Carol Severson wasn't always a T-Tapp Inch Loss Success Story. She was your average run of the mill wife, mom and oh by the way, state advocate for home schooling for the state of Illinois. Her schedule was jam-packed between home schooling her 3 children still in school and traveling for speaking engagements about home schooling on the weekends. Factor in spending hours on the phone each day doing curriculum counseling with other home schooling moms and she just didn't have much time. She had packed a substantial amount of weight onto her originally tiny 5'0" frame and was almost bursting out of a size 14. Carol Severson wasn't very happy with what she saw in the mirror anymore or about the way she felt tired and exhausted all the time. She desperately wanted to change.

FAST FORWARD
Carol Severson is now a slim 100 lbs wearing a size 0 and she credits it all to Teresa Tapp, creator of the cutting-edge at-home fitness program called T-Tapp. Once she set her mind to it, it was easy - basically. "All I did was follow the program that Teresa outlined and voila, I did it in 6 months! Believe me, if I can do it with my schedule, everyone can!"

Teresa Tapp has a forum at her website http://www.t-tapp.com where new and long time T-Tappers can share success stories and help motivate those who are lagging behind or just not feeling motivated. Carol has always been an active voice on this forum encouraging everyone that THEY can be the next success story if they just follow the program that Teresa designed for them! "All you have to do", she said, "is to make T-Tapp a HABIT".

After her success story was posted on the website, Carol started receiving a few emails from Tappers asking her to help them be "accountable" for exercising. They felt that if they had her in their corner rooting them on and pushing them when they needed it, that it would be easier. If they had to admit to Carol that, no they hadn't made time to workout, then it would be harder for them to find the excuse to NOT workout. A couple of people heard about what Carol was doing and asked to be included. Those few became a few more and finally Carol ended up holding over 180 ladies from all over the United States, Canada, and England "accountable for exercising" thus creating a club called Habit Formers. No two Habit Formers are exactly alike - they are all different ages, different ethnic groups, religions, body type and size. At the beginning of all of this back in September of 2002 they only had ONE thing in common - wanting to get into better shape and lose inches! Now they know all about each other's families, hopes and dreams. They have supported each other through the good and the bad. What started as a ONE MONTH commitment from these ladies to "follow the program" definitely DID turn into a habit and now, 7 months later, some of these ladies are preparing to make an exciting trip to meet their "sisters in T-Tapp.

Part Drill Sergeant, part Mommy, Carol has pestered, nagged, prodded and guilted people into keeping their commitments. Along the way, a few have fallen off the bandwagon for one reason or another but surprisingly, they always come back to the group. If you ask a Habit Former WHY they do it the answers will vary in many ways, but the one answer that is constant is "because they don't want to let their Sister Habit Formers down by not fulfilling their commitment to exercise the T-Tapp way". In their minds, they are all in this together and if one succeeds, they all succeed! Best of all there is no jealously or petty squabbles - just unconditional love and support for each other. To a person, they credit their continuing success to Teresa Tapp for creating a fitness program that works regardless of age or fitness level and to Carol Severson for helping them become success stories or, at the very least, success stories in progress.

What exactly does Carol do? Well, the Habit Formers have their own portion of the forum at the T-Tapp website now. Every day each Habit Former "checks in" on the forum to let everyone know if they have accomplished their goal for that day. Carol monitors everything and then posts a "naughty list" of those Habit Formers who haven't yet checked in. "There are days that I just plain wouldn't exercise if I didn't KNOW that Carol would have me on the naughty list at the end of the day. It definitely does keep me accountable" one Habit Former explains. Another says that she "can't believe the amount of time and energy Carol puts into doing this when she doesn't get paid for it." When asked about it Carol states modestly "I just enjoy helping other people achieve the same success that I've had and, having been where they are, I can honestly tell them that they CAN get to their goal".

THE REUNION
It started innocently enough. Teresa Tapp was extremely impressed with what she saw Carol doing to help motivate these ladies. When Carol asked her if they could all have T-Shirts made that said they had completed a 90-Day Challenge of Habit Formers, Teresa said sure - but not only that.....Teresa would like to host a reunion for the Habit Formers! If a Habit Former completed the 90-Day Challenge of (making T-Tapp a habit for 90-days) they would be invited to attend a 4 Day/3 Night Fitness Retreat at the beautiful Belleview Biltmore in Florida and all they would have to do is GET there. Teresa would take care of their hotel rooms AND have a 3-Day Workout Clinic for them at no additional charge. If a person has done ANY portion of the Habit Former Challenge they are invited to attend the reunion workout clinics at no cost and only have to take care of their transportation to Florida and their hotel room!

As any T-Tapper knows, the opportunity to work out with Teresa herself is priceless so the planning began in earnest. On May 1-4, 2003, T-Tappers from all over the United States and Canada gathered together to meet each other in person, laugh together, cry together and sweat together as well as meeting their Fitness Guru Teresa Tapp and their Drill Sergeant/Mommy Carol Severson in person. States represented at the reunion included Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin PLUS International T-Tappers form Canada. Results have ranged from "just toning up" to over 72 inches lost over the course of the past 7 months!

Because of Teresa Tapp, the T-Tapp workout, Carol Severson and the Habit Formers, these ladies have a new lease on life and a whole new set of friends. Oh, by the way, Carol was certified as a T-Tapp Trainer in front of and to the delight of her biggest fan club, the Habit Formers.

Teresa says "it makes everything worthwhile when I can actually meet some of these ladies in person and see they joy they are experiencing by participating in their lives again. I truly do love what I do."

THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES…….
"Teresa definitely is a God Send. She is the most knowledgeable, sincere, helpful, caring Lady I know. God gave her a Great Gift and she is spreading it as far as she can through T-Tapp. Habit Formers got me back on track with my Beautiful Body Improvements (another way to say fat loss). Without Carol, I probably wouldn't be as far as I am today with T-Tapp. She definitely is a lady to be admired and not messed with. Dynamite comes in small packages with the name tag of Carol.' Terri DeVillez, 42, Lost 69 inches and 5 ½ pants sizes, Ohio LOST AN ADDITIONAL 17.5 INCHES DURING THE HABIT FORMERS RETREAT WEEKEND

"I love that t-tapp is designed for people to do their personal best. I have fibromyalgia and systemic lupus and because of my health issues, it really helps me to know that I can adjust what I am doing with how I am feeling, and still get a great workout. Teresa has been wonderfully supportive of me as I've worked to get my fibromyalgia under control. I don't know of any other fitness specialist who would consult their experts to help answer my questions! I haven't even taken a prescription pain pill since October of 2002 AND I'm getting the feeling back in my hands and feet, which is nothing short of a miracle. Thank you Teresa! Naomi Armstrong, lost 14 inches, 18 lbs and 4 dress sizes, Little Elm, Texas, LOST AN ADDITIONAL 16.5 INCHES DURING THE HABIT FORMERS RETREAT WEEKEND

"This is finally a workout I can do and actually feel less pain when I finish than more. I broke my back in two places and T-Tapp makes me feel fabulous. All other WO leave me hurting, big time!" Kerry Jones, 40, lost 6 inches and 1 size, Massachusetts

"I'm still amazed that I got results like this after being the same weight since the age of 50. Got rid of some aches & pains too. My biggest problem was a "poochy" tummy and Teresa's workouts have really made a huge difference. Her constant "Tuck that butt" "KLT" and "Yes you can" are classic reminders to me. Carol's Habit Former group was instrumental in reminding me to "GET MOVING" every day. I'm so appreciative of all the time it takes her to keep track of all of us. T-Tapp + Habit Formers = Success!!!!!!!!!" Pat VanHorn, 67, lost 19 inches, 7 lbs and 1 clothing size, Ohio

"I started the Habit Former Challenge in October and have already lost 1 size and 10 inches. I can't believe how tapping has reduced my neck/back pain and how great I feel. I can't wait to come to Florida and meet my buddies" Cheryl Widener, 33, Florence, KY LOST 12 INCHES DURING HABIT FORMERS RETREAT WEEKEND INCLUDING 2 INCHES FROM WAIST AND 2 INCHES FROM ABDOMEN

"The more I learn, the more I am amazed with the workout that Teresa Tapp has put together. It is so comprehensive!! When I met Teresa I was struck with how much she wants people to succeed. I'm glad I found her!! When Carol started Habit Formers, as a way for women to be accountable rather than letting little things get in the way of their success, I joined right up! Carol doesn't take any "wienie" excuses! She helps you make sure to put your health & fitness at a higher priority than you did before. She helps you MAKE time & a lot of ladies are getting fit because of it. Thank you Carol!" Jo Good, mid 30's, lost 2 sizes (from a 10 to a 6), Oklahoma LOST AN ADDITIONAL 6.5 INCHES AT THE HABIT FORMER RETREAT WEEKEND

"I became a Habit Former in September 2002 and have almost completed four 30-Day Challenges. I've lost 48 inches and 2 dress sizes since I decided to make T-Tapp a part of my routine. I've also lost my back pain and gained a ton of energy and muscles." - Ally Hoagland, 26, Miami, Florida

"Since becoming a Habit Former late Oct. I have firmed up, have better posture, and sleep so much better. I actually gained 2 lbs, but am sure it is muscle and I measure the same except a smaller waist. I'm still thrilled". Jan in Cary (near Raleigh) NC

"With the T-Tapp system I have built more muscle and given that muscle more definition in a shorter period of time than with lifting weights like I have done in the past. Thank-you Carol for helping me make t-tapp a part of my daily routine and thank-you, thank-you, thank-you Teresa for sharing your workout with me. This system has changed my body, my cholesterol is lower and my hormones are balance!! "I joined the Habit Formers challenge in October 2002. Thanks to Habit Formers I lost weight AND inches during the holiday season instead gaining. I can't wait to get to Florida to meet all of my Habit Former Friends! " Bekki Johnson, 33, Denver, Colorado, lost 26 inches and 3 ½ sizes

"After the birth of my son in 2001, I hit an all-time high of size 20 (I had never been above a size 14 before and didn't think I ever would so it was pretty shocking to be so heavy). I went down a size Tapping and riding my recumbent bike but I just wasn't as consistent with T-Tapp as I wanted to be. Then I joined Habit Formers in late October and that is when I really began to see changes in how my body looked and more importantly, felt. Now I am fitting into 14's and know that I will be back in an 8 before too long. -Tapp is the best, most comprehensive exercise that I have ever found. As a former dance teacher, I sure wish I had been Tapping when I was dancing. I know it would have improved my form, balance, and physical appearance immensely. I am a born multi-tasker so T-Tapp is perfect--I get in my cardio, toning, and stretching all at once! I feel so good when I Tapp at least every other day. I can really tell when I have missed my workout because I just don't feel as "in touch" with my body. I think Teresa is incredibly generous to share what she has put together. I have not yet met her in person, but I have heard such great things about her willingness to help people with all levels of fitness and personal challenges. It is amazing that she is giving us this phenomenal trip with all the extras! WOW! Carol has been instrumental in keeping me consistent with my exercise. It helps so much to know that she cares and that she is keeping track of all of our workouts. There have been many days when I didn't want to work out at all and probably wouldn't but I didn't want to have to get on Carol's list so I made myself get up and work out anyway and I am always SO glad that I did. Habit Formers is a great community of fellow exercisers and Carol is definitely our leader." Eliza Cunningham, 33, Lost 19 inches and 2 sizes, Austin, Texas LOST AN ADDITIONAL 10.5 INCHES DURING THE HABIT FORMERS RETREAT WEEKEND

"Teresa Tapp is my Fitness Guru! I don't know how she developed those wonderful T-Tapp routines, but she instinctively knew that isometric contractions coupled with movements reminiscent of Ballet, Pilates, and Yoga, would result in a workout that firms and tones like nothing I've seen before. Carol and the Habit Formers have been a real inspiration for me. I began my Habit Formers challenge in November and have lost 10 inches since then. This is not a pounds on the scale loss...just inches. Because of Carol and the motivation of my fellow Habit Formers, I have consistently worked out, 6 to 7 days a week, for the past 5 months. I feel fit and strong for the first time in my life, and feel that I've made a lifestyle change. I started T-Tapping just over a year ago, and it's the only workout that's held my interest for this length of time. Before T-Tapp I would make excuses not to workout and I avoided exercise at all costs. I've had several back and knee injuries and have found that T-Tapp really works to strengthen these areas for me." Nancy Goldstein, early 50's, 19.5 inches lost, Missouri

"Teresa's plan has saved my life ~ physically, mentally and emotionally. I started tapping at a point in my life where I was very low in terms of energy and enthusiasm. The ladies on the forum pulled me in and encouraged me and within 2 weeks of starting the program, my blood sugar was normal (no more need for glucophage), my hormones in check, my energy levels balanced and no more sad funk! I will NEVER, EVER, EVER, not EVER stop doing this program and whenever I feel overwhelmed with anything in my daily life....I just picture T's smile and hear...."YES YOU CAN" because you know what? I CAN!!!!! Carol is not only a great mentor but also an inspiration. Her energy is contagious and she honestly cares about every single lady who have committed to HFs." Angela Flores, 42, lost 23 inches, Texas

"Last year I lost 63 inches with T-Tapp...of course, I was thrilled!! BUT - this past fall, something went very wrong and I regained EVERYTHING plus a bit extra (isn't that funny how that works?). I was so depressed! I decided to do HF to help keep me moving. Imagine my horror when I STILL KEPT GAINING!! I was also experiencing some health issues, and in January of this year I finally got an official diagnosis....polycystic ovarian syndrome. Yay. In a nutshell, PCOS can make you fat and very unpleasant to deal with. Once again, Carol was there for me. She helped pick me up off the floor, dusted me off, and really kept me going. Some days I was too tired to work out, (fatigue is part of PCOS) but Carol would tell me that's ok - just to get back on track when I could. Also had to change my eating habits due to the PCOS - sugar really makes the symptoms much worse. I have a very severe sugar addiction, and Carol came through yet again for me. She told me that she is always there for me and she really helped me to know that I CAN do the GM thing. Didn't measure at all until about 5 weeks ago. Since then, I have lost 18.25 inches and I'm not sure about weight. (I don't care, either!) I don't think I would have done it without the AMAZING amount of support I received from Carol. (Yes, I am a proud member of the Carol Fan Club!) As to the Divine Miss T...heck, I'm just glad she's nice and doesn't take advantage of people like me. At this point, if she told me that horse manure would promote inch loss, I'd be naked in my back yard, rolling around. T-Tapp is, to me at least, so much more than a workout. It means support and friendship, too - so in my opinion, T-Tapp is very good for one's overall well-being!" Courtney Pagh, 34, 22 inches since HF, Alaska LOST AN ADDITIONAL 11/5 INCHES DURING HABIT FORMERS RETREAT WEEKEND