Gwyneth Paltrow: Thanks to Tracy Anderson, My ‘Sagging Ass’ Is in Shape

Madonna may have given trainer Tracy Anderson the boot , but that hasn’t stopped pal, Gwynnie Paltrow from professing her adoration for all things Tracy. The actress pens a love note to the trainer in her latest GOOP newsletter that also includes a video workout and mini-interviews from celebs like Courteney Cox, Donna Karan, and Kristin Davis. “Tracy shares with us a little arm series that I did everyday preparing for Iron Man and that I take on the road. She just made it home-made style for me, lo fi. But it’s good. Especially for the batwing problem.” To see what Courteney, Kristin, and Donna say about Tracy, read more. Courteney Cox : “I have seen amazing results that I never thought were possible. My butt has lifted, my arms are sculpted, and my skin is tight and actually clings to the muscle again.” Donna Karan : “The Method is never boring and there are so many options to keep your mind and body engaged. I like that you are doing the work and not relying on a machine.” Kristin Davis : “The thing that I am most impressed with about Tracy’s Method is that it really does elongate and tone muscle. I’ve tried most of the classes and methods out there, and this is the first one that hasn’t added bulk over time (especially to my legs).” Are you going to give Tracy’s booty shakin’ routine a try?

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Gwyneth Paltrow: Thanks to Tracy Anderson, My ‘Sagging Ass’ Is in Shape

More Than Just a Pretty Face and a Curvaceous Bod

A lot of attention has been paid to Christina Hendricks since she burst onto the scene as secretary Joan Holloway in the hit television drama, Mad Men . Mention her name and the conversation inevitably leads to her silhouette. Christina is often described as a throwback to the days of Marilyn Monroe, and it’s easy to see why. Her body type is more Botticelli than waif: it’s as if the term “hourglass figure” was conceived just for her. In an industry of skinny, svelte, and sometimes too-thin actresses, people find Christina’s look refreshing, real, and downright sexy. On the cover of this week’s New York magazine, the Botticelli comparison gets perpetuated even further. With red hair cascading past her hips, the actress appears semi-nude in a set of pale vintage lingerie. If you were to put a scallop shell behind her, you’d have The Birth of Venus in living color. Despite that legions of fans and many in the media celebrating (though sometimes criticizing ) her body, Christina was not feeling the love, and for good reason. “It kind of hurt my feelings at first,” she admits. “Anytime someone talks about your figure constantly, you get nervous, you get really self-conscious. I was working my butt off on the show, and then all anyone was talking about was my body!” It’s a more than fair reaction from Christina, as any actress ultimately wants her body of work praised, not just her body. What she might not understand is that she has become a symbol of sorts. For the record, she is by no means a big girl. Perhaps we wouldn’t have to celebrate (and scrutinize) women like Christina so much if there were more variety among Hollywood starlets. So let’s put the hourglass aside and focus on what’s really important - the girl can act, and Christina’s portrayal of Joan is heartbreaking, empowering, and infuriating all at once. Besides, when it comes to her body, her weight, her curves, and all the rest, you’re not going to get much more from Christina - she is so over discussing it: “It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

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More Than Just a Pretty Face and a Curvaceous Bod

Get Fit For 2010: One Reader’s Progress Report

We’ve made it to week six of the Get Fit for 2010 giveaway , and this week’s challenge is to write a blog post giving us details on your progress so far. FitSugar user nic222 posted this inspirational update: First, let me start by saying that this is the longest I’ve kept at something in a long, long time - like in 10 years. I’ve made it to week six and despite one small blip, I’m still on track! (I missed one appointment with my trainer because of my gym being closed. We got 27 inches of snow here and seem to get more every day!) Current Weight : 211 pounds Current Waistline : 34.5 inches Since starting in December, I’ve lost 11 pounds and 4.5 inches off of my waist. My pants are becoming loose and my muscles are tighter! I’ve upped my training appointments to twice a week and still go to gym 2-3 times a week outside of my training appointments. I’m eating healthy but decided to splurge on a cupcake last week. I had a major stomachache afterwards and realized that my eating has been so good, my body wanted to reject the extra sugar (or that’s at least what I like to believe). What a change! I’m keeping track of my calories - less than 1600 every day - and ensuring I get balanced meals with plenty of fruit and veggies. I no longer feel that it’s a chore, just something I need to do to stay healthy and fit. My overall mood has also increased and little things that used to get me down are mere road bumps. I look forward to going to the gym and believe that I am making a change for the better that will last the rest of my life! Thanks for having this challenge - the support and reading other posts has helped immensely! I’m sure many of you have been working hard on your health and fitness goals as well. We’d love to know how you’re doing, so join our Get Fit For 2010 community group and write a blog post about your progress . By participating, you’ll not only be on your way to a healthier you, but you’ll also be entered into the drawing for our weekly giveaway of a $100 Nike gift card as well as an awesome grand prize .

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Get Fit For 2010: One Reader’s Progress Report

Madonna Calls It Quits With Trainer Tracy Anderson

These days Madonna has been making big proclamations , but recent changes for the material girl aren’t limited to her love life. Madge has dropped her trainer Tracy Anderson . It seems Madonna has grown “tired of the baggage that Tracy always seemed to be carrying with her.” Anderson had insisted that her trainees abstain from any other form of exercise - no yoga, no running, etc. But it looks like the devotion narrow focus Tracy demanded has become worn out and no longer a two way street. A source told Page Six that “Tracy had grown to be more of a distraction than anything else.” It is rumored that Madonna was upset that Tracy didn’t accompany her on the last leg of her European tour. For Tracy’s response, continue reading.

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Madonna Calls It Quits With Trainer Tracy Anderson

Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Butterfly

If you’re a runner, chances are your feet could use some extra love. Here’s a tranquil pose that will stretch your arches and toes like Toe Breaker stretch , but will also open your hips and challenge your sense of balance. To learn how to do this pose and see another variation read more. Begin standing on your mat with both feet together. Bend your knees and squat down, placing your hands on the floor in front of your feet. Turn your knees out to the sides, keeping the balls and heels of your feet together. When you’re ready, bring your hands to your knees as shown below. You can stay here, or bring your hands together in front of your heart in prayer position. Hold here, balancing for five deep breaths. To release, bring your knees together and stand up. This is one of my favorite balancing poses. What’s yours? Share it in FitSugar’s Yoga Stretch and Tell Group .

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Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Butterfly

Gym Gossip: Details on Tracy Anderson and Gwyneth’s Gym

Last January when asked if you would want to join Gwyneth’s gym she was planning to open with her trainer Tracy Anderson , most of you were not swayed by the celebrity affiliation. Well, the inner workings of the gym have been revealed, and for starters it is not a gym - it’s a studio. Let’s start with the cost of joining the gym studio. The initiation fee ranges from $790 for a six-month membership to $1,500 for a full year. The monthly fees are $900 a month. For that hefty price, you can choose from 85 classes offered weekly , featuring cardio dance aerobics, which Gwyneth described by saying , “It’s fun because it’s not like you’re running mindlessly on a treadmill.” And running is something Tracy thinks you should never do, since she believes running creates too much bulk on your backside, and “a bulked-up bottom is not a pretty one.” But I digress. To see what else you get for $900, read more. Unfortunately, Anderson will not be taking on clients at the Tribeca studio. She splits her training time between the two stars that made her famous, business partner Gwyneth and Madonna, whom Tracy and staff refer to as M. However, members will receive personalized attention from her staff. Every member receives a customized program every 10 days, which is good since it is recommended that you work out at for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 60 minutes, six days a week. Whatever you do, don’t supplement Tracy’s work with yoga. Tracy wants your undivided attention, and has forbidden her star clients to practice yoga. If you cannot make it to the Tracy Anderson Studio, you can try her method with a free mini webisode . Since the gym is out of my budget, I think I am gonna head out for a run. What about you?

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Gym Gossip: Details on Tracy Anderson and Gwyneth’s Gym