me eat like a man, and I have no right to whine about my jiggly thighs.

Yesterday I tried to start correcting the error of my ways with a 3 mile run & then Physique 57's thigh & seat booster. Along with restricting my salt intake & foods with added sugar...increased the fiber as well ;) 

When you splurge on food, do you over do it? Or are you disciplined enough to control your self?
Clearly I over did it. Normally I'm pretty disciplined, but I felt like I had just been released from fat camp & wanted to indulge in everything.

I'm definitely not stressed about how I ate this past weekend...but I do want to get back on track to how I normally eat.

What is your normal reaction following an indulgent weekend?
My immediate reaction is to weigh myself....however this time, I don't plan on stepping on that scale for 1 week.

Feel free to comment on how you overate this past weekend :)
PLEASE!

no joke

Isn't it funny when you turn on the television & see someone you personally know?

i know one of the bachelors

Enough of that...

Yesterday I started the Physique57 workouts...and let me just say, they are NO JOKE.

Here's what their website has to say about the workouts:

Physique 57® is a focused and proven cardiovascular program of isometric exercises and orthopedic stretches. Physique 57® tones your seat, abdominals, thighs and arms; strengthens your legs and back; and improves posture to produce a beautiful, sexy body. Our interval training sets use your own body weight for resistance, and through dynamic exercises your muscles are targeted and overloaded to the point of fatigue, then stretched for relief. We call our process Interval Overload – overloading the muscle to create long, lean sexy muscles.

There are 2 volumes & each volume includes: a 57 minute full body workout, a 30 minute express (full body) workout, and a 30 minute booster (either abs & arms, or seat & thighs depending on the volume).

So yesterday, I did the 30 minute express workout before my run.

Holy burn in my thighs.

There is a lot of repetitions, and the fact that this is focused around barre work, makes you really engage your core for stability.

I'll give a more comprehensive review of the series once I've completed 30 days.

After my legs stopped shaking from the P57 workout, I hopped on the TM to do my training run.

During the 1st mile I really thought that I wasn't going to make it all 5 miles. My legs felt like jello.


I was pretty shocked when I finally looked down at the tracker & saw I had already ran 1.2 miles...so I stayed on track & pushed through the jello feeling.

I ended up with 5.2 miles, at a 9:50 pace.

Anyone planning to watch the finales that are airing tonight? The Biggest Loser or Dancing With the Stars?