Jazz Twist and T-Tapp Twist

[TaraK]

Okay, I just don't think I am getting these moves. :help: I can't figure out what I'm supposed to be feeling with the jazz twist. And the TTapp twist...I'm supposed to keep my butt tucked even while bending to the side? My problem: I lose the tuck when I try to get the shoulders square, and I'm barely bending over at all! I can tell if I don't get the shoulders square because it doesn't feel good to my back, but I just can't seem to get it all going right at the same time. :) I've read the must-read thread about both moves, but I still just can't seem to "get it". Any pointers?

[just7]

I know a trainer will be able to give you some guidance. Are you a short torso? If you are, then you aren't going to be able to bend very far on T-Tapp Twist. It does take time to "get the feel" and to progress. Keep in mind all the things that you have read. Practice them on your own...going slowly. Do you have the Fit and Fab book? The instructions in there are broken down, bit by bit.

Jazz Twist---Keep forward leg bent and KLT. Keep foot on back leg straight (like a pair of skiis) and keep the leg tight. When you twist, it happens all in the waist NOT in the arms. The goal is to get the shoulders in a straight line from front to back like you are pulling on a bow string in archery. Your straight arm/shoulder is pulled as you exhale.

Just some thoughts to keep you going. Not sure if they are helpful right now or not.

Keep asking!!! I love how fellow T-Tappers love to help!

[Blissful]

I think TTT may be one of the hardest moves to learn but it is one of my favorite moves. Jennifer said it well, just give it some time, go over the form tips in the book, it'll come.

[Insideout]

For Jazz Tist, you should be feeling and using the lats, all abdominal muscles, and obliques that wrap around the side and connect in the back. I know I get tired of hearing this...but you really, really have to keep a good tuck to isolate the core muscles in this move. I try to concentrate on keeping the back leg tight and not releasing that tuck or glut just because the leg is extended behind (same thing with torso twist).

Or, try this to get the feel of just using the core for this move. Get in the jazz twist stance, feet hip width apart, toes facing forward, slide front leg forward, but only as far as you can without losing tuck, push front knee out to little toe, lift ribs, do a little shoulder roll to make sure you engage your lats. Then just put your hands "in the back pocket" and just practice twisting your upper body using your abs and lats and ignore the hand part until you connect with your core for this move. Sometimes just breaking it up into seperate movements until you connect with the muscle helps me "get it" and build the neurokinetic connection.

T-Tapp Twist is always a work in progress. Try just doing the twisting motion like the stretch, until you connect with using your core muscles.

When lowering to the side, before you actually start to lower, turn your palms into face your body and on the lower and raise, keep them in alignment with your body by using your bodying line as a guide for the raise/lower. Kind of like with primary back stretch, where you keep your shoulders in alignment by keeping your pinkies dragging up the side of your leg...same thing with the lower/raise in T-Tapp twist. Use your leg as a guide to body alignment. And press, press hands together to maintain pressure during the lower/raise movement. When you really keep the hands pressing, you should feel it more in your obliques and core.

[signlady52]

I struggle with doing TTT also, wondering if I'm ever going to get it. Along with the other tips already given, on TWO SS when Teresa demonstrates this move, just before she bends over, it seems her hips, butt move ever so slightly - it's very subtle (& so fast on the DVD I have a hard time catching it). I think Dantheman has a post describing it. I'll see if I can find it. I'm sure a trainer will give you some good points also. As the others have said it's a work in progress.

OK, I found the thread - it's all good - I think a lot of us struggle with it: http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?t=48388

[TaraK]

Thank you all! I had a moment where it really felt like I was getting it today, then I couldn't seem to do it right again. Grrrrr... I'll just keep working on it.
I really appreciate the link to that thread! I'm trying to understand what they are saying to do.

[desirae_nicole]

A lot of good info here. I figure I MUST have a short torso, because on the TTT I can barely get to my mid thigh. I feel a lot of things going on in my core though. I've learned to not fret getting very far, but to engage my muscles anyways. If you have instructional #2, check out the lawnmowers at the end. I've only done these a few times, but they are one of my favorites.

[Gr8fulMommy]

T-Tapping is such a work in progress! Thanks, Shari, for the link. It helps me, too!

[signlady52]

You're welcome! Glad I thought of it because DantheMan gives some excellent tips when he posts.

Desirae - you LIKE lawnmowers?!? I've tried those a few of times when I've done Instr. #2 & I struggle with those too because they move fairly quickly. I like Torso Twist - a nice rhythm to it. I guess I find it easier to twist than bend over. (I'm barely a combo with short torso tendencies).

Well we all shall keep trying to master TTT. I didn't notice if that thread had a post by Michelle about the proper breathing sequence for TTT. I often find myself holding my breath when bending over, which can cause inch gain, rather than exhaling - another thing to think about!

[TaraK]

Inch gain if I don't breathe right?! ACK!! :eek: I'm going to have to pay more attention to that! So many things to focus on at one time!

[signlady52]

Yeah, I guess it's a possibility. :( This isn't the exact post I was thinking of but it'll do - says the same thing. Hope it helps explain it. Then it's just a matter of doing it. :D

http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.php?t=68489&highlight=TTT+breathing

[john5]

Great info everyone, all I have to say is give it time and it will happen I have been doing T-Tapp for a long time and I "think" I am finally starting to have a "little" better form. Keep reading the forums, i started going on the forums last Dec. and I learn so much from everyone. It takes a lot of time to actually feel what Teresa is teaching us.

[cbuffy]

I did TTN thru the end this morning for the first time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jazz Twist and Lawnmowers! They might end up being my faves!

Now the balance moves? LOL Luckily I don't have an audience or anything with sharp edges. My new mantra... "bobbling is good. Bobbling is good. Bobbling is good......"