I had the luck of receiving review copies of the newest Physique 57 Workout DVDs, which include:
Thigh and Seat Booster—30 Minute Workout
Advanced Express 30 Minute Workout
Classic 57 Minute Full Body Workout—Second Edition
I reviewed the first editions, which I purchased myself, and thought they were great. Reviews here and here.
I wasn’t sure whether it was worth it to get the second volumes because the first are quite challenging, but after doing them once, I can definitely see enough variety and challenge in the second set to make them worth purchasing in addition to the first volumes. In fact, the most cost effective way to buy the dvds is to buy the Ultimate Physique Workout Kit of 6 dvds and playground ball with pump for $99.
I consider this a first glance review since I have done each video once with one day in between. I plan to follow the prescribed fitness plan of doing the dvds 4-5 times a week for 4 weeks and give an updated review in about a month.
Before I even launch into my thoughts, I must tell you this, INVEST in the PLAYGROUND BALL. While it may seem like extra money, it will make the workout twice as hard, and allow you to get every penny of your money back in results. And that my friends, is priceless. The second set of videos seems to rely more heavily on the ball, so it becomes essential. While I am on my playground ball soapbox, I should buy myself a heavier set of weights! But seriously, you need the playground ball to really feel the burn and get the most out of the exercises. Like the videos, consider it an investment in your health, body and fitness goals. Think about it this way, the dvds and playground ball together are about the cost of one class in the studio. 
So on with the review, the first DVD I tried was the Thigh and Seat Booster. I was so so excited when I heard this was out because seat and thighs are definitely my trouble zones, and they are so hard to change! This video was very good, it’s challenging! I think it was the first video I have ever tried where my legs shook just like in the real class. I will admit, my legs were already sore from the lunges I recently added to my routine, so I couldn’t go down all the way. The video FLEW by, so I popped in the Arm and Ab booster while I was still on an exercise high. This video is led by Shelly, who I love as a video instructor, she is encouraging, not annoying and helps you push through the last set strong. She is also so ridiculously lean, yet cut that it is hard not to hope for similar results.
Yesterday I tried the Full Body Workout 57 Minute Workout—Second Edition.
This video is not a repeat of the first edition. While it follows the same format, the new moves offer enough variety to make it distinct. I would say it is as challenging as the first one, which means it’s a great workout. I was feeling very warm by the end of the warm up. I think this video has a bit more stretching and a little more ab work than the first video. I think my favorite difference is that the dialogue is toned down from the first versions, so it will be easier watching/doing to enjoy over and over. 
Finally, I tried the Advanced Express 30 Minute Workout. I admit, I though the 30 minute original was KILLER, so I was a little afraid to try the advanced version. But I did all three videos within 4 days, so I took a gulp and dove in pretty quickly.
This is a GREAT workout. It moves very fast, which allows you to work up a sweat. It takes the moves and adds a twist to heighten the challenge, such as down leg lifts while doing tricep dips. It also has a move I loved last time I took a class in the studio, you have the ball tucked behind your knee and your leg in hydrant position as you move your leg front to back. It works the leg, thigh and abs all at the same time. This video utilizes the ball A LOT! The great news about this video was that it literally was over before I knew it. When you factor in the stretching, the actual minutes of burning are brought down to about 24, not bad at all!
In sum,
Pros
- These videos follow the Physique 57 format, so they are not drastically different from the originals, except the new Thigh and Seat Booster, but there is enough variety of exercises to make it feel fresh and exciting.
- They are just as challenging as the first set.
- They move quickly and are over before you know it!
- You can start with the second editions, even if you haven’t done the first.
- The instructors have found their video personalities in these videos and are even better than they were in the first.
- I like these enough to totally feel like doing them 4-5 times a week is realistic, and now that I own 6, I have more than enough variety.
- If you don’t live in the city, they are very close to the class in the studio.
Neutral
- You need to buy the playground ball to really get the full workout for the these videos
- It’s too early to know if they are effective for me yet!
Cons
- The music is not the music you hear in class, new top 40 jams. That is the one thing I miss from the class. The music is not as motivating, but due to copyright laws, no workout videos really have killer soundtracks.
- These are more expensive some workout videos, but they are also the most challenging I have tried—and I own a lot!
That’s all about the videos, but who wants QUACKERS?
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for One Lucky Duck Rosemary Quackers!
Jumpbacks are done in six counts and repeated six times, there are 3 sets in the series. Jumpbacks are like burpees, except done with a ball. Lift ball over head, crouch and place ball on floor, jump into plank, jump back into crouch, move up to squat hold and stand. repeat.
Suffice it to say that my jaw actually dropped open in shock at one point while performing a certain shoulder exercise—I was not prepared for it to be that difficult!
