tummy is a bowling ball, seriously! [Archive]

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webbie.d

07-27-2010, 11:44 PM

Hi...I'm a new T-Tapper as of 6 days ago. Loving the challenge of it already! My question has to do with my current weight/body type. I'm in my early 50's and overweight (probably about 50 lbs). My stomach is impossibly round and if I could just remove it, ;) I'd bet 60% of my problem would be solved. When doing "The Box," where Theresa says to hold up your stomach to support your organs...well...not physically possible at this point in my journey! And Theresa says to do this, "so you won't get a round, hard tummy" - - - and I thought, OH NO! I can't afford to do any wrong moves or make any mistakes on this one!:help:Suggestions?

Gina Giannattasio

07-28-2010, 12:00 AM

Hi, Webbie!

I'm not a trainer, but hopefully one will be in soon.

Do you have the book Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes? The DVD that comes with has the Organs In Place/Half Frog move on it. It's done laying on the floor, so it uses gravity to help flatten your stomach. That might help.

Besides the DVD, the book is a gold mine, chalk full of invaluable form tips. I suggest you get it, if you don't already have it. It's an excellent resource.

Welcome to the T-Tapp family, and good luck!

webbie.d

07-28-2010, 12:38 AM

just7

07-28-2010, 06:41 AM

Yes, definitely read the book. Doing the Breath In (expand the rib cage) and then Breath Out (tighten the rib cage) really helped to start moving my own hard round tummy. I did that while I was reading the book and then starting the exercises.

Everything is progression. Stick with the instructions and continue to concentrate. Each time you do it, you will can a better understanding of your body and what you need to do.

Michelle, our wonderful fabulous T-Tapp Trainer, has some great tips for Curling the Core. I'll post the info as soon as I find it! You can "practice" those tips at various times and it really helps to understand about tucking.

Welcome!

Found it---
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.
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Callicrowe

07-28-2010, 06:52 AM

Hi, Webbie! Just wanted to welcome a fellow newbie to the forum. The tummy is a problem area for lots of us, but I'm confident that if we stick with it the results will come. Glad you're here! :hello2:

BlessedMama

07-28-2010, 08:12 AM

Welcome! And at first, just do the best you can--push in and connect as you can. I know Charlotte said it was a long time before she really felt that NK connection to her tummy, and I only got a stronger connection to my middle belly area in the past 6 months!

My tummy has been my toughest area, too. But in the past year I have seen it finally quit looking perpetually pregnant! LOL!

The Curl the Core info is absolutely WONDERFUL! Study it until you have it memorized! ;) Better yet--apply it! :D Your tummy will get stronger with consistency!

midlothian connection

07-28-2010, 10:16 AM

Hi, Webbie! Welcome.

Victoria

webbie.d

07-28-2010, 10:49 AM

Great ideas, great welcomes, I feel blessed to have you guys around me! Thank you from the bottom of my core!

Callicrowe

07-28-2010, 10:54 AM

Thank you from the bottom of my core!

:laughing: You're welcome.

fruitvine

07-28-2010, 11:52 AM

Our lovely T-Tappers have given you some great advice and I would just add "ribs lifted, lats set" throughout the day. Here's something for you to read (scroll down and read it all for a nice visual and links to other posts):

http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?t=66486&highlight=ribs+lifted%2C+lats+set

and here's another good one:

http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?t=65930&highlight=ribs+lifted%2C+lats+set

Hope this helps with the bowling ball--mine was more of a giant gooshy sponge!

Gina Giannattasio

07-28-2010, 05:38 PM

"Thank you from the bottom of my core!"

That's cute!:laughing: