Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Blog is Moving

Just a heads up that I am moving this blog over to my website.  I will continue to post here a couple more times and will leave this blog up, but in a few weeks I will post solely at my website blog.  I'll let you know when the move is official and final.  Hopefully by then I will have figured out how to have followers and a few other goodies. 

I am also working on a "how I did it" ebook with lots more details, photos, checklists and schedules, so stay tuned!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Top Three Tips for the 60-Day Challenge

My top three tips for those entered in the T-Tapp 60-Day Challenge?  Here they are:

1)  Plan a schedule.  Don't just wake up in the morning and think, "Let's see--what will I do today?" because it's too easy to say, "Nothing" and go on your way.  We tend to think "tomorrow I'll work out" and then tomorrow comes and we put it off another day and before we know it the Challenge is over.  A blank calendar page is a good tool.  First write down days you'll be out of town or extra-busy so you can plan around them.  Plan a regular day off each week (mine is Sunday).  Then make a list of the workouts you own (OR the workouts you are allowed to do in the category you entered) and use that list to design a schedule.  Write it in pencil, then go over it in ink (or check it off) when it's done.  This helps with consistency.  (Many T-Tapp Trainers offer custom workout schedules based on your needs, too.)

2)  Be realistic.  If you plan on a 60-Day Bootcamp, forget it.  You might be able to last a few weeks, but sooner or later life happens and you'll be set up for The Big Crash.  Then you'll either decide "this is too hard" or "if I can't do it perfect I won't do it at all" and the Challenge will be over (for you).  Remember the workout that works is the one you'll do.  Sure it's great to make a harder effort and establish consistency--that's what the Challenge does.  Work up to a few weeks of a tougher schedule, then back off some.  Your body needs recovery time.  Less is More with T-Tapp.

3)  Finish the Challenge.  This may sound silly, but I'm serious.  Did you know that in last year's 30-Day Ladybug Challenge not ONE participant in the More to Lose Category finished?  If only ONE person had stuck it out they would have been an automatic winner of a trip to Safety Harbor.  It's easy to get discouraged and think you have no chance of winning but you never know what Teresa Tapp is looking for in the winners.  Remember--she won't be judging your photos and story if you never send them in.  Kitty told me that virtually everyone she sent comparison pages to was shocked at the changes they saw.  They (including me) hadn't looked at the photos side-by-side, they had looked at one and then the other, and were disappointed in the results.  So do your best and let Teresa do the judging after you finish the contest and send in your final entry.

If you'll look closely, you'll see that these tips apply to your year-round T-Tapp practice!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The 2010 60-Day Challenge--DO IT!

Entering the 2007 60-Day Challenge was life-changing for me.  It helped me to cement consistency in my workout schedule and gave me accountability.  You may have heard it before, but I'll say it again:  EVERYONE who enters is a winner because of the health and shape benefits of T-Tapp.  I was ecstatic to win a category in the More to Lose division and to win a trip to the Safety Harbor Retreat and find out that Teresa Tapp was who I had hoped she would be.

In 2008 I *almost* didn't enter because I just couldn't imagine winning again and I was getting close to my goal size.  I had already signed up for an online class with Michelle and she insisted that I enter the Challenge.  I dutifully took photos and sent in my information, secretly doubting that there was any point.  When I won a cateogory in the Less to Lose division, I was shocked.  I didn't see much difference in the photos until Kitty sent me the actual comparison photos that were used to judge (I hadn't looked at them side-by-side). 

If you don't enter, you for sure won't win.  If you enter, you MIGHT win.  If you enter and don't win you will emerge healthier, stronger and smaller, so it's all good.  If I hadn't entered the second year we wouldn't have that video that has encouraged so many that Yes, They Can. 

I don't know where you are in your T-Tapp journey, but the 6o-Day Challenge is a great kick in the tucked pants to help you reach your goals!