Mom of the Month
Gretchen

How many children do you have and what are the ages?
I have one girl, she was born Jan. 13, 2007—she’ll turn 13 months this week.

How did you find out about T-Tapp?
Through ivillage message board. I was snooping online to see how to lose the pudge I had acquired after getting married and going on the birth control shot.

How long have you been T-Tapping?
Since 1999 off and on using Try Before You Buy exercises, but consistently since 2005. Consistency is KEY!

Why did you choose to start T-Tapping?
It just makes so much sense compared to running your brains out or flailing about to get your heartrate up. I love that everything has a purpose and you’re not wasting your energy mindlessly.

Which are your favorite moves from T-Tapp?
Usually the ones I DON'T like are the ones that my body needs the most. It took me a while to get T-Tapp Twist down and now I love how it makes my back feel (after Primary Back Stretch, of course). I also love The Box and Organs in Place, and Balance Sequence and Thread the Needle...hmm I like all of them.

Are/were you doing a specific eating program prior to finding out that you were pregnant?
Heck no. I can't stick to a diet. Last time I think I tried was in Jr. High. We were learning about the Food Pyramid in Home Ec and decided to try the "Food Pyramid Diet." Couldn’t even stick to that. (The sweets are at the top so they're most important!)

Are you using Teresa's Cellulite Removal Technique?
I did off and on while pregnant and then up until she was about 8 months old. Then I saw my sister's skin (which looked the same as mine when the kids were 2 months) was tighter, firmer, and less stretch-marked. I was SOLD and have been very consistent, up to 2 times a day for the past 3 months and have noticed a huge difference already! Now I’m kicking myself for not doing it all along - I'd be so much better off now.

Do you do any other kinds of activities with this pregnancy such as walking, aerobics, etc.?
I used the elliptical machine and walking to try to jumpstart labor at the end. I walked a bit in the first trimester before I was really exhausted all the time, and then found out I was pregnant. Basically, I just did T-Tapp. I was the band teacher so I did march with the band for practice and parades (and Cadence liked to thump along to the beat).

Are any other Better Body Basic product that you used during your pregnancy?
I used the Skin Saver Body after my pregnancy (for stretch marks) but I'm afraid I wasn't consistent enough.

What other health benefits have you had while doing T-Tapp (less edema, less PMS crazies, reduction of knee pain, control of depression, etc)?
Reduction of cramps usually with a workout and Ladybugs (the move). It also helps relieve headaches by doing Primary Back Stretch, or the Basic Workout.

Were there any specific T-Tapp moves you used while pregnant or in labor to increase your comfort level?
Oil Wells! Oil Wells helped relieve my sciatic pain (my "psychotic nerve"). While in labor was another story - couldn’t do much with all that equipment and I couldn’t get out of the bed, but I tried to tuck and work with the contractions.

What modifications did you make to the Total Workout during your pregnancy, if any?
No Organs in Place during The Box; couldn’t lift my leg as high on Balance; couldn’t BALANCE as well until I got my bearings, and then it changed again; T-Tapp Twist and Thread the Needle were challenging with the belly in the way. It was quite amazing afterward how much more ROOM I had without the belly there.

How long after pregnancy did you start up again, and with what workouts?
I waited 2 months, basically because I was getting to know my daughter. I started up with Basic Workout trying to fit it in and then worked up to as much of the Total Workout as I could muster. Soon I was doing Total Workout all the time, getting ready for certification to become a Trainer.

What kinds of inch loss results have you had from T-Tapp?
I played along with the 60 day challenge after Cady was born, even though I didn't enter, and lost about 16" overall, using the Less is More concept. I don’t think I even did a bootcamp. I perhaps got in a workout every other day or two.

From the beginning of T-Tapp, I've lost about 2" on each upper thigh, 1-1/2" on each lower thigh, 1-1/2" on my calves, 2" on my abdomen (still tightening that one), 1" on my waist (still tightening that too), 2" on my rib cage, and 2" on each arm. And that's having a baby in between.

What kind of advice do you have for other pregnant women contemplating adding T-Tapp into their lifestyle?
Definitely give it a go. Add in what you feel comfortable with: don't overdo it but definitely do something. Exercise is recommended, and T-Tapp is no-impact so it's perfect! You don't have to be super coordinated or worry you'll fall off a step or exercise machine (was I the only one who was a wobbly mess?) The left-brain/right-brain mind/body workout aspect of T-Tapp helps regain some clarity in the cloud of Pregnant Brain confusion. And the neurokinetic connections you build will help you get back in shape after the baby quicker, as well as benefit the baby in being neurokinetically aware of his/her body in and out of utero.

And, DEFINITELY BRUSH! Especially if you have a history of stretch marks, make it a habit to brush every day and you'll see results being consistent. Take it from me, who's getting her results later because she slacked.

Are there any other wisdom you want to share with other T-Tapp Mommies about T-Tapp and pregnancy?
If you miss a day, you miss a day. No worries. Start back up the next day or so. It's not about perfection. It's about form. Speaking of form and perfection - you'll never be perfect and if you think you are, you're probably missing the boat. Striving for your personal max every day is tough, but worth it. There's always something else to focus on and something else to tighten and some other connection to build and master. That's what's so great about T-Tapp and what makes T-Tapp the only workout you'll ever need.