This DVD was my very first experience with T-Tapp. There is an instructional portion on the DVD that is as long as the workout itself--this may seem unnecessary, but I think it is very important for those, like myself, who have never done T-Tapp before. In the 23-minute instructional segment, instructor Teresa Tapp begins by reviewing the basic principles of T-Tapp, including keeping your toes forward, your knees out, your weight on the outer edges of your feet, the weight OFF your big toes, and your pelvic tucked--whew! it's a lot to remember! However, when I was maintaining this stance, I definitely could feel my abs more engaged. Teresa also reviews various arm movements which will be used during the workout; she focuses on how raising the arms overhead will help raise the heart rate.

The actual walking workout is also about 23 minutes long. There is no music, as Teresa says that she wants you to focus on your form. And she is right--it definitely DOES take a lot of concentration to maintain all of the T-Tapp principles at once. The moves themselves are relatively simple. For the majority of the time, you are simply stepping, or marching in place. However, as Teresa suggested in the instructional portion, the arm movements that she includes definitely do serve to raise the heart rate, so much so that she will pause to allow the heart rate to lower with side steps and other more gentle moves. Toward the end of the workout, she gradually slows down as a cool-down, but there is no final stretch.

I found this workout interesting and different, and I will probably use it as an add-on to other cardio workouts. I would also be interested in trying the more advanced T-Tapp step workout that Carol mentioned in her review, Step It to the Max.

Instructor Comments:
I thought Teresa was fine. She tells you not to worry about right/left, and she frequently states that you are doing great.

Beth C (aka toaster)