Why I stopped HIIT training and adopted the Tracy Anderson Method 

Too much HIIT crashes your nervous system. It doesn’t burn fat it burns glycogen which spikes cortisol. This causes belly bloat. For me HIIT also led to insomnia, anxiety, and depression. I switched to walking outside and it all turned around. I slept better, my anxiety decreased and pounds fell off. You have to have a certain neurotype for HIIT to work. It usually works best for genetically gifted people who are natural athletes.

Spot on.. the same thing was happening . We were brain fed just half a decade ago that HIIT workouts are the best and for every one. I got heavy and heavy, just a year ago I decided to stop HIIt workouts because my thighs got bigger and butt and waist got broader, my shoulders more wider. I had a feminine body strong but elegant. I love famine silhouettes of female body and i lost it all if i had any. Specifically my thighs soon after workout would feel engorged, funny thing is I was eating calorie controlled foods and working out more and still gaining. it took me 5 years to understand there is problem with HIIT workouts. My tops got tighter around the shoulder my pants where tight around thighs. This was the reason and time i was the most depressed about it as you said we put so much effort, determination, consistency and time in a workout to get the body we dream and things turn upside down. I went into serious depression

I like especially the dance-style-moves on Tracy’s Trainings. I believe that sort of movements are just the best for women, in generell. Like you said: feminine physique🦋just love it. And yes - it’s challenging and sometimes hard, but always ! You feel so good afterwords.

Fantastic video Rachel. Thank you for the spot on guidance with a dash of vulnerability. You're awesome!

I relate to this soooo much :) thank you for sharing your story!

I love Tracy Anderson workout very much. I’ve been doing it over 10 years and never find any workout that I like more than Tracy techniques. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for today's video:)

Hi Rachel, I have been working out regularly for over 6 years now! U know my story with TAM, but I totally agree with u re HIIT workout! It does feel like punishing ur body! Also, u r right on about doing something you can (and want to) do, 10, 20, 30 years from now! Thanks for sharing Rachel!

So appreciate you, Rachel! I love watching these TAM inspired videos on both good and difficult days. Reminds me of how much Tracy has been an important part of my life for the past year. I love hearing your perspective!

Omg…I can totally relate to your story! I started TA Metamorphosis workouts in 5 years ago and am back doing Tracy Anderson workouts, with only 1 HIIT class a week. I liked my physique much better when I did her workouts (toned, but not “bulky”). My clothes also fit better. Let’s be honest…I also train for health and ‘vanity’. LOL😊

Thanks as always for sharing your thoughts. I too used to do HIIT actually using Fitness Blender which I still think is lovely that they are on RU-vid for free for anyone to access. HIIT was definitely what I needed for a time. I am a massive introvert and homebody so loved being able to work out on my own at home, and there was a time when the intensity was helping me move some energy in me (I am a trauma counselor and used to work at an agency so had a very heavy caseload). But as I have gotten older, gone into a private practice, and focused much more deeply on my self-care, connection to my body, and sustainability I have really found so much appreciation for the TA streaming. With HIIT working out was almost disconnecting (that is not true for everyone I know), I would literally put movies on and just know my rep count and just mindlessly do the moves. I also noticed that pressure to always do more (life heavier) which I have really had to work to step out of with the TAM workouts. What this looks like for me is I am in Beginner's Lane (releasing the idea that the goal is having to move up lanes ASAP). I use weights only when I actually can do it without breaking my form. I listen to my body. I don't have movies and other things playing. It's surprising meeting yourself in Mat workouts can get emotional. It's humbling, and I am very aware of how I talk to myself because I am no longer distracting during movement and instead I am really meeting myself exactly where I am. Like dang this is tough, wow my balance is a struggle, oof okay fell out of that move, nope not pushing myself through and compromising form I am slowing down and finding where I can better support me instead of demanding I ignore myself to push through to make arbitrary progress. Really enjoy what you share and love getting to have these 'discussions' with you through your channel. Thanks for all you do and all you do for you!

So interesting. Definitely something to think about. I have never heard anyone speak about this!!!!!

I have just discovered this. I did TAM 8 years ago just before my 40th. I’ve been doing HIT & circuits in the last 4 years - peaking the last year. I’ve put on 12kg in six months. The heaviest I’ve ever been other than when I was 9 months pregnant! I’m bulkier, eat excessively & feel sore most of the time! I’ve had two weeks off HIT, I walk lots & am going to start TAM again.

Tracy A leaves your body in a delicate feminine way ! I quit my weight lifting because it made my arms HUGE very masculine and it made me so insecure now after TA I feel sexy feminine and slim slender toned ❤

Me too I just found TA from Erin Busbee and started today. Thanks for the helpful vids so I get most from TA

Hi there, I've heard a number of people say similar things about their results when they train with HIIT. The mentality is totally different with TAM. I think the focus of hiit and body building is to beat your body up to a degree... with TAM its more a gentle persuasion, if that makes sense. I used to do A LOT of hiit and strength. I was always sore or fatigued. And, yes, I kept somewhat fit, but always puffy and inflammed..... and hungry. As you know, I go on and off with TAM, but I've been at it again for the last few weeks and am really enjoying it. Though, you always inspire me to get more involved with the community, too, which I dont really do... but should! Anyway, Thanks for sharing your perspective! Always enjoy hearing your experiences! 💞

I used to be the queen of HIIT and Tabata training, when I was a trainer and fighter...I thought that was the only way to go. In the past couple of years, Ive gotten to where it hurts me so I switched to doing old school aerobics and floor toning. I no longer feel inflamed and needing naps everyday.

This is what I’m going through now . When I just did yoga I loved my body . I am definitely trying this TA programs. After I binge more of your videos lol

You've described my fitness journey to a tee! Literally shift from running and HIIT to Tracy and walking. Big legs from running have slimmed down to strong but thin and on my petite size it's a WAY better look! Thanks for sharing! Wish you luck in your fitness 😘

LETS BE HONEST... I agree with the vanity lol

I feel you. Too. Many. Burpees. Transitioning into a challenging program that works small muscles is just what I'm looking for after so many years of HIIT. There are many barre/pilates fusion [ish] workouts that I do on youtube, but TM has its own style and I love the flow. But how are you able to watch the live classes on a tv? Her website states that it may not work on smart TVs.

Love!

Well I remember through 2018 and 2019 I was the leanest doing some bodyweight workouts like functional never more than and hour combined with the 30 minutes of muscular from metamorphosis and always yoga after to stretch it out in total never more than 1:30 hours per day also never counted steps and now I count steps also get trapped into the famous more more more but never the leans as before Been 10 days into mega again and loving the way it makes me feel the combo of functional and more mega focus been incredible

I'm tired of TA method, but similar types of training - pilates, barre + lots of dancing cardio. It stil helps a lot. Sometimes I miss a little bit of a heavier lifting, but then come back .

I have watched you 5-6 times over Covid, (I commented back once how I had to split TA in two bc I get up at 4:30 to get it done before dog walking and an hour drive to work.) I have 2 comments: 1- I see a real difference in your face. I am thinking you cleaned up or revamped your eating, too? You look great and personally, when I cut dairy and sugar I see similar results. 2- I am intrigued by this giving up hiit. I DO love my rebounder and dance but cutting out my jarring hiit wouldn't kill me.💛I also walk 2-3 miles daily on my lunch but that's more for MENTAL SANITY!!!!!!

Thank u

😆😆😆 Same here. Lol. I'm currently boxing, doing 30 IB kettle bell workouts, and interval EMOMS.I saw and tried Tracey Anderson in the past, I felt that she jumped around like an airhead without focus on the body and muscles. I will take your advice and maybe look back. Yes, I like the crazy high and endorphin- rising workouts! 🤪

I'm so happy you got the results you were looking for, congrats! I was just wondering - what type of HIIT were you doing? And did you use equipment? There are different type of HIIT routines out there and perhaps the one you were doing specifically is what contributed to your bulk. Just asking out of curiousity. But you look great!

Hi Rachel, it is not clear to me in Tracy's training if you do the cardio first and the muscle building after or vice versa. When you have time, can you please answer this question for me? Thank you. Eva

I love your videos and I'm trying to find info on her suggestions for meals, I know it's a tricky thing. Also forgive me but is that a painting behind you?

Did u do TA metamorphosis ab centric?

Ha! Same with finding TA through Erin! 🤣

I have been weight lifting for years and between bulking and cutting seasons I have never been totally happy with my body. I feel pain and heavy after workout. I had a baby 4 months ago. I also did weight lifting during pregnancy so I just have just 4 extra pounds. I have been weight lifting super heavy and I am not totally happy with the results. Same in the past with high reps/less weight. Any way, I am ready for something different and I will give a change to TA. Any guide or suggestion will be appreciated.

I’ve been doing bar method for 7 yrs and now do Pure Barre. I’m 64 and it’s been a good system for me since there’s a lot of modifications for injuries. I signed up for TA online and see a bit similarity of the same moves as bar especially seat and thigh. What’s your thoughts on this? I posted on TA asking current and former bar students seems all prefer TA to barre.

I feel so good after doing a workout. I feel stronger and but am not seeing results vs HIIT where I saw immediate results… I’m sticking in there though 🙂

I did hiit training after I had my child trying to lose the baby weight. While I did lose it I also lost my sex drive my personality . Back to tam and it’s all come back. ( I took a soul cycle class in the morning before work the other day which I hadn’t done in forever. I felt huge all day lol. )

Great video! My body definitely feels so much better and even sexier doing TAM now than it ever did during all the years of HIIT and weight training I was doing. I'm very intrigued that you found DC didn't bulk your calves but walking did. Were you walking on an incline perhaps, or speed walking? I'm honestly so hesitant about DC because every time I do it my calves are on fire for days!

Yes I work out for sanity and I work out for vanity....😂😂😂😂😂

It’s been hard for me (have been doing it for 10.5 months) because my booty has grown, and my thighs a little too. It’s frustrating because I’m not looking for that, but having the ankle weights on x 5-6 times per week makes it worse. Has anyone else had that experience with the Tracy Anderson Method?

Have you tried TA continuity - post metamorphosis 90 days?

Vanity not Sanity :P

walking making your calves bigger? I'm a personal trainer and when you are doing endurance weight training, you build lean muscle, not bulk, I have trained many people this way and they burn fat, loose weight and increase metabolism fast this way. I disagree with this video. there are multiple ways to build lean muscle including tracy's method. but people don't get bigger, bloated, heavier ,nor bulkier from interval training with light weights or body weight training