My name is Donna Blackmon. I'm 5'3", age 47, with a short torso combo body, and tend to plump up all over when I gain weight. I started T-Tapp in February, 2002 after it was recommended to me by Aimee Dubuisson. I followed Teresa's instructionals, and lost a lot of inches. I remember telling someone that T-Tapp was an exercise I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. Following my initial success, I got satisfied, which lead me straight to lazy. I quit working out altogether and just coasted.

In 2003 I signed up for Weight Watchers, and the only exercise I did was some walking for cardio. I lost 40 lbs., but had not done anything to build up any muscle. After "arriving" at a size 4, I went back to coasting and inactivity. When will I learn that you never "arrive," and it's all about maintenance?

Fast forward to now. I regained about 30 lbs., so I took my measurements on Dec. 31, and I began with a 4 day BWO bootcamp on Jan. 2. Being so out of shape, I didn't even add the hoedowns. It seemed too overwhelming, and I just decided to go easy on myself at the beginning, instead of my usual modus operandi of going gung ho and burning myself out too quickly. Fortunately, the form came back to me pretty quickly, and that was encouraging. Of the 5.5 inches I lost from Jan. 2 to Jan. 7, I lost 1 inch off of each lower thigh!

Following my 4 day BC, I went straight to the EOD schedule. As of Jan. 14 my lost inches totaled 13.25. I was stunned by the number. I kept checking my math, thinking that couldn't be possible, but it came out the same every time. All I did was BWO for 4 straight days, and then 3 more BWO every other day.

My too-tight and uncomfortable size 10 clothes are fitting better. My goal is to get into a size 6/8, but if I get smaller, so be it!

An additional benefit of T-Tapp is how it makes me feel. I'm sitting straighter and have improved posture. I noticed reduced menstrual cramps, as well as much less craving for carbs and sweets and fewer PMS symptoms. My energy level is up too. I am so glad to be back to the only exercise that works so quickly, and makes me feel so healthy. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the encouragement, information, and friendly "voices" on the message boards. That goes a long way toward helping me stay focused, not to mention wanting to encourage others myself. I signed up for the "6 Weeks to a New You" group, and holding myself accountable to these wonderful ladies has been very effective.

Now that I feel stronger and have increased my stamina a bit, I know that I can take on more T-Tapp moves. Thank you Teresa, and pass the hoedowns, please!

Donna Blackmon