Week 14: Catchup Double Up

As I have progressed through P90x I have thoroughly enjoyed it .... at times and thoroughly hated it at other times. I have done well at times and slacked at others. I can already see a substantial improvement in my body, stamina and overall health. 

The beginning of Week 14 normally marks the end of P90x. However, I am not satisfied with my overall execution of the workout regimen so I am going to do 3 more weeks of a modified version of P90x. 

Going in to P90x my number one goal was to work on my upper body, specifically my abdomen area. Which is ironic because the one workout I have slacked in the most has been Ab Ripper X. It hasn't been from a lack of 'want to' but more because by the time I finish up the main workout for the day I am tired and I tell my self I will do Ab Ripper in the evening. That actually happens 1/5 days. 

So I have now come to the end of P90x and the main area that I wanted to see resuls in, is lagging behind the rest of my body. But do not fret...I have a solution.

I am going hardcore on the Cardio and Ab workout for the next 21 days. In the next 21 days I plan to do Plyometrics 10 total times and Ab Ripper 15 times. I am breaking Plyo into two work outs. You basically have 4 sets of workout in Plyometrics. I will be doing the first two on day 1 and the second two on day 2. Each set of Plyo will be follows by the full set of Ab Ripper.

I will post before and after pics upon completion. (if you don't like that, don't read)

Here is how it will break down.

P90x Modified (Ab Catchup Version)

Week 1

Monday, June 21st - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Tuesday, June 22nd - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Wednesday, June 23rd - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Thursday, June 2th - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Friday, June 25th - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Saturday, June 26th - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Sunday, June 27th - Rest

Week 2

Monday, June 28th - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Tuesday, June 29th - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Wednesday, June 30th - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Thursday, June 2th - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Friday, July 1st - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Saturday, July 2nd - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Sunday, July 3rd - Rest

Week 3

Monday, July 4th - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Tuesday, July 5th - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Wednesday, July 6th - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Thursday, July 7th - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Friday, July 8th - Plyo (1&2), Ab Ripper

Saturday, July 9th - Plyo (3&4), Ab Ripper

Sunday, July 10th - Rest

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Week 12: (Plyometrics)

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Woa...what a drag today. Plyo is usually tough but I was dragging worse than I can remember today. Not sure what accounted for my general lack energy. The best I can figure is that I have let me diet slip a little bit over the last 2 weeks. Time to re-focus on the food intake. I remember how tough it was those frist few weeks when we were not following the diet at all and how huge of a difference we felt when we started following the diet.

I need to recapture that feeling. I have 2-1/2 weeks left. Here are some of my weeknesses and strengths through the first 11-1/2 weeks.

Weekness

-Being consistant

-100% on each rep

-Being viligant on the food plan

Strength

-Pushing myself 

-Doing my best

-Working around injury

-Not getting discouraged

I really need to focus on Ab Ripper in these last few weeks. My main goal going in was to burn some fat of my abs and get more definition. Yet, the one exercise I have neglected the most has been Ab Ripper. So I am going to step it up these next few weeks and add an additional day of Ab Ripper to the Routine (4 per week).

Thats it for today. I kept thinking of this video while working out today. It is a classic and a must watch: (Don't Stop)

Week 12: (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps)

Today's workout was nice. Anyone that knows me knows that I love changing things and not getting to stuck in a rut. That goes for my working out as well, especially the time of day I workout. I was feeling like I wasn't giving it 100% the last week or so, so I decided to change up my normal routine a bit for the next week. Instead of working out first thing, I am getting up doing my 1st hour of regular work for the day and then going to my workout. That doesn't sound like a big difference but it really was nice not to be half asleep through the first part of the workout today.

I had a bit of a back issue again last week. My upper back decided to take a few days off so it completely went out on me again pre-workout on Thursday. I was out for 2 days and couldn't move much at all. That is the second time that has happened while doing P90x. The first time was cira Week 2. I don't think the two are related but it can't be a good sign to have multiple back spasm issues within the span of 6 weeks. I might have to see a doc in the near future.

No numbers today. Not feeling like typing all that out.

I will post some after Wednesdays workout though.

Tomorrow is Plyometrics


**I have lost count of the days, so hear on out we will refer to the number of the week that we are on (12 in total)

Day 58: (Chest & Back)

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After a whole lot of traveling the last 7 days, I was back in P90x action this morning. I did manage to fit in several workouts while vacationing. I did Ab Ripper a few times and Kayaked 3 miles on last Friday. Not exactly, P90x level exercising but it was a good workout.

I could definitely feel it this morning. I was even a bit nauseous halfway through the workout. I started the last Block today, Block 3. It was a bit of DeJaVu as Block 3 is a combination of Block 1 and 2 workouts. I went back to the very first workout (Chest and Back) and maxed out on a bunch of pullups and pushups. I was surprised at the improvement since the last time I did the workout.

I dont have time to post numbers but I'll catch back up with that tomorrow.

See you then...

Day 51: (Back & Biceps)

It was tough getting up this morning. I was reaaaaly dragging. In fact, I didn't finally start my workout until 6:40am this morning. That is almost a full hour past my normal starting time. I believe my numbers today will reflect that. I didn't regress over last week, but there wasn't much pro-gression going on either. 

I finally feel like my pull-ups are starting to improve. They have been my nemesis this entire time. There will be a slight upward tick in my numbers today and for the first time I actually felt more confidant doing them.... I like that feeling.

The next few days are going to be tricky to get the workouts in. I will traveling to and fro so I intend to take the DVD's with me and get in a few workouts. I will shift the order slightly so I will be doing Yoga and Kenpo on the rode. Neither of those workouts take and type of equipment so it shouldn't be difficult to try and pull off.

How about a video and some numbers now.

For your viewing pleasure today I give you the "Superman Banana"...looks easy...it isn't

Quicky Version:

Total Pullups: 49 (6% DECREASE)
Total Reps: 336 (6% INCREASE)
Total Weight Moved: 5128lbs (14% INCREASE)

Long Division Version:

Wide Front Pull-ups: (4 & 6 Assisted (A))
Lawnmowers: (16RH & 14LH @ 20lbs)
Twenty-Ones: (16 @ 20lbs)
One-Arm Cross Body Curls (9 @ 20lbs)
Switch Grip Pull-Ups: (10 A)
Elbows-Out Lawnmowers: (10L & 10R @ 20lbs)
Standing Bicep Curls: (10 @ 20lbs)
One-Arm Concentration Curls: (7r & 4L @ 20lbs)
Corn Cob Pull-ups: (5 reps) ** Video Below
Reverse Grip Bent-Over Rows: (12 @ 20lbs)
Open Arm Curls: (8 @20lbs)
Static Arm Curls: (16 @ 10lbs) +need more weight
Towel Pull-ups: (3UA& 6A)
Congdon Locomotives: (40 @ 20lbs)
Crouching Cohen Curls: (8 @ 20lbs)
On-Arm Corkscrew Curls: (8 @ 20lbs)
Chin-ups: (3UA & 7A)
Seated Bent-over Back flys: (12 @ 10lbs & 5 @ 20lbs)
Curl-up/Hammer Down: (8 @ 20lbs)
Hammer Curls: (8 @ 20lbs)
Max Rep Pull-ups: (8A Chinups)
Superman (5reps for 10seconds)
In-Out Hammer Curls: (7 @ 20lbs)
Strip Set Curls: (8 @ 20lbs, 8 @ 10lbs, 16 @ 8lbs)

Note: I don't tabulate all the numbers until after I workout. I really thought I improved on my pull-ups. Obviously I didnt, I regressed slightly. That is annoying. I will have to kill it next week to catch back up.

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Day 50: (Plyometrics)

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While I am writing this I am completely drenched in sweat. My arms, my legs, my face and chest. All as wet as when I step out of the shower. That is what Plyometrics will do to you. It is well deserved though. Yesterday was my birthday and I didn't exactly eat the best of foods. After trip to Genghis grill that consisted of a tad to much red meat and a trip to the movie that has one too many bags of popcorn and a liter too much Dr. Pepper, I was due for a little punishment this morning.

FYI: Plyometrics consist of 6 different sets. Each set is made up of 4 (0:30 or 1:00 long) exercises. Once you finish a set you then repeat it. The first 3 sets go fairly quickly, but once you get to set 4, 5 and 6 they start compounding and getting quite tough.

I don't remember which Plyometrics video I posted in the past, but here is one for your viewing pleasure. This is what I consider to be the most challenging of all the sets.

Not doing P90x currently? Try this one routine when you get home and see what you think!

#1: Jump Knee Tuck (:30)
#2: Mary Kathrine Lunges (:30)
#3: Leapfrog Squats (:30)
#4:Twist Combo (1:00)
      (Repeat)

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P90x Day 49: (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps)

..Happy May 24th, otherwise known as my 27th Birthday. It is pretty amazing that I am creeping up on 30 years old...time flies. Fortunately, i feel better than ever. For years and years I thought about getting into a normal workout regimen but never did.

Nearly 60 days ago I decided to. I am very grateful that I did. For the few of you that read this blog I HIGHLY recommend you do something....anything. It doesn’t have to be P90x, just get on a structured workout routine. Do something that tells you what to do, when to do it and how to do it. Write down a few goals and meet them. Quit thinking about what you want to do or how you want to look or feel and just go put in the work you need to be that way.

It’s tough, tiring and hurts at time, but it is worth it!

Today’s workout was really good. I felt energized and ready to go. I told you last week that i started writing my numbers down. I even showed you my rep count and weight sets from the few resistance workouts I did last week. I never dreamed that just writing down numbers would help so much.

This week when I started on the same routines again I had something to live up to. I attempted to beat all of my numbers from last week and the results where insane. Once I calculated up the rep counts and weight moved numbers below, I was blown away by how much they went up.
I immediately thought of Zig Ziglar for some reason. He always harps on the power of writing goals down. He says your 80% more likely to hit a goal if it is written down. Honestly, that is the main purpose of this BLOG. Not for other people to read, but for me to be accountable to someone out there in cyber land.

Checkout this video by motivation and goal setting master Zig Ziglar and then take a gander at the numbers below:

Here are LAST WEEK totals:
Total Rep Count: 319.5 Reps
Total Weight moved: 1968 lbs.
Total Pushups: 106.5 reps

Here are TODAYS totals:
Total Rep Count: 392 Reps (INCREASE 29%)
Total Weight moved: 2,460lbs (INCREASE 20%)
Total Pushups: 111 reps (INCREASE 5%)


 
Here is the breakdown:
Slow-Motion 3-in1 Push-ups: (12 reps + 12 bonus reps)
In & Out Shoulder Flys: (16 reps @ 10lbs)
Chair Dips: (13 reps)
Plange Push-ups: (8 reps)
Pike Presses: (12 reps)
Side Tri-rise: (12 left / 10 right)
Floor Flys: (14 reps)
Scarecrows: (14 reps @ 10 lbs)
Overhead Tricep Extensions: (11 reps @ 10lbs)
Two-Twitch Speed Push-ups: (8 fast reps & 4 slow reps)
Y-Presses (9 reps @ 20lbs)
Lying Tricep Extensions: (12 left & 10 right)
Side-to-Side Push-ups: (10 reps)
Pour Flys (10 reps @ 8lbs)
Side-Leaning Tricep Extensions: (9LH & 13RH @ 10lbs)
One-Arm Push ups: (15 reps) on knees and half way down
Weighted Circles: (40 reps @ 3lbs)
Throw the Bomb: (20 reps @ 10lbs)
Clap Pushups: (15 reps) on knees
Slo-Mo Throws (8 reps @ 10lbs)
Front-to-Back Tricep Extensions: (12LH/13RH @ 10lbs)
One-Arm Balance Pushups: (8 reps)
Fly-Row Press (10 reps @ 10lbs)
Dumbbell Cross Body Blows: (35 reps @ 20 lbs)

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P90x Day 46: (Kenpo X)

Completed Kenpo X this morning. I really like that workout.

I have mixed up the order of my workouts this weekend. Instead of 1) Yoga 2) Legs & Back 3)Kenpo. I have rearranged the order. I had my rest day on Thursday. Then I busted out Kenpo X today. Tomorow evening I will do Legs and Back and Sunday will be the dreaded Yoga. 

What is Kenpo? For you viewing pleasure I have included a video below:

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P90x Day 44: (Back & Biceps)

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Today was Back and Biceps. That means you do a whole lot of curls and pull-ups. The curls, I don't mind so much. The pull-ups on the other hand, my least favorite workout maneuver. That is probably the case because I am so bad at them.

I have to talk about one of the 'stretches' that you do all throughout P90x. It's the ever so innocent looking arm circles. (see video below). It consist of 20 seconds of medium size circles going clockwise, then its followed by 20 seconds going counter clockwise. Then you go straight into large clockwise are circles and 20 seconds of counter clockwise circles. That probably doesn't sound to hard, but holy cow its difficult.

On top of that, in my current Monday workout you add weight to it.....

(this is sissified version, but you get the idea)

On another note, I really need to invest in a set of 15# and 25# dumbbells. In several of the workouts the 20's and 10's just don't cut it. Its pretty important to push your self on every exercise. For me, if I'm busting my butt this hard, I might as well get the best results possible. That means, maximum effort on every workout. So, I'm trekking to Academy today at lunch to invest in a few more weights.

Enough of that. Lets get to my numbers from today. Just a note on my workout numbers. On all of my pull-up numbers you will notice a notation of (A) or (UA) on each. The stands for (A)ssisted and (UA)Unassisted. I use the chair to help once I reach my breaking point. This helps me get more reps in. This helps alot because I normally cant do many by the end of a workout.


Quicky Version:

Total Pullups: 52
Total Reps: 317
Total Weight Moved: 4,450lbs

Long Division Version:

Wide Front Pull-ups: (4 & 6 Assisted (A))
Lawnmowers: (16RH & 14LH @ 20lbs)
Twenty-Ones: (16 @ 20lbs)
One-Arm Cross Body Curls (9 @ 20lbs)
Switch Grip Pull-Ups: (10 A)
Elbows-Out Lawnmowers: (10L & 10R @ 20lbs)
Standing Bicep Curls: (10 @ 20lbs)
One-Arm Concentration Curls: (7r & 4L @ 20lbs)
Corn Cob Pull-ups: (5 reps) ** Video Below
Reverse Grip Bent-Over Rows: (12 @ 20lbs)
Open Arm Curls: (8 @20lbs)
Static Arm Curls: (16 @ 10lbs) +need more weight
Towel Pull-ups: (3UA& 6A)
Congdon Locomotives: (40 @ 20lbs)
Crouching Cohen Curls: (8 @ 20lbs)
On-Arm Corkscrew Curls: (8 @ 20lbs)
Chin-ups: (3UA & 7A)
Seated Bent-over Back flys: (12 @ 10lbs & 5 @ 20lbs)
Curl-up/Hammer Down: (8 @ 20lbs)
Hammer Curls: (8 @ 20lbs)
Max Rep Pull-ups: (8A Chinups)
Superman (5reps for 10seconds)
In-Out Hammer Curls: (7 @ 20lbs)
Strip Set Curls: (8 @ 20lbs, 8 @ 10lbs, 16 @ 8lbs)

Tomorrow is YOGA. Catch you then. BTW be sure to go over to our eBay BLOG sometime today and read what we are doing over there. If you were asking your self the same question I was.....see the answer below...

What is a corn cob pull up?

P90x Day 43: (Plyometrics) + Video

It is now day 43! Its kind of wild how time flies.

It should be day 57 for me though..but hey, who's counting. After nearly a week off for back spasms and another missed 3 days in Week 2 of my second month I sit here at day 43.

I just completed Plyometrics for the 8th time and I feel better after this set than any so far. There are marked improvements in my stamina, strength and overall flexibility (thanks to Yoga). Getting up early and making time to workout persist as the #1 obstacle to completing the program. I am planning on getting into the Beach body forums today to see if they have any tips on how to be more consistent with that, maybe there is some way to help trick your body into making it a little easier.

For those of you that don't have a clue what Plyometrics is. Here is a cool short and musically educed video summary:

I have been thinking lately about what I am going to do AFTER we finish this P90x. I have though about going through it again or picking up with a lighter (less time consuming) workout. Another possibility is to modify P90x to a shorter more focused workout. I'll keep you up to date with what i decide.

No Ab Ripper X today. That is a shame, I kinda like that workout. Like most people that is the area that I could use the most improvement in, and also the area that I have seen the least amount of change in. Hopefully, change will come soon.

I think I will start doing Ab Ripper X on Sundays too. That would put us doing Abs 4 days a week.

Tomorrow is Back and Chest.

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P90x Day 42: (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps)

Sorry for the lack of posting last week. It was actually a really good workout week but I wasn't feeling all that inspired to write about it. Last week was more about me getting back in the mental grove and getting refocused on the workout. The effects of mising just one or two workouts are pretty amazing. I think it messes with my head more than anything.

Ok, I promised last week that I would start showing you some numbers. The truth is that I would have done this much sooner but we just haven't been keeping track of our reps and weights. However, last week I finally got online and found the Workout Logs on the P90x website and now we have some hard and fast data.

For those of you that read this and have never gone through P90x before, this will give you an idea of what the normal workout consist of.

Here are the summary totals:

Total Rep Count: 319.5 Reps
Total Weight moved: 1968 lbs.
Total Pushups: 106.5 reps

Here is the breakdown:

Slow-Motion 3-in1 Push-ups: (11 reps + 10 bonus reps)
In & Out Shoulder Flys: (16 reps @ 8lbs) - Shoulder Pain
Chair Dips: (12 reps)
Plange Push-ups: (7 reps)
Pike Presses: (12 reps)
Side Tri-rise: (10 left / 10 right)
Floor Flys: (11-1/2 reps)
Scarecrows: (14 reps @ 10 lbs)
Overhead Tricep Extensions: (10reps @ 10lbs)
Two-Twitch Speed Push-ups: (8 fast reps & 3 slow reps)
Y-Presses (8 reps @ 20lbs)
Lying Tricep Extensions: (10 left & 10 right)
Side-to-Side Push-ups: (10 reps)
Pour Flys (8 reps @ 8lbs)
Side-Leaning Tricep Extensions: (8 reps @ 10lbs)
One-Arm Push ups: (10 reps) on knees and half way down
Weighted Circles: (40 reps @ 3lbs)
Throw the Bomb: (20 reps @ 10lbs)
Clap Pushups: (15 reps) on knees
Slo-Mo Throws (12 reps @ 8lbs)
Front-to-Back Tricep Extensions: (8left/10right @ 10lbs)
One-Arm Balance Pushups: (8 reps)
Fly-Row Press (3reps @ 20lbs & 5 reps @ 10lbs)
Dumbbell Cross Body Blows: (20 reps @ 20 lbs)

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P90x: Day 35: (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps)

As you can see I haven't moved my "Day Countdown" forward at all. It is still Day 35 like it was in my last post. You can only guess what that means.

I missed 3 workouts last week.

I could offer a lot of reasons/excuses, but I'm not. The mantra of this workout is "Do your BEST and forget the rest." Up to now I have just been listening to the "Forget the Rest" Part, the other hasn't been all that applicable.

Last week though, I didn't do my best. So, I am doing the whole week over again. I started this morning with (Chest, Shoulders & Triceps).

It felt great. I could tell that I hadn't been working hard the last few days though.

I am going to start putting my numbers up here in the coming days. Maybe that will be a tad more entertaining and worth reading than my ramblings that become redundant after awhile.

I'm excited and focused about this week!

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Day 35 & 36 (Chest, Arms Shoulders & Plyometrics)

The new workout time has gone great so far. Getting up at 5:15 and working out until 6:15 is definitely the better way to go. I am a little concerned about me pulling this off on a consistent basis, but so far so good.

The New Routine for Month #2 consist of the following:

Day 1: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2: Plyometrics
Day 3: Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4: Yoga
Day 5: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6: Kenpo X
Day 7: Rest/X Stretch

This isn't a huge change. Really the only thing that changes is Day 1 and Day 3. I really like it so far though. Instead of doing hundreds of Pullup (which I hate) on Day 1 it is more push-ups and free weight focused.

As far as Day 2, well, Plyometrics is ... still tough. It continues to get better though. It seems like I took a step back during the Recovery week though. Plyo seemed a little tougher with a week off from it. However, I still am making it through without any breaks and am getting much closer to keeping the pace in the video.

Tonight is Back & Biceps....

Day 34: Gettin' ready to work

We had some serious rain this weekend
(this is the interstate)

I have been mysteriously absent from posting over the last week. This has been our first recovery week and we have taken full advantage of it. Probably a little to much. We missed two of our "recovery workouts". We missed 1 session of Yoga X and 1 Session of Stretch. I hate we did but it was nice to have a little break.

I am fired up and ready to start MONTH TWO tomorrow though. I have decided to move the workout to the morning for this next month. It is pretty hectic and sometimes tough to get our workout in while doing it in the evening like we have been doing.

I havent looked at our schedule for the upcoming month yet. It'll be a surprise in the morning!

Until then...

Day 29: (Yoga X)

Yoga continues to get better and better. I upgraded my Yoga block today to a Oster Stainless Steel Toaster! It was the perfect height to help me complete Half-moon and Twisted Half-moon. My flexibility has improved greatly. My strength is getting much better as well. I attempted and successfully pulled off Crane or the first time today. I only held it for about 3 seconds, but that was a first for me.

I am ready to be able to pull off Wheel Pose. I am not even close right now though. The upper body and arm strength just isn't there yet.

I plan on weighing and measuring in on Sunday for our ONE MONTH mark.

I cant believe its been a month already. I can feel and tell a major difference.

I cant really SEE much of a difference yet though. Hopefully that will come soon.

(Crane Pose - Left) (Wheel Pose - Right)

Day 28: (Core Synergistics)

If you are like me you saw the title of this workout and though..."What in the world is that?" After piecing together a few pieces of information: 1) This was to be the begining of our recovery week 2) Synergistics sounds cool 3) Wishfull thinkings. I summized that this would be a fairly light "recovery" style workout...pshh.

It wasnt the hardest workout we've ever had, but it wasn't a 'recovery' workout either. As Tony describes in the video your 'core' s everything between your pectorial muscles and upper thighs, mainly your abs and their connecting muscles.

He puts you through some very interesting positions in this workout.

Overall I thought it went pretty well.

The first day of a new workout is always a tad bit frustrating, trying to learn how to do each particular move and all.

Yoga X tonight...recovery week continues.

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Day 24 & 25 (Yoga & Legs)

It seems like a trend of being to busy to post on Thursday and Friday is developing.

Don't fear, we didn't skip our workout. We busted out our 3rd (and 1/2) week. We are now starring into the eyes of our first change of pace, Recovery Week. I am not sure what that is all about. I was finally starting to feel like I was in a grove and fully comprehended all of the workouts and the different maneuvers they were asking me to do.

But alas, this week will be nice. I think it involved a lot of Stretching, Yoga and something called a Core Synergistic. I'm not entirely sure what that is, but we will find out on Tuesday.

As for our two previous workouts: Yoga is becoming more doable every time we complete it. If you were to take out "Half Moon" & "Twisting Half Moon", I would be able to pretty much keep up with the pace and positions in the workout.

Tip: If you are new to Yoga and aren't an extremely flexible person already I would really invest in a set of those Yoga blocks. I'm am pretty convinced that would cut your learning curve and frustration level in half.

The problem is, if your hamstrings (and other leg muscles) are tight, then you aren't able to reach the floor and balance your self in several of the exercises. Thus the blocks, these allow you to still do Half Moon and its variations without falling and getting mad.

Legs: Stacy and I both can tel la huge difference in our durability in this workout. When we first started the Wall Squats and Single Leg Wall Squats were completely debilitating. Now, they are only mildly debilitating. They still hurt and are difficult, but they are much more manageable. Same goes for the extreme amounts of lunges here as well

Stacy says here biggest physical change so far is in her legs. She can tell they are stronger and more tone after only 3 weeks.

Consider yourself updated. Hopefully I can refrain rom skipping multiple days of posting from this day forward.

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Day 23: (Arms & Shoulders)

Not much time to write today.

great workout. It seemed like it FLEW by today. This is definatly the "easiest" workout of the bunch. Low impact and nearly no cardio. I think doing this right after Plyometrics makes it seem easier as well.

I did nearly all the excersises with 20lb weights and the Triceps with 10lbs.

The Static Arm curls are the toughest, i had to drop down to the 10's for that one.

BTW: My abs are killing me!

Yoga tomorow!

45min worth in the morning & 45min in the evening.

Untill then..

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Day 22: (Plyometrics)

Third time is a charm!

Today I made it all the way through the workout without any additional breaks. That is quite an improvement from the first time we went through Plyo. Week 1 we added 8-10 additional breaks to the workout. Week 2 we added 1-3 additional 30 second breaks. Week 3 no additional breaks.

It is an intense Cardio workout. I even managed to keep pace for the most part with the video and the number of reps. I would say I'm at 80% on reps.

Stacy was bit by the nausea bug again today. She forgot to eat her afternoon snack and only managed to get halfway through the workout before her body shut down.

Its pretty cool to see several family members starting up on P90x as well. Its motivational to know other people that you are related to are going through the same thing.

Arms & back tomorrow

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Day 21: (Back & Chest) + Ab Ripper

69 Day left!!

This was our 3rd time through this workout and what a difference a few weeks has made. The workout still kicked our butt but we are at least able to keep up with the pace of the workout. Unfortunately, next week is a recovery week and the next week the next week the workout changes completely.

I guess that is the novelty of this program, just as soon as you get comfortable with a routine it changes. Hey, as long as it works I'm cool with it.

Our nutrition is still going well, we are staying in line with the plan overall.lyo Stacy has been cooking like crazy!

Tomorrow = Plyometrics

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Day 19: Kenpo X

Well, I'm not going to lie. We missed our Day 19 Kenpo workout. It was very busy the last 4 days and we just didn't fit it into our schedule. However, we will be back tonight for Day 1 of Week 3 (Back & Chest).

As I though in the beginning, the hardest part so far is rearranging our life to get a 1 Hours workout in.

See you tonight after the workout..

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Day 17 & 18: (Yoga/Legs)

It has been a very busy last few days. But we have managed to get our P90x workouts in. Week 2 is officialy over. Here is an abreviated recap:

Yoga Day 17:
THis is by far the most technicaly challenging of any of the workouts. Not neccesarily the hardest or physicaly demanding. For me though it is the toughest to duplicate what Tony and the other guys do in the video.

I can see where this will greatly increase out core strength as well as flexibility and balance. We can already tell a pretty major difference in our flexibility. Before we started the workout I couldnt do a simple toe grad (with leg extenses). Now I am able to grab each foot with each hand and flex. Its pretty cool to see results that quick

Legs/Back Day 18:
Legs and Back is one of my favorite workouts. The wall squats and chair pose are the toughest. There has to be some serious strengthening going on durring this workout. I cant really tell any major differences. I am not sure that I will be able to, out side of more definition. We rocked this workout for the most part.

Stacy messed up and didnt eat right and she had a rather tough time with the workout after the halfway point. Its a pretty major difference when you do and dont eat correctly.

Kenpo X tonight.

See you afterwards...

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Day 16: (Arms & Shoulders)

The workout:The strengthening continues. We havent been doing our worksheet to keep up with out reps and weights, but we need to start. I probably increased weight/reps 20% just fomr the first workout to the second.

The difficulty of this workout is pretty low. After doing Plyometrics the day before this workout is a breeze. Form is very important with the Arms & Shoulder not speed and reps like some of the others.

The aftermath:
I can really feel my triceps, shoulders and biceps tightning up after this workout. Its a pretty significant difference. I like it! After Mondays Chest & Back workout my chest muscles are pretty sore. So, I wasnt sure how well I was going to be able to do todays workout. I was suprised though that it didnt affect me much at all

The nutrition:
I mentioned the shake yesterday. I didnt realize how much fruit we go through in making them. We have already finished off out MONTHS supply of strawberries and bannanas. I am going to have to run to the store after dinner and pickup $29 worht to get us thourgh the rest of the month.

Otherwise, the nutrition part is going well. We are probably sticking 80% to the diet. Not hardcore but the over principles we are following. I have cut out nearly all of my soft drink intake. On the weekends ill cheat alittle and have one or two. For the most part though its water and juice.

Tomorow is Yoga...ugh

Its along workout so we are going to split it up. 45 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes in the afternoon.

See you then.

Day 15: (Plyometrics)

Round 2 on Plyometrics and things were MUCH better. I am not sure if it is the nutrition element that is in place now and was not the first go around, or if there is usually such a dramatic improvement from week 1 to week 2. Either way things went much better today, for me at least.

Stacy seems to have caught my nausia disease. She made it 20 minutes into the workout before she fell plague to the stomach ailment. I really wish we could figure out what is causing this. Nutrition? Exhaustion? Out of Shape? I dont know.

Anyway, i feel like my endurance is increasing and my overall strength is improving.

It was tough getting started back after the injury layoff, but I feel like we have fallen back into the grove fairly quickly.

One thing we discovered yesterday is the P90x Shake in the Nutrition guide. This thing really is amazing.

1 Cup Milk
4 Strawberries
1 Bannana
1 Cup Ice
2 Scoops of Vanilla Protien Powder

And blend till its liquid.

Pour and ENJOY!!


See you tommorow.

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Day 14: (Arms & Back)

Wow....what a difference a week (or two) makes. The first time we went through this workout it was really tough. As in, barely made it halfway through, tough. However, even with out 5 day layoff due to injury it was much better this time.

We could see a noticable difference in the number of pushup reps we were able to do. Pullups, not so much of a difference though.

Last week I ate wrong an was naucious halfway thourgh. This time i waited until 5 minutes left to get naucious. I dont understand why I got naucious this time though. I ate right and did the workout to a T. But, 5 minutes left I was on the floor in cold sweats and shakes. That is very frustrating.

Anyway, Plyometrics tonight.....yay!

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Day 14 (Ready to Resume)

After a 5 day Injry break we are ready to resume. That muscle referenced in the last post has now decided to stop hurting and we are able to commence working out. I REALLY hated to take a break but I physically could not do the workout with the pain that was shooting through my leg.

So, we are going to start back on our schedule tomoorow and wind the clock back to Day 8. Back & Chest followed by Ab Ripper are on tap for.


See you then


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Day 8: (Injury Report #2)

I am feeling better today. The back losened up quite a bit by the end of the day yesterday. I am now having some very odd pain in the muscle around the area diagrammed below.

However, we have taken off two days in a row now due to this injury and its time to quit complaining and get back to work. This stage of a workout is very important. If you sit out for too long you risk not starting again. So we are going to pickup with the notmal routine for today, which is (Arms & Shoulder + Ab Ripper X).

I am not going to push it too hard because I dont want to re-agrivate the injury.

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Day 7: Injury Report

Last Nights Workout


Injury Report:

I was standing in line at the U-Haul store and it hit me. The back tenses up and within 3 hours I was on my hands and knees crawling (litteraly, ask Stacy) to my bed.
It didnt happen durring a workout, not while running or doing some strenuos activity. It happend while I was completely still and standing....ridiculous.

I laid in bed the rest of the night, woke up this morning and I am feeling marginaly better. We'll give it another day to heal and be back to the workout on Wednesday.

Nutrition:

On the Nutrition front, we picked up our Protien Bars, Recovery drink & Protien mix yesterday at Wal-Mart. Our shopping is now compelte, its time to start eating right.

Ill let you know how that goes.


Till tomorow...


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P90x: Day 6 (Kenpo X)

7 Days down and 83 more to go!

I wasnt too sure what Kenpo X involved but a quick YouTube search shined a light on it. Its basically alot of kicking and punching. Think Tybo. Or click below for a quick preview.





Overall a pretty good workout. One of the easier ones in this first phase but it was actually somewhat enjoyable at times.

As you can see by the date of this post we had another scheduling issue. So insteand of busting out Kenpo yesterday we tried a early morning workout. We will be doubling up today as we are suppose to be doing Arms & Back today as well.

On the diet front, we are starting to get into the swing of things. Our first grocery store visit since starting the workout was Friday. We loaded up on a bunch of things we normaly dont eat or drink. Stacy is not looking forward to the big change in cooking.

We are planning a trip to GNC tonight to pickup our recovery drink and protien bar. After that we should be thoroughly equipped to jump into the diet.


Overall, the first week went well. Plyometrics was definatly the most challenging.

Cya back here tonight after (Arms & Back)

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P90x: Day 5 (Legs & Back)

When we were deciding which workout/nutrition plan to 'signup' to, we both thought the hardest part wouldn't be the actual work but fitting in the work into our day to day life. The last 2 days have proved that true so far.

Dont get me wrong the workouts are tough, but the hardest part is blocking out the time in your life to get them done. Thursday I didnt get home until 10:30 and that was suppose to be Yoga day (1:30min). That almost happnened again today but we managed to squeeze in the workout

We started around 8:20 and finished up right at 10:00pm.

The main workout, Legs & Back, was pretty good. A LOT of pushups and lunges. I didnt have as much trouble with the leg work as I did with the 120 or so pullups. That part is pretty tough for me. After the first few sets I have to use the chair to succesfully execute even one full pullup.

After the hour and half Yoga workout yesterday, todays workout flew by in no time. However, it was followed by Abripper X today. And....oh my. It was tougher today than any of the other 2 times we have done it so far. I think that is because while you are doing the Ab workout you use many of the same muscles that were used in the Leg Workout (Quads etc.)

Im feeling good overall. I had a bicep issue yesterday with some extreme tightness. But after Yoga and a good nights sleep that has seemed to work its way out.

Tomorow is Kenpo X. I have no idea what that even is but im looking forward to it....


Later.

P90x: Day 4 (Yoga)

Yesterday got crazy and we wound up taking a rest day early. So we have moved each workout up a day and taken out the Day 7 rest.

Yoga was awesome!

I kept hearing horror stories of how excruciating it is. Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy. But it was relaxing in a weird kind of way. I could feel my muscles becoming more flexible and there was a noticeable different by the end of the workout.

This workout was a good bit longer. It was 90 minutes instead of 60, but I actually enjoyed it.

Got to run, supper time!

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P90x: Day 3 (Shoulder & Arms)

Day 3 is in the books. The soreness is starting to compound.

One thing about this workout is you can definitely notice the specific muscles that are being targeted once the workout is over. For instance, today was Arms & Shoulders followed by Abs. After the workouts you can definitely tell those muscles have been worked.

Today was a bit of a weird day. Stacy worked overtime and I had a meeting at 6:30 and didn't get home until 9:30pm. So, we both did the Shoulder and Arm workout separately and then once I got home we did Abs together.

It makes a big difference having someone to workout with. It pushes you and makes you not slack near as much!

Tomorrow is YOGA!

When I saw Yoga was tomorrow I was kindve excited, but after hearing from some P90x graduates I am scared now.

We will see...

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P90x: Day 3 (Morning)

UPDATE:

Its now the morning of Day 3 only 87 more days to go!

Both Stacy and I are very sore from our Day 1 workout (Chest and Back). It turns out that having these high intensity workouts in the evening set you up for a very hard sleep and make it MUCH harder to get up in the morning...got to push through though.

We will have to have a quick workout tonight. Stacy is working some overtime and I have a meeting at 7:00pm.

More later...


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P90x: Day 2 Plyometrics (Post Workout)

It turns out that eating at the right time makes a HUGE difference in stamina and strength. Albeit I am no where near eating "right" yet. I can only imagine the difference once the nutrional plan and schedule are working together with the workout and not against it!

As for the workout...it was tough. We took around 4  differnt 30 second breaks in addtion to what was already written in to the workout. 

He started out by saying this was the toughest workout in the whole series and being that this is our first time to go throug hthe toughest workout in one of the toughest workout programs out there, I think it would be suffice to say this is the toughest 1 hour workout we will ever have.

I kept saying that to my self and to Stacy at the 20minute and 40minute mark. Luckily, toward the 45 minute mark the excercises started decreasing in intensity.

All in all, I think we did a great job on our second day.

No vomiting.

No toilet hugging.

No passign out.

All those are a plus. Now its time to get to the shower, crank up the High Def and get ready for LOST!

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P90x: Day 1 (Post Workout)

Wow....I knew it would be an intense workout but....wow. So I said in my previous post that we had read through all the material. Apparently, I missed the part about WHEN to eat. It was a busy day yesterday and I didn't get around to eating lunch until 3:00pm. Then, when I did eat I couldn't find much in the fridge so I wound up eating a few eggs and drinking some milk. And, judging by my wife's laughter when I told her what I drank as I was hugging the toilet halfway through the workout, your not suppose to do that.

So, Day 1 = Not a good experience.

I made it through 33 minutes before my intense urge to hurl and pass out. By that point in the workout I was shaking and could barely stand. After about 15 minutes laying on the floor my sense returned and I cracked open the nutrition guide to find my mistake. I was able to return for the last 5-10 minutes of the work out (Chest & Back) and I was able to go through the entire Ab Ripper X workout.

Today I plan to eat better!!

On another note:  Stacy killed the workout though!

Neither of us have ever worked out on any type of regular basis for any long period of our lives. So P90x is quite a change for us.

I did like the video, Tony has very timely advice and does a good job of letting you know that you simply need to "Do your best and forget the rest". As corny as that sounds it helps a lot!

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P90x: Day 1 (Pre Workout)

We were suppose to start Day 1 last Monday but I came down with a head cold so we delayed until yesterday (3/29). So, all week I have been anticipating today. My wife, Stacy, and I both are going through the Classic program together. We have always talked about finding a good workout/nutrition program to live by ever since we got married a few years back, but we never chose one and time has gotten away from us.

So, we made that one of our New Years resolutions. So here we are 4  months later, we finally chose P90x, we ordered the materials and bought some of the equipment. Now its time to act!

Neither one of us have alot of weight to lose. Stacy would like to lose 5-10lbs and I would like to stay right were I am (185lbs). We both want to tighten everything up a litle bit and change out a little of the flab for some more muscle. So, out goal is to be fit in time for Memorial Day weekend!

If we stick to the P90 plan then we should be finishing on June the 12th, just a week or two after the holiday.

So here we go!

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