Health & Nutrition: Tracy Anderson’s Method explained

Having worked with big names such as Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Shakira and Sienna Miller -Tracy Anderson is now a ‘celebrity in her own right; and for a good reason.

The petite-built coach (1.60m) who has become an icon of sports coaching in the United States shared with us some tips on how to start – and stick to – a good exercise regime.

The Tracy Anderson Method, which is loved and followed by many celebrities and regular women alike is a unique approach which the coach says can guarantee you a toned and healthy figure – if you stick to it of course.

Here’s what it’s all about.

What exactly is the ‘Tracy Anderson Method’?

‘Everything is connected’ is the slogan of Tracy. She thinks that we should not focus on one part of the body, but rather to work with all the body in order to create a harmonious whole.

Tracy Anderson’s mixture of cardio and muscle building program helps you reshape your body at your own pace, through specific exercises, area by area (arms, legs, buttocks and abs), adapted to your body and all that at home! Indeed, this coaching program – as available on several DVDs and led by Tracy herself – can be practised at home, alone or with friends or family if you need more motivation.

How to get ‘The Method’?

Simply go on the website, sign in and answer a short questionnaire to order the method most suitable for you.

Tracy’s advice to prepare for the workout:

1) Make a well-defined daily schedule of training so that your workouts become a real habit in your life.

2) Create a playlist that you like. Music is a good stimulus for exercise.

3) Equip yourself with a good pair of sneakers, a mat and a place where you feel comfortable.

4) And most importantly, just before starting the session, remember to warm up for five minutes and at the end of the session, stretch out (about fifteen minutes).

5) Let’s go! It is up to you!

She also explains the importance to balance your food with the program. For her, dietary products are not doing miracles, on the contrary she thinks that ‘natural food’ is far more effective.

Her advice for ‘smart snacking’: Almonds!

Ambassador for the Almond Board of California, Tracy Anderson recommends to always carry some almonds (about 30g or 25 almonds) for snacking in your bag to avoid succumbing to fatty and sugary snacks in the middle of the day. She explains that almonds are rich in magnesium, calcium and the protein fat ratio is very interesting.They make a great slimming ally too!

Laura Margis