Your T-Tapp Questions Answered

T-Tapp creator Teresa Tapp is here to answer your most frequently asked T-Tapp questions. For those of you new to T-Tapp, it is a workout that is "cardio-kinetic," for super fat burning without weights or jumping. If your question isn't answered, post it on the T-Tapp message board.

Q. Can you give some examples, or is there a video to follow?
A. My Mini-Max workout is a condensed version of the Total workout -- less than 30 minutes, but the same results. After the beginner workout, I suggest the Hit the Floor workout or the intermediate level for people ready to try something more challenging.

Q. How is your workout different from Jazzercise?
A. There is no music or jumping like Jazzercise. All of my moves were perfected over nine years using the help of models. I also used my movements while in cancer research with patients undergoing radiation and chemo so I could monitor the lymphatic properties of the workout.

Q. How do I get my hands on a copy of your workouts? They sound exciting, motivating and fun!
A. You can get free copies of full exercise movements to try over at the t-tapp.com Website under the article section.

Q. I know that during the balance sequence of the workout, we are not supposed to hold onto anything. However, my husband would like to do some of the workout (he already does Hit the Floor and loves it) but cannot balance well. Can you suggest some way he can benefit from your exercise principles anyway?
A. When doing the balance movement, ask him to try to do as much as he can without touching or holding anything. It is better to do a few reps with bobbles rather than a lot without.

Q. How can I curb my craving for carbs? A. Try eating raw almonds (about 10 to15 each day). Also, take Nerve and Osteo Support, made by Countrylife, before bedtime.

Q. I get really tired because I'm 13 weeks pregnant. Do I still get the full benefit of the workout with 15-minute water breaks?
A. Yes, you get the full benefit with 15-minute water breaks. Remember that Baby is pulling nutrients from Mom! Try having a little bit of fresh fruit right before beginning the workout.

Q. How much extra cardio should I be doing to lose about 20 pounds of fat? Should I do the walk/run you have described, or is any type of cardio acceptable? Should it be every day or on days off?
A. Any type of cardio is fine -- the surprising thing is that the T-Tapp Total Workout at the intermediate level gives a target high of 186 and average of 156, as done with heart monitors by marathon runners. To lose the 20 pounds of fat, add 20 minutes of walk/jog on days off from T-Tapp, or add the Jog/Rocks tape every day when you get home from work.

Q. Are there any specific T-Tapp moves to target bulky calves, not just thighs?
A. There are some great ways to slim calves using the extended stretching video.

Q. Can I drop weight training when using the T-Tapp tapes?
A. You can drop weight lifting if you wish, but you don't have to if you love it.

Q. How well should I do the instructional videos before attempting the actual rehab/beginner tape? How many days off should be between workouts?
A. You can move from the instructional tapes when you feel like you are able to hold your balance during the "thread the needle" movement for at least 6 reps.

Q. Which tape do you recommend for a person with lower-back problems?
A. I suggest getting the Primary Back Stretch Target Pop video for a bad lower back, or the Total Workout. It really rehabs the back -- I know back pain personally.

Q. Which video should I get after the Total Workout?
A. I suggest getting the Hit the Floor or the intermediate level as the next video after getting strong enough with the beginner/rehab. Once T-Tappers know the Total Workout, they are able to get the mini-max workouts. Only those who know the workout can get them, though, since they do not have any instruction but they do have new movements on them.

Q. Which exercises in the intermediate level should I do to get rid of fat in the saddlebag area and hips?
A. You can go mid-thigh ONLY if you keep your shoulders "square" to the side wall. Try "T-Tapp twist" for another great move as long as you keep that fanny tucked. You can get it for free over at the t-tapp.com site.

Q. I am about 80 pounds overweight. What's the quickest way to get results with T-Tapp?
A. You can lose the 80 pounds and have tight skin with T-Tapp. I suggest getting the T-Tapp Total Workout, and then measuring weekly and trying to monitor your man-made carb intake every third day. Denise Hentz just lost 52 pounds in nine months with T-Tapp. She lost 43.75 inches, and has no loose skin. She is 49 and only 4'11". She went from a size 24 to 12.

Q. During the Primary Back Strength tape, how straight does the straight leg become? Does the bent knee bow out to the side?
A. On Primary Back Strength it is more important not to shift the weight or lift the hip than it is to straighten the leg. Good form is EVERYTHING in the T-Tapp Workout -- no matter what shape you're in you'll feel it and you'll never have to add weights or more reps.

Q. Is it possible for anyone to go from a size 6 to a size 4 with these movements, or is it all up to the individual's body type?
A. Many people go from size 6 to 4 in less than five weeks with the T-Tapp Total Workout. The T-Tapp workout works for ALL body types, ALL fitness levels and ALL age groups.

Q. Which tape offers the most cardio?
A. Total Workout is very cardiovascular.

Q. What is the most weight loss from T-Tapp that you've seen?
A. Denise used to be a size-24 dress, and now she can wear size-12 jeans! She lost 52 pounds and 43.75 inches in nine months.

Q. How does the workout keep working without adding weights?
A. The reason the workout keeps working even though you don't add weight or reps is because with correct form you get greater strength, and with greater strength you get better rotation of joint attachments, and thus better girdle muscle development. T-Tapp really develops a higher resting glucose utilization rate -- the secret for a higher metabolism as we get older! Most people only concentrate on developing more muscle mass, but truthfully it is important to create inner muscle density. As we age, we atrophy from the inside out.

Q. How long can we go before we brush after a workout to get full benefit of the CRT?
A. In the beginning I suggest doing T-Tapp every day for at least four days in a row up to 14 days in a row -- no one does more than 14 days in a row -- then go to every other day for two or three weeks

Q. Would you suggest alternating a day of cardio and Primary Back Strength tape with a day of just one of the T-Tapp workouts?
A. Yes, doing cardio after the Primary Back Strength tape is a great plan. Make sure the cardio is at least 20 minutes in length. Alternate with T-Tapp each day, and you should see some great results quickly.

Q. How do you get past a weight-loss plateau?
A. If you really want to kick a plateau, try doing two T-Tapp workouts a day for two days in a row -- otherwise known as weekend boot camp.

Q. I just tore a muscle in my calf. I know that I should definitely stay away from the balance work. Any idea on how long or what might help so that I can be able to T-Tapp fully once again? Will I every regain my balance?
A. Yes, you WILL regain your balance -- just give your muscles some time to heal. Do Primary Back Strength first thing in the morning and again right before bedtime.