Category Winner
Less to Lose with Health Improvements* Category

Danielle B.

* Chronic neck and back pain from car accident 7 years ago. Sinus problems, sleep problems, lack of energy and carpal tunnel.

I had always been a naturally thin child and relatively thin teenager. Then, in college I put on weight through late nights studying with too much pizza and occasionally beer. In my late twenties I got into great shape by doing aerobics 5 times a week and weight lifting three times a week. At age 28 I was in the best shape of my life. Then we moved and stopped going to the gym and I gradually gained weight from being sedentary up to age 30 when I got pregnant with my first child. I had three children in five years and after each pregnancy there seemed to be an additional 10 to 15 lbs that I hadn’t had before. Multiply that by three and I was at least 40 lbs overweight.

My experience with T-Tapp began about a year and a half ago. I had just quit my job as an Engineer in a production facility. The job was stressful and I had gotten into the habit of hitting the vending machine for a Coke and a candy bar whenever the stress got high or my energy got low. Of course I would crash later and need a refill. (If only I had known about Hoe Downs!) My cravings were out of control and I found myself wanting chocolate constantly. I knew something had to change. I was frustrated because I had quit my job for family reasons to take care of my young children. I thought “Here I am at home with these three beautiful children who just want to play and have so much energy and I cannot keep up with them.” When I looked in the mirror I wanted to see an energetic, vibrant young mother. But I did not recognize myself. I had been relatively thin when I was younger, but I have always had a problem with my hips and thighs being largely out of proportion with the rest of my body. Now I was heavy all over and my midsection was a problem too. Every item of clothing I bought had elastic in it because I didn’t want to face up to my real size.

I did a lot of reading on nutrition and started a low carb eating plan which allowed me to drop some of the excess weight. Although the pounds had started to come off, I still was not in shape and I had much more to lose. I needed something more to help me reach my goals. Then, I tried going to a fitness center for workouts with weights and an elliptical trainer, but although it is right by my house, finding time to leave the kids on a regular basis to workout was not practical. I knew that I needed to find something I could do at home during their nap time or bedtime.

I first learned of T-Tapp when I read about it on a low carb forum. There seemed to be many dedicated fans, and I hadn’t ever seen such enthusiasm for an exercise program. I thought either these ladies are crazy or there really is something special here… so I decided to try it. First, I ordered the instructionals. I did those for about six months and then branched out into other workouts such as Tempo and Tempo Lower Body. The first thing that amazed me was how much my arms were changing and getting toned with no weights. I had never gotten into shape without serious weight lifting and lots of aerobics before. The other striking thing that happened was my back and neck felt so good! I have had problems with my back and neck since a car accident ten years ago, which resulted in years of alignment and pain management treatments.

When I heard of the contest I was really excited to participate. I knew it would force me to get serious. To kick off the contest I attended a workshop given by Michelle Barbuto. She gave me some excellent tips on form and actually had me sweating during Primary Back Stretch! She also showed me how to stretch my wrists during the workout because I have had trouble with carpal tunnel. Michelle gave me one tip that I especially treasure – do a Primary Back Stretch before bed and you will sleep like a baby! She also taught me that if a move seems too easy you probably aren’t doing it right. I really think her workshop helped me cement in my mind what Theresa was reminding me to do on the instructionals.

It took the contest to make me consistent and accountable and to form a habit of working out. Before the contest it was easy for me to say to myself I didn’t get to it today, I will exercise tomorrow. Some weeks I would get in my workouts and some not. I would stick to it for a while then lapse. What really worked for me was doing something almost every day so that moving became a habit. I do a complete workout three times a week, then on off days I will do Step Away the Inches or walk using T-Tapp form. I usually do the Total Workout at least once a week and the Tempo Lower Body two times to address my biggest problem areas. One day a week I rest completely.

Using this schedule, the results have been dramatic. I lost more inches in these sixty days then in the previous year of inconsistency. I may be able to scale back once I meet my goals… but for now this keeps me feeling good and moving forward. My carpal tunnel is under control (no aching while typing on the computer) my energy is high and I am sleeping better than ever. For perhaps the first time in my life I have nice legs and I’ve bought a bunch of little summer dresses to celebrate. I have never ever been the girl with nice legs. Even when I was thin they were pudgy. I take my three kids, ages 6, 4 and 2 swimming almost every day and we are always on the go, going to parks, playgrounds, and friend’s houses or just running around. I am down 40 lbs and wearing a size 8 again. I am not nearly as crabby as I was when I was big and didn’t feel well. It is interesting to note that I am a good 15 to 20 pounds heavier than I was the last time I was this size. I have more muscle now than ever before and I feel strong.

Thanks to Teresa, I’m more interested in taking care of myself than I have ever been. I also found her God Made/Man Made eating guidelines more flexible and easy to stick to than the low carb plan I had been following, so I switched to that philosophy of days on and off. I have no idea where this will go but I am going to keep T-Tapping and eating right and see where it takes me (and my body). I feel like I can do anything now. I am very grateful to have learned so much. Seeing pictures of Teresa, Lani and Michelle is very motivating. They just keep getting better and better with time. I want that for myself too!