New 15 Minute Tracy Anderson Workout!

Hello everyone!


On Gwyneth Paltrow's web newsletter, GOOP, there is a new Tracy Anderson workout, meant to be a short little burst.  She also has a little Q&A with Tracy.




This workout is meant to be there for you when you only  have 15 minutes, but it can be made as long as you like if you do more reps.  She also says it's okay to add this on to current workouts too.

There's also a short Q&A Segment:

We’ve asked Tracy to answer some of those nagging fitness/nutrition questions we can never seem to get a straight answer to.

Q:We heard that to burn fat, it’s good to do cardio on an empty stomach so that your body immediately targets fat cells when you start exercising. Is there any truth to this?

A:Those who aren't high-energy exercise performers and can't make it through at least 45 minutes of intense cardio aren’t going to make it to the point where their bodies would begin to burn fat effectively on an empty stomach. What normally happens is that they feel weak, and the workout ends up being a waste of time. That said, you should still be smart about what you put into your body before training. If you eat a bagel or spaghetti before working out, you will not burn as much fat. Substitute something like 2 scoops of protein powder with half water and half coconut water for that bagel, and you’ve got a win-win: Fat is broken down faster, and you can still go the distance to create real and lasting results.

"While running and cycling may burn calories, they do not design feminine muscles..."

Q:We’ve heard friends who train for marathons, (which includes short runs during the week and long ones on the weekend), say they feel like they're actually gaining weight. What’s going on?

A:This is one of those frustrating situations where many elements are at play. Performing repetitive movements in fitness (such as running) creates a distinctive imbalance in the muscular structure and causes the large muscles in the legs to charge up. While running and cycling may burn calories, they do not design feminine muscles or get rid of an imbalance that may masquerade as a “problem area”—even on women who are genetically thin.

I’ve spent the past 14 years dedicated to the creation and testing of my fitness method specifically because of this problem. The whole concept of “calories in and calories out” is true and fair—but how you choose to burn those calories has a direct effect on how your muscles change. Running a marathon is a real and measurable accomplishment, but if you’re looking to lean out and lose weight, training to complete 26.2 miles isn’t going to give you the physical results you crave. After you cross that finish line, choose a program that reflects your goals.

Q:So, if you're saying that repetition can lead to imbalance, is it a good idea to vary our workouts? How often should we be switching up our routine and why?

A:Yes, it's good to change your workout—but not your overall program.

I learned very early in my career that to combat real problem areas, there needs to be enough content (routines and movements) to keep genetic weaknesses and imbalances awake, alert, and engaged. In my method, the routines change every 10 days, and are customized to different body types and shapes. Not only does this require your brain to stay connected to your body, but it demands the participation of more of the small muscles, rather than just relying on—and charging up—the larger muscles, which can add bulk.

"While bulkier muscle looks OK on women in their 20's and 30's, it doesn't age well."

Q:It seems that some people are all about kettle bells while others are diametrically opposed to heavy weight lifting. What’s your stance?

A:I am NOT a fan of kettle bells. Without a truly keen mind/body connection and ability to control swinging weights, you can easily injure yourself: The way that the momentum forces the muscles is a very difficult process to master. And overuse, which comes from constantly swinging in the same rotation, can lead to lasting damage. Kettle balls are also unnecessary, since you can easily get the benefits of incorporating weight and motion in a way that doesn’t add bulk or put your body at risk of injury.

I have occasionally designed programs for men that incorporate kettle bells, but I would never recommend them to women, even for women who are fans of bulkier muscle lines. While bulkier muscle looks OK on women in their 20s and 30s, it doesn’t age well. The sooner you build a long, lean, and feminine arm, the more sustainable the results will be—and with no sacrifice in strength.

Q:What (besides your famous exercise program) are your top tips for getting rid of baby fat after pregnancy?

A:As many of us know too well, it’s impossible to control your body’s response to pregnancy. Beyond eating well and exercising—which are key to both your baby’s health, and your stamina on the delivery table—there’s not much you can do to manipulate your body into doing what you want.

After the baby's born, there are a number of things that can help you reconnect with your body, such as nursing, and of course, exercise, as soon as your doctor releases you to do so. I kid you not, the goal of my post-pregnancy program is to not only get women’s bodies back to their pre-pregnancy state, but to make them look the best they’ve ever looked in their lives. It’s kind of like a blank slate.

For more on Tracy's fitness advice for expecting and new mother's, check out The Pregnancy Project.

Q:Gwyneth mentioned you have a shake that’s great for getting rid of the last few pounds when you’re trying to lose weight. What goes into the shake and when/how often should we be drinking it?

A:I drink my Wellness Formula Shake every morning.

It has a complete amino acid profile and comes from an all-vegan protein source. I mix two scoops with grass-fed, hormone-free whole milk, fresh coconut water, and a little dark chocolate agave mix. It’s my power milkshake and gets me through my morning, my workout, and my shower. I then eat a light lunch with loads of fresh greens and an early dinner of whatever I want. I am very consistent and that routine has been a key player in my results.

Powders are a great way to add protein to your diet without all the potentially harmful effects of some protein sources. Keep in mind, protein shakes in general should be treated as a meal replacement, not a snack. If you combine two scoops of the shake with water and ice in lieu of breakfast or lunch, you will lose weight and feel great, as it provides clean energy to burn throughout the day. If you add coconut water, fruit, almond milk, et al, you’re packing calories into the drink that can quickly add up and ultimately cause weight gain.

Q:How many avocadoes is too many avocadoes a week? Or, more simply put, how much good fat is too much fat?

A:‘Good fats’ absolutely merit the title, but it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. Good doesn’t equal all-you-can-eat. That said, a few slices of avocado, along with other powerful superfoods like fresh, lycopene-rich tomato sauce, can help your body absorb antioxidants. Besides being delicious, avocados have anti-inflammatory properties, are great for eye health, help regulate homocysteine levels associated with heart disease, and lower cholesterol. Because of their calorie count, I make a meal of them! I will sprinkle an avocado with sea salt and dig right in, or if she’s in the vicinity, I’ll opt for one of Gwyneth’s avocado sandwiches. They’re so good, you won’t miss a burger! If you only eat half, enlist the rest as a face masque: Nutrient-rich avocados are loaded with essential fatty acids that are a natural and fresh wrinkle reducer.

Tracy Anderson on Larry King

Hello everyone!

I heard from a friend that last month, Tracy Anderson was on the Larry King show discussing fitness.

So, I decided to give it a watch.  The video may not work outside of the US.

She talks about a variety of topics.

- She discusses how hard it is to eat well with all the temptations around us
- Pregnancy
- Childhood obesity- her idea is to set an example by showing how 
- Unrealistic beauty standards
- Happiness, when it involves eating.  Example- cutting out entire food groups to be thin =/= happiness


The other lady she was talking with was a bit annoying to me but I was watching for Tracy anyway.  


Give it a watch, if you haven't already.  What do you think?  I liked it.

Tracy Anderson's Full Body Trampoline Workout Review

Hello everyone!

As I have posted before, Tracy has not only come up with Teen Meta, but also a new full body Trampoline workout.

I was fortunate enough to get the DVD, and I gave it a watch, here's my review.

The workout is about 51 minutes long, and it has both muscular structure work and cardio.

She speaks for a moment in the beginning about how she understands some people can't do the normal dance cardio and how she developed this DVD to help those who can't and explains a couple of the benefits of rebounding.

You will need a mat, 3 pound weights and a trampoline of course.  

She starts with free arms, which are pretty fast like most of Metamorphosis, then does weighted arms.  Then she goes into legs which is interesting, she utilizes the trampoline in the workout too.  Example- being on all fours and holding onto the trampoline instead of having hands on the ground. She goes back to the weighted arms and utilizes the trampoline to make it more full body, like lifting a leg off the trampoline while working the arm.  After that is all done, there is some floor ab work, again using the trampoline as a guide to positioning.

However, she does NOT talk during the workouts. There is NO Instruction.  For me and other people experienced with TAM, this may not be an issue, but for beginners it may be.  I recommend watching the DVD a few times before trying the MS part.

And last, the moment we've been waiting for, cardio!

It's about 25 minutes of trampoline cardio, to me, the majority of the moves she does are very basic, I have seen her Tel Aviv and her Continuity 2.0 rebounder and there are a lot more moves on one foot with those, this one is more jumping jack, low kicks and both feet on the rebounder at once.  A lot more doable if you're a little scared to do anything heroic.  There are some high kicks, but no super high jumps or anything like that.

She also does a back view, basically  mid-workout she hops around so  her back is facing you.  I am okay with this, if it were me I would keep facing the television.

Because of how the cardio is this time, it makes me more eager to get back on the rebounder and try.

You can buy the dvd here on Tracy's site: Tracy Anderson's Full Body Mini Trampoline DVD

Another nasty article about Tracy.. Hmm.

Hello everyone!

My last post was about how Tracy was said to have claimed that Nicole Winhoffer, Madonna's current trainer, a former overweight caterer, this time I find an article about Tracy's claims that Gwyneth Paltrow was, in fact, fat.

Here is the article, taken from the source:

Celebrity fitness guru Tracy Anderson believes that she is a genius who has singularly revolutionized the fitness industry because she practically invented exercise; that her method of "spot-reduction" is so great it defies the science that disproves its effectiveness; and that Gwyneth Paltrow used to be fat until she began working with her in 2006.

Or at least, that's the way that she comes off in a new interview in The New York Times. The piece hilariously opens with Anderson freaking out with excitement over a shiny object—literally bouncing up and down—only to instantly snap into a foul mood something reminded her of some former employees (the uncertified trainers she hired to work in her gyms based on their "hotness") who she says ripped off her routines and stole her clients.

"It makes me sad for humanity, actually, that people would take all my hard work and then pose like they have a method that they have tried and tested," she said of her former employees, becoming so angry she struggled for words. "They're not even lip-syncing what I do. They're, like, karaokeing off my songs."

But, Anderson says that she and Paltrow, as businesswomen, are "really smart like Coca-Cola" so they aren't that threatened by competition. So does that mean that her former employees are Pepsi? Because Pepsi does pretty well and gives Coca-Cola a run for its money.

She also preaches her theories on why her fitness method works, saying things like "proprioception perception," "strength of synapses" and "muscle confusion" that make you think she actually knows what she's talking about when she says that she can make you smaller just in the places that you want, even though experts regard that as a myth, with science proving that you can't actually choose where you lose weight—organically, anyway—in your body.

The idea of Anderson being a charlatan has been flitting around in the media since she first rose to prominence. She's had some serious financial issues, and at one time promoted a super-shady baby food diet that she later denied ever having advocated, even though there was plenty of very public evidence to the contrary.

Maybe people wouldn't question Anderson's methods as much if she actually truly transformed a real person's out-of-shape body into her idea of physical perfection. Instead, she's known mostly for her work with Gwyneth Paltrow, a woman who has been infamously waif-ishly thin, so much so, that putting her in a fat suit in the movie Shallow Hal was the entire punch line of the movie.

Still, Anderson insists that Paltrow was fat, and is kind of a bitch about it.

"She hid her problem areas so well before me that I'm like, ‘I really wish your naked butt was everywhere before me and after me.' "

In the January issue of Redbook—of which Paltrow and Anderson grace the cover—Paltrowrecalls the first time the pair met:

"She pulled my pants off…I'll never forget it. She was like, 'Oh, my God, wow, I am just so surprised, because you look so good in clothes. I wasn't expecting this."

But Anderson apparently knows that she seems like a total whack job, telling the Times that it's "part of trying to create progress; you get called crazy, like any inventor."

Anderson, who just released a workout DVD to make children 10 and up "teeny tiny," ends the interview with a humble brag, "But the nice thing is, any time I'm testing on someone the bargain is that don't worry, whatever happens to you I can undo. I hate to say it, it's my gift."

My opinions:

I personally think this article is biased and taken out of context.  Those quotes I believe were taken from several different articles.  Also still, I honestly do not care what she does in her personal life or what she says about other people for the most part.  They say she has not taken a real person and transformed them, and that is BULL.

1. I know people who are "real people" and have had great success with the method.

2. A while back, I posted how they helped a man lose 100 pounds in six months, going from 388 to 288 pounds and counting.

And yes, Gwyneth very well COULD have looked bad under her clothes because of what they call "skinny fat".  Yes. You CAN have a small body and still have a lot of body fat.

Nicole Winhoffer Overweight?

Hello everyone!


As you may or may not know, Madonna's current trainer, Nicole Winhoffer (who is the trainer in Madonna's Addicted to Sweat DVDs) formerly worked with Tracy Anderson, and then that's how she became Madonna's trainer.

Now there are some not-so-nice comments that Tracy is allegedly slinging about.

"Madonna's new personal trainer, Nicole Winhoffer, was apparently in poor physical shape until she began working out with Tracy Anderson, the star's former personal trainer.

According to a source speaking to the New York Post: 'Nicole was overweight until Tracy shaped her body. She was a caterer and wanted to be famous.’

The 'insider' claims that Ms Anderson trained Ms Winhoffer herself before introducing her to then friend and client Madonna.

Out with the old, in with the new: Madonna's former trainer Tracy Anderson (left) is believed to have once worked with the pop star's new trainer Nicole Winhoffer (right) to get her in shape

They explained that when Ms Anderson moved back to the States after living in London with Madonna, she sent Ms Winhoffer in her place.

 

The source is dismissive of Ms Winhoffer's methods too.

A-List client: Madonna (in London in December) began working with Ms Winhoffer after apparently falling out with Ms Anderson

'Nicole doesn’t understand the reasons behind the moves, just the motions,' they said.

The report adds fuel to the apparent long-standing feud between Madonna and Ms Anderson.

After working together for three years, the former close friends had an unexplainable falling out and the relationship turned ugly fast.

In the aftermath of the split, the Post was told the pop star ‘had grown tired of the baggage that Tracy always seemed to be carrying with her’ and that it had become a ‘distraction.’

An insider told the Post that even more problems came about when Ms Anderson developed a relationship with Philippe van den Bossche, the former head of Madonna’s Raising Malawi charity who was forced out for alleged mismanagement.

The reported rift between the women has revved up again recently with the release of Madonna’s new workout DVD series Addicted To Sweat.

The new DVDs, endorsed by Hard Candy Fitness, which Madonna co-founded, feature the star alongside Miss Winhoffer. 

Although Madonna has refuted rumors that her new workout DVDs are aimed at competing with Ms Anderson’s growing fitness empire, it seems as if the bad blood between the women will continue with the ever presence of Ms Winhoffer by Madonna's side."

My opinion- They do not say that TRACY herself said it, and somehow to me it sounds like a bunch of bull.

I personally like both trainers, and stuff like this doesn't affect my desire to do one workout over another.

What do you guys think?

Building a Support Network By Yourself

Hello everyone!

We always hear that for weight loss, an excellent way to help is to have a support network.  Well, what if you don't have a support network, or you recently moved away from your old one?
Here's some tips on how to build support and be your own cheerleader.

"12 Ways to Stay Motivated On Your Own

1. Give yourself a pep talk. Remember Jessica, the self-affirming Internet sensation ? Sure, her self-pep talk is silly and cute, but she's wise beyond her years and that positivity is infectious. Channel your inner Jessica and set aside a minute every day to let the positivity flow; write down (or say aloud) everything that you like about yourself and your life, and use that minute to reaffirm why you want to meet your goals. You may feel silly at first, but it's harder to feel unmotivated when you're literally cheering yourself on!
   
2. My opinion: A good idea, it's always good to remind yourself that you are worth it, and sometimes we DO need a reminder on why we are working out.
3. 
   
4. Find some virtual buddies. Technology makes it easier than ever to connect with like-minded people-and it doesn't matter where they live! Online communities (like SparkPeople) can be great resources for support and tips. Chat on message boards about topics from diet and nutrition to exercise and fitness. 
5. 
   
6. My opinion: I have started to do this, I have made a few supporting friends via the internet.
   
7. Surround yourself with success. It may be said that misery loves company, but it should be that success loves company. Why are weight-loss reality shows so popular? Because viewers can see that other people have overcome obstacles on the way to achieving their goals. Success stories can be great for lifting you up and revving up that motivation when it's lacking, and reading that someone else had the same problem and pushed through can help you push through the hard times, too. 
8. 
   
9. My opinion: I love watching and reading people's success stories.  They do give me a burst of hope that maybe even I can lose weight.
   
10. Pat yourself on the back. Even if no one else knows about your accomplishments, they shouldn't go unnoticed. Commemorate finishing a marathon by framing your bib or medal, or engrave the date of a huge accomplishment on a piece of jewelry. Not only does it feel good to celebrate the achievement, but it also serves as a visual reminder of your progress, which can help keep you pumped up on those less-than-motivated days. 
11. 
    
12. My opinion:  This is a good idea that I have not tried before.
    
13. Challenge yourself. A little competition can be good for you! Join an online weight-loss challenge for that extra push you need to meet your goals, as well as the support from others who are going after the same goal.
    
14. My opinon:  I would perhaps like to do one of these challenges myself.

1. Commit to weekly check-ins. Just because you live alone or with people who don't support your goals, that doesn't mean you're doomed to fail! Unlimited cell phone minutes, email, and web chats can make checking in with a supportive friend or family member a breeze. Set a weekly date with your mom, sister or an uncle with similar goals to help you stay on track. 
2. 
   
3. My opinion: I believe this would be a good idea, I know people who check in even daily.
   
4. Get involved. If you're new to an area, it can be hard to make friends and find that support system that makes you feel at home. Join a gym, take healthy cooking classes, or join a local meetup to find like-minded people who share similar goals. You may not click with everyone you meet, but in no time you'll have found a key person or two who can be the foundation for your new support system and will help keep your goals a priority. 
5. 
   
6. My opinion: You can also find like-minded people online if you can't find people out in the world.
   
7. Use your pet as a workout partner. Dogs rarely turn down the opportunity to exercise. If you have a dog but have relied on the backyard for potty breaks, start taking a trip around the block with your new workout buddy! Or get out in the backyard with your pooch to play fetch or chase. You'll often find that once you're outside and moving, doing an extra block or two sounds better than another episode of reality TV anyway. 
8. 
   
9. My opinion: I do this with my dog too!  He does love walking, and the area around where I live is pretty walkable and dog-friendly.
   
10. Call on your co-workers. They may not be part of your "inner circle", but if you see them every day, your co-workers can be great motivational support. Make weekly lunch dates (or better yet, walk during your lunch breaks) to check in with co-workers who may be trying to eat better and get or stay fit. You can also give co-workers permission to take away your quarters when they see you heading to the vending machine!
    
11. My opinion:  I have had coworkers that have had special walk times with other coworkers, I do not have coworkers right now, but if I did, perhaps I would let one or two in on my goals.
12. 
    
13. Journal. Writing down your goals, struggles, setbacks and successes can be a great way to support yourself even when no one else will. You can go the pen-and-paper route or take it online in a blog format, or even do a video blog. Sometimes just writing about your struggles and reminding yourself why you're working toward your goals is all you need to get going again. 
14. 
    
15. My opinion: I do it here, and on video, and in pen/paper.
    
16. Pay yourself.Don't do all of that hard work for free! Set up a reward system that works for you. Throw a dollar in a jar each time you work out or meet a healthy eating goal and watch both your health benefits and your money grow! Use that money for a healthy treat after a few months-a massage, a new workout outfit or a gym membership are all awesome splurges. 
17. 
    
18. My opinion: This is a good idea, I would like to set something like this up for myself.
    
19. Reward yourself for meeting weekly goals. If you don't have spare dollars to throw into your workout stash as mentioned above, reward yourself in other ways for meeting weekly goals. If you meet your goal of losing a pound or working out five times, pamper yourself. Whether it's a long bath or a day off from exercise with no guilt, have a reward in mind for meeting your weekly goal and stick with it. 
    
    My opinion: I plan to use my Sundays for the relaxation.
    
    Sharing your goals with others is a sure way to get support. But even if you're in a new city or don't have that support system in place, encouragement from yourself and others is possible!"

Miracle Noodles

Hello everyone!


What if there was a noodle you could eat and not gain any weight from eating because they have no calories?  Well, there is!

In Japan, they often eat a noodle called shirataki noodles, which are noodles made from the fiber of the konnyaku yam.

The best thing about these noodles: They have 0 calories.  They are all fiber and take the place of noodles and fill  you up like noodles, but don't make people fat like noodles.

They are marketed online from a company called Miracle Noodles (www.miraclenoodles.com) but I got some cheaper from my local Asian grocery store. 

Miracle noodles are made in the USA and cost about $4 a bag. The ones I bought are imported from Japan and cost $1.25 a bag.  

I haven't tried them yet.  I am still looking for a recipe to try them with but when I try them I will post!

Have you guys ever tried these noodles?  How was it?

Belly Fat... Is it really that difficult to get rid of?

Hello everyone!

It's always the hardest thing to get rid of (seemingly)- Belly fat.  People do countless numbers of crunches and ab exercises, and all those things and don't see results.

I read a blog that basically says that all you really need to do to get a flat belly is watch your carbs.  Starch and sugar = belly fat.  Protein and vegetables = flat belly.

The blog even says that the only way to get a flat belly is the one thing nobody wants to hear- exercise alone is not enough.

The following is from the blog-

"Finally, and this is the most important thing and the thing no one ever wants to listen to, you can’t do this with exercise alone. You could be doing all of the exercise stuff just right and not lose weight or belly fat and perhaps even gain it because DIET IS THE MOST CRUCIAL ELEMENT IN BODY CHANGE AND FAT LOSS.

Too often people simply say “i am eating right” and they don’t realize this simple fact: if you are not getting results then you are not eating right.  If you are not getting results in fat loss, then no matter how good you are eating, it is not good enough for you and you are going to have to take it to the next level. This is just the way it is. Your metabolic formula is different from everyone else and you need to stop being the dieter and start being the fat loss detective. We all need to look at ourselves and realize while we may be comfortable with our current diet practices and be convinced it is enough, it simply may not be.  The point of your nutrition practices where you start seeing losses in belly fat is the point where you start seeing results NOT the place you are comfortable with.

Too often people get to a point where either consciously or unconsciously they decide  “this way of eating is good enough and I am comfortable here”. Sorry, but your level of comfort has nothing to do with it.  If you want change you have to make change and that change may be much more drastic then you have ever considered. It’s not fair, but it is the way it is.

Too often people are spinning their wheels trying to change up their exercise program in an attempt to get rid of the belly fat when in reality it is the diet program that needs to be manipulated, changed, and experimented with the most. This is the real way a six pack is built.  Abs are indeed made in the kitchen."

For this and more, check out the Metabolic Effect blog at- http://blog.metaboliceffect.com/2011/11/15/pack/

New surgical procedure for weight loss- a pump?

Hello everyone!


As everyone knows, there are two major surgical means to lose weight- Gastric Bypass (where a doctor removes most of the stomach making it tiny) and Lap-band surgery (a less invasive version where a rubber band sections off the majority of the stomach).  


There is another one they are trying to get on the market, pending FDA approval.  

Attaching a pump to your stomach to pump out undigested food!

Yes. Attaching a pump.  To suck out undigested food.  From  your stomach.

In other words, surgically-induced bulimia without the vomiting.  

I think this is a VERY extreme measure, and one that has great potential to be abused. 

What do you think about this?  A good idea, or a new low in the lengths people will go to avoid dieting and exercising?

Upcoming Video Announcement!

Hello everyone!

As per a viewer request, I am working up a new video, this time a review.


I am going to review the mat sold on Tracy Anderson's website, pictured here:

I have had mine for about a year, so that's plenty of time to use and get a feel for it.

Video should be up in a couple days or so, because it's not going to be me just talking, but I have to edit some stuff in too. 

I aplogize for no video today, I have been really busy, school starts Monday and I have also been on the job hunt like everyone else.

Have a great night, and get your workout in!

Walking for Transportation- Exercise or Not?

Hello everyone!


Last night I made a video about something I have been wondering about- Sure, walking is great exercise, but when it comes to a fitness routine, does walking as in to school, to the store, etc count as part of that walking?






I am wondering this because I am starting school next week and I will be having to do that extra walking a couple of days  a week.

What is your opinion on this? Comment below!

Fitness Trends for 2013

Hello everyone!

I came across an interesting article highlighting the newest fitness trends for 2013. 

1. Functional Training- these kinds of classes are meant to build strength, particular for real life activities.  Examples of these kinds of classes are P90X, Kettlebells, Bootcamps, etc.

2. Juicing- Nowadays, juices are big business- $5 billion in the US alone and expected to grow.  Be on the lookout for more juice shops.

3. HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)- Short, quick, intense workouts are gaining popularity, and can be applied to most other activities (swimming HIIT, track HIIT, etc)

4. CrossFit- CrossFit now has a full line of products and has a Reebok-sponsored competition.   They plan on expanding even further into this year.

5. Online Fitness Studios- Pay for a live class or a monthly fee for unlimited access to these classes that can be done anywhere there is internet.  Examples: Ballet Beautiful, BBS (Body By Simone), and the ART Method.

6. Yoga festivals- The biggest one is the Yoga Journal Conference, but more and more are expected to form.

7. Weird 5K Races- Examples- a 5K being chased by zombies, Color Run (runners wear white clothes and get sprayed with color powder paint as they go) and more are expected this year.


Are any of you involved or would like to get involved in these? Check it out the original article here: 

First day low carb in a while

Hello everyone!

Yesterday I did my first day on keto, and made another video about it!







I also did my first day of walk away the pounds, and it was a rather humbling experience.  I thought it would be no big deal, that I would be able to make it through no problem.

I was only able to do the first mile out of five before my back started hurting. It was a 12 minute mile, but still, it felt depressing that I could only do one before having to sit down again.

I also took a walk outside at a slower pace earlier in the day and that too was a semi-painful experience.  I had to find somewhere to sit outside too, because of my lower back.

I am back to almost the heaviest I've ever been and that is probably why I had such pain.  When I was lighter, walking wasn't so bad.

So, that was yesterday, I had salad for lunch and dinner both with meat.  No breakfast because I wasn't hungry.

As for how I feel, it's only been one day so I can't really say.  They say it takes a few days to start feeling it.

More info about going low-carb

Hello everyone!


In my last video  I mentioned going grain free/ low carb in terms of my diet.  I came across an interesting picture that describes why eating fats does not cause weight gain and eating carbohydrates does.

Sorry about it being huge, it's hard to read when it's smaller. 

I found it interesting that insulin spiking from eating carbs not only tells the body to store fat (I knew that) but also prevents current fat from LEAVING the fat cells.  

I also finally got my wii to work.  For a while, it wasn't turning on, responding when I pressed the power button, etc.  That means that I now have a WORKING, CONSISTENT scale.

I did take my weight today, and I was absolutely horrified. It was NOT what my bathroom scale (which has multiple personality disorder) told me it was.  I will update later when I have some progress.

I also am trying to give up dairy and soy.  I'm lactose intolerant and I have issues with my reproductive system and I was told that soy just tends to mess them up more, so I'm trying to limit the soy intake.

I have a lot of running around (errands) to do today but I will post another video up and get my workout in.

Have a great Monday!

Tracy Anderson Pregnancy Project Month 9

Hello everyone!

I gave the Pregnancy Project a try yesterday, and posted a (longer!) video! (Note the chair and the mat behind me)




I'm slowly getting more comfortable with being on camera, so bear with me!

I forgot to add another piece of info- I will also be doing the Walk Away The Pounds Fat Burning 5 Mile Walk every day as my cardio (at my weight that is an approximate 1000 calorie burn- calculated for walking a 5.0 mph  mile in one hour), with dusting off my XBox and playing some Dance Central 2 in my free time, just get moving around when I don't have much else to do.

I decided that since the pregnancy workout was surprisingly tough, work on it until I master it then move down a month. Tomorrow I will try using the 3 pound weights, when I did it the first time, I did not use weights because of a sore shoulder.

I don't want to zoom through it too fast and not lose my belly in time to do the harder movements.  I also am using these videos as a way to build strength for Metamorphosis which is a bit harder. Sure, every 10 days keeps the body challenged, but if I am still struggling with it after 10 days, then it is still challenging.

I get by with a little help from my friends...

Hello everyone!


After reading yesterday's posts, a couple of friends of mine (who are also TAMers) came to me with an idea.  And it was the same idea from two people who do not even know each other, haha. 

The idea: Why don't I back off from bootcamp and try doing the Pregnancy Project in reverse again?

Splendid idea.

So, I am going to give that a try, with the Walk Away The Pounds. As I said before in another post, the Pregnancy Project does act as a modified TA method, even allows for extra belly like what I have.

As for how I want to progress through the levels, either a new month every 10 days or doing it until I master it then move on (giving my belly some time to shrink and do the slightly harder work).  I'll decide that after I try the month 9 work.

Another friend of mine (a good friend of mine since high school) suggested a while ago that I really should try not eating carbs, and I think I really do want to try grain free this time, period.  

I will still be making videos of course, and I will make the videos a little longer as time goes on.  I'm still getting used to being on camera (I'm pretty shy so even the short videos I make are a little scary to make, but it's getting easier).

I think that after doing the pregnancy videos, I will go right on to Metamorphosis and keep going.