Dan's Papers - June 15, 2007 - Physique 57 Comes to Town

Physique 57, the newest, most innovative and exciting method of exercise, has opened to great reviews in a glorious penthouse just steps from Fifth Avenue at 24 West 57th Street in Manhattan. Founder and owner Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi, a very attractive, fashion savvy, body conscious investment professional had been a long-standing devotee of The Lotte Berk Method. With the sudden closing of The Method in New York, Maanavi found that she needed a new place to exercise not only for herself but also for the legion of women she was encountering who had also been devout followers of the method. She decided that the best thing was to open her own studio. Armed with her business acumen of 11 years of working on Wall Street, her grand solution was Physique 57. Teaming up with Tanya Becker, one of the foremost instructors of The Lotte Berk Method, the two designed an exciting, new regimen for staying healthy and transforming your body.

If you are here in the Hamptons for the summer, Physique 57 has opened a studio in Bridgehampton from Memorial Day to Labor Day at 264 Butter Lane Barn, the former home of The Lotte Berk Method. At the Bridgehampton studio, all clients are accommodated on a first come, first served basis. Advance reservations can be made only by those who have purchased an Annual Membership or the Bridgehampton Special.

The premise of Physique 57 is a program series of exercises that stretch and strengthen almost every muscle in the body, resulting in a strong, lean and supple body. The classes incorporate a series of isometric movements including exercises at the ballet barre to benefit your seat, thigh, arm and abdominal muscles, as well as floor exercises designed to strengthen muscle and increase flexibility.

Exercise routines are constantly changing for the benefit of the student to achieve a more shapely and fit body. Students are constantly monitored by instructors, offering a one on one approach to teaching. Motivational music, which plays throughout the class, spurs the clients to strive even harder. And for a treat after a long hard workout, Physique 57 offers a line of comfortable work-out clothes including their exclusively designed waist warmer along with jewelry by Catherine Canino and Tejani.

With Vaughan Maanavi's acute business acumen, style and zeal for staying fit, and Becker's extensive exercise and dance experience, Physique 57 is fast becoming the new method.

Just recently, Physique 57 has added a new, dynamic class to their program, giving faithful clients more workout options and a new way to transform their bodies and feel great. The class, Mat 57, is a vigorous and energetic workout inspired by Classical Pilates, but created for those who want a more upbeat and unique routine. Mat 57 invokes Physique 57's passionate spirit with its challenging exercises, quick pace, targeted body workout and pumped-up music, making sure you feel the burn in all the right places.

Want to hear more scoop on this workout phenomena? Physique 57's Founder and Owner, Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi and the Director of Training, Tanya Becker, give us their thoughts on the newest craze that will keep class adventurers on their toes - well no, down on the floor, but you get the point.

Q: What can I expect from my Mat 57 class?
You can expect individualized instruction from teachers who carefully watch students to make sure they are reaching their maximum potential. Energized music keeps the class focused and working hard while moving and stretching on the floor (no need to actually use a mat with the soft luxe carpet!).

Q: What is the benefit of Mat 57?
With this upbeat routine, Mat 57 increases endurance and stamina levels. Your body will be worked towards the long and lean silhouette of a dancer by strengthening core muscles that improve balance, posture and the body's alignment. All major muscle groups are sculpted and developed to create lean muscle and are stretched to relieve tension and elongate the body.

The best part is you're encouraged to take both Physique 57 and Mat 57 classes together - they work to complement each other. With the success of Physique 57, there is no doubt that Mat 57 will soon become the new talk of the East End. Physique 57 is located at 264 Butter Lane Barn, Bridgehampton. Visit www.physique57.com for more information and class schedules.