Getting bigger :(

[megyeah]

(Hi Michelle!!!!!!!!)

I've been doing BWO+ since November 11th, started with the bootcamp, then every other day since. I wasn't expecting significant changes since I am sleep deprived for 21mos (son was a premie, with illness, high-maintenance, long story), only sleeping as long as 3hours one night and that was December 2008.

In the first few weeks, I was pleased about improvements to my health: I now have full range of motion in my neck (I go to the chiro weekly to have my collarbone put back into joint, my neck muscles have been so tight for so long), and not needing collarbone adjustments; having my thirst for water back; my menstrual cycle migraine has not appeared in 2mos.

However, the past 2wks has brought about tightening of clothes and inch GAIN in my arms, upper back and belly. I've gone back to the instructional and keep checking my form, but nothing seems to be giving. I plan to go back to bootcamp next week and introduce Hit the Floor on a weekly basis.

Any other tips or advice? Thanks in advance
Megan
P.S. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

[BlessedMama]

Megan, have you read the Must Read Threads?

Upper belly could be a fat shift, or it could be you are not keeping the ab muscles tight all the way up to the ribs. That has happened to me. Think of zipping up those tight jeans all the way to the ribs!

Here's a link to the Must Read Threads--there are a lot! I would read up on one move at a time and apply all you can to your workouts for a week or so, then move on to the next move:

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

Here is Michelle's wonderful advice on curling the core--and this can be done at ALL times, not just while working out!

Welcome to T-Tapp!

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.

[fitknees]

About Curl the Core: How long should we hold those positions for them to be effective? Are we talking 8 reps and holding each rep for a specified number of seconds?

[megyeah]

Blessed Mama - the core was the first thing I checked when I kept going back to the instructional. I had a personal session with Michelle and she was very good about explaining the curl to me and I make sure I do it and hold it the best I can. I've also read all of the getting started (Must Read) threads, and didn't find anything that addressed this topic, so that's why I posted my dilemma.

I'm also not sure about a fat shift, because where I gained is where most of the fat/trouble already is.

Thanks so much for your reply!

[Excelsior]

Hi Megan,

The only suggestions I would have for you is to make sure you're not over-training (can lead to swelling), to pay attention to your diet and water intake, to consider doing hoedowns a couple of times during the day, and to try your best to get as much rest as possible. It's hard sometimes with a little one, but I used to have to force myself to lie down when my baby did so that I wouldn't end up exhausted--and believe me, I always fell asleep!

Blessings,

[Lori French]

About Curl the Core: How long should we hold those positions for them to be effective? Are we talking 8 reps and holding each rep for a specified number of seconds?

Curling the core is the basis of the T-Tapp stance. It's used during almost all the moves.

It used to be referred to as tucking your buns, if that sounds any more familiar.

Curling the core throughout the day and holding it relieves back strain and will continue

to whittle you away!

[megyeah]

Thanks Cindy - I wasn't expecting loss since I'm not sleeping, but was shocked to see me getting bigger/fatter, especially since I am exercising regularly and am a very good water drinker. I'll add the hoe-downs, great suggestion! My eating has improved (from once a day, to every few hours) and my sleep will improve now that my son is finally healthy and sleeping better (only up 2-3x/night instead of 40!).

Thanks everyone

[miffny]

Those Hoe Downs have re-shaped my legs quite a bit already ( a ways to go )they are much less bulkier & I reckon I could crush cans with my thighs! .

[Susie22]

Hi All,

I'm fairly new to the forum. I have seen lots of good advice and encouragement here. I have the BWO+ and the SATI, I do both together EOD. My problem is I have hit a major stand still since fall doing the BWO+, no inches lost since I first started. In fact my britches are tighter, I feel I am also getting bigger; definitely not the results I am after. I am also concerned with the fact if your form isn't just right, you can gain inches! And I also don't understand this "fat shifting" either, I thought if you lose inches, you lose inches, not for them to jump in other areas. So I'm thinking, WOW, maybe I should go back to my boring treadmill and the ball for the core work. I have only worked out to the SATI for 2 weeks, so to be fair I haven't really given that workout much of a chance yet. Any suggestions to kick start my butt into losing these stubborn inches? Especially in my abs/waist and hip area.

Susie

[Leapster]

Susie,

I can empathize with you. It is frustrating when you feel things getting tighter, but one of the good things about pants getting tighter in the derriere means that your butt could be lifting. My hubby loves my butt-he says T-Tapp has really changed my body-I have not lost inches for a long, long time, but I also have health challenges that are being taken care of so I will wait for that wonderful day, when many inches will drop away.
Keep with it...trainers will give you good advice and so will many awesome experienced T-Tappers here on the forum. I have received a wealth of information already.

All the best!