Mom of the Month
April Thomas

General Questions
How many children do you have and what are the ages?
I have one beautiful daughter, Kathleene. She will turn 2 in December.

How did you find out about T-Tapp?
I had joined Weight Watchers to lose a few pounds. I was a size 12 at the time. Someone on the WW forum directed me to TTapp. I bought the programs the same day.

How long have you been T-Tapping?
Since May of 2002.

Why did you choose to start T-Tapping?
I wanted an exercise that I could do in my own home. I had a gym membership, but I was not seeing any improvement. I was going 3-4 times a week and working out for 45+ minutes each time. I liked the idea that I did not have to learn choreographed steps or have fast movements. I was not very coordinated at the time.

Which are your favorite moves from T-Tapp?
I love TTapp Twist. It really puts my back in alignment, stretching out my lats and traps while building strength in my abs and back muscles.

The hip stretches are also a fav, although not officially a T-Tapp move, it is where I found out about it. The stretches allow me to do hoe downs, thread the needle, well any move where I lift my leg.

Are/were you doing a specific eating program prior to finding out that you were pregnant?
This is funny. My biggest struggle to lose sizes is eating well. I was a drive thru junkie, because I did not take the time to plan meals.

Preganancy Questions
Did you using Teresa's Cellulite Removal Technique?
I brushed randomly though out my first and second trimesters. I took alfalfa when I remembered. During my third trimester, I developed PUPPP. I was not able to brush as it caused my skin to itch more. I pray no one else ever has PUPPP. It does not harm you or your baby, but it makes an uncomfortable time more uncomfortable.

Did you do any other kinds of activities with this pregnancy such as walking, aerobics, etc.?
I tried yoga, but could not get "into" it. My husband and I love to walk a lap around our neighborhood. Until the weather turned cold, we would walk several times a week. I would go swimming on the weekend throughout the summer.

Are any other Better Body Basic product that you used during your pregnancy?
I used lavender oil on my face to help keep breakouts in check and moisturize. My sensitive skin became more sensitive while pregnant.

What other health benefits have you had while doing T-Tapp (less edema, less PMS crazies, reduction of knee pain, control of depression, etc)?
I was a size 16 when I became pregnant. Yes, I went up to a size 18 at my largest, after I had T-Tapp, but did not workout consistently. When I found out I was pregnant, I took myself off my anti-depressants. Every time I tried before, I could not stand the withdraw symptoms, so I would start taking the pill again. My baby was an enough reason to endure the two weeks of withdraw symptoms. About a year after delivery, I started having trouble sleeping. I was tired and went from doing Basic Plus several times a week to maybe once or twice. After about a month, I realized I was slipping into a depressed mood. I forced myself to start exercising regularly again. This helped me sleep and soon I was over the dip. I am now more aware of myself and know the signs that depression is coming on.

T-Tapp has also relieved so much back pain. I was in a car accident when I was seventeen. My upper back muscle had an ache, but I did not go to the doctor. With T-Tapp, I have had weeks with no pain. Tapping gives me the correct moves to keep my back aligned and muscles strong.

With the introduction of Ladybugs, my period has changed. Back pain during the first days is gone.

Were there any specific T-Tapp moves you used while pregnant or in labor to increase your comfort level?
MORE modified PBS saved me from tail bone pain during my pregnancy. My tailbone would slip out of my pelvic bone causing horrible pain. Doing PBS daily kept everything aligned and prevented more pain. During labor, I was confined to a bed because of my blood pressure, so I could not do anything during labor.

What modifications did you make to the Total Workout during your pregnancy, if any?
I did MORE work out mostly. I did not do oil wells after my belly was in the way.

Post-partum questions
How long after pregnancy did you start up again, and with what workouts?
I waited until I was five weeks post partum. I started with MORE for a month or so, then switched to Basic and still later adding the hoedowns to Basic. I struggled with excuses why I couldn't workout. I made a "deal" with myself, I would do MORE or BW+. That short workout would be it, several times a week. I didn't have to put my shoes on. That was an excuse I was using. Now I take the time to lace up, as I can tuck better in shoes. My body craves T-Tapp now.

What kinds of inch loss results have you had from T-Tapp?
I lost consistently with my workouts. The more consistent I am with my workouts, the more consistent my inch loss is. In just a year from delivery, I lost 35 inches. Oddly enough, I also lost 35 plus my 30 pregnancy pounds. I went from a size 18/xl maternity (refusing a larger size) to a size 12. I was a 12 when I started T-Tapp, but I look much better this time around. I was also 15 pounds heavier.

The two things I changed in my diet were: no more soda, that is no diet, no regular, no fizz and less fast food. I do drink sweet decaf tea and at least 90 ounces of water a day. Since I was home, I did not go through the drive thru twice a day. I can plan meals and I love to cook, so I much prefer my cooking.

What kind of health benefits to you gain from doing T-Tapp?
Although I've been on a measurement plateau for a year, I still have seen changes. After finally getting what it means to tuck, my fanny is now rounder. From brushing, my belly skin is shrinking. I no longer have apron. My stretch marks are barely visible. My lower belly pooch is slimming. I know my muscles are getting stronger. I have more energy and ability to do things. I am smaller, my cholesterol is down, blood pressure is down and I'm not on any medication. As stated above, my back pain has lessened. It is amazing the difference when I don't get my workouts in, such as when I'm sick. I know if I keep tapping, I won't go back to the size I was and I know I will continue to see improvements.

One of the biggest freedoms is being able to sit on the floor. When my daughter started crawling around, I could get down with her and play. Then as easy as I got down, I could get up. I can sit comfortably on the floor. T-Tapp has given me the ability to be an active part in my daughter's life, not just a spectator. I can climb on the playground equipment, run around the house and get down on her level to play.

What kind of advice do you have for other pregnant women contemplating adding T-Tapp into their lifestyle?
Do it. You won't regret it. The different levels allow you to start back slow and get back into shape quickly. Organs in Place will help you get your belly flat after delivery.

Are there any other wisdom you want to share with other T-Tapp Mommies about T-Tapp with pregnancy or postpartum?
Remember to listen to your body. With T-Tapp, you will get to know your body better. Know when you have enough. You don't have to start with a full workout to lose. MORE and Basic Plus are a must to have around while taking care of a newborn. You can get the workout done when the baby naps. Your baby will also like to watch you wave your arms around while you workout. It's also a great workout when you didn't get much sleep. Remember, LESS is More.

If you can afford it, I would suggest taking Teresa's Alfalfa. It is great at decreasing puffiness you'll have because of lack of sleep. It will also help your milk supply if you are lactating.