T-Tapp System

Teresa Tapp

Categories: Total Body Workouts


About me: I am a 45 year old intermediate exerciser who has been working out consistently for over 22 years. I enjoy step and floor aerobics, Fitball exercises, weight training and try to do as much flexibility work as time allows.

If you ask me about the TT exercises, I will say that I think they are tough, interesting and valuable. If you ask me about the whole TT System, I will say that I have some reservations about the hype, the somewhat off-putting devotion of it's more rabid followers (who refer to Ms. Tapp as "Mother Teresa") and the merchandising. I dove right in with a four day "boot camp" consisting of doing both Instructionals back to back four days in a row. After the boot camp I did the Beginner tape every other day.

Others have described the workout in general. I'll just give my impressions. The moves are mostly sharp but controlled flinging of the legs and arms to the front and sides. Including some rather violent twisting movements of the waist. And deep standing side bends. I presume the only thing keeping the exerciser from damaging themselves is the constant tucking of the buttocks, contracting the abs and the bending of the knees. There are a several TappBot buzzwords that have to be kept in mind at all times throughout the workout: KLT (knee to little toe), neuro-kinetic flow, shoulder to hip alignment, knees bent, tummy tight, shoulders back, bosom out. A lot to remember!

The workouts got my heart rate up, got me sweating plenty and red in the face. After the first week, my butt was very sore all the time. Like I'd done about fifty dead lifts. I suppose that keeping one's buttocks tightly contracted for about 40 minutes might do that - even if you just stood there and did nothing else! I don't know how someone could do a 14 day boot camp as is often recommended. It would seem like overtraining to me. To do pretty much the same thing day after day? Four in a row was enough for me.

By the end of the first week my previously pain-free lower back was very sore. I am not usually prone to back pain of any kind so this was odd. I'd read all the form pointers and know I was doing the best I could. In all fairness, my sore back seems to be a rare occurrence. Having searched the archives of the TT forums, it didn't come up very often. I can only presume that I have some physical defect that keeps me from doing the exercises correctly. Or a mental defect that keeps me from being able to remember all the stuff I have to tuck and tighten!

I've stopped Tapping and my back feels better. I'm going to wait a while and then give the workout another try. I think her balance exercises are very valuable. It is an aspect of general fitness that is too often neglected. If you can get through her set of balance exercises without wobbling or touching the floor you are in outstanding shape balance wise!

I didn't usually do her arm exercises. I guess they are good for toning. But nothing beats weight training for upper body strength for me. I've worked too hard to get muscular definition in my arms to lose it! As far as weight or inch loss, I did lose an inch. From my bosom. I don't have much to spare up there, so this was not a welcome result.

I wanted to bring up something about which I had been curious. A comparison of TT vs. Callanetics. Both workout methods are led by their charismatic inventors. Both instructors have characteristic vocal styles, neither of which bothered me in the least. Neither workout can be considered "fun" IMHO. I found Callanetics boring, TT is not boring. Some find Teresa's counting to be distracting. I find it helpful. It reminds me of dance classes I took about a million years ago. As both methods require such detailed attention to precise form (as with yoga and Pilates), I kind of wonder if it would be best to learn the techniques from an instructor if possible. Callanetics is very gentle and slow. The movements are tiny and precise. TT is jerky and fast with large movements. Callan has music. Teresa does not. Callan does not sell anything other than her books and videos (as far as I know). Teresa has LOTS of stuff to sell.

Teresa also wishes to sell you supplements and other products as part of her workout package. Due to the Video Fitness ban on discussion of supplements I will not comment on those products, except to suggest that each person should conduct their own research into the products and make their own informed decision in this matter.

In closing, I want to repeat that I like this workout. It stands on it's own without any pills, sprays or potions. It is a nice addition to a total program. Some folks claim that TT is all that is needed to get and keep in shape. Being a diehard VFer I, of course, can't agree. Cross-training, variety and balance are the key to total fitness.

I'd recommend getting the two Instructionals and Beginner tape to start. Try to borrow them first or get them off the VF Exchange (or even eBay) before actually spending that much money. That's a lot of cash to find out that TT isn't the workout for you!

Instructor Comments:
Teresa is in great shape. The workout leaves me panting but she barely breaks a sweat! She gives constant (and welcome) form pointers in the Instructionals and Beginner workouts. Her style is more of the "let's get down to business" kind, like Karen Voight. Not the warm encouragement of Kari. Nor the big sisterly good humor of Gin. It's just do it, and do it right!

Alta

07/10/2001