Grand Prize Winner
Winner: Basic Plus/SATI/SITM Category
Laura R.
All throughout the 60 day challenge I’ve been thinking about what I’ve accomplished and why I want to be the winner. I have to begin by explaining that I have never entered any kind of physical contest like this before and never dreamed I would submit pictures of myself in workout clothing! I found that this was just the first decision that led to 60 days of life-changing attitudes and habits.
Just before I learned about this contest, my husband and I had been listening to a motivational speaker talk about decisions. Once a true and committed decision is made, there is no turning back. We even looked up the root of the word “decision” and discovered that in Latin, it literally means “to cut off”. As soon as I submitted my contest entry, I knew I had made a commitment to myself that I could not turn away from. This was significant for me because I have a long history of starting and stopping diets and exercise programs. I gained a sense of success from following through with my commitment.
My mantra throughout this challenge has been “Progress, not Perfection”. So many times I would quit if some thing wasn’t perfect, or become frustrated and feel defeated. I found that life is not always perfect, and if I set a workout schedule, something would always come up to tempt me to break it. I spent 10 days on vacation and although I did not work out as much as I would like, I did bring the DVD’s and managed a couple of workouts. On some days, my rheumatoid arthritis would flare and perhaps I couldn’t straighten my elbow and do the workout. On vacation, I injured my knee and couldn’t work out for a few days. Through it all, I didn’t quit when I “fell off the wagon”; I just started fresh again with a positive attitude. I know I didn’t do all of my exercises with perfect technique, but I did follow form to the best of my ability and reminded myself, “Progress, not Perfection”. I gained a sense of consistency, perseverance, and diligence.
Because I managed to follow form to my personal max and keep working out, the physical benefits were terrific! Having been diagnosed with moderately severe rheumatoid arthritis in 1999, I have struggled with chronic pain and have been reluctant to exercise. When I first tried T-Tapp last year, it bothered my neck and I seemed to make excuses to give up after just a few days. I had thought about trying T-Tapp again when I received the email detailing the contest. This time, I worked through the initial discomfort and reaped fabulous results. My neck quit bothering me after 2 weeks of doing T-Tapp and hasn’t hurt since. I do not wake up in the morning with pain from a stiff neck. I have been able to stand up straight for the first time in years without lower back or shoulder aches. I have lost the rounded shoulders and I can stand or sit up to do my activities of daily living like washing dishes or folding laundry. Finally, I achieved something I had wanted for quite a few years…I no longer need to lean against the counter for support or rest my head in my hands at the desk. My strength and energy increased, making my vacation much more enjoyable than it would have been if I had not been working out. During our trip to Tennessee, I was able to teach science camp in the morning and still feel bright enough to go river tubing, horseback riding, and hiking in the mountains during the afternoons. (And I did not feel fatigued and uncomfortable during the drive because I was tightening my lats and tucking my butt along the way!) Everywhere I go, I receive compliments from friends and family who are surprised at how healthy I look. I gained a new posture and physical strength
All of this has given me a new boost of confidence in my appearance. I went “shopping” in my closet and removed all of the clothes that were too loose or out of style. I bought new, flattering clothes. I changed my hair style for the first time in years. It wasn’t a drastic change, but I lost my bangs and tried a new part. I finally repaired the cracked crowns in my front teeth which I have been putting off for years because I felt the money was better spent on something else. This new attitude has improved the relationship I have with my husband. I gained a new sense of self.
During the 60 day challenge I used only BWO+ and SATI. I began with a BWO+ for 11 days in a row, then every other day for two weeks after that. For the last 30 days, I did BWO+ two or three times a week. After the first 30 days, I purchased SATI to go along with my BWO+, completing that workout an average of twice weekly after my BWO+. I did become more aware of what I was eating, but did not diet or count calories. I did take Teresa’s advice and begin drinking plenty of pure water each day, about 70 ounces. I brushed my skin with the T-Tapp brush and enjoyed the circulatory and exfoliating benefits that it provides. Even though I was not consistent, I know it was working to make my skin healthier. One of the best tools that T-Tapp offers is the forum on the website. I found so many helpful threads and encouraging stories. I made sure that I visited frequently during the beginning to keep me on the right track and to learn tips for proper techniques. I gained quite a few Aha moments!
After putting all of these thoughts into words, I find that I already am a winner thanks to T-Tapp. The only reason I have left to be a contest winner is to be able to share my story with other women who may feel the same way I did in the beginning of this 60 day challenge. Who knew so much could be gained from a 15 minute a day workout?
|
|
LOSSES:
|
|
|
Bust:
|
-3
|
|
Waist:
|
-3
|
|
Abdomen:
|
-2.5
|
|
Hips:
|
-2
|
|
Right
Upper Thigh:
|
-1
|
|
Right
Lower Thigh:
|
-1
|
|
Left
Upper Thigh:
|
-1.25
|
|
Left
Lower Thigh:
|
-.75
|
|
Right
Calf:
|
-.75
|
|
Left
Calf:
|
-1
|
|
Right
Upper Arm:
|
-1
|
|
Left
Upper Arm:
|
-.5
|
|
TOTAL
INCH LOSS:
|
-17.75
|
|
