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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.)

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.

Before	After

Check out those shoulders! Holy crap! And I'm starting to build up my pecs, too!

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.)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.