The History of Physique 57
Physique 57 is an internationally renowned fitness studio, fitness DVD producer and distributor. Since its launch in 2006, Physique 57 has experienced rapid customer growth and now owns and operates five studios—three in New York City, one in Los Angeles and one in the Hamptons.
Physique 57 co-founder Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi is a dance enthusiast, Columbia MBA and former Wall Street professional. In 2005, upon the sudden closing of The Lotte Berk Method, a highly respected fitness studio offering the eponymous technique created in the 1950s by a former accomplished ballet dancer, Jennifer realized that she and legions of devout Lotte Berk followers needed a new home. Teaming up with Tanya Becker, one of the foremost instructors of The Lotte Berk Method for over a decade, Physique 57 was born—a modern take on Lotte Berk's fitness revelation, paired with world class business management techniques.
Expansion
In February 2006, Physique 57 debuted at 24 W. 57th Street in New York City to ecstatic clients and long waitlists.
Next, Physique 57 claimed familiar territory by following clients east for the summer to the Hamptons. In May 2006, the Bridgehampton outpost opened in Lotte Berk’s former space at 264 Butter Lane Barn. Sold out Hamptons classes catered to a broad audience who insisted that Physique 57’s expansion plans continue. Their interest was obliged in grand style in the fall of 2007, with the opening of the expansive Physique 57 Spring Street location in Soho’s historic Butterick building.
Physique 57 captured the vibe of New York and the Hamptons, so when thinking about the next location, Los Angeles was the obvious choice. In June 2010, Physique 57 Beverly Hills launched its gorgeous new studio just steps from Rodeo Drive, and was immediately honored as Best New Fitness Class by Los Angeles Magazine.
In August 2011, Physique 57 opened its third Manhattan studio on the Upper West Side to cater to its rapidly growing uptown client base. The sophisticated, luxurious and sun-drenched facility is housed in one of New York City’s most beautiful landmarks, the famous Ansonia.
DVDs
For years Physique 57 has been challenging women and men to work their bodies in new and exciting ways using natural body resistance, unique choreography and motivating music set to an energizing pace. The smashing success of the studios, amazing client results and numerous unsolicited celebrity endorsements helped spread the word that Physique 57 is effective. In June 2009, Physique 57 launched its first DVD Workout Series to bring the method into the homes of people around the world. In December 2010, building on the success of the award winning and best-selling Volume 1 results, the highly anticipated Physique 57 DVD Workout Series Volume 2 was released.
Partnerships
2010, a banner year capped by the inclusion of Physique 57 as #377 in Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private companies in America, was marked by growth in all aspects of the company, including partnerships with Canyon Ranch, One and Only Resorts, QVC and Plus One Health Management.
The Physique 57 Solution Book
In January 2012, Physique 57 launched its first-ever book, The Physique 57 Solution: The Groundbreaking 2-Week Plan for a Lean, Beautiful Body by co-founders Tanya Becker and Jennifer Maanavi. The Physique 57 Solution combines the groundbreaking workout with an effective meal plan to create a two-week program for losing up to 10 inches and dropping pounds quickly.
With its constant growth and expansion, Physique 57 continues to engage you in a welcoming and supportive global fitness community. As a result, Physique 57 has earned thousands of loyal clients, Facebook fans and Twitter followers, and continues to foster an expanding global fan base and gorgeous physiques. Its challenging, dynamic and invigorating workouts will inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
