The Tracy Anderson Method Presents Mat Workout DVD

I have heard so much hype about Tracy Anderson that I thought I would give her dvd a try. I can't say it is the worst workout dvd I've done yet there were some definite negatives. Her cuing is essentially nonexistent. She looks painfully bored throughout the dvd. Also, it is clear she has no background in being a certified personal trainer given some of the moves with the weights were straining my neck so not exactly safe. I've made my own variations. After doing workouts with excellent cuing by people who clearly have the education and experience to demonstrate they know what they are talking about (Gunnar Peterson, Cathe, Joni Love for example), this dvd is a supplement, not my end all be all dvd to workout with.

This was so boring I almost nodded off. Tracy moves from one thing to the next so quickly and doesn't even tell you what she's doing - This was hugely frustrating and her lack of instruction was evident throughout the entire hour of the DVD. There is a segment on abs and moving around your rib cage that is just ridiculous (I am a salsa dancer and have some experience with rib cage work)...but this was hilarious. Tracy is moving all over the place at different angles with her rib cage and she doesn't say a word to the viewer about which way she is going, preparing for what's next, etc. She just doesn't have a strong instruction component. I felt her personality was really introverted. She didn't really inspire or pump me up at all! I had this DVD week for a couple weeks, did the routine three times and just sold it on eBay last week. I think it's boring, but who knows - maybe it works if you stick with it. It just isn't the workout for me!!

I love at home work out DVDs. I'm not one for gyms as I like to be able to work out whenever I have the time to squeeze it in - whether it be while something is cooking in the oven, late at night, whatever. I thought I'd give this one a try since I saw that it was highly reccommended (and the Madonna/Gwyneth Paltrow endorsement didn't hurt either).

I really like this routine a lot. Why?
Great music - most workout DVDs are filled with the cheesiest music that I just have to tolerate. This music is really good - so good that I wished there was a listing of what was used included in the DVD so that I could seek out the artists and download the tunes! That has NEVER happened to me before on a workout DVD.
Friendly and likeable instructor - there are some fitness gurus that I just can't stand because watching them and hearing them is unbearable. Tracy Anderson is calm, soothing, and sweet.
Doesn't need a lot of space - I wish I would have had this when I lived in an apartment. Not only does it not take a lot of space, but since you aren't jumping around or anything you wouldn't disturb downstair neighbors.
Effective routine - the routine really challenges my muscles to the point of fatigue. She doesn't move on too soon to the next thing. I really feel my muscles work. And the best part is that the moves themselves are not hard to master. The moves are actually all pretty basic - it is just the exhaustion of the muscles that really makes it work.
No real extra "materials" needed - Do you have a chair? Do you have light weights or at least something you can sub as light weights (water bottles)? Then you're set to go. She has a mat, but the mat really isn't necessary.
Length - To me this DVD is the perfect length. It isn't too long to where I get bored and feel I'm using excess time I don't have. Nor is it too short where I feel like I'm not doing enough. Great balance of time.

My only complaint I really have with this DVD is that I wish Tracy would talk just a bit more - specifically when she changes moves on the floor ab part. Because she doesn't audibly say she's starting something new with each move or side, I have to physically try to watch the TV while doing these. I'm assuming that's not the most efficient/best way to do it since usually I like to focus on the ceiling or something to keep my form in check. If I'm turning to the side to see what she's doing, then I'm not really focusing on what I am doing.

I've been doing the DVD for about 4 weeks now and love it. I have a long way to go to get where I want to be, but I am seeing (& feeling) a difference in my body already. The exercises are very different from all the other exercise videos in my collection and I think that makes it refreshing.

I chose this dvd for its reputation of delivering a dancer's physique.

Tracy's method reminds me of callanetics, except that its choreographed to good music, and it has an excellent arm workout. Even with the newer callanetics, I felt I still needed more armwork.
Tracy has arms to die for. While you are following along, its hard to not notice what gorgeous arms she has. People have noted that she doesn't say much, which I personally am grateful for. Watching gorgeous arms is far more motivating. I keeps me from taking breaks...just watch the gorgeous arms, keep going!


She explains at the beginning of the dvd that she is going to work out your larger muscle groups first and then all the smaller supporting muscles to obtain that dancer's look. For example, there are rib isolations, like belly dancer drills. She has you rotate working them from different angles, so its not just the top or the sides working out, but all around, underneath. Places you didn't realize you had muscles, like the ribs! I had sore rib muscles!

I have bad knees-- bone to bone pain plus a "trick knee" which means the knee cap itself will slip without warning and make me fall. My physical therapist wanted me to do lunges and squats, to strengthen the small muscles around the knees to support them, so they don't scrape and don't slip. But I can't do them because my bones are scraping! Dilemna! (Glucosamine Chrondrointan helps tremendously, but I still need muscle.)

When I saw Tracy doing a few ballet moves, with bent knees, I thought I was going to have to skip that part, but It turns out its gentle yet deep and effective, again, like callanetics. I can do them.

Each day there is less pain and "creaking" noise in regards to my knees. I used to use my arms to get out of my daughter's sports car. Now, after two weeks, I get out like everyone else. A small miracle!

The workout is mindful, graceful, artistic, and uplifting-- Even a little sexy! My glimpses of myself in the mirror working out to check form and posture surprise me--instead of having an internal dialogue at how disgusting I look, I look like a dancer! ;)