Today, find the perfect

September 2, 2011

The Perfect Quick (But Not Easy!) Arm and Ab Toning Class

physique 57's ARMed and fAB class is a great way to tone in just 30 minutes

WHAT: ARMed and fAB
WHERE: Physique 57 click here for locations
PRICE: $18.50

A 30 minute workout that promises to tone arms and abs sounds great in theory, but skeptics may wonder if one can really get a great workout in such a short amount of time. After taking Physique 57’s ARMed and fAB class, I was pleasantly surprised to find that yes, you can get a hard core workout in just half an hour.  In fact, about 5 minutes into it, my arms felt like they were on fire. And by the looks of the other women in the class, I wasn’t alone. Plus, my abs are still sore…

The workout takes place in a carpeted studio—so no sneakers necessary—lined with mirrors and a ballet bar. Before class, you’ll pick out a pair of heavy weights and light weights, ranging from two to 10 pounds. First you’ll be led through a quick warm-up, and then the arm and ab toning begins. Our toned instructor—who attentively walked around making sure students had proper alignment—started with a series of bicep curls using heavier dumbbells. Next we did repetitions with lighter weights, working our triceps while balancing in a lunge. Then we sat beneath a bar using a resistance band while majorly working our core.  We did a mix of moves—including the Pilates hundreds—while pulling on a blue band for some intense arm and tummy toning.

Series of plank poses, crunches, and pushups are sprinkled between the weight reps, so no time is wasted. Since you’re led through so many exercises in such a short amount of time, it’s almost impossible not to work up a sweat by the end of the class. And while the workout is intense, a fun soundtrack featuring the likes of Britney Spears and Cyndi Lauper helped us power through. So whether your pressed for time, or just want to focus on getting Jennifer Aniston-esque muscles, we recommend giving it a try.—AMANDA LIBBY