Customer Rating:  
Summary: has many problems, but nice change of pace
Comment: I agree with the negative AND positive reviews. This isn't going to be for everyone. At the same time, it's possible to get something out of it if you're willing to accept the video's shortcomings.
Overall, I'm glad I got it. I can use it in conjunction with my fitness regimen.
I'd read the reviews before I bought, so there were no surprises - I could enjoy it for what it's worth: a good change of pace, very 'dancer-ly'. It reminds me of portions of the dance classes I took in high school / college, so maybe that helped me. The concept of "accessory muscle" training makes a lot of sense, and I can incorporate that into the rest of my fitness.
After doing the workout three times in nine days, I'd actually noticed some toning. It's a much more fluid form of movement and exercise (than, say, step aerobics or kickboxing), and therefore helps my poise and core. As a disclaimer, I hadn't done much training in a couple months, so probably MANY kinds of resistance training would show results.
I mostly appreciate all of the arm sections (REALLY works my shoulders). Unique, fun moves. I also find great value in the unique horizontal ab moves.
As many have said, there is VERY minimal instruction, and that can be frustrating and laughable. Much of the time, you can figure it out - but it will require you to really look closely and really connect with your body. If you want a lot of guidance, just pass on this video.
For me, lack of instruction is especially a problem on the leg work, because there seem to be more variables in form - (feet pointed? knee in or out? how to align leg? back twisted?). You really have to go through trial and error to see what details work best.
With Ms. Anderson's lack of skill as a group instructor (perhaps she's fabulous when you are gwyneth and doing one-on-one training ;P ), there should have at LEAST been more close-ups, video angles, or even text guidance. For something that's being marketed as "high end" you'd think they could have made more of an effort. Also, as another reviewer mentioned, DVD chapters would have been great when you want to mix it up.
Also... girl shoulda worn her hair pulled back! Sometimes it's hard to consider her form when it looks like she's shrugging her shoulders throughout with all that hair.
I always work out with a Polar heart rate monitor. It was nice to find that I burn around 300 calories from doing this hour long workout. (I'm 31 years old, 5'4", 120 pounds, in good shape). So in addition to toning, you'll get a little cardio and calorie burn.
The 3 pound weights used in this video's sequences are challenging. However, it irks me that Tracy Anderson claims women should NEVER lift more than 3 pounds. I think that "bulking" is a myth depending on how well you balance your training. Ms. Anderson should better define what she means by bulking - it's irresponsible to lead women to believe they'll look like Arnold if they lift light dumbbells (5-12 lbs) !
Customer Rating:
Summary: Pretty good for those with experience
Comment: I did this work out for the first time yesterday and I am definetly sore today. There were a few exercises that will take some time to nail and she really doesn't give you ANY guidance on form so if you are inexperienced or just starting to workout this isn't for you. If you have experience with pilates or yoga you should be fine. I feel like if I do this 4 or 5 times a week with some added cardio I will get results. :)
Customer Rating:
Summary: My first review...love the Mat Workout...
Comment: I am in my 30s and have been a lifelong on and off exerciser... About a year ago, I had an a-ha moment and realized that I couldn't stick with my Firm videos anymore because I wasn't really seeing good results with them and they were boring me to death!
That's when I switched over to yoga/barre workouts which I have truly enjoyed and have provided me with results...however, I had plateau'ed and was (coincidentally) thinking of how I could supplement with dance cardio when I saw Gwyneth Paltrow and TA on Oprah. After some research I ordered the TA Dance Aerobics (older dvd) through her studio...and enjoyed it so much that I decided to go for it with the Mat WO as well, even though I had promised myself to not spend any more $$ on tapes for a little while.
This has to be my #1 favorite DVD I own now. I have been doing it about three times a week and also doing the dance aerobics dvd. I have lost some inches over the past month even though I took a lot of days off and haven't had the best diet due to the holidays.
Here are some things I wanted to point out to anyone considering purchasing the Mat DVD:
* This is an intermediate-advanced workout. Newbies should expect to take it easy and definitely don't plan to be able to do this 4-6xs a week at first! You could hurt yourself (I am thinking mainly with the arm/shoulder portion) due to overtraining.
* The arm workout is a ~~standout~~ feature of the TA method. I have very rounded shoulders, I believe due to poor posture and bad genes. It took me almost one month before I was able to get through the unweighted arm session (I think this is a sign of how weak the smaller muscle groups were in my upper body). I see more change in my arms/shoulders/chest/back than I have ever seen doing any other kind of workout. Thank you, Tracy!
* Weighted arm section, most likely you will need 1-2 lbs to start regardless of your strength. I could use 10lbs with Firm tapes but could barely get through using 1lb weights at first.
* The leg exercises really require a lot of concentration (as Tracy says herself during the workout). Due to the large range of motion, you can easily just swing your legs around(momentum) and not really use the muscles properly. I try to imagine I am pulling a weight with my toes and envision my leg is following an imaginary line to help keep control and the leg portion has become much more difficult the more I control it.
* I must say...I do not endorse TA's method of doing 2hrs a day unless you are an advanced exerciser and know your body well and know about overtraining. With that said, this tape will provide you with great results doing it 3-4 times a week along with cardio and I personally find Tracy (her philosophy and body type) to be inspiring fitness-wise.
Customer Rating:
Summary: slap it to the back!
Comment: I love this workout! I have done almost every kind of workout possible and this one is really fun. The moves are unique and the music is good. The workout is kinda dance-y (not a word) and freestyle, so if you need your reps counted down for you this is not your video.
I used to lift heavy weights on my upper body when I was young and have always had tone, but bulky arms. I never thought I would have tiny, defined arms, but with this program I see it happening and in a month!
Customer Rating:
Summary: the results are amazing!!!
Comment: this is hands down the best workout that i have ever done! i've been working out religiously for the past 14 years and have never seen results like these! i own an elliptical, had a treadmill, been to gyms, done pilates, yoga, lifted weights....you name it. in just 2 weeks of doing this mat workout 3-4 times a week with some cardio added in once a week my entire body has completely transformed. my problem areas are no longer problems anymore and i have never looked better! seeing these kinds of changes at 30 is really unexpected and i am so grateful that tracy put this dvd out. you have to give this one a chance...you won't be sorry!
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