More to Lose + Health Improvements - Under 50 Category

Tara N.

This summer was a moment of realization that I needed to make some adjustments, I was told that my "real" heart age was at least 7 years older than I actually am!

If that wasn't shocking enough, it was also told to me that I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and was obese. Wow! It was hard to accept hearing those words. Though it was true since numbers don't lie, I did not want to acknowledge them, as most of my life I had been fit and healthy.

As a stay-at-home home schooling mom of four children under the age of eight, believe it or not, I really struggle with finding time for myself. I guess I had forgotten about myself. This was going to change too.

With these realizations and confessions and with the knowledge I was going to turn 40 this year, I sat down and searched the internet to see what I could do. I found T-Tapp and this 30-day challenge! Guess what my present to myself was? This was a huge step outside my comfort zone, but I knew in my heart this is what was needed. If you look closely, you can actually see the remaining tears in my eyes from having to take that first picture. Not only was the world going to see me, but my husband was going to as well. One of the best results of this challenge, which I would have never guessed, is that very day of my pictures, our marriage strengthened!! To realize I had my husband's full support is so amazing! I am so thankful to have gone through what I considered a painful experience (taking those first pictures) because I have grown, it made me stronger and can you believe, my marriage is even stronger!

After the first week, I was amazed how great I was feeling and so quickly too. Suddenly, I did not "have" to take a nap everyday!

By the second week I could actually feel that my head was becoming much clearer, almost like the lifting of a "fog." My thinking and my thoughts were vivid and without that dull, hazy feeling. Things were starting to look much "brighter."

And with the third week came many profound developments! I was able to complete the ENTIRE Total Workout! It was discouraging in the beginning to barely make it through BWO+, and I had doubted I could even do this. In just a couple weeks, my endurance grew beyond my belief! Then…there was the "time for me." I actually experienced a guilty feeling when I took time away from my family to exercise. It felt like it could be time with the kids and that I was being selfish. What my mentor (Trainer Jen) helped me to realize was that taking a small amount of time to help myself actually made me a better mother! (Thanks Jen!) My head was cleared, I had more energy and therefore more time for my kids! I no longer had that feeling of guilt but rather accomplishment. My kids are watching too and I realize I lead by example and am thrilled to install the need of exercise. Jen wants us to start Tapp Core for home school phys-ed now.

Then week four arrived. What more could I accomplish? My cholesterol went down 40 points! My blood pressure has continually improved with each week of T-Tapp as well! But then there was even more! I went to the store, bought pants 2 sizes smaller … and they fit!!! I couldn't believe it! How could this happen in not even 4 weeks?? Oh that's right, this IS T-TAPP! I called my mentor, "Trainer Jen," and she could hear it in my voice and was so proud! It has been really nice to have the encouragement and support she has given me as I made steps in the right direction.

I still have a long way to go, which is why winning this competition would be fantastic, so that I can continue to learn and grow on my journey to health, fitness and well-being. With this I will be able to have the "Best Decade of My Life so far!"

When I found this 30 day challenge, I was excited and anxious at the same time. I know that I needed to change, I wanted to change, but what happens if I couldn't? Well, hearing Teresa say "Yes You can" over and over for 30 days, was probably part of my rehabilitation. Thank you, Teresa.

All that I can say is….YES! I CAN...YES! I DID! …and YES! I WILL continue to look forward to seeing future results as I continue on this journey with T-Tapp! And YES! Anyone at any age CAN see results in a short amount of time also! The body CAN start healing and repairing, building muscle and losing inches! I feel I have a new beginning at 40! Thanks to T-Tapp!

VIEW THE OTHER 2011 JANUARY JUMP START WINNERS!