Teachers Mia Cabalfin and Cheryl Cosio at the barre. “Physique 57 is a barré-based workout program with intervals that blends elements of cardio, strength training and stretching.

Mom, career woman, daughter, business owner, BFF, mentor, wife — women wear a lot of hats every single day. Although their responsibilities may seem overwhelming, they fearlessly toughen it out so they could meet the pressures of their families, careers and personal lives. But despite being inherently tough, resilient and nurturing, ladies also need time to recharge and find an outlet where they can further strengthen their bodies, minds and self-confidence.

There are a number of fitness activities that advocate women’s health and wellbeing. Are these enough? Some say that a holistic fitness program is one that is life-changing and transformative.

This is the premise of a new workout program in town.

Physique 57 is a barré-based workout program with intervals that blends elements of cardio, strength training and stretching. Designed to burn fat and build long, lean muscle, Physique 57 uses a process called Interval Overload which uses a person’s own body weight as resistance to target and overload muscles to the point of fatigue, then stretches them for relief. Each intense 57-minute workout involves muscle-defining arm exercises, waist-chiseling ab moves, intense thigh and seat sequences and fluid stretches.

A New York City fitness favorite since in 2006, the program is said to have sparked the ballet barré exercise studio craze worldwide with its sold out classes, cult following and celebrity clientele.

Chief executive officer and founder Jennifer Harper developed Physique 57 after The Lotte Berck Method, an exercise studio that taught a rigorous, dance-based exercise method, shut its doors in 2005. She experienced first-hand the quick weight loss and boost in her self-confidence and perseverance with the Lotte Berck Method and wanted to keep its mission alive. She then teamed up with star Lotte Berck trainer Tanya Becker to create Physique 57. To date, Physique 57 is empowering women in 10 studios worldwide: in New York City, the Hamptons, Beverly Hills, Dubai, Bangkok, Mumbai, and now Manila.

What should first-time barré babes expect in each class? Each class starts with a warm-up and a series of upper body exercises that include push-ups, planks, free weights and targeted moves for the biceps, triceps, shoulder, chest and back. Afterwards, barré babes will move to the barré to tone and lift the thighs, seat and abdominals.

Exercise sequences merge small, isometric moves with large, full body movements which are guaranteed to sculpt the physique in a way it has probably never been before. Even though the classes are rigorous, Physique 57 barré babes push through each session through the help of the program’s innovative choreography, energizing music, personalized coaching, motivating class community, and more importantly, its physical, mental and emotional results.

Physique 57 instructors are upfront that the classes aren’t easy but that’s precisely why they work. Lyndsey Makovsky, one of the top Physique 57 trainers from New York, encourages new clients, “Come in with no expectations and keep an open mind. Our teachers will always have your back and they will always support you. Just try it. It’s going to leave you feeling better and you’re going to walk out of the class in a better mood and hopefully, feel encouraged.”

Don’t be fooled though, each challenging class is still low impact and focuses on proper body mechanics, alignment and form. In fact, most of its exercises are akin to movements done in physical therapy so they’re equally strengthening and therapeutic. The workouts also help resolve muscle imbalance and helps correct lifestyle-acquired postural deviations.

If there’s one major characteristic that sets Physique 57 apart from other run-of-the mill exercises, it’s the fact that it promotes a strong sense of community so each client receives the right amount of encouragement as they strive to gain strength, build muscle and eventually feel great in the body they’ve been given.

Sign up for a Physique 57 class at the 2nd floor of the W 5th Building, 5th Ave. corner 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, visit www.physique57manila.com.