Cheryl The Beginning
I have an interesting history with the Tracy Anderson Method (TAM). I first saw Tracy (with Gwyneth Paltrow) on Oprah back in 2008 discussing how her method got Gwyneth in amazing shape. As someone who has done “traditional” workouts (weightlifting and cardio) for years, my initial reaction was very skeptical, I must say. Lifting no more than three-pound weights and flapping your arms around? Leg lifts as opposed to hardcore squats and lunges? What is that all about? At the same time I found her method intriguing. It was so very different from any workout I’ve ever done. My interest was piqued!
Months later I ordered my first Tracy DVDs – The Mat Workout and Dance Cardio. I watched them both and thought they were pretty cool! The Mat DVD, in particular, had some of the best workout music I’ve ever heard! Then I tried doing the workouts and got a huge slice of humble pie. They were TOUGH and, to be honest, I really did not understand her method at all. I even bought her The 30-Day Method book to learn more about it, but I didn’t bother reading it thoroughly. I concluded that this was the end for me and Tracy…or so I thought.
Metamorphosis
While watching TV one day in 2011, guess who pops up on an informercial? Tracy herself with a new 90-day workout program called Metamorphosis (Meta)! Meta has four different programs that are dedicated to four different body types (click here for more details on that). I purchased the Abcentric version which is for apple-shaped body types like mine. Since her Meta program is shorter (time wise) than her previous workouts and more targeted toward specific body types, I felt that they were more doable for me.
The program consists of nine 30-minute muscular structure (MS) workouts and one 30-minute cardio dance (DC) workout. Tracy advises doing both the muscular structure and cardio six times per week. Each workout is done for 10 days before moving on to the next level.
Well,…I did do the workouts, but at the same time, I didn’t DO the workouts. I went through the motions but was not very focused. My results were okay but not the amazing results that the Tracy Anderson Method is known for. I decided to move on to something else.
Becoming a Student of The Method
Time went on and menopause happened. So did the weight gain that comes along with it. I was working out but not consistently. I also started craving for a more gentler but effective approach to working out.
Then something wonderful happened! Around 2014, Tracy Anderson Method beginners workout DVDs were released! Of course, I immediately added them to my collection. I did use them periodically – but I still didn’t GET it!
At the beginning of this year. I made a goal to be more consistent and focused with my fitness. My simple objectives for a routine included:
- Easier on my joints.
- Working me out without totally wiping me out to the point of being counterproductive.
- Produce the results that I’m looking for – balanced proportions and leanness. I tend to bulk up easily in my upper body area. My lower body – well it can actually use a little more bulk, hence the balance.
- Most important – SOMETHING THAT I ENJOY DOING!
With this in mind, I decided to focus my fitness around the Tracy Anderson Method. Before starting over with TAM, I made it a point to become a student of her method first. I read Tracy’s book, watched some of her interviews and studied her DVDs in order to learn what her method was all about. The Tracy Anderson for Beginners video is perfect for this. She takes things slow and really breaks down how to connect with the moves to get the results that her method is known for. Studying the method helped me to realize that I was not connecting with my body or doing the moves properly when I first tried doing TAM. If you are absolutely clueless (like I was) about the Method, definitely start here.
A NEW Beginning
With a better knowledge of the Tracy Anderson Method under my belt, I started with her Mat for Beginners workout. This workout is a great place to start if you’re a newbie but have a basic understanding of how the Method works. It consists of three 25-minute workouts that gradually prepares you for her more challenging workouts.
After completing Mat for Beginners I moved on to the “original” Mat Workout. This time around I was able to do the entire workout but it was tough at first. I LOVE this workout and the music helped me to really get into it. Even better, after completing my ten days I was all ready for Metamorphosis (which I am currently doing now)!
I’m happy to report that my experience with TAM is quite different from my first try with it a few years ago. As Tracy advises, I do each sequence for ten days before moving on to the next, but this time I’m doing things a little differently.
Instead of the suggested six times per week, I do the muscular structure workouts five times per week (sometimes four). I don’t do Tracy’s dance cardio exclusively as she recommends. Walking, step aerobics, kickboxing or circuit training (with very light weights) are my cardio workouts of choice. I throw in a Tracy dance cardio here and there but I keep it low impact. My cardio sessions are 30-40 minutes long, four times per week. This works well for me.
So Far, So Very Good
There’s just something about Tracy! I’ve been doing her workouts for three months, so far. They challenge me both mentally and physically, like no other. It’s not the type of program that can be done mindlessly. You really have to focus on what you’re doing while executing the moves. As Tracy says, “You have to show up AND perform!”
I love how my body feels while doing the muscular structure workouts. It’s a different feeling from doing traditional weightlifting workouts. The muscular structure BURNS but in a good way – a way that keeps me motivated and wanting more. When I start a new sequence, I go from struggling through it to totally mastering it by Day 10! I’m getting stronger and seeing results MUCH FASTER than before. Don’t sleep on those 3-pound weights!
I’m seeing the quickest changes in my leg and glute muscles. That is always the case with me due to my apple-shaped body type. My arms (a problem area for me) are tightening up, my posture is better and my clothes are fitting looser. Just this morning I noticed a cute little “cut” along my abdominal area. My flexibility is improving slowly but surely as well!
As with any fitness journey it is a process. I’m not about quick fixes when it comes to fitness. Based on what I’m seeing on the Instagram pages of long-term “TAMers” I am very excited about the continuous results that I can achieve. Consistency is key! I plan on having a long, fruitful journey with the Tracy Anderson Method and welcome all of the challenges and changes that come along with it!
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you so much for your article. I have been inspired to seriously add working on my physical health to my personal journey.
Keep doing what you’re doing and inspiring others.
Much love,
Nanci
Thank YOU, Nanci! Working out has been so helpful for me mentally as well! It’s keeping my ole brain sharp 😊😂
Hey cheryl! Thanks for sharing this.. I’ve tried my luck with videos and became disenchanted (because of the music) you know I’m a house head.. I keep thinking I should create a house music exercise video..(as if I need another venture) but I’m closed you’re gettin seeing a difference and getting it done!
Hey Jamala! You’re welcome my friend. Oh yeah…you can have an excellent workout program but the music can easily make it a dealbreaker because it doesn’t motivate you to do it. Luckily a lot of workouts are programmed where you can mute the music but still hear the instructor. That way you can play your own music in the background. Nick has created some AMAZING mixes that are in sync to the pace and flow of my Tracy Anderson workouts 😊 And you know I’m all for a house music featured exercise video! Do it!!