Spot Reduction for a Trim Torso and Long, Lean Arms
Ever notice how certain women tend to gain weight in their lower body while others tend to gain around their mid-section? We've all heard about "apples" and "pears" but there are more factors involved regarding female anatomical structure than just fat deposits altering silhouettes to resemble fruit. Previously I have discussed basics for body sculpting for those who have trouble keeping saddlebags, thunder-thighs and bubble buns at bay (the "long torso/short leg" body type)but there are just as many "short torso/long leg" women who worry about flat fannies, thick waistlines, and lower tummy pooch. However, all body types can maintain lean, lines with smooth silhouettes by comprehensively working their muscles layer by layer in combination with isometric isolations and spinal torque. It's really very basic, but first, let's understand some anatomical differences between "apples" and "pears."
Wendy and I are both 43 but her body frame ("short torso/long leg") is definitely different than mine ("long torso/short leg") By standing next to each other (front, back, side and center) you can easily see the differences. First of all, notice that even though I am nearly 7 inches taller than Wendy, the length of her knee-to-ankle is the same as mine. But look how close her bottom rib is to her hip (1 inch) compared to mine (6 inches). Furthermore, compare the length of our necks and the distance between our shoulder-to-waist. It's easy to see that her spine is much shorter.
It only makes common sense that Wendy, with less distance between rib and hip, has less room for her internal organs. In comparison, I have plenty of room so it is much easier for my obliques to "cinch-in"and create a slim waist. Internal organs naturally fall "south" with age regardless of body type due to weak muscles and gravitational pull, but it happens faster with the short torso body frame. Even models with this body type worry about lower tummy pooch! Add childbirth and not only does the lower abdominal cavity expand but so does the rib cage...and when you only have an inch between last rib and hip, a barrel chest/torso shape can occur. It is important for short torso women to maintain muscle strength between ribs or the rib cage can start to expand as early as the mid-30's! And when there is only 1 inch between last rib and hip, it's important to "condense" the rib cage with strong muscles to trim the torso and slenderize the waist. How? When exercising be sure to inhale /exhale deeply, stretch, and do comprehensive muscle movements like T-Tapp Twist, Pull the Weeds and Advanced Hoe Downs.
Another important factor is pronation of knee (a condition where feet aim outward but knees roll inward to inside of big toe). Since people with short torsos have longer knee-to-ankle distance, pronation is more common and they often stand/walk "knock-kneed". Unfortunately, when the knee rolls inward so does the hip (at ball joint of femur) and muscular imbalance begins. Soon knees start to hurt, abdominals start to "pooch", and fat starts to accumulate at inner thigh and back of upper hip.
Why? Because inactivation of muscle tissue at point of insertion initiates atrophy. Furthermore, when muscle density decreases, the amount of glucose/fat needed decreases so greater fat accumulation starts to occur at affected areas (inner thigh, inner knee, above the knee and back of upper hip). But there is a way to regain control and sculpt/spot reduce the body!
Wendy discovered that it's possible just by using the T-Tapp technique known as "KLT" (knee little toe) along with application of isometric isolations during any exercise movement. Initially when pictures of Wendy were taken to demonstrate the short torso body type and to demonstrate T-Tapp Twist and Pull the Weeds, she had only been doing them for 2 weeks. Wendy is an active exerciser who does step aerobics with some weight training 3x a week but... look at the difference in her body (wearing blue/black workout wear) after just 4 weeks of doing T-Tapp Twist and Pull the Weeds! In fact, after seeing such quick results, she decided to learn the complete T-Tapp Workout for all over body sculpting. It was perfect timing, since her oldest daughter was getting married and Wendy knew that planning a big wedding would alter her ability to get to the gym. Unfortunately, Wendy only did the T-Tapp Workout five times because one week after the photo shoot, her father-in-law died from a heart attack. Talk about stress! Weddings and funerals are two of the most stressful events in one's lifetime and Wendy experienced both within 4 weeks! But she didn't gain any weight and even lost inches just by doing T-Tapp Twist and Pull the Weeds (along with Primary Back Stretch) daily. So we took more pictures to demonstrate how effective these two movements are for successful spot reduction and trimming. Remember to concentrate on form and measure before you begin because after you do these movements every day for 10 days, you will experience inch loss in both your waist and abdomen! Good Luck!