Esther

Esther is a 27-year-old mommy of a 2-year-old son and is expecting number two in February. She lives in the Washington DC metro area and is a personnel officer in the Air Force.

Stephanie: Hi Esther! I am so excited to be able to do this story on a pregnant T-Tapper as I was one myself last year. So how long have you been T-Tapping?

Esther: Just over a year. I got my first set of tapes in September of 2000.

Stephanie: Have you done any other exercise programs prior to T-Tapp?

Esther: Nothing specific. My fitness routines have usually revolved around competitive sports (basketball, track, rugby) or preparing for military fitness tests. And that usually happened at practice or in the gym.

Stephanie: Did you T-Tapp before this pregnancy?

Esther: Yes. I got the tapes around my son's 1st birthday. I had been nursing that first year and wasn't too stressed about being "perky." I was already back at my pre-pregnancy weight. But, after a while I wanted to firm up those places that my "maternal fat stores" had loosened up.

Stephanie: What kinds of activities did you do with your first pregnancy and/or how does this differ?

Esther: I did water aerobics and walked. I also did Kathy Smith's pregnancy workout tape and a prenatal yoga tape.

Stephanie: Have you noticed any changes with your body with T-Tapp and this pregnancy compared to the last?

Esther: This time I feel a lot stronger and more energetic. During my last pregnancy, I would work up a good sweat during a workout, but afterwards I'd feel completely drained. This time, I feel energized after I Tapp which is great since I start my day at 4:30 in the morning and end it chasing my 2 year-old. I'm also more aware of my posture. I find myself thinking "tuck that fanny and rolling those shoulders back" when I'm sitting at the computer, waiting for the train, or washing dishes. I don't have as much lower back pain and when I do have pain, Primary Back Stretch and a set of T-Tapp Twists are a great remedy.

Stephanie: I found I had less back pain too and had way more energy, which is a plus with little ones running around. Has your mental outlook changed with this pregnancy and the last? I know most Tappers find that they have a great feeling of accomplishment just getting through the first few minutes of the workout and it makes their outlook on the day better.

Esther: Yes. I definitely have that feeling of accomplishment but more than that I feel stronger, more powerful this pregnancy. It's hard to explain.

Stephanie: Do you do any other kinds of activities with this pregnancy such as walking, aerobics, etc.?

Esther: I walk and occasionally lift weights (arms only).

Stephanie: So how are the cravings this time? I had some really weird ones with my last one….water namely.

Esther: I've been lucky this time--no real funky cravings. Last time I couldn't get enough beef--hamburgers, steak, pot roast, stew--you name it. If it came from a cow, I had to have it!

Stephanie: I guess the cows are happier this time. I know I found myself taking more water and other breaks while I was pregnant and Tapping, do you find yourself taking a lot of breaks; however, I still got results.

Esther: Yes. Since I'm already drinking a ton of water throughout the day, I always feel like I have to go. So, if I'm doing a workout that's more than 30 minutes, you can bet I have to take a potty break.

Stephanie: Do you have any advice for a woman recently pregnant and T-Tapp?

Esther: Listen to your bodies. During both pregnancies, I was extremely tired during my first trimester. I mean I would nap during lunch, then nap after I got home from work, wake for dinner and be out again for the night. At first I would feel guilty for not getting a workout in at least once a week, but I realized that my body needed that energy to help grow a strong, healthy baby. Once I got my energy back, I did as much as I could and tried not to sacrifice my form. Form is so critical with this program to begin with, but sometimes I'd be more worried about keeping up with Teresa. I finally figured that it was better to focus on form than worry about doing 10 or 12 sloppy repetitions just to keep up with the tape. And also, stick with it. After reading Stephanie's and Tiffany's stories and the stories of other pregnant tappers (at the T-Tapp forums, I-Village and the old EZ-board) I'm really encouraged about my post-partum recovery.

Stephanie: So have you had to make any modifications and if so what?
Esther: Yes. I sometimes cut out the head rocks because it would make me dizzy (I think that has something to do with the increased blood volume we pregnant ladies experience). As my belly grows larger, moves like thread the needle and hoe downs get a little more difficult, both in terms of balance (new center of gravity) and my non-existent waistline. I just try to do those the best that I can. And, as recommended, I elevate my shoulders during awesome legs.

Stephanie: Those Awesome Legs really help keep the ankle and feet swelling to a minimum don’t they! Also are you doing the CRT skin brushing technique?

Esther: Yes. I love the skin brushing. My skin is noticeably softer. I usually have a problem with dry, itchy skin both because of the cooler, dryer weather and my growing pregnant body. But when I brush, I don't have any problems with dry skin.

Stephanie: Esther that is great! I know that the “itchy belly” can be a real problem while you are pregnant, but I agree the increased circulation to the area from the brushing helps alleviate those symptoms. I want to thank you for your time and DO keep us posted on when the baby is born, send a picture.

Esther: I will.

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