alternative strength training

[Brenna]

I was curious if barre workouts like booty barre would count as strength training.

also, has anyone tried doing weights but with t-tapp form? does it pump up the progress?

[Vanetta]

I did earlier in the year, last year. I decided "phooey". I got great results from just T-Tapping so I layed aside the weight. I have more cuts/definition in my arms, now, than I ever had from faithful weight training.

[Brenna]

ahhh, yeah thats what I was figuring. although - I still might want to add t-tapp and barre workouts to my venue. I think I'm just gonna use sit down t-tapp for my arm workout or something like that.

[dg5boys]

Dear Brenna,
During the Trainer Certification in January, Teresa gave us a workout using the bar at the Safety Harbor Spa. It was slow and very controlled, the emphasis being on linear alignment and the added effects torqued leveraged isometric created from the bar. Hand position was important. None of this cardio emphasis like the Barre youtube video shows. But you did get your heart rate up. Teresa said this type of workout was great for those wanting to debulk. That's me! Not real sure how much I can share. Contact a Senior Trainer or the gals in the T-Tapp office to get more info.

[ayj67]

I am waiting for the T-Tapp debulking series to come out, and I am already scouring the internet for bars that I can use at home.

[dg5boys]

Dear Ayj67,
Teresa showed us how to use our kitchen counter! I have a whole room of weight equipment and the bench press with the bar is the perfect height for me. The correct height of the counter or bar does matter. Too low is better than too high.

[ayj67]

Georgia,

I can use my counter top at the kitchen island, and I think Teresa said she does it at her washing machine (that probably have a pedestal foot). I have a messy kitchen, so, I am thinking of getting one of those portable chin up bar that has tension on the door frame. As across from it, I have a mirror. Saw some on ebay for less than 20. I am not buying those barre method thing that is not portable.

I guess I can do it at my balcony in the summer too.

[Brenna]

okay thanx, I took a break from t-tapp, and funny, not I've hit a plateau in my progress, so now I'm going back lol. the other exercise that I do LOTS of, mostly cuz its my passion, is belly dance. and actually the other stuff I wanted to do was basically stretching and other dance dvds that can make my bd better. like ballet for bellydance, and moder dance dvd. so maybe I will talk with them.

[ayj67]

Oh, I remember, Teresa said use Bar Stools too, I have those, but it is still at the kitchen.

[Demeris]

T-tapp is the foundation of all my workouts (and my fitness), but I do barre workouts (not booty barre--too fast and uncontrolled for me) a couple of times a week. If Teresa came out with barre workout designed with t-tapp principles, I would think I'd died and gone to heaven.

[Brenna]

lol that is tooo funny. I think I'll just forego it for now and just stick with t-tapp, belly dancing and stretching. thanx.

[TamiR]

So, Ayj, is there going to be actual barre work on the next dvd's? I remember her talking about using the kitchen counter for leverage isometrics, and I've been doing that everyday. If i'm loading the dishwasher, my free hand is pressing on the counter, or if I'm stirring a pot, the free hand is pressing. Same with brushing teeth. So when should I look for barre/countertop work to be available? Thanks!

[ayj67]

So, Ayj, is there going to be actual barre work on the next dvd's? I remember her talking about using the kitchen counter for leverage isometrics, and I've been doing that everyday. If i'm loading the dishwasher, my free hand is pressing on the counter, or if I'm stirring a pot, the free hand is pressing. Same with brushing teeth. So when should I look for barre/countertop work to be available? Thanks!

That is the debulking series using the bar or anything you can hang on...

[TamiR]

Okay, I'm confused, what is the "debulking series"? Is that coming after Sr. fit?

[ayj67]

Oh, I don't know. I hope debuking will come out before Senior Fit. Senior Fit is still waiting for the insurance company's review. Mind and Body and Debulking probably will not need that much scrutiny, I hope.

[TamiR]

Okay, thanks. Wow, there's just too much good stuff to wait for!

[BlessedMama]

Well I loved what she showed us at Safety Harbor! I told my dh I wanted another remodel--with a mirror and a barre! :D

[TamiR]

I don't know if it would work with what she showed you, but you can buy portable barres. I don't know how sturdy they are. Of course, Trisch, your DH could just make you one anywhere, anytime!

[BlessedMama]

Biggest problem is where right now! ;) I'm even thinking I'd clean out my sewing room if that would work! HaHa!

I said if I ever had a "studio" we would definitely have one wall with mirrors and a barre!

[Brenna]

oh thanx. I deeply appreciate all the info. I think I need to master the basic and stick with more until i can advance

[Lakshmi]

I have a Fluidity Barre. One thing that's nice about it is that I can sit under it, hold onto the barre with my hands, lean back and do ab/leg lift work. I guess it would be easier to explain with a picture. Anyway, I, too love barre workouts for the controlled, intense movements. Counter tops, dining room chairs, book cases that are waist high, they can call do double duty as a barre. I think I might be rehabbed enough to give it a go again!

I learned the opposite from Lani and The BarMethod: that higher is better than lower when it comes to a barre. Best to be at waist height so hands and arms can rest naturally. Much lower, and you'll have your shoulders doing too much of the work.

My barre is set up and ready to go for when these new t-tapp dvd comes out! But, knowing me, I'll be at the kitchen bar stool with the video on. :)