T-Tapp Bootcamp Tips
The word “bootcamp” when it comes to fitness sounds either scary or great! It brings up images of sweating, gasping soldiers and sounds really hard. On the other hand, a bootcamp seems to promise faster, better results. In reality, it’s somewhere in between. Read on for some T-Tapp bootcamp tips….
A T-Tapp bootcamp can help break a plateau or jumpstart inch loss, but it’s not the end-all for results. The good stuff comes in the consistency AFTER the bootcamp.
However, there are good reasons to do a T-Tapp bootcamp. In Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes, Teresa Tapp states that “Boot camp also forces your body to use muscles you rarely use in daily activity….you must T-Tapp at least four days in a row to get that internal core density.”
For many of you, a bootcamp can be about getting into the habit of consistently T-Tapping. A shorter-length bootcamp can get you over the hump without burnout or overwhelm.
While you may be physically capable of doing a 14-day bootcamp, know thyself. If it’s likely that when it ends you won’t T-Tapp for days and then the days will become weeks, be realistic. A 4-5 day bootcamp is reasonable and doable with a busy schedule, and it’s not so demanding that you won’t jump right back into T-Tapp after the bootcamp ends.
A T-Tapp bootcamp is defined as “working out every day for as long as your chosen bootcamp lasts.” Note that the 15-minute Basic Workout Plus is already safe to do every day. The Total Workout should only be done every other day. In Teresa’s book, either workout is mentioned as an option for a bootcamp.
It’s a good idea to take two days off following a bootcamp. Measure AFTER the two days off to allow muscle swelling to dissipate.
Don’t be surprised if your bootcamp inch loss doesn’t show up until a couple of weeks later. This is the pattern my body tends to follow—zero to very little inch loss after a bootcamp, with sudden inch loss 2-3 weeks later (remaining consistent afterwards, but certainly not every day).
Consider doing an Instructional workout rather than a more advanced workout like Ladybug or the Tempo series. It will go a little slower, thus helping you activate muscle in layers, and there are more instructions for better understanding. If you’re new to T-Tapp (or haven’t T-Tapped consistently in a while), I HIGHLY recommend that you begin with an Instructional workout.
Save variety for after the bootcamp. A bootcamp is designed to help you progressively build your mind-to-muscle connection and awareness—down your spine and out to your limbs—by increasing muscle memory. Muscle memory is built by repetition, so doing the same workout each day helps.
Concentrate on quality rather than quantity. You can always bend knees a little deeper (especially as the workout progresses and you straighten knees without realizing it). You can always curl the core a little better and reach further. This is not to say that you should overdo to the point of going beyond alignment. But most of us are in more danger of sloppiness and lack of activation and alignment.
Be prepared for some tough moments. Teresa Tapp notes that “On days one and two of boot camp, take things slowly, and really focus on proper form. By day three, you might be calling me names—that’s why T-Tapp is an at-home fitness program! But by day four, the exercises will be much easier. That’s because your body will break through a physiological plateau—which is the very reason why it’s so important to do the workout at least four days in a row….” You may experience a “hard day” differently. In my early T-Tapp practice, day four was harder for me, but I think it was because I was not used to activating muscle so it took an extra day to affect me.
Bootcamps are great, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t attribute my success and results to bootcamps. I have done VERY FEW bootcamps over the last 6 ½ years, and only ONE of those was longer than 5 days! Bootcamps should only be done when you’re starting out, when you haven’t T-Tapped in
Remember that T-Tapp is all about quality and consistency. Thirty days of every other day workouts with good form is better than fourteen days of a bootcamp with careless form.
A T-Tapp bootcamp can help you get started or re-started on the right foot. It will enable you to get in the groove and connect your mind and body. You might end up doing some sweating and gasping, but you don’t have to knock yourself out without end. Ten-hut! Carry on!
Do you have some tips for a T-Tapp bootcamp? Please share!
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If you’d like some motivation and accountability to do a T-Tapp bootcamp, join us this weekend! Click here to read the details, and visit the blog beginning Thursday, July 11, for daily tips!
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You said, “Note that the 15-minute Basic Workout Plus is already safe to do every day. The Total Workout should only be done every other day.”
Question: If you are developing consistency would that mean you can alternate between Basic + and Total Workout doing one or the other each day. I’m not referring to a boot camp, but just general consistency. Would that be too much, even if you took one day a week totally off? I’ve struggled with consistency for years because I always seem to hit a wall with my body and am wondering if I’ve just been trying to do too much. Thanks, I somehow missed that the Total Workout should only be done every other day. Yikes!
Yes, that schedule is actually okay. Listen to your body. If you find that it’s too much, you could try PBS–T-Tapp Twist–Hoe Downs on “off” days and see how you do with that. The good thing about taking a day completely off between TWO workouts is that your body rests and you come back stronger for the next one. You could also try a schedule of 4 BWO+ and 2 TWO per week if you’re wanting to do something every day. Honestly, Less is More with T-Tapp. Focus on FORM!
Can the 5 day boot camp really help my weight gain from menopause? I am new and 2 weeks ago did 15 min workout for 8 days.. didn’t see change but really felt it. I have not done anything else.. getting confused and disappointed.. I feel should do Total now or Lady bug.. can you help me out here.. I would love to start and do the boot camp with you.
-Blessings
Hi Lucy,
I was in perimenopause when I started T-Tapp and have gone through menopause with it. You have to remember that I did T-Tapp consistently for a YEAR AND A HALF to reach my goal. I didn’t lose weight at the very first either (although I did lose inches). I did the Total workout about once a week for a period of about five months but I’ve never done it that much since then. Did you start with Instructional #1? That’s the place to begin. It would make a good bootcamp!
Great explanation about boot camps. I did 9 days of T Tapp in a row, but ended up exercising 14 days in a row because after my 9 days we went on a short vacation that included swimming and playing at waterpark every day. I didn’t see any inch loss, but I was prepared for that since I’d read that it often happens. I do think it wore me out more than I’d like and in the future I think consistency and taking adequate rest will be more beneficial.
When you have a lot of weight to lose or are very out of shape, the Basic workout is enough to wear you out.
I agree, Heather. It was a lot to get through (and still is!). I was so out of shape it took a long time to work up to the Total Workout and even then I did 4-6 reps of the second half. I benefitted from every other day because my off day gave my body a chance to rest and repair. Then I came back stronger on the workout day.
Thank you Charlotte and Heather! I feel more confident now and I am determined do this and be patient. I have been doing the instructional #1 and now I am determined I will do this to change my body and feel better. Thank you guys for sharing your thoughts here ! I’m happy to join you !! : )
That determination will serve you well, Lucy!
Hi, Charotte…I would like to join the bootcamp and plan on using T-Tapp More once a day for 4 days since I have over 100 to lose. I’ve used More in the past. Do you think I should do the 15-minute basic instead for the boot camp?
Wendy, you will be just fine doing MORE. In fact, I recommend it. It is a little slower so you can *get* the muscle activation better. Better to do fewer reps in good form than to do 8 fast and sloppy just to keep up with the DVD! If you have time, it would actually be awesome to do the MORE Instructional, but that’s 45 minutes which is twice the time. At any rate, DOING ANYTHING will be great!
I just got my copy of Senior Fit a couple of weeks ago, but I haven’t tried it yet. Would it be a good idea to do the instructional part of this program as my boot camp workout? I’m not a senior, but I’ve heard such good things about it from you and others, that I want to try it.
Senior Fit is awesome, but at first it may not appear to be so, lol. A bootcamp with the Instructional would be a good deal. 🙂
What do you think would be better for someone who is coming off wrist and ankle sprains, has over 100 lbs to drop and has had a sedentary job and lifestyle? bwo+, senior fit, or more?
Your consistency and results are amazing, thanks for the inspiration to restart ttapp!
Bless your heart, Eva! I think the MORE workout would be a great place for you to start, as it has some variety and is a 20-minute workout. Here’s a quick link for you: https://www.t-tapp.com/affiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=119_49_3_48
Hi Charlotte. I have been looking for more info online for Bootcamp and I ran across this site. So happy to read your tips.
When I read the description on one of the videos, I thought I understood to do the total workout every day for 4 days (or more). But it seems like you are saying that’s not the case? Can you help me understand? I just did the total workout for the first time today and was going to do it again tomorrow (starting a Bootcamp). Is this incorrect? I definitely want to get the most benefit and not kill myself you know? But I seemed to do well (aside from being drenched in sweat. Haha).
I am 39 and, just over a year ago, had my 3rd baby. I gained quite a bit with my last one and can’t seem to get it off. I’ve got about 50 lbs to lose. I have always been a relatively healthy and active person so dealing with the weight has been tough.
About 2 weeks ago I started T-Tapping. I have been doing the instructional 1 and 2 and have already lost 12 inches which is thrilling but I want to do this right.
Any help or advice would be so appreciated.
Thank you!!
Hi Kathy,
Bootcamps are not the end-all for results! And you shouldn’t do them too often. Consistency is what will help you lose inches and reshape your body. You can do Total Workout once or twice a week, and Basic Workout Plus 2-3 times per week. Or Basic Workout 4-6 times per week. Or Monday through Friday. Find a schedule that works for you that you can stick with!
Hi!
I am new to TTapp. In fact, I have never even tapped before. I just ordered the basic plus about a week ago. I am 21 years old and am semi active. I used to be a dancer throughout highschool but once I got to college my dancing quit and the pounds piled on. I am about 30 pounds overweight and am wanting to go down 3-4 pant sizes.
How often do you think I should do the video, and do you have any other tips for me to start with? I am very motivated and ready to become active again.
Lea, you’ll find lots of tips here on the blog. Best wishes to you on your T-Tapp journey!
Maybe I mixed something but the 15 min workout could be good for bootcamp? At this point in my life I am not able to do the Total body workout four days in a row.
Hi,
I just came across your website searching for more information about the t-tapp boot camp. After how long of a fallout would a repeat boot camp be advisable? I did a 4 day boot camp last month with the total body workout but between being sick, going on holiday and life getting crazy with three little ones under the age of four I haven’t been able to do any workouts (probably because I always feel that if I do take the time I should be doing the 45 min workout every other day and that’s hard to fit in…)
So, after several weeks of no workout whatsoever, should I do another boot camp (and for that, would the 15 min basic workout really be enough) or just develop a consistent schedule between 15 and 45 min workouts?
Thanks! Your help is much appreciated!
Hi,
I just came across your website searching for more information about the t-tapp boot camp. After how long of a fallout would a repeat boot camp be advisable? I did a 4 day boot camp last month with the total body workout but between being sick, going on holiday and life getting crazy with three little ones under the age of four I haven’t been able to do any workouts (probably because I always feel that if I do take the time I should be doing the 45 min workout every other day and that’s hard to fit in…)
So, after several weeks of no workout whatsoever, should I do another boot camp (and for that, would the 15 min basic workout really be enough) or just develop a consistent schedule between 15 and 45 min workouts?
Thanks! Your help is much appreciated!
Hi.
Question:
Whybare you saying that two should not be done more than one day in a row for boot camp?
I just got done reading the booklet amd it clearly says to do the two bootcamp for at least 4 days in a row..j personally cannot do boot camp for more that 4 in a row…but just wondering qhy you are saying not to ?
Hi.
Question:
Whybare you saying that two should not be done more than one day in a row for boot camp?
I just got done reading the booklet amd it clearly says to do the two bootcamp for at least 4 days in a row..j personally cannot do boot camp for more that 4 in a row…but just wondering qhy you are saying not to ?