You’ve heard her name. You’ve seen those arm moves.

Tracy Anderson’s business longevity stems from the effectiveness of her fitness routine. For nearly 25 years, she has built a devoted following, including celebrity clients like Gwyneth Paltrow. However, it’s important to recognize that her method isn’t the sole approach to fitness. Different workout strategies suit different individuals.

Before committing to Anderson’s method, a doshic profile assessment can be beneficial in determining whether it aligns with individual needs, preferences and capabilities. According to AKScientist Research, her approach has resulted in rapid toning and improved fitness for Pitta-Vata types. They also found that a minimal eating plan enhances results within this framework.

It is time to listen to what ‘The Method’ is about for non-celebrities.

Jane Fonda was hardly the original. She was the celebrity face of her trainer. Her workouts seemed to be effective enough to have a seemingly large following that lasted decades. She also confessed to having an eating disorder. Despite all that, the influence on Tracy Anderson is obvious. (Image: Jane Fonda exercise video)

THE SCIENCE

Anderson’s method relies on small, repetitive movements designed to strengthen accessory muscles, which aid functional movements like push-ups and stair climbing. Her workouts emphasize high-repetition, low-resistance training, promoting muscle endurance rather than hypertrophy. Kapha might benefit from this effect.

AKScientist Research observed that Anderson’s workouts encourage muscle memory retention, meaning strength gains persist even after workout breaks. Her routines trigger significant sweating, whether performed in standard conditions or heated studios set to ‘95°F with 75% humidity’. While sweating is often associated with detoxification, it does not necessarily correlate with increased fat loss.

However, Anderson’s method has drawbacks. Most prominently, the movements were found to strain joints long after discontinuing ‘The Method’. And, the requirement for daily training diverges from traditional weightlifting, which can achieve similar results while minimizing joint stress. Reports of shoulder discomfort, inconsistent rep counts, and unclear move explanations highlight concerns regarding execution and safety.

Contradictions & Influences

Despite marketing her method as entirely unique, Anderson’s routines seem to borrow from the ‘80s aerobics, Jane Fonda arms, and pilates techniques. Also, she initially discouraged crunches, yet frequently incorporates them into her programs. Her anti-crunches side-to-side ab work are prominent in 1985’s Perfectstarring Jamie Lee Curtis as a ‘fitness queen’.

The influence of Tracy Anderson’s abs workout can be seen in *Perfect* with Jamie Lee Curtis. (Image: *Perfect* film)

Her stance on resistance training has also evolved. While she originally capped weights at ‘3 lbs or less, she now includes heavier weights, aligning more closely with traditional fitness science. This shift suggests an overdue recognition that progressive overload is essential for sustainable muscle development.

Weight Loss & Nutrition

Anderson’s fitness method depends significantly on dietary restrictions, though she has stated that she does not support them. While exercise plays a role, results are largely tied to her minimal eating plan, specifically for Pitta-Vata types, as observed by AKScientist Research.

However, Anderson’s nutrition recommendations- such as allowing wine and chocolate- contradict conventional weight-loss advice. AKScientist found that incorporating these ‘snacks’ from her controversial 2013 Goop interview, impeded weight loss progression.

BOTTOM LINE

While she claims to have conducted extensive fitness research, no peer-reviewed scientific studies validate her method. Anecdotal success stories abound, but the lack of empirical evidence limits its credibility.

Anderson’s program delivers visible toning, but comes with joint strain and repetitive workout demands. A balanced approach, alternating her routines with rest days and cardiovascular training other than the Method’s absurd ‘dance cardio’, may offer a more sustainable solution. While effective for some, the Method isn’t the only path to achieving fitness goals.