Less to Lose + Health Improvements Category

Margaret S.

Being fit and fabulous at fifty is a lofty goal for many of us, present company included. Although I was successful in the 2010 Jump Start, I knew that the slight squeeze around my middle was a sign that I needed to get back on track. Yet, I wanted more than a little breathing room. I yearned for the transformation of mind, body, and soul that I had heard so many of the T-Tappers talk about at Beauty Boot Camp. Reducing my blood pressure and the inflammation that I associated with the morning swelling in my fingers would be my focal point. It would take more than a weight loss plan to achieve my objective, given my relentless work schedule. Between the daily commute and long working hours, I was out of the house for 15 hours per day. I looked for ways to incorporate T-Tapp in daily activities. 10 minutes before the alarm went off I practiced “Finger and Foot Fitness”. While the oatmeal cooked and the water boiled for my pomegranate tea, I did 15 Minute Basic Workout Plus. I ran off to do Hoe Downs after lunch or dinner. Tempo Lower Body 3 was reserved for weekends when I could dedicate an hour or more to my routine.

While I didn’t always stick to that exact schedule, I got in 3 – 4 days of activity most weeks. The weekend before the contest ended I was invited to Florida to participate in the filming of the PBS T-Tapp special. The free clinic that Teresa offered provided an opportunity to get intense coaching on my form and to connect with other T-Tappers. This not only provided mental enrichment and guidance, I felt my abdomen literally shrink after the workouts. In my haste to get to the airport on time, I left a few things, including my blood pressure medication. While this was not deliberate, it did provide a way to test the effectiveness of clinic. In my estimation, if I could see a drop in pressure without medication, I would know that there was a connection between inflammation and high blood pressure.

On Sunday, 2/27, I took my blood pressure and gasped when the reading showed an 8 point drop. I believe that everything happens for a reason. The timing of the Jump Start and the PBS interviews aligned to show me how to maintain fitness in several areas with just a small investment of time, effort, and ingenuity.

VIEW THE OTHER 2010 60-DAY CHALLENGE WINNERS!