It’s T-Tapp Time: Do You Know Where Your Shoes Are?
It’s T-Tapp Time: Do You Know Where Your Shoes Are?
by Charlotte Siems
Back in the early 1960’s, we had a black-and-white television. I clearly remember getting our first color TV when I was eight years old, and boy, that was pretty fancy. I even remember when the late television shows were over and the networks would actually sign off for the night, not to show programming again until early the next morning (you know, Jack LaLanne and Romper Room with Miss Fran). Every night at about 10:00, a Public Service Announcement would solemnly question: “It’s 10:00. Do you know where your children are?” I think it might be good to bring that one back.
My question for you is: “It’s T-Tapp time. Do you know where your shoes are?” When I teach a T-Tapp class or form clinic, there is usually a participant or two who does their workout barefoot. While you shouldn’t let shoes come between you and a good set of Hoe Downs or some bedtime floorwork, you should usually wear shoes to do your workout, especially when you are still learning.
You may be thinking, “Hey! I thought T-Tapp had a barefoot workout!” You’re right, Barefoot Basic is a great workout after you’ve been T-Tapping for a while (six months?). Here’s the description from the T-Tapp store:
Although it is highly recommended to wear shoes while learning the Total Workout or doing any T-Tapp exercise that involves balance, this clinic workout teaches the primary principles of how to maximize muscle activation and safely do the Basic Workout Plus without shoes. Application of these techniques can also be done while wearing shoes to increase intensity and effectiveness of ANY workout you do!
Why wear shoes, you may ask? One of the biggest reasons to wear shoes for T-Tapp is to give your feet support. Muscle imbalance in the knees and feet can be rehabilitated by T-Tapp, but only if you are keeping knee out to little toe. The muscles in the arch of your foot need support and help to build strength when you are beginning T-Tapp.
You don’t want your tootsies gripping the floor and stealing your core work. Doing Instructional #2 barefoot? Don’t try this at home (or anywhere else for that matter).
Feet come in all shapes and sizes, widths and arches. Many T-Tappers prefer Skechers Energy 2250 (with a red tab on the tongue). It’s important to find crosstrainers that give good lateral support of the feet. You don’t want a running shoe with a lifted heel that keeps you out of alignment.
My first few days of T-Tapp were done in cheap mesh-sided athletic shoes and my feet began to really hurt. I soon switched to Skechers and never looked back. There have been several instances of T-Tappers I know personally who got relief (and a better workout) when they started wearing them, too.
I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to spend time working out and sweating, I’d like to get the most results possible for my efforts. Taking the time (and yes, money) to care for your feet with good shoes can make a difference. The feet are the foundation for your body, so start from the ground up.
In an old forum post, one T-Tapper said, “Tapping without shoes is like sitting in the back row of an opera house and trying to watch without those little binocular glasses things. You can get the basic gist but it’s a whole new world when you put those glasses on….”
Or maybe it’s like the difference between black-and-white and color. To get the full effect and get your T-Tapp groove on, get some shoes on!
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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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Any ideas for shoes other that Skechers Energy 2250? I wear size 12 and they only make them up to size 11.
Any ideas for shoes other that Skechers Energy 2250? I wear size 12 and they only make them up to size 11.
Hmm…I don’t have a specific brand or model, but you’re looking for a wide toe box and good lateral support. From what I’ve seen (and worn), mesh-sided running shoes and skinny fashion tennis shoes don’t provide enough support. Old, broken-down shoes are not good either. Have you tried a search on Zappos or Shoebuy online to see what they have in a 12?
I have been t-tapping since 2006.. I just recently started t-tapping bare foot, for convenience.. If it would have been difficult I wouldh ave found my shoes immediately.But because my feet automatically go in to the big toe, knees out position.. Activation.. My feet are alive.. it is great after 7 babies. There was NO way I would try this when I first started.. but now my feet are so strong/awake that I can .. Now.. Do you recommend that I still use the shoes?
I hope you mean “no weight on big toe.” :)) Since you have T-Tapped for a long time, go for it. As long as you’re using the form in Barefoot Basic, you’re good. But that only goes for the Basic Workout. For the second half of Total Workout, all of the moves that require balance, no. Teresa Tapp herself said that SHE can’t do those moves barefoot and keep proper form. Hope this helps…
Good solid tips for T-Tapping Charlotte. You really brought back memories when you talked about your first color TV. I remember that day too, Shenandoah the western movie was on and I was amazed at the vibrant green of the valley and the vivid blue sky. I, too remember the networks signing off with that weird circle thing and the screechy buzz of the signal going out. Now to get those feet supporting Sketchers and get back to basics with my T-Tapp routine, now that I’m losing weight, it’s time to firm it up.
I love love LOVE your blog. You are super inspirational to busy mamas out there who have (well, HAD in your case!) a lot to lose. T-Tapp is amazing!
I’m one of those who doesn’t wear shoes. I can’t stand wearing shoes while I work out and it’s one of the reasons I was happy to get out of the gym. Will I see less results doing T-Tapp barefoot? I did the BWO+ for a month and didn’t lose inches but my clothing fits way better and people have told me I look like I’m losing weight. This is HUGE as I have thyroid (hashis) issues and even trying to lose a pound was impossible.
I’m not doing the MORE workout and yesterday did it with shoes and was hot and uncomfortable the whole time. I felt like I couldn’t tell how to get my KLT. I’ve also read the book so I think my form is pretty darn good. I look in a mirror even during workouts.
What do you think? Is it going to cause problems and should I just bare with shoes or can I go barefoot and be ok?