T-Tapp: Three Strikes…and You’re IN!
It’s easy to look at someone else’s success with a workout program and compare their situation to yours. And not many middle-aged, overweight women are encouraged by the six-pound weight loss of a twenty-something, bikini-clad model. It’s understandable that they would feel suspicious of T-Tapp when they see slender, fit Teresa Tapp on the cover of a DVD (but let me tell you folks, she’s the real deal!).
That’s why the true story of a 46-year-old mom of twelve who lost 100 pounds with T-Tapp may make you perk up your ears. But even then, you will be looking for similarities to your situation. You’re busy, you’ve lost hope for your middle-aged spread, and you’re not a gym rat.
T-Tapp: I Should Have Struck Out
When I found T-Tapp, I had all that and more. Like a rookie player in the baseball game of exercise, I had these strikes against me:
Huge belly, weak abs. I had 52” abs after having 12 full-term babies. My abs were shot, to put it nicely. Lots of fat accumulation and a muscle separation of at least four fingers. You could push down practically all the way to my spine and just feel mush—no muscle. Folks, I just did the best I could with my big belly. I had to modify some moves because my belly got in the way. As I lost sizes, my belly would keep me out of the next size down, even though my hips and thighs would fit. It got discouraging, but I just kept going. My tummy was the last to go, believe me. I didn’t even feel anything nerve-wise for a year and a half! But T-Tapp was still working, even when I got frustrated or felt hopeless about it.
Super-busy life. When I found T-Tapp, I still had eight children at home and the youngest was only a year old. I was homeschooling six students and feeding and clothing the multitudes. I was busy from the time I opened my eyes until my head hit the pillow at night. I made a decision that it was “my year.” I took the time for myself. And it wasn’t even that much time, mind you. About half an hour in the morning by the time I changed clothes and did a workout. But I shifted my perspective about being “too busy” to take care of myself. I realized it was kinder to my family to care for myself than to give them the scrapings and scraps of limited energy that I had.
Very limited budget. As a single-income family, our budget was extremely tight. I could not afford T-Tapp. But I couldn’t afford thousands of dollars in medical bills either. It was initially a one-time investment anyway, except for replenishing my alfalfa supply each month (I always bought it on sale, and bought several bottles at a time). It was the best $100 I ever spent in my life. (I started with the T-Tapp Total System)
No fitness background. To this day, I’m not real sure what an elliptical is. I went to a gym once and never returned. I thought that exercise meant “an hour a day in the gym, six days per week,” and that was definitely not for me. So I did nothing. T-Tapp requires no gym, no weights, no equipment. It doesn’t even take much room: a four foot square of space. You can use a small TV or laptop in your room….with the door shut. T-Tapp was perfect for a very overweight, non-fitness person like me, because I could do it in the privacy of my bedroom.
With all of these strikes against me, you’d think it would be impossible to succeed. Not so with T-Tapp. The inch loss and reshaping that began from the first workout were so encouraging, I got on first base. Then I kept playing and eventually ended up with a home run, losing nine sizes over a year and a half.
It wasn’t “three strikes and you’re out.” With T-Tapp, it was three strikes and you’re IN!
I bet you feel like you’ve got some strikes against you. List yours so we can brainstorm how to overcome them!
Thank you, Charlotte! I’m doing the 60-day challenge, have over 70lbs to lose and I’ve got 3 kids ages 0-3 at home all day all alone since my husband works out of state. I’ve decided to stop making excuses and declare 2014 the yr I lose this fat! I hope to be a category winner so I can make it to the retreat in Oct and meet you so I can tell you in person what an amazing inspiration you are to me! =)
Jasmine, you go, girl! That would be awesome to meet you! And did you realize that the retreat will be August 7-10 this year?
I am a 66 year old homeschooling grandmother with arthritis in my knees. I am 5’5″ and 50 pounds overweight. I tried to do the 60 day challenge last year but came down with a respiratory infection the day that it started. When that finally cleared up I suffered a long bout of pancreatitis. When I started to feel better from that I tried to start T-Tapp again but my knees would not let me get very far. I should also mention that I have a total spine fusion. Every vertebra is fused so that I only bend at the hips. Is there any hope for me to be able to T-Tapp? Right now I am doing water exercises but would like to do T-Tapp.
Carol, you can absolutely do T-Tapp and there IS hope for you! Why don’t you call the T-Tapp office at 877-827-7348 so they can give you modifications for your health issues? They will be glad to help. There are a couple of Chair workouts that might be just the ticket for you. And you can definitely still get results…from workouts in a chair!
Is it ok to Ttapp with the muscle separation? Are there any special movements that would help this heal correctly especially to begin with very weak abdominal muscles? Or are there any that should be avoided? My arms and legs are getting smaller, but not my tummy which has the separation.
Hi Monica,
Yes, you can definitely T-Tapp with the muscle separation. Mine was healed with mostly standing workouts. I also did a lot of Organs in Place before bed (this move comes on the DVD that comes with the book “Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes by Teresa Tapp–I usually didn’t do much of the Half Frogs part of the movement). I didn’t do a lot of floorwork until my abs were stronger. Biggest tip: lift ribs. This is actually just really good posture, with the spine long and straight. My tummy was the last to go–be patient!
My four strikes are:
Super-busy life. Not as busy as yours–I only have four kids (ages 1-8) and I don’t homeschool them, but I do feel like I am constantly trying to juggle activities at home with activities out of home with keeping the home clean with helping the kids with their reading, etc. My husband works very long hours and will be out of town three of the next four weeks.
Sugar addiction. I am working through this one, but I feel that it is every bit as real as any other type of addiction. It’s hard to lose weight when you are eating so much sugar.
Completely shot abs, huge belly. Like you, I can’t even feel my abs. I probably have a diastasis, but the fat gets in the way and I can’t find it. I haven’t figured out OIP yet. I can’t feel my abs when I do BWO+. I don’t even know where to start. I have about 130 pounds to lose. (Question about the abs … where did you start? how long did it take before you started feeling them again? I got HTF to try to engage them, but even Level 1 seems beyond my reach.)
No hope. Opposite of you, I have tried so many different exercise programs. Yoga, pilates, gym membership, Total Gym, weightlifting, cardio. I probably have at least 50 workout videos in my cabinet. In your video you say you were lucky to have found the perfect exercise the first time. I have had no such luck! I have not been consistent, probably because I have not seen results. And I have not seen results probably because I have not been consistent.
This sounds like a total whinefest. I am giving BWO+ my all and trying to discover everything I possibly can about it. I’m hoping I’ll see results.
Amberly! It is normal that you would feel discouraged after all you’ve been through!
I did start with BWO+ and did mostly that one in the first months of T-Tapp. I kept learning about and progressing in form. That’s what it is–progression, not perfection.
I agree that sugar is hard. That’s been one of my struggles, too. Send me a message (click contact at the top) and I might have some suggestions that will help.
I couldn’t feel anything in my abs for 1 1/2 years but I kept acting like I did, lol. In other words, I did the workout and trusted it was doing its thing–and it did. To help speed it up, you can “slap” your abs when you do Organs in Place (standing or floor–you do it standing when you scoop in before The Box). This will increase the mind-to-muscle connection.
Most of all, it’s better to do something about ONE thing than NOTHING about everything. Just tell yourself: BWO+. 15 minutes. Don’t try to change your eating or anything else for now. Just stay consistent with BWO+. At least 4 times per week gave me inch loss. Find a schedule that works for you: Mon-Fri or Mon-Sat or every other day. Then just do it.
Hope this helps!
I know it’s silly – 4 square feet is a box 2 feet on a side. No chance can you even do hoe downs in that space. I think Teresa means a 4 foot square – which is 16 square feet. Even then I think ladies such as yourself who are tall with lovely long legs might find the balance moves or runner’s stretch to be a tight squeeze.
I worry that new folks will read this and assume they can do the workout in a phone booth then discover it’s not possible after spending the money.
I do adore your site and your advice and get a lot of motivation from your story and enthusiasm. Keep up the good work!
Lol, you’re probably right–that’s a better way to put it! *Phone booth* made me laugh! Thanks for the clarification!
Procrastination !
It’s always- I don’t feel like it now, I will do it tomorrow.
Vi, next time you tell yourself that, interrupt that thinking pattern by doing something unusual–jump up and down, start laughing to break the association. Tell yourself “thank you for sharing” and lace up your shoes! Tell yourself you’ll do 7 minutes. Just 7 minutes. See if any of these help!
Reading your story has been such an encouragement to me. I have 6 children, homeschool, and our youngest has a rare genetic disorder with a lot of medical needs. Needless to say, I’m pretty busy. I’ve done Insanity twice, lost some, but who has time for that. I decided that this is my time…I need to lose 45 more pounds…and then I found T-Tapp. I was skeptical at first, but the 15 min time pulled me in. I have now been at it for a week and have lost 8 3/4 inches. I will continue and plan to start body brushing and taking alfalfa. I am currently doing BWO+…where should I go from here?
Christy, congratulations on your results so far!! That is EXCITING! BWO+ is plenty to keep you busy–and losing inches–for quite a while, especially with a busy household. Eventually you might want to learn the second half of the Total Workout, or in the meantime you could add Step Away the Inches as a variety workout. TWO is 52 minutes, but you could break it up over 3 days for short workouts. At any rate, just keep progressing in form right now and carry on!
Awesome! Thanks for the info, I will take it to heart and pursue those workouts.
I have so much against me: early menopause due to surgery to remove my ovaries after treatment for breast cancer (chemo packed on 40 pounds!), Hashimotos hypothyroidism, anti-cancer drugs that cause weight gain, plus I have two young girls and I work part-time. Until cancer at 37 I was fit and thin my whole life. I am miserable now, which you would think is enough motivation to do something about it, but I can’t seem to stick to anything. I’ve had t-Tapp for years but have only used it on and off. I can barely get through the 15 minute one. I am about 45-50 pounds overweight and in horrible shape. I’m interested to know if you lost your 100 pounds doing the 15-minute and also how often did you do t-Tapp? Any words of advice you can offer to get me off my lazy ass??
Oh, Tati, I’m sure you’re not lazy! You’ve been wounded and you are in a season to heal. I did a LOT of Basic Workout Plus during my weight loss. Eventually I added in the second half of the Total Workout (that’s what the Total Workout is–Basic Workout, then another half hour of moves). And I didn’t do every rep, either. I did what I could and I kept going. You might also consider checking into Plexus Slim to support your weight loss efforts and health issues–it has helped so many people. It’s a great fit with T-Tapp, and just a pink drink once a day (not a meal replacement or diet). Let me remind you of T-Tapp’s motto: Yes YOU Can!
Charlotte…I’ve been an on and off T-Tapper for several years, but as of last week, I am full ON! I always feel so much better when I do the workout (presently doing T-Tapp MORE – from My Home to Yours) and I am committing to doing at least some T-Tapp every day.
I really like a comment that I read on your blog somewhere….on a day where I’m just too sore, tired or busy to get an entire workout in, I might just do the Primary Back Stretch and Hoe Downs or the Chair Workout……why didn’t I notice the Chair workout before? Even that little bit makes me feel so much better it seems like a miracle!
I am mom to three including 20-year old twins….I had a lot of weight to lose and much toning to do after I had them, but in the last 5 years when I returned to a full time desk job, my weight has really ballooned and my energy has sunk to new lows. After a lifetime of “you have all the symptoms of thyroid but your numbers are fine” that finally changed 2 years ago, and I am now showing up as hypothyroid. Add a lifetime of hormonal imbalance, and I was a mess! I’m so grateful that I pushed myself to start Tapping again….even if I never lose a millimeter (and I know I will lose eventually) the energy boost alone is worth it!
Yayyyy YOU, Jo! You have the right idea!! And you will be surprised what “just a little” T-Tapp will do for you over time. I LOVE the MORE Chair workout. I knew a lady who lost a BUNCH of inches doing only Chair–you could see the difference in the photos! Carry on!
Hello Charlotte,
I am 56 years old need to lose 50 lbs. I was always dieting when I was young and working out a lot. I was diagnosed with Graves disease in my mid 20’s and had endometreosis. I have two children in my early 30’s. I then had a problem with my throat and had a radio active scan that I was told would just help them see how my thyroid was working…I went from hyperthyroid to hypothyroid. I went through a lot of stress in three years (divorce, caring for my parents because of a car wreck, went back to school to get my bachelors degree, moved 400 miles away, Mom’s death, teaching high school and going to school, another failed relationship…..) gained from 110 lbs to 230 lbs. Started working out some and dieting lost 50 lbs. I then got to working out for 2 hours a day with no progress. I have been T-Tapping for about 1& 1/2 month and am already seeing a difference. I injured my hip joint while doing the 2 hours of exercise and have very tight hip flexors can you recommend a way to help with this?
Hi Linda, sometimes those hip flexors give trouble because our core is weak and we rely too much on other muscles to carry the load. Try focusing more on curling your core. That’s what Teresa means when she says “Tuck butt.” It’s not just tightening buns, it’s pressing lower back flat like you’re trying to get the curve out, belly button to spine, engaging your core. When you do any “leg to the side” moves such as Hoe Downs, Thread the Needle or Half Frogs, just go to your max (don’t try to go as far as Teresa). If you go beyond, you might overdo for your flexibility and/or strength. See if these tips help!
Thanks for your story! I just found T-tapp thanks to a friend. I homeschool and have 10 children (ages 9 months-19 years) and lots of “extra” around the middle 🙂 And also, some back and knee problems that I’m hoping to correct with this program. My 16 year old daughter and I just started this week. We’re excited! God bless!
Yayyy for you and your daughter!! Keep it doable and keep going–that’s the secret!
Very encouraging. I’m 59 and have 100 pounds to lose. I have no motivation and lots of T-Tapp videos in the drawer. Kids are grown and just me an my husband. I just need to do something besides watch TV. Your story is very inspiring. I’m also Type 2 diabetic and hate taking meds. Anything I could learn would be great because hubby was in hospital for 5 days in December with keto-acidocis (sp) I need help. Thank you
Hi Charlotte,
Do you still T-Tapp?
Hi Teresa,
I have not done T-Tapp in a few years due to several surgeries such as a spinal disc fusion and hip replacement, and Teresa’s death. I retired as a trainer a few years ago and am not sure what’s going on with the company as far as Teresa’s estate.