What Not to Do When You Start T-Tapp
by Charlotte Siems
Have you seen the TV show where the two stylists go through someone’s wardrobe and get rid of everything that is not flattering? Usually the person had no idea that their clothes didn’t do anything for their coloring and figure, and they’ve been heedlessly wearing them for years. It would have been nice to have the stylists’ help when they first started building their wardrobe!
It can be the same with T-Tapp. You might have no idea that what you’re doing is not the most effective way to lose inches and stay consistent, and an experienced T-Tapper can offer some advice, fashion and otherwise.
What NOT to do:
Get confused about how to start. You have three basic choices:
Basic Workout Plus – T-Tapp’s 15-minute wonder. I got most of my results with this workout (or variations of it), but I also did Total Workout.
Total Workout – Even if you start with Basic Workout Plus, it won’t be long before you’re curious about the rest of the story. Total Workout includes a Basic Workout Plus DVD with Instructional #1 and Total Workout DVD with Instructional #2. The Total Workout is known as the meat and potatoes of T-Tapp, with great core-building and balance-building exercises.
MORE – This workout is great for those with more to lose, more birthday candles and more health issues. A bit slower, fewer reps on most moves—but still gives inch loss and great health benefits.
One other variation is The Total System, which includes Basic Workout Plus, Total Workout, and the skin brushing system with supplements to help tighten your skin as you lose inches. This is what I purchased to begin T-Tapp, along with the book Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes so I got 30% off my order!
Burn out by being all-or-nothing. Sure, take advantage of your enthusiasm at first. But if you find yourself skipping workouts because you’re exhausted or you just don’t have time for 45 minutes, be realistic and cut back. Four short workouts done in a week beats a long workout not done because you dreaded it or couldn’t fit it in.
T-Tapp barefoot or in cheapo or broken down shoes. The feet are the foundation of fitness! T-Tapping barefoot is actually more challenging to keep good form, and form gives the results. Save the barefoot workout for later when you’ve been Tapping for a while and get the Barefoot Basic DVD. Good, supportive crosstrainers with a wide toe box are essential. Many T-Tappers (including me) recommend Skechers Energy 2250.
Try to change your diet at the same time. Teresa Tapp doesn’t recommend that you change your eating at all in the first month of T-Tapp. One change at a time, please. Too many changes at once can overwhelm you to the point of giving up. I personally started my inch loss journey with T-Tapp rather than a diet.
Skip the basics. Start with the Instructional workouts. They teach the form and yes, you need to hold the stance while Teresa talks. That will help build the mind-to-muscle connection and endurance. Do the Instructional at least 4-5 days before you move on to the workout. Then go back and do it again once a month. And did I mention starting with the Instructional workout?
These are just a few tips on “what NOT to do” when you get started with T-Tapp. Get going, stay consistent, and you might just find that you need to watch that TV show to get ideas for when you buy an entire new wardrobe!
Please leave a comment below (especially if you have a question!)
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 Charlotte Siems is a home-maker, home manager, T-Tapp Trainer, teacher, speaker and author. Her story of losing over 100 pounds with T-Tapp has encouraged thousands of people all over the world. She specializes in making home management and T-Tapp “doable” for real people and real life. She is happy to be a wife and mother of twelve children whom she has successfully taught at home for 25 years. |
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Charlotte Siems
I'm a happy wife and mom of 12 who lost 100 pounds, shrinking from size 22W to 6 with the T-Tapp workout. I've homeschooled for 26 years, baked a million cookies, taught T-Tapp and kept things together (and mostly sane) at home. I love to help people find practical, real-life solutions for home, family, fitness and business--no guilt or perfection needed!
Latest posts by Charlotte Siems (see all)
- Seasons of Change - May 20, 2013
- My Recovery From Adrenal Fatigue, Part 2 - May 16, 2013
- Living Backwards - May 9, 2013
I curious about your comment about not changing diet, are people really able to reduce inches while continuing to eat exactly as they normally do?
Many, many people have lost inches without changing their eating. I lost 37″ in the first couple of months of T-Tapp without dieting. After four months I began to eat only between hunger and fullness and went on to lose 100 pounds. Because I had so much weight to lose I did need to address my eating.
Charlotte,
. Not to mention after 3 days I had no more hip pain (I’ve had it daily for 5+ years) and my bladder issues seem to have disappeared too!
First I want to say it was your video testimony on that inspired me to start t-tapp. I just finished my bootcamp and lost 15+ inches. To answer the previous question from Augustus1122, Yes you can! I actually ate worse during my bootcamp because of my daughters’ dance rehearsals, classes, and recitals going on during that time. I look forward to even more results now that my diet will not consist of eating out 4 times in one week
Thank you for the great tips. With many children (I know you can understand) I think I will be better off with 4 – 15 minute workouts, than a 45 min one. I’m so excited about this journey.
Charlotte, I was wondering if the shoes that you buy for your workouts (skechers) are only used for working out or do you wear them all day also while doing chores and anything else that comes along that day? I recently bought my first pair of skechers online and my everyday shoes get worn out quickly when worn for workouts and every day life so I don’t know if I should “save” the sketchers for just workouts or??? I know silly question but at $50.00 or so a pop I want to save them for what they were intended if that is the best> :0) Thanks!
My Skechers are only on my feet when it’s time to workout! I take them in a bag when I go somewhere else to teach a workout. I replace them once or twice a year even if they still look good, because the support does break down and I can tell a difference when I get a new pair.
Charlotte – I am better at shorter (15 minutes or so) workouts. Will this get me the wanted/needed results? In addition to BWO+ I’ve been doing SATI and purchased the MORE dvd. I hope I’m on the right track. Thanks for being such a giving person when it comes to T-Tapp!
Mmm–depends on your fitness level, health, ability to activate muscle, how many sizes you want to lose, etc. If you have adrenal fatigue, definitely stick with shorter workouts. I did have a season where I did long workouts 1-2x week, one Total Workout bootcamp and one Tempo Arms bootcamp and I think that benefitted my body. It might take longer to reach your goal with only short workouts but I have no doubt that you will still be way better off with short workouts than NO workouts!
I have three boys now and I desperately want a girl! I love my kids wholeheartedly but I need to lose this weight (I’m 240) before I even think about it. I just bought the basic by clicking on your link. When I want to buy more workout, is there a more affordable way to do so?
I have some chronic auto-immune disorders as well as fibromyalgia AND CFS AND suffer from lots of joint issues including herniated disks, knee and elbow problems – all of this makes working out VERY painful and I find myself working out for a few days and then getting to the point where I can barely move without crying so I give it up – anyway, I was wondering if you thought this would be a good workout for me? I need to loose at least 100 lbs to be where I want to be but I’m really mostly looking for something that will help to improve my joint problems and help me to feel stronger. Where should I start?
Charlotte, I praise God for your testimony. I was skeptical after seeing a different ad for T-Tapp, but after watching you and then showing the testimony to my husband, I was convinced! I bought the Total System and I’ll be starting this wk. I made my husband promise to T-Tapp with me if he saw the results, so wish me luck! ^_^
You go, girl! Get started, keep it doable and stay consistent! Your husband is going to be joining you before you know it!
I am also a homeschooling mom and it is so hard to fit the time in but I do my best to do the Basic + 3-4 times a week. I have been ttapping since September and have lost a total of 35 minutes. I plan on trying Barefoot Basic this week. I feel like I have hit a stand still. I haven’t lost anymore inches in about a month. Is this normal?
Thank you
Lisa
Hi Lisa, Woo-hoo on 35″!!! It is normal to have plateaus. I hit a plateau and was stuck in a size 18W for three months! After that the inches came off quicker. I think T-Tapp was doing some rehabilitation on the inside during that time. Barefoot Basic will turn up the heat, just pay careful attention to the foot position. Don’t try to do the rest of Total Workout barefoot–even Teresa Tapp says she can’t do it barefoot and keep good form!
Charlotte, Thank you for sharing! I have a confession and question. First, the confession. I’m scared! I need to loose 100 lbs and have “tried everything”. I feel like T-Tapp is doable, but still the fear of failing again is there. Question. WHERE do I start. You have mentioned the total system and various other videos. I want to give myself the best possible chance for success, so I thought I’d ask. Thank you again for sharing your journey. Tears have rolled down my face as I have read and hoped this can be my testimony as well. Blessings to you!
Katie, You can do it! Don’t focus on that fear. Action cures fear, so get a workout and get going! Which workout to start with depends on your health and other situations. I bought the Total System, then started with Basic Workout Plus and the skin brushing and alfalfa. You might want to start with MORE if you have some health issues. Either one is good and will give inch loss. Read here to learn more: http://charlottesiems.com/category/ttapp-fitness/getting-started-ttapp
Thank you, Charlotte!
hi I have been doing the basic workout.every other day for two weeks now and so far no inches lost. I do see quite a bit of muscle tone forming. should I be doing the basic workout every day to see inches lost?
Dear Charlotte, I am in the same boat with Katie. I am scared but excited at the same time that this could finally be possible. I stumbled onto the T-Tapp website last night for the first time after hearing from my sister about “some woman with 12 kids, who lost over 100lbs”. I had to check it out.
I am 42, a mother to 10 children and I weigh a little over 270 pounds!! I have tried so many things over the years that I haven’t had the courage to ask my husband if I can purchase the system yet. After seeing your testimony and reading your story I finally ended up hear on your website. Our lives seem so similar (with mothering, homeschooling, etc.) I feel like I need to do exactly what you did. I know we all have different bodies and our own story but I can’t tell you how hopeful I am having seen you. You are the first REAL person I have ever heard of remotely in my situation to share REAL success. I honestly began to believe that this was impossible for me. I don’t think I can buy your virtual training (although that seems ideal) AND the actual program form T-Tapp, but I am so excited to gather all the tips I can from here and your other posts.
Thank you so much for sharing
and Katie, I ditto everything you said about fear and wanting to get started right. I can tell there are probably many kindred spirits visiting here and needing support and encouragement.
Charlotte do you think they will still honor the 30% discount when you buy the book? Like I said I am really wanting to copy you as much as possible
by having all the right tools to get the best possible results.
Rachel, you could have several things going on–muscle swelling or form issues. It can take a while to develop the mind-to-muscle connection. Instructional #1 is the place to start. Do it at least 4-5 times before moving on to the workout. The forum has many resources to help with form and ask questions, so I recommend starting there.
Hi Maggie, yes there IS hope! You’re probably very busy, so keep it doable, but take advantage of your motivation to get started. You’ll still be able to use the 30% coupon from the book later, so don’t worry about that. Plug in to the T-Tapp forum for support and encouragement. Welcome to T-Tapp!
looking forward to beginning…i have lost over 100 #s and struggle to keep it off..need to lose those last 20#s thanks…i
Congratulations, Irene!! I think T-Tapp will really help you!
hi Charlotte
I live in Cyprus and cannot get total workout dvd ,,,, i only the fit and fabulous book , which i find very difficult in following instructions.
i have been on website and done the “try before you buy ” but i am confused as to the series of excercies
is there any way i can order online with delivery to Cyprus and ofcourse will they dvd work in this part of the world.
thks
Hi Andry,
Call the T-Tapp office at 877-827-7348 and see what they can do. The T-Tapp forum also has some resources for working with the Try Before You Buy exercises. Best wishes!
Charlotte, your testimony is amazing and you are beautiful!! I am not overweight–I weigh 117 llbs. and I am 5’5″. However, I am 51 years old and I don’t feel strong or supple anymore. Can you advise me about what to do to get leaner and have a better silhouette? I, too, have a son’s wedding coming up in July… Thanks.
Aww thanks! I started with Basic Workout Plus and that would probably be a good one for you. Click on the T-Tapp link in the menu at the top of the page and there’s a page on “How to Get Started with T-Tapp”–that should help!
Thanks for the quick response! I will investigate it.