Determing Body Types

[Barbara57]

I've actually been t-tapping for several years, but I don't remember how to determine what body type I am. Can anyone help me with this?

[Lani]

Hi Barbara,

Here you go!

BODY TYPES

Knowing your body type with relation to bone structure can be very helpful when it comes to everything from exercise performance to flexibility, where we tend to store bodyfat, and how clothing fits. Teresa Tapp devised these general categories as a result of 20 years of experience while working with models as well as fitness clients. Take a look and see where your physique is described.

LONG TORSO –– SHORT LEG
- Distance from “last” rib to top of hip bone (iliac crest) is 4” or greater.
- Length from Knee to Ankle is less than the length from Knee to Hip.
- Battle saddle bags (even while thin).
- Generally maintains a “flat” lower tummy.
- Tendency toward “bubble butt” (that seems to hang low).

SHORT TORSO –– LONG LEG
- Distance from “last” rib to top of hip bone (iliac crest) is 2” or less.
- Length from Knee to Ankle is greater than (or can be equal) the length of Knee to Hip.
- Does not tend to have saddle bags, but can tend to gain on inner thigh.
- Has difficulty maintaining a “flat” lower tummy.
- Generally has a “flat” butt.

COMBO BODY
- Distance from “last” rib to top of hip bone (iliac crest) is 2 - 2 1/2” to 4”.
- Length of Knee to Ankle is equal to the length of Knee to Hip (KTA could also be
slightly less that KTH)
- Tends to put on saddle bags AND inner thighs
- Can obtain a flat lower tummy, but not as easy as LT/SL AND even when the
lower tummy is flat, tends to have a small roll of fat right below the belly button.
- Tendency towards a “full” “round” to bubble butt.

COMBOs (aka “BUTT AND GUT”).
Combos tend to “bubble up” in the butt, and in the gut when putting on weight. Combos will combine the ill effects of both the LT/SL and ST/LG when putting on weight, meaning combos can put on saddle bags, inner thighs, bubble butt and gut. Combos can also have what is known as a “3rd butt”, meaning where the back of your thigh meets the hip, there is often a “small bun” (not literally, but in appearance) secondary to the primary.

A COMBO body can be a “PERFECT” combo (guidelines above) or can be a combo leading toward LT, or a combo leading towards ST. If the distance between your rib
to hip bone is closer to 4” and the length of your KTA is less than the length of your KTH, you could be a combo with LT tendencies. If the distance between your
rib to hip bone is closer to 2”, and your KTA length is greater than your KTH length, you could be a combo with ST tendencies.

How / Where do you measure?

- Rib to Hip –– measure from the very last rib (below the breast area, find the last rib and measure down) to the very
top of your hip bone.
- Knee to Ankle –– from your “ankle” bone, up the side of your leg to knee.
- Knee to Hip –– this ones a little tricky to find your top measuring point. Do this:
Stand up, and do a side leg lift. Now from the point on your side where your leg lifts
from the side of your body (hip) is your top measuring point; this is actually where
the leg joins the hip. Thus, the side of your body starting from knee up to this point
is your KTH measurement.




http://thetruthaboutfatlossforwomen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/banner2.300.jpg (http://thetruthaboutfatlossforwomen.com/2009/11/29/lanis-love-your-body-booty-camp/)

[PhyllisB]

Thanks Lani!

This thread needs to be added to the Sticky:Must Read Thread. Anyone know how that gets done?

[Casey]

Just posted a link to this on the Must Read Thread under Body Types.

Also, I edited Lani's thread on the instructions on how to measure Rib to Hip. How to measure this area properly is frequently misunderstood. You are not measuring Rib to Hip from the side of your body where the seam of your shirt is. Rib to Hip is actually measured below the breast area, find the last rib in the front there and hold the measuring tape on that point. Drop the measuring tape down and find where it hits the top of your hip. This is the Rib to Hip measurement.

I am a LT/SL body type. If I measure Rib to Hip on the side of my body I have less than 3 inches. LT/SL have more than 4 inches from Rib to Hip, so this measurement is not correct. When I come in the front of my body below the breast area and find the last rib I have about 6 inches from there to the top of my hip, which is accurate.

Most people measure Rib to Hip from their floating rib. In this image you can see that there are a few ribs near the bottom that do not attach to the sternum (breast bone).

http://en.wikivisual.com/images/8/88/Gray112.png
{ source - Wikivisual (http://en.wikivisual.com/index.php/Human_rib_cage) }

Those floating ribs are what you feel on the side of the body where the seam of your shirt is. You want to feel around slightly in the front to find that last rib that attaches to the sternum.

I hope this makes sense! If you have any questions please let me know.

[Lani]

Casey, thank you for adding the corrections. I simply copy and pasted the document that I have on file regarding body types from when it first came out from T-Tapp, so I'm betting there are a lot of copies out there that need amending!

Thanks again,
Lani

[Lori French]

Yes, Lani, those old instructions are everywhere! Heck, that's how *the book* instructs!

I still measure the old way. When even your floating ribs sit on your hip bone, you *know* you're a ST, LOL!

When measuring the *new* way I'm a combo, me a combo??? ROFLOL!!

[monica213]

The measurements are off too regarding distance from rib -> hip for body type. I am a true combo with 5 inches rib/hip (Leg length is equal)

[just7]

Thanks for the visual, Casey. I'm really curious to see how I measure using the front last rib. If I measure from the side I am under an inch to the top of my hip bone. I still think I'm a short torso because I can not get over far at all without losing my tuck on TTT.

[Casey]

Jennifer - sounds like you are definitely a short torso if you have less than 1 inch on the side. Check the front measurement though. It may be interesting to see the difference.

[iowagirl]

Casey, I thought I was a combo.... cause on the side, I have 4 inches. From the front, I have 6, but my knee to ankle and knee to hip are both 16 (give or take 1/2" for accuracy)

So is that a Long torso? I only care because I want to enter the challenge, and I want to be accurate.

[monica213]

Patti, Sounds like a combo, maybe with LT tendencies.

[iowagirl]

Ok, Thanks!

[Casey]

Casey, I thought I was a combo.... cause on the side, I have 4 inches. From the front, I have 6, but my knee to ankle and knee to hip are both 16 (give or take 1/2" for accuracy)

So is that a Long torso? I only care because I want to enter the challenge, and I want to be accurate.

If you're sure you are measuring your legs correctly then that would make you a Combination Body with Long Torso.

[Purple Penguin]

The picture of the ribs was SO helpful! In re-measuring (because I have lost so much) I found I have 7 inch measurement from rib to hip while both of my leg measurements are 16 inches. Would that mean I am a LT with Combo tendencies? I am curious about this because I have been overweight since about 14 and have no idea what I would look like (completely) in shape.

Lately though, since I am now a size 12-14 I am looking more like a long torso (I just feel like I lose inches way to easy in my waist to be a ST). And yesterday when exercising I looked at Teresa and realized her legs (when she is in the white outfit) look really long and where her waist goes in is really high... just like me! I was so excited.

So what I am wondering is it true that I could be a LT with combo legs?

[Casey]

Purple Penguin - You're more than likely a Combination body with LT tendencies, like flatter tummy. But you may not have the correct leg measurements. How are you taking those?

[Purple Penguin]

Hi Casey,
I am measuring the legs like Monica213 said to in another post, here is the quote:

FOR HIP: you can find the top of the hip by raising the leg to the side and that is where you measure the hip to knee. It's actually the hip joint you are measuring from, not the *top* of hip.

FOR KNEE: If you bend your knee and feel the side around towards the back you can feel where the bend is, then move around to the side.

FOR ANKLE: Middle of the ankle bone.

That is what I did, plus the new (not in the book) way of measuring my waist. I hope I did it right because I would really like a flat tummy (who wouldn't) :D

[Casey]

That is exactly how you should measure the legs for body types.

So I think you are a Combo with LT tendencies.

[laketrash]

So, Casey, if I'm reading your directions on where to measure correctly, you will basically measure from the middle of your ankle bone all the way up to your ribs under your breast. (1) Ankle bone to back leg crease behind the knee. (2) Back leg crease to bend at the hip when you move your leg to the side. (3) Then from bend at the hip to ribs. WOW - that is going to change my body type substantially! That does not sound like the directions in the Must Reads thread. Maybe I should go with the descriptions on where the body types tend to hold weight.

Also, I know this thread is not geared directly to the Jumpstart Challenge, but we take measurements in KLT position? With butt tucked and tummy tight? That will definitely skew my measurements, taking about 3" off the abs measurement. So that my personal record of measurements are comparable, I will measure both ways - KLT and letting it all hang out! :o

Gwen

[Casey]

Gwen, we don't measure Rib to Ankle.

We measure Rib to Hip, Hip to Knee and Knee to Ankle. You ALWAYS measure from joint to joint.

YES January Jump Start measurements can be taken in T-Tapp Stance. When measuring you always want to do it the same way. If you started off measuring in T-Tapp Stance, then continue to measure that way. If you just stand there to measure without T-Tapp Stance, continue to measure that way for accurate progress.

[laketrash]

"Gwen, we don't measure Rib to Ankle.

We measure Rib to Hip, Hip to Knee and Knee to Ankle. You ALWAYS measure from joint to joint."

CASEY, I realize we don't take one LONG measurement but instead three. I might put my question this way. When I measure rib to hip, do I measure to the top of the hip bone on the side or the bend when I take leg out to the side? That would be a difference of 4-5 inches on me.

Or how about this? Is the end point of one measurement, the beginning of the next?

Gwen

[brngckn]

When I measure rib to hip, do I measure to the top of the hip bone on the side or the bend when I take leg out to the side?
Gwen

From rib to top of hip bone/iliac crest.

[Casey]

Oh, I'm sorry. Guess I misunderstood your question.

When you measure Rib to Hip you measure to the top of the hip bone directly below the last rib. NOT to the hip joint.

For Rib to Hip the point of one measurement is NOT the beginning of the next.
For Hip to Knee and Knee to Ankle it is.

[Joyfirst]

I am still confused- since the rib is slanting down, where exactly do you start to measure from- depending on where measurement will be different.Do you measure it from the very middle of the body? Also I am not sure where to measure on the hip - the best I can feel my hip bone on the side-so on about the same level as side, but in the middle?

[Casey]

You measure the rib from the lowest part you can feel in the front under the breast area. Hold the measuring tape there and drop it down. Then feel around for your hip bone and measure the distance.

Feel free to call us at the office to review your body type. We can walk you through it on the phone and help you figure it out.

Thanks!

[Joyfirst]

Thank you, Casey. I tried and it came out to 5.5 inches, so I guess it is about right.I think I am combo then.

[Joyfirst]

I probably will have to call the office, because I always thought that I have short torso and long legs, so I might be measuring wrong.

[Casey]

The Combination body type is usually very apparent because the Hip to Knee and Knee to Ankle measurements are the exact same. If one is longer than the other you could lean more towards Short Torso or Long Torso tendencies.

[Lori French]

You measure the rib from the lowest part you can feel in the front under the breast area. Hold the measuring tape there and drop it down. Then feel around for your hip bone and measure the distance.
Thanks!

Brings up another thought....... When I started Tapping in 2001 I had 1/2 inch

between rib and hip, measuring the same *old* way, I now have 3 1/4", still

measuring the *old way.. Measuring the *new* way I now have 4 1/2 inches.


Now the question... Because T-Tapp can unkink/lengthen the spine and cause

me to grow in height, can my body type change? Or was I just a compressed,

for lack of a better word, one type and it change to what was hidden all along when

I've unkinked. Not talking about me specifically, because I know I'm a ST based on

shape/gains.....


Can a person be one type and later be another??????

[Casey]

Hey Lori -- That's a very interesting question!

No, I don't think T-Tapp can change a person's body type aka bone structure, which is actually what we are measuring. But it can lengthen the spine and give a person better posture, which could change the Rib to Hip measurement.

[Lori French]

Well, I didn't think so Casey, but I know there's more to it that just bone structure numbers.

But a ratio, like learning about leverage and fulcrum in the third grade... My rib to hip is

constantly getting further apart and my height keeps going up. Maybe there is a tall,

hidden, model type waiting to come out?????? ROFLOL!! Thanks, Casey!

[Casey]

Let that model out!!! ;)

[onebzmomma]

If someone is unable to feel their ribs/bones I'd imagine it's okay to measure the distance lying down? Ya know, when the adipose adjusts itself to the back, or to the side whatever the case may be :laughing:

[Casey]

I just rediscovered this link that might be helpful for those determining body type:

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/diet-fitness/what-your-t-tapp-body-type.html

[Lori French]

Right, Casey! LOL! Next cover girl, here I come! ROFLOL!

Nice article! I like that it quickly gives where weight is gained the the like, for each type.

Those struggling to get accurate measurements may more easily recognize themselves in the descriptions.

Maybe as I've lengthened and aged, I'm leaning more toward a combo than ever before....... Now that is a funny thought!

[Joyfirst]

The Combination body type is usually very apparent because the Hip to Knee and Knee to Ankle measurements are the exact same. If one is longer than the other you could lean more towards Short Torso or Long Torso tendencies.
Yes, my KTA and KTH are the same. Then I must be combo.

[just7]

Jennifer - sounds like you are definitely a short torso if you have less than 1 inch on the side. Check the front measurement though. It may be interesting to see the difference.

Okay---someone help me!!! :D I finally took time to retake my measurements from the front as opposed to the side which was an inch or less.

From the front it is 4 1/2"
Hip to knee is 14"
Knee to Ankle is 15 1/2"

I'm thinking I'm combo with short torso tendancies....is this a true combo?

Why can't we all fit neatly into those labels??? :D

[Lori French]

Jennifer you do sound like a Combo with ST tendencies.

A perfect combo has equal knee to ankle and ankle to hip measurements.

How do you fit in to the *where body types gain and lose* chart on the first page of this thread???

[just7]

I guess a combo, Lori.

I always had saddlebags (bigger thighs) and wider hips. My 7 babies didn't nestle into my "fat" belly, but started where the fat ended and grew straight out and so I gained below the waist and above the waist. I do have that 3rd "bun" that is slowly moving back up where it belongs! Whenever I have lost weight, I always lost it in my upper body first. A pear shape is they used to call it!

[montanamama]

By the "old" way of measuring, I was a definite short torso, which did not fit with my experience of my body. I definitely have a "bubble butt" and tended NOT to gain wait in my stomach and waist until recently when menopause hormones started kicking in. But I do have both saddle bags and inner thigh pudge. Basically, yeah, I gain all over. With this new way of measuring, I am a combo leaning towards short torso. This makes a lot more sense. It also explains why I have lost 49 pounds but have gotten very few comments from people. *sigh" Yes I am glad I "carried my weight well" but I want people to fuss over me! :laughing:

[cbuffy]

All this talk finally got me to break out the tape this morning.

Rib to Hip - 4"
KTA - 16"
KTH - 16"

Perfect combo.

Well, now I know what to work on, eh? EVERYTHING!!!!!!! LOL

But it is certainly true - the top half of my body always looks better than the bottom half - almost like two different bodies, glued together in the middle.

[mamalove]

Well, this certainly needs a bump for the newbies!! Enjoy!

[wpbehr]

I have a question about body typing. I am pretty sure that I am a combo/short body; however, I only have eleven ribs. Not the usual twelve. NO, I did not have it removed; it's genetic. Although everyone else got an extra rib. My grandpa used to joke that he got his rib and his woman too. So anyway, I am missing a rib and have little tono space between my ribs and hips, bit still have the tiny waist (comparatively) that long torsos have. Will this effect what goals or target areas I have? If so how?

[ayj67]

Well, what is your fat gain tendency?

Lean arms and leg and just the tummy, or fat gain evenly all of the place? Or gaining the fat on the outside of the upper thighs (saddle back).

Tell us about the measurement, as the distance between your hip and ribs is not going probably going to be just 1 inch more. We can subtract one inch when we think about your type and also refer to your trouble zone. We also look at the length of your lower and upper legs too.

However, with one less rib, you can bend lower by an inch, so then we expect your position in moves like T-Tapp Twist following your ribs to hip measurement.

[wpbehr]

I gain everywhere. Especially, from the belly to the knees. I have large upper arms too. And there is only three inches from my lower rib to the top of my hip. Since I started T-Tapp consistently I have lost about two inches on my upper arms, around my rib cage and down to my navel and three or four inches on my calves. My feet and ankles have shrunk dramatically (most of that was swelling from plantar fasciitis) and I have also lost a lot of fat on my back (especially my low back). But my stomach, butt, and thighs are not shrinking much. There is a big difference in shape and my stomach is tighter, higher, and harder. I am just not sure what modifications if any I should be making because of the rib thing. The T-Tapp twist was really hard for me at first, but I stopped bending down as low and I now tuck butt better so that is working better for me.

[ayj67]

You need to tell me the distance of your lower and upper legs. Measure from the ankle bone to the crease of your knee (behind the knee), and then from the crease of the knee to the hip joint (when you do side lift of the legs, when the bend was).

Maybe you are combo with short torso tendency.

When were measure the rib to hip, we measure the lowest point in the front (10th rib) to the Iliac crest. So, the lacking of one of the floating rib does not really make a difference to your body type. You might have a easiest and more flexible side bend like a true combo, hand reach to mid thigh. If you have the book, you follow the combo TTT's reach. However, you problem area and weakness, will continue to be the short torso issues.

Anyway, if you want to lose the tummy, keep tucking and curl your core. When you tuck, you keep your tummy in. That means you suck in your upper, mid and lower abs. Whenever you hear Teresa says tuck, that means butt tuck, ribs up, tummy in, without except. She will never tell your to let the tummy out. Tummy in include when you are in flat back, or sitting.

The most important thing to master is the correct tuck and the vertical alignment. Here is the instruction for curling the core, it is important to practice this often and each day before your workout in the beginning. Get the correct feeling and mind to muscle with curling the core, you will see results fast. http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?74570-Help-experiencing-gain-when-had-losses&p=860220#post860220

[wpbehr]

I have the book, but I don't. My friend borrowed it and I kinda regretting letting her take it. But I am 16'' from hip to knee and knee to ankle. For the body type I measured from the tenth rib to the Iliac crest. The reason that I am wondering about the lack of rib is because it also makes my torso shorter than what you would typically think of. When I make clothes I have to cut two inches of the torso and store bought clothes hang two inches longer on me than most women.

[ayj67]

I have the book, but I don't. My friend borrowed it and I kinda regretting letting her take it. But I am 16'' from hip to knee and knee to ankle. For the body type I measured from the tenth rib to the Iliac crest. The reason that I am wondering about the lack of rib is because it also makes my torso shorter than what you would typically think of. When I make clothes I have to cut two inches of the torso and store bought clothes hang two inches longer on me than most women.

I don't think the lacking in a floating ribs would make a difference, as you have the same numbers of discs on your spine. You are just who you are, a compressed true combo (currently combo with short torso tendency).

When you are consistency with T-Tapp, it will actually help you lengthen your spine by an inch or so, and your will not be compressed combo anymore, and you will be a true combo. True combo has the hip to knee and knee to ankle equal.

Not that being a true combo is a cake walk, you have to lose a lot of inches to see a size change, as you lose all over, and you have to tuck butt KLT both well. In the beginning, Teresa said long torso has to do KLT well to lose the saddle back and the hip. However, being a short torso or short torso tendency, we still need to not only tuck butt, but KLT well too, as if we need to heal our hips, knees and ankles issues (that short torsos are destined to have) we need to pay attention to the knee (width, angle, and positions) all the time, not just during the workout.

Do your spinal curl really well and be consistent, you will gain an inch or more on your spine.

Also, the rib to hip distance affecting us in the T-Tapp moves does not really mean the regular cut clothes fit well. If you have a overall shorter upper body from shoulder to hip, you still need alteration. There can be girls under 5 feet that is long torso (if the legs are very short), as we are all unique beings and you don't need to fit in a certain category. So, are you wearing Petite cut clothes? As I need to even when I was Size 12, yes pretty funny on being a Large or Extra-Large Petite.

[wpbehr]

Thanks for you help.

I don't wear petite clothes at this point because I have MORE to lose. However, when I was smaller I did and will likely go back to them once I get the weight off. I also made most of my dress so the fit right.

I do have some ankle issues--I have always been prone to twisting them, but have already noticed a difference in muscle strength (my right ankle still wants to turn out so I am always straightening it, the left stays straight.) My knees have been popping a lot--little pops that feel good and they are not bending backwards. I dislocated my hips a long time ago and now have had some issues with them, but am already starting to see more range of motion and less pain--my left hip is being a little stubborn, but is still improving.

Not sure that I am happy about gaining inches along my spine--I like being short. Well, cross that bridge when it comes though because I really want to lose the inches around.

Tucking butt and tummy was hard at first, but I am feeling it more and more and I am practicing lying on the floor which really works and feels like an exercise in and of itself so hopefully that will improve. Thanks for the tip about size. I have lost two pants sizes, but seem to be stuck here. I figure sooner or later it will start to come off and I can see a lot of shape difference--especially from my navel up, in my arms and calves.

As for KLT that too is improving. At first I could hardly move my knees toward my little two, but I walk two miles a day with my Siberians and have started walking in position (which means a lot of pausing to retuck) and since I started that I have noticed that the walking is more beneficial to me not just them! And I am able to get my knee past little toe. So hopefully soon the inches will translate to size. But I have already seen enough improvement physically to keep going. My tonsils have shrunk and so have my breasts (believe me this is a good thing). I am not so flabby or all over the place and I can move better. My feet don't swell or hurt which means my legs don't. And I have much more energy. So eventually the other will happen too.

Anyway, thanks for your help.