Shape Up! Physique 57's Tanya Becker Talks Spring Shopping and Fitness

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
May 12, 2011

Physique 57

Physique 57 workout studios in Los Angeles and New York

The arrival (at last!) of warm weather has us dreaming of beach vacations—and dreading the required seaside uniform. One way to feel better about the daunting bikini season ahead is by amping up your workout routine. Physique 57's ballet barre workout is the not-so-secret weapon of more than a few of us on eBay's The Inside Source editorial team—not to mention Kelly Ripa, Christy Turlington and others from the famously toned set.

With two Physique 57 studios in New York and another more recently opened in Los Angeles, the bi-coastal fitness company has converted legions of women to its muscle-lengthening, grueling but rewarding mix of Pilates and ballet exercises. At the body-changing helm is co-founder and director of Physique 57's workout programs, Tanya Becker. Here, the Edison, New Jersey native and former dancer chats on how it all began, her warmer weather shopping picks and how she preps for a healthy spring ahead.

The Inside Source: Have you always been into fitness?

Tanya Becker: No, I was in dance first, and it wasn’t until I started teaching at the Lotte Berk Method in the early Nineties that my passion for fitness began. [Lotte Berk is a pre-cursor to Physique 57.]

The Inside Source: How did that segue into Physique 57?

Tanya Becker: It all came together when I met my business partner, Jennifer Maanavi—my dance and fitness background worked with her extensive business acumen. The technique speaks for itself; our in-studio classes and workout DVDs produce rapid results, leaving clients with the best version of themselves.

The Inside Source: Speaking of our best selves, after a long winter, spring is finally here! Anything special you do to get prepped for the season's skimpier summer fashion trends?

Tanya Becker: I’m a big believer in staying fit and healthy all year round. However, knowing I’ll be exposing more skin, I load up on the veggies, including salads and green shakes—I like Organic Avenue's Green Love.

The Inside Source: Favorite "cheat" treats?

Tanya Becker: Starbucks’ Skim Light Whipped Café Mocha. That’s Starbucks lingo!

The Inside Source: Anything you're especially looking forward to in terms of summer fashion trends?

Tanya Becker: Put the big boots and chunky sweaters away. Hello, sandals! I also love to enjoy the sun while eating a la fresco at any of Greenwich Village’s hip cafes.

The Inside Source: We find that the ladies at Physique 57 workouts are often quite stylish—definitely not your sloppy exercise set—even while breaking a sweat. What's your style like when you're not in the Physique 57 studio?

Tanya Becker: Comfortable chic: I love Joie tops paired with 7 For All Mankind jeans and comfy wedge sandals.

The Inside Source: Where do you usually shop?

Tanya Becker: Norma Kamali, and I love the Hardtail clothing, which we sell in our in-studio Physique Boutique.

The Inside Source: Have you ever shopped eBay online auctions?

Tanya Becker: Yes! My husband and I love eBay! We’ve purchased numerous vintage items, toys for our children and out of print books.

(images courtesy of Physique 57)

Shop eBay using Tanya Becker's favorite eBay search terms and brands:

Roll over items for details

7 For All Mankind 'Ginger' Wide Leg Jeans

(buy it now price, $79.99)

Norma Kamali Sleeveless Jersey Black Dress

(buy it now price, $49.99)

Joie Silk Floral Eyelet Top

(buy it now price, $168)

Vintage Rocking Horse

(buy it now price, $55)

Reneeze Wedge Sandals

Jane Fonda Fitness Book

(buy it now price, $8.99)

Shape Up! Physique 57's Tanya Becker Talks Spring Shopping and Fitness

1. 7 For All Mankind 'Ginger' Wide Leg Jeans: Becker, who describes her out-of-the-studio style as "comfortable chic," loves 7 for All Mankind jeans. (eBay search keywords: 7 for All Mankind)

2. Norma Kamali Sleeveless Jersey Black Dress: Becker loves to shop at the Norma Kamali boutique, which is conveniently located next door to the Physique 57 studio on 57th Street in Manhattan. The top fashion designer is a reported Physique 57 fan, too. (eBay search keywords: Norma Kamali)

3. Joie Silk Floral Eyelet Top: Here, one of Joie's bestselling, drapey Joie tops to show off those toned Phyique 57 arms. (eBay search keywords: Joie)

4. Vintage Rocking Horse: "My husband and I love eBay!" says Tanya Becker. "We’ve purchased numerous vintage items, toys for our children and out of print books." (eBay search keywords: vintage toys)

5. Reneeze Wedge Sandals : "I love Joie tops paired with 7 For All Mankind jeans and comfy wedge sandals," says Tanya Becker. (eBay search keywords: wedge sandals)

6. Jane Fonda Fitness Book: Tanya Becker scours eBay online auctions for out of print books. This one, by one of the original fitness gurus, takes us back. (eBay search keywords: out of print book)

Tags: