TGM :: Tracey Gardner Method™... Let me introduce myself...
I am Tracey Gardner and my story is half of the journey in creating TGM...No TGM was never planned I simply hated working out. I spent endless hours at gyms, counting calories lifting weights and was exhausted, bored and sick of never seeing results. I created TGM through my own injuries and what I loathed in every workout that was text book...I went off how my body feels and in time I said screw it...I am going for what I believe works and yes some people love me some don't but I got a pretty tough skin and am thankful I had courage to do chase my passion. So in April 2010 I went to my husband at the time and said I am going to open a studio. After a year and half of renting space and a ballet studio and filling the classes I was ready to take the biggest risk of my life. No financial support, no money, NO FEAR....I needed to express myself as TGM. My love for decorating, too many times on the dark side, (being bullied, anxiety disorder, suffering depression in the past, addiction to pills, 2 pack a day smoker, etc.) drove me to the creation of being in the dark. I feel you can really let go of all insecurities in the dark, thus that is why we don't have mirrors, no lights and no hands on adjusting. My belief is no pressure and let go at TGM, the heat and steam create a detoxifying effect and we sweat so much it's like jumping out of a swimming pool! and oh the music. Music has been healing for me in many ways. I love love love music, good lyrics, beats, loud music that tells a story was essential in creating and taking TGM to it's own brand. I wanted a place to ESCAPE the real world as my therapist says I created the "Wizard of Oz" or an "Alice in Wonderland" We all need a place of escape and magic right in this crazy world? TGM is an escape from the real world in so many ways. Escaping stress, emotionally, mentally and a physical release of negative energy... It's magical. TGM has saved me through some pretty dark times and so many others...The inspiration of others keeps me going. To look at the last 3 years I could not have ever imagined TGM being real and a healthy addiction for so many thousands of people. I created, I started my blog which is what you are reading and only 5,000 more hits and YES A MILLION HITS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I also designed the studio, the entire space we are in and I am very specific in what I like...Scent and aromatherapy is important to me as well as cleanliness...I am a bit of a germ o phobe who showers at least 5 times a day...yes before and after each class (side note) lol true though
So as you can see TGM is really a piece of me personally...and
is more than a workout...I created TGM from many insecurities I had/have, many dark places, dark times, physical and emotional pain... I was never a fan of killing myself at the gym for 2 hours a day doing cardio and weights and not getting the long lean results I strived for. So many injuries in the past from running and not being able to run again was a void I needed to fill as well as many other voids. We all have them.. I do at least... I suffered from depression, addiction issues, an addictive personality, smoking and just not knowing my limit on things. I am happy to have lived through dark times and pull all of crazy good and bad into TGM, Tracey Gardner Method™ is me. My design, my concept, my true love and it is so so special to me that so many of you have found it and believe! Life is a struggle for so many of us but I chose to put my struggles out there. Yes, some so get me and some shun upon me....My parents have come the farthest in their belief and now they understand why I always have been the way I am. I believe the passion for finding something you love is a gift and a blessing...I seriously learn so much about myself daily and that is what I bring to the mat...TGM is ever evolving. Our bodies hate plateau and so does my mind at least mine does...and I won't settle for mediocracy. You will find energy, passion and lots of truth behind my creation..."My Madness Behind the Mat" has been a journal/book I have been writing over the last few years... I am almost ready to share but its all of you who inspired me in so many ways. TGM has become for many of us a "healthy high" no drug just that endorphin feeling that we can not even describe...better than a "Runners High" "Euphoria" and its good for you! Yes really!
TGM The class...
Be patient though it takes at least 5 classes to get used to the heat and the precise TGM technique is essential in guaranteed results. All classes are one hour and yes we all start from the same point, learning from the beginning...Don't get discouraged, trust me and many of us will agree that TGM will change your life in any way you want it to. Music has given me strength so music is the biggest part of TGM...The playlists in my classes tell a story about what I am going through in the present or what I don't want to deal with...or it can be something that just takes me away and in my own world for an hour. I do love Electronic Dance Music so yes lots of that blaring through all classes...The studio is always dark, hot, steamy and positive. Everyone is so nice and friendly all the time. You walk out feeling high...almost gliding as someone said to me...Very invigorating, detoxifying...for the body and mind.
TGM the technique...
Yes it has been described as learning how to ride a bike...once you get it, it never goes away. Yes I will tweak things and add movement, holds etc because of brain that has the ADD Attention Deficit Disorder blessing..I consider it a blessing as some consider it a curse. Since I stopped fighting every diagnosis and accepted that I have it and lots makes sense...TGM started coming together. Maybe it was the acceptance of things in my past that I was afraid to deal with or this ball of fire I always had buried inside and was ready to explode. I took a chance, No money, no investor, no credit card, no support and then hit with a divorce after 14 years of marriage and two kids, painful to say the least and lots of questions why? how? but I found inner peace and strength through the darkest of times and kept going.
My personal belief...no pressure and do what you can...
Tracey Gardner Method™ TGM is guaranteed to ignite your inner fire, rattle your soul and challenge your entire body, mind and spirit....No WE ARE NOT YOGA, NOT PILATES. TGM is a workout, movement, flow using body resistance and body weight and leveraging. Long holds and burn outs in the heat with no pressure, no mirrors and no judging. YES TRUE...you can burn up to 1500 calories depending on how hard you work in each class in just one hour
Stay strong. Believe in you. NEVER EVER GIVE UP! Passion and love is to be followed and always listen to your heart...ummm if it was easy, I wouldn't keep doing it! So remember we all have shit...I choose to put mine out there but I hope others will get that they are not alone and just because I don't share everything like I used doesn't mean it has been easy...I just put my energy into teaching and creating...so always stay strong!
See you on the mat. big hugs and Namaste'
Tracey
Be empowered. Be you. Be whatever you want! JUST BE. TGM
Tracey Gardner Creator. Owner. Entrepreneur
