Let New Mothers Eat Cake
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The latest outpost for new mothers who are looking to stretch their way to the best post-baby body is the fitness center at Physique 57. The basic principles of the Physique workout are derived from the Lotte Berk Method, named for the German-Jewish dancer who combined aspects of yoga, pilates, and ballet barre work to create the ’60s fitness craze. (Berk, with whom many expectant mothers will relate, was said to have eschewed obsessive dieting, instead indulging in cake, chocolate, and the occasional steak.) The senior instructors at the Midtown center, Tanya Becker and Barbara Boolukos, have fine-tuned the technique with a focus on strengthening and toning the muscles and the core of the body. While Physique 57 courses ($30 single class, $3,900 annual membership) are designed to tone your seat, abdominals, thighs, and arms, the 57-minute “Prenatal Physique” workout ($20 single class) is tailored specifically for soon-to-be-moms with an emphasis on reducing back pain. The result? A visibly improved posture and a sexy,”divalysscious” body. Visit the studio at 24 W. 57th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, 212-399-0570. For more information, go to physique57.com.
divalyssciousmoms.com