New here and questions/14 day Bootcamp!

[Britta McColl]

Hi All,

I am new to T Tapp.

My back and knees are already feeling better after 9 days bootcamp of BWO+. My goal is a 14 day bootcamp. I'm going slow and using the instructional part mostly except for a few days were I had to go somewhere and did the 15 minute workout with hoedowns at the end.

I may have lost an inch on my waist..... hard to tell if I measured right the first time....

I'm having a hard time doing the hoedowns though as they DO make my back sore as I have a problem with the left side of my back and standing on one leg does hurt. Should I strengthen my back before working on hoedowns again?

I am a mom with 7 kids and hope to lose 2 sizes by my anniversary on December 30, 2009. Funny thing though-- I have been size 14 for over a year. I had almost given away my size 12 pants as I thought I'd never get back into them, and maybe would even go up to size 16. I'm almost 48 so just thought my body was going to expand from here on out. T- Tapp has sure given me some hope. ANYWAY, yesterday I tried on my size 12 pants and I could get into them and wear them comfortably and look pretty nice. I would ALMOST say I had lost a size already, but my stomach pouches out of them a bit at the top. Not really uncomfortable, but if I had on a little top that showed my stomach, it would not look good. With a regular top though, I look pretty good.

I enjoy reading Charlotte Siem's story (mom with 12 kids). She wrote:

"Don't be too hard on yourself. Go to YOUR personal max. It took me many weeks to work up to doing the whole TWO (with extra water breaks), and eight MONTHS to get through SATI with no water breaks. It may take you longer...or not. I took a day or two (or three) off when I needed it."

What is the TWO and what is the SATI?

I'd like to do the workouts she did as if I could lose 4 sizes even in 6 months or a year I would be so pleased! All I have just now is the BWO+. I sent in my coupon at the back of the book and will use my 30% discount to get what extra I may need to buy.

How important is that Body Brushing? I do have the Alfalfa pills and take those.....

I'd love to get the CORE for my kids. I tried to get my little girls to do the BWO+ with me but they won't do it. They are 6 and 8 and I bet watching kids workout with Teresa and her dog would motivate them. Did anyone find that getting the CORE? did the trick to get their kids to do the T Tapp?

Anyway, if Teresa Tapp is reading this-- I want to say a BIG THANK YOU -- for all the hope and improvement in just 9 days. I feel taller and stronger! This along with the better back and better knees is worth the price of admission. If I lose some sizes that will be a wonderful bonus.:clappinghands:

Truly,

Britta in WI mom to 7 human kids, and 5 goat kids

[monica213]

Hi

Welcome to T-Tapp! Let's see how I can help! :thinkingabout:

I'm having a hard time doing the hoedowns though as they DO make my back sore as I have a problem with the left side of my back and standing on one leg does hurt. Should I strengthen my back before working on hoedowns again?

Well that is hard to say if it is your back, weak core muscles, or not tucking. You need to curl your core to initiate the tuck

Teresa calls flattening the lower back "curling the core" due to the fact that many of us have a curve in that area and that’s the center or core of the body. This is a term that Teresa uses to help get Tappers to "tuck their body under" when the lower back (lower lumbar area) has a greater curve. There needs to be a "straighter line" - in other words, not a "sway back". When you tuck your butt, it is more than initiating the move from your butt or tailbone. Applying these tips can really take your workout to the next level.

Curl the Core - On the Floor
If you are a beginner you might want to practice this first on the floor to get the feeling of it. Lie on your back on the floor with your knees to the ceiling, toes forward and heels near your butt, now press your shoulders into the ground, make donut fingers (making a "donut" with your thumb and fingers, then press the thumb into the index finger), then press hands into the floor to help activate the muscles equally. Make a "W" with your arms keeping the hands even with the shoulder, now tuck your butt so that the lower lumbar area touches the floor (with NO air space).

Curl the Core - Standing
When you understand and "feel" this movement then get into the Plie stance and stand in front of a wall. Now press your back and shoulders against the wall. Make sure you press your lower back into the wall so there is no air space. You want to be able to do some Plies in that position, while keeping your shoulder and back (including lower back) pressed against the wall. You can also keep "donut hands" against the wall as well. This helps to engage your lats. Pull your elbows towards the side of your body and keep your hands down to shoulder level. This is the feeling you're working towards when you're tucking your butt.

Curl the Core - Sitting
You could also do this during the day when you're sitting. Make sure to get your shoulders and hips in alignment, then I press your lower back into the chair and tuck butt at the same time. You should feel your stomach muscles engage. This can help shave off inches for your torso and abdominal area.

I am a mom with 7 kids and hope to lose 2 sizes by my anniversary on December 30, 2009.

Keep consistent and watch your diet. It is possible. You can do BWO+ daily. When you order I would suggest you add BWO Part 2 (this combined with BWO would give you TWO), Hit the Floor and SATI. (These are some of the workouts Charlotte used too)

What is the TWO and what is the SATI?

Check out this link HERE (http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?t=60844) for T-Tapp Acronyms

How important is that Body Brushing? I do have the Alfalfa pills and take those

Be certain they are Teresa's Alfalfa, any other is NOT the same and may cause weight gain.

Check out this link (http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?t=65154) for Dry Skin Brushing

Did anyone find that getting the CORE? did the trick to get their kids to do the T Tapp?

Many children do TappCore and love it! 6 and 8 is young and the 3 minute moves would be great for your kids.


ROFLOL -> Just saw your goat kids... that is hysterical!

[Nuggan]

Welcome fellow newbie! I am mother of 5 children, 2 cats and a dog. I'll have no excuses once my system arrives because I know you're busier than me and you're getting it done!

[just7]

Welcome Britta!!! (no goat kids here...but 6 human ones. Was 7, but the oldest is married and is visiting Trisch/BlessedMama righ tnow)

Okay---How exciting is that?? That your size 12s are fitting, even snuggly!!!

I was doing TappCore with my kids during our reading time. We home school and our Reading Time together can get rather long and they will get sleepy. I just TOLD them that this is what are doing, no excuses, no exceptions. (The DVD only has Teresa on it and her dog Buddy)

At 1st some of my kids resisted. But now they do it. It is pretty funny to have them all doing the moves quietly and then at the very same moment they all start repeating exactly what Teresa is saying!!

My 17 yo dd started doing Tapp Core on her own once we were all doing it. My just-turned 13 yo dd (who is a twig) does Tapp Core on her own now. Even my 11 yo ds (who resisted the LOUDEST at first) is doing some of it on his own!!

I say---Go For It!!!!!

They may whine a little at first or show some resistance, but if you require it each day, then they will get into it!

[BlessedMama]

Yes to everything everyone else said! ;)

My first thought when you said your back hurt was weak abs. Been there, done that! Make sure you curl the core as Michelle said (print that info off, bookmark it, it is very, very, VERY important!). It is your abs that are lifting the legs, not the thighs/back. Also make sure you are not leaning back nor forward too far. You should be leaning back just enough to have the abs and lats engaged. I wasn't leaning back far enough! The common error is too far back. Shoulders over hips!

It took 6 months for me to lose 4 sizes, so it can be done! I had a lot of weakness in my abs, so that has been a tough area until this year (after about 2 1/2 years of T-Tapp). I had more to lose than you, though, too!

Are you doing Organs In Place (OIP)? There is a dvd in the back of the book with HDs, Advanced HDs, OIP and Half Frogs (maybe elevators, too). Do the OIP twice a day--that really helps the tummy area!

Brushing--a BIG YES! It moves toxins, tightens skin, removes cellulite and makes you nice and soft! Read Michelle's links!

And yes to Teresa's alfalfa, too!

I really don't have much to add other than YOU CAN DO IT! Make use of these forums as you will find there is a wealth of info and encouragement here!

Oh, and check out the Must Read Threads here:

http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?t=57929

If you study one move of BWO+ per week and really focus on it during your workouts, you will be doing a sort of "do-it-yourself-clinic"! :D

HOORAY for your results already! :clappinghands:

[Britta McColl]

HI All,

Thanks so much for your help! I have followed the links! Very helpful on the body brushing! That was convincing!:reading:

And now I know what the T Tapp abbreviations are too.

I did the lay on the floor to make sure my back is flat enough and I think I HAVE been getting a good flat back for MOST of the moves except hoedowns. I had a straight leg and doubtful on the back. I'll work on that.:hello2:

Should I quit the Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike for a bit? I think it does have me bending over too much. Maybe I could do it but just do the leg part while keeping a flat back and skip the arm part of it.:confused:

Thanks to the mom who gave the tip on the CORE with kids! Yes, when I get it I'll just make it part of their school day! We homeschool too, so I can work it in somewhere there! Perfect for winter when we can't get out as much up in the cold northland.

Well, I'm afraid if I read and type too much more here, I won't get to the T-Tapp for the day! :D So I better run. Thanks again for everyone's help!

Truly,

Britta

[Britta McColl]

Hi Again,

Was it Michelle, the moderator who gave me the below great tip? One question: What are lats? I here Teresa talk about these on her DVD's as well and don't know what they are. Probably a dumb question. :behave: But the answer will no doubt help me!:help:

Thanks!

Britta

Curl the Core - Standing
When you understand and "feel" this movement then get into the Plie stance and stand in front of a wall. Now press your back and shoulders against the wall. Make sure you press your lower back into the wall so there is no air space. You want to be able to do some Plies in that position, while keeping your shoulder and back (including lower back) pressed against the wall. You can also keep "donut hands" against the wall as well. This helps to engage your lats.

[monica213]

HERE (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Latissimus_dorsi_.PNG&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Latissimus_dorsi_.PNG&h=1156&w=733&sz=312&tbnid=gXO-BEoMyjq-QM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=95&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlatissimus%2Bdorsi&usg=__DiH_hcM_l1MDG8qb_ivAHKXD3Ns=&ei=4nQZS5nHMtPP8QbA86HUAw&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=5&ct=image&ved=0CCIQ9QEwBA)is a diagram to the lats. If you think where the bra strap hits around your rib cage and tighten there -> wella! You will have tightened your lats!

[fruitvine]

Hi Britta! You've already received great advice from the girls, just wanted to pop in and say Yes, YOU Can! :clappinghands:

(and I did the brushing from the beginning--it really helped tighten my skin as I lost the inches!)

[Britta McColl]

Hi Michelle and Charlotte Siems and all helpful T Tappers!

Wow! I note from Charlotte! ☺ Thank you for your encouragement. I have bookmarked your blog http://charlottesiems.blogspot.com/ and will read it all as I have time. I’m trying to watch out for that temptation to read every thing about T Tapp at the expense of DOING T Tapp!

Thanks for the great diagram to the Lats, Michelle!

I finished my 14 day bootcamp and was exhausted by the end and getting hungry much more often than usual.

I’m laughing because when I started T Tapp I was doubting whether or not it was really much of a work out, but decided at least I’d have a good back and knees out of the deal. But by the end of boot camp there was not doubt that T Tapp is a good workout. Between using my lats and tightening my tummy—ie pulling the belly button to the back bone-- figuratively—or curling the core- more technically—anyway—all of these moves is what got me me very sore muscles. The hoedowns are getting easier and not hurting my back so much—since I’m tucking that core better.

By day 14 -- I could barely curl the core (ie barely move those muscles) and then I took three days off as those muscles were so sore it seemed they couldn’t move at all. Besides doing the BWO + (sometimes twice a day) for my Bootcamp I was also curling the core whenever I remembered—standing at the stove or sitting, and I really used those muscles for the 1st time in many many years. Interesting my arms and legs were a bit tired at the beginning of bootcamp but they seemed to recovere midway through and keep up with all the moves just fine. Maybe I use my arms and legs more than the core…. Fatigue wise I probably would have been much better off with a 10 day Bootcamp. But at least with the 14 day bootcamp I have no doubts as to the power of T Tapp as a workout AND as a rehabilitative program.

Is this extra hunger normal at the end of bootcamp? I’d have to get something high protein like eggs, meat or cheese-with some carrots thrown in to calm the hunger down and I was finding myself having mid morning eggs and mid afternoon eggs on may days. Okay, yes, I’ve also had ice cream a few days during the boot camp! ☺ Isn’t it nice that T Tapp doesn’t give you a guilt trip over some ice cream??? ☺ But generally I am eating God made foods as Theresa calls them!

I did measure on day 15 and I don’t think I lost any more inches from the one inch I lost that first week. Is this normal to not lose another inch the second week? But I had just eaten a lot of spaggheti as I was SO hungry! On day 10 of the bootcamp, I should have measured because when I looked in the mirror it LOOKED like I may have lost another inch or two.... but the last few days of bootcamp I was so hungry I had to eat extra and maybe that pooched out my midsection. Haven’t weighed myself per someone’s recommendation to throw away the scales!

I ordered the Body Brushing DVD and brush, the TWO, the CORE for my kids, and the Hand and Foot T Tapp as I have wrists that go numb down to my hands every night while I sleep. Bet the Hand/ Foot DVD will help!

I’ve had my 3 day break now and today I am going to start off with the BWO + again. Maybe I’ll just do the BWO + once a day now, with a break of a day in between and see if that helps my core muscles to bounce back and recover better.

Thanks for all of your help and support!

Truly,

Britta

[MargieK]

If it's not too late, measure again today before you work out. People usually say you should allow 2 days' break before measuring -- and even 3 days wouldn't hurt. So your measurements during the bootcamp aren't necessarily all that representative as they could still include some swelling.

In terms of what's "normal," I really can't say. It all depends on your body type (i.e., short torso, long torso, combo), how much excess you have to lose, how fit you are to begin with, and how well you were able to tuck, tighten, and go to your max. Don't get discouraged if you do not see the dramatic inch loss you may have been expecting; as we've said before, it will come if you're consistent. Make sure to give yourself at least one day off per week. :)

[fruitvine]

Britta, I sent you an email reply!

[BlessedMama]

Charlotte may have already answered all these questions, but in case other newbies are out there a wonderin'...

Yes, you will be hungry! You are building muscle and muscles need fuel! Just make sure most of the time you give them good fuel! (And yes, so nice that you can enjoy a treat and not feel guilty with T-Tapp!)

Not losing right after bootcamp--often many of us notice we lost more in the weeks following a bootcamp than right after! I think Charlotte has and I know I have!

Stay consistent, go to your max with the best form you can do at this point!

Has anyone pointed you to the Must Read Threads? There are threads about just about every move in BWO+ and some in TWO. You can read up on a move and apply all you learned for that week of workouts!

Here's the link: http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?t=57929

HTH!

[Britta McColl]

Hi Everyone,



Thanks to all who wrote me. Yes, my increased waist could be due to some swelling after the bootcamp or maybe some hormonal issues, or both.

I just measured myself today and I am the biggest I've been since starting T Tapp. I did do all the baseline measures to start with but now I just measure my waist most weeks to follow that along. At the month marks, I'll measure everything again.

My baseline measurement on Day One of T Tapp was 37, then for the next two weeks during boot camp it was 36, and today, it was 38 1/2 inches, almost 39. So I'm nearly 2 inches over where I started.

I've been struggling with the hunger issue the last week or so which is slowly getting better. When very hungry I do mainly eat only God made foods.

I had some blood sugar issues last fall where I was hungry all the time even after eating. I had gotten that issue resolved about 8 months ago and could eat and feel full like normal nearly all the time.

I wonder if it could be a hormonal issue for me. I had health problems last year after my 3rd miscarriage in 5 years. I think my hormones have been challenged since then, but have slowly gotten better over the last year. But after the miscarriage I started to have the shaky hungry issues, and what looks like PMS symptoms (from how folks describe them) where I get extra hungry the second half of my cycle and seem to put on a lot of weight, and swell up. I never measured before T Tapp on this second half of the cycle but I could feel my clothes getting tighter and see the tummy getting bigger.

Anyway, I AM in the second half of my cycle just now, so I'm hoping it is a hormonal thing-- which will clear up with time and/or T Tapp! :) I started taking the Vitex (herbal supplement) along with eating better some months back and that seemed to even out the hormones better than last year at this time. But of course I don't want to take the vitex for ever, as it is not recommended.

I've taken the Alfalfa that I purchased from the T Tapp site a bit sporadically. I stopped taking it when I started getting bigger as I figured my skin is not shrinking right now! :)

I also have taken the gentle transitions I got as a sample from T Tapp in hopes that it would help me some as well. I am 48 and perhaps starting menopause. I see many of you fellow T Tappers are in my same age range and you certainly aren’t all puffed up like I am right now. So I will keep on and work at being consistent!

Is there a special place on this forum for people going through menopause? Is there a way to get all the threads that are being discussed to feed into my email box even if I don’t participate in writing in the thread?


Oh, and yes, I have gotten the link to the must read threads! Very nice! I'm going through them slowly.



Thanks in advance for all your help and support!


Truly,


Britta
:)

[BlessedMama]

{{{Britta}}}

I hadn't heard that you shouldn't take vitex for long periods of time. I've taken it for quite awhile.

I've had miscarriage issues, too (had one a year ago), and am on both progesterone and testosterone now. I am 47. I feel better than I have since the miscarriage!

The alfalfa is not only for your skin but helps with hormones. I take 12 daily, which seems like a lot, but the mental/emotional equilibrium it helps bring is worth it!

It will also help you shed water!

One other thing to think about is a fat shift. Did you ab measurement change at all? I had a major shift where my lower belly was flatter, but then it seemed that my waist was bigger with a "muffin" there where there wasn't one before.

Do keep focusing on curling that core. When you are sitting, driving, standing, walking, keep those abs zipped up TIGHT all the way to the ribs. I found I wasn't keeping them tight all the way up, which contributed to some of my issues!

I did an ab challenge last week, and one of my main goals was to keep that awareness of my abs. It's easy to lose that mind-to-muscle connection there as we get older, get slouchier, have babies, surgeries and gain weight there!

HUGS to you! Hang in there, and keep asking questions. The trainers here are tops, so if you continue to have problems, you might see about either getting to a clinic or doing a session by video with one of them.

HTH!

[Britta McColl]

Hi Trish--Blessed Mama,

Thanks so much for writing! It is so motivating to keep in touch with other T Tappers!

You wrote:

I hadn't heard that you shouldn't take vitex for long periods of time. I've taken it for quite awhile.

A. It is hard to say what is true about vitex. I’ve only heard that you shouldn’t take it for long periods from some sources. Others have made no mention of this, so it is hard to know what is true.

You wrote:

I've had miscarriage issues, too (had one a year ago), and am on both progesterone and testosterone now. I am 47. I feel better than I have since the miscarriage!

A. That is great to hear that you are feeling so much better. I will look into the progesterone et. al. if my hormonal issues continue. The hormones SEEM to be evening out over the last year, with occasional flare ups—as in last week, but I have hopes that regular T Tapping will bring me more into balance as I have read it balanced other ladies hormones. (But maybe they weren’t as old as me! ) The hormones are more level here the last few days…. I’ve been eating beef liver again and this for some reason brings me to an evener keel when I get out of balance.

You wrote:
The alfalfa is not only for your skin but helps with hormones. I take 12 daily, which seems like a lot, but the mental/emotional equilibrium it helps bring is worth it!

It will also help you shed water!

A. I’ll keep that in mind. I just can’t bring myself to take that much alfalfa at $22 per bottle. I wonder if I could buy a similar quality from somewhere else on line.

You wrote:
One other thing to think about is a fat shift. Did you ab measurement change at all?



A. I'm not sure!


You wrote:

I had a major shift where my lower belly was flatter, but then it seemed that my waist was bigger with a "muffin" there where there wasn't one before.


A. Interesting! A fine point I hadn't thought of looking into.


You wrote:


Do keep focusing on curling that core. When you are sitting, driving, standing, walking, keep those abs zipped up TIGHT all the way to the ribs. I found I wasn't keeping them tight all the way up, which contributed to some of my issues!

I did an ab challenge last week, and one of my main goals was to keep that awareness of my abs. It's easy to lose that mind-to-muscle connection there as we get older, get slouchier, have babies, surgeries and gain weight there!

A. Yes, so true. I’ll keep those abs in my mind as much as I can!

You wrote:

HUGS to you! Hang in there, and keep asking questions. The trainers here are tops, so if you continue to have problems, you might see about either getting to a clinic or doing a session by video with one of them.

A. Yes, I’ve been so impressed with the help from the trainers as well as great users of T Tapp like yourself. Thanks again for all the help and encouragement.

I think I’ll have to find ONE time of day to measure myself. Yesterday I was at 36 inches in the waist. This morning I was at 35 and some hours later I was at 37 inches. So I think I just need to find one consistent time of day to measure.



Do you think the morning or the evening is a better time to measure? And yes, I know I’m not supposed to measure everyday. I was just curious what I was at since my last measurement a few days ago was so high.

Thanks again!

Truly,

Britta in WI mom to 7

[BlessedMama]

Britta, I measure first thing in the morning, usually on Saturdays. That way, any bloating from eating throughout the day doesn't affect my measurement. Unless I've really hit the carbs late the night before!

The alfalfa Teresa sells isn't available anywhere else--except Japan! I know it seems pricey, but I and others will attest that we did not have the great results on the other alfalfas. I was taking Nature's Sunshine, which is a reputable company. The Premium Blend Alfalfa in the T-Tapp store is called that due to the way it's grown AND processed. There are no seeds or sprouts, which is why many people can take this kind and not others.

Yes, it is pricey, but since it works, it's worth it! And once things are balanced out, you might be able to take less. Or maybe even 4-6 is all you'll need to take. I try to buy it when it's on sale or like now with the December code (good until the 20th) and you get 25% off. My hormones aren't cheap, either, but I couldn't function much at all before tweaking them and adding to them.

The alfalfa helps with inflammation, too, so any issues with that will improve.

My friend Neecy (iammaga on the forums) was able to get off her bioidentical hormones using 16 alfalfa daily. That is way cheaper, believe me! And you might have read of Rhonda (rskontos) and her testimony how the alfalfa helps her gastric problems--way cheaper than the $900/month medicine a dr. wanted to put her on! (Neecy and Rhonda are my "triplet sisters"--we rode together to Safety Harbor in October! :D )

I hope that information helps you! You could do my "saving" program--save your change! ;)

HUGS!

[Britta McColl]

Dear Trisha,

Thanks for writing!

You wrote:
*Britta, *I measure first thing in the morning, usually on Saturdays. That way, any bloating from eating throughout the day doesn't affect my measurement. Unless I've really hit the carbs late the night before!

A. I’ll work on a once a week measuring time in the AM. Sounds like a great plan!


Thanks as well for all the info. on the Alfalfa. You are right it is much cheaper than taking hormones or other drugs. Good hint about buying it when it is on sale.

And now, a few more questions. If you are busy with the holidays and can’t answer, no problem at all!

I have been doing BWO+ with the tempo series where Teresa is in her home. I really like that DVD. ANYWAY, near the beginning of the DVD in the Primary Back Stretch part Teresa says: “Pinch for two.”

I am wondering what I should pinch?

Also, when I do KLT, I feel like I am standing on the very outer edge of my feet--kind of tippy like, kind of strange, but if this is the right sensation, I bet my muscles will get used to it.

Charlotte wrote about some shoes on her blog that folks use for T Tapp. Do you use those shoes and/or where do you get them?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Truly,

Britta

[BlessedMama]

Britta, when she says "pinch for two", you are pinching your knees--well, just above your knees. Make sure thumbs are on the inside! You have pushed against those knees to tuck/curl, then you pinch while you roll your shoulders back as much as you can. Does that make sense?

Shoes--a lot of us wear either Skechers Energy or Skechers Millenium. I prefer the Millenium. I have also tapped in my Nike walking shoes, but the Skechers have a wider platform which helps with balance!

You want to make sure you are NOT rolling out on your ankles. Your weight will be more on the outside edge of foot, but think "last three toes". That's another good reason for GOOD cross-trainer shoes for T-Tapp--they will help give you ankle stability until your ankles are strong enough.

I get tippy sometimes, too, but just make sure it's not because you're rolling out your ankles even a bit. If you have a mirror you can put on the floor, you can do a spot check.

Hopefully that makes sense! If not, I'll go snag Michelle and have her give her expert advice!

HTH!

[Britta McColl]

Dear Trisha,

Thanks so much for writing! You wrote:

*Britta, *when she says "pinch for two", you are pinching your knees--well, just above your knees. Make sure thumbs are on the inside! You have pushed against those knees to tuck/curl, then you pinch while you roll your shoulders back as much as you can. Does that make sense?

A. Yes, I think it does. Ie. Do I pinch IN or push OUT against the knees per your instructions above for the “pinch for two.” Thanks so much for the great explanation!

You wrote:


Shoes--a lot of us wear either Skechers Energy or Skechers Millenium. I prefer the Millenium. I have also tapped in my Nike walking shoes, but the Skechers have a wider platform which helps with balance!

You want to make sure you are NOT rolling out on your ankles. Your weight will be more on the outside edge of foot, but think "last three toes". That's another good reason for GOOD cross-trainer shoes for T-Tapp--they will help give you ankle stability until your ankles are strong enough.

A. Ah, I see. I haven’t been using good shoes at all. Moccasin slippers or some loafers. I will look up the Skechers on the web. I bet that would help my balance issues. I’ve never been a good one for balance or coordination in the first place.


You wrote:

I get tippy sometimes, too, but just make sure it's not because you're rolling out your ankles even a bit. If you have a mirror you can put on the floor, you can do a spot check.

Hopefully that makes sense! If not, I'll go snag Michelle and have her give her expert advice!

A. Your explanation is perfect and no need to snag Michelle!
I really appreciate the time you have taken to help me. There are so many fine points to T Tapp!

Have a blessed Christmas, Blessed Mama!

Truly,

Britta

[BlessedMama]

To the first question--yes! LOL!

You pinch the knees with thumb on inside, fingers on outside while pushing knees out against your hands to help you really get a good curl/stretch in the back. This helps muscle activation in the lats, arms, tummy, spine...well, everywhere!

Remember to pull that tummy in--belly button to spine. I initiate the "tuck/curl" with my abs.

HTH!

Merry and Blessed Christmas to you, too!

HUGS!

[Britta McColl]

Dear Blessed Mama,

Thanks a trillion for your answer! I get it now! I have been a bit “thick” on this one.

You have been very patient with me.

And I have been wearing better shoes now, not sure what you call them, kind of like runners shoes—maybe they’re called cross trainers... and I am doing much better with KLT.

I went to your blog and 7 daughters blog—beautiful! And wrote you a private note by the email address at your blog. Not sure if it came through. What a wonderful family you have and you truly are a BLESSED MAMA!

Thanks again for all your help!

Blessed Christmas!

Truly,

Britta

[BlessedMama]

Britta, glad the explanation helped! And don't worry--we've all had those moments where we realized, "THAT'S what she was talking about!"

Good shoes make all the difference! If you still feel your balance is really compromised (I know, that's a hard one to know whether to "blame it on the shoes" or not!), you might try the Skechers. You can find them online and in some department stores. I think I paid around $40-$50 from Shoebuy (sometimes they have discounts) and Zappos has free shipping both ways so you can try them. I use mine only for working out, so they last me awhile. I need to replace mine now, but no $$ since it's Christmas time! Which is why I get out my Nike's from time to time!


I did get your e-mail--it is safely filed in my T-Tapp folder where I always put important stuff! :laughing: I hope to get to my e-mails soon--maybe I should tell everyone they can talk to me sooner on the T-Tapp forums? :thinkingabout:

Now THERE'S a sign we could use! "You can find me on the T-Tapp Forums!"

LOL!

[Britta McColl]

Dear Blessed Mama,

So nice to hear from you! I have a file of all my T Tapp questions and answers on a word doc—including your latest answer!

If I get any $$ for Christmas I will look into getting the Skechers through Shoebuy or Zappos. I’m doubting I can find them at a department store here in the outback of Wisconsin! J

Glad you got the email, and I will make sure to contact you on T- Tapp forums for ease of answer—if I am needing a response!



No need to answer, but in your signature line-- it says you lost 7 sizes since 07! YEAH! When I first started writing you, I thought you had lost 6 sizes. I bet you just lost another size! CONGRATULATIONS! It is so motivating to talk with a real person who is losing with T Tapp! Gets me through those moments of doubt! :):thinkingabout:


My waist is the same size as when I started T Tapp a month ago, BUT I can really feel and see things changing in my body, so I do have faith that if I keep on, I will lose something.:clappinghands:


But REALLY, I must stop emailing you about T Tapp et. al. with Christmas upon us! This is the last email!

Thanks so much, and Blessed Christmas!

Britta