Average to lose - under 50 Category

Crystal M..

2011's January Jumpstart is my third TTapp challenge to enter. I must say that the prior two challenges were not what this one has been for me. This time around, I realized that I had to work on building an excellent foundation or this was going to be ANOTHER attempt at getting "skinnier" that wouldn't have any lasting effect.

Since I was a young girl, I have been obsessed with dieting and exercise. I have always joked and told people that I came into this world chubby, at 10 lbs 3 oz, and that I just kept getting chubbier from there. When I was in the 5th grade, I went to Weight Watchers with my mother, for the first time. I have had success at losing weight MANY times over, but I have NEVER kept it off. I have had periods of time in my life when I exercised consistently, but it never lasted. This time, though, it HAD to be different! I am not getting any younger. It isn't going to get any easier to get healthy and fit. Over the last few years, my body has begun to betray me. I began to hurt way too much for someone as "young" as I. (I am almost 44.) Both of my parents are in almost constant pain. My father has had both hips replaced.

My mother is always saying that she hurts. Genetics are NOT in my favor!

I entered this challenge in a different frame of mind than I have ever approached exercise, even different than the last two challenges I entered. I have "done" TTapp off and on for a few years. In the past, though, (as I have with any exercise program or diet), I wanted TTapp to be the quick fix. It has always been about the fastest road to the destination. THIS TIME, it has been (and continues to be) about the journey. I decided from the beginning that I would only use TTapp during this challenge. No treadmill. Nothing other than TTapp. I know that outside walking, treadmill and elliptical usage are "legal" with TTapp challenges, but, for me, it would have made me lose my focus. I wanted this to be a reset point for my whole way of thinking about health, exercise and losing weight.

A couple of weeks prior to the challenge, I began alternating Instructional #1 with SATI, 6 days a week. I did this for two weeks.

Then, a few days before the challenge began, I started working with Instructional #2 and alternated that with BWO+, 6 days a week for two weeks. I finished up those two weeks of every other day of Instructional #2 during the first part of the challenge. I HAD to build a good foundation and I knew that the Instructionals were vital! Then I took a couple of days off and followed that with a 4 day bootcamp of TWO. Again, I took a couple of days off and then finished the challenge with switching out TWO, SATI, BWO+ along with LadyBug BWO. I always took off at least one day a week. In the past, I would have gotten anxious about taking days off, but I looked at this challenge as an opportunity to prove to myself that "Less is More."

I also tried to do PBS, morning and evening, but didn't always get it in to my day. (This wakes me up in the morning and helps me sleep at night.) I did a few extra Howdowns here and there. Some Organs in Place and a few other separate moves here and there, along with mindful movement throughout the day. I, unexpectedly, ended the challenge with three days of sitting at a wrestling tournament and so was unable to actually get even a short workout in on those days. (My son took 3rd in state at his weight class!) I chose to not get bummed about not being able to workout. I, instead, focused on spinal alignment with ribs lifted, shoulders back, lower back pressed and no duck feet as I sat, walked and climbed the stairs in the wrestling arena.

During these last few weeks, I have become a student of TTapp. I have poured over Teresa's book, reading and re-reading. I have read and read and read the forums, asking questions when needed. (By the way, the TTapp forums are absolutely wonderful!!! I have been SO encouraged and uplifted by reading them.) I have begun to write down tips on form, categorizing them by move in a notebook. I also began to sequester myself, behind closed doors in my bedroom, during workouts so that I could be aware and present, concentrating on form and isometric contraction without interruption from the three kids, hubby or animals. (Yes, the animals want to "help" me workout!) Probably what has helped me with my form the most, has been working out in front of a mirror.

This has been a real eye opener! I thought my form was so much better than what it really was. It has really improved since I have been doing this.

So, here I am, at the end of the 2011 January Jumpstart. It has truly been a new beginning for me. I am getting healthier, from the inside out. I did lose inches, 13.5, to be exact. I even lost a few pounds. More importantly, I have gained new insight. I am learning to be patient with myself and with my body. I am learning to take time and focus. I could have (and would have, in the past) really dieted during the challenge so that I would get smaller, faster, but I chose to really focus on the exercise and on bettering my form. I did try to drink more water and get more veggies in to my day, though. I am a combination body type and "only" lost a little here and a little there during this challenge. I haven't lost any sizes, but my jeans are more loose. None of my friend or family have even commented about noticing the changes, yet. That is okay, though. There are so many other benefits. My body doesn't hurt nearly like it did a month ago. I don't toss and turn at night, trying to get comfortable due to pain in my hips, low back, ribs and shoulders. That pain is nearly gone! I haven't had but ONE headache this last month! That is unheard of!!!! I am hypothyroid, hypoadrenal and have catamenial epilepsy. All of this is connected to hormones and, thus, connected to my mental and emotional (not just physical) well being. Since this new start with TTapp, my moods have been SO much better because I think my hormones are better balanced. (My hubby and kids are grateful!)

As a homeschooling mom of three (with one getting ready for college), a pastor's wife, a non-profit board member, along with many other responsibilities and community involvements, I see TTapp as a big help in bringing health and balance to my busy life. It offers so much! I am learning that "Less is More" with TTapp. I have come to realize that through consistency, better form and improved isometric contraction, I can reach my goals, one by one. This time, though, I am enjoying the journey, not just reaching a destination!

There is one destination I would like to reach, however, and that is to be chosen to go to the retreat. I know that I will gain so much from having that time with Teresa and some of her trainers. I had the opportunity to attend an evening workshop with Kayla, almost a year ago. I obtained a huge amount of information from her and from the other attendees. Now, though, I am so much more ready to absorb and apply that information. I have been "preaching" TTapp to friends and family for a few years, now, because I knew it was a rich resource for better health and well-being. I am FINALLY practicing what I had been preaching! I want those friends and family to see me as living proof that TTapp is the workout that works!

VIEW THE OTHER 2011 JANUARY JUMP START WINNERS!