An introduction and a few questions

[BlessedMama]

Well, definitely do NOT add in too much workout-wise! That's great that you have a dr working with you on the adrenals. My thyroid issues were diagnosed by my temp charts! My certified nurse midwife is also a woman's health practitioner and she noticed my "basement temps". My thinking is my thyroid has probably always been an issue which was slowly killing my adrenals. No way to prove it, just going by how I felt growing up.

Dead sea salt--again, I use Teresa's, but you can usually get it at most bath places. Wal-Mart even sells it, but like everything else, quality varies. The dead sea salts feed the skin as well as help tighten it.

When I was super consistent, I would do it 3 times per week. I'm not so consistent right now and need to get back to it! Even once a week will help.

HTH!

[twinkletoesmomma]

Hi again! I'm not sure if I should post on my original thread or start a new one, but here it goes anyway.

I have continued to use the MORE workout, but the past 2 months or so, I have not had any significant inch loss. I seem to gain or lose the same 1-2" over and over again---all over (mainly abs/hips/thighs and arms)

I am wondering if no more inch loss is possible until I lose some weight. I have belly/c-section flab. So far, I haven't lost any weight. If anything, I've gained a few pounds (even though my clothes fit better).

It seems like I average a full workout only 3 times a week. Is this enough for results?

Any other tips? Getting very discouraged! We are TTC and I had really hoped to be back to my best size before another pregnancy.

Thanks!

[BlessedMama]

What workout are you doing? Are you still doing MORE? Any other moves along with your workouts (target moves, etc.)?

Slowing inch loss could mean you might need to bump it up a bit, or it can also be a sign of adrenal issues cropping up. I don't put a whole lot of stock in weight as I only lost 30 lbs. during my first 8 sizes! I also watched my weight do crazy things while losing inches so I quit weighing!

Third possibility is we sometimes get a little too comfortable and aren't as focused on form or pushing to our max.

Let us know what workouts your doing, and what days, and we'll see if we can help you out!

[twinkletoesmomma]

Thanks Trisch!

I am still doing MORE--usually Mon, Wed, Fri (sometimes Saturday too if schedule allows). I occasionally do the Broom and Step workouts on the same MORE DVD. I rarely exercise more than 4 days a week though--mostly because of busy schedules. I don't think I'm having issue with my adrenals as I can usually tell (although I have had a few days here and there of insomnia, so perhaps. who knows!) Do I need to try to fit in more days a week to workout?

I feel like I give my all when I do workout....really tightening up. Would a short 4 day bootcamp be good? Should I try other exercises on the website (OIP, diva derriere)?

Thanks!

[BlessedMama]

If anything, going back to the Instructional for 4 days would be the best "bootcamp". It's amazing how much jumps out at you each time!

I would also reread Michelle's Curl Your Core tips:

http://forum.t-tapp.com/showthread.p...220#post860220

Have you tried to do MORE from My Home to Yours? If you're sure you're not battling adrenals, you could try that to "bump" things up.

Really focus on curling your core, ribs up, and reach away with those arms as if through thick mud. Keep pushing knees out. For Plies, pretend you are holding elevator doors open with those knees!

Also be mindful you are fueling your body well. When we are thinking about losing weight or inches, we almost instinctively start thinking about our eating. In the past I would almost subconsciously not eat as much--which usually translated into not eating enough. I didn't try to diet, just would eat less and less. But if you don't get enough protein, good fats and good carbs, as well as non-starchy veggies, you can sabotage your metabolism. Especially with TTC, you want to be fueling your body well! And my experience is as I ate better, and as much as I needed/wanted, I actually lost better!

Hope something there is helpful!

[twinkletoesmomma]

Thank you. I think I'll try the instructionals again for a few days to see if I'm missing something. If that doesn't kick start things, I'll bump it up a notch with the other workout. Thank you again for you all your time.

[BlessedMama]

No problem! Keep us posted so we can cheer you on!

[twinkletoesmomma]

Whew! Going back to the instructionals definitely steps it up a notch. I haven't measured to see if it is helping those inches though.

I did have a question. I noticed that during a few moves, I was holding my breath. I know I'm not supposed to and I always inhale/exhale when she says, but it seems like I can't help it. I feel like I do it most when I am supposed to be tightening my stomach muscles. I rarely can feel my stomach tighten even though I am squeezing and trying. Perhaps I am overcompensating and holding my breath instead. Occasionally, I'll even feel like gagging a little, so something isn't right. Do you have any tips for me other than "just stop holding my breath."

[BlessedMama]

It might help to "practice" zipping up those abs to your ribcage, holding that activation, then breathing as deeply as you can. It DOES take practice! I know I thought I could not breathe deeply when I finally got the abs activated!

Not sure that's much help!

[twinkletoesmomma]

How do I do that? Get in a ttapp stance and tighten up starting at the bottom and go up? I feel like I can't feel my lower stomach at all (maybe due to having a c-section?) Do I just squeeze it tight even if I can't really feel it?