Tracy Anderson's Metamorphosis Trampoline (Rebounding) Cardio DVD Workout Review

I was super happy to receive my Tracy Anderson Mini-Trampoline (rebounding) Cardio workout as it has been on back order for about a month.

I have been rebounding on a daily basis for almost a year now.  Mostly with my own routine of jumps and kicks whilst watching TV or listening to music or an audio.  From time to time I kick it up and will use Tracy's YouTube trampoline workout, which is awesome- just quite intense and probably intimidating for one starting out.  It is also broken up into parts and not as fluid. The DVD rebounding workout seems easier or rather more user friendly vs her YouTube one.  If you are familiar with her Metamorphosis Cardio workout you will find it is practically the same... just adapted for the rebounder, which makes sense since it is part of the same series.  It has a simple grey computer generated background.

Unlike the other Metamorphosis DVDs... you do you not have control over the setting selections ("full audio mix, music only, tracy's voice only"). There are in fact no selections aside from "play".  The workout is 30 minutes.  For the entire 30 minutes the music is on- same track that is on the cardio workout.  For the first 3 minutes you have Tracy's voice talking about the workout. After so many times using the DVD I am sure some will tire of the message... but at least it's only 3 minutes long.  You have the option of muting and using your own music.

My rebounder is by Jumpsport, which I LOVE and use almost daily (review/details HERE).  It has bands vs coils as is as quiet as a rebounder (mini trampoline) can get.  Rebounding has many benefits and I have become somewhat addicted in a good way to the bounce.  Though I really like her cardio workout, I cannot currently use due to insufficient insulated floors and I prefer rebounding.

I rebound barefoot.  I do not wear shoes as she does.  I am into barefoot running/research that has come out and thought I would share as it might work for some of you.  Tracy does all her workouts in shoes.

All in all I am glad I purchased the DVD.  Some will prefer just to jump on their rebounder and come up with their own routines as I have, but it's nice to have a cleaner version of her workout. Tracy's intensity definitely brings your workout up and rebounding is so beneficial to your health.  I think it's worth $30.  Cheers!

Tracy Anderson Rebounder Workout + Jumpsport Rebounder Review

I have wanted a rebounder for a VERY long time.  Lots of health benefits to boot and easy to do at your own convenience.  I waited because the Bellicon, that was at the top of my list are quite pricey (but quiet- bands vs springs)... and I wanted to test them out before committing, which wasn't easily possible.  As luck would have it I found one, the Jump Sport 350i with bands for about 1/2 the price, and it's fantastic!  Yeah!

I purchased mine from Costco HERE.  It is very quiet and has a great bounce.  It's the 2nd to the top of the line 370 model, comes with a 4-in-1 workout DVD, and handle bar great if you need more stability.  The DVD is a good place to start and the handle bar is great if  you need more stability. 

The only downside is the legs do not fold up for easy storage or if space is an issue, and they take a little time to take off/put on (allen wrench- included). Other models available on Amazon.com and Jumpsport.com.  

Aside from wanting a rebounder, I have also always wanted to try Tracy Anderson's Trampoline workout- which I can now report is pretty intense.  I've always had so much respect for her workouts, but this takes it to a whole new level.  Her intensity, the pace of the bouncing and switching it up- she makes it look sooo easy, but it takes a bit of coordination and practice.  You will work up a great sweat and feel fantastic.  I love that you have access to this workout all the time (as long as you have internet + a rebounder of course)- no excuses.

Here is her workout in full - some nice person put it all together.  About 32 minutes.

Links to her workout in the 4 original parts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkfj06zTafQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRtHouFbHu4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqdTLShnECA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLejQkeSZRE&feature=related

Happy Happy Rebounding!!!

Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis DVDs Review

Tracy Anderson's latest work out and sculpting series, Metamorphosis is a good series (more on this below). However, the way it is advertised- "customized for you and your body type" is very misleading as each work out offered: omnicentric, hipcentric, abcentric, and glutecentric are EXACTLY the same.

Direct From Tracy Anderson Method confirming this:

"All of the Metamorphosis programs include the same arm and abs as well as targeting the specific body types. They also include the same 30 minute dance cardio workout and meal plan."

I am not saying the one work out provided will not work for all body types- I am sure they will, but if you are thinking of purchasing more than one "body type" to have access to different "moves"- DO NOT.

That aside, which was kind of a bummer... here's the low down:

This series is bright and light (filmed during the day vs night) and Tracy is happy and smiling throughout. It's easy to watch and that radiance is inviting.

What's included:

- Dance Cardio Workout- 30 minutes (1 DVD)
- Transform Workout 1, 2 and 3- 30 minutes (3 DVD's which you switch up every 10 days for a total of 90 days)
- Dynamic Eating Plan

Similar to Tracy's Perfect Design Series, you have the options to select the full audio mix, music only or Tracy's voice only. Great if you want to listen to your own music, etc.

"Learn to love to sweat." -Tracy Anderson

The 30 Minute Dance Cardio is wonderful! It's easy to follow, learn and you're able to work up a sweat quickly. There are no complicated routines. Lots of jumping around. I love that the workout is a continuous approximate 30 minutes- allowing you to keep going vs stopping your work out rewinding and starting up again as in some of her past cardio workout DVDs.

The video(s) are digitally enhanced- almost as if Tracy was dancing in front of a green screen and they added the background later. You can see from the two pictures above the background is different and it moves (though not distracting) and changes throughout as the 30 minutes go by. It gives added depth, alleviating "boredom" (if you will) and enhancing continuous movement.

The transform work out is a quick 30 minutes- most focusing on the legs while in the plank position therefore working the rest of the body as well. If you have been doing the Mat DVD or the Perfect Design Series I, II, III you might be surprised at how fast this one goes by. You might also be disappointed that there is no warm up and the arms (free + with weights), standing and mat abs are all done in about 10 minutes. I like the ab (on mat) series, but it's also fast. No cool down either. I find myself still switching out and working the first Mat DVD for warming up and cooling down, extra arms and standing abs and PDS series for extra abs.

All in all it's a good addition. Together they are an hour and I think her goal was to jam pack it to fit in most people's lifestyle. It's easier to carve out an hour vs an hour and a half whilst still giving her audience a result it desires. If you have the other work out DVD's you will most likely want to switch them up still but for beginners and even the novices you will still work up a sweat.

Lastly, about the Dynamic Eating Plan... I read it, but am not following it. I don't need help losing weight and I think I eat pretty damn good and have been into health and eating whole nutritious foods for many years now (if you read this blog regularly you probably already got that :)). I am not saying you shouldn't follow it. But if this is your first realm into this sort of thing- you might find the drastic caloric reduction to be quite shocking at first. In her "nutrient boost weeks" you are basically doing a form of a juice/pureed diet- ie no chewing is really involved. I would suggest if anything start with working out regularly and see what you can do and how you feel. You might have those moments when your stomach is growling at you but if you don't feel faint, etc keep going. The great thing is you can always adjust. Listen to your body and have fun! You're going to feel great!

Tracy Anderson's Top Five Body Sculpting Exercises

(Tracy Anderson + Nicole Richie)

For some reason the video won't embed properly but if you click HERE you can view Tracy Anderson's Top Five Body Sculpting Exercises.

Mix it up!

More Tracy Anderson: Cardio Workout Review

Looks like fun, right? It is! Since it's been colder out- I just can't run like I was. This is another great way to work up your heart rate. This image is from cardio work out #2 on her Beginner Dance Cardio DVD. I have a couple of her cardio DVDs and I found most of them not to be hard, but limiting space wise. Plus, she is teaching you from a front view so when they turn, etc it is backwards and I want something quick. In a perfect scenario they will make a video from behind same as when you learn in a dance class. In any case, this one is fantastic for all those reasons: you don't need that much space, it's super easy, and does the trick. There were a couple of videos online I wanted to share - but alas they have been flagged. If they pop up again I will post. Cheers!

More Tracy Anderson: Inspiration From W, Cosmo + Abs- Get A V

(Rosen's before and after. Photo: Jennifer Livingston)

Many have been utilizing my reviews on Tracy's Perfect Design Series I, II, and III, and I know if you are sticking with it you are achieving some nice results. I have more Tracy Anderson to share with you- yah! Does the image above inspire you? I think it's some really good inspiration to stick with it.

(Tracy Anderson, left with W's Jaime Rosen)

The first is from W Magazine... which came out last year in May. I thought I shared previously, but didn't. In case you haven't seen it, a W editor, Jaime Rosen, was assigned to find out: Can you really change your God-given shape? Celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson says yes. Sixty-three house of sweat equity later, Rosen's a believer. Full article can be found HERE, some tidbits below.

Anderson is convinced that after seven weeks of 90-minutes-a-day, six-days-a-week workouts with her, I'll be a different person.

Anderson’s approach, in a nutshell, is about targeting what she calls the “accessory muscles” that line large muscle groups like biceps and quadriceps to achieve an effect that makes your limbs lean and your body teeny-tiny. “They’re the beauty muscles,” she says. Anderson perks them up with “thousands and thousands” of moves that get progressively more difficult to perform.

She claims that, with these moves, she's re-engineering my body by pulling muscle closer to the bone and bringing fat to the surface (where, she says, cardio can eliminate it more easily), but Jordan Metzel, sports medicine physician for the Radio City Rockettes, is skeptical. "You can definitely change your fat-to-muscle ratio,"he says. "But the body is built in layers that are fixed. It's not like quicksand."

(Jaime's Before, After and change in measurement)

In time, I get used to the tough workouts—but never the complications that come with them: the attendant travel time, the gym bag stuffed with carefully preportioned meals and cosmetics, the inability to schedule breakfast meetings. Then again, the changes I see almost immediately are motivating: major arm and ab definition, a shocking flattening at the top of my chest and the sudden absence of “armpit fat.” Friends and coworkers comment that I look narrower and that my butt is lifted (according to the measurements, it really did shape-shift, clocking in at four inches higher). Though the numbers on the scale don’t change drastically (from 127 to 123), the measurements are astonishing—10 different calculations that add up to a loss of 40.5 inches.

(Photo: Jennifer Livingston)

I end the experience feeling triumphant, but aware of a cruel reality: In order to improve and then maintain my results, I must continue, forever and ever. “That’s the trickery of it,” Anderson says. If I stop now, she warns, the lifted and toned limbs will be back to blah in two weeks.

The second is from Cosmo Magazine... Apparently each month Tracy has a page sharing some new tips. I prefer the videos but these might be helpful to get you started or while on holiday. You can find all of them to date for a free download HERE.

The last is a video from one of Anderson's Method trainers, Anna, who shows you quickly how to work your abs into a V.

Lastly, I want to be clear that I am not saying everyone should look like or even aspire to be Tracy Anderson. However, as Rosen attested, prior to Anderson getting her in shape she was working out 1 day a month- doing yoga. That is not exercise. It is not healthy either. Find a good balance and some inspiration that works for you. Right now Tracy Anderson works for me.

Enjoy!

Tracy Anderson Daily Candy Snippets

(Tracy Anderson + Jordon eliminating Love Handles)

Guess who's in Central Park showing off her moves? Yours truly... Tracy Anderson. She's with Daily Candy showing off some more moves. They're quick snippets... less than 2 minutes each. I am unable to embed the videos, but you can find all four on the links below.

Tracy Anderson 1: Love Handles
Tracy Anderson 2: Butt
Tracy Anderson 3: Abs
Tracy Anderson 4: Bat Wings

Enjoy!

Review: Tracy Anderson Perfect Design Series I, II + III

(* For those looking for more Tracy Anderson tidbits, type in Tracy Anderson in the "search" field top left. Also, more recent inspiration for you HERE.)

I have finally received and reviewed Tracy Anderson's latest dvds- Perfect Design Series: Sequence I, II, & III, and they are really fantastic! Very stylized and lots of new moves.

"You have to do the work.
It is possible to become the best you,
and achieve perfection"

I have and love her prior set of dvds. Most of my work with her prior is via the mat workout. I do cardio dance via classes at my gym. I was unsure being that I have been doing her routine for over a year now if I needed to get the PDS Sequence I, but I am glad I did. For those of you who own her mat dvd you will love these new moves.

The great thing about these dvds is there is more instruction. I know a common complain with the other one was that Tracy didn't always tell you what she was doing. If you were just starting out or if you like more instruction, it could be hard to follow along. I personally didn't mind less instruction, because after doing the workout enough times- you have it memorized. In this series you can select to have her voice-over and music on, music off and voice-over off. I like this music better- cool beats and no singing. Below is my review of each one. Please note any times listed are approximations.

"I'm all about every single movement having a result for it"

Perfect Design Series I
Beginning: I love all the additional leg work.

You need: yoga mat Optional: towel for your knee
- Quick warm-up- 5 minutes
- Floor leg work out- 22 minutes
- Abs on floor + Standing Abs- 10 minutes
- Standing Arms
- Balance
- Legs
- Arms + Ribs
- Cool down: one part proves to be a little difficult since your head is to the ground, making it hard to follow but after watching it a few times I think you'll pick it up.

Perfect Design Series II
Intermediate: More challenging + complicated than Series I, but definitely not impossible.

You need: a chair (no arms) and yoga mat. Optional: towel for your knee
- Quick warm-up
- Lots of leg work using the chair mostly. Some floor leg work.
- Abs + legs using a chair
- Standing Abs (arms, ribs + hips)
- Cool down

Perfect Design Series III
Advanced: Goes faster. Precise with multiple movements in each move. The voice-over doesn't say what she is doing all the time. By this time though, I think you are expected to be quick and able to keep up.

You need: a chair (no arms) and yoga mat.
- Quick warm-up
- Leg work using the chair.
- Leg work no chair.
- Floor Abs
- Standing abs + arms together.
- Stretching

Overall, I think these videos are a great addition, and very glad I purchased all three. Each is about 50 minutes in length. This series does not cover the arms as much (ie no weight arms), and if a target area for you- you may want to get her mat dvd. Everything else though is covered really well. I will need to get a chair, but am definitely looking forward to mixing it up. Have fun!

* All quotes in this post are from Tracy Anderson.

Tracy Anderson's Treadmill + Rebounder Moves

I am patiently waiting for my Tracy Anderson Perfect Design Series DVDs but happened upon these two videos and thought I would share. Both interesting as they are using "gym" equipment. Not sure what your fellow gym buddies might think, but I bet they might try your new moves. Haha! It's good to change it up and these are some great ideas. I tried and tried and have not been successful at embedding the rebounding video but you can view it HERE. Cheers!

GOOP on Tracy Anderson

GOOP- a la Gwyneth Paltrow featured Tracy Anderson the other day. She shared this video... "home-made/lo fi style for her- but as always- it's good... especially for the batwing problem", and blips from various 'stars' about why they love her. I don't think they are endorsing her because she is paying them to say nice things, but rather because they are getting results- good results. Think about trying her method out if you haven't already....

Tracy Anderson Fitness Tips

I haven't been able to watch this video in it's entirety due to a very slow internet connection at the moment, but I am sure it's good so check it out. Cheers!

Tracy Anderson's Perfect Design Series

(* For those looking for more Tracy Anderson tidbits, type in Tracy Anderson in the "search" field top left. Reviews on the PDS I,II, III HERE More recent inspiration for you HERE.)

If you haven't tried Tracy Anderson's workouts yet- you should. She has a new 3 series disk set, the "Perfect Design Series"- out Feb 5th, which I am very excited to get my hands on. You can also purchase individually. I am not sure what each disk entails just yet, but will keep you posted.

If you aren't ready to commit to purchasing her DVD's there are plenty of YouTube videos, which will give you a good overview of her movements and routines. I think you would be happy with the results.

I received a comment the other day... "You should know that it is very difficult for women to bulk up, unless you are supplementing with illegal doses of steroids. Tracy is right about mixing it up and seeing results, however, it is a misconception that you could bulk up from running on a treadmill."

I haven't personally chatted with Ms. Anderson, and I am not picking on this comment, but I want to explain from doing her workouts- I don't believe she is saying you will bulk up from running on a treadmill for example. Her whole goal aside from using larger muscle groups is to work the small ones- your "accessory muscles" - which help to pull in the larger muscle groups giving you more definition- a goal I know many women are trying to achieve, and most workouts don't accomplish. I think it's more of if you only run on a treadmill you may not get the definition you are looking for because you are not working your accessory muscles. Personally, I have quite a few female friends who tell me they bulk up quite quickly and they need to be careful.

I have been regularly doing Anderson's first mat video along with cardio dance classes at my gym and loving my results (I still do the eliptical from time to time as well). I am of a thinner build and never had a "weight"problem, but my thighs (at least according to me) have been on the more muscular/thicker side, and Anderson's workout makes them look and feel smaller and more defined.

Here is another video promo overview for you to check out. Yah for working those accessory muscles. :)

Ashley Borden Demonstrates Her Fitness Techniques

(Photo: Ryan Forbes)

Ashley Borden, star trainer, demonstrates her fitness techniques on Elle.com. What caught my eye was this picture (above) and this claim... "But by doing rolling out every day before your workouts, your legs will not only feel much lighter, they will also begin to de-bulk."

Borden is using a PVC pipe. I've used the softer-sided foam cylinders for rolling out before and thought they were painful enough- so I suggest you try them first and see how you feel before investing in a big 'ol PVC pipe. But I am excited to try this again. I think the Tracy Anderson Matt method really helps de-bulk as well, but this might just be an added bonus.

(Photo: Ryan Forbes)

I also liked that Borden talked about the benefits of rebounding. It has been on my list... so one of these days I'll bite the bullet and get one. I just always wonder how often I will really use it...

"Even though it looks easy, 10 minutes of concentrated, balanced bouncing elevated my heart rate equivalent to that of running a couple of miles on the treadmill. In addition to firming your body, rebounding is also highly beneficial for your internal health. A boost to your lymphatic system and a stimulus to your internal organs, rebounding is also recommended for being such a low-impact workout."

You can find Borden's complete series of fitness techniques HERE. Sculpt, de-bulk and rebound away!

Tracy Anderson Mat Workout + Green Juice

Practically every morning of late, I start my day with Tracy Anderson's Mat Workout...which I think is fantastic! It probably has been about 2 weeks since I've been adamant about keeping it up and I can definitely see a difference! :) If you read the reviews on Amazon the program received so-so stars, but I say keep it up. When learning anything new - it takes time and discipline. Most of the complaints about this workout routine have been about the lack of direction (when she is changing moves, poses, etc), but once you do it a couple of times you will have the hang of it. Also, you will be thanking her later on for keeping more mum, as many "workout" dvds get repetitive and I think this helps to alleviate that. Here is a YouTube Video I found to give you an idea of what the program is like.



The Tracy Anderson Method is all about awakening and working the "accessory muscles" so that they can pull in the larger muscles which make you look longer, leaner, teeny and toned. The mat workout is about an hour in length and all you need to do it is a chair (used for balance), a yoga mat, and 1, 2 or 3 lb weights (never more than 3lbs).

Tracy suggests you do the mat workout (it's about an hour long) 4-6 times per week, and also a cardio routine (she has a cardio video too!) for 45 minutes in combination with the mat workout. I am still working my way thru the cardio routines. Focusing on routine #2. The cardio is a little harder for me to do as I have to constrain my movements due to limited space, but I still am working on it. I think there are something like 12 cardio routines (not exactly sure on the # as I haven't watched the whole DVD just yet) on the DVD so you can mix it up.

After the workout today I had myself a nice green juice- yum!


Today's juice was a mix of curly kale, cucumber, apple, lemon (actually I used 2 lemons), ginger- all organic of course! I have a nice Breville- which is pretty much all metal and I like it cause it is heavy duty and easy to clean. It is a centrifugal juicer vs a masticating one and when I purchased this one I had done a ton of research and this one was a better fit for me.
Green juice = instant nutrtition and soooo good for you (chlorophyl, trace minerals, vegetable protein, enzymes, alkalizing abilities). Once you start incorporating "greens" you will be amazed that your body will actually start craving them. More details on green juice benefits here.

Yah for Tracy Anderson's Method and Green Juice!