More to Lose + Health Improvements - Under 50 Category

Kara M.

Why did I entered the January Jumpstart Challenge? First, to prove that Less is more. Pregnancy, fatigue, and hyper-mobile SI joints prohibit me from going overboard with exercise. I physically cannot workout for long periods of time, nor is it safe at this time to overexert myself. I'm also a busy homeschooling mom of nine (soon to be ten) and I do additional work writing curriculum. Could I still make progress and lose inches, even if I had to content myself with doing "less"? I proved that "Yes I can!"

For many pregnancies, my healthcare providers gave the same advice to almost every pain or problem. "Lie down on your left side and drink lots of water." Although it is needed advice at times, I felt helpless to help my body heal itself when problems arose. T-Tapp empowers me that there are other things I can do. If my blood sugar is unstable I can Hoe Down. When my swelling begins, I can increase my alfalfa, step, and brush. My varicosities improved from consistent brushing and the increased circulation from T-Tapping. T-Tapp exercise increased my mobility. I didn't need to become a "victim" to the pregnancy changes in my body. I can help my body function more efficiently with T-Tapp!

For many years, I viewed pregnancy and postpartum as a time to try not to lose too much ground, but I certainly couldn't improve my health. As a result, with each pregnancy (this is my tenth baby) I lost more muscle tone, I gained a few more pounds, and became less and less active. But pregnancy is not a sickness or a disease. Yes, I made adjustments (no OIP) and it's even more important for me as a pregnant woman to listen to my body, but I didn't have to put off positive changes until after the baby comes. I even lost inches!

What did I accomplish? I was consistent. I made a schedule, I incorporated T-Tapp into my day-to-day, and I stuck to it. This is especially noteworthy as my husband became very sick during the last week of the challenge, needed lots of TLC, and we had four doctor visits forty-five minutes away. I also included my children, providing a good example for them. I applied a 4X approach, incorporating T-Tapp exercises four times a day. I found that often when I thought I couldn't do a workout, getting started made it do-able.

I noticed an increase in my metabolism, I improved my posture, which helped with many pregnancy aches and pains and heartburn, and I noticed a decrease in cellulite especially in my lower thighs (which is pretty amazing at this time of pregnancy). I also experienced mental clarity, clearing the "pregnancy brain fog," each time I worked out.

When I measured myself I couldn't believe it. I lost almost six inches, including almost an inch off my waist. How could I be pregnant and still lose off my waist? T-Tapping tightened the muscles that chinch in my tummy and the muscle I'm building there burns off fat. The measurements do not reflect the reduction of the "mother's apron" that I noticed. My tummy is higher and tighter than it was at the beginning of the challenge. By the way, throughout the month I only gained one pound and as a more-to-lose mom that is exactly the amount my healthcare provided wanted me to gain.

The contest also motivated me to consistent body brushing and taking alfalfa. In researching the forums, I found many benefits of alfalfa during pregnancy and I experienced those.

I must thank my thirteen-year-old daughter for being my faithful T-Tapp companion. She was as excited about this contest as I was and encouraged me often. Thanks, honey!

What were my health improvements? I was able to enjoy carbs and still keep my blood sugar levels in check. My immune system was boosted. Twice during the contest family members came down with colds or flues and I did not get sick. The back pain I have been struggling with went away. (PBS is amazing at eliminating back pain.) I had more energy than I've ever had at this stage of pregnancy. On the flip side, I did not struggle with sleepless nights (which I commonly do), but I did find that I needed plenty of sleep after my harder workout days.

I learned that often I began many mornings feeling sluggish, achy, nauseous, and unable to concentrate. After my workout, I felt rested (isn't that ironic?), energized, no longer nauseous, and mentally alert.

Why would I like to be a winner? I invested a lot into the January Jumpstart Challenge. I put my best effort into my workouts, I took time to read and study form and other areas of T-Tapp, I researched the best ways to fuel my body and my baby's, and I shared what I was learning with others on the forum. In winning, I would show that fitness is for all women in every stage of life, from puberty to post-menopause. No matter what stage of life I'm in, T-Tapping is the best thing for my body!

VIEW THE OTHER 2011 JANUARY JUMP START WINNERS!