Review: Tracey Mallett’s Total New Body (With a Giveaway!)

I’m stepping away from postpartum mom-specific workout DVDs today to cover one of those kick-your-butt workouts that we all need from time to time—Tracey Mallett’s The Booty Barre: Total New Body workout DVD. While I think it would likely give you a totally new body, it could just as easily be called Total Shaky Body, as it will definitely give you one of those.

The workout is ballet- and Pilates-inspired so you get in plenty of toning and strength, but I was surprised at how much my heart rate got up throughout the workout. The hour-long DVD starts with a warm-up that got me toasty: pliés, calf raises and deep, pulsing squats are but a preview of what’s to come. From there you move into a 10-minute upper-body workout that hits all the usual suspects in a fresh way—the dance posture will challenge your lower bod while you’re working the upper. My favorite move was one in which you flap your arms like a bird while holding weights—tough yet fun! Tracey seems to blend one move into the next seamlessly so you’re making the most of your time—and getting no break, sucker. The 3-pound weights I used were challenging, but the advanced exerciser can up the weight for more of a burn.

Once you’re done with arms, Tracey proceeds to bash your lower-bod with fervor. There are enough moves done with your heels off the ground to toast your calves, and you’ll be surprised at just how many variations of pliés are known to man. There are curtsy squats and leg kicks, mountain climbers and planks. And just when you think there can possibly be no more, you do more glute work. It’s one of those workouts where you have to remind yourself that you have to repeat all the moves on your other side, too, so don’t spend all your energy in one place!

The ab and flexibility section was short and sweet, with side planks, pulsing ab work and some stretches you’ll be grateful for. Tracey’s instruction is great, and her reminders to keep your core engaged will have your abs worked before you hit the ab section. Modifications are also shown, great for when I needed to bring it down a notch!

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability:★★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Fit Bottom line: A fresh take on dance-based workouts that will get you energized and wear you out. Total New Body will tone you from head to toe while sneaking in your cardio as well.

Want to get shaky, too? Comment below to win a copy of  Total New Body. The winner  will be notified via email in about a week. (U.S. residents only, please.) G’luck! —Erin