Tracy Anderson Perfect Design Review
Looking for a tough at home that’s low impact and doesn’t require a lot of equipment? Then you should check out The Perfect Design Series by Tracy Anderson.
The Perfect Design Series Workout by Tracy Anderson
I wrote about Tracy Anderson once before, when I first came across her YouTube videos. (You can read that here.) I was totally intrigued and I liked the style, so I purchased a couple of DVDs on Amazon. I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for new workout ideas (and I’ve got plenty more reviews on this page) so I couldn’t resist writing a little review.
Things I liked about Tracy Anderson’s Perfect Design Series:
- The workout reminds me of a barre class or a really intense pilates class. It’s lots of small movements, high reps, low weights. It would be great for toning, although not necessarily weight loss since there is minimal cardio. It’s great if you just want to “tighten up” but not really bulk up or burn tons of calories.
- Most of it was very low-impact, so if that’s something you have to watch out for, this could be a great option. (It’s also great for those that live in apartment buildings and don’t want to anger the downstairs neighbors.)
- I was definitely sore the next day, which was good. Especially considering I wasn’t really sweating too much. (Again, probably because it’s not much cardio.) So it’s a good workout if you won’t have time to wash your hair afterward!
Things I didn’t like about Tracy Anderson’s Perfect Design Series:
- She doesn’t really explain the movements very much. In the warm-up, she gives you no direction whatsoever on what she’s about to do, so there was lots of arm flailing and trying to keep up. My roommate walked in on my looking pretty ridiculous, dancing around the living room.
- The workouts are all about an hour, which isn’t bad, but usually, if I’m working out at home, I don’t have much time, so it’s nice when a DVD has a shorter option for those situations. This isn’t really a huge downside, but it’s worth noting.
- It’s definitely a girly workout. I don’t think there is any way I could convince Alex to try it with me. So it’s a little more difficult getting a workout partner for these.
Overall, I think Tracy Anderson’s Perfect Design Series workout is pretty good. It’ll be nice to add a little variety to my workout DVD collection, although I don’t think this will necessarily make it into the normal rotation. I still like Jillian Michaels for the quick and easy cardio and strength training type of workouts.
I’ve bought one of Tracy Anderson’s full DVD series before and think I only made it 2 months in. I definitely prefer Jillian Michaels but can still appreciate Tracys workouts as they are tough in parts.
I miss the Stairmaster! haha. Ever since I gave up my gym membership, I have been wishing I could afford one for home. It’s the best machine, IMO. Especially if you want to multitask and read magazines.
I’ve tried Tracy Anderson’s arm workouts on YouTube and I wasn’t really a fan. Like you said, it was hard to keep up with out any direction. I still have yet to try Jillian’s DVDs but everyone has good things to say about hers so I’ll have to give them a go one of these days!
Hmmm, I have never really heard of her before, but definitely sounds like it would be a nice addition to a home DVD collection as a “When I need to change things up” kind of workout. I always keep a stash of those when I’m just seriously feeling blah about everything that I have at home or what I’ve been doing at the gym. I might have to check this one out! I still love Jillian the best though. She kicks my butt every single time. It’s humbling.
My favorite workouts are Jillian’s “No More Trouble Zones” and “Burn Fat Boost Metabolism.” She uses circuits that I can mix and match and have a fun time while getting fit. It never gets boring and I simply love the variety! 🙂
I think I have the burn fat one, but I definitely need to try the No More Trouble Zones one!
I love a good workout where I don’t have to wash my hair afterwards;)
It sounds silly but it’s SO true!
I have never been able to get into using workout DVD’s at home. My gym actually provides free online videos to follow at home too and I keep meaning to try them, just never do it!
I LOVE Jillian Michaels fitness DVDs. She can be a little annoying but her workouts do what they’re designed to do. My favorite (by far) is No More Trouble Zones. LOVE IT!
I think that’s like the ONLY one I don’t have haha. I definitely need to try that one!
I don’t think I have ever done a work out DVD aside from Tae Bo when I used to swim year round. 😉 But that aside, I do know the great feeling you get after working out from not working out… Tomorrow At BoHo will be that for me!!
Have fun at Boho!! I bought some classes and I can’t wait to check it out!
Jillian Michaels is pretty good; however, I’m not much of a workout video kind of girl. I think they are great but I have a really hard time self motivating when I’m at home. I use my workout time as a time to think about what is going on in my life or what needs to be done and, if I am at home, I’ll typically stop what I’m doing and go clean or send an email or something 🙂
Haha totally understandable. Sometimes I HAVE to do it with my roommate or with Alex, otherwise I do the same things!
I honestly love my Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper DVDs. The ‘older’ BH series, called the Inside Out Method, have 3 great DVDs (cardio, strength and yoga!) For my JM DVDs, I love the Extreme Shed and Shred, and the Yoga Meltdown. But honestly, I have loved them all at one point because they got me to where I am today.
I still haven’t tried the Bob Harper ones but I’ve heard good things!