I'm still working hard. Yesterday was a good Chest and Back routine. Rocked the push-ups and did my best on the pull-ups. (I still use a chair for the pull-ups and I do as many reps as I can, but I stop when I start using my legs to push.) Today was the old Plyo. I always feel good after the cardio workouts. Better than I do on the resistance workouts.
I'm thinking I might do P90X lean next time through. I just feel so much more accomplished after the cardio workouts.
Also, I weighed myself yesterday. Still hovering around the same weight, but my body fat percent is still dropping. It's finally down in the 'normal' range on my scale! (On the high side of 'normal', but still...) Here I've been stressing about how little weight I've lost lately when I should have been watching how much FAT I've been losing.
Tomorrow is my birthday and Ashleigh and I are taking a trip. For the next four days, we'll be out of state. I'm going to try my best to keep with my exercises, but there stands a chance I might miss one or two. I'm going to do tomorrow's right after I wake up and before we leave. Friday is Yoga (and that's a 90-minute workout) and that's the one I'm really worried about. Saturday is Legs and Back. Easy enough to do, but I won't have my chin-up bar. Sunday is Kenpo, but we'll likely be on the road home. (I can always do Kenpo on Monday.)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sloppy performance as of late
First my updates seem to be crawling and now my P90X performance is in decline...
I've 'skipped' ab ripper the past four times it's come up. That isn't good. I've also skipped the stretch routine. While not inherently bad, I was doing everything without fail for the first two months. Why I've started this decline, I'm not sure. I'm still doing all the core components (the main events on resistance days, at least), but I'm falling behind and need to step it up.
I need to stop talking and just DO it. But my motivation is wavering. Again, I'm not sure why. I'm in the best shape I've been in my entire life. Even with my poor performance as of late, I'm still improving. But I'm not improving at the rate I want to. That's my fault. I'm not going to hit my 90-day goals at this rate. I didn't think I was one of those people who were so out of shape they needed to do P90X more than once to get to their target, but it would seem I was wrong. It looks like a second round of P90X is before me. That would put me at a finish date of January 8th. Not to mention I'm going to have the temptations of Thanksgiving and Christmas to deal with during that time frame.
Time for the cursory update on the days I haven't posted about.
Thursday was Back and Bicep. I really like working my biceps (my triceps have been strong, but my biceps have always been a bit under-developed) and I especially like the striped set curls at the end. I missed ab ripper this day...
Friday was Yoga, per the norm. Went into it stressed, came out feeling better. My right leg still isn't as strong as my left, but there's not much I can do aside from working it until they're equal.
Saturday was Legs and Back. Wall squats use to be the most challenging part, but now they're cake. At this point, the only really hard exercises are the squats where I have to jump. Not because I get worn out or anything, but my knees start to ache. I should invest in some ace bandages to help support the joints, but the damage has probably been done already. (My dad has had both of his knees replaced. Of course my dad is 80 this year.) I missed ab ripper this day...
Sunday was to be Kenpo, but I skipped it like I did the previous Sunday. This time, however, my wife and I spent the day at the Seaworld, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Lots of walking around and sweating. I'm sure that, over the course of the day, I burned an equal amount (if not more) calories than I would have just doing Kenpo. (I did have chicken strips and fries for lunch and we did share a 20oz Coca-Cola, but that was it as far as the bad stuff.)
Today should have been a stretch day, but I did Kenpo instead. I don't mind missing the stretch day so much, but I do mind missing an actual workout day. (That's my philosophy, at any rate.) I claim an 'off' day, but make up for the exercises on my actual 'off' day. (I should do an ab ripper tonight.)
Ashleigh and I have a trip to Virginia planned for this Thursday to Sunday. I'm going to take P90X with me, but I don't know how much I'll be able to do. I'll work on getting up early and pounding them out before we start our daily adventures.
I've 'skipped' ab ripper the past four times it's come up. That isn't good. I've also skipped the stretch routine. While not inherently bad, I was doing everything without fail for the first two months. Why I've started this decline, I'm not sure. I'm still doing all the core components (the main events on resistance days, at least), but I'm falling behind and need to step it up.
I need to stop talking and just DO it. But my motivation is wavering. Again, I'm not sure why. I'm in the best shape I've been in my entire life. Even with my poor performance as of late, I'm still improving. But I'm not improving at the rate I want to. That's my fault. I'm not going to hit my 90-day goals at this rate. I didn't think I was one of those people who were so out of shape they needed to do P90X more than once to get to their target, but it would seem I was wrong. It looks like a second round of P90X is before me. That would put me at a finish date of January 8th. Not to mention I'm going to have the temptations of Thanksgiving and Christmas to deal with during that time frame.
Time for the cursory update on the days I haven't posted about.
Thursday was Back and Bicep. I really like working my biceps (my triceps have been strong, but my biceps have always been a bit under-developed) and I especially like the striped set curls at the end. I missed ab ripper this day...
Friday was Yoga, per the norm. Went into it stressed, came out feeling better. My right leg still isn't as strong as my left, but there's not much I can do aside from working it until they're equal.
Saturday was Legs and Back. Wall squats use to be the most challenging part, but now they're cake. At this point, the only really hard exercises are the squats where I have to jump. Not because I get worn out or anything, but my knees start to ache. I should invest in some ace bandages to help support the joints, but the damage has probably been done already. (My dad has had both of his knees replaced. Of course my dad is 80 this year.) I missed ab ripper this day...
Sunday was to be Kenpo, but I skipped it like I did the previous Sunday. This time, however, my wife and I spent the day at the Seaworld, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure theme parks. Lots of walking around and sweating. I'm sure that, over the course of the day, I burned an equal amount (if not more) calories than I would have just doing Kenpo. (I did have chicken strips and fries for lunch and we did share a 20oz Coca-Cola, but that was it as far as the bad stuff.)
Today should have been a stretch day, but I did Kenpo instead. I don't mind missing the stretch day so much, but I do mind missing an actual workout day. (That's my philosophy, at any rate.) I claim an 'off' day, but make up for the exercises on my actual 'off' day. (I should do an ab ripper tonight.)
Ashleigh and I have a trip to Virginia planned for this Thursday to Sunday. I'm going to take P90X with me, but I don't know how much I'll be able to do. I'll work on getting up early and pounding them out before we start our daily adventures.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Against a brick wall
I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or what at this point. I'm still trying my hardest, but yesterday's Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps was a less than stellar performance. Sure, I did a few more push-ups than I have in the past but, for all of the exercises that required weights, I used the same weight I did last time and (in a couple instances) I managed fewer reps! I'm supposed to be kicking ass right now, not dragging it! Why am I sputtering?
In a more positive note, in today's Plyo, I was able to keep my heart rate up near 160 for the majority of the workout. That makes me feel a bit more accomplished. (I was thinking of trying to go for a run this evening, but I'm still on the fence about it.)
I also wanted to mention that people at work are starting to ask me about P90X. Actually knowing someone who is able to show you real results turns out to be a great motivator. Before I started, nobody was interested in the program. Now? I'm answering questions for people who are thinking of getting it and people who've had it for a while and just never did anything with it. It feels kinda good to help cultivate someone's motivation. (Whether anything comes from it or not remains to be seen.)
In a more positive note, in today's Plyo, I was able to keep my heart rate up near 160 for the majority of the workout. That makes me feel a bit more accomplished. (I was thinking of trying to go for a run this evening, but I'm still on the fence about it.)
I also wanted to mention that people at work are starting to ask me about P90X. Actually knowing someone who is able to show you real results turns out to be a great motivator. Before I started, nobody was interested in the program. Now? I'm answering questions for people who are thinking of getting it and people who've had it for a while and just never did anything with it. It feels kinda good to help cultivate someone's motivation. (Whether anything comes from it or not remains to be seen.)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Two months in and we're in the home stretch
Alright. So I haven't been updating as often as I said I would. I will endeavor to improve my update schedule.
Let's start with day 60. So I did my yoga and took my weight. I will admit I am not pleased with my performance thus far. I feel I am way behind where I should be. My body fat percent has dipped below 20%, so that much is looking good, but I still need to tone up. I have a feeling I need to do more cardio for this last month to really get where I feel I should be.
Saturday's Legs and Back went very well. I didn't even break a sweat during the wall squats. (I could swear those particular exercises lasted longer than that...) As far as the pull-up/chin-up exercises go, I'm still using the chair to assist, but I do believe I'm getting better at it because I can manage more reps without 'cheating' like I usually do. I still struggle with them sans the chair, but I can at least do some now.
Yesterday was to be Kenpo, but Ashleigh and I decided to take in the beach for the first time this summer. A little late, I know. But better late than never, eh? I just used yesterday as my 'off' day again and made up the Kenpo this morning. I really love that disc. More than Ploymetrics as far as cardio workouts. (I even think my heart rate stays up more with Kenpo.)
I did take my 60-day photos, but I'm going to hold off posting them because I'd rather have the 90-day final pictures to show the whole series.
So where do I stand now? My weigh keeps bouncing between the same four pounds and it's starting to get irritating. My eating habits are really getting in my way here. I need to reflect on the absolute basic rule of weight loss:
Match your activity level to your caloric intake.
If I'm going to continue to eat the way I do, I _NEED_ to do more cardio to offset it. Pining isn't going to help. I need to do what I did at the beginning of this trip; JUST FREAKIN' DO IT!
Something else I could use is an accurate measurement for calories burned from a given activity. There are too many sites out there with 'calculators' that give their own answers. (One calculator I used said I was burning ~200 calories during my 'low impact aerobic workout' (Kenpo) and another site said I was burning closer to 450 for the same workout.
Let's start with day 60. So I did my yoga and took my weight. I will admit I am not pleased with my performance thus far. I feel I am way behind where I should be. My body fat percent has dipped below 20%, so that much is looking good, but I still need to tone up. I have a feeling I need to do more cardio for this last month to really get where I feel I should be.
Saturday's Legs and Back went very well. I didn't even break a sweat during the wall squats. (I could swear those particular exercises lasted longer than that...) As far as the pull-up/chin-up exercises go, I'm still using the chair to assist, but I do believe I'm getting better at it because I can manage more reps without 'cheating' like I usually do. I still struggle with them sans the chair, but I can at least do some now.
Yesterday was to be Kenpo, but Ashleigh and I decided to take in the beach for the first time this summer. A little late, I know. But better late than never, eh? I just used yesterday as my 'off' day again and made up the Kenpo this morning. I really love that disc. More than Ploymetrics as far as cardio workouts. (I even think my heart rate stays up more with Kenpo.)
I did take my 60-day photos, but I'm going to hold off posting them because I'd rather have the 90-day final pictures to show the whole series.
So where do I stand now? My weigh keeps bouncing between the same four pounds and it's starting to get irritating. My eating habits are really getting in my way here. I need to reflect on the absolute basic rule of weight loss:
Match your activity level to your caloric intake.
If I'm going to continue to eat the way I do, I _NEED_ to do more cardio to offset it. Pining isn't going to help. I need to do what I did at the beginning of this trip; JUST FREAKIN' DO IT!
Something else I could use is an accurate measurement for calories burned from a given activity. There are too many sites out there with 'calculators' that give their own answers. (One calculator I used said I was burning ~200 calories during my 'low impact aerobic workout' (Kenpo) and another site said I was burning closer to 450 for the same workout.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Last minute kick
Let's recap the last two days. Yesterday was Plyo. Straightforward fun cardio. My knees hate me, but they'll get over it. Today was Shoulders and Arms and I'm still riding that high I had from Tuesday's Chest and Back. I did more reps with more weight than I've ever done and I'm VERY pleased.
However, when I step on the scale, I'm not terribly happy with where I am verses where I think I should be...
Ashleigh tells me I shouldn't go by our scale because it's been so flaky in the past, but I've tested it by weighing myself with and without a 10-pound plate and it seems accurate to me. Granted, when I weigh myself before bed and again when I wake up and find I've lost almost 4 pounds overnight, I have to be skeptical, but until we get a new scale, it's all I have to go by. She also tells me that she can see a difference, whereas when I look in the mirror, I still see the same-old me.
However, when I step on the scale, I'm not terribly happy with where I am verses where I think I should be...
Ashleigh tells me I shouldn't go by our scale because it's been so flaky in the past, but I've tested it by weighing myself with and without a 10-pound plate and it seems accurate to me. Granted, when I weigh myself before bed and again when I wake up and find I've lost almost 4 pounds overnight, I have to be skeptical, but until we get a new scale, it's all I have to go by. She also tells me that she can see a difference, whereas when I look in the mirror, I still see the same-old me.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
"New Game+" time!
Big update here. Ashleigh and I have been kinda busy over the long weekend and updating this blog wasn't exactly high on the priority list. Let's do a recap.
Friday evening I did my stretching and, as expected, I felt like I hadn't accomplished anything. I didn't dwell on it too much, because I know it's an important part of the program and it needs to be done.
Saturday was the second Core of the week and I blasted through it. (Except the Dreya Rolls. By the time they come up, my lower back has been worked too hard and I can't do them, so I skip that minute.)
Sunday was supposed to be Yoga, but I played hookie with the justification being that Monday is my 'rest' day so I'll just skip Yoga today and do it tomorrow in place of the stretch.
Monday, I followed through with the promise to myself Sunday and busted my butt on the Yoga. I've been noticing my left thigh (much like my left arm) is much stronger and has greater endurance than my right. It's a little bothersome because I think to myself that my left is getting stronger and leaving my right behind, but then I realize that I'm working them both the same, so the right is going to catch up eventually.
Today was my first day into Phase 3, which means a return to Chest and Back.
To those of you not familiar with the phrase "New Game+," I offer clarification. In certain video games, most notably the role-playing variates, after you spend the 13 hours playing through to the end, you are often given an option to start the game over from the beginning, but with the advantage of retaining all the super weapons and such you amassed during your first playthrough. In effect, you play the early levels (which originally gave you a difficult time) in a pseudo "god-mode."
Given that I haven't tackled the Chest and Back routine since week 3, I've progressed quite a bit and, this time around, I tore it up! First off, all of the push-ups I did were ACTUAL push-ups, not knee push-ups. And I cranked them out! (Not quite as many as the crew in the video, but as far as the numbers on the paper, I rocked!) The pull-ups, well... The first three weeks I did this routine, I was using the resistance band. This time, I used my actual pull-up bar for each of the exercises. It was also necessary for me to use a chair for most of my reps, as my arms and back are, presently, still not strong enough to wrench my body from gravity's grasp. (I will mention that I am fully able to do two actual chin-ups and one actual close-grip pull-up without the assistance of the chair, which is AWESOME for me. I'm sure when I lose a bit more weight and add a bit more upper-body muscle, I'll be able to do more. Probably not as many as some; e.g. Tony; but when I get to the point where I'm able to do five unassisted pull-ups, I'll know I've made it.)
I need to tackle Ab Ripper when I get home this evening. That should be cake. Oddly enough, I'd have to say my favorite exercise of the entire program has to be the V-up/pulse-up. Go figure.
Tomorrow is Plyo, which reminds me; I need a new battery for my heartrate monitor.
Oh yeah, and Friday is my 60-day mark. Two-thirds of the way already. Man, where does the time go?
Friday evening I did my stretching and, as expected, I felt like I hadn't accomplished anything. I didn't dwell on it too much, because I know it's an important part of the program and it needs to be done.
Saturday was the second Core of the week and I blasted through it. (Except the Dreya Rolls. By the time they come up, my lower back has been worked too hard and I can't do them, so I skip that minute.)
Sunday was supposed to be Yoga, but I played hookie with the justification being that Monday is my 'rest' day so I'll just skip Yoga today and do it tomorrow in place of the stretch.
Monday, I followed through with the promise to myself Sunday and busted my butt on the Yoga. I've been noticing my left thigh (much like my left arm) is much stronger and has greater endurance than my right. It's a little bothersome because I think to myself that my left is getting stronger and leaving my right behind, but then I realize that I'm working them both the same, so the right is going to catch up eventually.
Today was my first day into Phase 3, which means a return to Chest and Back.
To those of you not familiar with the phrase "New Game+," I offer clarification. In certain video games, most notably the role-playing variates, after you spend the 13 hours playing through to the end, you are often given an option to start the game over from the beginning, but with the advantage of retaining all the super weapons and such you amassed during your first playthrough. In effect, you play the early levels (which originally gave you a difficult time) in a pseudo "god-mode."
Given that I haven't tackled the Chest and Back routine since week 3, I've progressed quite a bit and, this time around, I tore it up! First off, all of the push-ups I did were ACTUAL push-ups, not knee push-ups. And I cranked them out! (Not quite as many as the crew in the video, but as far as the numbers on the paper, I rocked!) The pull-ups, well... The first three weeks I did this routine, I was using the resistance band. This time, I used my actual pull-up bar for each of the exercises. It was also necessary for me to use a chair for most of my reps, as my arms and back are, presently, still not strong enough to wrench my body from gravity's grasp. (I will mention that I am fully able to do two actual chin-ups and one actual close-grip pull-up without the assistance of the chair, which is AWESOME for me. I'm sure when I lose a bit more weight and add a bit more upper-body muscle, I'll be able to do more. Probably not as many as some; e.g. Tony; but when I get to the point where I'm able to do five unassisted pull-ups, I'll know I've made it.)
I need to tackle Ab Ripper when I get home this evening. That should be cake. Oddly enough, I'd have to say my favorite exercise of the entire program has to be the V-up/pulse-up. Go figure.
Tomorrow is Plyo, which reminds me; I need a new battery for my heartrate monitor.
Oh yeah, and Friday is my 60-day mark. Two-thirds of the way already. Man, where does the time go?
Friday, September 3, 2010
Recovery week lazyness
I'm starting to get that lazy feeling I got when I did the Phase 1 recovery week. The feeling that I'm not doing enough and I'm just going to revert to my old self.
That isn't the case, however. I realize that, even if I did drop everything right now, it would take more than a week to return to my original weight and frame. Not that I'd want that. Never again. I'm on the cusp of having the body I've always wanted and I'm not going to give it all up now.
Yesterday was Kenpo and I loved it. I want to do it more because it's just so refreshing. Less trauma on my knees than Plyo, but it still gets my heart pounding.
I had mentioned I wanted to do something extra during Phase 2, but I never actually followed through. Phase 3 will be different. I fully intend on doing extra cardio throughout in an effort to rend the fat from my bones. Heck, I'm already able to do more pull-ups and chin-ups than I've ever been able to do in my life.
I notice I tend to fixate on my upper body and not so much on my legs. The reason being is my legs have always been strong and lean. I'm not terribly concerned if I can squat a quarter of a ton. I'm more interested in having those nice pecs that lean folks have. Abs would be nice, too, but I'd be happy with a flat stomach right now. It's so close, I can taste it, but there's still that layer of fat that refuses to let go...
Today is an easy Stretch day. I'm going to feel extra lazy, but I need to do it. I've skipped my last two stretch days; one because of my knee, the other because of work.
That isn't the case, however. I realize that, even if I did drop everything right now, it would take more than a week to return to my original weight and frame. Not that I'd want that. Never again. I'm on the cusp of having the body I've always wanted and I'm not going to give it all up now.
Yesterday was Kenpo and I loved it. I want to do it more because it's just so refreshing. Less trauma on my knees than Plyo, but it still gets my heart pounding.
I had mentioned I wanted to do something extra during Phase 2, but I never actually followed through. Phase 3 will be different. I fully intend on doing extra cardio throughout in an effort to rend the fat from my bones. Heck, I'm already able to do more pull-ups and chin-ups than I've ever been able to do in my life.
I notice I tend to fixate on my upper body and not so much on my legs. The reason being is my legs have always been strong and lean. I'm not terribly concerned if I can squat a quarter of a ton. I'm more interested in having those nice pecs that lean folks have. Abs would be nice, too, but I'd be happy with a flat stomach right now. It's so close, I can taste it, but there's still that layer of fat that refuses to let go...
Today is an easy Stretch day. I'm going to feel extra lazy, but I need to do it. I've skipped my last two stretch days; one because of my knee, the other because of work.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Multi-day update
Wow, I didn't realize I hadn't updated since Saturday. I'll stay on top of it more often.
Alright, where'd I leave off?
Oh, yeah. The food.
Well, let's start with a recap on Sunday's workout. Ashleigh, her dad, and I took a trip to Silver Glen Springs and went for a VERY brisk swim. (After you get into the water, you forget you stopped breathing.) Afterward, we went on a hike down the nature trail and I got swarmed with ticks. (I threw away my socks because the damn things were so small that I couldn't be sure I got rid of them all. Despite that, I still managed to bring at least one home.) After we got back to the lake house, we went for another swim in the much warmer lake. Felt really good. Especially after the freezing water at the spring. Later that evening, I did my Kenpo in the Florida room (as I had done my Yoga and Legs and Back previously) and was thoroughly worn out. On the way back to our house, Ashleigh and I decided to stop at Cracker Barrel for dinner. I know; BAD BAD BAD! It was one meal and I needed to get it out of my system. I enjoyed it and I'm back on the wagon.
Monday, I had to go to work early and wasn't able to do my stretch in the morning. While I did get home early, I wasn't able to do it in the afternoon either, because Ashleigh got home shortly after I did and I didn't want to do anything while she was there.
Yesterday, however, I did do the Yoga in the morning before heading out (not as) early again. I felt like I kinda half-assed it, but I don't think I did.
Today I tackled the Core Synergistics program again. I still really like it, but I got that same 'half-assed' feeling again. I really don't know why.
Well, that brings us to the final week of Phase 2. Recovery on the way. I just wish I was further along than I am. I guess I'll just have to bust my ass during Phase 3, eh?
Oh, and yesterday was, evidently, my 50-day mark. Ten more before I take my next batch of photos.
Alright, where'd I leave off?
Oh, yeah. The food.
Well, let's start with a recap on Sunday's workout. Ashleigh, her dad, and I took a trip to Silver Glen Springs and went for a VERY brisk swim. (After you get into the water, you forget you stopped breathing.) Afterward, we went on a hike down the nature trail and I got swarmed with ticks. (I threw away my socks because the damn things were so small that I couldn't be sure I got rid of them all. Despite that, I still managed to bring at least one home.) After we got back to the lake house, we went for another swim in the much warmer lake. Felt really good. Especially after the freezing water at the spring. Later that evening, I did my Kenpo in the Florida room (as I had done my Yoga and Legs and Back previously) and was thoroughly worn out. On the way back to our house, Ashleigh and I decided to stop at Cracker Barrel for dinner. I know; BAD BAD BAD! It was one meal and I needed to get it out of my system. I enjoyed it and I'm back on the wagon.
Monday, I had to go to work early and wasn't able to do my stretch in the morning. While I did get home early, I wasn't able to do it in the afternoon either, because Ashleigh got home shortly after I did and I didn't want to do anything while she was there.
Yesterday, however, I did do the Yoga in the morning before heading out (not as) early again. I felt like I kinda half-assed it, but I don't think I did.
Today I tackled the Core Synergistics program again. I still really like it, but I got that same 'half-assed' feeling again. I really don't know why.
Well, that brings us to the final week of Phase 2. Recovery on the way. I just wish I was further along than I am. I guess I'll just have to bust my ass during Phase 3, eh?
Oh, and yesterday was, evidently, my 50-day mark. Ten more before I take my next batch of photos.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
P90X away from home
It works out nicely having P90X on my netbook. Yesterday, I was able to do my Yoga without issue. Today's legs and back was a little more difficult, mainly because I didn't have access to a pull-up bar. I tried to fake it, doing some lawnmowers in lieu. I did some push-ups, too, only because I didn't want to do nothing but lawnmowers for all the exercises.
All in all, a good weekend. The only real caveat is the food. There's so much available, it's really hard to not eat a brownie here or a leftover turkey burger there. I've been good, drinking a lot of water and eating "good" foods like bananas when I feel the desire to eat. I did, however, eat a small brownie a little while ago. It was delicious. I loved it. I regretted it immediately. Every time a Pizza Hut commercial comes on, I want a nice big slice or pepperoni pizza, grease and all.
HELP ME!
All in all, a good weekend. The only real caveat is the food. There's so much available, it's really hard to not eat a brownie here or a leftover turkey burger there. I've been good, drinking a lot of water and eating "good" foods like bananas when I feel the desire to eat. I did, however, eat a small brownie a little while ago. It was delicious. I loved it. I regretted it immediately. Every time a Pizza Hut commercial comes on, I want a nice big slice or pepperoni pizza, grease and all.
HELP ME!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Half way and a day
Wow, I completely forgot to post on my 45-day mark! How did that happen??
Alright, here's where I stand:
Weight: Dropping (slowly at this stage)
Endurance: Greatly improved
Strength: Rising (not as quickly as I had hoped)
(No numbers given because Ashleigh and I have agreed to keep details of my progress on the down-low until I finish to kinda make it a big surprise. I'm still keeping records and I'll post all information on my last day.)
I really don't think I'm as close to the 'final product' as I would like to be. I've been very sloppy with my eating habits lately and I know that isn't helping. I've also considered taking up an extra cardio or two during the week (Tuesday and Thursday, most likely) to help burn more calories. My only concern is my knees. They still haven't completely recovered. Perhaps I should get some Ace bandages for support.
Let's do a little recap for the past couple days.
Wednesday was Plyometrics. My increased endurance has helped me through this workout greatly. My knees don't like all the squatting and jumping, but I modify when the pain becomes too much. As always, when I finish, I always feel so accomplished. More so than even the workout days.
Speaking of workout days, Thursday was my 45-day mark and also the last day of Back and Biceps for phase 2. I pushed myself as best I could, but I never felt the 'burn' I usually did. My muscles just kinda entered this dull, numb state. I still worked until my form failed, but it just didn't feel the same. I hope I still got the benefit. Oh, and I still hate corncob pull-ups.
Today is Yoga, as per the norm. As such, I didn't do it in the morning, due to me having to go to work early (as with every Friday). However, I have an added kink; Ashleigh and I are going somewhere for the weekend and I'm taking P90X on the road. I have the discs ripped onto my laptop and I'll be doing the next three days' workouts in a new locale! Yoga, Legs and Back/ab ripper, and Kenpo. (Well, we're coming home Sunday afternoon/evening, so maybe I'll just do that one after we get back.)
I'm very glad these workouts are only an hour and I don't have to spend an entire morning at the gym.
Alright, here's where I stand:
Weight: Dropping (slowly at this stage)
Endurance: Greatly improved
Strength: Rising (not as quickly as I had hoped)
(No numbers given because Ashleigh and I have agreed to keep details of my progress on the down-low until I finish to kinda make it a big surprise. I'm still keeping records and I'll post all information on my last day.)
I really don't think I'm as close to the 'final product' as I would like to be. I've been very sloppy with my eating habits lately and I know that isn't helping. I've also considered taking up an extra cardio or two during the week (Tuesday and Thursday, most likely) to help burn more calories. My only concern is my knees. They still haven't completely recovered. Perhaps I should get some Ace bandages for support.
Let's do a little recap for the past couple days.
Wednesday was Plyometrics. My increased endurance has helped me through this workout greatly. My knees don't like all the squatting and jumping, but I modify when the pain becomes too much. As always, when I finish, I always feel so accomplished. More so than even the workout days.
Speaking of workout days, Thursday was my 45-day mark and also the last day of Back and Biceps for phase 2. I pushed myself as best I could, but I never felt the 'burn' I usually did. My muscles just kinda entered this dull, numb state. I still worked until my form failed, but it just didn't feel the same. I hope I still got the benefit. Oh, and I still hate corncob pull-ups.
Today is Yoga, as per the norm. As such, I didn't do it in the morning, due to me having to go to work early (as with every Friday). However, I have an added kink; Ashleigh and I are going somewhere for the weekend and I'm taking P90X on the road. I have the discs ripped onto my laptop and I'll be doing the next three days' workouts in a new locale! Yoga, Legs and Back/ab ripper, and Kenpo. (Well, we're coming home Sunday afternoon/evening, so maybe I'll just do that one after we get back.)
I'm very glad these workouts are only an hour and I don't have to spend an entire morning at the gym.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Victories and defeats
So I've started my final work-week for phase 2. Today's chest, shoulders, and triceps workout was a bittersweet victory. Yes, I was able to use more weight than I have in the past and I feel good about that, but I failed on almost all of the push-up exercises. Even on my knees, I was not able to match my performance last week, often times failing by two reps. I want to feel proud and accomplished, but I'm feeling disappointed. Like I should have pushed myself harder or something. Even though there was no way I could have done more, I feel like I should have MADE myself do more. Approaching the 45-day mark, I'm feeling under-accomplished.
I also didn't do the ab ripper this morning. Going to do it in the evening. I'll make it up to myself by blowing it away.
You know the tendons in your fingers? You know how, sometimes when you pick something up, they don't sit just right and there's a kind of 'pop' as they fall into place, leaving your hand stinging? That happened to me today. On the underside of my middle finger, however, is a HUGE purple bruise. I know tomorrow is just Plyo, so I don't have to worry about pull-ups or anything soon, but I hope it heals by Thursday.
I also didn't do the ab ripper this morning. Going to do it in the evening. I'll make it up to myself by blowing it away.
You know the tendons in your fingers? You know how, sometimes when you pick something up, they don't sit just right and there's a kind of 'pop' as they fall into place, leaving your hand stinging? That happened to me today. On the underside of my middle finger, however, is a HUGE purple bruise. I know tomorrow is just Plyo, so I don't have to worry about pull-ups or anything soon, but I hope it heals by Thursday.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Take a day off
Friday's Yoga was very refreshing and relaxing. I really enjoy it.
Saturday's legs and back, however, were brutal. Ever since Saturday, my knees have been aching. (I hope I didn't really screw something up. I'm sure Kenpo yesterday didn't help.) As a result, today (my rest/stretch day) I decided to take the day off. Originally, I was concerned that, by taking a day off, I would lose my motivation. I am no longer worried about that. (In fact, I'm looking forward to the upper-body workout tomorrow.)
Depending on how I feel later, when I get home tonight, I might still do my stretch. We'll have to wait and see.
Yesterday, I tried to do some of the exercises that have been giving me trouble just to see if I could do any of them. Looking back at my sheets, I saw that I've never been able to do the diamond push-ups the way you're supposed to. Well, my friends, I was able to do three diamond push-ups OFF my knees! (I might have been able to do more, but I was stoked I did those and didn't want to tire myself out before I could try any of the others.) Divebomber push-ups? I can do those, too! The proper way, even (that is 'under the fence and back under the fence)! At this point, I gave pull-ups a try. I was able to do two unassisted chin-ups before my form failed. I couldn't do any overhand pull-ups because, when I gripped the bar, it felt like someone was jamming a needle into my right ring finger. I tried to shake it out and change my grip, but every time I took my feet off the floor, my finger burned. Just thought of it right now, but I should try towel pull-ups instead...
First my knees, now my right hand. Getting in shape hurts...
On a related P90X note, Ashleigh has started! She's going to do the lean option, mainly because she's looking to tone up rather than build muscle. She started on my 40th day mark (Saturday) and that means her rest day would be Friday, which happens to be her day off work.
Saturday's legs and back, however, were brutal. Ever since Saturday, my knees have been aching. (I hope I didn't really screw something up. I'm sure Kenpo yesterday didn't help.) As a result, today (my rest/stretch day) I decided to take the day off. Originally, I was concerned that, by taking a day off, I would lose my motivation. I am no longer worried about that. (In fact, I'm looking forward to the upper-body workout tomorrow.)
Depending on how I feel later, when I get home tonight, I might still do my stretch. We'll have to wait and see.
Yesterday, I tried to do some of the exercises that have been giving me trouble just to see if I could do any of them. Looking back at my sheets, I saw that I've never been able to do the diamond push-ups the way you're supposed to. Well, my friends, I was able to do three diamond push-ups OFF my knees! (I might have been able to do more, but I was stoked I did those and didn't want to tire myself out before I could try any of the others.) Divebomber push-ups? I can do those, too! The proper way, even (that is 'under the fence and back under the fence)! At this point, I gave pull-ups a try. I was able to do two unassisted chin-ups before my form failed. I couldn't do any overhand pull-ups because, when I gripped the bar, it felt like someone was jamming a needle into my right ring finger. I tried to shake it out and change my grip, but every time I took my feet off the floor, my finger burned. Just thought of it right now, but I should try towel pull-ups instead...
First my knees, now my right hand. Getting in shape hurts...
On a related P90X note, Ashleigh has started! She's going to do the lean option, mainly because she's looking to tone up rather than build muscle. She started on my 40th day mark (Saturday) and that means her rest day would be Friday, which happens to be her day off work.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Just a quick update
I haven't done my Yoga for today yet. I just wanted to mention that, after I got home and did the ab ripper yesterday, I felt great. I was able to do the whole thing, INCLUDING the v-ups! I think that might be my new plan of attack. On days where I have to do the ab ripper, I'll do it in the afternoon/evening to give my back a chance to relax and prepare for the upcoming workout.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Cheater
I feel bad today. Why? Well, two reasons:
First, today I attempted to do all of the pull-up exercises using my pull-up bar with a chair for support. I know I worked myself, but I feel like I really cheated, having the chair there. I could feel myself pressing down with my legs, despite my efforts to not.
Second, I ran out of time and couldn't do the ab ripper. It just took so long for me to change weights and set up and run upstairs to do the pull-ups that a 60 minute routine took me the better part of 90! However, I plan to do the ab ripper immediately after I get home. Who knows, this might work out better for me, as my lower back won't be complaining the whole time.
Today's back and bicep disc was brutal. I upped my weight to the max I could handle and still manage at least 8 reps. (Heck, I was doing 40lbs on the lawnmowers!) I know I did something good, because I'm having a hard time lifting my arms above shoulder level. Thank goodness tomorrow is Yoga.
I also wrapped the measuring tape around my gut this morning. (I'm guessing that particular area is the last part to lose fat, as it hasn't really changed in size.) Much to my surprise, I've lost an inch! Even one of my bosses asked me today if I was losing weight! My spirits are higher than they were when I finished today's disc, but I still feel a little bad for cheating on the pull-ups.
First, today I attempted to do all of the pull-up exercises using my pull-up bar with a chair for support. I know I worked myself, but I feel like I really cheated, having the chair there. I could feel myself pressing down with my legs, despite my efforts to not.
Second, I ran out of time and couldn't do the ab ripper. It just took so long for me to change weights and set up and run upstairs to do the pull-ups that a 60 minute routine took me the better part of 90! However, I plan to do the ab ripper immediately after I get home. Who knows, this might work out better for me, as my lower back won't be complaining the whole time.
Today's back and bicep disc was brutal. I upped my weight to the max I could handle and still manage at least 8 reps. (Heck, I was doing 40lbs on the lawnmowers!) I know I did something good, because I'm having a hard time lifting my arms above shoulder level. Thank goodness tomorrow is Yoga.
I also wrapped the measuring tape around my gut this morning. (I'm guessing that particular area is the last part to lose fat, as it hasn't really changed in size.) Much to my surprise, I've lost an inch! Even one of my bosses asked me today if I was losing weight! My spirits are higher than they were when I finished today's disc, but I still feel a little bad for cheating on the pull-ups.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Workout videos
Something I probably should have addressed during week 1 or 2 is the feeling of working out to a video.
Let me start off by saying that, initially, I thought the idea of working out in front of a TV as ridiculous. Sure, nobody can see you, but it just struck me as weird. It isn't something I would have considered had I not decided to undertake this 90-day experiment. (Incidentally, I haven't seen a single P90X infomercial since I started this.)
Yes, it was hard to get over the initial awkwardness, but now it seems completely normal. I even find myself talking to the TV, answering Tony's rhetorical questions, telling Tony how much I hate him, etc.
That being said, I hate plyo, but I love that I don't have to do the ab ripper immediately afterward (so it kinda balances out). My heart rate monitor got a workout today, boy howdy. I don't know if I was working harder because I now had a way to track my heart rate or if I've always worked this hard, but I like being able to see that I'm in my zone the entire time. (I did drop below at one point, but some quick running in place brought it back up. I also went over at the end, but I wasn't concerned because I was almost done and wanted that last kick.)
Speaking of ab ripper, I always mention my lower back pains preventing me from doing the v-ups. Well last night I tried them without doing all the other stuff that comes before that causes my back to become sore. And what do you know, I'm perfectly able to do them. I'm so glad it isn't one of those things I'm just not able to do. I wonder if I could somehow do them at the beginning of the ab ripper in lieu of something else...
Let me start off by saying that, initially, I thought the idea of working out in front of a TV as ridiculous. Sure, nobody can see you, but it just struck me as weird. It isn't something I would have considered had I not decided to undertake this 90-day experiment. (Incidentally, I haven't seen a single P90X infomercial since I started this.)
Yes, it was hard to get over the initial awkwardness, but now it seems completely normal. I even find myself talking to the TV, answering Tony's rhetorical questions, telling Tony how much I hate him, etc.
That being said, I hate plyo, but I love that I don't have to do the ab ripper immediately afterward (so it kinda balances out). My heart rate monitor got a workout today, boy howdy. I don't know if I was working harder because I now had a way to track my heart rate or if I've always worked this hard, but I like being able to see that I'm in my zone the entire time. (I did drop below at one point, but some quick running in place brought it back up. I also went over at the end, but I wasn't concerned because I was almost done and wanted that last kick.)
Speaking of ab ripper, I always mention my lower back pains preventing me from doing the v-ups. Well last night I tried them without doing all the other stuff that comes before that causes my back to become sore. And what do you know, I'm perfectly able to do them. I'm so glad it isn't one of those things I'm just not able to do. I wonder if I could somehow do them at the beginning of the ab ripper in lieu of something else...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Five day update
Wow. I completely spaced on my weekend update yesterday. Sorry about that, folks. Let's get everything up to speed.
Friday was Yoga, per the norm. I find myself looking forward to Yoga more and more. It's intense, but it feels so good during the second half where you just stretch and balance.
Saturday's legs and back was as delightful as ever. I'm starting to get to the point where the wall squats aren't as painful as they were initially. The feeling of increased endurance is so invigorating! Also, I need to figure out a way to use the pull-up bar downstairs. I think I've officially reached my limit with the bands (read: I've run out of room to get a good amount of resistance).
Kenpo Sunday was great, but a little confusing. This was the first time I've used my new heart rate monitor and, despite me working my butt off, my heart rate never really stayed over 160. (I feel I was working harder than the folks in the video and even Ashleigh said I was more intense than the guy in the back [his name fails me].) Technically speaking, my 'zone' is between 130 and 160 and I was within that range for the duration, but it didn't really peak until the vertical punches at the end where it reached 170.
Yesterday's stretches was uneventful. I do, however, need something more solid than the little cardboard box I'm using as a Yoga block. I'm actually reaching past my feet in the hamstring stretches. Feels really good.
Today was the second round of Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. This time, however, I pushed until it burned on each exercise. I also upped my weights, aiming for the 8-10 range for size. (There were still a few exercises where I underestimated the weight needed, but I know for next time.) The one-armed push-ups stomped me again, as I wasn't able to do even one by the time they came around. I even tried to modify them (on knees, arm in front), but to no avail.
Why can't my upper body be in the same shape as my lower?
Speaking of lower body (well, mid part, actually), the ab ripper is getting easier to complete. My lower back refuses to let me even attempt the v-ups, so I've taken to calling that segment my 'break'. I should do something else during that phase. Maybe I could just sit in 'boat' for the duration. At least that way I'd be working something rather than lying on my back for 90 seconds.
A side note about nutrition: I've been slipping. I'm not overeating, but I'm not taking in as many 'good' calories as I should. (Last night, Ashleigh and I had fried chicken for dinner. I ate it. I loved it. I regretted it in the back of my mind the whole time the delicious juices hit my tongue.) However, last night Ashleigh had attempted to make a most wonderful smelling zucchini and squash tomato sauce to have with spaghetti. Sadly, things didn't work out. But it got me thinking. The smell of the sauce and, despite having a burnt flavor to it, it made me crave vegetables. I mean as a whole meal, not a side. Last night, I thought for the first time that I might actually be willing to try a vegetarian diet.
I still love chicken and the occasional hamburger (weird, I don't miss the cheese), but I like them like that. Occasionally. I don't feel like I NEED meat with every meal. Maybe I really should consider it.
Friday was Yoga, per the norm. I find myself looking forward to Yoga more and more. It's intense, but it feels so good during the second half where you just stretch and balance.
Saturday's legs and back was as delightful as ever. I'm starting to get to the point where the wall squats aren't as painful as they were initially. The feeling of increased endurance is so invigorating! Also, I need to figure out a way to use the pull-up bar downstairs. I think I've officially reached my limit with the bands (read: I've run out of room to get a good amount of resistance).
Kenpo Sunday was great, but a little confusing. This was the first time I've used my new heart rate monitor and, despite me working my butt off, my heart rate never really stayed over 160. (I feel I was working harder than the folks in the video and even Ashleigh said I was more intense than the guy in the back [his name fails me].) Technically speaking, my 'zone' is between 130 and 160 and I was within that range for the duration, but it didn't really peak until the vertical punches at the end where it reached 170.
Yesterday's stretches was uneventful. I do, however, need something more solid than the little cardboard box I'm using as a Yoga block. I'm actually reaching past my feet in the hamstring stretches. Feels really good.
Today was the second round of Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. This time, however, I pushed until it burned on each exercise. I also upped my weights, aiming for the 8-10 range for size. (There were still a few exercises where I underestimated the weight needed, but I know for next time.) The one-armed push-ups stomped me again, as I wasn't able to do even one by the time they came around. I even tried to modify them (on knees, arm in front), but to no avail.
Why can't my upper body be in the same shape as my lower?
Speaking of lower body (well, mid part, actually), the ab ripper is getting easier to complete. My lower back refuses to let me even attempt the v-ups, so I've taken to calling that segment my 'break'. I should do something else during that phase. Maybe I could just sit in 'boat' for the duration. At least that way I'd be working something rather than lying on my back for 90 seconds.
A side note about nutrition: I've been slipping. I'm not overeating, but I'm not taking in as many 'good' calories as I should. (Last night, Ashleigh and I had fried chicken for dinner. I ate it. I loved it. I regretted it in the back of my mind the whole time the delicious juices hit my tongue.) However, last night Ashleigh had attempted to make a most wonderful smelling zucchini and squash tomato sauce to have with spaghetti. Sadly, things didn't work out. But it got me thinking. The smell of the sauce and, despite having a burnt flavor to it, it made me crave vegetables. I mean as a whole meal, not a side. Last night, I thought for the first time that I might actually be willing to try a vegetarian diet.
I still love chicken and the occasional hamburger (weird, I don't miss the cheese), but I like them like that. Occasionally. I don't feel like I NEED meat with every meal. Maybe I really should consider it.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Addendum
What what? A post on Friday?
No, I haven't done my Yoga yet, so this isn't really a recap. It's more of a 'oh, I forgot to mention' post.
I started with a weight of 179 and a body fat percent of about 25. When I weighed myself the night of the 11th (my 30-day mark), I came in at 172 with a body fat of 22%. If this rate holds, I should (theoretically) end my 90 days around 16% body fat and 160lbs. The weight I'm not so concerned with, as I know muscle will replace the fat. I'm more excited about the fat percentage dropping. Someone my age and height should have somewhere around 15-18% body fat. (Different numbers from different sources. Generally in that range, however.)
No, I haven't done my Yoga yet, so this isn't really a recap. It's more of a 'oh, I forgot to mention' post.
I started with a weight of 179 and a body fat percent of about 25. When I weighed myself the night of the 11th (my 30-day mark), I came in at 172 with a body fat of 22%. If this rate holds, I should (theoretically) end my 90 days around 16% body fat and 160lbs. The weight I'm not so concerned with, as I know muscle will replace the fat. I'm more excited about the fat percentage dropping. Someone my age and height should have somewhere around 15-18% body fat. (Different numbers from different sources. Generally in that range, however.)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
30 days +1
I wanted to post yesterday on my official 30-day anniversary, but I didn't take the photos until Ashleigh got home. By then, it was already near 11 and we just wanted to head to bed.
So, without further ado, I present my before and after (or as I like to call them, 'in-progress') photos!
These are the generic poses they recommend in the intro video, so that's what I went with. Also, they look kinda crappy because of the lighting in the entryway where they were taken. Had we had the proper foresight, we would have taken them in sunlight or, at the very least, with more than a single overhead lamp.
So, without further ado, I present my before and after (or as I like to call them, 'in-progress') photos!
These are the generic poses they recommend in the intro video, so that's what I went with. Also, they look kinda crappy because of the lighting in the entryway where they were taken. Had we had the proper foresight, we would have taken them in sunlight or, at the very least, with more than a single overhead lamp.
| Before | After |
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Check out those shoulders! Holy crap! And I'm starting to build up my pecs, too!
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Silly pose, but it's what was suggested in the video. (The first pic is a little misleading; the 'before' picture, I had completely relaxed my stomach, whereas in the 'after,' I was standing more naturally. Despite this, my chest is still larger and my abs are a lot more solid.)
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And the back. I think these do an excellent job of showing how I'm slimming down and shows how my shoulders are coming along.
That about does it. A couple other things I wanted to mention. I read on another fellow's blog about how, during this phase, the exercises don't repeat because you're supposed to give each one your all. I didn't realize that when I did the Chest, Shoulders and Triceps and, as a result, I feel like I cheated. However, I know for next time, so I will bust my ass, as I did with today's disc.
Today was Back and Bicep. I had no idea my right bicep was so retarded. I actually found myself yelling at my right arm when it wouldn't bend during a curl (I was lifting the weight straight out rather than bending my elbow and using the bicep). It also took me about 90 minutes to do a 60 minute workout because I had to keep adjusting the weights. Maybe someday I'll get a whole dumbbell set, but I'll manage with what I have.
Oh, and 'corncob pull-ups?' WTF?? I want to meet the person that invented those and pound them into the ground!
That about does it. A couple other things I wanted to mention. I read on another fellow's blog about how, during this phase, the exercises don't repeat because you're supposed to give each one your all. I didn't realize that when I did the Chest, Shoulders and Triceps and, as a result, I feel like I cheated. However, I know for next time, so I will bust my ass, as I did with today's disc.
Today was Back and Bicep. I had no idea my right bicep was so retarded. I actually found myself yelling at my right arm when it wouldn't bend during a curl (I was lifting the weight straight out rather than bending my elbow and using the bicep). It also took me about 90 minutes to do a 60 minute workout because I had to keep adjusting the weights. Maybe someday I'll get a whole dumbbell set, but I'll manage with what I have.
Oh, and 'corncob pull-ups?' WTF?? I want to meet the person that invented those and pound them into the ground!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
I've forgotten what a real workout is like...
I've gotten used to the 'recovery week' workouts and I've forgotten how intense the real workouts are. I'm beaten, but not finished.
Today was my first experience with the Chest, Shoulder and Triceps disc. It's one of the routines that doesn't repeat any of the exercises. I like that. There was also a metric ton of push-ups of varying styles. I believe I did pretty well for my first time. I just need to keep reminding myself that the people in the videos have completed the program at least once and I'm not even 30 days in yet. (That's tomorrow.)
One complaint I have about today's routine; the way Tony describes you should do the plyo push-ups is outright dangerous. He wants you to clap on each push-up. Big no-no. You can do the push-off at the top and get your hands off the floor, but you should KEEP THEM UNDER YOUR SHOULDERS! Moving your hands around is tempting fate. What if you come down faster than you thought? You crash on your hands. What if you have a little sweat on your palms (and you will by this point of the disc) and your hand slips as you put it on the ground? Face-plant! My suggestion: don't be a show-0ff. Yes, you should explode up and get your hands off the floor, but don't wave them around. You get the same effect if you keep them in a safe position under your shoulders.
The only real disappointment I experienced was during the ab ripper portion. I couldn't do any of the v-up/pulse-up exercises. My lower back wouldn't let me. I'm disappointed because the other day, I was just lying on the floor and tried to do one just to see if I could and I did! And then another! I was finally able to do them and I was looking forward to doing them in the actual workout. Stupid back.
Today was my first experience with the Chest, Shoulder and Triceps disc. It's one of the routines that doesn't repeat any of the exercises. I like that. There was also a metric ton of push-ups of varying styles. I believe I did pretty well for my first time. I just need to keep reminding myself that the people in the videos have completed the program at least once and I'm not even 30 days in yet. (That's tomorrow.)
One complaint I have about today's routine; the way Tony describes you should do the plyo push-ups is outright dangerous. He wants you to clap on each push-up. Big no-no. You can do the push-off at the top and get your hands off the floor, but you should KEEP THEM UNDER YOUR SHOULDERS! Moving your hands around is tempting fate. What if you come down faster than you thought? You crash on your hands. What if you have a little sweat on your palms (and you will by this point of the disc) and your hand slips as you put it on the ground? Face-plant! My suggestion: don't be a show-0ff. Yes, you should explode up and get your hands off the floor, but don't wave them around. You get the same effect if you keep them in a safe position under your shoulders.
The only real disappointment I experienced was during the ab ripper portion. I couldn't do any of the v-up/pulse-up exercises. My lower back wouldn't let me. I'm disappointed because the other day, I was just lying on the floor and tried to do one just to see if I could and I did! And then another! I was finally able to do them and I was looking forward to doing them in the actual workout. Stupid back.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Weekend recap
Alrighty. Kinda had a hectic weekend, but I still followed through with my P90X. Here's the highlights:
Friday was the first mandatory stretch day. (All other stretch days are technically optional, as they happen on the seventh "rest" day of the workout week.) As with any other stretch day, it was a breeze.
Saturday was the second core synergistics day of the recovery week. The first time I did it, I thought it would be my favorite workout. This time around, I know it. It's so much fun. I especially like the part where you don't repeat any of the exercises.
Yesterday was Yoga. It's still a very rough first half, but my thighs are starting to get used to the static burn from the countless lunge positions of Crescent Pose, Warrior 1 and 2, Reverse Warrior and Runner's Pose. (There are others, but those are the ones that get repeated over and over.) While core synergistics is my new favorite, I still love the second half of Yoga more than anything else.
Today was the last day of the recovery week. As with all other seventh days, it was a stretch. Nice and simple.
Tomorrow starts "Phase 2." In a nut shell, I do a different exercise on Tuesday and Thursday than I was doing previously. Exercises that target specific muscle areas as opposed to the general workout I was getting before.
As I mentioned before, the 11th is my 30-day mark. I will be posting my before and milestone photos that day. I still haven't looked at my before photos, despite Ashleigh's insistence. I hope to be surprised. Ashleigh says I will be, but I'm cautious to get my hopes up.
Friday was the first mandatory stretch day. (All other stretch days are technically optional, as they happen on the seventh "rest" day of the workout week.) As with any other stretch day, it was a breeze.
Saturday was the second core synergistics day of the recovery week. The first time I did it, I thought it would be my favorite workout. This time around, I know it. It's so much fun. I especially like the part where you don't repeat any of the exercises.
Yesterday was Yoga. It's still a very rough first half, but my thighs are starting to get used to the static burn from the countless lunge positions of Crescent Pose, Warrior 1 and 2, Reverse Warrior and Runner's Pose. (There are others, but those are the ones that get repeated over and over.) While core synergistics is my new favorite, I still love the second half of Yoga more than anything else.
Today was the last day of the recovery week. As with all other seventh days, it was a stretch. Nice and simple.
Tomorrow starts "Phase 2." In a nut shell, I do a different exercise on Tuesday and Thursday than I was doing previously. Exercises that target specific muscle areas as opposed to the general workout I was getting before.
As I mentioned before, the 11th is my 30-day mark. I will be posting my before and milestone photos that day. I still haven't looked at my before photos, despite Ashleigh's insistence. I hope to be surprised. Ashleigh says I will be, but I'm cautious to get my hopes up.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
How did I miss posting yesterday?
Seriously, how?
Sorry about that.
So yesterday was my first encounter with Core Synergistics. When I pre-watched the video, I thought it looked pretty intense and I expected to crash and burn. When I actually did it, however, everything changed.
It has probably become my favorite routine of the series. Seriously, it was so much fun! I love the discs that don't repeat exercises. The variety keeps me active. It's why I like Kenpo and the legs and back discs.
Core synergistics is, as one would expect, pretty core-intensive. The abs, back and chest get the most attention. Thighs, too, but not to the same degree. Again, I don't know if I might be doing the exercises wrong, because I wasn't feeling the burn where Tony kept indicating.
Today was another favorite, Kenpo. Lots of fun and I'm starting to get the exercise order memorized. Even everything said. Kinda annoying, but that happens with repetition.
Speaking of repetition, one of the big things about P90X that keeps popping up is how it avoids the 'plateau effect' by using 'muscle confusion'. The only thing I see in my upcoming weeks that's different is the shoulder / arms routine changing to an arm / trap kinda thing. The rest of the week is identical. It's a little confusing, but I'm going to keep following the directions because that's what others have done and they get results.
Sorry about that.
So yesterday was my first encounter with Core Synergistics. When I pre-watched the video, I thought it looked pretty intense and I expected to crash and burn. When I actually did it, however, everything changed.
It has probably become my favorite routine of the series. Seriously, it was so much fun! I love the discs that don't repeat exercises. The variety keeps me active. It's why I like Kenpo and the legs and back discs.
Core synergistics is, as one would expect, pretty core-intensive. The abs, back and chest get the most attention. Thighs, too, but not to the same degree. Again, I don't know if I might be doing the exercises wrong, because I wasn't feeling the burn where Tony kept indicating.
Today was another favorite, Kenpo. Lots of fun and I'm starting to get the exercise order memorized. Even everything said. Kinda annoying, but that happens with repetition.
Speaking of repetition, one of the big things about P90X that keeps popping up is how it avoids the 'plateau effect' by using 'muscle confusion'. The only thing I see in my upcoming weeks that's different is the shoulder / arms routine changing to an arm / trap kinda thing. The rest of the week is identical. It's a little confusing, but I'm going to keep following the directions because that's what others have done and they get results.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I thought Yoga was supposed to be relaxing...
I usually enjoy the yoga routines, but today I just felt bad during the whole thing. I wanted to get into it, but I couldn't. I still did the whole thing, but I don't think I got what I should have out of it.
I've been feeling down the past couple days. You'd think with my increased activity, I'd feel anything but. I still follow through with the discs, but it's more out of routine at this point than the desire I was feeling the past few weeks. I just feel like I need something else.
I've been feeling down the past couple days. You'd think with my increased activity, I'd feel anything but. I still follow through with the discs, but it's more out of routine at this point than the desire I was feeling the past few weeks. I just feel like I need something else.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Final days of phase 1
Looks like I'm making a habit of posting the Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday results on Monday, eh? Oh well. As long as it gets logged, I suppose.
Alright, so Friday was Yoga, per the norm. Hell of an initial workout, but the second half is cake. Always enjoy that on a Friday after work.
Saturday was the last legs and back for a week, so I tried to make it count. My legs were burning about half-way through, but the second half of the disc is, in my opinion, kinda laid back. Maybe I haven't been doing it right, but it always seems to me the second half is all cool-down. I cheated a little on my diet. Ashleigh and I went to The Loop for lunch. I got a Loop burger with no cheese, however. And I did have a few sips of Ashleigh's Coke.
Yesterday was Kenpo. Didn't do it until later in the morning, but it still felt good. I was kinda hungry before I started it, but my appetite was waning towards the end. I still ate, tho. Felt like I should eat something. Cheated a little here, too. I had a couple piece of bacon and eggs. I know I'll work it off, but that was two days of cheating. I can't do that if I want to lose my gut.
Today was all about the stretching. Feels good, man. Neck's kinda stiff. Like it refuses to crack. I wish it would. It would feel SO much better.
And today also concludes my first three workout weeks. Tomorrow starts my first 'recovery week'. I don't have the sheet in front of me, but I believe it kicks off with Yoga. Haven't done Yoga in the morning before. Should prove interesting.
Alright, so Friday was Yoga, per the norm. Hell of an initial workout, but the second half is cake. Always enjoy that on a Friday after work.
Saturday was the last legs and back for a week, so I tried to make it count. My legs were burning about half-way through, but the second half of the disc is, in my opinion, kinda laid back. Maybe I haven't been doing it right, but it always seems to me the second half is all cool-down. I cheated a little on my diet. Ashleigh and I went to The Loop for lunch. I got a Loop burger with no cheese, however. And I did have a few sips of Ashleigh's Coke.
Yesterday was Kenpo. Didn't do it until later in the morning, but it still felt good. I was kinda hungry before I started it, but my appetite was waning towards the end. I still ate, tho. Felt like I should eat something. Cheated a little here, too. I had a couple piece of bacon and eggs. I know I'll work it off, but that was two days of cheating. I can't do that if I want to lose my gut.
Today was all about the stretching. Feels good, man. Neck's kinda stiff. Like it refuses to crack. I wish it would. It would feel SO much better.
And today also concludes my first three workout weeks. Tomorrow starts my first 'recovery week'. I don't have the sheet in front of me, but I believe it kicks off with Yoga. Haven't done Yoga in the morning before. Should prove interesting.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Lifting more and straining less
I'm not ready to start bragging, but I'm lifting more weight than I have in as far as I know. Before, I hated how worn out I was at the end of the exercises. Now, I'm actually starting to enjoy the burn. Is that weird?
I know that, tomorrow, my arms are going to be burning and sore and I'm going to have a hard time straightening them (as I did last week), but I know it's for the greater good.
My ab ripper performance is also improving. Thanks to the back exercises I've been doing, it takes more effort to push my spine to that point where it sends that twinge of pain down it. Heck, I'm actually able to do some of the wide-leg sit-ups! Before, I couldn't manage a single one because my abs couldn't pull me up and my gut was too much weight for my legs to offset. I wonder how long before I can do the V-up/pulse-up combos. (Those still kill my back on the first try.)
I know that, tomorrow, my arms are going to be burning and sore and I'm going to have a hard time straightening them (as I did last week), but I know it's for the greater good.
My ab ripper performance is also improving. Thanks to the back exercises I've been doing, it takes more effort to push my spine to that point where it sends that twinge of pain down it. Heck, I'm actually able to do some of the wide-leg sit-ups! Before, I couldn't manage a single one because my abs couldn't pull me up and my gut was too much weight for my legs to offset. I wonder how long before I can do the V-up/pulse-up combos. (Those still kill my back on the first try.)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Endurance +1!
While I'm having a hard time picturing my results (every time I look in the mirror, I still see my out-of-shape body), I am feeling them. Yesterday and today, I was able to complete all exercises without pausing. (Well, I did have to pause once yesterday, but that was because I had to add some weight to my bars.) I also don't need to drink as much water. During the first week, I'd drink almost two whole pints of water during a workout. Now, I can get away with one.
I'd still really like to get a heart rate monitor. Now that I'm at a point where I don't need to pause every three minutes, I feel like I might not be doing enough.
I have also made some changes to my diet. After talking with my coach, it has been discovered that I've only been taking in about 1100 calories. Good for weight loss, bad for training my body to keep it off. I've upped my caloric intake to be closer to 2000, as that should help me build and maintain muscle while still losing fat. I might not lose it as fast, but I'll still be losing it.
Speaking of losing weight, I weighed myself this morning. I've lost nearly five pounds and my body fat % has dropped to about 23.5%. Those numbers are great, but my measurements aren't changing. I still have a 40-ish inch gut. Maybe I'm building abs under the fat and it's still pressing out as a result. I don't know. I just know I'm coming up on my 30-day mark and, when I look at the 'before' picture compared with the 'milestone' picture, I'd like to see a change.
I'd still really like to get a heart rate monitor. Now that I'm at a point where I don't need to pause every three minutes, I feel like I might not be doing enough.
I have also made some changes to my diet. After talking with my coach, it has been discovered that I've only been taking in about 1100 calories. Good for weight loss, bad for training my body to keep it off. I've upped my caloric intake to be closer to 2000, as that should help me build and maintain muscle while still losing fat. I might not lose it as fast, but I'll still be losing it.
Speaking of losing weight, I weighed myself this morning. I've lost nearly five pounds and my body fat % has dropped to about 23.5%. Those numbers are great, but my measurements aren't changing. I still have a 40-ish inch gut. Maybe I'm building abs under the fat and it's still pressing out as a result. I don't know. I just know I'm coming up on my 30-day mark and, when I look at the 'before' picture compared with the 'milestone' picture, I'd like to see a change.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Final workout week before first recovery week
Today, it all starts again. Chest and Back. I feel kinda like Morgan Spurlock, but in reverse. I'm feeling healthier than I have and I know my endurance has gone up. Ashleigh keeps telling me I'm slimming down, but every time I look in the mirror, I see my old self. I've decided to wait until the end of my first 30 days before I look at my 'before' pictures again. August 11th. I'll post both sets then.
I still feel very weak in my chest and back. My performance today was better than my last two runs through this disc, but still not where I'd thought it'd be. Just need to stick with it. Tony says, "Rome wasn't built in a day." I say, "If there were a method to get that awesome body in 30 days, it'd be called P30X, wouldn't it?"
This time around, however, I did more of the push-up exercises in proper form than I did previously before falling to my knees. The inclined push-ups still kicked my ass, though. First set, I was able to do three. Second 'bring-it' set, I couldn't do one. I psyched myself up and everything, but my chest and shoulders just said 'Nope.' A valiant effort all the same. Just can't let it get to me.
I'm doing a lot better with the ab ripper portion of the workout days, however. I'm actually able to do more than half of most of the exercises! That's a HUGE step compared to where I started. I'm still a little soggy around the mid-section and, as a result, I can't do any sit-ups that use my legs as a counterbalance. (Just need to wedge my feet under the table to do them.) I'm also cautious about my lower back. I've thrown it out three times in my life and I'm not looking forward to another. If I feel a twinge after five sit-ups, I'm going to stop. Eventually, I'm hoping, my back will become strong enough that I won't feel any pain.
Now, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the support forums that Tony keeps bragging about in the videos. He says if you have any questions or need some motivation, to check out the forums.
Yeah... I've asked three questions, trying to get some motivation and, so far, nothing from the other members. Yesterday, I sent a direct message to my coach (I'm assuming that, when you sign up, you're assigned a random 'coach' who you can ask questions, etc.) asking her about how I should set my goals and what I could be doing differently as far as my diet. To my honest surprise, I got a response! Quickly! And not canned! Holy cow, there ARE people who care and are willing to answer questions from newbies. (Prior to sending my direct message, I had seen a few threads on the message boards from people looking for help because their coaches were nonexistent. That, and I got an unsolicited message from someone else asking to be my coach who only replied to my messages with canned responses. Sorry for doubting you, Vickie, and I thank you for your help.)
So, into week three, made contact with an actual coach and my hunger pangs are subsiding. I feel my motivation returning and confident that, by 90 days, I'll be lookin' sharp.
I still feel very weak in my chest and back. My performance today was better than my last two runs through this disc, but still not where I'd thought it'd be. Just need to stick with it. Tony says, "Rome wasn't built in a day." I say, "If there were a method to get that awesome body in 30 days, it'd be called P30X, wouldn't it?"
This time around, however, I did more of the push-up exercises in proper form than I did previously before falling to my knees. The inclined push-ups still kicked my ass, though. First set, I was able to do three. Second 'bring-it' set, I couldn't do one. I psyched myself up and everything, but my chest and shoulders just said 'Nope.' A valiant effort all the same. Just can't let it get to me.
I'm doing a lot better with the ab ripper portion of the workout days, however. I'm actually able to do more than half of most of the exercises! That's a HUGE step compared to where I started. I'm still a little soggy around the mid-section and, as a result, I can't do any sit-ups that use my legs as a counterbalance. (Just need to wedge my feet under the table to do them.) I'm also cautious about my lower back. I've thrown it out three times in my life and I'm not looking forward to another. If I feel a twinge after five sit-ups, I'm going to stop. Eventually, I'm hoping, my back will become strong enough that I won't feel any pain.
Now, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the support forums that Tony keeps bragging about in the videos. He says if you have any questions or need some motivation, to check out the forums.
Yeah... I've asked three questions, trying to get some motivation and, so far, nothing from the other members. Yesterday, I sent a direct message to my coach (I'm assuming that, when you sign up, you're assigned a random 'coach' who you can ask questions, etc.) asking her about how I should set my goals and what I could be doing differently as far as my diet. To my honest surprise, I got a response! Quickly! And not canned! Holy cow, there ARE people who care and are willing to answer questions from newbies. (Prior to sending my direct message, I had seen a few threads on the message boards from people looking for help because their coaches were nonexistent. That, and I got an unsolicited message from someone else asking to be my coach who only replied to my messages with canned responses. Sorry for doubting you, Vickie, and I thank you for your help.)
So, into week three, made contact with an actual coach and my hunger pangs are subsiding. I feel my motivation returning and confident that, by 90 days, I'll be lookin' sharp.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Two down, eleven to go.
Today ended week 2 for me. I was so tempted to skip the stretch exercises and just crawl back into bed. Sooo sleepy...
But I persevered. I did all the exercises (only had to pause a couple times due to mat problems) and finished in about an hour. I know these stretches are supposed to help, but my lower back is still feeling sore. Perhaps I'm trying to stretch too far and just overexerting myself?
Tomorrow starts the final week of the first rotation. I'm kinda excited, but a little disappointed at where exactly I stand. I can squeak out a single chin-up, but I still can't do one pull-up (at least without having my foot on something). I'm going to try to not let it bother me, though. I'm still right at the beginning, so I'm adjusting my goals accordingly. (I always hate to lower my goals. It makes it feel like I'm getting a trophy on 'Everyone-Gets-A-Trophy Day'.)
I did feel pretty good driving to work this morning. Usually, my belly hangs over my seat belt, almost completely covering it. Today, that wasn't the case. My appetite also seems to have adjusted to my new activity level. I'm craving more protein (chicken, pork, etc.) and less carbs (break, rice, etc.).
Damnit if I didn't forget to take my multivitamin AGAIN today. That makes three days in a row. I will have to carve it into my arm to take it tonight when I get home from work.
But I persevered. I did all the exercises (only had to pause a couple times due to mat problems) and finished in about an hour. I know these stretches are supposed to help, but my lower back is still feeling sore. Perhaps I'm trying to stretch too far and just overexerting myself?
Tomorrow starts the final week of the first rotation. I'm kinda excited, but a little disappointed at where exactly I stand. I can squeak out a single chin-up, but I still can't do one pull-up (at least without having my foot on something). I'm going to try to not let it bother me, though. I'm still right at the beginning, so I'm adjusting my goals accordingly. (I always hate to lower my goals. It makes it feel like I'm getting a trophy on 'Everyone-Gets-A-Trophy Day'.)
I did feel pretty good driving to work this morning. Usually, my belly hangs over my seat belt, almost completely covering it. Today, that wasn't the case. My appetite also seems to have adjusted to my new activity level. I'm craving more protein (chicken, pork, etc.) and less carbs (break, rice, etc.).
Damnit if I didn't forget to take my multivitamin AGAIN today. That makes three days in a row. I will have to carve it into my arm to take it tonight when I get home from work.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Return of the burn.
I realize it's been a couple days since my last post and I know I said I was going to post every day. I apologize.
I'm going to keep this short, as it is almost 10pm Sunday night and it's my own dumb fault for not posting sooner.
Friday was another round of Yoga. This time, I was expecting the intensity of the first half. That didn't make it any less rough, however... Overall, I still relished the feeling of completion at the end.
Saturday, I rocked the legs and back. Bitches don't know about my quads! (By 'bitches' I mean 'I'.) I totally rocked the wall-squat segments! Legs were on fire, but for only my second time through, my being able to power through a tough exercise like that was a triumph in and of itself. (Still having trouble with ab ripper, though.)
Finally, today was Kenpo. I had a moment of clarity when I realized I'm not doing this to learn martial arts. I'm doing it as an aerobic workout. After that, I was kinda lax on my form (still trying to make it look good, just not in a practical 'self-defense' kinda way) and concentrated on keeping the heart rate up.
As an added bonus, I went running with Ashleigh this evening. Almost made it the whole two miles before I had to break to walk. (Congratulations to Ashleigh for completing the whole circuit! Amazing job for being her first real run in a couple months!)
Tomorrow, Ashleigh starts her new job. Waking up earlier than I normally do (6:30 rather than 8), so I should have plenty of time to post immediately following my workout.
Until next time.
I'm going to keep this short, as it is almost 10pm Sunday night and it's my own dumb fault for not posting sooner.
Friday was another round of Yoga. This time, I was expecting the intensity of the first half. That didn't make it any less rough, however... Overall, I still relished the feeling of completion at the end.
Saturday, I rocked the legs and back. Bitches don't know about my quads! (By 'bitches' I mean 'I'.) I totally rocked the wall-squat segments! Legs were on fire, but for only my second time through, my being able to power through a tough exercise like that was a triumph in and of itself. (Still having trouble with ab ripper, though.)
Finally, today was Kenpo. I had a moment of clarity when I realized I'm not doing this to learn martial arts. I'm doing it as an aerobic workout. After that, I was kinda lax on my form (still trying to make it look good, just not in a practical 'self-defense' kinda way) and concentrated on keeping the heart rate up.
As an added bonus, I went running with Ashleigh this evening. Almost made it the whole two miles before I had to break to walk. (Congratulations to Ashleigh for completing the whole circuit! Amazing job for being her first real run in a couple months!)
Tomorrow, Ashleigh starts her new job. Waking up earlier than I normally do (6:30 rather than 8), so I should have plenty of time to post immediately following my workout.
Until next time.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
1/9th of the way through!
Today is my ten-day anniversary. To be perfectly honest, I'm really getting into it. Not to the point where I'm making the X with my arms and shouting "BRING IT!" but I'm really enjoying the whole workout in the morning. Yes, it wipes me and I feel sick at the end, but each day, I feel less and less sick. I can feel my energy level going up. Last night, I considered going for a run, but didn't because of Ashleigh's injury. (I didn't want to come home, say "Hi" to Ashleigh, then run back out of the house. When her foot starts feeling better, I'm going to try talking her into running in the evening with me while it's still a bit light.)
Today was arms and shoulders. I kinda fumbled around a lot on this one because I had to keep adjusting weights. I didn't know what I'd be able to do for a given exercise, so I'd have to pause and adjust for almost everything. I should have been done in about an hour, but with all my extra pauses, it took more like 90 minutes. However, I have a better idea what I can do now, so next time I'll have the weights setup and ready to go.
This particular program isn't as cripplingly intense as, say, chest and back. Granted, my arms are, in my opinion, better off than my chest and back at this point.
What's bonus is I was actually able to keep up with some of the ab ripper exercises! Sure, I had to wedge my feet under the table to do the sit-ups, but I was able to do some! My abs are probably my sorest part today.
Tomorrow is Yoga again. I know the first half is going to be hard-core and I'm mentally prepared for it. I'm really looking forward to the second part. I felt so relaxed last time, I can't wait to feel it again.
Today was arms and shoulders. I kinda fumbled around a lot on this one because I had to keep adjusting weights. I didn't know what I'd be able to do for a given exercise, so I'd have to pause and adjust for almost everything. I should have been done in about an hour, but with all my extra pauses, it took more like 90 minutes. However, I have a better idea what I can do now, so next time I'll have the weights setup and ready to go.
This particular program isn't as cripplingly intense as, say, chest and back. Granted, my arms are, in my opinion, better off than my chest and back at this point.
What's bonus is I was actually able to keep up with some of the ab ripper exercises! Sure, I had to wedge my feet under the table to do the sit-ups, but I was able to do some! My abs are probably my sorest part today.
Tomorrow is Yoga again. I know the first half is going to be hard-core and I'm mentally prepared for it. I'm really looking forward to the second part. I felt so relaxed last time, I can't wait to feel it again.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Plyo-my God, this is tough...
I felt better about this morning's program, despite having a hard time falling asleep last night. Ashleigh says I was asleep most of the night, but I kept feeling like I was in that weird space between asleep and awake.
Plyometrics (or 'jump-training') is pretty intense. Tony even says in the intro that this is the "X" in P90X. My heart was pounding through the entire disc, so I'd be inclined to agree.
Speaking of heart, it's recommended you have a heart-rate monitor for this. I really should invest in one. I'm pretty sure "the zone" happens before you hear your heart pounding in your ears.
This particular routine is mainly for burning calories. No real muscle training. Just sweating and moving. I seem to have master the former. Just need to work more on the latter. Unlike last week, I was able to finish this disk with only minor difficulties. Still felt nauseas afterward, but I finished it. (Near as I can tell, the sick feeling I was getting was from the cold water I was drinking from the fridge, because I didn't start feeling ill until after I refilled my bottle.) Maybe I overlooked that hint in the manual, but I think it should have been a bit more prominent.
I got a bit of a runner's high coming out of the routine, which is always awesome. But then I made the fatal mistake of stepping on the scale. It said I was three pounds lighter (Woo-hoo!), but it also said my body fat percent had gone up! I swear, that scale can't give a consistent reading for crap!
To purchase:
Heart rate monitor
New bathroom scale
Body fat measuring device
Plyometrics (or 'jump-training') is pretty intense. Tony even says in the intro that this is the "X" in P90X. My heart was pounding through the entire disc, so I'd be inclined to agree.
Speaking of heart, it's recommended you have a heart-rate monitor for this. I really should invest in one. I'm pretty sure "the zone" happens before you hear your heart pounding in your ears.
This particular routine is mainly for burning calories. No real muscle training. Just sweating and moving. I seem to have master the former. Just need to work more on the latter. Unlike last week, I was able to finish this disk with only minor difficulties. Still felt nauseas afterward, but I finished it. (Near as I can tell, the sick feeling I was getting was from the cold water I was drinking from the fridge, because I didn't start feeling ill until after I refilled my bottle.) Maybe I overlooked that hint in the manual, but I think it should have been a bit more prominent.
I got a bit of a runner's high coming out of the routine, which is always awesome. But then I made the fatal mistake of stepping on the scale. It said I was three pounds lighter (Woo-hoo!), but it also said my body fat percent had gone up! I swear, that scale can't give a consistent reading for crap!
To purchase:
Heart rate monitor
New bathroom scale
Body fat measuring device
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Round 2.
It's funny. I went to bed last night, thinking about how well I was going to do on this morning's program. When I woke up, however, it was a different story.
Flashbacks to last Tuesday assailed me. I kept thinking about how sick I felt and how I quit early. How easy it would be just to turn over, kill the alarm clock and fall back to sleep.
That didn't happen. I still had this tiny bit of drive in the back of my head telling me to do it, despite the overwhelming comfort of the bed. And I have to thank Ashleigh for that extra push. If I were still single, I probably would have 'skipped' today and never come back.
I will admit, I was a bit afraid of this disc. It was always in the back of my mind that I failed so horribly on this disc the first time around. How I felt like I was going to throw up. How I knew I wasn't going to do as well as I would like. All these little things setting me up for failure.
I'm glad Ashleigh has a resistance band, because if I had to rely on a chin-up bar, I'd never feel like I accomplished anything. And the fact I bought some weights the other day makes it doubly better. (I started with 10lbs on each and, while they seem heavy at first, 10lbs is nothing. I need to do it again with maybe 15 or better.)
This routine consists of a LOT of push-ups of varying style. I read somewhere that the key to doing push-ups is to maintain form. If you can't keep your back straight or you can't go down then up, it's called a 'catastrophic failure'. Rather ominous and probably a bit of an overkill, but that's what I think of when I'm trying to maintain my form.
The first run through, I found myself catastrophicly failing more than the first time I ran through. As a result, I did many of the push-up exercises on my knees. It made me feel really lame, but the important thing was that I kept working the muscles. Maybe it wasn't AS intense, but it still burned. Gotta start somewhere, right? Need to build the foundation before you can build that brick house.
There is one push-up exercise that you simply cannot do on your knees. The elevated push-up. Feet on a chair, hands on the floor. In the first rotation of the disc, I managed three. (That seems really lame, but by the time it came around, I had done so many other push-ups, my chest was just on fire and I couldn't eek out any more.) The second time was the test. On the DVD, Tony is going on and on about how, if you need a break, pause and take it. So I did. I paused the disc and tried to not think about the sick feeling churning in my stomach. I also TOLD myself I was going to do, at the very least, one. (Lame, yes. Especially when the people on the DVD were doing 20.) This was my goal. If I did this, I was going to be king.
I unpaused the video, took my position, breathed... And did it! Holy crap, was I surprised! I immediately thought, "Let's do another!" and started to go down, but my chest was all, "LOL NO!" and I just kept going down until my face was on the carpet. Oh well. I still did it!
When we started the cool down, I started thinking that I might skip the Ab Ripper portion because I was still feeling sick and wanted a break. Then I thought if I _didn't_ do it, I was quitting. So, I sucked it up and pressed on. Sure, my performance was sloppy, but I think I did a little better than last time. Maybe I am getting in better shape. If only my shoulder wasn't in so much pain.
I finished up, went upstairs and collapsed on the floor, trying to distract myself from the feeling in my stomach. Ashleigh proved more than able to distract me, and I love her for it.
I took my shower and, while drying my hair, Ashleigh said, "Holy crap! Is that an ab?" Sure enough, while my arms were up on my head, I could see some (very slight) muscle definition on my sides. When I flexed my lower back, I could even see some muscles showing through.
That restored my confidence. I still didn't dare step on the scale, but seeing something tangible like that is a real mood elevator.
I dare say I think this is starting to work.
Flashbacks to last Tuesday assailed me. I kept thinking about how sick I felt and how I quit early. How easy it would be just to turn over, kill the alarm clock and fall back to sleep.
That didn't happen. I still had this tiny bit of drive in the back of my head telling me to do it, despite the overwhelming comfort of the bed. And I have to thank Ashleigh for that extra push. If I were still single, I probably would have 'skipped' today and never come back.
I will admit, I was a bit afraid of this disc. It was always in the back of my mind that I failed so horribly on this disc the first time around. How I felt like I was going to throw up. How I knew I wasn't going to do as well as I would like. All these little things setting me up for failure.
I'm glad Ashleigh has a resistance band, because if I had to rely on a chin-up bar, I'd never feel like I accomplished anything. And the fact I bought some weights the other day makes it doubly better. (I started with 10lbs on each and, while they seem heavy at first, 10lbs is nothing. I need to do it again with maybe 15 or better.)
This routine consists of a LOT of push-ups of varying style. I read somewhere that the key to doing push-ups is to maintain form. If you can't keep your back straight or you can't go down then up, it's called a 'catastrophic failure'. Rather ominous and probably a bit of an overkill, but that's what I think of when I'm trying to maintain my form.
The first run through, I found myself catastrophicly failing more than the first time I ran through. As a result, I did many of the push-up exercises on my knees. It made me feel really lame, but the important thing was that I kept working the muscles. Maybe it wasn't AS intense, but it still burned. Gotta start somewhere, right? Need to build the foundation before you can build that brick house.
There is one push-up exercise that you simply cannot do on your knees. The elevated push-up. Feet on a chair, hands on the floor. In the first rotation of the disc, I managed three. (That seems really lame, but by the time it came around, I had done so many other push-ups, my chest was just on fire and I couldn't eek out any more.) The second time was the test. On the DVD, Tony is going on and on about how, if you need a break, pause and take it. So I did. I paused the disc and tried to not think about the sick feeling churning in my stomach. I also TOLD myself I was going to do, at the very least, one. (Lame, yes. Especially when the people on the DVD were doing 20.) This was my goal. If I did this, I was going to be king.
I unpaused the video, took my position, breathed... And did it! Holy crap, was I surprised! I immediately thought, "Let's do another!" and started to go down, but my chest was all, "LOL NO!" and I just kept going down until my face was on the carpet. Oh well. I still did it!
When we started the cool down, I started thinking that I might skip the Ab Ripper portion because I was still feeling sick and wanted a break. Then I thought if I _didn't_ do it, I was quitting. So, I sucked it up and pressed on. Sure, my performance was sloppy, but I think I did a little better than last time. Maybe I am getting in better shape. If only my shoulder wasn't in so much pain.
I finished up, went upstairs and collapsed on the floor, trying to distract myself from the feeling in my stomach. Ashleigh proved more than able to distract me, and I love her for it.
I took my shower and, while drying my hair, Ashleigh said, "Holy crap! Is that an ab?" Sure enough, while my arms were up on my head, I could see some (very slight) muscle definition on my sides. When I flexed my lower back, I could even see some muscles showing through.
That restored my confidence. I still didn't dare step on the scale, but seeing something tangible like that is a real mood elevator.
I dare say I think this is starting to work.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Rest or Stretch
Alright. So today I was given a choice: rest or stretch.
I should mention now that, after the bike ride yesterday, my left (and only left) calf has been KILLING me. To the point that I could only stand on my toes. It was this fact that I wanted to take advantage of the 'rest' option.
However...
Ashleigh brought up a point last night. If I take a day off, I might not start again come tomorrow. A compelling argument, indeed. I have a nasty habit of starting things and stopping the first day I take a break. (I still haven't picked up my Blender book after a week.) So, I vowed to do the stretching exercises. "Heck," I thought, "Maybe it'll straighten out my calf."
When I woke up this morning, I actually found myself looking forward to my workout! Weird! I _NEVER_ want to get up in the morning! Is this a change for the better? Is it a permanent change? Here's hoping!
At first, I was mildly afraid this DVD was going to turn into an intense workout the same way the Yoga faked me out, but I was thankfully wrong. Just stretching, reaching and flexing. I did sweat, but I didn't lose the gallon of water I did in the first part of the Yoga. My calf still aches (especially after I've been sitting for a while and first stand), but it isn't on fire like it was last night. It's bearable, not crippling. Of course, the Advil I took probably helped.
Tomorrow, I start the whole routine again. This time, however, I have proper free weights to do the arm exercises and I _WILL_ get through all of the discs. I may still perform poorly, but I know I'm feeling better about myself and I think a PMA is the most important part.
I should mention now that, after the bike ride yesterday, my left (and only left) calf has been KILLING me. To the point that I could only stand on my toes. It was this fact that I wanted to take advantage of the 'rest' option.
However...
Ashleigh brought up a point last night. If I take a day off, I might not start again come tomorrow. A compelling argument, indeed. I have a nasty habit of starting things and stopping the first day I take a break. (I still haven't picked up my Blender book after a week.) So, I vowed to do the stretching exercises. "Heck," I thought, "Maybe it'll straighten out my calf."
When I woke up this morning, I actually found myself looking forward to my workout! Weird! I _NEVER_ want to get up in the morning! Is this a change for the better? Is it a permanent change? Here's hoping!
At first, I was mildly afraid this DVD was going to turn into an intense workout the same way the Yoga faked me out, but I was thankfully wrong. Just stretching, reaching and flexing. I did sweat, but I didn't lose the gallon of water I did in the first part of the Yoga. My calf still aches (especially after I've been sitting for a while and first stand), but it isn't on fire like it was last night. It's bearable, not crippling. Of course, the Advil I took probably helped.
Tomorrow, I start the whole routine again. This time, however, I have proper free weights to do the arm exercises and I _WILL_ get through all of the discs. I may still perform poorly, but I know I'm feeling better about myself and I think a PMA is the most important part.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Week 1, days 1-6
I wish I had started this blog on the first day so I could have recorded everything while it was fresh in my mind. This is only a recap of the first week. From here on, I'll post daily of my experiences, pain, triumph and overall feeling about the program.
I started the program on July 13, 2010.
I almost quit the program on July 13, 2010.
The first three weeks go as follows:
Day 1: Chest and Back and Abripper
Day 2: Plyometrics
Day 3: Shoulders and Arms and Abripper
Day 4: Yoga
Day 5: Legs and Back and Abripper
Day 6: Kenpo
Day 7: Rest or Stretch
I started with Chest and Back and I made the foolish mistake of believing the people in the DVD were purposely trying to show me up. I tried to keep up with a pace I had no chance in matching. The end result: I didn't finish the first disc. I started to feel like I was going to be sick about 45 minutes into it, so I had to stop. There was no recovering from that mindset. Every time I lifted my arms, I felt sick.
I was crushed. I couldn't even do the exercises for a measly hour. I took my shower and went to work and couldn't stop thinking about how sore my shoulders were.
What made me continue to day two? My determination to step outside of my normal character and SUCK IT UP! Yes, I failed the first day. I was SUPPOSED to fail the first day! I'm pushing my body to do something it hasn't ever done: WORK! (I should also mention that my wife, Ashleigh, helped me realize that last part. If she hadn't brought it up, I probably wouldn't have gone on.)
The second day, I started plyometrics. (Fancy term for 'aerobic workout,' come to find out.) I didn't finish this disc, either. I did, however, get further in it than I did the first one, so I felt better about myself. Small victories.
Third day and we're back to physical exertion. I not only finished the Shoulders and Arms portion, I also completed the Abripper DVD. Well, completed is a strong word. "I gave a solid effort" would be more appropriate. There's a couple exercises on that disc that I simply cannot do in my current physical condition (both my gut and the fact I have a very weak lower back) and I was forced to sit them out. The important thing is I finished and didn't feel sick afterwords. (I believe I was feeling nauseous because 1) I was working out without a shirt and sweating like I was in a sauna and 2) there's an A/C vent right above where I was working out that came on and, combined with the sweat, possibly put my body into a form of shock what with the sudden temperature decrease.) For those of you trying this at home (or thinking about trying it), I highly recommend a running shirt. (The kind that wicks the sweat away from your body. Very light and breathable. Makes doing the exercises WAY more enjoyable.)
I had been looking forward to the fourth day. From what I understood, Yoga was supposed to be a nice, mellow exercise in calmness and serenity.
"Shucks-howdy, Paul! Ya'll couldn't be further from the truth!"
The first half of the Yoga disc (90 minutes long, as opposed to the 60 of the regular routines) was a rather intense workout. Not as bad as the Plyometrics disc, but still pretty rough. After that half-way point, however, things mellowed out and we started doing stretches and balancing exercises that were much easier. Heck, I'm more flexible than I thought I'd be at this point. (To all people who practice Yoga on a regular basis, I'm sorry I ever doubted it. It's a lot more hard-core than I thought. It whipped my ass.)
Fifth day, yesterday, was easier because I was expecting a workout and, after the Yoga, I was in a really positive mindset. I knew not to try and keep up with the people on the disc because I knew I wouldn't be able to and it's fine. In fact, that's one of the things Tony keeps saying in all of the discs. If you can't keep up or you need to take a break, HIT PAUSE AND TAKE IT. Don't try to kill yourself, especially if it's your first time. Believe me, you'll end up feeling ill and want to quit. Where would that leave you? Probably in a funk that'll lead to a bag of chips and dip. That won't help anything.
Finally, today I did the Kenpo DVD. Now, back when I was a wee lad, I took a year or so of Taekwondo and thought it might help me here. It would have, had it not been for the 20+ years in between. But, just like with yesterday's disc, I didn't try to keep up. I just did the best I could. It's my first week and it's going to be messy. Doubly so because I don't have an actual trainer to tell me just how wrong my form is.
As an added bonus, Ashleigh and I took a nice 20-something mile bike ride into downtown today. I felt great. I haven't had the energy I had today in a long time. Even if I don't get the ripped 6-pack abs and the massive biceps, I have a feeling I'll still have the energy to actually want to go out and do something. I'd like to go jogging with Ashleigh, too. I'm sure the added cardio won't hurt me.
Now the bad side. The diet.
I'm supposed to be on the first stage of the 'fatburner' plan. It shames me to say I haven't been true to it. Believe me, I've been trying to eat smarter, but it's not really in our budget right now to restock our pantry. The best I can do is cut down on what exactly I take in. I've eliminated soft drinks of all kinds and I've stopped snacking throughout the day. I eat three times; breakfast after my workout, lunch and dinner. I keep justifying it to myself by saying, "You haven't really gained any weight with your present lifestyle, so increasing your activity will be good. You can be a little lax on the diet rules." I need to stop doing that and do the diet if I want to have the whole P90X experience.
I started the program on July 13, 2010.
I almost quit the program on July 13, 2010.
The first three weeks go as follows:
Day 1: Chest and Back and Abripper
Day 2: Plyometrics
Day 3: Shoulders and Arms and Abripper
Day 4: Yoga
Day 5: Legs and Back and Abripper
Day 6: Kenpo
Day 7: Rest or Stretch
I started with Chest and Back and I made the foolish mistake of believing the people in the DVD were purposely trying to show me up. I tried to keep up with a pace I had no chance in matching. The end result: I didn't finish the first disc. I started to feel like I was going to be sick about 45 minutes into it, so I had to stop. There was no recovering from that mindset. Every time I lifted my arms, I felt sick.
I was crushed. I couldn't even do the exercises for a measly hour. I took my shower and went to work and couldn't stop thinking about how sore my shoulders were.
What made me continue to day two? My determination to step outside of my normal character and SUCK IT UP! Yes, I failed the first day. I was SUPPOSED to fail the first day! I'm pushing my body to do something it hasn't ever done: WORK! (I should also mention that my wife, Ashleigh, helped me realize that last part. If she hadn't brought it up, I probably wouldn't have gone on.)
The second day, I started plyometrics. (Fancy term for 'aerobic workout,' come to find out.) I didn't finish this disc, either. I did, however, get further in it than I did the first one, so I felt better about myself. Small victories.
Third day and we're back to physical exertion. I not only finished the Shoulders and Arms portion, I also completed the Abripper DVD. Well, completed is a strong word. "I gave a solid effort" would be more appropriate. There's a couple exercises on that disc that I simply cannot do in my current physical condition (both my gut and the fact I have a very weak lower back) and I was forced to sit them out. The important thing is I finished and didn't feel sick afterwords. (I believe I was feeling nauseous because 1) I was working out without a shirt and sweating like I was in a sauna and 2) there's an A/C vent right above where I was working out that came on and, combined with the sweat, possibly put my body into a form of shock what with the sudden temperature decrease.) For those of you trying this at home (or thinking about trying it), I highly recommend a running shirt. (The kind that wicks the sweat away from your body. Very light and breathable. Makes doing the exercises WAY more enjoyable.)
I had been looking forward to the fourth day. From what I understood, Yoga was supposed to be a nice, mellow exercise in calmness and serenity.
"Shucks-howdy, Paul! Ya'll couldn't be further from the truth!"
The first half of the Yoga disc (90 minutes long, as opposed to the 60 of the regular routines) was a rather intense workout. Not as bad as the Plyometrics disc, but still pretty rough. After that half-way point, however, things mellowed out and we started doing stretches and balancing exercises that were much easier. Heck, I'm more flexible than I thought I'd be at this point. (To all people who practice Yoga on a regular basis, I'm sorry I ever doubted it. It's a lot more hard-core than I thought. It whipped my ass.)
Fifth day, yesterday, was easier because I was expecting a workout and, after the Yoga, I was in a really positive mindset. I knew not to try and keep up with the people on the disc because I knew I wouldn't be able to and it's fine. In fact, that's one of the things Tony keeps saying in all of the discs. If you can't keep up or you need to take a break, HIT PAUSE AND TAKE IT. Don't try to kill yourself, especially if it's your first time. Believe me, you'll end up feeling ill and want to quit. Where would that leave you? Probably in a funk that'll lead to a bag of chips and dip. That won't help anything.
Finally, today I did the Kenpo DVD. Now, back when I was a wee lad, I took a year or so of Taekwondo and thought it might help me here. It would have, had it not been for the 20+ years in between. But, just like with yesterday's disc, I didn't try to keep up. I just did the best I could. It's my first week and it's going to be messy. Doubly so because I don't have an actual trainer to tell me just how wrong my form is.
As an added bonus, Ashleigh and I took a nice 20-something mile bike ride into downtown today. I felt great. I haven't had the energy I had today in a long time. Even if I don't get the ripped 6-pack abs and the massive biceps, I have a feeling I'll still have the energy to actually want to go out and do something. I'd like to go jogging with Ashleigh, too. I'm sure the added cardio won't hurt me.
Now the bad side. The diet.
I'm supposed to be on the first stage of the 'fatburner' plan. It shames me to say I haven't been true to it. Believe me, I've been trying to eat smarter, but it's not really in our budget right now to restock our pantry. The best I can do is cut down on what exactly I take in. I've eliminated soft drinks of all kinds and I've stopped snacking throughout the day. I eat three times; breakfast after my workout, lunch and dinner. I keep justifying it to myself by saying, "You haven't really gained any weight with your present lifestyle, so increasing your activity will be good. You can be a little lax on the diet rules." I need to stop doing that and do the diet if I want to have the whole P90X experience.
We've all seen the infomercials...
The people claiming how great it is. The people saying how easy it is. The people saying they're in the best shape of their lives.
I'm putting it to the test.
I'm talking about P90X.
From Wikipedia's P90X article:
"P90X, or Power 90 Extreme, is a home exercise system developed by Tony Horton in conjunction with Beachbody and director Mason Bendewald, which claims to improve physical fitness in 90 days through a rigorous periodized training program combined with a nutrition and dietary supplement plan."
In the infomercials, some of the people who use it claim you can't find any bad press about P90X. For the most part, that seems to be true. Some say it's the best thing out there to get fit, some say, "It's great, but not for everyone," and others (read: weight-lifters) say it's worthless. Granted, anyone who does a minimum of research into the product will realize it isn't for bulking up like endless weightlifting sets at your local gym. It's more of a general, overall fitness product. Yes, you (likely) will put on some muscle, but that's true of ANY workout regiment. ESPECIALLY if you come into it from a sedimentary lifestyle.
The program itself consists of a book about the program, a nutrition guide, a fitness guide, and calendar and log for tracking progress (as well as the DVDs). The first thing I did was RTFM. I didn't want to start this by just popping in the first disc and throwing my back out. Had that happened, you wouldn't be reading this. I also watched (read: skimmed) the DVDs to see what exercises were done in each to get a feel as to how intense (or eXtreme) the program is. (If anyone out there reading this is considering giving this a go, I very highly recommend you do this as well.) It seemed a bit daunting at first and, I'll admit, I wanted to pussy out. But I forged on and took that first step; the initial weigh-in.
*DUN DUN DUNNNN*
Let me give you a little background about myself. I'm 32, 5' 8"-ish, work behind a computer, enjoy playing games behind a computer and, generally speaking, hate to move. I know I'm overweight, but I've never in my life gone over 200lbs (I peaked at around 195).
Now, the prep section of the guide has spots for 'before' and 'after' figures. The idea being the 'after' should be better. These are my 'before' figures:
Body Fat %: ~25%
(We have a bathroom scale that, through the magic of electroconductivity, can calculate your body fat percentage. I don't know how accurate it really is, that's why I said ~.)
Weight: ~179lbs
(The same bathroom scale likes to give a different weight depending on what part of the floor it's sitting on. 179lbs came up most frequently in my moving it around, so that's the number I'm using as my starting weight.)
Chest: 41.5"
Waist: 40.25" (Yikes. I wear a 32" waist in jeans, for what it's worth.)
Hips: 37"
Thigh: 22"
Arm (at bicep in full flex): 13.75"
After that little bit of humiliation, they ask you to take a 'fit test'. Joy. They ask that you use a heart rate monitor, but we don't have one as yet, so the heart rates listed are approximate.
Resting: 80bpm
(Now, they wanted this from a first-thing-in-the-morning reading, but I cut a corner here and just sat on the couch until I felt relaxed and at ease.)
Pull-ups: Yeah... I haven't done a single pull-up since junior high.
Vertical leap: 15.5"
Push-ups: 15
Toe-touch: .75" shy of my toes
Wall squat: 48 seconds
Bicep curls: 10
(I didn't have a proper 20lb weight like the book calls for at the time, but I did have a shit-ton of 16.9oz bottles of water and a big grocery bag, so I kinda faked it.)
In & outs: 14
(I thought my abs were in better shape than that.)
Active heart rate: peak at 160 bpm, 104 bpm after four minutes
Now, each one of these exercises had a suggested minimum and, even though I failed on a few of them (Minimum of THREE pull-ups??), I decided to continue. Why? Because the target audience of this particular product isn't people who can do three pull-ups. If it were, they wouldn't show endless infomercials about it! You wouldn't see people on said infomercials who claim to have been depressed, out-of-shape lumps until Tony's miraculous program entered their lives. Despite the claims of the included guide, this program panders itself to the LCD who think they have the self-motivation to actually change their physical well-being.
Enter me. A self-proclaimed computer bum who probably spent a grand total of 24 hours in a gym in his life. Someone who sweats profusely on an evening walk with his wife.
My wife bought an ergometer a year or so ago and I used it religiously Monday through Friday. Sure, it was only for a half-hour a day, but that was a hella-lot more exercise than I was getting at the time. I actually lost a fair bit of weight. I don't remember when I stopped, but in retrospect, I feel bad about quitting. It was good exercise. Sitting on my ass isn't.
One of the buzz-words they throw around in the description of P90X is 'the plateau effect.' In a nutshell, it means if you do the same exercises over and over, your body eventually stops progressing. Whether this is true or not, I'll leave to the experts. I will admit, however, that while I was on the erg, I never really felt like I was progressing past the 30 minute mark. I didn't feel like my endurance was building or my weight was coming off the way I felt it should have.
I didn't get into it because of buzz-words, anyway. My initial interest came from one of the infomercials which included a Filipino-looking man who look kinda like me (in his 'before' photos). Then I started picturing myself with a flat stomach and no love handles. Then my wife says she wanted to see how I'd look with those cut lines that guys get when they're fit. (You know, the ones from the hips down to the... *ahem* You know what I'm talking about.) Well, those reasons and I got it for free (which was probably the most influencing factor).
Enough with the introduction. Let's get on with the blogging!
I'm putting it to the test.
I'm talking about P90X.
From Wikipedia's P90X article:
"P90X, or Power 90 Extreme, is a home exercise system developed by Tony Horton in conjunction with Beachbody and director Mason Bendewald, which claims to improve physical fitness in 90 days through a rigorous periodized training program combined with a nutrition and dietary supplement plan."
In the infomercials, some of the people who use it claim you can't find any bad press about P90X. For the most part, that seems to be true. Some say it's the best thing out there to get fit, some say, "It's great, but not for everyone," and others (read: weight-lifters) say it's worthless. Granted, anyone who does a minimum of research into the product will realize it isn't for bulking up like endless weightlifting sets at your local gym. It's more of a general, overall fitness product. Yes, you (likely) will put on some muscle, but that's true of ANY workout regiment. ESPECIALLY if you come into it from a sedimentary lifestyle.
The program itself consists of a book about the program, a nutrition guide, a fitness guide, and calendar and log for tracking progress (as well as the DVDs). The first thing I did was RTFM. I didn't want to start this by just popping in the first disc and throwing my back out. Had that happened, you wouldn't be reading this. I also watched (read: skimmed) the DVDs to see what exercises were done in each to get a feel as to how intense (or eXtreme) the program is. (If anyone out there reading this is considering giving this a go, I very highly recommend you do this as well.) It seemed a bit daunting at first and, I'll admit, I wanted to pussy out. But I forged on and took that first step; the initial weigh-in.
*DUN DUN DUNNNN*
Let me give you a little background about myself. I'm 32, 5' 8"-ish, work behind a computer, enjoy playing games behind a computer and, generally speaking, hate to move. I know I'm overweight, but I've never in my life gone over 200lbs (I peaked at around 195).
Now, the prep section of the guide has spots for 'before' and 'after' figures. The idea being the 'after' should be better. These are my 'before' figures:
Body Fat %: ~25%
(We have a bathroom scale that, through the magic of electroconductivity, can calculate your body fat percentage. I don't know how accurate it really is, that's why I said ~.)
Weight: ~179lbs
(The same bathroom scale likes to give a different weight depending on what part of the floor it's sitting on. 179lbs came up most frequently in my moving it around, so that's the number I'm using as my starting weight.)
Chest: 41.5"
Waist: 40.25" (Yikes. I wear a 32" waist in jeans, for what it's worth.)
Hips: 37"
Thigh: 22"
Arm (at bicep in full flex): 13.75"
After that little bit of humiliation, they ask you to take a 'fit test'. Joy. They ask that you use a heart rate monitor, but we don't have one as yet, so the heart rates listed are approximate.
Resting: 80bpm
(Now, they wanted this from a first-thing-in-the-morning reading, but I cut a corner here and just sat on the couch until I felt relaxed and at ease.)
Pull-ups: Yeah... I haven't done a single pull-up since junior high.
Vertical leap: 15.5"
Push-ups: 15
Toe-touch: .75" shy of my toes
Wall squat: 48 seconds
Bicep curls: 10
(I didn't have a proper 20lb weight like the book calls for at the time, but I did have a shit-ton of 16.9oz bottles of water and a big grocery bag, so I kinda faked it.)
In & outs: 14
(I thought my abs were in better shape than that.)
Active heart rate: peak at 160 bpm, 104 bpm after four minutes
Now, each one of these exercises had a suggested minimum and, even though I failed on a few of them (Minimum of THREE pull-ups??), I decided to continue. Why? Because the target audience of this particular product isn't people who can do three pull-ups. If it were, they wouldn't show endless infomercials about it! You wouldn't see people on said infomercials who claim to have been depressed, out-of-shape lumps until Tony's miraculous program entered their lives. Despite the claims of the included guide, this program panders itself to the LCD who think they have the self-motivation to actually change their physical well-being.
Enter me. A self-proclaimed computer bum who probably spent a grand total of 24 hours in a gym in his life. Someone who sweats profusely on an evening walk with his wife.
My wife bought an ergometer a year or so ago and I used it religiously Monday through Friday. Sure, it was only for a half-hour a day, but that was a hella-lot more exercise than I was getting at the time. I actually lost a fair bit of weight. I don't remember when I stopped, but in retrospect, I feel bad about quitting. It was good exercise. Sitting on my ass isn't.
One of the buzz-words they throw around in the description of P90X is 'the plateau effect.' In a nutshell, it means if you do the same exercises over and over, your body eventually stops progressing. Whether this is true or not, I'll leave to the experts. I will admit, however, that while I was on the erg, I never really felt like I was progressing past the 30 minute mark. I didn't feel like my endurance was building or my weight was coming off the way I felt it should have.
I didn't get into it because of buzz-words, anyway. My initial interest came from one of the infomercials which included a Filipino-looking man who look kinda like me (in his 'before' photos). Then I started picturing myself with a flat stomach and no love handles. Then my wife says she wanted to see how I'd look with those cut lines that guys get when they're fit. (You know, the ones from the hips down to the... *ahem* You know what I'm talking about.) Well, those reasons and I got it for free (which was probably the most influencing factor).
Enough with the introduction. Let's get on with the blogging!
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