Tracy Anderson, current fitness guru to Goop and former fitness trainer to Madonna (before she ran off with the head of Madonna’s charity), covers Health Magazine. We’ve heard Tracy say many offensive things about her clients, that they have “disaster bodies,” that they have “significant problem areas” and “use pregnancy as an excuse to let their bodies go.” So in that respect it’s a step forward in that she’s praising Lena Dunham for her body positivity, although that comment is tinged with shade because she mentions Lena eating pizza in the next sentence. (She’s said fawning things about Lena before as well.) Tracy also has a mixed message about women’s fitness in that she calls out women who don’t give it their all at the gym.
On Gwyneth Paltrow’s best advice:
“She shared with me that her father once told her that when someone shows you who they are, believe them. Don’t try to justify the times they were great, because the times when they weren’t is who they really are.”On when we learn to stop hating on ourselves:
“When we give ourselves permission to celebrate our own beauty. It’s one reason why I love Lena Dunham as a client. Her objective is not to become a size 2. It’s to feel more connected to herself and to feel healthier and be balanced in her life.”On pushing boundaries:
“We are wrapped in bubble wrap. We think that making it through the pain cave is putting our workout gear on and getting to class. Now, I’m not knocking any level of showing up, but I think many people are stuck in preschool with their bodies. Going for a walk is like going to preschool—but you could go to college, you could get your master’s degree.”On giving in to cravings:
“I just can’t eat lean protein and vegetables every day of the month. I love french fries, I love pasta, I love food—there’s not a potato that I do not love.”On her advice to those reluctant to start working out later in life:
“It’s never too late to show up for your health. You can be in the best shape of your life at any age.”On the importance of staying focused:
“Keeping your mind engaged is key. Period. A good marker: If you can make your grocery list while you’re working out, you’re not engaged.”Q: So when will we stop hating on ourselves?
When we give ourselves permission to celebrate our own beauty. It’s one reason why I love Lena Dunham as a client. Her objective is not to become a size 2. It’s to feel more connected to herself and to feel healthier and be balanced in her life. If she wants to have pizza with her boyfriend, then she’s going to have pizza with her boyfriend. She’s not in a race to be something that she’s not, and that’s one of the things that make her so beautiful.
“Stuck in preschool,” huh? It sounds like she’s advocating that women go hard at the gym every single session and that anything else is wasted time. That’s a ridiculous, defeatist approach. Sometimes you go hard, sometimes you do an easy/moderate workout so that you can give your body a rest and have fun. You know who has the best exercise advice? Kate Hudson. Kate says to do what keeps you moving, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, keep track of what you eat and enjoy things in moderation. Tracy insults people, makes fun of their bodies and acts like her way is the only way. It’s not “preschool” to take walks, that’s insulting. You can go hard on a walk on a treadmill or outside. Power walking is an Olympic sport and walking is legit exercise.
Also Gwyneth Paltrow’s dad’s advice is particularly applicable when it comes to Tracy. Update: Thanks to those of you who pointed out that the quote originated with Maya Angelou.
I know some of you are going to want to trash this woman’s looks. Please instead focus on the fact that she is wearing lingerie on the red carpet. That’s the fashion equivalent of being stuck in kindergarten.
photos credit: WENN.com
I guess I shouldn’t listen to my doctor then! She says the hour long walk I take at lunch is great.
Tracy Anderson hasn’t figured out how to make money from people going for a walk. When she does, she’ll be all about walking.
Burn, baby, burn!
Excellent point. Also, someone who’s all about health and nutrition should know how important spending time walking in nature is for the health of the mind, body and soul. Tracy is a know it all that knows nothing.
Wow. I walk 2-6 miles a day and eat a primal diet and I am in excellent shape. No gym, no power-walking, and occasional weights. Don’t need a trainer, never have injuries, and get free Vit-D.
That dress… I don’t even have words for it.
Me too! I don’t believe in struggle and pain in exercise, or in anything.
Yeah, I was in the best shape of my life from walking and riding. I should walk more, actually. Preschool my ass.
Word! I walk 6-8 laps around a track at a park 4-5 times per week. I eat a good lunch and all the fruiets and vegetables I want throughout the day. No gym, no trainer, no fees, no travel. I’m 46 and I’m in just as good of shape as Tracy. She can say what she wants but walking is natural and being outdoors to do it is the most stress-relieving, care-free feeling in my world.
Preschool is claiming your ways and ideas are the only good ways and ideas b/c that’s an immature and arrogant attitude – narrow minded. Everybody’s bagging on her neglige` but I’m calling her out for all the age spots on her chest. Stop going orange – it isn’t flattering and it isn’t healthy. Don’t tell me that’s spray tan or self-tanner. Age spots say too much sun. Also it’s time to redo your roots. This woman is tacky as all get-out. Give me Denise Austin any day! dating myself, I know.
Seriously. I used to walk 45 minutes to and from work a few years ago, and I’ve never been in better shape in my life. It really is entirely calorie intake/exercise balance. Going hard is really necessary only if you want faster weight loss or are intent on a more muscular body type.
I agree with everyone here, there is a big difference between walking for fitness on a frequent basis and taking the occasional “stroll” around the block or to the nearest Starbucks. One is a great workout and the other is a leisure activity that gets you some fresh air but won’t really take you the next level fitness-wise.
I’m going to slightly disagree and say that I think it depends on your fitness level and what your body is used to. I’ve lived in a city for 18 years and I walk everywhere and I can tell you that walking doesn’t do sh*t for me. I’m also a runner who takes a lot of HIIT classes and weight-trains. What I’m trying to say is that if you’re a fit, healthy person who walk 5-6 miles every day for almost 20 years, your body just gets used to it and it doesn’t really help in terms of fitness gains or spiking your metabolism.
That being said, if that’s your only form of exercise or if you begin a walking regimine after a long period of being sedentary then it’s great way to get your heart rate up, plus it’s not hard on your body like other forms of exercise. I also completely agree that fast walking for fitness if very different from just a stroll.
@Kitten. I understand what you are saying but the same could be said about any fitness routine. Once your body gets used to it, you need to change it up. Those doing weights either up the weight or up the number of reps. But Tracy is making a general statement about walking and making general statements does not take into the fact that there are always exceptions to the rule. Just like saying all weight lifters will become bulky and that’s not necessarily so.
@kitten I agree. I have run the gamut on exercising throughout my life. At certain points I was more active and walking wasn’t going to cut it in terms of exertion. But now I’m in a sedentary phase and walking is just fine with me. I get winded easily. LOL!
Walking can also be the only/best form of exercise when recovering from injury or dealing with chronic pain! I’ve been rehabbing a herniated disc for over a year, and going on 3+ mile walks a few times a week has really helped my recovery. Exercise should be about listening to your body and doing what makes you feel good/what is the most healthy for YOUR body. So Tracy can take several seats.
Walking is all I can do, since I have Charcot-Marie Tooth. Sweeping generalizations like this, particularly from an able-bodied person, irritate me no end.
Did Paltrow’s dad mention that he got that quote from Maya Angelou. I feel like that quote is common knowledge. And I’ve recently gotten into taking a good walk or a hike. I’m just not good at traditional workouts.
I am sure if you ask Gwyneth will tell you the truth: that Maya Angelou got the quote from her dad.
LOL! That’s her story and she’s sticking to it 😉
Oh I knew that I should have added it about Maya Angelou, thanks!
That quote could be misused. If you’re exhausted, upset, and angry, that’s who you really are? No. People are complex, and if you are looking for the bad in people, it shows that you have trust issues.
I don’t think that’s what it means. To me, it means that people can tell you the kind of person they are until they’re blue in the face, but their actions will tell you the real truth. That when people treat you like garbage (or gold), they’re showing you their true selves, and it’s up to you to accept that, good or bad. It’s about not being in denial about the way people treat you.
I was thinking the same thing, Shaz…there are things about myself that I really don’t like and I’m trying to change. Is that really me, then? I hope not.
@Donna: What helped me, personally, was to realise that there is a difference between who I am (which I can’t change) and my behaviour (which i CAN change). Everybody has character traits that can be hard on others at times, and that’s just part of what it means to be human. It’s not an excuse to treat others like crap, though.
I, for example, have an arrogant streak and I don’t particularly like that about myself. Acknowledging it as part of my character has helped me deal with it, though. I am well aware of the traps I have an easier time falling into, and since I know that about myself, I also know how to avoid those traps a lot of the time (not always, again, human).
So, yes, I’m arrogant, and no, I don’t have to treat people as if I were superiour. I totally stopped believing my own hype! 😉
I thought it was more about the things people say about themselves unconsciously. The little things that slip out when you’re not on your best behavior. Things like “I’m so lazy” or “I really hate that guy because of X”. If you pay attention to those moments, you get a good picture of the other person. Or the contradictions between what they say and what they do that crop when they let their guard down.
Honestly the best way to get information from people about themselves is just let em talk. Everyone is their own favorite subject, and people will say all kinds of things if you let them get going. A lot of times they’ll say a hell of a lot more than they intended and if you listen you can learn a lot.
I have noticed this to be true. I went out on a date with a guy who talked about how frugal he was but in a joking manner. We had a nice dinner, his treat, but he tipped terribly. So terribly that I had to go back in to give the server more money. It seemed like a fluke, I continued to see him but then his dog got sick and he wouldn’t go to the vet. He proclaimed to love his dog and he had the money, but he didn’t want to pay. Finally, I bullied him into taking the dog but then he didn’t want to pay for the necessary care. The dog was so sweet and loyal but this fool kept dragging his feet. Again I bullied him into paying. In the end I stopped seeing him. He showed himself on the first date but his other qualities made me try to ignore what I knew was crap behavior.
HH, I love, love, love hiking. I would do it every day…if I didn’t live in a city that is flat. I always imagine that if I lived in the Pacific Northwest I could do a different hike every single weekend and probably never have to repeat one.
Esmom- I live in Portland and our hikes are pretty great. I am glad to hear that when you thought of hiking, you thought of it!
MC2, lucky you! My husband is from Seattle and my best friends live in the Bay Area, so I have spent lots of time in the PNW and west coast, hiking and camping, etc. I can’t imagine why my husband ever left there for the midwest, but as they say the grass always seems to be greener. Maybe someday we’ll go back permanently.
@Esmom – Yes! I visited a friend out West and it just makes you want to be outside everyday! I typically have to settle for walks, unless I want to drive to a state park on the weekend.
I guess she’s never heard of Maya Angelou.
For some people, just going for a walk is a big deal.
Some people don’t have the time or the want to go to the “college” of fitness. Some people have jobs. Families. Or real college.
I really can’t stand her.
Jeez! Why IS she wearing that?! WHY?! 🙁 It’s not even flattering.
There is nothing good about that pink dress. Nothing
She can go straight from the red carpet into bed wearing her night gown.
That’s a nightie. My Grandma has an IDENTICAL one that she wears under her robe only hers is Ivory. But it seriously looks identical.
Famous professional snake oil salesperson.
And elitist. Because everyone can afford to do 4 hours of kettle bell Pi-Yo hot yoga daily or whatever the fitness trend is this month.
Encouraging people to get some exercise is “snake oil”? Okay. I don’t know where you’re from, but in the United States (where I’m sure her only audience is located), there’s a raging obesity epidemic. I find this woman abrasive and don’t particularly like her, but regardless of the messenger, I can’t imagine any scenario in which encouraging Americans to work out more is a bad thing.
But she’s discouraging any form of exercise other than what she pedals (pardon the pun). She’s saying just walking is no good. That’s not only not true, but so so slanted. She’s marketing her products only – not exercise in general for the greater good.
1 – That advice from Goop’s dad is actually advice from Maya Angelou.
2 – Tracy is a scam artist who has left a lot of people financially hurt in her wake.
3 – She gives terrible advice that many actual doctors disagree with.
4 – That last photo can’t be real, right? That looks like some Michael Scott photoshop.
right, and “Going for a walk is like going to preschool—but you could go to college, you could get your master’s degree” Also u could actually go to actual college, actually get a master’s degree
I can guarantee that the walks that I have taken (not so much anymore because the grandkiddos are out of strollers) is a lot harder than a workout in a gym. Tracy, try pushing two children (20 – 30 lbs each), in a double jogging stroller up a hill that is at an incline that will take on any treadmill incline and that’s not the only hill. And walk 4+ miles with that stroller. A walk doesn’t have to be “preschool”. Not all people can afford a gym and not all people, due to physical limitations, can do more than a walk.
3 – Just look at her jawline – isn’t that a sign for bulimia? She’s full of crap and she definitely knows nothing about healthy living and eating and exercising. People like her shouldn’t be allowed to give advise.
That last photo shows me who Tracy really is – dead behind the eyes, sullen. Not a lot of joy in that woman’s life, methinks. And that dress!!! What’s the point of being in the “best shape EVER” if you dress like that????
So much ugh at this woman. But I think I’m stealing “there’s not a potato I do not love”. Wisest thing she’s ever said.
So true! 🙂
@Lucy 2. Exactly
also my pre-school starts in 1/2 hour walking at lunch vs sitting at my desk.
I do that too! Screw Tracey. Any exercise is good. I enjoy it, it’s good for me, and I don’t WANT to kill it at the gym, nor do I have the time.
I’ll say it again. Screw Tracey.
She is a cute girl, but her body is nothing to aspire to. There is nothing soft about her.
With what we know about Tracy, she is probably disgusted by Lena’s body and eating habits.
If you think walking is like going to preschool, Tracy, I invite you to walk the Appalachian, or to follow The Way. I’m a hiker, and that sh*t is no joke.
My daily “walk” is along the Blue Ridge Parkway trails, usually with rugged uphill stretches for at least an hour. Nothing preschool about it and I’m 60 and strong. I get the added benefit of hiking with my dogs, occasionally seeing deer and fox and the peace of being outside alone, not in a stinky gym. (Yes, I know they aren’t all that way.)
She’s always been obnoxious and seems to hate her own sex.
That sounds lovely. I hate living in suburbia, because my lunch walk means I have to deal with cars whizzing past me while I am trying to admire the few spots of natural greenery that are left.
As someone who was compulsive about exercise in my 20’s and 30’s (aerobics instructor and triathlete who did 20 mile runs on the weekend for fun) I can tell you that research has shown that moderate exercise interspersed with a day or so of intervals is what promotes health and longevity.
Now I am left with creaky knees and painful feet that I have to ignore in order to keep moving. So screw you Tracy.
@SilkyMalice – I’m with you. As a retired overexerciser, walking gets me out into nature with way less injuries. Walking is great.
Omg. There is someone who uses my gym that just reeks. I try not to go in after this person because the smell just knocks you out. I try to do more walking than gym stuff, but for most of the year here it’s so oppressively hot that the air conditioned gym is a much better option.
As a person your age who gave up on the gym years ago I salute your approach. Much more down to earth and healthy.
mp, retired overexerciser, yes! That describes me perfectly. I am glad I am not the only one! 🙂
Ah, the benefits of living in a hilly region! I have decided that gardening and walking my dogs around our hilly terrain is the best combination for me. Daily exercise, fresh air and accomplishing something while doing it. And I am not overly exerting my joints to the point of having replacements by my early 50s like several exercise and sports enthusiasts I know.
Did you really take walking and compare it to hiking in mountainous terrain? Common sense tells me that’s not what she was talking about. Hiking is very arduous.
I had had a knee injury. so after recovery I had been walking for exercise. I signed up for a fitness camp in the foothills of the mountains with my friend. To prepare for it, I walked a lot, very brisk walks, but I live in Florida, flat.
I got up there and we would wake up and walk three to five to seven miles in the morning in very hilly country at a way faster pace than I did at home. We had a camp leader taking us on the walks, or running if you wish, and really pushing up. It was no leisurely activity even if going slower because of the hilly terrain that I’m not used to. I was almost passing out just in the beginning, thinking I want to go back to my cabin, and had to build up endurance and finally hit a very hard ten mile walk my last day there in the hilliest part of the area. Far different than my three mile walks on flat terrain in Florida, which were still good for me, but didn’t push me past my comfort zone.
Agree completely. Two very different things.
I’ve got 14ers in my backyard so yeah, going for a walk takes on a whole new meaning when there’s several thousand feet of vertical gain in the process!
But I think she needed to clarify that the leisurely walking that doesn’t really work up a sweat or get the heart pounding is only slightly beneficial. It’s better than sitting, but not better than fast walking or hiking on hilly terrain.
Bottom line, you have to get your heart rate into your aerobic zone and preferable into your anaerobic zone for intervals to get the most benefit from 30-60 min of exercise.
Potato is life.
This interview is one of the reasons why I usually side eye fitness gurus. One or two really care about health.
She pretends like health is the most important thing for her, but she showed us who she really is a long time ago. Being skinny has always been her nr 1 value and I don’t buy for a second that she changed.
If I were Lena Dunham, I’d be offended that so many trolls are using my name to make themselves look better in the public eye. It’s become a PR move to bring her out – “You might think I only care about skinny, pretty people, but look – I’m friends with Lena Dunham and I find her beautiful, so you’re wrong!”
If Anderson was really advocating for healthy lifestyles, she would admit that going for a walk has benefits that being inside the gym doesn’t – getting fresh air and vitamin D.
Lol, it’s like the “I’m not a racist, I have black friends” argument.
NMB, spot on. She is so gross. And nice to “see” you here — seems like it’s been a while! 🙂
Thank you, Esmom. I’m still a regular reader, but due to my work hours and time difference, I’m usually very late with my comments.
I might be out of shape and slightly heavier than I wish I were (waiting to heal from a back injury), but it’ll be way easier for me to get into shape than it will be for her to not be a mean girl with terrible fashion sense.
Eh, at my gym I do see a lot of people who show up and quarter ass it everytime. Which is fine if you’re not actually trying to achieve any type of goal and you just want to get out of the house or whatever. But it is frustrating to see the same people all the time, doing the same ‘workout’ that barely burns barely anymore calories than standing still, whining about how they aren’t getting any thinner or fitter or healthier. If you actually want to see results, you’re going to have to push yourself and be a bit uncomfortable for a while.
Walking’s great, and if you’re really unfit it’s a good starting point, but there’s only so much it will do. I walk at least 30,000 steps a day and have for decades, but if you’re going for something other than a decent general level of fitness it’s not enough.
There’s nothing wrong with “just” a “decent level of general fitness.” Not everyone aspires to be a gym bunny, devoting hours to working out. Nor should they.
Many people spend the same amount of time in the gym, not a gym bunny,but put minimal effort in the same class or in their workout routine, while others really put effort into the same workouts and also mix it up, spending no more time, maybe less, than those who do minimal but show up.. That’s what I took from her comment.
Well that’s the thing, most of the ‘gym bunny’s’ I know spend ages in the gym not doing much. They half ass a dance class there, gently jog on the treadmill while watching TV here, do the same yoga class for years and never advance beyond beginner stage, never try to lift anything that weighs more than a grocery bag…The fittest people I know are in and out in 30 mins a few times a week. They go in, give it their everything, and get out.
Unless you’re just starting out and getting the hang of things, a gym routine for a regular person (not an athlete, body builder etc.) should be a fast process once you’re fairly fit. Unless you specifically enjoy long-distance running or an hour of lifting light weights, there’s no reason to do that.
I agree with you, Kate.
I don’t see the problem with this? In the fitness spectrum, it does make sense to say a walk is preschool. Doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with it, just that it is the first, most basic step.
I think “going to preschool” is having a snobby elitist view of fitness. “Getting a master’s degree” is being supportive and realistic that not all people are the same.
Botch!!
She’s right about the walking. It’s better than nothing, but it doesn’t burn a lot of calories or build up your endurance. It won’t work for losing weight, IMO, unless you’re not that overweight to begin with or you’ve been pretty inactive before. I see thin people going for walks and I think they must be naturally skinny or walk a long way.
Calories are what matter for weight loss, not exercise. You can’t outrun your fork.
This is true and important to keep in mind. But … Mr Birdix and I had a friendly weight loss competition a few years ago: he went with eating less and I went with exercising (dancing) more and eating the same. He definitely lost weight faster. But when it came time for our beach trip a few months later, my results were better because I had lost weight AND was more toned. And felt stronger. And kept it off longer. And had more fun.
That’s so true, especially when our metabolism is slowing down every year after the age of 25. I’ve run ultramarathons for years and the only thing that kept me from gaining weight was watching my calories intake. If I ate what I wanted I either gained weight or stayed exactly the same, even when I was running 40-60 miles per week.
That’s true, that’s why I’m overweight. I love to eat 😀. Walking is ok, and it does burn calories, but it doesn’t increase your heart rate if you’re doing a leisurely walk or improve your cardiovascular endurance, I guess that’s what I think she’s trying to say. It’s not the best workout for that. I’m starting to realize my diet is why I’m not losing weight. But as that other person did marathons and still had to watch her diet, but people who only walk, can lose weight. I have to work out hard And Apparently watch my diet to lose weight. So how come people who are only Walking lose weight? Are they eating that much less than me? I dunno.
ITA, Snowflake.
Snowflake, age will have something to do with it. My metabolism is so much slower in my 40’s than in my 20’s. I really do have to eat fewer calories each day to lose weight. Muscle mass (which eats up calories) decreases in your 40s and even faster after 50 and why vigorous activity that gets the heart rate up is so important.
@ nutballs
Yeah, I think my metabolism is slowing too. I turned 40 in January. But some of it is my diet, plus I don’t push myself as hard as I can working out. Sucks, I gained back the 30 pounds I lost and swore I wouldn’t regain. 🙁 but I still think, all things being equal, it’s harder for me to lose weight.
She’s not right for everyone. I lost weight walking and so have many others. Food/calorie intake is what keeps people from losing.
I have lost weight by only walking. CB is right, it’s about calories in and calories out.
Uhh I can think of two people off the top of my head that have lost 100+ lbs and walking was their exercise of choice. One of them is my neighbor. I’ve been seeing him walk everyday for the last 3 years.
I know a guy who lost a lot by walking too, and I myself have lost weight by increasing walking.
CB is right, it’s all calories burned vs calories consumed, and while it might not be as many as other exercises, walking certainly contributes to the burn.
Yes of course because they were 100 lbs overweight to begin with!
As I said upthread the benefits of waking depends on your health, fitness level, and your weight.
Walking does absolutely nothing for me in terms of fitness. It does help in terms of health, like all exercise does, but I could never make any substantial changes to my body and fitness level by simply walking.
Kitten, same here. It’s better than sitting on your ass for sure, but I need to get my HR up past 130 for an hour at least. To see any real benefits in my fitness or weight loss, my calories have to be kept in check.
I hate it, ’cause I love food so much. My favorites are rich, creamy and full of fat.
This woman makes me puke at the way she pokes at Lena Dunham. Puh-leez! It’s nasty for Anderson to USE Dunham as an example. Like she a master’s degree in mean-girling. Wait for Dunham to end their relationship in 4…3…2…aaannnd-1.
Walking on a regular schedule cuts your risk for dementia and diabetes in HALF so yes, it’s more than good for you. (and yes there’s real science to back that up) However, I don’t see Tracey as a legit expert on anything sooo, I don’t really care.
http://jezebel.com/5387640/4-fun-facts-about-madonnas-former-trainer
Is this the time when she was who she really is?
This quote is priceless!
There was a period of about 4 years in my life when I went through several “bummer times.” During this period, I got myself into an unfortunate situation in which several negative events happened to me because I let someone else take control of every aspect of my life from finances to business documents. My misguided trust led me to take on challenges I would never have dreamed of facing, and these events affected not only my business, but also my personal life and emotions.
Everything’s soooo not her fault…
Well, this “preschooler” lost 40 lbs by incorporating healthier eating (yes, even with – GASP! – cravings) and WALKING into her life. So, you know, suck it, Anderson. Suck on your pacifier and STFU.
Congratulations Izzy – this woman makes herself into such a target, I’m surprised she doesn’t put a bullseye on her forehead.
Congrats!!!!!! 😀
Yay!! See walking does work! 🙂
That’s awesome, Izzy! But let’s face it, she’s not interested in health and overall well being, she’s interested in giving her already thin healthy clients “the ass of a 20 year old stripper.” It’s not about health and fitness, it’s about the aesthetic. And Lena is such a conundrum for her because she’s not interested in having a perfect ass. I
And ironically, since I started exercising in moderation and walking daily, my ass is in the BEST shape it’s ever been. Seriously, sometimes I’m like “where did that come from?!” Now I just need Chris Evans to come and get it…
I’ve just lost 20 lbs doing the same ..
I took her comment differently I don’t think she’s shading that taking walks is bad, but talking about women who stay in “preschool” as far as their bodies and fitness and never really pushing through into a real workout included in their weekly regimen. I can tell you going to a trainer two or three times a week and really pushing past comfort and really working out hard (and hating it while doing it) connecting me to my body in a way that felt great, the strength I felt afterwards, not during. LOL iI realized I have been working out for quite a while in a comfort zone and not pushing past that. The same with running and putting in miles and feeling my body get stronger and stronger.
I also took walks during the week, but I also included true strength training and running. That’s how I took it, people who never truly exercise hard. I know friends who I swear never break a sweat in their “exercise routine.”
But having said that, I also go through periods of just getting out and walking briskly as that’s the state of mind I’m in and a little running and no other type of exercising. As long as you get out and move, that is the important thing when it’s all said and done.
This completely.
It’s true you can get used to a comfort level. In high school I was a competitive swimmer and runner. I had been a dancer until I was around 14. I don’t expect people to push as hard as I do. But as you said some people just stay in a comfort zone and never step it up some. My Dad is in this 70s and goes to the gym everyday and he still pushes it some, he can’t stand walking. Lol Only with his grandchildren for fun.
She’s making Lena Dunham seem like this mutant ugly fat friend that she needs to explain away to all of her skinny pretty friends. God forbid she had an actual fat person as her client. If I were Lena I’d tell her where to stick it.
Yeah. The way she kept saying how “great” she thought it was that Lena isn’t a size two left me with the exact opposite impression.
This woman is a nutbar.
Walking is one of the best things you can do. If you have injuries/issues that keep you from doing anything else, it is a great way to get healthy. Tracy obviously has never met a heart patient who is told from the first day they are able to get out of bed after a heart attack that walking is what you will be doing every day, from now on.
I was reading over some of her fitness advice and wow, really? Don’t use gym weights, they’re too heavy. I remember her one interview stating that she looked less like a dancer, more like a gymnast after using gym weights. Honey, you don’t look like a ballerina either, I hate to tell you a lot of them use gym weights, and what is wrong with looking like a gymnast? If I’m going to spend my time in the gym, I want to look like I spent that time in the gym. Once upon a time I was into body building. You can still look feminine and be muscular. I have a daughter who is a winning Figure competitor and very busy personal trainer who is the most beautiful woman I know. Is she muscular? You bet she is, especially right now as her next competition is coming up (Go Eden Jr.!!). Does she look like that everyday? No, only for a few months a year, the rest of the time she is not on an uber strict diet and workout regiment she just looks like a really in shape wee woman. Is her look for everyone? No, it’s not. She knows that and so does anyone with half a brain. The ladies that she trains know that they could look like that if they wanted to and they watch what it takes as she works with them even when she is in competition prep but they also know that she works with anyone, no matter what their goals are. She has recently taken on a 40 year old client who is obese and is ready to change his life. Guess what is the first thing they will be doing together? Yeah, walking. You know what Tracy, if I want advice, I’ll go talk to her.
**Sorry, I ranted by accident. I really hate bad fitness advice from talking heads. It is so damaging for so many reasons.**
Me to! If I went to the gym that much I’d want it to show, too. There’s this woman my hubs works with that’s a competitive fitness woman, and she looks amazeballs. Not gross and veiny, just ripped.
@Eden75: Late to the post but totally agree. One of the most important things women can do as they get older is lift weights – it builds bone mass and prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Doesn’t have to be huge heavy weights – even 3, 5 and 8 lb weights will do the trick.
This woman is a fraud and dangerous.
I’d never take advice from something that looks like THAT.
Her “dress” looks like the night gowns peggy bundy wore to bed on married with children…seriously
OMG is that a Frederick’s of Hollywood from when it was the only place to get lingerie? I swear I found this in my mother’s closet once and was horrified even though it was black!
I guess in this woman’s world disabled people do not exist?
What about people with chronic depression, for whom it really is a victory just to get out of bed? But I guess those are not in Tracy’s target audience.
If I won the lottery, I would hire Taylor Kitsch to get me into shape. He is a certified personal trainer and he has a very body-positive approach to fitness. And I guess the fact that he’s a cutie would help with the motivation a bit as well.
I hate gyms and prefer activities such as swimming, running, cycling and hiking. I do yoga and Pilates but I don’t do weights anymore. I understand pushing it to get further along but for some people walking is enough.
She’s shady and looks like shizz on the red carpet is all I take from this. I did run and swim throughout my pregnancies but I wouldn’t call someone out for carrying extra baby pounds after. It just depends on their lives and bodies after delivery and it may not be an immediate priority.
She isn’t aspirational to me at all.
Her cover is weird. It looks like someone photoshopped her face onto her head. Strange.
1. That pink dress is awful. Even in the heyday of slip dress/lingerie fashion it would have been hideous.
2. Strenuous exercise can be very harmful to your body. I believe I’ve read that vigorous runners’ bodies breakdown at the same rate as those who do not exercise at all. Walking is great low impact exercise that anyone can do. It’s called fitness walking.
Walking is the only exercise some people can do. It’s insulting to compare it to preschool. Anderson wants you to get a masters by going to her $1,000 per month gym.
One of the best things about the recent popularity of fitness trackers is that they encourage walking along with other more intense forms of exercise. The “all-or-nothing” approach Anderson advocates doesn’t encourage people to incorporate all levels of activity – including non-strenuous walking – into their daily lives in a sustainable and enjoyable way.
…bitch, PLEASE. That’s all I can come up with.
I don’t like Tracy Anderson, either, but you all are taking the ‘pre-school’ thing too literally. She’s equating level of intensity to school grades. A walk is pre-school, maybe running a 10k is 7th grade, college could be doing an Ironman, and a masters could be being a fitness model or something. She’s trying to say that there’s room to push yourself, even beyond what you might think is possible for you. And that’s true for everyone, regardless of where you currently are.
A walk is good for your stress level or blood pressure. It on does nothing for your muscle tone, cardio or anything else. I have her tapes and I like her. She is positive and motivating. Something this writer knows nothing about. Maybe educate yourself instead of going by media quote ever single post. I she would hate someone new bc it’s getting old.
I’d suggest reading up on the other benefits of walking, a number of highly reputable medical organizations have info on it. With a good pace and duration, it absolutely can be cardio, and it’s also good for circulation, joint health, bone mass, and a number of other things.
I think you’re confusing walking with strolling/meandering. A good brisk walk will exercise lots of muscles, including your heart.
She is abrasive. I prefer people who want to make fitness accessible. I’m not fond of the gym because of people like Anderson. I’m glad I found Jessica Smith’s workouts on YouTube, they have helped me so much.
“I love Lena as a client! Her body is a mess and she eats pizza when she wants, but I can use her name to prove that I have fat friends!” <—- Translations for her constant Lena Dunham name drop.
Ugh ugh ugh. Just for a moment, think about how you are feeling right now, how this woman makes you feel wither words. Just what place does she put your mind? What is your mood after her words? What is her effect? Do you feel nauseated? Negative?
THAT is the true effect of Tracey Anderson, or Gwyneth Paltrow or anyone else who ironically preaches a ‘higher standard” or “living well”– they are judgmental and many times, scientifically uninformed, and should be nowhere near a position of dictating how to live to ANYONE. These people are pushing “lifestyle” as commerce, but they are out of touch and full of crap. People should not take advice from snobs: it’s toxic. There is a reason they are not liked, and also worshipped by a certain demographic of people. They run and excel upon insecurity of others, they lord over this, they are pure poison.
Lord, I used to run a 5k a day…up to half marathons. Sometimes my feet hurt so bad I could barely walk in the mornings. I quit before my knees (and everything else on my body) became an issue.
I now have a Fitbit and try for 12K steps a day…I feel SO much better without the running. I had to erase from my brain that I “wasn’t really exercising” because I was so used to running. Walking is a great form of exercise without all of the wear and tear many other exercises give you.
Shut it, Tracy!
I see the concern over her comments. She is a lightning rod for controversy, like Gwyneth. But, her method works. It really works. It’s great if you’re in good shape, workout, but just need to lost that last 10 pounds. It is probably not the best thing for those that are not in shape and have a ton of weight to lose – yeah, starting with walking is probably best for that type. So, I guess I should say, Tracy works for me. 30 minutes of “mat” or really it is like a barre class. Then 30 minutes of dance cardio, where you’re dripping sweat. I can’t follow her diet because it is too low – cal and time consuming. But, if I keep track in My Fitness Pal and keep it to 1200, then I am golden. I only say this because I struggle, I really do (at 42) with the spare tire and I feel so much better in the summer when it is at least a little smaller of a tire than it is now. So, I am back on with Tracy videos every morning for an hour, and I literally feel lighter and more toned after a couple days.
I live in Pittsburgh which is ALL hills. I get up at 4 am and walk 4 miles first thing in the morning. I typically walk 6-8 miles a day. I have lost over 35 pounds and I am in the best health of my life. She can go eff herself.
Tracy, Tracy, Tracy. I’d consider what you have to say but then I see your bulimia jaw, and go “nope.”
She’s a fraud. end of.
Yeah, she has the offset bulimia cheeks I’ve ever seen.
Walking is pretty much what the human body is designed to do. How do you think our nomadic hunter gatherer ancestors lived their lives? Lots and lots of walking. Occasionally running. Foraging. Then more walking.
I really can’t get behind the notion that walking is something to be disdained. No, no, you need the gym! And my products.
The motive is definitely financial underneath it all. Walking is free and doesn’t offer these ‘gurus’ any monetary gain.
If general health for the long term is the goal, I have chosen to believe a top cardiologist in my town. He says the most heart healthy older people he’s encountered in 20-plus years of practice are typixally (drumroll…) farmers. Some are stout and few are ready for a muscle definition competition, but he says the daily walking they do apparently benefits their hearts.
Her bulimia jaw is so pronounced that I can’t feel anything but sad for her.
That is hilarious coming from the woman who advocates against weightlifting, crossfit, cycling/spinning, yoga, etc. I’ve tried her workouts and they are ridiculously pedestrian (minus the overly complicated moves she does that can cause injury). Walking is a great way to get exercise into daily routine.
I’ve lost 15 pounds since New Years by walking, so whatever.
She is talking about a small tiny percent of women who are in their late 20s & 30 who are second wives to men with tons of money. They are really competitive and spent all morning every day at their gym, to keep thin. I always envied slim women but learned that it’s not so simple the majority of them need work out like crazy. They have spots in their gym classes they own and so on. TA speaks to this audience so for the rest of us normals we exercise like toddlers. It also helps to have an aderrall prescription if find yourself in this situation!
So… what it seems she is really saying is that nobody should “blame” her if Lena Dunham is still not a sample size after training with her because the client didn’t want it anyway. For someone who seems obsessed about controlling everything she doesn’t seem to be able to stop all the shady nonnsense that comes out of her mouth. But then didn’t she quote a co-opted quote that should support the observation that this is really what Tracey is.Going for a walk.
In that second photo with the checkered top, she looks like a man.
I got a little out of shape through laziness in the last couple of years. Nothing major, just went from a UK 10 to a 14. I started horse riding last summer and the gym in January and have toned up. But equally, I’ve spent the last week in the countryside dog walking twice a day for an hour and I can definitely say I am feeling the effects! Yeah it’s not super intense but all exercise is good exercise, and I feel so good mentally (as someone who has struggled with depression) just from getting outdoors and being with nature. Walking works for a lot of people, and is the most natural thing in the world for our bodies to do.
That is great. Moving around, doing something you enjoy, brings benefits.
I realize some prefer the gym experience and results, and that can produce a sense of accomplishment as well. Whatever brings the best mental benefit for the individual is a key consideration.
I used to do weights, cycling, etc., but landed on making outdoor activity a routine year-round. I’m getting older, and seeing too many similar aged / slightly older acquaintances have seemingly constant pains and injuries from aggressive gym activity.
She’s a truly unpleasant person.
Has she gotten certified yet? She has ZERO education on fitness and health. How she hasn’t been sued yet is beyond me.
I’d heard the ” when somebody shows you who they are” quote attributed to maya Angelou, but you know……….. Goop……
This woman always struck me as the type that’s always had major issues with her own body. A lot of her talk about others is pure projection.
That’s how I felt about this. She’s got issues and needs everyone else to be as miserable as she is
Her comments are rooted in making herself and her industry relevant. And, like Goop, she’s completely out of touch. If I saw a woman doing her grocery list while on the treadmill, I would think, “She must be very busy, good for her to squeeze in a workout.” She can’t relate to the demands in time and energy of the average woman. I’m a marathoner and have been practicing yoga for 35 years. Staying fit and healthy are priorities, and listening to my body and taking it easy at times is part of that. A walk is a great way to keep moving on those days or weeks when I have less energy or my body needs a break.
Déclassé all the way, that’s Tracy to a T.
In some photos, she looks like she could be a very unfortunate-looking sister of Kristin Cavallari.
I would rather go for a walk than to listen to the ish she peddles. Nope. I wouldn’t want to end up looking like her.
Many years ago I read a little book on exercise by a fellow who was a kinesiologist. Can’t remember the name, but it was back when we called it “riding stationary bicycles” rather than “spinning” and “working out” was not part of most people’s vocabulary. His idea was that if you tailored your exercise to maintain the level of fitness for whatever real-life activity you needed to do (occasional sprint for the bus, weekend tennis or cycling, chasing after toddlers etc.), it didn’t need to take a lot of time. He had some very practical exercises that could be easily done at home at odd times for the different purposes, and made suggestions such as trying to do an occasional muscle overload such as just lifting and carrying something a little heavy for you. He also mentioned that a particular body type tended to become gym teachers and also tended to have no patience or understanding of other body types who dreaded gym class… (Me!Me!Me!) He wasn’t that body type, fortunately, and became interested in the science of it all. His book was speaking to the people who were traumatized by gym class…
Anyway, Tracy seems clueless because she really is. She doesn’t think seriously about different people having different fitness needs, and assumes that everybody should go work out at a gym. Fine if you enjoy it and have the time and/or money, but really not necessary for many. We don’t all need that level of general fitness. We do need to deliberately incorporate more movement in our lives because of our increasingly sedentary jobs, but people like Tracy can’t help us do that. Walking at any pace is definitely beneficial. It won’t prepare you to run a marathon if that’s your goal. But if you are just trying to move more, as nature intended, it will help you do that. I have benefitted from just doing a lot of walk in place while doing things I already need or want to do. Tracey would be aghast…
So she praises Lena because Lena isnt looking to be a size 2, she just wants to be healthier and then yet she’s going to get all preachy about people who go for walks? Like sure, if your goal is to lose a significant amount of weight or gaining more muscle weight then yeah walking isn’t going to cut it. But if thats were people are comfortable at (whether just starting there or doing it to feel more healthy or more connected to their bodies or whatever bs she said, then fine).
I’d rather have my face than her body!!!Just saying!
Hahahahahahahahah, oh that’s good 😀
The saddest part about all of this is that clearly the majority of people who are active in whatever way are only physically active because they want to change how they look.
I mean that’s great if you’re actually obese and unhealthy, but otherwise I don’t think obsessing about calories going in and out of you is a happy fulfilling way of living your life.
I walk everywhere and ride my bicycle because it makes me happy. I eat what I feel like eating. Tracy Anderson would probably tell me I should lose 10 pounds and she’d come up with a whole exercise routine which she’d love to make me do and pay for every single day.
Guess what, I don’t want her advice and I’m certainly not giving her my money because I don’t need her and in all honesty nobody does. She’s not an actual doctor or physician/healer of any kind.
Also I don’t want to change how I look because I like my body with its lean and soft spots. So thanks but I’ll keep walking and not spend my time trying to look like someone else.