Tracy Anderson Method Review

Welcome! I’m so excited to be bringing you another fitness class review. I love trying different virtual workout programs since it’s so convenient to be able to click a few buttons and have a class ready to go. Today I’ll be reviewing a method that has been out for quite some time but is new to me! Tracy Anderson Method has been around since 2003 with its online studio launching in 2014. I finally decided to try the workout after seeing a TikTok from a studio member. If you’re interested in hearing my honest thoughts about the Tracy Anderson Method, keep reading!

Who is Tracy Anderson?

Tracy Anderson is a very well-known celebrity trainer who has trained Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham, Nicole Richie, and more. She was an aspiring professional dancer who “figured out how to harness and deliver the elusive dancer’s body”. It is not clear whether Tracy has any formal fitness training, but her method is wildly popular and she now has studios in both the US and Europe. Her online platform is also very popular. Tracy has come under fire on social media for her statements related to diet culture, bodies, and exercise. This review will not consider any criticism on social media about Tracy and will strictly review the workout method and online platform.

Review.

I tried the Tracy Anderson Method online studio for 2 weeks using a free trial. I already had ankle weights, wrist weights, and light dumbbells which is all you need to do most of the classes (and a mat, of course). I started with a few beginner classes, then worked my way up to intermediate and advanced.

Let me start by saying that no matter which level of Tracy Anderson Method you try, it’s going to be challenging. I would recommend that everyone, regardless of fitness level, start with the beginner classes. These move a little slower and give you a good baseline for how these moves work. I’ve tried many different types of fitness classes, but never done anything like some of these moves before. There is a good amount of rolling and backbend moves. Tracy does not speak during any of her classes, so it can be difficult to follow along without being able to hear the instructor’s voice during some of these moves.

I’m used to talking to clients during classes I teach. I think this is important, especially when clients cannot always see you (for example, when laying on their back or facing away from the front). I noticed some discomfort in my neck after each class, and I’m pretty sure it was from trying to peek up at the TV screen to see since the instructors don’t speak. In some positions, having to turn your head toward the screen can be uncomfortable.

Some of the moves also seemed a bit dangerous to do at home without the supervision of an instructor. The potential for injury, especially with the intermediate and advanced classes, is high due to some of the dynamic moves being done very quickly involving the neck and back. In addition, this is not a class you want to do without a lot of space. Make sure you have plenty of room to do the dynamic moves without hitting anything (or anyone).

One thing I loved about the workout was the flexibility aspect. I got to practice my splits, something I haven’t done consistently in years. There are also lots of great sculpting moves, and I loved the incorporation of equipment like ankle weights and light dumbbells. I was sweaty every time I finished the workout, and even though it was low-impact, I definitely got my heart rate up. This is a challenging full-body workout.

Pricing.

The TAM Online Studio offers a 2-week free trial, then costs $90 per month. In-person pricing varies by studio, but is one of the most expensive options out there. While this cost can seem like a lot for a virtual workout program, I do see why there is an audience for it. This workout program is very unique from others in terms of the moves and style of the workout. In addition, there is a huge online community that can help with accountability and motivation.

Bottom line.

I won’t be signing up for a membership with Tracy Anderson Method, but I definitely think it’s worth a try to see if you love it. The next time I’m in a city that offers in-person classes, I’d definitely try to see how it compares to the online classes.

If you like dynamic movements and flexibility practice, you may love this workout. It’s challenging and never boring - you’ll do some moves you probably haven’t seen before! With that being said, I would recommend starting with beginner level classes and being extremely careful not to injure your neck or back with some of these moves. My least favorite thing about the program is that there is no verbal instruction from the instructor, so having to look at the screen constantly bothered my neck a bit.

All in all, I thought it was a fun workout that was definitely challenging!

Thanks for reading! Have you tried the Tracy Anderson Method before? Was it in-person or virtual, and what did you think?

Let me know in the comments!