2013 Update: If you are looking for a DVD program to tone, tighten, and help you achieve a dancer-like body, I recommend trying Physique 57. See my review for more details.
I have been doing the Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis (hipcentric) exercise DVDs for 6 weeks now. I haven’t seen any startling results but I have lost two pounds and a couple inches. I only have six pounds to loose so I’m 1/3 of the way there. There are some things I really like about this program and of course some dislikes too. I decided to list my pros and cons in a fairly in depth review for anyone whose interested in purchasing these DVDs.
PROS:
- The Metamorphosis program consists of a 30 minute cardio dance DVD and nine 30-35 min strength training, aka “muscular structure work,” DVDs. You’re supposed to do each strength training DVD for 10 days and then move onto the next. The variety in music and exercises is very nice.
- I have been exercising religiously for almost two decades. I feel like I’ve seen most exercises out there. But Tracy offers many new moves, for abs, arms, and your glutes. It’s really nice to do exercises I’ve never done before.
- Her philosophy of completely fatiguing one leg before moving onto the next is great. You literally do ten minutes of leg lifts on one leg before moving to the other. She often does 30-40 reps of each exercise. I’m much more able to work through the burn and discomfort of exhausting a muscle group than I ever was before.
- I like that she tries to exercise all the smaller supporting muscles to help tone and tighten. This is a premise of Pilates as well.
- I like the music. I like that there is a new collection of songs on each DVD (mostly new, there are definitely some repeats by DVDs 4 and 5).
- I like the emphasis on dance and many of the dance-like moves.
CONS:
- Has Tracy ever taken any Exercise Physiology courses? Does she really understand how muscles work? My B.S. is in exercise science and I was a certified Strength and Conditioning coach eight years ago, and I frequently hear her spout off things that are simply untrue.
- She insists that you never use more than 3 lb weights. Why? Fear of bulking up? Fear of injury since her moves are so fast? After the third DVD, my arms just didn’t feel anything during the five minutes of arm exercises. I either need to up the weights or do the arm movements for more than five minutes.
- While it’s nice that every ten days there’s a new strength training routine, I expected them to become progressively more difficult. This doesn’t appear to be the case (at least not up to 5th DVD). In order to continue to see results, muscles need to be challenged with not just new moves but harder moves. I find myself adding ankle weights, doing two DVDs back to back, or adding on moves after the DVD is over. This is not especially time efficient and I’d rather just do really hard moves for 30 minutes than have to do more of them.
- So far, all of the leg work is done on all fours. I would like more variety. The leg work also only focuses on the gluteus medius and minimus, with some TFL and hamstrings. This no doubt will lead to a small perky butt, like Tracy has, but leaves me wanting more. What about the quads and inner thighs and calves? There is also nothing for the chest and back muscles. This program is not a complete body workout, but Tracy discourages doing anything but her DVDs.
- I can’t do that one dance cardio DVD for 90 days. I couldn’t even do it daily for a week. It’s very bouncy and hard on the joints and shins. It also just gets boring after a while. I find myself doing my own cardio (running, going to a step class, turning on good music and dancing with my own moves).
- When Tracy does her abdominal exercises, her form is poor. She lays flat on the ground and arches her back, pulling it off the floor. This disengages the abs and could injure the back. When she lays her head back before lifting it for the next exercise, you see her rib cage pop up. This exaggerated movement is much less effective than engaging the core muscles and brining your rib and hip bones together. You know you’re doing this correctly when your lower back is pressed into the floor. Look to Pilates DVDs for proper, more effective form.
- I dislike the lack of instruction. Basically her instruction is to watch her moves very carefully and mimic them. But unless you have a mirror next to your TV, it’s hard to know if you’re mimicking her properly. There’s little to no explanation of why you should do certain moves the way she recommends, what muscles they’re working, where you should feel it, etc.
- I prefer to really work a muscle group hard, then rest it for a day. Tracy’s philosophy is to work all your muscles for five days in a row, resting on the sixth. I do not know if this is effective from an exercise physiology perspective. It certainly is not a format I have learned about from any credible source. However, most dancers and athletes work their whole body on consecutive days with great results. So maybe there is something to this, but I’m not convinced.
- The diet is a joke. I do not like such specific diet requirements and it seems way too low on the calories.
I would not recommend this program to novice exercisers. But for those of you that have good form and have been working out for years and want a little change, this might be worth a try. It certainly is convenient to be able to exercise at home with my children playing nearby or while they’re napping. I’ll be interested to see if I get more results as I try to up my cardio, watch my diet, and add intensity to her strength training.
Update: You can read my full review of the Tracy Anderson Method after completing the 13-week Metamorphosis DVDs here.
Posted by Lori on April 15, 2011 at 2:57 pm
I appreciate the straightforward feedback. Tell me what exercise video or series would you recommend for someone who is needing both fat burning and toning. I am looking to lose a significant amount of fat ( 20-30 lbs) over time. I’m committed to exercising and my eating is getting better. I can’t afford a trainer which I would really love, but I know it’s possible to see results working out at home. However, I’m looking for a video that’s not too hard, but is effective and keeps my interest.
Posted by Charlie on April 25, 2012 at 8:02 am
Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred!! It is only 20 min. a day. Great at home workout!! Short and sweet.
Posted by Sophia on April 15, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Have you considered the P90X series? It, like this Tracy Anderson program, is a 90-day program with a lot of variety and intensity. I have three friends who have used it with amazing results. I have not tried it myself but it might be worth looking into:
P90X DVD Workout
Good luck!
Posted by P McCord on January 24, 2012 at 10:56 am
I did P90X, and followed the program and diet religiously. My husband lost 30 lbs and I gained 12. I was pissed! Despite the fact that EVERYONE says women don’t bulk up, it IS possible. None of my clothes fit, not my bras, the thighs on my jeans, or my calf height boots. I was bulkier everywhere! I love a good “bleeding internally” workout, which was what attracted me to P90X. I LOVED the intensity, but I was NOT happy with the results. I am still struggling to lose the first ten I wanted to lose, as well as the 12 lbs I gained on P90X. I have a dance background, like many who have commented throughout this thread, and have been doing aerobic exercise for years. P90X is a fantastic program, as long as you are not prone to “bulking up”.
Posted by Elena H. on October 20, 2012 at 7:17 pm
I was already rather fit and working out regularly when I tried Insanity. I had the same experience that you did with P90X. I loved the intensity and challenge of the workout, but hated the results. My jeans became tight in the thighs, my biceps became extremely mannish and bulky, as did my calves. This definitely was not my goal!! I am tired of people claiming women can’t bulk up–a roller derby queen and a ballerina are both athletes but have different bodies. I have been able to start changing back the look of my body shape with Tracy Anderson and have gone back to my first love, running. It has taken a while to undo the ill-effects of Insanity.
I appreciated your comments, P McCord. You made me feel validated in my opinions of the Beachbody workouts!!
Posted by Z Estus on December 18, 2012 at 7:38 pm
I agree. I also found out exercise is not a one-size-fits-all program. I bulk up quickly lifting heavy weights. I am not stocky, but I still prefer to make my muscles more slender, yet still strong. I am experimenting with a little lighter weight and higher reps – a.k.a. endurance training or body-weight exercises. And yes, Tracy Anderson’s workout does this for me. I rotate here DVDs with other similar workouts to increase muscle strength. I lose muscle strength with Tracy’s workouts.
Posted by zohreh on August 8, 2011 at 9:47 am
hello,
i dont want to lose fat as im not fat but i want to tonemy body, what dvd would you recomment-tone legs, arms and butts. any of the tracy anderson metaphosis dvd or her method dvds? please help
thank you
Posted by stephanie on September 4, 2012 at 10:49 am
If you want a long lean strong dancers body do tracy I;m almost level 9 hipcentric metamorphosis, Im so strong every where every part of my body is tighter and smaller. I have lost 10 lbs I did’nt do her diet but I eat very clean and along with the workout it came off slow and sure 10 lbs 2 dress sizes smaller.
I’m 53 and I feel I have never looked better.hold in your core and reach through your whole leg when you kick or when the knee is stretched, form is important. My family and friends are amazed how I could change so quickly I just say ” Do it 3 to 4 days in a row,complete the 10 days no matter how long it takes, stay the course”
Be careful with the cardio dance I change it up with tread mill because its hard on your lower leg , Double or triple your matts and I do the arms ,standing abs,and matt work in bare feet so I can point my foot and tap into my calf, You go girl and good luck!
Posted by jen on August 8, 2011 at 3:26 pm
I have to admit, I struggled with P90X because it was SO muscle building heavy – and it seemed it was focused on bulking up rather than leaning out/toning/weight loss. However, I LOVED Insanity – also from the Beach Body group. Also very challenging and will require building up to do them, but great calorie burn and a great challenge without any equipment AT ALL. The equivalent of a very tough personal training session every time. You WILL see results with this set of workouts.
Posted by Kim on August 27, 2011 at 9:24 am
Honestly, Are you really doing all the exercises and eating the correct foods? I don’t mean eating Tracy’s foods, but not eating processed foods and red meat, etc…
If you follow this plan you will see a big, big change. Maybe you just don’t enjoy this type of exercise. P90X is for a different type of person and people that enjoy that are not going to enjoy this. It is something different and maybe that is what some people need. You must cut your calories and really up your days to see a difference in any plan, but if you look at the overall reviews for this video they are 4 stars. Another good video is Yogalosophy (which is the one Jennifer Annison does) and she looks great also.
Posted by ashley on September 10, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Her DVD’s are okay. but there extremely hard to follow too. she doesn’t tell you when to switch up the move and just does it so you have to constantly have your eyes on her and be ready for it. The moves are weird and she repeats one move 100 times it feels like.
Posted by Beth on September 29, 2011 at 8:15 am
Thank you so much for posting. It’s hard to find an honest review of pros and cons. I just sat through one of her infomercials and made a note to do more research. Thankfully I didn’t have to look too long before finding yours; very helpful.
Posted by Patti on September 30, 2011 at 10:12 am
I have been considering these videos for some time and after reading this review I am glad to say I am not going to waste my money, I currently do various videos/series from Cathe Frederich and also I do Insanity, I think that if you followed this starvation diet you will lose weight no matter how you worked out. I have read various reviews but this one seemed to know what she was talking about and works out like i do. I dont think that working out with heavy weights is a bad thing at all, just dont get ridiculous. thanks for a great review!!!
Posted by J. Slaughter on October 3, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Thank you for the feedback. To respond to come of your concerns in the “con” area . . . I think that many of the “mistakes” you refer to is due to Tracy coming from a dance background. I’ve been a dancer all of my life, and many times in class we are to mimic the teacher & so that’s probably why she asks for the students to mimic her. With some practice, this won’t be so hard to do. As a dancer, you may not need a mirror, but as an athlete who does not have a dance background, I can see why maybe having a mirror might help. I’d suggest getting an inexpensive rectangular mirror from walmart or target & placing it horizontically on the floor for floor work, though it’s too small to hang for center and cardio work. (side note- they have huge floor mirrors at Ikea for $99 if you really need one). Also, as far as using the 3 lb weights, you’re not going to feel the burn you’re used to experiencing if you come from a “workout” background/perspective. But as a dancer, 3 lb. weights are perfect . . . this is why . . . As dancers, you take class approx 3 hours a day (2 classes 1.5 hours each) for approx 5-6 days per week; and you’re not using weights, but you’re holdong your arms up and engaging them in every movement that you do in class. Over time, you have chiseled arms and back muscles that are defined but not overly pronounced or bulky; but this comes with years of dancing. But, if you’re trying to get results in a 90 day program, 3 lb. weights are the closest thing to not using weights at all, but since they offer some weight, you’ll see results quicker. If you were just doing the 90 day workout without weights, then you most likely wouldn’t see any results at all. Using heavier weights just so you can “feel something” isn’t ideal because you won’t end up with a dancer’s toned body; instead, you’d end up with an athletically toned body which is still great but very, very, different from a dancer’s body. I had a lot of conflict with the look of my body for these reasons, In ballet & modern class I was lengthening and toning my body, but in track, cross country, and swim team, the exercises bulked the muscles. My bosy looked great & benefitted from both, but as the athletic seasons changed, that’s when I saw the biggest changes in my body and muscles since I dance year round & the sports were only seasonal. I hope this helps.
Posted by Bahareh Webb on May 2, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Thank you for that comment, and I think you are right. Tracy Anderson was a dancer and her body is awesome must I say! I did p90x and I looked great but I did notice bulky muscles. When I found out abot tracy I got excited, because I always wanted a dancers body, lean sexy, great poster. So by doing the dance cardio and just following her moves I can do it because I’ve taken aerobic classes and it’s all about counting and watching then it will come naturally, and yes you do need a mirror to see your body and how you are moving your arms and maintaining the posture. I recommend the 30 day method boom,it comes with a DVD, I use that when I work out.
Posted by Dr.M. on December 29, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Did you ever think about following the plan without alterations? Maybe your results would be better. I have done the same thing and decided that I could not complain about the results because I changed the plan. Just a thought.
Posted by Eva on January 22, 2012 at 1:12 pm
I couldn’t agree more with many of the previous comments. The COMPLETE lack of instruction causes more injury than benefit. There was no modified movements, no dirrrection, no explanations, ect. given for individuals who may have any issues or limitations…not to mention the camera angles do not give you appropriate views of her movements as she constantly mentions “to follow her angles and positions”. You can’t tell what directions she’s moving. I have a gymnastics background as well as exercise health and find this program terrible.
I wish I never wasted my money!!! I would NOTrecommend this program.
Posted by Alyssa on January 23, 2012 at 10:33 am
Have you had the program longer than 30 days? If not you can return it.
Posted by Jacinda on January 22, 2012 at 3:38 pm
I am glad I came across these reviews. I like to read all reviews before I buy something. I myself used to be that toned picture perfect body- which came from years of karate, cheerleading, soccer, softball just about all sports togther. Since having kids we all know what happens then- so I did download the p90x workout because I have a friend that is very tiny- but after seeing her results of toning up I was impressed. She of course did not starve herself by any means. I saw the commerical on the Metamorphosis by Tracy and was like hang on this one may work better for me since it has several different programs for different body types. But after reading the reviews Im sticking to the p90x and if i dont get the results im looking for I will try insanity next. Thank you guys for the straight forward reviews- most reviews you find are all about how great the product is. I will be back in 90 days to post how the workouts went. I also have my daughter joining me during the workouts to, so wish us luck!
Posted by Alyssa on January 23, 2012 at 10:33 am
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
If you don’t like “Insanity” you might try Slim in 6 or Slim Series. They’re also from Beachbody.
Let us know how it goes!
Posted by Summer on January 26, 2012 at 2:23 pm
I would recommend the book Tracy Anderson 30 Day Method — it comes with a DVD. We started with that (my 15 yr old and I) and I have never in my life had those abs or legs or arms… loved it. We are getting Metamorphosis. I can try to complain all I want about little things that annoyed me, but it worked like nothing else.
Posted by Bahareh Webb on May 2, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Same here. I also do the 30 day method. Haven’t bought metamorphosis. How do you like it?
Posted by Tinika on April 29, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Well, I’ve been doing Metamorphosis for almost 20 days (on Level 2). I’m doing the Omnicentric and in the first 10 days I lost 1.5 inches off of my bust. My bra size has gone from a 38D cup going to a 36C cup. That says alot to me!! My husband has noticed that I’m really getting smaller and I’m not that far into it. The workouts are 6 days a week and not 5. You rest on the 7th day. You measure yourself every 10 days. I’ve noticed I’m getting smaller and so pleased with her exercise regime. Her food menu is not for everyone. I think it’s personally for people like me who cannot tolerate a bunch of food on my stomach. My stomach can only hold but so much. I’m not a big eater. All my food portions have to be palm size and no more than that. Some people can eat over their palm size but I cannot. If I go over that my stomach gets really full and it really stretches and it’s noticeable. I’m 43 years old and it has taken me a very long time learning how my body is when it comes to food. I have not tried her food menu yet but I plan to use it but modify it a little with P90X’s food menu (I bought P90X before Meta and have not used it. I realized that I didn’t want to bulk up and decided on working with Meta instead and give P90X to my husband to use). The Omni works you all over and believe me every 6 days that I’m exercising my ENTIRE body is really sore. All of my muscles are getting WORKED OUT to the point that after I exercise and shower about a couple of hours later I have to lay down and take a nap because my body is getting so worked out. I guess after you do the 30-minute muscular workout and doing Tracy’s 30-minute cardio TWICE (which is a full hour) a person would be tired and really muscles sore. But the bottom line, it’s working!! I still have 53 lbs to lose to get to the weight I’m supposed to be (116 lbs.) for my height. I feel great regardless of tired & sore muscles, I feel lighter and my body is looking better. I recommend switching to Omni, do the cardio for 1 hour (total 1.5 hour work-out time), 6 days a week. Trust me, you will see even more results that way. By the way, Tracy does mention the option of doing her cardio for a hour. So, you’re not bound to do just 30 minutes. I would personally recommend Meta for anyone with just a few modifications.
Posted by Kalynn on May 30, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Thank you for this review.
I came looking for info on TAM Meta today after I just finished day 4. I started to really think this “workout” was a joke and one of those “weird” DVDs: she is the only one in it, there is no warm up or stretching, there is almost no instruction or even talking, the music is suspicious, and the repetition lasts FOREVER on the leg series and is done in some strange positions. I was a little freaked out that I just bought something fake. So I am so glad to see that it has real reviews from people who really do workouts.
Anyhow, I have lots of physical activity experience and was looking for a change to keep me motivated. I will definitely be taking the advice of the previous professionals here and mixing up some of my properly-performed cardio with her dance. And I am looking forward to the toned hiney
Posted by season8 on June 2, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Just walk 5 miles daily outside or on a treadmill at a speed of at least 3.5 miles per hour (or faster if you can) and eat unprocessed whole foods, fish or lean poultry instead of meat, keeping total daily calories under 1200/day. It’s free, easy and always makes me drop 3 to 5 pounds of weight per week. To add more muscle tone or burn more calories faster, carry or strap on small 3-lb. arm or leg weights. For abs, I lay on my back, lift my legs off the ground about 45 degrees while pushing the small of my back into the floor and hold for 2 to 3 minutes. Do two sets per day. It costs nothing, can be done alone or with friends and works great.
Posted by Melissa on June 22, 2012 at 11:04 am
I just started this program and whish I had read this before I started. Im only on day 4 and my concern is the lack of instruction…..You would think whoever produced this DVD series would have told her good instructions and direction are key to a successful anything.
Posted by virtuouswf on July 1, 2012 at 8:55 am
thank you for your honesty I was thinking about buying it. will think some more.
Posted by Sandra on July 16, 2012 at 11:58 am
I am on day 15 of the 30 day method and I like the muscle work and cardio. They do take some time to complete; about an hour & forty five minutes. I need to take a break between the muscle work and the cardio. I will be going back to work in August and fear this will be hard for me in the morning. I may have to cut the arm excercises for later in the day. I also am having people tell me I’m eating too much fish. I am only eating Salmon and Tilapia; I use Tilapia as a substitute for the other white fish variations. Last week I ate fish 6 times at about 33 ounces total. I am now worried about my fish intake!
Posted by Cathy on August 3, 2012 at 10:48 am
I’d be REAL worried about any fish intake…full of toxins, mercury, and even radiation (from the Japan tsunami)! Look up mercury poisoning and you might just be rethinking your food choices.
Posted by Lisa on July 25, 2012 at 3:51 pm
I just got the series. I’m interested because I appreciate the dance perspective.
My comment is actually for the last post about eating too much fish. I encourage you to look more into what has been happening since the Fukishima incident. There is ZERO radiation monitoring of seafood. Unless you want to eat farmed (YES, farmed! Something I wouldn’t have dreamed of before March 2011- wholefoods sells Icelandic farmed salmon and it’s damn good), I suggest giving up fish entirely. It isn’t “good for you” anymore. The media will never tell you this.
- RN & nutritionist
Posted by Cathy on August 3, 2012 at 10:52 am
Exactly Lisa! I just don’t eat ANY animal products. All the stuff that goes in them (antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, ammonia (beef), arsenic (chicken), and last but not least…poop). Yeah, fecal matter in all of them. Yuk… Humans do not need to eat this but are programmed by the culture. Not me…
Posted by Ashley on December 5, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Well what the heck ARE we supposed to eat? GMOs, pesticides, acid rain, pollution, radiation, depleted minerals in the soil, sick/medicated animals … nothing is safe, let’s all starve to death
Posted by Renee Allen on August 7, 2012 at 9:18 am
Sounds like you guys all have to move to Australia i f you want some clean meat and fish.
Posted by steph on August 19, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Doesn’t an hour an a half per day of exercise seem like it is a bit much? Of course it’s going to work if you are spending that long exercising 6 days a week and drastically modifying your diet. I’m sure any program would work if you did it that often and for that long.
Posted by TX2Step on August 29, 2012 at 11:22 am
I agree that doing anything for an hour and a half should give you results – SOME results. In my younger days I exercised (mostly aerobic) for about an hour 4 days a week and I had a nice lean dancer’s body. Now that I am older (53), with asthma and spinal issues I am a bit more limited on what I can tolerate and what I will be able to commit to. My primary spinal issue at the moment is a Spondololisthesis (look it up) which means I cannot do any extensions, arches and repetitive bending over is out too. Talk about frustrating! This means yoga, my first love, is out for now. I am doing some floor exercises to help build my core, which I really need but feel I could do more….and losing some flab around my middle would not be bad either. Any programs out there that anyone can suggest, or am I just a freak of nature?
Posted by summer miller on August 29, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Yes!! Whole Body Vibration would be GLORIOUS for you!! We have the Turbo Sonic and I love it!! Saved my uterus from a nearly 3rd degree prolapse and has helped tone my abs, thighs booty and breasts. I enjoy working it though, but so give a few different WBV machines a try!!
Posted by G. Zimmerman on September 18, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Worst workout video ever! Tracy Anderson has no idea how to train. She bounces all over the floor never explaining what she is doing. By the time you catch up with what she is doing she is on to some other move which she may do twice, 4 times, six times or if you are lucky 8 times because by then you can be back in stnc with her before she is on to some other crazy move. And that’s just the cardio! In the strength section she tells you to have fun while she appears bored out of her mind. She makes you watch her because she doesn’t count or even give a warning of moving on to the next move. The best part was the end where she just stops, stands up and bends over a couple of times without ever saying a word!
Posted by Ashley on December 5, 2012 at 3:27 pm
exactly, my neck hurt from having to look up at the screen the entire time
Posted by sandra on October 8, 2012 at 9:24 pm
your cons seem perfect for me.
Posted by Erinn on October 27, 2012 at 6:08 pm
I was interested in buying this dvd, but now I may have to think some more. I am on a budget, but I need to get back in shape fast. 5’0 and weighed 135 at the age of 17. Married, went on to get pregnant at the age of 19 had my daughter. Gained about 15 pounds throughout pregnancy, dropped it all like bad news after some time breastfeeding. Put a MIRENA iud in…gained about 40 pounds. Now I weigh over 180 just 4 years from when I weighed 135. I don’t look bad, but I want to be smaller. I also want to be healthier. I can’t waste time on this if it won’t work properly. Thank you for the review, I will keep it in mind.
Posted by Aly on October 29, 2012 at 11:44 am
I would recommend “Slim in 6″ over this program. It costs about the same (maybe a little less), is a bit easier on the joints, and is very effective for weight loss. I lost all the weight I’d gained, and then some, after my second pregnancy using the program.
Posted by erinrsanta on November 25, 2012 at 7:50 pm
@ Erinn …..Try Toneitup.com. They have free videos and calendars/emails with all sorts of workouts. They have shorter and longer workouts, and they mix it up quite a bit. There is a great online community that is very supportive. You can follow them on twitter/fb or look online on their website. There are also workouts on youtube available for free. To signup, go to toneitup.com. They also have great recipes. It’s great if you are on a budget.
Posted by erinrsanta on November 25, 2012 at 7:41 pm
The cardio routine is ridiculous. I don’t see how anyone can do that 6 days a week for 30 mins or an HOUR!?? My knees were killing me. I used to run a LOT and this hurt my knees way more than running. One might as well just jump rope for a half hour. I have a little bit of a dance workout and I found her moves to be a little hard for the average person, and with absolutely no instruction or guidance. The music was droll, and she kind of just looked like a crazy person dancing around her house…which, in turn, made ME look like a crazy person dancing around my house. I then opened the first dvd, and the dvd didn’t even work in my player. I browsed thru the other three dvd’s and they seemed like they all had pretty much the same exercises. Her form in the abs/crunches was TERRIBLE. She just lifts her neck, and doesn’t look up to the sky or open her chest, or even lift her shoulder blades off the floor. It seems sloppy, and I guess I was just expecting a lot more from a “professional”. I take classes in Boston with instructors that seem far more knowledgeable about the human body and form, and are able to explain the exercises, so that proper form is maintained. There was very little instruction in this video. I told my friend to not open hers, and to just return it, because I really do feel like it’s a waste. To the person that does 1.5 hrs a day…well, I must say, OF COURSE it’s producing results…you are doing 1.5 hrs of exercise a DAY! I found it to be boring. I’d rather go for a run, do a pilates class, do a boot camp.. switch it up. That’s how you get results. Doing the same cardio for 6 days a week, for 90 days, is exactly what you SHOULDn’t be doing. She even says in her video that your body gets used to the same activity…Maybe she should take some of her own advice.
Posted by Erin on November 30, 2012 at 7:51 am
I bought these DVDs too and they are HORRIBLE!! Like many people said already there is little to no intstructions on how to do the moves, switching of the moves, what you should be feeling, etc. The way Tracy moves so fast and switches up the movements someone is bound to get injuries. If you want to know what she is doing you have to constantly be watching the tv and that is not ideal for creating the correct form and working the correct muscles. I was really unhappy spending as much money as I did on these. I DO NOT recommend them. There are other DVDS and workouts out there that are a lot easier to follow and will get you the same results.
Posted by Karen Crawford on December 10, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Thank goodness I stumbled on to this info before buying these DVDS. I have enough exercise videos that I can dust off n use. Joyce Verdrals videos have always been able to whip me into shape. Saw Tracey on an infomercial n thought I would give her a try. After weighting the pros n cons I think I’ll save my hard earned money n go to the toneitup.com site. Thanks guys!
Posted by M on January 13, 2013 at 5:36 pm
In response to the request for a workout program for weight loss and toning…check out Michele Dozio’s Peak 10 program! It is 10 videos with strength, cardio, dynamic stretching. I am losing weight quickly by following the exercise program and following my own diet. I had a baby 5 months ago and my abs are in great shape after following this program.
Posted by Karen Kitchen on January 22, 2013 at 11:33 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe2SC3RhjqQ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcNxaXb5Ews they are amazing there are two more levels. You do each level for 2 weeks, you see some nice results within one week of doing it.
Posted by Erika on February 5, 2013 at 12:20 pm
I really need some help. I am 5’2 and weigh 130 pds. I am small but just have this small stomach. I have joined so many gyms without results and hard earned money gone. I have read all of the comments, and I did want to try P90x. I am somewhat in shape and really dont want to bulk up. i just want to tone. What would be a good workout dvd for really just the ab area. I know you have to work the whole body,but just really need to tone
Posted by stephanie on February 5, 2013 at 4:13 pm
stop eating wheat,potato,pasta,crackers,chips of any kind,white rice. Eat eggs avacado,raw nuts, tomato, berries, think thin bar, fish, all veg,organic chicken,grass fed beef no bun,salads with olive oil,lemon ,lots of water flat or sparkling.up your cardio to 3 miles 5 to 6 days a week never stop doing the muscle structure work, I started tracy last may 134lbs to day 122 Im 5’3 I know alot of it it was giving up the things I mentioned, now that I have met my goal I do eat Quinoa and some brown rice.tracy really knows how to re shape your body I find all other workouts build my thighs
Posted by Sophia on February 5, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Erika, have you tried DVDs from Jillian Michaels? I really like her Killer Buns and Thighs and Ripped in 30 ones. Lots of variety, good moves with good instruction and form suggestions, and not too time consuming (most workouts around 30-40 min). I’m hoping to review them on here soon. Amazon sells them for $8-9 each, and all of them have multiple workouts.
Posted by sue on February 28, 2013 at 2:11 pm
I weigh about 165 pounds and am 5 feet 4.5 inches, i have been pretty lazy for last four years to lose weight after pregnancy. I saw TA meta video, and thought it would be useful, but with all the info, i need some suggestions on which Dvd would be appropriate for me, i need to lose a lot on my waist, atleast 6 to 7 inches, rest of the body is slim and little gentle on joints. I need to tone my tummy and waist to plan for next pregnancy, and i want to know how safe it would be to do ab exercise while pregnant.
Posted by Marilyn on March 6, 2013 at 5:57 pm
Go to her website. There is a little questionnaire that you can answer and it will tell you which one. I watched clips of the metamorphosis sets on Collage Video and it looks to me like they all have the same cardio and arm workout, but then they diverge. In one of them it looks like she’s swinging the weights. A lot. I know they only weigh 3 pounds but I know from painful experience that swinging a three pound weight isn’t something you want to do, anymore than you want to drop it on your foot. In fact, a lot of the mat exercises looked uncontrolled to me, compared to other stuff she’s done. Oh, well.
I wish someone would actually rate Metamorphosis as a danced based workout. There are a million of them out there, they’ve been around forever, they don’t use heavy weights. Dancers have been doing their own thing for centuries, because standard exercises for the rest of us don’t meet their needs or help them meet the demands placed on them. Yet the TA method gets reviewed as compared to heavier weight training and conventional cardio. Why?