The Tracy Anderson Method

Updated on: February 17, 2010

Many of you may already know of my passion for the Tracy Anderson Method and my investment in it. She has kicked my formerly sagging ass into shape and I will be forever grateful. This week, Tracy shares with us a little arm series that I did everyday preparing for Iron Man and that I take on the road. She just made it home-made style for me, lo fi. But it’s good. Especially for the batwing problem. Also, some of her dedicated clients talk about why they love her as much as I do. She has some brand new DVD’s that I have been doing in my hotel room on location and which I highly recommend. Love, gp

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Interview with Courteney Cox

What is your own fitness philosophy?

My fitness philosophy is to be active in life and enjoy what I am doing. I have always loved exercise and feel that being active is important to maintain not only physical health but mental health as well.

How did you discover Tracy Anderson Method?

I heard about Tracy through friends who had seen fantastic results. I was watching people around me change their bodies so I had to see what it was all about.

What motivates you to stick with the Method when the work gets tough?

I stick with the Method because it is a constant challenge. As soon as I have mastered a certain exercise they throw something else at me. In my hour and half workout sessions I have had a mental challenge and a physical challenge.

What results have you achieved that you never thought possible?

I have seen amazing results that I never thought were possible. My butt has lifted, my arms are sculpted, and my skin is tight and actually clings to the muscle again.

What is your fitness resolution for 2010?

I plan to keep at it!! Fitness has been a part of my life and I don’t plan on giving it up. It’s not just about the results and wearing a bikini at 45 it’s about being healthy for me and my family.

Courteney Cox stars in the hit ABC series, Cougar Town.

Interview with Denise Lambertson

What is your own fitness philosophy?

My philosophy towards fitness is the same as my philosophy in life: “No Excuses.” There is always a way to fit your workout into your day.

How did you discover Tracy Anderson Method?

Years ago, when I had recently moved to London, I was 50 lbs overweight and my health was suffering because of it. My Body Mass Index calculation revealed that I was medically obese. As soon as Tracy found out that I was doing Smart for Life, she begged me to trust her and let her guide me down a better path towards fitness. She explained her method to me, her research, her philosophy, motivation and determination. Tracy was adamant that she created her workout for EVERY WOMAN, not just the celebrities that she is known for training. She made me her “project”. We started off slow; I could only do 12 minutes of cardio at the beginning. It felt “right” on my body immediately and, for the first time, it was easy to stick with something. Over time, as I became familiar with the movements and dances, she would make me videos, that I would put on my laptop and take to the gym and do on my own. While I love spending time with Tracy and especially working out with her, I was thrilled to be able to continue my work independently and still see results. It showed me that all my results were sustainable.

What motivates you to stick with the Method when the work gets tough?

Very simply, it works – when nothing else has.

What results have you achieved that you never thought possible?

I took off all 50 lbs! My health problems disappeared (without medication!), I have confidence, I enjoy clothing and fashion, I am more apt to try new things, and enjoy my life in a liberated way. When I first started with Tracy, I did not allow her to measure me. I was embarrassed. But my shape has changed from fitting into an American dress size 14 to a size 2 or 0. That is an achievement that leaves me pinching myself everyday!

What is your fitness resolution for 2010?

I have a few problem areas that I will continue to work on through the New Year. However, The Tracy Anderson Method is now an integral part of my day and thread in my life. I know whatever health/fitness resolutions I have for this year, or any in the future, that Tracy’s method will be the means to get me to my goal!

Denise Lambertson has been doing the Method for 3 years. She works as a consultant in New York City.

Interview with Donna Karan

What is your own fitness philosophy?

I have always loved fitness that incorporates mind, body and soul. I love yoga, being on a mat and with a group of people feeling the collective energy. I also love Pilates and dancing. I love being in nature whenever possible.

How did you discover Tracy Anderson Method?

A mutual friend, Dr. Junger, brought Tracy to my apartment to meet me. In speaking to her I could see we shared the same passions about women and their bodies. I have always tried to dress a woman so that she would feel beautiful in her skin and Tracy does the same thing by helping women re-sculpt their bodies. I know that has always been a challenge for me.

What motivates you to stick with the Method when the work gets tough?

I am working on each distinctive body part, and with the dancing and music it is always fun. You start to see results and that is a great motivator. The Method is never boring and there are so many options to keep your mind and body engaged. I like that you are doing the work and not relying on a machine.

What results have you achieved that you never thought possible?

I am still working but I do find that I want to be consistent with this method, and with my schedule, that is not easy.

What is your fitness resolution for 2010?

To get back to work and do the program… get in shape and realize my potential inside and out.

Entrepreneur, philanthropist and fashion designer, Donna Karan has two eponymous lines Donna Karan New York and DKNY.

Interview with Kristin Davis

What is your own fitness philosophy?

For me, the best way to think about my own fitness is to think about being healthy. Most of the time, I’m trying to find ways to workout that don’t bore me to death, so that I am fit enough to hike uphill with my rambunctious dogs on the weekends, and stand in 5 inch heels at work for 18 hours a day without throwing my back out.

How did you discover Tracy Anderson Method?

I had heard about Tracy and her method, and I was intrigued by how strong she looked without being bulky. I saw an interview with her where she said that women should never use weights heavier than 3 lbs. Since I had been arguing this point with trainers for 10 years I was thrilled to have a professional back up my suspicion. The most striking thing I noticed from that first workout was that my quads weren’t engaged at all and weren’t sore the next day. This was a first. There were small muscles all over my body that had never been sore before that were slightly sore the next day. But mostly, I felt energized and it was easier for me to stand up straight.

What results have you achieved that you never thought possible?

The thing that I am most impressed with about Tracy’s Method is that it really does elongate and tone muscle. I’ve tried most of the classes and methods out there, and this is the first one that hasn’t added bulk over time (especially to my legs). And there are so many choices for how to do your cardio in Tracy’s Method—another big plus. Cardio can be the most mind-numbing time killer ever! There have been times when I start a new leg routine and think, “this is the most awkward, difficult, crazy movement—I can’t do this!” But soon I’ll notice that when I rest my hand on my leg, I feel a muscle in a place that used to be soft. And that amazes me.

What is your fitness resolution for 2010?

My resolution for 2010 is to be ready and able to meet all challenges, the ones I set for myself and the unexpected challenges too. When I feel strong physically, it is much easier to feel strong emotionally as well.

Kristin Davis is an actress known for her role as Charlotte on the HBO series, Sex and the City.

Interview with Jean Yun

What is your own fitness philosophy?

As I enter my 40’s, my primary goal is to maintain strength and vitality so that I can stay active and healthy into my 90’s. Many patients I see who are suffering could eliminate most or even all of their pain and problems through simple measures like good dietary habits and exercise. Since both diabetes and breast cancer run in my family, I have adapted a more healthful eating regimen and regular exercise to decrease my risk of getting these diseases.

How did you discover Tracy Anderson Method?

I first read about Tracy in Cookie Magazine, and I was struck by how dedicated she was to helping women achieve their ideal bodies through optimal fitness techniques. On top of this, she has had to juggle working and traveling while raising her son. As I also work and have 2 young sons, I was compelled to look more into her and her Method. I was thus very excited to see that she was opening a studio in NYC near where I live. I attended one of her info sessions, and was so impressed by her knowledge, which clearly shows her hard work and research in the field. She is truly passionate about her Method and committed to her clients.

What motivates you to stick with the Method when the work gets tough?

The results were visible after only a couple weeks! So it’s motivating to know that as long as I put the work into the Method, my body will improve. The trainers at the studio are all incredibly strong and lean. Just looking at them and at the other clients, you can see that these results are obtainable in anyone, even a 40 year-old, not super-athletic, post-2 kids woman like myself. I also love the variety of the workouts, especially the dance cardio — it really is so much fun, that I don’t find it difficult to motivate and exercise (most days it’s at 6 am when my kids and husband are asleep).

What results have you achieved that you never thought possible?

I really never thought anything could be done for my saggy, post-pregnancy belly skin. However, the skin is actually contracting as my abs become flatter and my waist gets more defined. And my butt is smaller than it was in high school! I had never felt confident wearing form-fitting clothes until now — my mom used to always say that after a certain age you need to wear support hose or a girdle, and no more sleeveless tops. Well, she’s wrong!

What is your fitness resolution for 2010?

Besides continuing with Tracy’s method (which I only started 4 months ago), I have also resolved to work on my body from the inside out, by watching what I put into it. I have already eliminated coffee and soda from my diet. I’ve cut out red meat, and am eating more fresh fruits and veggies. Now this year I am going to eliminate most animal proteins and dairy; and work to eat even more fresh whole foods, and less processed flour and sugar. And no more alcohol. We only have one body in this lifetime, so we should treat it as we would anything valuable and precious to us.

Jean Yun is an orthopedic surgeon living in New York. She has been doing the Method for 5 months. For more information on Tracy Anderson Method go to: action.tracyandersonmethod.com