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Archive for February, 2009

More About T-Tapp

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

Since I’ve gotten lots of comments and questions about T-Tapp, I thought I’d share a little bit more!

 

The top workout I recommend is actually the MORE 4 in 1 (which is actually 5 workouts in 1 dvd!)

 

Here is the description from the store:

 

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Product Description

The T-Tapp MORE Rehab Program was created for those who have MORE to lose, MORE health issues to overcome (frozen shoulders, bad backs, knee problems, arthritic conditions) or MORE birthday candles on the cake (degenerative spine and joint issues usually increase with time without proper movement). The pace is slower, repetitions are less and exercises are modified from the original Total Workout.  T-Tapp MORE is designed to rebuild cardiac health, neuro-kinetic pathways and lymphatic function – as well as deliver body sculpting inch loss and weight loss.  This program is excellent for spine and joint rehabilitation along with auto-immune disease such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Epstein Barr.  With obesity at epidemic proportions in the United States, this program was designed to show everyone that we CAN be healthy and fit in less time (all workouts are less than 20 minutes) and without pain.  This workout has been well received within the medical community as an important first step in rebuilding healthy blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.  The body CAN repair and rebuild if you move it… so move it with MORE and help your body help itself.  Take the first step in rebuilding your health, wellness AND fitness with the T-Tapp MORE Rehab Program – you’ll get MORE results in LESS time!

 

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The actual link to this workout is here.   It is $69.95 not including tax or shipping.    The reason I really, really like this workout is that it goes slower, focuses more on form with less reps.  I started with the Total Workout (TWO) and Step Away the Inches (SATI), and although I did get results, I really feel MORE is a great starting place, because of the slower pace.  There is a LOT to remember in T-Tapp!  There is no music (which is good for me–music distracts me!!!), but Teresa will give little form reminders throughout the workout.  You have a certain stance, you need to "curl the core" (think how you flatten your lower back against the floor while lying down) and lift ribs.  THEN you do the exercises!  LOL!

 

MORE has Instructional which is about 40 minutes, which teaches you the moves.  Then there are tips for getting up from the floor, out of a chair and up and down stairs, specifically for people of size or people with knee issues.  Then there is the actual workout menu, which is MORE straight through (about 20 minutes), Chair (10 minutes sitting down–believe me you will STILL SWEAT!!!), Broom–about 7 minutes, done with holding a broom across your shoulders, Step Away–about 9 minutes, with tips on walking in place as well as a few other moves.  Once you understand the Step Away, if you start stepping when Teresa starts talking, it’s about 9 minutes.  Otherwise you stand while she explains things.  Then there is MORE From My Home To Yours, which is just Teresa in her living room doing a more advanced version of MORE–kind of takes it up a notch!  It’s a bit over 20 minutes–I think around 23.

 

You can spend a LONG time just doing MORE!  But we all like variety!    I would encourage you to read this awesome post by a trainer Kirsten Tucker, that she recently posted on the T-Tapp forums:

 

How to Choose and Advance Through the T-Tapp Workouts

 

(You might need to register at the forums to be able to read this.)

 

Too many times we think we’re bored and want to move on, think we’ve got it, think we need more tummy work……Michelle Barbuto got her flat tummy after 6 kids with just the standing workouts–mainly Total Workout!   When you start, you don’t understand.  But as you progress, and get those "a-ha!" moments, you start to get it!   You could realistically never need anything other than TWO!

 

You will never perfect everything–your body becomes its own resistance, and you will find you bring a new level of muscle awareness to your workouts!  A year ago I was dismayed to find that I had a harder time with TWO than when I started!   The trainers assured me that what I just shared with you was true!  And I am experiencing it again with MORE–I was doing some of the Tempos (workouts that are more advanced–you need to own TWO first), before my crazy fall, and now I am sweating and shaking with MORE!

 

Okay, so let’s say you’ve had MORE awhile, or you’re really pretty fit, maybe you already work out regularly.  Then you could get Total Workout, which is kind of the "meat and potatotes" of T-Tapp!  And I would add either Step Away the Inches (a 25 minute step in place workout that also works upper body) or the Broom workout.   Broom has options–I LOVE options!    There is a clinic version of MORE–about 35 mintues for just 3 moves!   Then there is a warm-up–about 15 minutes, 19 if you go through the fire drill!  LOL!  It was filmed live, so you go with the flow!  Then there is a short 7 minute walking warm-up in case you don’t have SATI (Step Away the Inches).  Broom walking workout 1 is about 15 minutes  and Broom walking workout 2 is about 30 minutes.  You are actually stepping in place with a broom across your shoulders (and sometimes in front!) with doing upper body moves with the broom.  I LOVE this one!  And there is now a set with Basic Workout Plus (BWO+) and Broom–that would be nice option, too!  (BWO+ is the first 15 minutes of TWO).

 

Okay, how much time?  Here are some breakdowns:

 

MORE  20-25 minutes (depending if you choose the original MORE or MORE From My Home)

 

BWO+  15 minutes

 

SATI  25 minutes

 

Broom –depending on which one you pick–you’d want to at least warm up with Primary Back Stretch first (about a 4 minute move) then

Broom 1:  15 minutes

 

Broom 2:  30 minutes (or you could combine both for a 45 minute workout!)

 

Total Workout:  55 minutes

 

Teresa gives water breaks, and you are allowed to use the PAUSE button and take more if you need to!  Sometimes I need to walk around a bit between certain points!  (pant, pant, pant)

 

The optimal is to start off with the Instructionals–MORE has it, as well as TWO (there is "Instructional 1" for the BWO+ part, then Instructional 2 for the rest of TWO).  There are "bootcamps" of 4-14 days to help establish neurokinetic connections from brain to body, and just to help know what you’re supposed to be doing!  I will say for me, the Instructional for BWO+ moves a bit quickly, which is another reason I like MORE! 

 

I will also say that my bootcamps of 4 days have been as effective as the 14 day ones!   After you finish, you take two days completely off, then don’t do a "full" workout more than every other day.  If you do one every day, that is like another bootcamp and will eventually stall your results.  Oh, and DO NOT MEASURE DURING A BOOTCAMP!  Yes, I’m shouting!  So many measure during a bootcamp, and you will have some swelling (some water retention for cooling the muscles) and inevitably that looks like you’ve gained!  And for many of us, the period of time after a bootcamp was more telling on the measuring tape! 

 

What is a "full" workout?  Basically working out for 40 or more minutes.  There are a few more advanced workouts considered "full" that are only 30 minutes, but you FEEL it, let me tell you!   There are combinations to make a "full" workout, but without getting bogged down in all that to start with, as long as you don’t do longer workouts every single day, you’ll be okay!

 

And always, always take one day completely off, unless you’re in a bootcamp.  

 

One of the concepts that is really tough to get through is that Less IS More!  We want to do 2 hrs. of workouts to feel like we’ve done something!  The thought that you "only" have to do maybe 15-20 minutes a day is…..well….revolutionary!   And after tapping for two years, things have changed for me to where I can do 3 short workouts a week and maintain.  I couldn’t do that to start with.  Not that I want to maintain just yet! 

 

Here is my workout schedule right now:

 

MORE From My Home–2 days a week

 

Hit the Floor Softer or Hit the Floor (a wonderful ab workout–but do get the "meat and potatoes" of MORE  and/or TWO down first!)  1-2 times a week  (and I do NOT use weighted shoes!)

 

MORE Broom then Broom walking workout 1 or 2 1-2 days per week

 

One day completely off, other than Primary Back Stretch, Organs in Place and a Hoedown or two!

 

I basically workout 5-6 days per week, one day completely off.   Most of the time, this is under half an hour.  I can actually get dressed and lace up my shoes and workout in half an hour to 40 minutes with all but the MORE Broom and Broom 2 option.

 

I love the way the Total Workout really does work you out totally!  But I don’t always have that 55 minute block of time.  You can split it up (BWO+ in the morning, the rest at night after Primary Back Stretch), but I have a hard time fitting things in in the afternoon/evening time.   I have actually divided the TWO up between two days like this–up through Runner’s Stretch one day (about half an hour), PBS (Primary Back Stretch) then Arms to end (about 20 minutes).  You might not get as much benefit, but you will still get something!

 

Like many of you, I don’t have tons of time.  I have learned, though, that this workout is more than just "inch loss", it is total health!  At least get the book, Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes, (or from Amazon.com here) from the library and get the feel for what all is behind it.  Teresa is a generous person and her real thrust is health.  I make time for this because it affects my energy levels, my hormones (I’m 46 and feel more balanced than I did in my 20s!), and my mental clarity. 

 

So again, my top two recommendations, are:

 

MORE 4 in 1

 

BWO+/SATI (Basic Workout Plus and Step Away the Inches–can come as a set)  

 

or

 

BWO+/Broom Workout (although it’s considered a clinic style workout, I feel there is enough instruction in there for beginners–but do get familiar with BWO+ or MORE first!)

 

If you can swing it and get the TWO plus SATI or Broom, go for it!   You can purchase the second half of TWO later  (you have to own BWO+ first, and I don’t know the cost of part 2).

 

Okay, that’s a drink from a fire hydrant!  

 

I will still gladly answer questions, and please don’t feel badly if you still don’t understand something!  It can be confusing at first!   But it is worth it!!!!! 

 

Blessings!

Update on Millie

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Thank you all so much for your prayers!  The doctor thinks Millie has a herpes infection (the cold sore kind–sorry I forget which that is!).  She is on antiviral medicine now.   Her mother told me (via big sister–mama was feeding her at the time!  ) that she is eating yogurt and drinking now.  Her sister also told me that this morning Millie was just glued to the couch or her mama–and that was scarey!   She seems to be acting more normally (well, normal for Millie! ) now, so that is a big relief!

 

As the Lord leads, please do keep them in your prayers.  This little tyke has been through SO much!

 

Thank you again!

 

Blessings!

Urgent Prayer Request!

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

I am again asking for prayers for Millie.   Her mother called me just a little while ago and Millie is very lethargic and not responding well.  She seems to be very sick and they just don’t know what’s wrong.  They are headed to the doctor’s now.

 

Please pray for the family’s peace and comfort. 

 

Please pray for Millie, as she is very traumatized by doctors and hospitals.  And of course, for healing.

 

Please pray for the doctor to have wisdom. 

 

Thank you so much for praying for these dear friends!

 

 

In Him~

100 Inches!!!

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009

I’ve mentioned T-Tapp from time to time.  And there’s a link on the sidebar to their site!   I’ve been "T-Tapping" for 2 years as of the end of January.  I was in a Women’s Plus Size 22/24 (I just kept wearing my maternity jumpers, even though my son was almost 4 months old!    )  

 

I had tried different exercises–Core strengthening, Pregnancy Without Pounds, (and Mommy Without Pounds), rebounding and walking.   I lost nothing!  Nada, zip, zilch!   It was very discouraging!  I remember telling my husband,  "Well, I’ll be fat, but at least I’ll be flexible!"

 

When a friend told me about T-Tapp, and how she lost inches rather quickly, I was all ears!   Another friend loaned me her Basic Workout, I saved my change, and later started with the Total Workout and Step Away the Inches.   For the first time in a l-o-n-g time, inches were coming off!  

 

I had been in First Place, a Bible Study weight loss accountability program.   But the problem is, it focuses on pounds.   The scale does NOT tell the story!   And focusing on not eating made it hard for me!   I hate being on one eating plan and not able to eat with my family.   We already eat a lot of whole foods, organic produce, home raised chicken, etc.  When we have sweets, we make them and control the sugar in them.  I did have a Milky Way habit, though!  

 

Over the past two years I have seen the inches and sizes drop!  I have seen wonderful health benefits as well.  In fact, at this point, I really T-Tapp for the health benefits and inch loss is second!  (A close second, mind you!   )  I have a hard time fitting in the longer 50 minute workout, although I have done it.  Most of my workouts have been the shorter ones–half an hour or less.  The consistency of doing them 5-6 days a week has paid off!

 

Just a week ago, I hit the BIG mark of having lost 100 inches!   WOO-HOO!   AND 7 sizes!  I am now in a size 10!  I actually can take some things in to an 8, but my bottom half is definitely a 10!  

 

Now to prove that weight doesn’t really matter–I have only lost 17 pounds!   Muscle weighs more than fat, and if the inches are coming off but pounds aren’t as much, I have learned that you are building muscle and bone.  And that is good weight!   I do weigh occasionally, but I am no longer a slave to the scale.  I got tired of it robbing me of my success!  I have lost pounds before and nothing shows!   But to lose inches and sizes–well, who cares what I weigh?!  My husband hasn’t tried to pick me up much since he carried me over the threshhold almost 26 years ago!  

 

I highly recommend T-Tapp–it is rehabilitative, it can work for any fitness level (don’t let it fool you–it is more difficult than it looks!).   There are all kinds of workouts, but the "meat and potatoes" is the Basic Workout Plus or Total Workout.  The Basic Workout, or BWO+, as it’s known, is the first 15 minutes of the Total.  You can check out Teresa’s book Fit and Fabulous in Fifteen Minutes.  It does have the moves well photographed, but it is hard to learn just from the book.  You will learn how it came about and the theory behind it as well as testimonies–from all sizes.  There are NOT just pics of skinny size 2 models, but real people!  

 

Here are Try Before You Buy exercises–some are on video and others are print outs.  Definitely check out Hoedowns (first video)–they are proven to lower blood sugar!   And you definitely feel more alert after doing them!   It is a coordination challenge–just do your best!

 

There are also free forums (you do need to register–it helps keep spammers out–but you would never have to post anything and can read lots of tips!) where the trainers and veteran tappers offer advice and help, as well as encouragement.  I am convinced that I would not have been quite as consistent without the support there!

 

If you need to lose some inches, rehab some knees/hips/shoulders/whatever, or want to take your workouts up a notch, give it a try.   I guarantee you it will help move the lymph like nothing you’ve ever tried, and you will feel better–and probably lose some inches, too!   It is progressive, so you never "outgrow it" nor do you ever have to do more than 8 reps–your body becomes its own resistance, and you need about 4 sq. ft. of space to do it in!  Very portable, too!  I’ve done it in hotel rooms, outside our camper, and different areas of my home!  

 

Oh, and I didn’t diet!  I did give up my Milky Ways….I like Endangered Species dark chocolate now, and it’s "ruined" me!  I can’t stand the usual variety of candy bars at the checkout now!   I eat with my family, I don’t deprive myself.  I do try to not overdo it on bread and sweets, and try for 2-4 veggies a day (lately it’s been a bit harder due to the craziness of life!).  But other than that, no major changes and no "dieting"!

 

 

Here is a picture of me when I started T-Tapping–at a size 22/24 Women’s.  The dress was the nicest one I fit into, and it was tight!

 

 

 

 

This was last October–down 90+ inches and size 12 misses:

 

 

 

I’ll have to get another taken and post it soon!

 

So there you go.  Real people.  Real results.  T-Tapp.

 

No, I didn’t get paid for that!  LOL!   Seriously, check it out!    It has worked like nothing before, and I’m going to keep on "tapping" and see about losing the rest of my extra inches!

 

Blessings!

Please Pray for Millie

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

With my dear friend’s permission, I am asking for prayer for our special "China Doll", Millie.  My friend and her husband (and older daughter!) adopted Millie almost a year ago from China.  She just turned 3, but is more like maybe 18-20 months old developmentally.  It is hard to know how much is just delay from being in an orphanage from birth, or how much might be neurological issues. 

 

It is difficult as she does not speak yet (a few words, and she does sign words, too).  She understands many things, but cannot tell her family what is wrong.  She has gone through night terrors, some regression and an eating strike this past fall, and recently, after a bout with antibiotics for an ear infection, didn’t eat well again.  She is eating a bit better, but it’s mostly thickened pureed foods as she doesn’t care for texture (she had a cleft palate, which has since been repaired). 

 

She has the sweetest smile and just melts your heart! 

 

Her family needs prayers to know how to help her–it is so hard as she cannot communicate what she is feeling, but lately, she has been putting her hands up to her face, as if shielding from things that frighten her. There seems to be no rhyme or reason–even in her own home, where she feels very secure, she will suddenly be fearful–a terrorized fearful–and cry.   My friend has told me that even in her sleep sometimes she will have her hands up shielding her face.

 

Please pray for them to have wisdom, for God to lead them to the right counselors (they have had to sort through a LOT of worldy stuff through this!), and to know how best to help her. 

 

And most of all, please pray that God will touch her mind, body and spirit, and that she will feel that peace that passes all understanding.

 

Thank you so much for praying for my dear friends and their special little girl!

 

Blessings on your day!

Tagged!

Friday, February 13th, 2009

Kathy tagged me to list 25 things about myself.  Hmm…..

 

1. I didn’t want to get married or have children at 18.

 

2. I’m glad that I ended up doing both anyway!

 

3. I was an only child for 11 years before I got a brother.

 

4. My husband and I were set up on a blind date–he was 24, I was 19-almost-20.  We joke it was my first blind date and his last!  (Well, my first AND last, I guess!   )

 

5. We will be married 26 years on February 27.

 

6. It was 70 degrees the day we married (in northern IN!)

 

7. The church we got married in has been replaced by a Marathon Station!  (We joked that we could renew our vows by gas pump no. 3!)

 

8. My favorite color is lavender/purple.

 

9. My favorite flowers are lilacs.

 

10. I play flute, piano and recorder.

 

11. I sing soprano/mezzo-soprano (and can pitch hit alto if necessary!)

 

12.  I like to write and would like to write some books someday.

 

13. I have raspberry dark hot chocolate almost every evening! 

 

14.  In spite of # 13, I have lost 99 inches and 7 sizes through exercising with T-Tapp over the past two years!

 

15. I struggle with being consistent with anything!  I think I’m implementally impaired!!!

 

16. I love feminine things–teacups, ruffles, lace!

 

17.  I still have some Christmas presents to finish! 

 

18. I like to knit and sew and would like to learn tatting from my daughters!

 

19. I like to wear wild things sometimes, like watermelon fabric, sunflower fabric, chicken fabric……

 

20. My computer desk is almost always a mess!

 

21. My home is decorated in a cottage/country look.

 

22. I love to hear my children practice their instruments (and am partial right now to Leah and Cassia’s piano duet, and Susannah and Cassia’s Vivaldi Double for cello).

 

23. I spent my second year in college in Strasbourg, France, and got to travel some of Europe while over there.

 

24. I also went to Mexico the summer of my senior year in high school.  (And used to be fluent in Spanish….)

 

25. I’m hoping the Lord blesses us with more children–I feel better in my 40s than I did in my 20s!!!

 

Now I’ll tag:

1. My daughters (farmgirls–Susannah likes tags!)

 

2. Robinseggblue

 

3. And Jenny! (fruitbuns)

 

I will try my best to get back on track with my Frugal Friday meme of feeding my family for $15 or less next week!  Pray we don’t get mumps or measles next!!!   

 

Blessings on your day–and weekend!!!

Breaking News!!!

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

Yesterday, February 11, 2009, was an exciting day at the R household in Tinytown, IN!!!!

 

Richardson and Rosie, a young couple, decided to frolic about outside.   Richardson went into the barn to explore, up the steps, and across a narrow bridge.   He was showing off his agility and wit to his beloved!  But, alas, not content with that, he decided to show how he could be a mountain goat in the Alps.

 

Some children were playing  in the barn and saw him go up the stairs and were afraid, due to his boastful character, that he might do something foolish.

 

Bekah ran into the house and said, "Richardson is up on the loft!  What if he jumps off?!"

 

Cassia replied, "Well, if he dies, he dies!"

 

Bekah ran back out to find he HAD jumped, and ran back in to tell the outcome!  "He did jump, and he has a bloody nose!"

 

Several girls ran out to make sure he was okay, and after determining there were no serious injuries, he was admonished at how STUPID that was!

 

Rosie seemed relieved, and when asked, Richardson replied, "Na-aa-aa-aah!"  We think that means, "I’d do it again!"

 

Trisch said, "If it’s not the two legged kids falling out of the barn loft getting head injuries, it’s the 4 legged variety!!!"

 

She also said she is thinking of renaming this blog, "Looking for a Dull Moment", hoping that life could settle down!!!

 

And people wonder what we do for entertainment, since we don’t have a TV!!!  

 

 

Simple Woman’s Daybook–February 5, 2009

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

 

 

 

FOR TODAY~ February 5, 2009…

 

Outside my window…  It’s dark!  And cold!   It’s nice to see it stay light later.

 

I am thinking… am I thinking?  I don’t think I have much brain power left! 

 

I am thankful for… everyone getting better!  And that it wasn’t as bad as it could have been!

 

From the learning rooms… um….infectious diseases?!

 

From the kitchen… tonight we had Calico Bean Bake (a favorite!) and cornbread.  YUM!

 

I am wearing… my  navy with rose floral print jumper and an off-white turtleneck.

 

I am creating… nothing this week!   R & R this week–Rest and Recuperate!

 

I am reading… not much this week.  I’m tired of researching so taking a break from reading!

 

I am hoping… we can start being a bit more normal next week!  (Well, normal for us! )

 

I am hearing… Battle Hymn of the Republic on the piano (Cassia), Bekah reading a story to Charissa, Isaiah making motor noises, Jessica and Leah doing dishes.

 

Around the house… Above mentioned children, then Susannah is out feeding her baby goat (Josephine, I believe!), Noah and Anna are playing with their "firetruck" thing (don’t know how to describe it–a vinyl and wire frame thing that collapses flat, but when up is a little firetruck they get inside).  I think they liked the "woo-woo" scenes in Fireproof!  (Which my children watched FOUR times this past weekend!!)

 

One of my favorite things… is how good I feel after exercising!   (T-Tapp–see sidebar!)

 

A few plans for the rest of the week: continue getting better and gently get back into the swing of things.  And I’d really like to finish finding the garage, but I’ll quit saying that as we keep getting sick when I say it!  Shhhh!

 

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

 

 

 

 

Blessings on your day!