Fitness Friday: The Tracy Anderson Method

Happy New Year!!!

With extra motivation abundant this first week of January, I wanted to pop in to share my  [get fit] secret weapon…enter the fitness friday edition of Friday fun! 

I strongly believe that healthy eating is 80% (plus) of the equation to attain a healthy and happy weight, but it would not be complete without EXERCISE! 

With the advent of ClassPass, it’s much easier to hop around New York City to experience a plethora of boutique fitness classes, but my (exercise) heart will always remain in my living room…until I can confidently afford a membership to Tracy’s gym! 

“Tracy, who?” If you know me at all, you know my obsession with Tracy Anderson.

Why? It wasn’t until I discovered Tracy’s dance-based workouts that I saw my body shape up the way I wanted it to.

Here’s my quick exercise history: 

Growing up, I was at the dance studio at least twice a week. In high school, I was on the cheerleading squad and still danced all the time. I also started walking/running on the treadmill at home. In college, my weight started to climb, despite my five weekly trips to the gym. One summer, my  mom bought me Turbo Jam DVDs, which I loved (I even got my college roommates into them!), and while I lost some weight I had gained, I didn’t love the shape of my body.

Then, the summer after I graduated from college, my mom got me Tracy Anderson’s original DVDs because I always loved to dance. It seemed like 15 pounds melted away (my diet was definitely healthier too since I was no longer guzzling beer on Saturday mornings — go blue! — or eating late night who knows what in my sorority house…insert bashful emoji)… 

I didn’t only lose weight, but my body changed. My arms were leaner, my legs had a feminine, “dancers” shape to them, and I was more toned than I’d ever been before. Even though I’ve taken breaks from exercise over the past few years, I always return to Tracy because I know I’ll see results…and fast! 

Her Metamorphosis DVDs have two components: First, dance cardio and second, “muscular structure” (Tracy’s name for strength training). Now for those of you who don’t dance you may be worried about the “dance” portion. Lucky for you, her new DVDs are more jumping aerobics than the choreographed routines she released in her earlier DVDs. If you can do jumping jacks and follow along (it gets easier with time!), you’ll be fine!

(Check out a few videos on YouTube!)

Then there’s the muscular structure. All you need are 3 pound weights and a mat! To someone who has never seen a Tracy workout…they’re weird-looking! She moves your body in [what feels like] a billion directions, but that’s because she’s targeting small and specific muscles with each move. It takes practice, but you’ll get the hang of it!

(Visit my Workouts & Fitness Pinterest board for plenty of TA Method content!)

A picture of an old workout she created for Cosmopolitan magazine:

The workout is NOT easy — I gradually built up to finishing the entire DVD — but the results are WORTH it! And I’m not just talking physically. I mentally feel so much clearer on days that I get a great workout in. I actually crave that first bead of sweat dripping down my face…

And it’s not always ever pretty!

But seriously, a great workout clears your mind, reduces stress, and actually boosts energy!

No matter how you decide to move,  just do it! 

Put on your own music, have a dance party, and just get moving! 

{The best part: you can work out in your pajamas and don’t have to leave your house!}

Literally, dance like no one’s watching!

If you have ANY questions, let me know!

Now, go have a sweaty weekend!

XO 

I have NO way been compensated for writing about this incredible workout. I simply wanted to share one of my favorite and most consistent workouts because I’m SO in love with her Method, 100% believe in the exercise routine she provides, AND it’s accessible to all. (P.S. — Now you can STREAM Tracy’s class from her studio!)

P.S. — I do NOT follow any of her dietary advice, but instead focus on fueling myself with food that makes me feel my best. As always, consult your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.