So I tried a new workout this morning: The Tracy Anderson Method Presents Mat Workout DVD
. She claims that she has a revolutionary training technique that will make you skinny, toned and not bulky…when you look at her clients (Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow), this is an easy claim to believe. They are both tiny, toned and not at all bulky. I have a hard time with the revoultionary part, which is what was so intriguing to me. I do Bar Method, Fluidity, Exhale, Squeeze, etc. And I must say that I’m quite good at them. I have seen SIGNIFICANT improvement in my figure and muscle composition. Of course, I’ve also lost 40 pounds…. I think that may be part of it, as well. I just recently started back into isometrics again after doing FIRM for almost 6 months. I like that my heart rate stays in a reasonable range and that I’m relaxed, rather than tense after my workouts.
. She claims that she has a revolutionary training technique that will make you skinny, toned and not bulky…when you look at her clients (Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow), this is an easy claim to believe. They are both tiny, toned and not at all bulky. I have a hard time with the revoultionary part, which is what was so intriguing to me. I do Bar Method, Fluidity, Exhale, Squeeze, etc. And I must say that I’m quite good at them. I have seen SIGNIFICANT improvement in my figure and muscle composition. Of course, I’ve also lost 40 pounds…. I think that may be part of it, as well. I just recently started back into isometrics again after doing FIRM for almost 6 months. I like that my heart rate stays in a reasonable range and that I’m relaxed, rather than tense after my workouts.Here is my take on the Mat Workout:
Her instruction is AWFUL. I am somewhat familiar with some of the moves, having done other isometric-based workouts. She doesn’t cue for posture as frequently (read: hardly at all) as I think is necessary to get the most from the movements. In addition, she looks bored most of the video. Now, I will confess that the arm segment had me near tears, and I can still feel my shoulders and triceps burning, but she does not offer much encouragement, other than to say you will get stronger, and be able to do this. She does take the time to mention that you HAVE to keep your arms up the entire segment, which I was unable to do, due to the awful burning sensation in my shoulders. In addition to being lack-luster in the instruction department, she does not include any arm stretches nor does she stretch the muscle groups after exhausting them. I think that this is extremely important if you are going to be teaching new students. I realize that her method is “new” and “revolutionary”, but it is based on isometrics, which focus on strength THEN STRETCH. I had to stretch for a good 10 minutes AFTER the workouts (which I do anyway, but I was quite upset that she didn’t feel the need to emphasize the importance of stretching). The cooldown was the same as the warm up…dancy, little instruction. In fact, thinking about it, her instruction was almost an afterthought…. I can definitely see why she waited so long to introduce her Method to the masses: she would probably be AMAZING in person, but on video, you need to cue, instruct and emphasize form. All of which are sorely lacking here. I will do this workout again, and my complaints are only that it could be improved.
I did enjoy the music and the movements, I would have appreciated more guidance, however. I think that after doing the DVD a few more times, I’ll be more comfortable with the moves and able to follow her movements without the instruction, but we’ll see…
