3-31-10
Well, I didn’t think I would have anything to say about Kempo, but doing it early in the morning in the middle of the week may have changed some things. I was a little tighter than I expected this morning after core synnergistics, but that wasn’t the strange thing. The strange thing was that I could not get my heart rate up. I was sweating like crazy, but I really struggled to get my heart rate out of the 130s. In previous workouts, I’ve been up in the 160s. It’s not that I didn’t feel that I was busting it (I was actually going harder to see if I could get my heart rate up). I got it up to 152 for a brief second. The major “problem” is that at any break (in between exercises) or just in an easier exercise, my heart rate just plummets. I suppose this just means I’m in great shape, but I find it strange. By the time I got to the cool down hamstring stretch, I was under 100 bpm… and by the time the hamstring stretch was done, I was in the upper 70s bpm. Hey… I’m fit.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Core Synnergistics... give me more!!! 4 MORE DAYS!!!
3-30-10
It’s a true shame that core synergistics isn’t done more often in this program. It’s moderately hard. It’s a hell of a lot of fun, and it’s a really good workout (makes you sore all over and makes you sweat). I really like this one. This is a workout where you get what you put in. There is definitely a way to dog this one. I used 8 lb weights on all the weight workouts this morning and it was just right. One thing that continues to blow my mind is my pushup strength. I’m pretty much only doing military pushups (if I have a choice) and it seems like I can just go forever. I’m running out of time before failing. I’m doing more reps on everything than the crew is. A couple of hours afterwards, my shoulders are sore and my chest is tight. I can feel the tightness in my abs coming on as well. I really like having this workout twice in recovery week because if it weren’t for this workout this week would be a complete throw away.
I booked some vacation to New Orleans in May. I think I can continue the program ‘til then. Then I’ll take a couple day rest. That will give me P128X… who knows… I might be crazy enough by then to just power through vacation and not miss a day (I doubt it, but it’s possible).
The next two days are sleepers… Kempo and nothing (stretch = nothing). Maybe I’ll have something to say about these two workouts, maybe I won’t… Final week!!!!
Oh... did I mention 4 MORE DAYS!!!!!
It’s a true shame that core synergistics isn’t done more often in this program. It’s moderately hard. It’s a hell of a lot of fun, and it’s a really good workout (makes you sore all over and makes you sweat). I really like this one. This is a workout where you get what you put in. There is definitely a way to dog this one. I used 8 lb weights on all the weight workouts this morning and it was just right. One thing that continues to blow my mind is my pushup strength. I’m pretty much only doing military pushups (if I have a choice) and it seems like I can just go forever. I’m running out of time before failing. I’m doing more reps on everything than the crew is. A couple of hours afterwards, my shoulders are sore and my chest is tight. I can feel the tightness in my abs coming on as well. I really like having this workout twice in recovery week because if it weren’t for this workout this week would be a complete throw away.
I booked some vacation to New Orleans in May. I think I can continue the program ‘til then. Then I’ll take a couple day rest. That will give me P128X… who knows… I might be crazy enough by then to just power through vacation and not miss a day (I doubt it, but it’s possible).
The next two days are sleepers… Kempo and nothing (stretch = nothing). Maybe I’ll have something to say about these two workouts, maybe I won’t… Final week!!!!
Oh... did I mention 4 MORE DAYS!!!!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Week 13... Less than a week to go!!!!
3-29-10
Well, the final week is upon me. This week started a little strange as it is a recovery week, but since I missed Yoga for its regularly scheduled date, I made it up yesterday. This resulted in have yoga on back to back days. People should do this more often. It was “normal-hard” yesterday… Today is was a piece of cake and got me good and stretched out. As I keep pushing the ab portion of all workouts harder and harder, that’s the only place I’m feeling it this morning. Everywhere else feels good (now, don’t interpret this as I’m not tight anywhere because I am. I simply am not painfully sore right now). I’m not really going to talk about Saturday’s Yoga workout, but I will add that I ran an easy 3 miles with my two dogs immediately following it (I mention that I ran with the dogs because this is not normal running. The dogs occasionally make me stop for smelling and business).
Some pain came up in my wrist this morning following side arm balance (with the leg raise) and it got me thinking about some toughness this journey has given me. There’s a part on bridge/wheel where Tony says something to the point of “if you have wrist issues here, I’d just bag it.” There’s another part on table where he talks about moving the hands to make a more comfortable wrist position. I said back to the television today… “or just tough it out… c’mon.” OK…. I’m not saying this is the most intelligent comment I’ve made, but I have discovered that through this process, occasionally aches and pains come up. Some of them really suck. Some of them almost made me stop. A sort list of my aches and pains are: shoulder (pinched nerve? No.), wrist (tweaked, sharp pain with any weight… went away after pushing through), groin (bad sharp pain…. Went away after working it out), knee (knees hurt sometimes), thigh, right calf, etc. What I’m trying to say here is that there’s a difference between, hurts, pains, and injuries. 5 workouts left and no injuries have come up. I really believe you have to keep pushing through. That’s not to say when I had some pain in my knee during the legs and back workouts that I went and grabbed more weight and tried to push it harder, but I think maintaining intensity is fair.
I’m going through a big dilemma of what to do next week (day 91). Insanity keeps running through my mind for more “muscle confusion,” but I feel like I’m about to hit my stride on P90X. I think if I can go through at least another 30 days, I can push it even harder. That’s what I’m going to do, but if I feel like I’m plateauing (not sure that’s a word), I’m going to switch it up.
Being on the last week is pretty awesome.
Well, the final week is upon me. This week started a little strange as it is a recovery week, but since I missed Yoga for its regularly scheduled date, I made it up yesterday. This resulted in have yoga on back to back days. People should do this more often. It was “normal-hard” yesterday… Today is was a piece of cake and got me good and stretched out. As I keep pushing the ab portion of all workouts harder and harder, that’s the only place I’m feeling it this morning. Everywhere else feels good (now, don’t interpret this as I’m not tight anywhere because I am. I simply am not painfully sore right now). I’m not really going to talk about Saturday’s Yoga workout, but I will add that I ran an easy 3 miles with my two dogs immediately following it (I mention that I ran with the dogs because this is not normal running. The dogs occasionally make me stop for smelling and business).
Some pain came up in my wrist this morning following side arm balance (with the leg raise) and it got me thinking about some toughness this journey has given me. There’s a part on bridge/wheel where Tony says something to the point of “if you have wrist issues here, I’d just bag it.” There’s another part on table where he talks about moving the hands to make a more comfortable wrist position. I said back to the television today… “or just tough it out… c’mon.” OK…. I’m not saying this is the most intelligent comment I’ve made, but I have discovered that through this process, occasionally aches and pains come up. Some of them really suck. Some of them almost made me stop. A sort list of my aches and pains are: shoulder (pinched nerve? No.), wrist (tweaked, sharp pain with any weight… went away after pushing through), groin (bad sharp pain…. Went away after working it out), knee (knees hurt sometimes), thigh, right calf, etc. What I’m trying to say here is that there’s a difference between, hurts, pains, and injuries. 5 workouts left and no injuries have come up. I really believe you have to keep pushing through. That’s not to say when I had some pain in my knee during the legs and back workouts that I went and grabbed more weight and tried to push it harder, but I think maintaining intensity is fair.
I’m going through a big dilemma of what to do next week (day 91). Insanity keeps running through my mind for more “muscle confusion,” but I feel like I’m about to hit my stride on P90X. I think if I can go through at least another 30 days, I can push it even harder. That’s what I’m going to do, but if I feel like I’m plateauing (not sure that’s a word), I’m going to switch it up.
Being on the last week is pretty awesome.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Final Legs and Back of P90X Round 1
3-26-10
Today was legs. I really struggled to get out of bed and I had a terrible attitude about this workout this morning. I’m really ready for recovery week. My mind and my body are just tired. Anyway… I was very frustrated with myself this morning because I just couldn’t knock the cobwebs off and get into the workout. That’s not to say I didn’t go as hard as I always do, but I felt weak and struggled. The worst part of it was my mindset. It is best described by “blah.” Then about halfway through the workout I decided to not use the chair at all on close grip pull-ups. 8. 8 pullups after I was already tired with no help. 8. Now, this may not sound like a lot of pull-ups for you, but 8 is spectacular in my mind. I have long arms and pull-ups have just never been my thing. If I could do 8 there, I think I’d be in the 15 -20 range when I was fresh. After I did that the attitude got a lot better.
The ab workout is getting too easy. I’m not really sure what to do about this. Today I did about 15 more Mason Twists after they did their 50. I know I’m at the end, but I’m thinking about the next round. So one thing I started doing today was on the scissors, I added in a touch the sky move for the top side. Let me explain… legs scissor like they do in the video but then I reached the arms to the ceiling and got my shoulders off the ground. It was a combo between the regular scissors and the 3 part touch the sky from the yoga workout. Just trying to spice it up, but seriously, something has to be done about this ab workout. It’s just too easy.
Today was legs. I really struggled to get out of bed and I had a terrible attitude about this workout this morning. I’m really ready for recovery week. My mind and my body are just tired. Anyway… I was very frustrated with myself this morning because I just couldn’t knock the cobwebs off and get into the workout. That’s not to say I didn’t go as hard as I always do, but I felt weak and struggled. The worst part of it was my mindset. It is best described by “blah.” Then about halfway through the workout I decided to not use the chair at all on close grip pull-ups. 8. 8 pullups after I was already tired with no help. 8. Now, this may not sound like a lot of pull-ups for you, but 8 is spectacular in my mind. I have long arms and pull-ups have just never been my thing. If I could do 8 there, I think I’d be in the 15 -20 range when I was fresh. After I did that the attitude got a lot better.
The ab workout is getting too easy. I’m not really sure what to do about this. Today I did about 15 more Mason Twists after they did their 50. I know I’m at the end, but I’m thinking about the next round. So one thing I started doing today was on the scissors, I added in a touch the sky move for the top side. Let me explain… legs scissor like they do in the video but then I reached the arms to the ceiling and got my shoulders off the ground. It was a combo between the regular scissors and the 3 part touch the sky from the yoga workout. Just trying to spice it up, but seriously, something has to be done about this ab workout. It’s just too easy.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Skipped it... not happy with myself
3-25-10
Well… it has its highs and it has its lows. Today (thus far) is one of the low days. I went out last night with some old work colleagues, then I joined the local crowd at the bar. I stayed out a little later than I should have and that resulted in me sleeping through my alarm this morning. This normally wouldn't be a problem, but I have plans to watch the sweet 16 games at 6:00 this evening giving me no time to make up the workout after work. My thoughts as of now are to make it up on my off day (Sunday). I know that’s going to end up having me to do yoga two days in a row, but is that really a problem? Not happy with myself today, but that’s what’s going to drive me to make this workout up.
Well… it has its highs and it has its lows. Today (thus far) is one of the low days. I went out last night with some old work colleagues, then I joined the local crowd at the bar. I stayed out a little later than I should have and that resulted in me sleeping through my alarm this morning. This normally wouldn't be a problem, but I have plans to watch the sweet 16 games at 6:00 this evening giving me no time to make up the workout after work. My thoughts as of now are to make it up on my off day (Sunday). I know that’s going to end up having me to do yoga two days in a row, but is that really a problem? Not happy with myself today, but that’s what’s going to drive me to make this workout up.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Bringin’ It 80 days and counting…
3-24-10
The energy comes and goes. Today (although my eyes tell me I’m tired – coffee hasn’t hit in), I have a little pep in my step. The past couple of days I have had total body fatigue, but today (although I’m pretty sore) I feel good. Looking back on my easy 2 mile run yesterday at lunch, I’m pretty happy with it. It’s spring break for the kids around here and he office is pretty empty, so I don’t worry too much about being a little “post runny” for the rest of the afternoon.
Today was back and biceps. I like this workout because it’s hard but I’m able to move on after it’s all over. I’m getting a lot stronger. My one complaint about this workout is that my hands hurt. I have calluses and they are all sore.
My shirts are fitting differently. I’m not exactly sure what the cause is, but it’s either my shoulders or my back. All my workout shirts are getting smaller. That’s kind of fun.
I mentioned yesterday that I was thinking about losing a couple pounds in the last two weeks of this journey. I did pretty well on the diet yesterday and I’m actually lighter than I’ve been in quite some time (176 this morning – not sure if this is a real weight or just some water). Now, to those reading this, I understand I go out and I drink too much and too often. That being said, this program has forced me to cut back and has taught me a lot about moderation. The only “sin” on my diet yesterday was a couple of drinks out with friends last night. I am calling this out specifically as I believe you can get great results even if you splurge every now and then. You don’t have to be a shut-in to make this program work. Now don’t get me wrong. You follow the diet plan to a tee and shut yourself in for 90 days… I’m sure you will have no complaints.
I have decided that I won’t take any time off after the 90 days. My plan as of today is to just start back on day 1, but I continue to toy with the idea of doing Insanity. I don’t know… I’ll keep you posted.
Bringin’ It 80 days and counting…
The energy comes and goes. Today (although my eyes tell me I’m tired – coffee hasn’t hit in), I have a little pep in my step. The past couple of days I have had total body fatigue, but today (although I’m pretty sore) I feel good. Looking back on my easy 2 mile run yesterday at lunch, I’m pretty happy with it. It’s spring break for the kids around here and he office is pretty empty, so I don’t worry too much about being a little “post runny” for the rest of the afternoon.
Today was back and biceps. I like this workout because it’s hard but I’m able to move on after it’s all over. I’m getting a lot stronger. My one complaint about this workout is that my hands hurt. I have calluses and they are all sore.
My shirts are fitting differently. I’m not exactly sure what the cause is, but it’s either my shoulders or my back. All my workout shirts are getting smaller. That’s kind of fun.
I mentioned yesterday that I was thinking about losing a couple pounds in the last two weeks of this journey. I did pretty well on the diet yesterday and I’m actually lighter than I’ve been in quite some time (176 this morning – not sure if this is a real weight or just some water). Now, to those reading this, I understand I go out and I drink too much and too often. That being said, this program has forced me to cut back and has taught me a lot about moderation. The only “sin” on my diet yesterday was a couple of drinks out with friends last night. I am calling this out specifically as I believe you can get great results even if you splurge every now and then. You don’t have to be a shut-in to make this program work. Now don’t get me wrong. You follow the diet plan to a tee and shut yourself in for 90 days… I’m sure you will have no complaints.
I have decided that I won’t take any time off after the 90 days. My plan as of today is to just start back on day 1, but I continue to toy with the idea of doing Insanity. I don’t know… I’ll keep you posted.
Bringin’ It 80 days and counting…
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Last Plyo for round 1 + complete body fatigue
3-23-10
It seems as if I have hit complete body fatigue. Did plyo today and I was simply tired all the way through. It just seems like everything hurts and I’m really tired. That’s not to say I took it easy…. I hit it hard this morning. I’m not slowing down just because I feel burnt out. My thought is that since phase 3 is a 4 week round (plus recovery) instead of 3 weeks, my body is just really tired. My thought is that this is where the real work gets done. It’s the first week of spring and it’s supposed to be 70 outside. I think I may go for a run during lunch. My calves are really sore, but I think running may help loosen me up. I’m not really that sore, I just feel week and dead. I’m ready for some Yoga (but that’s not for two more days). I’m very much ready for the 90 days to get here just for an accomplishment standpoint.
One place I don’t remember being this sore is my back. It’s certainly muscle soreness, but it requiring constant stretching.
I haven’t been eating all that well and I’m not real happy about that. I’m going to put more focus on eating right for the next few days to see if I can get rid of that last bit of fat off my belly. I have been extremely hungry over the last few weeks. I’m still at 180 (meaning I haven’t gained or lost since the end of week 1). I’m pondering losing 3 -5 pounds, but I’m worried my body needs the fuel as it’s feeling dead now. I don’t really want to lose any weight… just want it off my belly.
Anyway… thought about it in the shower…. Today was my last Plyo workout for round 1 of P90X. Kind of crazy.
MID DAY UPDATE: I ran a couple miles over lunch. Not real sure about being a little sweaty back at work but I feel good.
It seems as if I have hit complete body fatigue. Did plyo today and I was simply tired all the way through. It just seems like everything hurts and I’m really tired. That’s not to say I took it easy…. I hit it hard this morning. I’m not slowing down just because I feel burnt out. My thought is that since phase 3 is a 4 week round (plus recovery) instead of 3 weeks, my body is just really tired. My thought is that this is where the real work gets done. It’s the first week of spring and it’s supposed to be 70 outside. I think I may go for a run during lunch. My calves are really sore, but I think running may help loosen me up. I’m not really that sore, I just feel week and dead. I’m ready for some Yoga (but that’s not for two more days). I’m very much ready for the 90 days to get here just for an accomplishment standpoint.
One place I don’t remember being this sore is my back. It’s certainly muscle soreness, but it requiring constant stretching.
I haven’t been eating all that well and I’m not real happy about that. I’m going to put more focus on eating right for the next few days to see if I can get rid of that last bit of fat off my belly. I have been extremely hungry over the last few weeks. I’m still at 180 (meaning I haven’t gained or lost since the end of week 1). I’m pondering losing 3 -5 pounds, but I’m worried my body needs the fuel as it’s feeling dead now. I don’t really want to lose any weight… just want it off my belly.
Anyway… thought about it in the shower…. Today was my last Plyo workout for round 1 of P90X. Kind of crazy.
MID DAY UPDATE: I ran a couple miles over lunch. Not real sure about being a little sweaty back at work but I feel good.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Week 12 Begins... less than two weeks left
3-22-10
Well, my March Madness brackets are shot but that doesn’t take away from my love of the perfect tournament. Anyway… since I last posted I finished up week 11 (week 11 really?) and did Yoga, Legs and Back, and Kempo. Honestly, I don’t know how much I need to get in details of the workouts, because they are the same as they have always been. I’m stronger, but they are the same.
That being said, I did not eat well over my vacation. But not eating well now in no way compares to my terrible eating habits prior to starting this journey. I noticed in the mirror this morning, that my chest and shoulders are getting bigger.
I am struggling a little bit physically. My legs have been extremely sore lately and I have been cramping up a lot in my calves. I’m trying to stay hydrated, but that is only lessening the cramping fits. The legs aren’t such a big deal, but I feel like I have a pinched nerve under my collar bone. I have decided that there is nothing that will get in my way from finishing these last two weeks, but it hurt like hell yesterday and this morning. However, after doing the Chest, Shoulders and Triceps (+ab ripper X) the sharp pain has gone away. Maybe I worked it out. My chest hurts in a bad way especially around my sternum. My back is really tightening up as well. I’m not saying this to complain. I actually like the soreness. I do think my body needs some rest though.
I’m so excited that this is the last non-recovery week of my first round of 90 days. 90 days seemed so far away in the beginning… now it’s less than two weeks away.
Well, my March Madness brackets are shot but that doesn’t take away from my love of the perfect tournament. Anyway… since I last posted I finished up week 11 (week 11 really?) and did Yoga, Legs and Back, and Kempo. Honestly, I don’t know how much I need to get in details of the workouts, because they are the same as they have always been. I’m stronger, but they are the same.
That being said, I did not eat well over my vacation. But not eating well now in no way compares to my terrible eating habits prior to starting this journey. I noticed in the mirror this morning, that my chest and shoulders are getting bigger.
I am struggling a little bit physically. My legs have been extremely sore lately and I have been cramping up a lot in my calves. I’m trying to stay hydrated, but that is only lessening the cramping fits. The legs aren’t such a big deal, but I feel like I have a pinched nerve under my collar bone. I have decided that there is nothing that will get in my way from finishing these last two weeks, but it hurt like hell yesterday and this morning. However, after doing the Chest, Shoulders and Triceps (+ab ripper X) the sharp pain has gone away. Maybe I worked it out. My chest hurts in a bad way especially around my sternum. My back is really tightening up as well. I’m not saying this to complain. I actually like the soreness. I do think my body needs some rest though.
I’m so excited that this is the last non-recovery week of my first round of 90 days. 90 days seemed so far away in the beginning… now it’s less than two weeks away.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Week 10 Plyo and Shoulders and Arms
3-17-10
I didn’t make an update yesterday because it was the first week day in 71 days that I did not get up in the morning. My wife got a late call (around 9:00) for a request to go out… Ending up having too much fun and got home around 1:30. The alarm went off and I finally woke up 20 min later. It was too late to pull off Plyo (and I was not in the position to pull it off). That is not to say I missed a workout. I made Plyo up after work. It’s nice working out after work because your body has been moving all day. I felt stronger and broke a sweat earlier. But it sucked because I don’t like making time after work to work out. Running is ok because I don’t jeopardize the living room and TV, but I’m just not going to be an after work worker outer.
Plyo: Plyo is fun and pretty hard. I’m getting in very good shape and I’m struggling to keep my heart rate up in the 160s. I’m not nearly as winded as I was in the beginning, but the sweat pours more than ever. I’m going as hard as my body will let me. My performance has increased substantially and I’m just jumping around like a mad man.
Shoulders and arms: I’m hurting right now. My chest is ridiculously tight. My arms (especially my tris) are just not working. This workout doesn’t seem that taxing other than making you feel completely worthless after doing it.
I ‘m really pushing my body and I feel like I’m toeing the line of overwork/injury. I’m being very careful to listen to my body, but I think this is the way the program is designed. Push yourself up to the edge of the cliff, just don’t jump off. Yoga is going to be a nice vacation tomorrow. I’m sure that will make me feel better. It’s really hard for me to come to grips with the fact that I have one week of the hard work left (plus the remainder of this week).
The ab ripper portion of today’s workout was easier. I now have the strength to do all of this workout. The key to making it through every one of the exercises is relaxing/calmness of mind.
I’m taking vacation for tomorrow and Friday to watch the NCAA Basketball Tournament, so the next update won’t be until Monday. I assure you, I won’t be missing any workouts. P72X is treating me pretty well. Just can’t wait to get to 90 days.
I didn’t make an update yesterday because it was the first week day in 71 days that I did not get up in the morning. My wife got a late call (around 9:00) for a request to go out… Ending up having too much fun and got home around 1:30. The alarm went off and I finally woke up 20 min later. It was too late to pull off Plyo (and I was not in the position to pull it off). That is not to say I missed a workout. I made Plyo up after work. It’s nice working out after work because your body has been moving all day. I felt stronger and broke a sweat earlier. But it sucked because I don’t like making time after work to work out. Running is ok because I don’t jeopardize the living room and TV, but I’m just not going to be an after work worker outer.
Plyo: Plyo is fun and pretty hard. I’m getting in very good shape and I’m struggling to keep my heart rate up in the 160s. I’m not nearly as winded as I was in the beginning, but the sweat pours more than ever. I’m going as hard as my body will let me. My performance has increased substantially and I’m just jumping around like a mad man.
Shoulders and arms: I’m hurting right now. My chest is ridiculously tight. My arms (especially my tris) are just not working. This workout doesn’t seem that taxing other than making you feel completely worthless after doing it.
I ‘m really pushing my body and I feel like I’m toeing the line of overwork/injury. I’m being very careful to listen to my body, but I think this is the way the program is designed. Push yourself up to the edge of the cliff, just don’t jump off. Yoga is going to be a nice vacation tomorrow. I’m sure that will make me feel better. It’s really hard for me to come to grips with the fact that I have one week of the hard work left (plus the remainder of this week).
The ab ripper portion of today’s workout was easier. I now have the strength to do all of this workout. The key to making it through every one of the exercises is relaxing/calmness of mind.
I’m taking vacation for tomorrow and Friday to watch the NCAA Basketball Tournament, so the next update won’t be until Monday. I assure you, I won’t be missing any workouts. P72X is treating me pretty well. Just can’t wait to get to 90 days.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Week 10 is here... that's right WEEK 10!!!!
3-15-10
Well, it’s the beginning of week 10. I had a good weekend and of course Kempo was easy and fun. Did pretty good on the diet and am starting to see that fat melt away around my belly. Oh, I’m excited for the 6 pack… ‘cause it’s comin’! It was kind of crazy to think that this was my last Chest and Back workout of P90X. That means we’re getting close to the end. It’s the first week of the NCAA basketball tourney and I’m taking off Thursday and Friday to watch the opening round games. I’m very excited.
Chest and Back: I’ve decided that you can never make this workout easy. The strong you get, the harder you push and the more spent you make yourself. This is a true test of how hard you are willing to go. My fingers are still very tight and it’s hard to type (It’s about 3 hours after finishing the workout). My chest, shoulders and arms are already very sore. I don’t remember it being like this two weeks ago, but I like it. Sunday was the return of daylight savings time, so I lost an hour. It didn’t seem that bad this morning so I’m pretty excited about that. Ab ripper X day one was a success. I know I can hang with them the entire time, you just have to dedicate yourself to making it happen. It’s hard, but I know I can hang with the kids and I did.
I have talked about what I plan to do after P90Xon this before and I think I have come to a decision. I’m just going to keep pushing play. Let’s make it P120X then P180X. These routines have gotten me in such good shape, I don’t really want to try something else. I also realize I have a long way to go in strength. I watch Tony and the kids and would love to be able to keep up with them on pull ups and pushups towards the end of the workout. I also realize I don’t use as much weight as the group (but I know I could one day). So, I’ll just keep pushing play and writing about my experiences.
Tonight, I’m going to run (even though it looks nasty outside) and tomorrow I have the wonderful and anticipated Plyo X. It’s starting to hit me… less than 3 weeks left (including the final recovery week)!!! YES!!! (then we start again).
Well, it’s the beginning of week 10. I had a good weekend and of course Kempo was easy and fun. Did pretty good on the diet and am starting to see that fat melt away around my belly. Oh, I’m excited for the 6 pack… ‘cause it’s comin’! It was kind of crazy to think that this was my last Chest and Back workout of P90X. That means we’re getting close to the end. It’s the first week of the NCAA basketball tourney and I’m taking off Thursday and Friday to watch the opening round games. I’m very excited.
Chest and Back: I’ve decided that you can never make this workout easy. The strong you get, the harder you push and the more spent you make yourself. This is a true test of how hard you are willing to go. My fingers are still very tight and it’s hard to type (It’s about 3 hours after finishing the workout). My chest, shoulders and arms are already very sore. I don’t remember it being like this two weeks ago, but I like it. Sunday was the return of daylight savings time, so I lost an hour. It didn’t seem that bad this morning so I’m pretty excited about that. Ab ripper X day one was a success. I know I can hang with them the entire time, you just have to dedicate yourself to making it happen. It’s hard, but I know I can hang with the kids and I did.
I have talked about what I plan to do after P90Xon this before and I think I have come to a decision. I’m just going to keep pushing play. Let’s make it P120X then P180X. These routines have gotten me in such good shape, I don’t really want to try something else. I also realize I have a long way to go in strength. I watch Tony and the kids and would love to be able to keep up with them on pull ups and pushups towards the end of the workout. I also realize I don’t use as much weight as the group (but I know I could one day). So, I’ll just keep pushing play and writing about my experiences.
Tonight, I’m going to run (even though it looks nasty outside) and tomorrow I have the wonderful and anticipated Plyo X. It’s starting to hit me… less than 3 weeks left (including the final recovery week)!!! YES!!! (then we start again).
Friday, March 12, 2010
Legs and back (only have to do this two more times)
3-12-10
Oh legs and back… how I hate you. But it’s over for the week and it’s Friday. Yippie!!!! So my legs are getting bigger and my waist is getting smaller. I can tell by the way my jeans fit. I’m actually going to have to go get new jeans because my thighs are getting close to busting out of them. The good thing is they are loose at the waist.
I just read a facebook post from P90X talking about “why I don’t have abs yet”, and It wasn’t really new, but it was a little interesting. Here’s what it said:
“P90X ® You very well may already have a washboard stomach, but that last bit of chub is covering it. Unfortunately, you can't spot burn fat. We all have our problem areas—the last places fat wants to leave. Typically, for guys, it's the gut, and for the ladies, it's the hips.So basically, all you can do is keep at it. Eat right and work hard, and eventually, you'll get those abs. Keep in mind that your body will be super resistant to lose the last of its emergency fuel supply, so you're going to have to work with a pretty small calorie deficit, or you might go into starvation mode”
So, my problem is definitely the diet (and I’m pretty good, but I cheat). It’s interesting to me though because event when I cheat, I’m running a calorie deficit. It’s just not good food. Now, I’m really close to everything showing but it’s that pesky bit of fat on my stomach. I’m not all that worried about it because I see it going away more and more. I am choosing to eliminate my fat by running. I will personally go crazy if I don’t get to cheat every once in a while. My wife isn’t doing this program but is very healthy when it comes to food. However, when she wants burger, pizza, or cheese dip I don’t want to say “no.” I’m just going to run it off. All in moderation.
Nothing new on the workout… it sucked like it always does. My abs were really tired. I struggled through the ab ripper today, but I’m feeling very strong and sore.
Oh legs and back… how I hate you. But it’s over for the week and it’s Friday. Yippie!!!! So my legs are getting bigger and my waist is getting smaller. I can tell by the way my jeans fit. I’m actually going to have to go get new jeans because my thighs are getting close to busting out of them. The good thing is they are loose at the waist.
I just read a facebook post from P90X talking about “why I don’t have abs yet”, and It wasn’t really new, but it was a little interesting. Here’s what it said:
“P90X ® You very well may already have a washboard stomach, but that last bit of chub is covering it. Unfortunately, you can't spot burn fat. We all have our problem areas—the last places fat wants to leave. Typically, for guys, it's the gut, and for the ladies, it's the hips.So basically, all you can do is keep at it. Eat right and work hard, and eventually, you'll get those abs. Keep in mind that your body will be super resistant to lose the last of its emergency fuel supply, so you're going to have to work with a pretty small calorie deficit, or you might go into starvation mode”
So, my problem is definitely the diet (and I’m pretty good, but I cheat). It’s interesting to me though because event when I cheat, I’m running a calorie deficit. It’s just not good food. Now, I’m really close to everything showing but it’s that pesky bit of fat on my stomach. I’m not all that worried about it because I see it going away more and more. I am choosing to eliminate my fat by running. I will personally go crazy if I don’t get to cheat every once in a while. My wife isn’t doing this program but is very healthy when it comes to food. However, when she wants burger, pizza, or cheese dip I don’t want to say “no.” I’m just going to run it off. All in moderation.
Nothing new on the workout… it sucked like it always does. My abs were really tired. I struggled through the ab ripper today, but I’m feeling very strong and sore.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I love me some Yoga X
3-11-10
Well, thank God for Yoga. I woke up this morning and my neck was still killing me. So sore, so painful. The rest of my body was hurting too, but nothing compared to my neck. After yoga, no more neck pain, just some deep burn in the quads.
I’m appreciating yoga more and more every time I do it. One thing is that it’s not that hard anymore. What used to be hard is now just a process of moving the soreness out. The right angle pose is probably the toughest, but c’mon, it doesn’t hold a candle to the legs and back workout of my Fridays (uggh!) Anyway, not a whole lot to say about today’s workout other than I loved it and it cleared my mind. I plan on running hills this evening. The loop I run is four miles. That should make for some good legs and back.
Oh, March Madness is here and that makes me happy. Since my Hogs aren’t going to make it this year, GO POKES!
Well, thank God for Yoga. I woke up this morning and my neck was still killing me. So sore, so painful. The rest of my body was hurting too, but nothing compared to my neck. After yoga, no more neck pain, just some deep burn in the quads.
I’m appreciating yoga more and more every time I do it. One thing is that it’s not that hard anymore. What used to be hard is now just a process of moving the soreness out. The right angle pose is probably the toughest, but c’mon, it doesn’t hold a candle to the legs and back workout of my Fridays (uggh!) Anyway, not a whole lot to say about today’s workout other than I loved it and it cleared my mind. I plan on running hills this evening. The loop I run is four miles. That should make for some good legs and back.
Oh, March Madness is here and that makes me happy. Since my Hogs aren’t going to make it this year, GO POKES!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Back and biceps... day 66
3-10-10
Maybe I’m getting away from what P90X was expected to be, but as I’m getting closer to the end, I really want to get rid of this pesky layer of fat on my lower abs. The way I know how to do this is P90X + running. The run intervals were very tough last night and I’m kind of paying for it today in that total body fatigue feeling (by the way... no one threw up last night, but it was close). The best part of this is that I have that feeling all over my body because I’m still rocking the P90X.
Today was back and biceps. I forgot how hard this workout is on the arms. It’s nearly 4 hours after I finished the workout and I’m still having problems getting my fingers to work. I’m going to be extremely sore tomorrow I’m sure. I had (what I hope to be) a minor issue this morning. I was doing pull ups and I tweaked my neck. I’ve been stretching it out all morning, but it hurts like hell. The good thing is that it’s just really sore and not that bone/vertebrae pain. I’m sure it will be gone soon enough. Maybe Yoga will fix it. I once again stayed with them on the abs, but I came up short by 5 on the twists. It’s really crazy to now feel the muscles around my side and going into my back. It’s like I’m wearing a weightlifting belt on the inside.
My body is really working on overdrive this morning too. I’m breaking into sweats randomly and I’m starving. I’ve been eating, but nothing is quenching my hunger. I’m just trying to fill my body with good things instead of crap. Spinach, grapes and water are my current choice.
Yoga tomorrow to work all this soreness and lactic acid out. Then the dreaded legs and back and kempo. It’s pretty crazy to think that next week’s Monday and Wednesday workouts will be the last time I do them before the end of the 90 day. Awesome.
Maybe I’m getting away from what P90X was expected to be, but as I’m getting closer to the end, I really want to get rid of this pesky layer of fat on my lower abs. The way I know how to do this is P90X + running. The run intervals were very tough last night and I’m kind of paying for it today in that total body fatigue feeling (by the way... no one threw up last night, but it was close). The best part of this is that I have that feeling all over my body because I’m still rocking the P90X.
Today was back and biceps. I forgot how hard this workout is on the arms. It’s nearly 4 hours after I finished the workout and I’m still having problems getting my fingers to work. I’m going to be extremely sore tomorrow I’m sure. I had (what I hope to be) a minor issue this morning. I was doing pull ups and I tweaked my neck. I’ve been stretching it out all morning, but it hurts like hell. The good thing is that it’s just really sore and not that bone/vertebrae pain. I’m sure it will be gone soon enough. Maybe Yoga will fix it. I once again stayed with them on the abs, but I came up short by 5 on the twists. It’s really crazy to now feel the muscles around my side and going into my back. It’s like I’m wearing a weightlifting belt on the inside.
My body is really working on overdrive this morning too. I’m breaking into sweats randomly and I’m starving. I’ve been eating, but nothing is quenching my hunger. I’m just trying to fill my body with good things instead of crap. Spinach, grapes and water are my current choice.
Yoga tomorrow to work all this soreness and lactic acid out. Then the dreaded legs and back and kempo. It’s pretty crazy to think that next week’s Monday and Wednesday workouts will be the last time I do them before the end of the 90 day. Awesome.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
So very sore...
3-9-10
I’m sore all over. I love it. So one thing about P90X that I’m starting to realize is that it makes your body want to go, go, go all the time. I frequently walk into my office with the urge of doing pushups (sometimes I just drop down and bust out 20 or so). But, as I said yesterday, I started running again last week, and I have been craving the burn and sweat (I think that’s a little crazy, but I think you need to be a little crazy to get through this program). So, not only have I stepped it up with the workouts, I’m running pretty hard.
So a buddy of mine asked me a couple weeks back to include him when I start running again. We ran together last Friday after I got off work, and I was impressed with his in shape-ness. He plays soccer, so I’m not totally surprised, but he told me he didn’t think he could run three miles and we did that easily. Anyway, he was talking, during our run, about wanting to get in better soccer shape. So last night I put together a moderate interval workout but we had to postpone due to rain (I still ran in it, but track sprints wouldn’t have been a wonderful thing). Not wanting to skip yesterday’s run, I ran hills in the rain for four miles. I know this might not seem like a long distance, but it’s my old loop and the hills make it tough. I’m in as good of shape as I was when I was running everyday (also when I went out as Michael Phelps for Halloween… use your imagination). So, I’m pretty happy about this. After I finished my run I texted my buddy and asked him to let me know when he wanted to re-schedule, and to my surprise, he said “tomorrow.” This got me a little worried. For starters, I had plyo this morning and that’s always tough on the legs. I also ran hills last night (then went out on the town), so I expected this morning’s plyo workout to be very difficult. And now I have to run intervals? Oh NO! Well… Oh YES!
Now for the workout discussion: Getting out of bed was bad this morning. I was sore. My eyes were burning. I owned the plyo workout. I don’t need to go into details, but I’m just in really good shape. Also, to my surprise, the workout actually helped my soreness (or maybe the other way around – my soreness actually helped my workout- I don’t know). While I’m extremely sore now (3 hours later), the workout was nothing. I’m pumped for my interval this evening. I just can’t get hurt. Maybe one of us will throw up (won’t be me)… BRING IT!!!!! ARGH!!!!
I’m sore all over. I love it. So one thing about P90X that I’m starting to realize is that it makes your body want to go, go, go all the time. I frequently walk into my office with the urge of doing pushups (sometimes I just drop down and bust out 20 or so). But, as I said yesterday, I started running again last week, and I have been craving the burn and sweat (I think that’s a little crazy, but I think you need to be a little crazy to get through this program). So, not only have I stepped it up with the workouts, I’m running pretty hard.
So a buddy of mine asked me a couple weeks back to include him when I start running again. We ran together last Friday after I got off work, and I was impressed with his in shape-ness. He plays soccer, so I’m not totally surprised, but he told me he didn’t think he could run three miles and we did that easily. Anyway, he was talking, during our run, about wanting to get in better soccer shape. So last night I put together a moderate interval workout but we had to postpone due to rain (I still ran in it, but track sprints wouldn’t have been a wonderful thing). Not wanting to skip yesterday’s run, I ran hills in the rain for four miles. I know this might not seem like a long distance, but it’s my old loop and the hills make it tough. I’m in as good of shape as I was when I was running everyday (also when I went out as Michael Phelps for Halloween… use your imagination). So, I’m pretty happy about this. After I finished my run I texted my buddy and asked him to let me know when he wanted to re-schedule, and to my surprise, he said “tomorrow.” This got me a little worried. For starters, I had plyo this morning and that’s always tough on the legs. I also ran hills last night (then went out on the town), so I expected this morning’s plyo workout to be very difficult. And now I have to run intervals? Oh NO! Well… Oh YES!
Now for the workout discussion: Getting out of bed was bad this morning. I was sore. My eyes were burning. I owned the plyo workout. I don’t need to go into details, but I’m just in really good shape. Also, to my surprise, the workout actually helped my soreness (or maybe the other way around – my soreness actually helped my workout- I don’t know). While I’m extremely sore now (3 hours later), the workout was nothing. I’m pumped for my interval this evening. I just can’t get hurt. Maybe one of us will throw up (won’t be me)… BRING IT!!!!! ARGH!!!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Oh my... only 26 days remaining.
3-8-2010
Well, it’s starting to hit me. Day 90 is fast approaching. I’m feeling good. Positive attitude all around. I also started running last week. I feel that that is going to be the way to get rid of what’s left of my gut or spare tire (it’s barely there anymore).
Kempo: I’m kind of tired of the kempo because it’s just not hard anymore. Pretty good cardio and a good recovery workout to set me up for the next week but it’s just kind of weak. I am trying to hit my head on the ceiling with the “X” jumps. Haven’t done it yet, but I think I’m close.
Shoulders, bi, and tri: I’m in the final stage where Mondays and Wednesdays are different from the week before. This workout is pretty hard, but not extremely exhausting (i.e. zero cardio). My arms, shoulders, and chest are sore after the workout, but I got it done. I felt a little weak this morning, but I gave it all I had. PROUD MOMENT: I stuck with them on the ab workout. All the way. I did every V-up Pulse-up and every twisty thing at the end. I couldn’t move, but there were fists a pumping at the end of this workout . The 6 pack is coming. Running is going to help it hurry up and get here.
26 Days remaining. Who gets this far and stops?
Well, it’s starting to hit me. Day 90 is fast approaching. I’m feeling good. Positive attitude all around. I also started running last week. I feel that that is going to be the way to get rid of what’s left of my gut or spare tire (it’s barely there anymore).
Kempo: I’m kind of tired of the kempo because it’s just not hard anymore. Pretty good cardio and a good recovery workout to set me up for the next week but it’s just kind of weak. I am trying to hit my head on the ceiling with the “X” jumps. Haven’t done it yet, but I think I’m close.
Shoulders, bi, and tri: I’m in the final stage where Mondays and Wednesdays are different from the week before. This workout is pretty hard, but not extremely exhausting (i.e. zero cardio). My arms, shoulders, and chest are sore after the workout, but I got it done. I felt a little weak this morning, but I gave it all I had. PROUD MOMENT: I stuck with them on the ab workout. All the way. I did every V-up Pulse-up and every twisty thing at the end. I couldn’t move, but there were fists a pumping at the end of this workout . The 6 pack is coming. Running is going to help it hurry up and get here.
26 Days remaining. Who gets this far and stops?
Friday, March 5, 2010
Week 9... through day 61... it's getting closer
3-5-10
Well, another hell week at work didn’t allow me to update the blog this week. I will say that if I didn’t get up in the mornings to work out, I would have never been able to pull this off. So, even though this is Friday, I’ll give you the recap of week 9.
Week 8 Yoga: Same as below. Starting to love this one.
Chest and back: I really like this workout. I remember how bad it sucked the first three weeks, but I am so much stronger now. I now keep up with “the kids” on everything except for the pull ups (I’m getting better at those too). The big “ah has” from this workout is that my body wasn’t quite ready to go after the recovery week when it comes to recovery, but I’m stronger and I could push myself much farther than I’ve been able to do before. I’ve been really sore all week from this workout. I do my pull-ups down the hall from the living room in the door way to the bathroom and I have a huge mirror at the end of the hallway. My arms and chest were so flexed out, I looked HUGE in the mirror. Results are coming and coming fast.
Plyo: This work out was something to be proud of. My wife and I decided Monday to drive 5 hours (each way) to buy a car. We wanted to leave before 5:00 so I got up at 3:00 and got busy. Yea buddy. Sweating profusely before 4:00 is pretty special. Just the sense of accomplishment got me through this one. I’m in good enough shape to just will myself through this one, but it’s still very tough.
Shoulders and arms: More of the same here. I’m really working hard this week and I’m starting to get winded on the strength days. It was nice to see this workout come back. It’s not too bad and it’s the glamour muscle workout. Always nice.
Yoga X: This is becoming soothing for me. I’m not saying it’s easy but it’s not too bad. It’s just really long. I can now consistently do a pushup before every upward dog without really struggling. Getting strong is pretty nice. Grrrrrrrr…..
Legs and Back: I hate this workout. I really do. The legs make me feel sick and the pull-ups just kill me. This is simply a push play and pray for it to end. I still really hate the chair salutations. I can get through it easier now, but it is just really tough and painful. I think this might be the most beneficial workout (I’ve always believe that results and performance are in the legs). I’m sure this is a bigger calorie burn than the upper body workouts, but it remains to be extremely tough. I just love that the workout I dislike the most is one that you have to do every week. It does feel good when it over….
Well, another hell week at work didn’t allow me to update the blog this week. I will say that if I didn’t get up in the mornings to work out, I would have never been able to pull this off. So, even though this is Friday, I’ll give you the recap of week 9.
Week 8 Yoga: Same as below. Starting to love this one.
Chest and back: I really like this workout. I remember how bad it sucked the first three weeks, but I am so much stronger now. I now keep up with “the kids” on everything except for the pull ups (I’m getting better at those too). The big “ah has” from this workout is that my body wasn’t quite ready to go after the recovery week when it comes to recovery, but I’m stronger and I could push myself much farther than I’ve been able to do before. I’ve been really sore all week from this workout. I do my pull-ups down the hall from the living room in the door way to the bathroom and I have a huge mirror at the end of the hallway. My arms and chest were so flexed out, I looked HUGE in the mirror. Results are coming and coming fast.
Plyo: This work out was something to be proud of. My wife and I decided Monday to drive 5 hours (each way) to buy a car. We wanted to leave before 5:00 so I got up at 3:00 and got busy. Yea buddy. Sweating profusely before 4:00 is pretty special. Just the sense of accomplishment got me through this one. I’m in good enough shape to just will myself through this one, but it’s still very tough.
Shoulders and arms: More of the same here. I’m really working hard this week and I’m starting to get winded on the strength days. It was nice to see this workout come back. It’s not too bad and it’s the glamour muscle workout. Always nice.
Yoga X: This is becoming soothing for me. I’m not saying it’s easy but it’s not too bad. It’s just really long. I can now consistently do a pushup before every upward dog without really struggling. Getting strong is pretty nice. Grrrrrrrr…..
Legs and Back: I hate this workout. I really do. The legs make me feel sick and the pull-ups just kill me. This is simply a push play and pray for it to end. I still really hate the chair salutations. I can get through it easier now, but it is just really tough and painful. I think this might be the most beneficial workout (I’ve always believe that results and performance are in the legs). I’m sure this is a bigger calorie burn than the upper body workouts, but it remains to be extremely tough. I just love that the workout I dislike the most is one that you have to do every week. It does feel good when it over….
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