Happy New Year to you all!  dooerflinger-i am in the same boat as you on the PP.  I use to love it but for some reason that leg section is impossible for me.  Today I did this workout minus leg section.  Just too hard to get through.  Kind of strange how some days it’s a great workout and then others-kicks my butt.  :) 

Hi Emerald - I think most of us seem to feel the Mat Workout DVD is the most fun, the most effective, and the most likely to help you tone all over.  That being said, the abdominal work on the Post Pregnancy DVD is amazing, and really, really does suck back in that horrible little roll of extra skin that is left around your belly after a baby.  This is not to say that the ab work on the Mat Workout isn’t effective - it definitely is!  It’s just that the focus of almost the enire Post Pregnancy DVD is on the abs - I make myself do that workout  at least once a week, just because it’s ab work is so killer, but honestly, it is the tape I like the least of the three. 

Welcome emerald!  Yea, I agree with dooerflinger.  The mat is addicting, in a good positive way.  But definitely give it a good week or 2 to get it down.  TA is not like most other fitness DVD’s in terms of counting out each move or moving to the next.  I had trouble with that initially but now have her pretty much memorized.  When you can start mouthing what she’s going to say-you know you are doing the dvd a lot.  haha  You’ll love it though-best workout!  If you have the money, or are OK with spending this much, I’d get them all.  Her PP workout is a killer but it’s also nice to alternate sometimes.  Good luck!  You will have results and love them!

Only other thing I wanted to mention is I am in love with the Mat WO but was thinking of adding PP to my library only cuz it is slightly shorter by about 15 minutes, I think. 

I agree with what the others have said.  I am starting week 6 with Tracy.  I only do the Mat about 3 times a week and also do the Dance Aerobics…and I am definitely seeing the lines that TA talks about.  THis past week I have been adding in more cardio and my clothes are starting to get looser.  thank you Tracy!!!

Just to keep up the motivation, I have to say I just got back from the Loft store and I was able to fit into a size 6.  I’m shocked and super excited!  That was my goal pant size.  The number on the scale is 10 more than I want, but a size 6 proves TA works fast.  Yea!    

I’ve also added to my workouts sprints.  I am not a runner or jogger however I was told that doing a couple sprints a day goes into the fat stores in your body (hope that was said correctly).  So I try to do 10 min of sprints (1 min walk/1 min sprint/1 min walk etc.)  It’s hard and my thighs burn but I think b/c of the Mat DVD I am able to do this.  I just pray I don’t bulk the thighs-they still need a lot of toning up.  But TA does approve jogging but mixing it up and again-I only do this for like 10 min.

Yes, thanks!  I am pretty careful about it since I’m not a runner.  I just love the burn it gives.   I tried to do the dance dvd…holy cow!  I haven’t done it for 2 weeks b/c my kids have been home and it was too hard, however, i still did cardio every day and today I could barely get through 2 combos.  Geesh!  Such a killer!
Also-anyone catch Oprah today?  I happened to see it and she’s talking about her weight gain and what she’s going to do to change it etc.  I’m surprised she hasn’t jumped on this TA bandwagon.  It was her show that brought me to TA.  She was still promoting weights…resistance training and doing machines.  Just funny b/c now I’m completely a TA believer!

Hey guys. I lurk around a lot, but never comment. Just thought y’all would be interested to know that Tracy was profiled in a recent Cookie magazine that I just got in the mail (with India Hicks on the cover). It was basically pushing her PP video, but I found something quite profound that she said. 

She repeated her stance of not dieting and how it’s probably more psychologically damaging to your child to see you counting points and turning down a piece of cake than it would be for them to see you taking time away from them to work out. I’ve been thinking that I don’t want my 1 yo daughter to see me struggle w/ my weight, but I thought she summed up my feelings quite well.

I checked cookiemag.com, but the article is not there yet. It’s a quick 2 page article, so you could read it the next time your in the checkout line.

I have 2 young daughters (5 1/2 and 3 1/2) and I have always made a point for them to know that I exercise and that it makes me feel great. doerflinger2006, I usually exercise when they are at school but I talk about it with them. In fact, recently after a rough day, my older daughter asked me “Mommy, do you need to do some yoga to make yourself feel better?”  I thought it was hilarious but I was also pleased that she was aware that yoga made me feel better.

Side note: at the doctor’s today, I read US magazine- the one with Beyonce and Britney on the cover with the cover story  ”2009’s Diet’s That Work!” Gwyneth Paltrow is shown on page 46.  She says “I eat a lot and I exercise a lot” and “….chows down on fish, chicken and dairy, credits two-hour workouts six days a week trainer Tracy Anderson for allowing her to indulge.  ’She’s completely changed my body, Paltrow- mom to Apple, 4 and Moses, 2 with hubby Chris Martin, 31- recently said.  The routine? Plenty of dance cardio and work on a Pilates-reformer-inspired machine.  Admits Paltrow, I work out freakin’ hard!”

I’ll say- 2 hours a day!??!?!  I would love to exercise that much  I also read elsewhere that GP does a mega- fast/detox every January. I’m sure all that helps her maintain her figure.

doerflinger2006, that is so cute!!!  I have not done yoga with my girls.  I’m too selfish and I want to work out in peace But that is terrific.  And, don’t be too hard on yourself about setting a good example.  We are all doing the best we can.  

Reviewer,  can you explain how the arm things help out?  After you take them off, does the arm still stay pulled together?  The top part of my arm is very lean looking but that darn underarm is still there-although a lot better!

I received a Gwyneth’s Goop newsletter today that was about TA. It contained a 8 minute ichat video that GP say’s is for some different moves for the “New Year’s butt”. I haven’t had to chance to watch it since I’m at work, but here’s the link:

http://goop.com/newsletter/16/index.html?utm_source=Goop+Newsletter&utm_campaign=16fed9b8e9-Goop16_01_7_2009&utm_medium=email#video

Thank you both for sharing that site.  I just signed up for her newsletter. I’ve been reading about her detox from various sources (I love http://www.perezhilton.com).  Has anyone ever done a detox?  I asked my doctor about doing one and he believes that the body, if it’s healthy and all the organs are working properly, naturally does its own detox and no additional help is needed.  However, I’m still curious about it.  I just don’t know if I could manage doing one, especially for 7 days, but GP has done these for years so she is probably used to it. I’d want to start slowly, doing it for one or two days, maybe over the weekend.  I’ve heard of the Blue Print Cleanse.  

I seem to recall that GP ended up in the hospital last year when she was doing her detox.  I don’t know all the details about it.  In her newsletter she mentioned she did the Master Cleanse last spring and with that you have to drink something that everyone says is awful.  I read that Beyonce did it too to lose 15 pounds quickly.  (Side note- why is it that I know so much about celebrities??).

This is from GP’s newsletter that I found on her GOOP site:

DETOX
It is that time of year, folks. I need to lose a few pounds of holiday excess. Anyone else? I like to do fasts and detoxes a couple of times during the year, the most hardcore one being the Master Cleanse I did last spring. It was not what you would characterize as pretty. Or easy. It did work, however. As I do not wish to subsist on lemon water in the middle of winter, I asked my doctor, a detox diet specialist, for the guidelines he uses to achieve a good detox that is not as hallucinogenic (in a bad way) as the Master Cleanse. He actually thinks that the Master Cleanse can be dangerous because the liver is not supported by the nutrients it needs. What it came down to was this: you can detox easily and effectively while you continue to eat as long as you are cutting out the foods and other substances that interfere with the detoxification process. Make sure you check with your doctor before you start any detox. Drink A LOT of water. I created this menu plan for a seven-day elimination diet. The shakes and juices are meant to be liquid meals that help decrease the amount of work your digestive system has to do. I will be suffering along with you to kickstart my year a bit lighter. Good luck to us all!

Hello everyone!  I am new to this board.  I was looking for reviews of Tracy Andersons mat DVD when I stumbled upon your discussion here.  I am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my DVD (coming today!).  I just wanted to let everyone know that the GOOP newsletter this week has a video from Tracy Anderson which is a leg routine she suggests as an addition to the mat DVD.  You can find it at the GOOP website. It is in a format which can be dowloaded to your ipod or iphone. 

welcome aanyanka, you should find this motivating here.  I definitely do!    I’m very tired today but am trying to gear up to do the workouts now (kids are going down for their naps soon) so this just helped.  :)    These workouts make you strong and the extra energy you get from doing them is wonderful!  I feel younger!

I tried only 3 of the moves after my cardio (treadmill today).  My butt was killing and is sore now.  I hope GP continues to post any new moves TA gives her.  How’d you not fall off the chair???  Impressive!!  I didn’t do that move.  These moves may just help out my thigh issue since it’s all connected (as she says).  :) 

hahaha, you crack me up!  I’m excited about these new additions as well-it’s good to change it up!  I am sitting here and I am SORE.  Good sore though!  ;) 

Hello everyone, I’m new here =) I’m from Germany.
My mom read about TA in a german magazine, so I gave her the Cardio Dance DVD for Christmas (was quite difficult to get it in Germany, which is a pity, finally I had to order it in the UK ). We have  had it for a week now and I made the full workout yesterday for the first time! It’s so amazing! It took me one week to learn the combinations and I’m quite proud of me My mom’s still learning the first one, but she wants to learn all 8 of them and doesn’t give up. I’ve ordered the Mat-Workout last week ’cause I liked the Dance workout so much. It hasn’t arrived yet and I’m so looking forward to it… I’m just wondering how I should go on when I have both of the DVDs - should I do both of them every day and which one should I do first - Mat or Cardio? Or should I do Cardio on Monday, Mat on Tuesday, Cardio again on Wednesday ond so on? I’m so glad I found this forum and it’s very interesting and motivating to read about your results and experiences!

Welcome Leechy!  As for me, I just don’t have enough time to do both the cardio and the mat workout on the same day, so I try to alternate:  cardio dance one day, mat workout or post pregnancy workout the next day.  I should probably be doing more cardio, but that dance cardio workout is pretty tough to learn!  (I did go ahead and purchase the 2007 Dance Aerobics DVD and I think it’s going to be a lot easier to learn than the Dance Cardio DVD)  

Welcome poppyblu!  In my opinion the Mat Workout DVD is perhaps the best “all-around” workout ever.  I’ve been reading the fitness magazines (SELF, Fitness, Shape) and trying workout videos and DVDs since my college days (and I’m 36 now!) - In that time I’ve amassed a huge collection of videos and dvds, and I’ve tried countless workouts from the magazines, and for me, the difference with the Tracy Anderson Mat Workout is that I have been able to stick with it - not just able, but willing!  With most new workouts, I find them fun and interesting for a week or two, and then boredom sets in - it’s not fun anymore, I don’t see great results, and so I give up, and move on to something new (thus my huge video and dvd collection!).  But with the Mat Workout, I saw results quickly, and it’s fun - I don’t ever dread it, which makes it so much easier to be consistent and stick with it.  It definitely works your entire body from head to toe, and leaves you toned and refreshed!

Love the new moves.  I’ve done them 3 days in a row with all Mat + my cardio.  Doing 30 reps per exercise on the new ones.  In fact today I did them again at night since I’d been typing and sitting so long. 
Commenting on the energy level, I have so much energy now it’s acually hard to go to bed.  I feel like a kid…Whhhhyyy do I have to go to bed?  I make myself go because I do have to get up in the morning.  Ditto Doerflinger’s comments.  And I keep forgetting… congrats Momof4 on the size 6!!!!  Fantastic.

Thanks for the welcome doerflinger2006 and momof4!
I will order the Mat DVD and practice the arm moves I viewed on the SELF site while I wait for delivery.  I plan to do a doctor developed program that has a host of benefits.  My focus with the program will be reactivating my metabolism.  
From what I am reading this Mat Workout is total body that is done daily.  I currently do split routines ~ lower body Tues Thurs and Sat and upper body abs on Mon, Wed and Fri.  I am ready to incorporate intervals.  After reading the 9 page review,  I think my muscles will get exactly what they need and what my traditional moves are missing.
I hope to work up to that Dance DVD you ladies have discussed.  

Aanyanka- I’d say keep pressing through.  Studies have shown that it is better to workout right away, if it is this type of pain and not a sports injury.  I read about it just the other day.  I wish I could find the link for you, but I am just waking up.  I am sooo excited for you and can’t wait til my mat workout arrives (I’ve been doing the youtube mini workouts in the meantime).

MIA

miaculpa and momof4:  Thanks so much for the response!  I’m going to power through the workout when I get home from work.  I’ll let you know how it goes!

Welcome!  Great getting all these new people finding this board.   I started her workouts in Sept when they first came out.  It took me at least over a month to keep up with her and know her routine.  Took over 2 months to take less breaks in the workout.  Although I still have days where I need to catch my breath.  Some days I do really well and other days I struggle.  But like GP says “stick to it” is what counts.  :)   Yes, I had significant amount of weight to lose.  I had my 4th baby a year ago and gained over 50lbs and have struggled to get this weight off.  It’s been hard.  TA is making a HUGE difference!  You gain muscle instantly.  I’ve gone from a size 12 to a size 6 in 2 1/2-3 months.  You will see results!!  If you can manage this 4-6 days week that is.  If you do 6…probably see results faster.  TA stress daily cardio (her dance preferably).  It’s taken me LONG time to get her dance dvd combos down.  Still now I can only handle that 2-3 times a week.  That’s a tough one!  On other days I do running or elliptical.  When I am on the treadmill I change the incline and speed every 5 min b/c TA talks about changing it up for the accessory muscles to kick in.  I’d do treadmill/elliptical when learning combos…I would do both.  Just have to get 40-45min of cardio in 6 days a week.  Just keep changing inclines is the only thing I could suggest on the elliptical-and the resistance.  Keep your muscles guessing is what she says.    This board is great-we’ll all look awesome for summer!   :) 
Anyone catch Oprah?  I only saw a little but it was about how we fall off the wagon and need to get back in shape.  Thought it was interesting.

I know, it’s awesome.  You’ll have the same.  I did lose about 25 of the pregnancy pounds b/f doing this DVD series.  The funny thing is my weight is still up 10-12lbs then where I want it but since I can fit into a size 6 now, it’s muscle.  I have a lot of toning work to do though. 
I found this article for arm exercises from TA.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1767981817/bctid1844687067

Good morning everyone!   So I completed my 3rd TA mat workout yesterday after work.  I want to thank miaculpa and momof4 for suggesting I power through the workout (even though I was really sore) instead of taking a rest day.  I was afraid that I would not be able to make it through most of the workout. I started the DVD and  was completely amazed that I actually felt stronger during this 3rd workout. I was even able to complete the weighted arm section which I had skipped on my 2nd day due to the unweighted section being a little too much for my very sore arms.  After this 3rd mat workout my arms were just killing me the rest of the evening but this morning , although I’m still sore, it is not very bad at all!

ShariMacD-Welcome!  To answer your questions: 1) I have only just completed my 3rd TA mat workout and I can pretty much keep up with the routine…although I have to take small rests (i.e. resting for 1 rep of the movement) here and there, and with the weight arm section I can’t always keep the stationary arm entended while doing reps with the other arm. 2)  I have a fairly significant amount of weight to lose (30 lbs) so I also assume it will take me longer to see results. Hearing that momof4 went from a size 12 to a 6 in 2-3 months really gives me motivation to work hard and stick to it! 3).  I can’t do any cardio at the moment due to a sprained ankle, but once it’s healed I will most likely be running 1-3 miles a day.  I’d also like to order TA’s cardio workout and try it out.

I hope everyone has a beautiful day!
 

Hello everyone! I’ve been doing the Dance-Workout every day now for a week or so, and today in the morning I had to give up at combination no. 6… My legs are hurting so much, but not the muscles (they hurt some days ago )but my joints and bones (it feels like it). and my mat-workout still hasn’t arrived (think it takes some time from the USA to Germany…) and I have huge blisters on my toes because of the jumping on the toes mainly and I’m so tired and just want to sleep, but I need to go to the University today… I just hope the workout didn’t hurt me seriously and the pain comes just because my legs are so tired… Sorry that I’m complaining that much, I still love the workout and yesterday I showed the moves to my sister via webcam and it was so much fun =)
It felt much better when I did the workout in the evening, what do you think, is it more effective in the morning or in the evening? It’s so much harder in the morning.

Well, yesterday I completed my 6th mat workout. I’ve also been watching my diet closely and tracking my food consumption, exercise, and weight at MyFoodDiary.com. Besides the mat workout, I’m doing an average of 60 minutes of cardio six days a week (a mix of elliptical, fast walk/jog, and very embarrassing attempts at TA’s dance video). In one week, I’ve lost 4 lbs. I feel stronger all over. That’s the good news!

The mat workout is really hard for me, though, and I pause frequently, though I more or less stick with the whole thing (don’t skip any sections, etc.) and try not to pause for long. The hardest part for me is the standing leg work. My hip joints pop a lot — not sure if that’s the weight I’m carrying (172 now) or my age (41). I’m hoping that will get better in time, because it’s rather nerve-wracking. I also threw out my back a little this weekend (while working out a little too enthusiastically on the elliptical) but went to the chiropracter and haven’t had any trouble since.

It seems like I’m getting decent results, but I still feel a little discouraged, as there’s no visual change (that I can see). Or maybe there is, but with this much weight to lose it takes more for it to be really noticeable? I’m sure I’m building muscle under the fat, but I can’t see it yet?

This (a week or two in) is the point at which I normally quit weight loss efforts. When I work this hard (at this point, it’s anywhere from 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 hours a day) I almost feel like I should be seeing Biggest Loser type numbers (even though I know that’s not realistic). It’s hard to keep going, you know? Even though I know I’m probably not that far from actually seeing results (I hope). I dream of being 160 lbs. by Valentine’s Day, because I know that 160 is kind of the marker for me between when I feel okay about myself (despite knowing that I’d look and feel even better at a lower weight) and when I feel just terrible about myself.

All right, thanks for letting me vent! I’m off to an appointment this morning and then time to workout! And then, time to try to catch up on all the things I’m falling behind on because I’m spending so much time working out!

I agree with aanyanka, definitely hang in there.  I soooooooo understand!!!  I’m the type that after I work out, I’d jump on a scale and hope for a 10lb loss.  It’s incredibly defeating to me how slow my weight loss has been.  It takes time and hard work.  I did not see “results” for 1-2 months.  Which is why I think most people quit (as i have b/f).  But just around the corner the result is coming.  I promise you that!  I can really relate to you (just finished watching Biggest Loser from last night) and I think most people have the exact same frustration no matter how much you need to lose.  You just have to stick to it and keep doing it.  Your results will be here!  Thanks to reviewer, I stopped gauging my results on the scale.  I’m still 12 lbs up.  so frustrating.  But went down in pant size so that’s good.  You are building muscle immediately.  Just takes time for your body to let go of the fat. 
I’m also finally doing this program from a different perspective.  I guess I”m glad the scale is not going quickly b/c I don’t know how long I’d keep this up.  Now I think in my head this is what you are doing from now on period.  When I meet my goal, I still need to keep this up (maybe not as intensly though).  It definitely has to be a part of our daily routine.
You’ll get there…..just think you’ve already accomplished 6 mat workouts and cardio!  4lbs off in a week is outstanding by the way!!!

Thanks for the encouragement, everybody! I’m working out like crazy but still haven’t lost any more weight. Oh, well. Guess it will come off eventually! No new updates — just a note to say I’m sticking with the mat workout and cardio! Thanks, all!

Yay!  My dvd arrived today!

LOL!!  I went back to the GOOP butt video and discovered that Ms Anderson said to do ALL THE EXERCISES FIRST ON THE LEFT LEG then go to the right leg.  Uh-oh.  I’d been alternating.  So yesterday I did all on one leg first (30 reps each).  Today I did my cardio, Mat and 30 reps each of all the Butt and feel GREAT!  Hang in there everyone, it does get better. 

doerflinger2006- I know what you mean! My husband and son are both meat and potatoes kind of people while I’m mostly vegetarian (a little fish here and there).  So while I made myself a light and healthy pizza, they had regular thick crusted pizza with the cheese piled high.  They both turned there nose up when they saw my pizza!

You’ll love it miaculpa.  I agree that some days are good and others kill.  I have to ask, why do you think TA says to do all those reps of the new moves on the left then the right?  I can only handle 3-4 of those moves and do 20 - 25 each.  I’m also adding those arm ones I posted.  I am very sore right now…but that’s good! 

ditto. I agree.

When I first got the DVD last fall (september maybe?) and I was doing it devotedly, even though I didn’t lose any weight (I wasn’t watching my diet at all) I did start to see longer, leaner lines in my body, especially my arms and legs.  It was wonderful!  I kind of went “off the wagon” for a month or so around the holidays (bad eating, little exercising), but now I am back on track and am hoping to regain those results, and more.  

Have fun with this - it is so much fun!  Even after months of regularly doing this DVD, it is still fun, challenging and effective!

I agree with Doerflinger…the whole point is that you enjoy what you are doing, to a point where you can stick with it! 

I am up to more than 30 workouts of TA (either the dance or mat or combined) and for the first time in my life I am seeing major changes in my body!  I keep looking at myself in the mirror, thinking is this me?  my arms really are looking like ballet arms!  I just saw an old prom pic of mine when I was 17.  I was probably ten lbs lighter then than now, but my arms/shoulders look so much better now!  My back looks like almost all the fat is gone…and I am starting to see those swimmer lines in my lower abs/hip area that Tracy has.

I will say regarding my the thighs though, (my most frustrating body part…just like Momof4) that I bought size 6 long and lean jeans from gap sometime in Dec and they looked great on me.  they are the stretchy type, they are supposed to be snug looking, well, I don’t think I can wear them anymore, they are getting a little too loose!  It is amazing….I haven’t been in size 4 in at least five years even though I have made major changes in my diet in that time and have tried all different kinds of exercise, and I think I am close!

I like to look at the changes in months and not per workout.  I have a calendar and after I do the workout, I write down the number of workout I am up to. and what workout I did.  I do this because I remember reading a long time ago that its a sense of accomplishment and a helps you to want to keep going.  At the end of the month, i take my measurements and do the comparison, but other than that, I don’t get on the scale or measure as it can get frustrating trying to look for results daily or weekly and I am trying to make this as positive for myself as I can.  again, the whole goal being to stick with it! 

I love reading all the posts.  you guys really help to motivate me :) 

I don’t know if any of you caught the end of The View today but Jillian Michaels was on (Biggest Loser trainer) showing moves you could do at home.  I have to honestly say thank God for TA.  I could not do another squat/dip/lunge while holding a weighted ball etc. to save my life.  No wonder I quit working out when I reached my goals before.  Can’t see quitting like that with this workout. 

Thanks, everybody! Just a quick check-in: I’ve now lost 6 lbs. in 9 days. Not bad! Unfortunately, I have to travel this weekend and I won’t be able to work out until possibly Sunday night (if I can do it after traveling much of the day). But I’ve made good progress and I’m just going to be confident in that, give my body a couple of days to rest, and carefully watch what I eat. I’m taking healthy snacks for the plane, etc. So, I may not make any more progress this weekend, but I’m sure I won’t go backward. Thanks again for the positive feedback. I look forward to checking in next week!

I STILL haven’t attempted the workout (due to intense scrubbing of the house while snowed in), but got the cardio in.

I am both excited and petrified about jumping into this!

I must admit, the workout is lovely and fluid to watch (mat dvd). 

I promise I will jump in this weekend.  I can’t wait to be sore in places I didn’t know I had!!

where is the before/after site?
Also, do you find when you are doing standing legs that your supporting leg is burning more than the moving leg? Is that a dumb question?

Hi Welcome!  You will love this workout!!!  You gotta give it a good month tho (at least for me).  I started out last Sept doing it 3-4x/week.  Beginning of Nov I started 6x/week and added 20miles of treadmill or elliptical a week.  early this month I fit into a size 6 (Sept I was 12).  My point is, if I had started 6x/week from the get go I would have been in size 6 a lot earlier.  but I couldn’t handle it…I was SOOOOOOOO sore and struggling through these workouts.  Finally after a good month, my body started adapting to it.  My worst area is my legs…aka thunder thighs…. and I have LINES down the thighs on the side!  I can’t wait to see what I look like by summer….banking on all the jiggle to be gone b/c it’s gone down so much in this short of time.  If you can, try to make your cardio 45min.  Her dance dvd is TOUGH but if you can manage it great!!!  Otherwise I do the treadmill/elliptical but change it up every 5 min.  I’ll do a high incline for 5 with walking/then jog for 5 lower incline/then some sprints etc.  I can’t skip on that thing….which is TA’s suggestion but I can’t do it for some reason.  :)  As long as you change it up so your muscles have to keep changing is the key. 

My personal opinion on Jillian, which I watch Biggest Loser and find her hysterical actually but their weight loss motivates me, she needs to meet TA.  I have done the Firm for YEARS and yes my weight was good but I still had thunder thighs.  No squat/lunge/dip helped that (holding weights, not holding weights).  My results now are unbelievable.  If you put in the time and really feel the moves in your muscles….you will see results!!!!  This will so energize you as well.  I love doing them now, I’m addicted.  It’s the first thing I think of when I get up…start planning how to fit it in each day.
So do her mat (an hour) and 45min of cardio 6x/week.  I know it’s ALOT but you’ll come to enjoy it and really want to do it. TA is the best!
BTW…yes my standing leg KILLS during the leg series.  She says it’s good though.  Pain is good…..LOL  :O) 

Anyone try her added sexy arm thing i posted?  If so, what size weight?

momof4- I LOVE your ‘chatty’ posts!!  You and reviewer’s posts are why I joined this site.

Thanks!  This board has really helped keep me going so you are helping me out as well! 
Here’s the link to the sexy arms and her explanation on how to do them.
http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2008/11/sculpt-a-list-arms-fast?slide=3#showHeader

Ok, so I am starting a Flickr site right now.  Totally under a fake name.  When I create a group for us, should I make it private?  

VentPark is currently working on adding photo and video upload capability.  It will be available here very soon.

that will be very fun . . . thanks VentPark Ranger!

I really love reading everyones input because I wasn’t sure if I should try it out. I am so tired and am willing to do whatever I can to loose all of this wieght. I hate it with a passion being fat. And it makes me feel so unattractive. I am going to order it and give it a shot. I am so glad I found this website.

Well I got the GOOP newsletter a couple weeks back and was introduced to TA. So I started doing some research and found this site. After reading through the articles and then reading a lot of the post, I ordered the mat DVD. It came Thursday and I quickly watched it through just to see what I was getting into. For all the complaints that she doesn’t give much instruction, I liked it. Maybe it is all the dance classes that I have done (it has that same feel). And I also liked that she didn’t do so much of the ‘WAY TO GO’ and ‘KEEP IT UP’ that most workout DVDs have. So Friday I gave it a shot and was thoroughly surprised at the intensity of the workout (and I didn’t have 3 lb weights so I didn’t use anything). I got through most of the workout with a few breaks here and there. Then on Sat I thought I would tackle it again and could only get through 2/3 of the DVD before everything in my body ached. I have 3 kids and thought I was in decent shape, not the best but I can hold my own. After this DVD I felt like I don’t use any muscles in my body and for the first time they were all exhausted at the same time!! So I gave myself Sun to recover and am looking forward to working out again today. Of course I am still sore but I plan on getting in shape for the summer and when we move to Hawaii!! I can’t be fat in Hawaii! So I am on a mission to stick with this and be teeny tiny soon. Just wondering how long it took everyone to recover from the initial soreness? I am still sore today! And did anyone feel it in the neck? Mine was killing me yesterday! Well thanks for the motivation and all the support on this site! Can’t wait to keep checking in!