Book Review: Sexy in 6: Sculpt Your Body with the 6 Minute Quick-Blast Workout

For the last month, I have been working my way through this book.  Let me just get my preconceived notions on it out of the way so you people know where I am coming from.  First, the title implied to me that you could get a body like Tracey’s in 6 minutes.  I don’t have a body like hers and I seriously didn’t believe that I could get it by doing only 6 minutes of anything every single day.  Also, why do I have to be sexy?  I’d rather be fit which is sexy, right? Second, I’m a snob.  Ok, I said it, you still reading??  I  am one of those people that think in order to be fit- you need to run or bike or get outside and enjoy exercising.  I exercise because it’s fun!  So, the thought of “being sexy in 6” minutes in front of the TV is NOT my way.  

HOWEVER, after reading the book, I’ve found a lot of value in the plan, particularly for new moms or for really busy women with no fitness background.  It does take a good hour to get to the gym, exercise, and get back and I know LOTS of people who won’t go to the gym because of the time factor.   But, it’s not based on 6 minutes a day, PEOPLE.  It’s more like 18 minutes a day, six days a week.  Her philosophy is valid- you can find 6 minute stretches throughout the day to exercise.   The Sexy in 6 Plan is a get started on your fitness plan for beginners!  Once you can complete 6 minutes- she suggests that you progress forwards with 30 minute plans on the stairmaster, stationary bicycle or treadmill.

For each section, there are three exercises that she suggest you do in sets of 3 (10-15 reps per set.)  I particularly enjoyed working with the stability ball and hand weights.  Using the ball requires your whole body to be engaged in addition to the body parts being worked.  The Upper Body Blasts A,B,C and D were challenging yet doable.  The more reading I do, the more I believe that weight training is the key to losing the pounds.

Music can really crank up or crank down your workouts and I love that she incorporated music lists to check out! 

In addition to her fitness plans, she also has a complete food plan.  Here’s what you get to eat everyday: 7 protein (1 ounce servings), 3 dairy, 4 fruits, unlimited veggies, 5 grains, 3 fats (6 almonds, 6 cashews, 10 peanuts, 4 pecan halves, 4 walnuts), 4 “treats” per week - wine (4- ounce serving), beer, candy, cookies, etc..

Juicy Facts (page 235):

1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated!

2.  37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken as hunger.

3.  Lack of water is the number one trigger of daytime fatigue.

4.  Your muscles are 70% water

I’ve really enjoyed reading this book as I always learn new things.  I will need to rethink my portion sizes as well.  We eat at least 4-5 ounces of salmon, chicken or shrimp every night.  I’ve also taken to snacking on nuts- way more than 6 at a time!!  She also recommends the Portion Plate- a reminder of how many fruits and veggies you should eat at each meal and how small the protein and grains should be!  The workout plans are great, simple, yet challenging.  Tracy has a website called Team Mallet to check out.  

Sexy in 6: Sculpt Your Body with the 6 Minute Quick-Blast Workout