Rapid Network

Will it help you lose weight rapidly?

Keep reading - here I will clearly break down the DVD so you know exactly what you are getting before you buy. I will list the pros and cons and give you an idea of the feedback I had heard and read about the Tracy Anderson Mat Workout before I tried it as well as my own firsthand experience with it. Will this be the DVD to help you lose weight rapidly this summer? Keep reading.

In summary, the format of the DVD is a 50 minute toning and conditioning workout. Ms. Anderson spends time on the glutes and butt area, the arms, and the stomach - all typical problem areas. The method is designed to make you have as the creator says, "a teeny tiny dancer body". It promises to remove bulk and create long lean muscles like those a dancer has.

The question is, does it work? First, I researched what others were saying about it. Did it help them lose weight rapidly? The consensus was that those who used the Tracy Anderson Mat Workout DVD diligently DID find themselves becoming leaner, more toned and with more definition in their "problem areas". Many people complained that they weren't losing weight but that they had seen changes in their tone and in the way their clothing fit. Most users didn't lose weight rapidly with this DVD alone. However, when paired with Tracy Anderson's Dance Cardio DVD in addition to diet modifications, the results were stellar. Most people seemed to enjoy the workout and the results.

Now for my own review. The workout is a pleasure to do - you feel the burn. I want to 'feel it' the next day when I do a new workout for the first time and with this method I definitely did. It is particularly good for working different muscles in the arms. All of the toning exercises are meant to build definition and the "kind of muscles we want", long and lean.

Here is a breakdown of the format and details of the DVD:

• It is done in a serene looking home gym setting with a light background.
• The instructor, Tracy Anderson leads the workout solo.
• The music is "Madonna"-esque - it has sort of a new age feel but works well with the workout in my opinion

1. Warm up - about 4-5 minutes of stretching
2. Legs and Butt - One sequence standing behind a chair that acts as a ballet bar where you perform many different rotations
3. Legs and Butt - Second sequence behind the chair with different music and moves
4. Standing Abdominal Section - An upbeat short series of standing movements isolating the rib cage and ab area. This can be challenging if you haven't done these sorts of moves before but is a great way to shape your abs when you lose weight rapidly
5. Arm and Shoulders - An exceptional arm section done standing without weights. For me, this would be reason enough alone to do this workout. My arms felt sore in areas I had never felt before. It is challenging but very effective.
6. Arms and Shoulders - This section is done with 1-3 lb weights. Ms. Anderson recommends that women stick to 3 lb or less weights with her method. Men may use up to 8 lb weights. She claims this avoids bulk. There is controversy about this - but consider following her advice. Ms. Anderson trains Gwyneth Paltrow and other celebrities.
7. Legs and Butt - This is a mat section with more leg and butt lifts in different rotations.
8. Abdominals - Lying on a mat, this series of sit-ups and other unconventional ab work is designed to shape the abs in a more streamlined way.
9. Cool down - similar to the warm-up and a nice way to loosen up the muscles that were just worked

Those are the basics. Will you lose weight rapidly doing it?

Doing this workout alone, it seems unlikely that you will lose weight rapidly. HOWEVER, if you are doing the Tracy Anderson Mat DVD combined with cardio and/or changes to your diet, this is a great way to firm up problem areas, loose skin and really sculpt.

Concerns I noticed that people mentioned when discussing this DVD were these:

• Lack of cueing: The instructor often doesn't tell you when to switch sides or movements so you have to watch at first to know what you are doing. For me, this actually turned out to be a plus as after a few times, you know what's coming and don't want to hear all of the chatter
• Lack of enthusiasm from instructor: Some people seemed concerned that the instructor was not bubbly and pushing them verbally. Some commented that it seemed like she was "posing" or "pouting". For me, this wasn't an issue. I preferred the more quiet lead so that I could focus on doing the moves correctly.
• Price: Some seemed to think it was too expensive compared to other DVDs. For me, this was a non-issue. If you want to lose weight rapidly, just want to tone or have reached a plateau - the Tracy Anderson Mat DVD is a great way to go to the next level and the comments I found supported this. Also, this is the first workout that I woke up almost craving each day.

So, is it worthy it? Will you lose weight rapidly? If your goals are to tone, sculpt, get longer, leaner definition - this is the perfect workout. If you want to lose weight rapidly - you must combine it with a healthy eating plan and some cardio and it watch the magic happen.

For more Tracy Anderson reviews on webisodes, her method, how to lose more weight on her plan check out Tracy Anderson Method Reviews.