Unexpected
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!! 
My morning has been BUSY! (Hence, the late breakfast post.) Our friend and real estate extraordinaire, Marie, arranged for another showing of our apartment this afternoon, so I’ve been running around cleaning up and tackling the enormous pile of laundry in our bedroom. The upside of showing our apartment so often is that it forces us to keep it nice and clean! 
Breakfast
I started my morning with a fantastic bowl of banana oats. In the mix today: banana, ground flaxseed meal, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, non-fat milk, and, of course, two scoops of Teddie peanut butter. So good!
And, as usual, breakfast included iced coffee with vanilla soy milk.
Workout
I had planned to go to the gym this morning, but when my husband told me it was 11 degrees outside, I did not want to bundle up and venture out. A couple of months ago, the folks from Physique 57 sent me a few of their DVDs to try out, so I finally gave one a whirl this morning. It was NOT what I expected!
Kelly Ripa (who I am meeting in less than 2 weeks!!) swears by this workout, but I’ve never been a huge fan of exercise DVDs. I know some people love them, but I always seem to get a better workout at the gym or outside. So, I was really surprised when this workout KICKED MY BUTT! Holy crap! 
From the website:
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.
This workout actually reminded me a lot of Body Pump with the idea of “interval overload.” You work your muscles to fatigue– just like Body Pump– but with Physique 57 you (mostly) use your own body weight.
I was absolutely shocked that this workout was so difficult. My muscles were burning! I must have said the f word in my head about 50 times! (I said it at least once out loud!) I even stopped a few times to rest, which is totally unlike me– usually, I just fight through it. I also loved that this workout incorporated quite a bit of stretching into it. I’m a seriously slacker when it comes to stretching, so it was really nice to get some in this morning. It felt so good!
Anyway, this workout made such an (unexpected) impression on me, I am adding to my weekly workout schedule for Lose the Dough. It’s ridiculous! I’m still in shock!
Snack
After my workout, I refueled with a chocolate-raspberry-spirulina smoothie. In the mix was a container of Chobani raspberry yogurt, chocolate whey powder, spirulina, non-fat milk, and ice. The chocolate and raspberry flavors dominated the smoothie. Delish! 
Off to work!
Posted by: Tina 88 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
Tags: Body Pump, Interval Overload, Kelly Ripa, Physique 57
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I’ve never heard about that workout so thanks for sharing. I usually get bored with workout DVDs. I have the 30 Day Shred which I like but I only use it every so often. You’d think working out at home would be appealing but it doesn’t usually do it for me. Happy Friday!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 10:57 am
yay! thanks for the great review! I too REFUSE to go to the gym when it’s that cold outside, so I recently started the SHRED (posted review on my blog).
But I get sick of things very quickly so I’ll most likely be purchasing this to add to the rotation!
Have a great day, pretty girl!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 10:57 am
That smoothie sounds so good. Hope everything goes smooth today!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Such a pretty view of Boston from your window!!! It is freezing here in NYC too, brrr!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Yay for P57!! Such awesome classes and I’m glad you liked the DVD. Might just have to spring for it since I can’t afford to go to the classes all the time!
Have a great morning
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Where do you find your spirulina?
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 10:58 am
I may have to check that video out and add it to my collection of eff word-inspiring workout regimens.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 10:59 am
@Jessica @ How Sweet: iHerb. Check out my posts from earlier this week!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:00 am
That DVD sounds like an awesome workout! I’ve doing Jillian’s 30-day Shred and I LOVE that you get a great workout in only 20 minutes. Who doesn’t have 20 min?! Hope you apt. showing goes well!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Wow, very cool to discover something new. I’ve never even heard of this DVD series.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Ok, if you AND Kelly Ripa (so cool you are meeting her!!) think this workout is tough, I kind of want to try it out asap. Do you need lots of extra equipment?
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:02 am
You have just convinced me to buy those dvds! I am a huge fan of Kelly Ripa’s and found out about P57 a while ago. I saw that they had dvds, but the set was $50 (kind of expensive when you are saving for a wedding) A few blogs have have contests to win the P57 dvds but I have not been so lucky. After reading your post I am going to get them! They have a facebook page and all the comments are so positive. I think it will be a great addition to the Lose the Dough plan!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:02 am
wow, sounds like a great dvd! I’m always looking for great dvd workouts, so thanks for mentioning this one!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:02 am
I absolutely adore that picture of your breakfast with the dark city behind, with just a touch of city lights.
WOW I need that video! Must do some snooping around online to find a cheap DVD!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Wow, I’ve heard a lot about Physique 57 re Kelly Ripa but I didn’t know they had DVD’s. I thought it was just an elusive and expensive class in NYC. How do you get the DVD’s. Can you get them online? Thanks Tina!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:05 am
I definitely agree. I feel like I don’t get as good of a workout from exercise videos but I just may need to try that one out!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Now I want to try those dvds…
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:07 am
I thought about you while I ate breakfast this morning – I made carrot cake pancakes! And thinking about you inspired me to make coffee which totally rounded out the meal, so thank you!
P.S. Also, you would probably really like the pancakes. http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=873550
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:07 am
I’m always looking for “tough” DVD workouts! It’s always hard to find…
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
I’ve never heard of that DVD but I don’t really like working out at home in general. If it was that great maybe I’ll check it out though!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
That DVD sounds fantastic!! I’ll have to get that one for the days when I’m in the house.
Ummm… RAspberry Chobani?! I haven’t seen THAT one before??? Where did you find it!!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
I live in NYC and have been pondering whether I should try a Physique 57 class. Your review might just be the push I need to try it! I need to work on my core strength – my ab and back muscles have been getting fatigued during long runs….
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:11 am
I am not a huge fan of workout DVD’s either. I have friends swear by them though-so maybe I should try them out someday. You have recently gotten me hooked on bananas in my oats-I typically do not add them, but it gives it great staying power
Good luck with the apartment showing!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:13 am
That sounds like my kind of DVD
I’ve tried Jillian’s 30 day shred and was definitely yelling back at her through the tv.
Have a good Friday!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Where is this raspberry chobani?!? Yum!
I hope the apartment showing goes well
And I can’t wait to hear about the NY trip with Kelly Ripa! I really wanted to enter that one, but it’s right after we get back from another trip which would have been NUTS!
Happy Friday!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:15 am
I have those DVDs too! They are HARD! I had my doubts but my friend swore by those classes and she was right!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:15 am
that’s awesome that you found a good workout DVD. i agree w/ you about always getting a better workout outside or at the gym. this DVD might be work lookin’ in to!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:18 am
I actually liked that about trying to rent out our townhouse…we always had it spic and span plus we had “staged” it and an extra clutter and crap was put away. Loved having it so clean and organized! Of course it isn’t always that way in real life…but was nice while it lasted.
I am trying the 30 Day Shred DVD for the first time today…hope it is as good of a workout as what you found!
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:20 am
That’s quite an endorsement. I think I’ll have to try that Physique 57 some time. I’ve never heard of it.
Can anyone else recommend some good exercise DVDs?
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:22 am
I have never heard of that DVD before, but it is good to know that there is another tiring one out there!! I HATE DVDs that leave you feeling like you got an ‘eh’ workout. I would rather go to a class or create one.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Yuuuummmm about that smoothie. I can’t believe youre meeting Kelly in two weeks! I’d be flipping out. (No pressure.) My apartment is so small there’s no room for workout DVD’s but I think they’re a great alternative. This Boston Bluster must pass soon! Brrr.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:24 am
That dvd is officially on my list! I’m always looking for challenging home workout dvds so thanks for mentioning it!!
I think I’m going to invest in some protein powder stuff after seeing SO many heathy bloggers drink it, I was even researching it last night
Have a good day!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:27 am
great review…i would have never guessed it…i don’t like video either. Do you need any ‘tools’?
your smoothie looks amazing!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:32 am
I got Physique57 a couple of months ago and I had the same reaction! Kicked me all over the place! I try to use it once a week and I take the shorter 30 minute full body workout DVD with me when I’m traveling. I LOVE them – her abs are a great inspiration!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:38 am
First, your smoothie sounds incredible!
Second, I must get Physique57 when I can workout again. I’ve heard Kelly Ripa talk about it on the show millions and millions of time but I wasn’t sure. Now, coming from you, I can trust that it’s a great workout! I actually love workout dvds. And one that kicks your butt… oh you hate it but you love it! Thanks for the great review!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:41 am
You mentioned that you need little equipment…what equipment do you actually need?
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:42 am
that’s awesome to hear about the great workout! i’m always on the lookout for a great DVD since i don’t belong to a gym
hope you have a fantastic Friday!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:44 am
I love DVD’s that kick your butt…I have been doing the 30 Day Shred and it is fabulous.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:44 am
i’ve been doing those physique 57 dvds for about 2 months about 3x/week in addition to my 5 days a week of cardio and i saw a huge difference after about a week in my strength and definition in legs, arms and abs that i could not achieve in my gym’s strength classes, its so easy and definately a great alternative when you just can’t get to the gym. i also love that it includes lots of stretching in the workout between intervals, so i don’t need to do stretching after i’m done. i was working muscles i never knew i had! i’ve been getting compliments on my arms too which before were just skinny, but are now defined! physique is supposed to come out with some more dvds this spring too i heard! yea!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:49 am
The view out your window of the city looks pretty =)
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Your apartment’s view of Boston is great! And I love your description of how the Physique 57 workout affected you. I’ll have to check that out.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:57 am
looks like pilates!!!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Great review of the Physique 57 DVD! I’ve been wanting to take a class at their studio but haven’t gotten around to it. If the video is such a great workout, the class must leave first timers unable to walk!! Sounds great!
I agree with Hillary – your view is stunning!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
That’s funny–just yesterday I told my husband I wanted the Physique 57 DVDs for Valentine’s Day. I have been taking a barre class at a local studio and I definitely see a little bit of improvement in certain areas that I just could not target through Body Pump or cardio alone. But I can’t always afford the class. Now I can’t wait to get my present!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
I’m such a Texan… it was 33 degrees this morning and I was such a baby about it. 11 degrees sounds really horrible! Thanks for the video review!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
That sounds awesome! I LOVE body weight exercises, I think they’re incredibly effective. Definitely going to consider buying this DVD!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I’ve heard really good things about that workout– they were on Martha Stewart the other day!
Any workout that Kelly Ripa does is okay by me
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I actually like workout DVD’s. Right now I’m doing the P90X DVDs with a friend and they are kicking our butt!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Physique 57 is my favorite workout class in NYC! I used to go all the time. I really need the dvds!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
How lucky are you to get to meet Kelly Ripa? She is on my list of people I would LOVE to meet!!
I love Cathe’s workouts. Man, there are no low impact DVD’s in her series. Put up your pink dumbbells!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Sounds like you had a fantastic morning. You’re meeting Kelly Ripa? So lucky. That is one fit woman. Hey, if she swears by Physique 57, then it MUST work right? Plus you tried it and said it was a good workout too. Hmmm makes me want to put down P90X and give Physique 57 a try.
And omg, I just realized that you wake up before the sun comes up. Tina, how do you do it?? I thought I woke up early – 7am. I guess that’s early for a college kid though. My friends wake up at 10am and think that’s productive.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Hi Tina, I’m a long-time reader, but I can’t remember ever seeing that killer view from your patio in your current apartment! I’m totally impressed with your photo-taking skillz.
I’ve always felt the same way about exercise DVDs – I’ll have to try that one out! Thanks for the review! ~Annie
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I love when workouts surprise me. I might just have to add that one to my collection after your great review.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
I have never eard of P57, I will be googling this shortly sounds like a pretty good work out for cold rainy days that I want to stay home!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
I know what you mean – I’m usually not a fan of exercise videos at all. I prefer to go the gym. Too bad it’s so cold in Boston right now. Surely spring is just around the corner!
I’m really excited to hear about your meet up with Kelly Ripa!
Chloe
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
I’ll have to check that video out! I am newly addicted to body pump so anything like it I want to give a shot!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Oh, now I want to try out P57 too! I don’t do a lot of exercise DVD’s, but love good recommendations.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Had to comment on the gorgeous city shot with your breakfast!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Hope the showing goes well!!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
What an amazing start to the day! And you’re meeting Kelly Ripa?! How awesome, I love her!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Sounds like a great video! Wonder if the folks who made it could do a promo for CnC readers?
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Sounds like a phenomenal smoothie! My favorite flavor combo.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Wow, thanks for the review – sounds like a challenging workout routine. Fun, too?
I LOVE Kelly Ripa, so awesome that you will get to meet her!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Awesome breakfast, workout, and snack. Sounds like a perfect morning to me! And I so want to try thephysique 67 workouts now, I’ve heard so many good things about them!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
dang, sounds like a good workout!
and your view is amazing in your breakfast picture there.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
I am SO glad that you did that DVD this morning so we could all get the review =) I’ve seen a lot about Physique 57 on TV, in fact I just saw a piece about it this morning on the Today Show. I can’t believe it was that difficult! But it makes sense because Kelly Ripa has a bangin’ bod…it must’ve taken a lot of work. Thanks so much for the review. I definitely want to give Physique 57 a try…
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Chocolate and raspberry is a pretty heavenly flavour combination! But still, with this freezing weather, I’d be inclined to have a second bowl of oats rather than a smoothie
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
I am definitely needing to try this banana oatmeal it looks so wonderful, and I’m glad you got a great workout from the DVD! I do the P90 workouts, those kick butt!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
ugghh it’s freezing here in new jerz too!
dislike.
hope your apartment showing goes well!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Hi Tina! How much ground flax seed do you put in your oatmeal? I just started using it in mine (for hubby’s cholesterol) and even with increasing the liquid the oatmeal turns all gummy and unappetizing. I was putting in a full serving for both of us (so four tablespoons total). Any ideas?
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
wow it’s so dark outside while you’re having your breakfast! you’re up early, woman!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
That sounds like an awesome DVD! At school when it was cold and I didn’t want to go out I used Carmen Electra’s workout video…she has some that are the “strip tease” videos, but one of them is a “get in shape FOR striptease” video. it always kicked my butt! I will definitely have to look up the one you are using, too!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
P57 ROCKS!!! I’m so glad you liked it. I started it Jan 1 and am giving it a go for the month of January. I have to tell you, even though it’s now a sweat-your-butt-off workout I feel tighter all over. So it works. Kelly Ripa is proof. If I can have arms like that I’ll do it twice a day. And I look GREAT in my skinny jeans! No Fat Cells!!!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I’ve never heard of that DVD before but it sounds awesome! I love exercise DVDs and since I don’t belong to a gym I really use them a lot.
I wouldn’t have wanted to go outside in 11 degrees either, bbrrr!!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
I loved the review on the DVD!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Finding good workout dvds is like finding gold!! The banana oats look delish as usual and that coffee is making me crave a DD iced like it ain’t no thang!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Hi! I am a long time reader, but never commented till now
I have to say that I have been going to physique for 2+ years now and the results are amazing.
When I cannot make it to class, I use their dvd’s, I was skeptical at first, it seemed like a dvd would not make me work as hard as they do in their classes, but I have to say i was hurting after (in a good way). They have a great 30 min one that Shelly teaches. It is a great “i do not have time for anything” workout, very fast and effective.
Your blog is great! Thanks for keeping us all motivated.
Katrina
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@Kate: Depends on the morning, but typically a spoonful.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Hi Tina, I would love to hear about the health benefits of chia seeds and spirulina. What made you choose those supplements?
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Such a pretty view out your window. I’m going to look up that DVD…sounds like a great alternative when you don’t want to leave the house!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I need to try Chia Seeds in my oats. I can’t believe how hard you say that DVD is….crazy!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Wow, I must have missed the post where you mentioned meeting Kelly Ripa. That’s so exciting! And for such a good cause, too
I admire your motivation to do a workout video at home. Now THAT’S dedication!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Oh, Physique 57 is the best!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
i wanted to try that dvd!!! But that thing costs 50 bucks plus last time I looked it up! Glad you reviewed it!
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
thanks for reviewing the video! it is nice to have an option to exercise at home when it’s flippin’ freezing outside! Have you ever tried any of Tracy Anderson’s DVD’s? I was surprised at the good workout from one of hers as well.
on Jan 29th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Glad you enjoyed the DVD workout!
Jenna
on Jan 30th, 2010 at 1:34 am
I have been wanting to try that DVD. You actually made me want to try it even more. I think sometimes I curse at Jillian Michaels while doing her workouts. Is that a metal straw?
on Mar 14th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
So… any word on P57 vs P90X? I sprung for P57 because it’s much cheaper than P90X and I’m not sure how I’ll like working out at home… but I’ve lost my zing for the gym and need something to get me back in the swing.