Like Doer’s question, I was curious about that as well…but more the tricept push-up b/c that area still hangs on my arms.  I never did go ahead and purchase the arm wraps yet….Reviewer are you happy with how they work for you?   I would assume push-ups are fine though b/c it’s body weight.???..I know in the Lotte Berk (ballet workout series) they do them.
For the tummy-  well to be honest mines definitely a muffin top STILL.  However, I measured 43 inches when I was 37weeks pregnant…I was very large there so I’m assuming it’s going to take a long time to get that pulled in.  If I can cover under my belly button down…(that’s where the pooch resides) my abs look great.  I do have her lines on the top part of the abs.  I’m hoping by summer this area will be pulled in more.  So many people have told me there is no way to get flat abs (or something close to that) after being pregnant, especially 4x.  I don’t think that’s true…I jsut think it takes a llloooonnnnggg time.    I’m off to do the PP actually now and mat.

Mom of 4:  re Velforms read my reply above 2/5 10:23AM.
I absolutely think that your abs can go back in.  I too have the issue below belly button.  I think that the abs routines aren’t cutting it for that area.  I’ll be back with input once I know for sure there’s a solution.

Good Morning!

Hope everyone’s weekend it starting off right!

I came across this article just now and thought some might like it. Quite frankly, while I adore T.A. method, I was a little disgusted while reading this article. $1500 initial fee and  $900 a month membership fee to work out @ her new studio? And not with her, just with her employees?!?! Really!?!? COME ON! I am certainly not a hater, I just think that is ridiculous and unnecessary. I, for one, am happy to stick to my dvds. (not saying I wouldnt pay the $25 if I was out in LA to take a class or two!)

Anyhow, here is the link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/fashion/08trainer.html

I didn’t think you sounded that angry…I agree with you.   I’d like to think she has cheaper options b/c in this economy…I had trouble buying her pricey DVD’s.   I find it interesting when they have experts disagreeing with her with the whole running/bulking/etc.   As that article states…time will tell. 
However, for me, I find her fun and refreshing.  I saw a promo for the new Firm thing they have now and I’m watching all the same moves on some new contraption…not that I’m dissing the Firm..if people like it GREAT…I just HATE squats/lunges/dips as I’ve mentioned.  I’ll take a dancing leg lift any day.  I feel much taller and almost more girlie doing this workout.

I have been using the Mat DVD for 2 weeks now and I have not seen a difference in my body at all yet. I have to continue to convince myself that it will help me but it’s getting harder and harder to believe it since my fat body doesn’t hurry up and start loosing wieght. Don’t think I’m crazy people, but it angers me sometimes. Sometimes I have good days and sometimes I have bad days. Today…is a bad day.

Hi Ren, I do the PP workout every other workout…so mat one day/PP+goop the next so I end up with 3 mats/week  3 PP/week. 
I didn’t realize Reviewer didn’t have the PP DVD.  I thought she did….I so agree the ab sections on the Mat are not going to cut it…especially not for me!  The PP has a 30 min ab section alone.  It’s awesome!  But like I said…since my stomach got jynormous with the 4th pregnancy….it’s going to take me some time.  BUT it’s way better than before!
Beachlover-I’m with you..my problem is food too.  The more I workout, the hungrier I get.  It’s crazy.  But I’m trying to scale back a bit.  I know i’ve had weeks where I ate my results.  :(  Or I “ran” my results away.  LOL

A look inside the Tracy camp…

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1135962/I-did-Madonnas-workout–nearly-killed-says-Ashley-Pearson.html

Reviewer~

You do the PP abs everyday too?  Hmm…. Now I’m bummed lol.  If you’re still not seeing lower ab results… let us know what works for you when you do find something..  The lower abs are my biggest trouble spot from my pregnancies. 

I read that article as well… Anyone else think Madonna’s gone too far?  Healthy is good… But I could classify all of her muscles, bones, and tendons… even IN her concert costumes :-P  But– to each their own, of course. 

Enjoy your weekend ladies.
~Ren

its too true what ds77 says about doing cardio as well to see the results..diet is part of it for sure but i dont really do too much dieting and i was seeing great results with the cardio / mat combination.  (without any weight loss which i would like to do but just cant seem to win over the food/ alcohol fight!)  

i am with you also ds77 with falling off the wagon this week with my workouts.. we went away for 3 days and i wanted to do a bit of excercise but just couldnt find the time - back on full starting monday with a hard core cardio session and mat work.
not feeling too good about myself today either egomezcarcia!

Uggh, talk about falling off the wagon!  I just got home from lunch at a horrid (but sinfully yummy) americanized mexican food place where I drank not one but two HUGE margaritas, and ate way more chips and salsa than I’d like to admit to . . .but now I am lacing up my trainers to go do the Mat DVD . . .hmmm, does working out count if you’re tipsy?  :-)  Back to my Tracy-inspired puritanical ways tomorrow!

Bella - your plan sounds wonderful! I am so inspired!

Sounds like everyone’s had fun this weekend…  :-D  I’ve done my exercises like a good girl this weekend, however my two days of slouching were Wednesday and Thursday lol….  I’m determined to at least do 5 days a week though. 

I’ve decided to order the 2007 cardio DVD since I need to start doing some form of cardio, and at this point I’m comfortable starting something besides the treadmill or an elliptical..  I’m hoping it will pick up the results as well.

Workinprogress~

I’m really bad about eating my veggies, so I’ve started drinking this stuff called Green Machine in addition to changing up my diet… http://www.reallynatural.com/archives/product-review/naked_juice_the_superfoods_sel.php 
It looks like it would be disgusting, but it actually tastes mostly like apples and fruit.. There are no additives or anything.. In fact, I think it’s even vegan and kosher approved lol…  So at least I know I’m getting some good stuff in there even if it’s on the run. 

Bella~
Your workout sounds great hun.  You keep that up and you’ll be fit for sure by springtime.

Remember, ladies… Don’t worry about this weekend.  Let’s all just start fresh tomorrow.  We’ll get there. 

~Ren

did anyone see gwyneth at the grammies laast night? i didnt think she looked that good- her shoulders are huge!!  almost a bit gorilla - ish

I didn’t fall off the wagon this last weekend, but just may this upcoming weekend!  But you know-we work hard and stick to it so it’s OK to fall off once in a while.  Otherwise, what’s the point of all this??  In my head, I work out this hard so I can eat what I want.  Although I do think I’ve eaten up results but I just try to do better the next day. 
Anyone notice you really do gain weight when you get your period?  I have noticed my periods are a lot easier now that i’m consistently working out…which is a great thing!  :) 
I have to bring this up…I know we’ve discussed this but doing the mat 6 days/week for months…are our muscles goign to plateau?  I know they are different rotations..but what’d you guys think? 

Happy Monday Morning =)

Im excited to start this week off on the right track especially since I partied hard all weekend (eating & drinking way too much!)
Im excited to try my 07 Dance Aerobics DVD tonite…I will post my thoughts and opinions for anyone who is thinking about purchasing it.

Renaissance…
I would suggest trying Bikram Yoga. 
I recently started doing it (just once a week) its a 90 minute class consisting of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises in a 110 degree room. YES!!! It sounds crazy and it is a little difficult at first (dizzy & puking feelings are normal)…but the way your body & mind feels afterwards is so rewarding.  It helps with improving flexibility, increases circulation to all of your vital organs and its my personal way to de-stress!!.  You walk out of there literally drentched from head to toe but feel so ALIVE afterwards.
Check out the Bikram Yoga website http://www.bikramyoga.com/ for more info

I do yoga once a week because I enjoy it so much.   for some free options, if you have fittv, I really like namaste yoga and also Sara Iverson hosts a yoga “All Star Workout” that is good for beginners.  You can find out when it is airing by going to the website.  the namaste yoga is on daily. 

I have some good dvd options if you want to go that route.  LMK.  the bikram sounds cool too, I’ll have to check that out. 

Personally, I like the look of the first pic…(the silver dress) if I can get that look I’ll be SOOOOOOOO happy lol. 

aanyanka~  Thanks for the recipe!!  I’ll give that a try.

~Ren

Hi Everyone, I too did not get my workouts in this weekend - but will be getting one hour of cardio now followed by mat afterwards.
the eating has not been horrible, but not super great.  not overeating, but had a couple of get togethers which led to eating foods that normally wouldn’t be infront of me all the time.

GP looked amazing last night - i would LOVE to have her upper body look!  WOWWW

I am going to see if I can get those elastic looking bands (not exactly dyna bands) but the ones that TA uses in GPs room - and try and work my triceps with those.  I think it will help with them.
weight loss is the same.  still trying to work on the water consumption and write down the foods i am eating to keep it real for myself. 
thanks everyone for sticking with it and sticking with this board.  it really is great!  it helps to keep me accountable.  i’ll check back after my workouts.  so for last week - it was cardio 4 days/mat 4 days.  i need to bump that up to 5-6 of each!
d -

Workinprogress:  I had man arms and fat spill at the top.  I use the Velforms and pitch forward during the no-weight arms of the Mat (see my Part 3 review of the Mat workout in the Reviews park).  But I look exactly like Gwyneth now in the upper. 

Reviewer, would you say slowly you just looked more and more results and at some point you realized you had transformed your upper body or was it like once you pitched forward and used the wraps you saw the difference?  or at month 4 you realized everything was really different? 

you do the mat 6 times a week as well as 30 minutes cardio 6 times weekly?

sorry for all the questions.  I am at week 10, just started the 3lbers and I will do whatever you did to get that upper body…to die for!!!  my arms are very toned but the shoulder and chest do not look as toned as that!! 

…oh, I still use 2 1/2 lbs weights on my arms.

hey girls!

i didnt mean to offend anyone by saying i didnt like the way gp’s shoulders looked - her body is smokin i just thought the top part of her where her neck meets her arms looked a bit bulky - but thats a problem area for me cause a little while ago i was doing the bodypump classes at the gym and for a while i got really masculin in there… i also didnt see any of those pictures just saw her quick presentation on the show… your right - she looked amazing!

re: muscle plateau - i do the mat dvd with 2 lb ankle weights no as i already felt a bit of plateau after about 6 weeks of doing it pretty religiously. i started with one lb and recently have moved up to 2, i feel like im getting good results from that system.

today i did 30 minutes of the dance cardio and then the abs and arms on the mat dvd (all i had time for) but i feel great after it!

Hello Renaissance…
I noticed that you posted about the new drink “green machine” made by Naked foods.
Thought I might share some info I got on those products…
I actually was drinking those for a while and a trainer at my gym said that they really arent “that good” for you…they taste good cus they are loaded with sugar…just one 8oz glass has 28 grams of sugar and 140 calories…
The Naked Mighty Mango is a slightly better option and tastes delish too.  It has 18 grams of sugar and 120 cals.

aanyanka’s homemade smoothie is definetly a better option since you are controlling exactly what goes into it and there’s the dates natural sweetness to make it taste yummy!

Ladies I just want to warn you that if your going to be blending up spinach and fruit into smoothies you’ll need a good blender.  I broke a few trying to make these.  Now I have a Vitamix and it will blend anything! Also the recipe I posted above creates a smoothie that is 24oz and contains about 600 calories.  600 calories is fine for me because It’s the only thing I have for lunch (and I eat a very small breakfast).  Just wanted to let you know in case you’re watching calories:)

Hello all- out of curiosity I googled her and I have to say she really does look good!  Plus camera adds right??  So since on her interview on the dvd’s she says on the PP one she met TA Dec 2006.  These DVD’s came out in 9/2008.  So do you think it’s fair she has been working on this current body for about 2 years now?  I like to know how long it takes etc.  Has she been doing 6 days/week for 2 years? 
Reviewer-I think I’m finally caving on the velform wraps.  I just wanted to give a bit more time to see if you noticed the difference b/f I invest.  You know how you stated when you had your socks tightly on and there was an indentation after you took them off…did you notice the skin plopping back out later?  That’s where I get stuck…does the skin flop back out after you take them out?  I am very happy with my arms except for the batswing.  I would love to hurry those results along since spring is around the corner.

Here’s the photo the Reviewer was trying to upload…

Thanks….if my arms can look like yours and GP’s, I’LL BUY IT!! 

Good for you BTW!  She looks awesome…a taller version of TA!

I found this site -I am totally addicted to the mat workout too!  love it!  What are the velform wraps?  Is this something that TA recommends?

I just received the 2007 Dance Aerobics DVD today and managed to learn the first two combos. Omg, that was so much fun! It didn’t even feel like working out. I hope to be able to do the entire video someday! How many routines do you guys do + the Mat video?

Charlie - in my opinion, the 2007 Dance Aerobics DVD is a little bit easier on the joints than the 2008 Cardio Dance DVD.  I’ve had some ongoing problems with shin splints that developed when I started these DVDs, and I’ve found the “old” DVD to cause less pain than the newer one.  The “old” DVD is just as high impact as the “new” one, butt it is easier to modify the combos to make them slightly lower impact without losing any of the rhythm/energy/flow of the combos.

Bella-it’s hard finding the time.  Plus, even if you find the time, can anyone really handle 3 hours 6 days/week b/c I know I can’t.  some days i have great workouts and then some bad where I’m just so exhausted but push through.  So that’s why i get bummed when the measurements or scale doesn’t change.  Ugh! 
Yesterday I did an hour of cardio (not her dance) and her PP + a little goop.  It was hard.  HARD!  Please someone out there say they can’t do the leg series on the PP, am I the only one???  What is wrong with me?
Also, I’m struggling with the goop too.  I think increasing my cardio to an hour is wearing me out a bit.  (oh and the kids as well )

morning!  okay last night i did mat - and it felt SO good. I can feel that with each exercise i am getting stronger. but the arms STILL burn.  that is 5 of the mat workouts done now.  I do feel my abs coming down.  I felt that before I started working out, I still felt like I looked pregnant.  now I don’t feel that way.  its great.
I was going to try and do some of the cardio dance last night - but then decided to watch 24 with my hubby.  hmmph. i will attempt it today. i think i may buy the arm wraps because i would love to have nice arms sooner than later!  while i do feel a change - it is not really affecting my tricep much - but maybe its because i need to do more cardio.  for those of you that are doing other forms of cardio- what are you doing and are you sweating?  i tried to do more skipping and some running yesterday on treadmill but mainly i walk uphill at on a random program - it is def challenging but i dont find myself sweating.  i am sure the dance cardio will cause a sweat.
have a good one!

Doerflinger - thanks for that, I think it would be worth my while to order the 2007 DVD.  I will keep up the workouts and hopefully my aches and pains will improve with time. 

Since I started the DVDs afew weeks ago the number on the scale has not budged and my clothes feel pretty much the same…….BUT………I can definately see a good change in my body.  My upper body feels and looks slimmer and more lean and toned and my tummy is definately flatter.  My shoulders seem to be more structured and my thighs also look and feel slimmer.  I have been cutting out carbs as much as possible from my diet and am quite happy with the results so far!!

Have a great day everyone.

Hey ladies! My name is Mandi, and I’m a Tracy-holic…haha. I have been reading your posts for a while now but haven’t had a chance to submit any myself. I am home from work today, so I thought I’d give it a go!

About me: I am 31 and had a beautiful baby boy (my first) 4 months ago. I have always been on the slim side, so gaining 40 pounds and seeing my body change in not-so-nice ways really took its toll on me. I had a C-section, so it was really frustrating that I couldn’t do ANY exercise for 6 weeks. At my 6-week postpartum checkup, which was the first time I got weighed after having the baby, I was horrified to see that I still had 25 pounds to lose! The doc gave me the okay to start exercising and shortly thereafter, I discovered Tracy Anderson’s method.

I started out with the Mat DVD to see if I would like her style and if I would really see improvements. I have to say, after maybe 4 or 5 times of doing the Mat, I could see a difference. I am a VERY impatient person and had given up on pretty much every workout DVD I had tried before because I never saw results fast enough to keep me motivated…but not so with Tracy! I got the Dance Cardio and Post Pregnacy workouts soon after and added them to the mix. I also got the 2007 Dance Aerobics DVD a few weeks ago and LOVE it (much easier and more fun than the 2008 one in my opinion). Long story short, I am OBSESSED with Tracy! Whenever my husband walks in the room when I’m working out, he’s like, “Her…AGAIN??” But I have lost 16 pounds in a little less than 3 months and am back in almost all of my pre-pregnancy clothes, so I have good reason to be addicted to her!

Anyway, before this gets WAY too long, I’m so glad I found this board, and if my baby allows me to, I hope to post more in the future! Good luck with the workouts, everyone!

:)  Mandi

Welcome to the Boards Mandi =)
Just keep up what your doing and be sure to stay consistent!
You will be so amazed & proud of your results come beach season!

Welcome Mandi!!

You know, I almost bought the core rhythms dvds instead of this?  I’ll definitely have to give it a try now.  I love to dance.

~Ren

Hey again! Wow, this board is addictive Anyways…

ds77- I’ve been working out 5-6 times a week, and most of the time there’s really no rhyme or reason to which DVDs I do on which day, honestly! The only “rule” I stick to is Tracy’s suggestion of always doing cardio BEFORE the muscular structure work. I find that works well, because after the frenzied, sweat-inducing dancing in her cardio DVDs, the mat and pp workouts almost feel like a cooldown!  When I do cardio, it’s usually the 2007 dance aerobics, though I also skip songs 4 & 9. I can only do 1-5 of the 2008 cardio- much more time-consuming to learn than the old one. If I am really pressed for time and need to get at least some cardio in, I’ll do one of the 15 minute routines on Hemalayaa’s Bollywood Burn. And I’ll randomly do Core Rhythms here and there. It’s good for when you’re not in the mood for jumping and hopping! It also focuses on the ab area, so you’re dancing and toning at the same time. I really don’t do any other cardio…actually, before I had baby weight to lose, I always HATED cardio, especially the sweating. That’s why Tracy is a miracle worker; if she got ME to do cardio, she can do anything! I still don’t think I could be a runner or anything like that…my endurance could use some improvement!

I did notice in a couple of Tracy’s interviews that she mentions working out on a mini trampoline. Apparently, it’s great low-impact cardio and very easy on the joints. Anyone ever try it? I’m thinking of asking my hubby for one for V-day, although he’ll probably think I’m crazy!

As for diet, I started out doing Weight Watchers (didn’t go to meetings, but used my mom’s materials from when she went a few years ago). That got the first 10 pounds off very quickly. Now I don’t keep track of points anymore, but I’m MUCH more mindful about what I eat. One element I did take from Tracy’s diet is the Kashi cereal and rice milk for breakfast. It’s pretty good! I eat lots of whole grains, fruits,veggies, and lean protein. It’s hard, though, because I’m in the Philly area and we’re famous for our delicious/unhealthy food (cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, water ice, etc). I still have 8 pounds to get back to my pre-baby weight, so I’ll have to abstain a bit longer! Oh, and to the wine-lovers on here, I feel your pain! I used to drink 2 glasses EVERY night and do tastings and all of that. Now I have like one glass a month! It sucks, but in one of TA’s interviews, she says when you drink alcohol, it slows your metabolism for THREE days afterward. Yikes!

Whoa, this post is getting super-long, so I’ll end there! TTYL!

Mandi

I got my PP DVD in yesterday which was my rest day so I just went ahead and viewed it.
Today during my sons poor attempt at a nap [he decided to destroy his room instead] I started learning combo 2, did combo 1 twice and attempted combo 2 up to speed twice, I should have the steps down in a few days. Then I decided to try the PP DVD after so I could watch Biggest Loser tonight. Made it through the abs..I hate planks HATE THEM lol always have but I made it through…HOWEVER lol the legs kicked my butt and in fact I couldn’t finish because I started to get a re-occurring charlie horse!
I hope they have some of the 2007 dance dvds left for me to get one in March.
I totally want a trampoline but I want a big one so my son can enjoy it too.

BTW, I just read this article that came out last week about TA. Some of the comments are scathing, and the article itself is kind of tongue in cheek. I think that the (outrageous) price of her new NY studio dectracts from the fact that her strategies work. It’s kind of undermining her. More people should know that she offers these amazing DVD’s!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/07/madonna-and-gwyneths-trai_n_164865.html?show_comment_id=20608711

Anyways, good luck with your workouts ladies, I’m off to do some of mine in about an hour. Gonna try to do 2 hours!

Momof4- I gain like TWENTY pounds during my period. Well…not really, but I’m trying to make you feel better!! But seriously, 2 or 3 pounds usually. It sucks because then you feel like you’re backtracking and undoing your progress. Being a woman really bites sometimes…arrrrgh!

THANK YOU Mandi and mrshoney!   I feel better!
Agreed - being a woman bites.  :)  Happy workout tomorrow!!!

hi - i totally put on weight bloated, cramps its really hard during my period!  i just went on bc to try and get rid of some of that …..
you are not alone momof4!

off to do cardio dvd and mat

Hi Ladies,
Okay just finished cardio dvd and mat.  Today was the first day that I did the cardio dvd. OMG it was challenging.  I did combo 1 for 20 mins and was POOOPED.  How do she and you all do it!  Maybe I really need to get the 07 version.  She is a jumping bean!!!!  It was def fun once I got combo 1 down, didn’t take me too long.  How much cardio dance are you all doing?  After I did that, I was def struggling with the mat dvd more - but pshed through it.  It felt good…..and the dvd goes by faster now!
Reviewer - did someone say you don’t do the dance cardio dvd - what do you do for cardio?  Sorry if this is a dup question! 

d -

Good Morning All!!!
I just wanted to share with everyone that last night I did the PP DVD first then the Dance Aerobics.
I cant seem to do my cardio first and then the Mat…I hope its not hindering my results??…the dance aerobics takes a lot out of me, I wouldn’t have the energy to do a Mat DVD afterwards.
So I had my second attempt at the ‘07 Dance DVD. I have now mastered Routines 1 & 2.
I was so proud of myself! I don’t feel like I am exercising…I felt like I was auditioning for “America’s Best Dance Crew” or “So You Think You Can Dance..” It was so much FUN =)
I must of did those two routines (until I had em down pat) about a hundred times. Seriously, I have blisters on the bottom of my toes today from bopping around my living room for 2hours…and my shins, lets not even go there! The pain is EXCRUCIATING!!!!! =(
I cant wait to learn them all…slowly but surely I am hoping to learn em all…but I’m really slow with picking things up like this…I’m so bad with my coordination, but hoping to improve with this DVD.
Oh and one last thing, my husband happened to hear me talking about how great the PP abs section is and decided to give it a whirl….I wound up doing that part of the DVD again with him (since I couldn’t just sit and watch someone else workout).
It was hilarious, since he is very active and he was like…WOW, these are some intense hard-core movements that will definitely get you awesome results…he had me pausing it a bunch of times so he could stretch his abdominal muscles out from the pain!

Teaser Alert…

Ok, remember I said that I was going renegade in search for an abs fix?  I’ve done something new and after the first workout, dropped 1″ in the waist.  I’ve done 4 more workouts and have retained that 1″ loss. 

I check these things for awhile so I don’t waste anybody’s time or $$.  If I continue to whittle down, I’ll review it.

Good Morning!!!

Just FYI- tomorrow’s Oprah is the re-run with Gwyneth Paltrow, and her workout video with Tracy Anderson!!

Have a great day!!!

Morning everyone - well the girls have been sick the past couple of days (head colds) and now I have come down with it.  Bummer.  I will still try and get a good workout in today - but prob bike/treadmmill and mat.
Can’t wait to hear about the new abs you are doing Reviewer and I will re read your MBT section about the cardio. 

Great - i am going to dvr the Oprah show today! 
Have a good workout day everyone!
d-

Mandi- I’ve also been thinking about get a mini-trampoline to add to my workouts.  I have not tried it myself but I’ve seen a lot of possitive info on the web.

Reviewer I cant wait to hear what product you are trying out!  Losing inches in my tummy is music to my ears.

Reviewer: Well, before it was in the entire back of my thighs. But now when I look in the mirror, that area at the bottom, coming up from the back of my knees, definitely looks smoother; but there’s more dimpling in the upper-upper area, like closer to the beginning of my booty. So it’s like it redistributed to the upper-upper area. Kind of freaky, actually. It’s all retreating to my arse like a retreating army running away from the Tracy Anderson workouts!

Topanga, have you ever tried the windsor pilates? It worked miracles for my legs! I still do it everyonce in a while in addition to the MAT dvd because I dont think my inner thighs are getting much attention in the mat dvd. Im gonna email you! I’d love to hear more about the classes you take!!