T-Tapp: Step Away The Inches

Teresa Tapp
Year Released: 2003

Categories: Total Body Workouts



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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)

03/23/2010

This one is filmed in Teresa's very pretty living room, and there are no background exercisers. On the DVD is a section for instruction, and she shows you the various moves you'll be doing in the workout, as well as reviews T-Tapp stance. You don't need to go through the instruction to get to the workout - it's a separate chapter - but I would recommend going through it the first time you do the workout.

The workout is about 23 minutes long and is more than just a walking workout. T-Tapp stance is maintained, even when we move. The moves are simple - side to side, arms out and/or over the head, knees up. There is no music for a good reason. You need to CONCENTRATE to keep good form in order to get the full benefits of these workouts.

If you're familiar with T-Tapp you already know form is crucial to the program's success. Shoulders back, butt tucked, stomach in, knee to little toe, no big toe. In four weeks of T-Tapp I lost nineteen and a half inches.

T-Tapp is isometic contraction as opposed to isotonic. The muscle is worked at both insertion sites, resulting in lean muscles as opposed to bulky ones. Because we contract five to seven muscle groups at once (assuming you're paying attention to form), we work harder. It's also designed to be rehabilitative. Your aching joints will improve quickly!

I would recommend using this one before moving onto Step It To The Max. I sweat buckets doing this one! I really like it!!

Instructor Comments:

Carol

02/17/2007