Tracy Anderson demonstrates in a 15-minute workout video featured on Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle site, how to address those bulky ‘problem areas’ that exercises such as running tend to worsen, according to her explanation.
The 37-year-old fitness expert stated: ‘Running and cycling can burn calories, but they don’t sculpt feminine muscles or eliminate imbalances that might be mistaken for “problem areas”—even in women who are naturally slender.’
She further noted, ‘Engaging in repetitive fitness activities, like running, leads to a distinct imbalance in muscle structure, triggering large muscles in the legs to become overly developed.’
While acknowledging that the idea of ‘calories in and calories out’ is valid, she stressed that the method of calorie burning significantly influences muscular changes and overall weight loss.
‘Completing a marathon is indeed a noteworthy achievement, but if your goal is to slim down and shed pounds, training for over 40 kilometers won’t yield the physical outcomes you desire,’ she asserted.
Ms. Anderson, renowned for her rigorous fitness programs that involve an hour of workouts six days a week ‘for the rest of your life,’ has focused on shedding post-baby weight after gaining and losing 25kgs following her first pregnancy.
She clarified: ‘To effectively address genuine problem areas, it’s vital to incorporate sufficient routines and movements that keep genetic weaknesses and imbalances actively engaged.
‘My method involves routines that change every 10 days and are tailored to various body types and shapes. This not only engages your brain with your body but also encourages the use of smaller muscles instead of primarily relying on and overdeveloping the larger muscles, which can lead to bulkiness.’
Having transformed many celebrities (Ms. Anderson has an impressively discreet list of famous clients, including men), it’s no surprise that Ms. Paltrow described her as ‘freaking awesome.’
In addressing common weight-loss misconceptions, such as the belief that performing cardio on an empty stomach targets fat cells immediately, she remarked: ‘Individuals who struggle to endure at least 45 minutes of intense cardio won’t reach the point where their bodies effectively begin to burn fat without a preceding meal.
Typically, they end up feeling weak, rendering the workout ineffective,’ she explained.
Nevertheless, she advises being ‘smart’ regarding pre-workout nutrition.
‘Consuming a bagel or spaghetti before exercising will hinder fat burning. Instead, replace that bagel with two scoops of protein powder mixed with half water and half coconut water, leading to a dual benefit: faster fat breakdown and enough energy to sustain your performance for real, sustainable results,’ she elaborated.
by Susan Floyd
