Day 21: Rest or P90x Stretch X

Well it was supposed to be a rest day but we decided to go for a run today.. I was feeling guilty after drinking several beers last might while I watched the Wings beat the Penguins.

Tomorrow starts week 4. All different workouts.

Day 20: P90x Kenpo X

P90x Kenpo X. Once again, for me , today is almost like a rest day. A lot of punching and kicking to get the heart pumping but not to difficult. Might go for a run later. Have to go cut 2 lawns today so I know I'll be burning a lot more calories so I have to make sure I eat today what I am suppossed to. Well I will be taking a break tomorrow. Might pop in Stretch X depending what time the Red Wings play. See you all on Monday.

Day 19: P90x Legs and Back / Ab Ripper

Day 19 for P90x was Legs and Back and Ab Ripper. This work out is still hard but getting easier. I love working all of these different muscles. Pretty sure I didn't get all of my calories today but I didn't feel hungry either. It's tough sometimes when you are busy. Hamstrings are a little sore but I know they were neglected before I started. P90x is great for me since I babied one of my legs about 6 years ago because of back problems. I probably limped on it for about 4 months and then needed back surgery. With P90x you are focusing on each leg seperately and it is really helping me out. Even though it was 6 years ago one leg doesn't have as much muscle as the other so hopefully after P90x they will be equal again in strength and size.

Day 18: P90x Yoga X

Well it's confirmed for sure. I'm now flexible nor can I keep my balance very well. I'm not sure I like P90x Yoga X at all but Im sure a lot of people say the same thing. I guess it probably doesn't help that I stayed out and watched the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Just in case you were wondering, YES, I did cheat and had some beers. Emmm. Nice and cold. If you are new to yoga, and I am, then it will be difficult. I don't think it's normal to stand on one leg then stick the other one straight out while you grab your toes. It's hard enough standing on one leg. I can say one thing for sure. P90x Yoga will make you sweat and shake. Trying to hold these poses is very difficult. I can't even do them all the way and they are still hard. Next week for me is week 4 and I have to do Yoga X twice that week. As of now I can tell you that I am not looking forward to it.


Tony doesn't have you do all of these poses but you do enough. I can't believe some people do Yoga 4 and 5 times a week. Amazing. The flexibilty is incredible. You are definitely engaging muscle fibers in a whole new way as well as getting some good stretching. Maybe instead of resting on rest day I will do the Stretch X workout. Might help with the Yoga.

Day 17: P90x Shoulders and Arms/Ab Ripper

Well the journey continues with P90x Shoulders and Arms and Ab Ripper. I am happy to say my hip flexors are no longer sore. Finally. I can do all movements without any soreness at all. Worked my shoulders and arms real good today. I still didn't have all the correct weights so I didn't get the correct reps in but today I found a set of hex dumbells on craigslist from 5 lbs up to 40 lbs except for the 25 lbs. Got them all for $120. I was happy with the price considering they were $1 a pound everywhere I looked and I got 310 pounds for $120.

I am so glad on started P90x. For the most part I feel good everyday and the days I feel sluggish I know it is because of the lack of carbs in this phase. This will all change in phase 2 as I am aloowed to have 3 carb servings during this phase instead of 1. Yoga X tomorrow. Yippieeeee. (yeah right)

Poppy Montgomery did P90X

This TV star used P90X to get back into pre-baby shape!

POPPY MONTGOMERY

“I ate with no guilt!” actress Poppy Montgomery told PEOPLE about indulging in treats like Häagen-Dazs Dulce de Leche ice cream during her pregnancy with son Jackson Phillip Deveraux, who turned 1 on Dec. 23. To get back in camera-ready shape, the Without a Trace star signed up for meal-delivery service Sunfare and exercised at home six days a week with the P90X total-body workout DVD. “It was hard, but worth it,” she said.

Credit: Arlene Richie/JPI; Jack Guy for PEOPLE

P90x FAQs

This is an interesting article from the Beachbody newsletter I received a while back. Steve answers 8 of the most frequently asked questions he has received over the years.

"How do I get past this plateau?" "Why do I have to do yoga?" "How on earth can the sweet, orangey goodness of P90X® Results and Recovery Formula be good for you?" As an Advice Staff member on the Beachbody Message Boards, these are the kinds of questions I've fielded almost every day for the last 6 years. In that time, I've answered over 23,000 posts on the Nutrition or Fitness forums. There's no longer much that throws me, with the exception of one question: "Is it possible that I'm allergic to water?" But besides that one, the questions online tend to be fairly routine. They're good questions, mind you, but let me put it this way, you're not the only one around wondering when his or her six-pack abs are going to show up.
So, for your amusement and, hopefully, your education, here are the top eight questions I get asked on the boards.

1. "I'm eating at a large calorie deficit and exercising really hard, yet the scale isn't moving. What gives?"
Plateau, huh? Ninety-nine percent of the time, it's one of two things. If you're not dropping pounds yet your inches are changing for the positive, odds are you are actually losing fat but also gaining muscle. That's what's balancing out the scale.
I know it's a frustrating situation, but if you've been looking in the mirror or putting on clothes, you've probably noticed that you're looking better and your clothes are fitting looser, so it's not all bad.
When this happens, I've found that approximately week 6 is the magic time when the scale starts moving, so hang in there, tiger!
The other probable cause is that you're undereating, which can force your body into starvation mode.
Back in the days when folks hunted and gathered, there were no 7-Elevens. Because of this, people sometimes had to go for days with little or no food. According to Darwin, people who survived these times of famine were the people who, well, survived these times of famine. And in order to do this, their bodies adapted by slowing down their metabolisms and holding onto emergency fuel supplies (aka "fat") during lean times. This is starvation mode.
Almost every time I tell someone to eat more to knock out a plateau, I get an argument because people who've lost weight by eating less have trouble adjusting their mindsets. But as your body composition changes, you have to eat to support it. If I can finally turn them around, the scale almost always starts moving again.

2."What's the deal with Recovery Formula?"
P90X Results and Recovery Formula is a four-parts-carbohydrates-to-one-part-protein powder that speeds muscle recovery.
When you exercise anaerobically (weight training, the high end of intervals, etc.), you burn blood sugar and glycogen. If you give it your all for about an hour, you'll probably deplete both of those resources. The carbs in Recovery Formula rush in to replenish that blood sugar and glycogen. Meanwhile, the protein piggybacks in, getting to muscles for a head start on resynthesis.
This 4:1 recovery drink model was conceived by John Ivy and Robert Portman in a landmark study you can read in the book Nutrient Timing: The Future of Sports Nutrition.
That's my main answer to this query, but there are sometimes subtle variations on the question. Let's address a few of those here.
First off, the carb-protein balance should be between 3:1 and 5:1 to work optimally. If you take in more protein than that or you add fat or fiber, it slows the absorption of the carbohydrates and you miss the post-workout window of about 1 hour during which nutrients are absorbed readily.
Secondly, while Recovery Formula primarily works for strength workouts, there's an anaerobic component to most of our "aerobic," or cardio, workouts, which you know if you've done P90X's "Plyometrics" workout.
Because not every workout is going to hammer you, you should decide how much Recovery Formula you need on a sliding scale. If you're so wasted that you're having difficulty moving the muscle groups you just worked, then a full serving of Recovery Formula is called for. If you feel a little shaky but not trashed, you probably have a little glycogen left over, so drink half a serving.
Another factor in deciding how you use Recovery Formula is how much blood sugar you began your workout with. If your diet is very lean, you may be tapped to begin with, so sipping a little during your workout would be hugely beneficial. There's no hard and fast rule. If you feel perfectly good post-workout, you likely didn't train hard enough for Recovery Formula. It's really up to you to gauge how you feel, and use some common sense.
Finally, Recovery Formula is specially designed for maximum absorption, and it has a lot of extra goodies in it. But if you're getting fit on the cheap, you can make your own recovery drink with apples or grape juice (the acids in orange juice mess with the absorption process, so don't use that) and a couple tablespoons of vanilla protein powder.
And no, it doesn't taste weird. It tastes like a fruit juice float.
Oh, and Beachbody's Meal Replacement Shake is also a decent replacement.

3. "Why do I have to do P90X yoga X"?
When a form of exercise has had over 3,000 years to evolve, it tends to be highly effective. It increases strength, balance, and flexibility in a way that no other exercise can. A lot of people write in to ask if they can replace it with stretching, but it's just not the same thing. Stretching does little, if anything, for strength and balance.
I know yoga can be hard, but if you stick it out, it'll pay off. If you don't believe me, here's what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar told Time magazine about the longevity of his basketball career: "My friends and teammates think I made a deal with the devil. But it was yoga that made my training complete. There is no way I could have played as long as I did without yoga."

4. "How long can I do the high-protein first phase of the P90X nutrition plan?"
For most of us, not very long. It's slated to go a month, but most of you won't go past week 2, and some won't make it a week. This phase is designed to teach you how to identify how carbs work with your body for energy and to more efficiently use your body's fat stores. Sounds cool, but if you do it too long, you'll hinder your progress, because when you follow a high-protein diet, you're denying yourself the carbohydrates to do P90X workouts effectively.
The body does use body fat for energy during some activities, such as cardio, but only to a degree. When you deny yourself the carbohydrates it needs and then push beyond the capacity of fat mobilization for energy, your body activates a process called ketosis, which burns additional body fat for use as fuel for the muscles and brain. When ketosis fails, your body will enter a carb-depleted state called "the bonk," and you won't be able to exercise effectively.
Continued ketosis wears on your kidneys and can lead to kidney disease. Obese and out-of-shape people may be able to follow a high-protein diet for a while because they have plenty of fat reserves and, frankly, they aren't yet capable of exercising at a high level. But still, 6 weeks is about as long as anyone should be able to stay in phase one.
How do you know where you fall? If you add some carbs and instantly feel better, you'll know it's time for a change. If you add too many carbs, you will start to feel sluggish, which is the lesson phase one is designed to teach.

5. "I've injured myself. Should I just work through the pain?"
Never, ever work through injury pain. Sometimes it's hard to tell if it's muscle pain or an injury, but if you're hurt, stop. And if you're unsure, err on the cautious side. If you can do other workouts that don't affect the injury, fine, but rest the injury and ice it every day to help with swelling. If it clears up in a week, resume exercising, but make a point of warming up the injured area a little longer before working out and stretch the area as often as you can, particularly post-workout. Stretching an injury helps prevent scar tissue from forming on the muscles. If it doesn't clear up, you can try more rest or get to a doctor or a physical therapist ASAP.
If you take care of it, it'll most likely heal. If not, it will probably become chronic, which means you could be stuck with it for life.

6. "Why don't I have six-pack abs yet?"
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. (See question one.)

7. "My breasts are getting smaller as I lose weight. How can I stop this?"
Breasts are mainly fat. Unlike hips, they often seem to be the first thing to go on women. It's kind of a bummer, but seriously, the rest of you is thinning out too, and you're going to look much hotter in a bikini with or without your current cup size.
And, for the record, I don't get this question all that much, but it's a real crowd-pleaser, so I thought I'd throw it in the mix.

8. "Why can't I eat less on P90X?"
Because P90X isn't a weight loss program. Yes, burning fat is a primary component of the program, but it's only part of the plan.

The P90X Exercise Program is designed for people with some degree of fitness. Our other programs, such as Power 90® and Slim in 6®, are designed for people who are less fit. Out-of-shape people generally can't spend a long time working out above their anaerobic threshold, and therefore, they don't burn fat for fuel efficiently. Training while eating fewer calories can help improve this.
Typically, as these people work their way up the Beachbody fitness ranks, they need to up their calories to continue to get results. They need to support their increased metabolisms, and they need the fuel to repair their muscles after the more intense workouts. Otherwise, they risk getting injured or getting a chronic illness.

Assuming you can do P90X, you should already be in this higher fitness range.
Of course, this can be different for everyone, so it's up to you to experiment and find a calorie range that's right for you. Just don't under-eat. If you overeat slightly, your fitness will eventually catch up with your nutrition. But if you under-eat and ignore your body's warning signs, then you will break down sooner or later.

Here are some more P90X frequently asked questions.

Did you know that the P90X exercise program has 3 different plans for different results?

Where to buy P90X?

Can I still run while doing P90X?

P90X Plyometrics is too hard/P90X Plyometrics Tips

P90X Chest and Back tips.

Want to make some extra money with p90X? Become a Beachbody coach.

Day 16: Plyometrics

Ahhh, day 16. P90x Plyometrics. Starting to get a little easier. Well. I shouldn't say easy since none of this workout is easy, maybe just a little more do-able since my legs are now getting used to it somewhat. You can always increase the intensity by getting lower in your squats with this workout. I woke up a little sore this morning from painting the deck all day but was still able to get the plyometrics done. Just like Tony Horton say "You can do anything for 30 seconds". Funny. Try it. Then you will get it. This workout really makes you sweat. You do some jumping and twisting but I don't think I would call high impact. You land softly and there are modified moves if you are having joint problems.

Day 15: P90x Chest and Back/Ab Ripper

Well it's Memorial Day and I had to do Chest and Back/Ab Ripper X today. Not to mention we painted the deck which was another workout in itself. Feels like I was doing yoga all day. My poor back.We finished it but only 1 coat and the weather man says it is supposed to rain tomorrow. Great. We needed 2 coats and no rain for at least 24hrs. Don't know if we are going to make it. No bratwursts,hotdogs,sausage or anything bad today. We had some chicken tacos,a bean burrito, avocado and some tomatoes for dinner. Delicious!

Well I finally think the lack of carbs is catching up with me. Todays workout was really hard and I felt really tired. Had a yogurt before hand and tomorrow I will have a banana to see if it gives me a little extra energy. The key to this workout is to keep pushing yourself. You write it all down so try to surpass what you did the week before even if it is only by a couple reps. It all adds up in the end.
When your doing P90x you definitely need to "Bring It"

Day 14: P90x Stretch X or Rest.

Well today this is a no brainer. Stretch x or Rest?

I will R E S T. Watch the Tigers and then the Redwings. See ya on monday when we start the routine all over again.


I will do some stretching while I am watching the games.

Jennie Garth is the latest celebrity to use P90x.

Jennie Garth is one of the latest celebrities to discover the great benefits of
P90x.

People Style Watch reported that Jennie and her husband Peter Facinelli both do P90x. Turns out Jennie Garth started P90x to get in great shape for hte upcoming season of 90210.

“Every day is different,” she says. “One day is really hard yoga. Then arms and shoulders, legs, then karate. His program is made to confuse the muscles so you don’t plateau. I feel better now than I ever have.”

Jennie Garth is 37 years old and once again this proves that people from all kinds of backgrounds are finding success with P90x.

Day 13: P90x Kenpo X

Well it's Memorial Day weekend and I cheated yesterday. Had a margarita and a beer and some great mexican food. Well I guess that wasn't too bad. Today was kenpo x. For me kenpo x is almost like a rest day. It is not to difficult and is mostly a cardio workout. Throw some kicks, punches and blocks. Puts a nice little break in for my muscles. My glutes need it. They are just a little sore from legs and back. This is the one workout that really should not to hard for anyone in fairly good shape.

We also stripped the deck today to get it ready to paint and this was like another workout itself even though C (love of my life) was doing most of the work. She skipped her yoga x workout today since we both fell asleep as soon as we hit the couch after the deck.Feeling a little tired.(She'll do it tomorrow) Lack of carbs I think. Only allowed 1 during this fat schredder phase. The P90x protein bars help with that though.
Well tomorrow is a rest day. Ahhhhhhh. Hopefully the deck will be dry so we can start on it and maybe I'll throw back a few beers while we watch the wings hopefully beat the blackhawks.

Day 12: P90x Legs and Back/ Ab Riper X

Well I have come to the conclusion that P90x Legs and Back is definitely the hardest workout for me this far. The only things I did to workout my legs prior to P90x were calf raises, some leg curls and some jogging. All these lunges and chair poses have my legs going crazy. Definitely not used to it. But it feels great to work all of those muscles that have had no work in such a long time. Probably since high school is the last time I did anything close to this type of wokout.

If you are thinking about doing P90x then I say go for it. It is a great workout program so far and I have nothing negative to say about it. "Bring it" Tomorrow is kenpo and then a break on sunday. I am looking forward to starting week 3 since I am feeling really good. I have also noticed the bloated feeling I usually have when I wake up in the morning is going away. Hmmmmmm. Could it be the nutrtion plan? Maybe the nutter butters, microwave popcorn, tostitos and jalapeno cheese dip, white rice,bread,pasta, can of coke at midnight has something to do with that bloated feeling. I really didn't eat that junk everyday but it still gave me that bloated feeling even if I ate it 3 days ago.

It is also Memorial Day weekend so I know I will probably cheat this weekend. I'll try to keep it to a 12 pack. LOL. For those of you who do not know Memorial Day is the day we remember all of those who have died for this country. So I just wanted to say "thank you" to all of you in the military. Past and Present.

Day 11: P90x Yoga X

Today was day 11 of P90x. Yoga X. I can't decide if I like this workout or not yet. It is definitely different for me since I have never done yoga before. Downward doggie style, cat like reflexes in a shell, forward ninja, backward clown. Well, those aren't the exact names but you get the idea. These are all poses in yoga x. I wonder how some of this stuff can be done by a human being. BUT. It feels really good when you are done. A lot of good stretching. Stuff you would never do on your own. Also you get some good core work. Like I said before, I'm sure there is a method to the madness. I'm sure there is a reason for the order these workouts are in and why yoga x is placed where it is in the rotation.

Nutrition plan is fairly simple now and I could care less if I get any of the junk I was eating. I grill about 6-7 chicken breasts on sunday and eat them through out the week. I have been eating egg whites for breakfast and a Shakeology shake. Then tuna, chicken salad or chicken breast for lunch. A protein shake, some veggies a banana and maybe a yogurt. Dinner could be fish and veggies with some wheat pasta and then another protein shake. If I'm still hungry I'll eat a P90x Chocolate Penut Butter protein bar. Really good.





This is where I would really like to be doing Yoga X.

Brett Favre does P90x

Brett Favre joins the likes of Ashton Kutcher, David Akers of the Eagles, Sheryl Crow and many others who are tackling P90x.

Above is a capture of his twitter page that says today was his first day of Chest and Back.

Day 10: P90x Shoulders and Arms/Ab Ripper

Day 10 of P90x consists of Shoulders and Arms and the Ab Ripper. I feel really good today. No soreness and not feeling queazy at all anymore. You really need to have a variety of dumbells if you are not using resistence bands. I am still looking to get some off craigslist but it seems hex dumbells are in high demand. I found a set but the guy sold them to the first person that looked at them. Waiting for a call back from another but we will see what happens. I'm being stubborn and I refuse to pay a dollar a pound or more in some places. There just weights. New or used, same thing to me so I'll keep looking for used.

I did't step on the scale today so I'm not sure where my weight is at. Hopefully I have been eating enough. I feel full all the time and I am sticking to the plan plus a couple hundred extra calories since I am not trying to lose any weight. I will have to remember to check it out tomorrow.

My hip flexors are feeling so much better. I can't belive that simply doing bicycles made them as sore as they were. I think I am finally used to it.

Since starting P90x I had not done any of the normal weight lifting I normally do nor have I ran at all. Maybe I'll go for a jog this weekend.

Day 9: P90x Plyometrics

Ahhh. Day 9 with P90x plyometrics. Last week this day was pretty hard. Today it was still hard but a little easier. Hmm-oxymoron. This work out really makes me sweat. My soreness is pretty much gone and I feel really good. Right now as I am writing this I feel like I could do another work out. I can see how this plyometric workout could give explosive power to any athlete. What a great work out to add to any sports program.


Once again I want to say that this program so far has been very challenging and a lot of fun. I had never done any dvd workouts or anything before this except running and lifting weights. Doing P90x is like have your own personal trainer with you in your home without spending a fortune for the trainer. Tony Horton makes it fun.

Day 8: P90X Chest and Back / Ab Ripper

Well today was day 8 with P90x and I must say it felt good to take a much needed break yesterday. I almost felt guilty for not working out. I did do some stretching during the wings game but did not do P90x stretch x. Today was chest and back/ab ripper again. My hip flexors are feeling much better and the sorness is starting to go away everywhere. Doing a ton of push ups but I have to get my pull ups up more. I need to get them to about 20 reps. Only ate a yogurt about 45 mins before working out and I felt fine. No puking or queazy feeling. You will have to find what is right for you. Some people will be able to eat before working out with no problems, some people will need to eat before they work out because they need the energy and some people like myself will just chow down afterwards. Still following the nutrition plan and not craving anything yet. This is one thing that has really surprised me so far is that I am not feeling hungry at all. I thought with no pasta and rice or bread that I would be left with an empty stomach. WRONG! I'm stuffed and still have to eat more. Still looking for some dumbells and you can use the dumbells as push up bars so I will not be buying any push up bars.

I can see how p90x would benefit any athlete and help them elevate their game. From bowling to golf or baseball to football P90x will definitely help get you to the next level.

Day 7: P90x Stretch X or rest.

Ahhhhhhh..


Day of rest. Watching the Wings.

Day 6: P90x Kenpo X

Well Day 6 of P90x consisted of Kenpo X which is mostly cardio, kicking and punching. Felt like a break from all of the push ups, pull ups, squats etc. Hip flexors are starting to feel better but now my gluts and hamstrings are sore. I am looking forward to rest on day 7. You can do the P90 x Stretch x or just take a day off. Right now I think I'll be taking the day off and I'll be watching the Wings hopefully beat the Blackhawks to start the western conference finals. I fell of the wagon on the nutrition plan a little bit since I attended a communion party and there was cheese cake, italian sausage, pasta, some sort of jello, whipped cream pudding thing and a bunch of other goodies as well. Needless to say I sampled them all. Had to. It was my civic duty.

I don't think that this work out was too difficult. Felt kind of good to just keep moving without really putting any stress on any muscle group. Looks like there is a method to the madness. It will be hard if you haven't done cario in a while but I have been working out so I am in ok shape.

Day 5: P90x Legs and Back/Ab Ripper

Well today with P90x consisted of Legs and Back and then Ab Ripper. Not too bad as I think I am not getting used to the beating my body is taking. Nothing too drastic. Some more pull ups and great leg work. My hip flexors are still sore but I think by monday they should be fine. During my weight training I did do some leg extensions and calf raises so I think that prepared me a little bit for todays work out. If it wasn't for that I don't think I would be walking very well right since my hamstrings are a little sore as are my hip flexors. Calves and quads feel pretty good but they would have been pretty sore if I wasn't working them before hand.

I'm still looking for some hex dumbells. Buck a pound brand new was kind of expensive since you can find them for about 50 cents a pound used. I've been looking on Craigs List and found a set but they haven't emailed me back yet.

I didn't eat anything prior to P90x today except a yogurt about an hour before.Not feeling queazy anymore and I ate pretty good after my work out. Some egg whites, veggies and a protein shake. I did eat a lot today but it was all clean food. No garbage yet. I was pretty hungry today and I did eat a little more but I had to add some calories since I lost 3 lbs and I'm not trying to lose any weight. I have a lot of energy today. I feel like I can do another work out. Kenpo tomorrow and then Sunday is a break. Yessss. Relax time.

Day4: P90x Yoga X

This was the first time in my life that I ever done any form of yoga and there are no words to describe it. The stretching was great and the timing of it was perfect since I am still sore but there are definitely poses that were hard for me to hold. There were also some poses that I could not hold. I can see now that I need to work on my flexibility. Even though the other days made me sore I think this was the toughest workout so far. Maybe I feel that way since yoga is new to me. It's amazing to me how flexible the people in this workout are. I'm sure I'll get there with some work. Thats one of the great things about P90x. There is always a modified move so you can build up to the advanced moves. Tony Horton is hilarious in the Yoga X workout. He had me laughing a couple of times that I almost had to stop for a second.

Well I passed on eating anything this morning since my banana was no longer on the counter. I think a gorilla stole it. Well maybe my honey stole it. Thats ok, I still love her anyway. She's in her third week of
P90x and she is "Bringing It" too and as you can see she's no gorilla. Tomorrow I will do the same and eat after my workout. Everyone is different so you will have to figure out what works for you. Still no cravings and I still feel like I am eating a ton. I lost 3 lbs i 4 days and I do not want to lose any weight so I might have to add 400 - 500 more calories. My Detroit Red Wings just advanced to the western conference finals so I know that a 12 pack of beer and Lafayette Coney Island is going to be inevitable but maybe I'll be able to hold off to the finals.(nahhh)

One thing is for sure. This is a great program and I am very glad I started it. The Beachbody community is huge and the message boards are very helpful if you have questions. I can't believe how many people are out there who have done this program and continue on to P90x + when they are done. If you don't think your ready for P90x just yet there is always Power 90 to get you going. Beachbody has a program for everyone. From Project you type 2 to P90x to the New Extreme workout program by Shaun T coming out called Insanity, there is something for everyone. Even the kids.

Day 3: P90x Shoulders and Arms/Ab Ripper

87 more days to go! Today was P90x shoulders and arms and then ab ripper. My hip flexors are still sore from the ab ripper on day 1 so when I had to do it again today it really burned. Triceps are still a little sore and shoulders are a little sore as well. Biceps aren't sore nor are my forearms. The hip flexor thing really has me puzzled or should I say surprised. They did get sore when I was running but doing them damn bicycles during the ab ripper are something else. I figure I should be done with the sorness by the end of next week.(hopefully) Still no cravings for anything since I am getting more than enough food. I have been sticking to the nutrition plan. One thing I did want to mention is that for shoulders and arms you will need some dumbells if you are not using resistence bands. I didn't have all the various weights so I was stuck with some too heavy and some too light. I will have to get some before the next time I need them. I used 35 lbs and 18 lbs. I need 20lbs, 25 lbs,30 lbs and probably 40 lbs also.

I am also going to try not eating before before I do my work out. I usually do a shake about an hour before but still felt a little queazy. I am going to see what happens if I just do my shake right after. If I feel like I am bonking I will probably eat a banana about 45 minutes before I start. This is something I will tweak over the next few days to see what makes me feel best. The problem with this is I can only eat 1 fruit serving since I am level 2 and I usually like to save it for later. We will see what happens tomorrow.

Celebrities and P90x

Another celebrity has discovered the power of the "X." From David Akers, kicker for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, to Jason Scheff, one of our very own Coaches and lead singer of Chicago, to rocker Sheryl Crow, this program is hotter than ever. Could it be P90X's popularity is growing throughout the high-profile sports and entertainment industries? All we can say to that is, Bring It! This is such a great program that high profile stars promote it without being asked to. The proof is in the pudding. Put out a great product and it will promote itself

Day 2- P90x Plyometrics

Wooooo Hoooo! Day 2 burns up your leggs real good but at the same time it feels good because you know you are really working those leg muscles. I didn't think I was going to be sore from day 1 but I am. A little bit in my lower triceps, a little in my upper back and my hip flexors are sore. You also do the Ab Ripper on chest and back day. Really didn't make my abs sore but those darn bicycles sure did make my hip flexors sore. Still feel like I am eating a ton since I am eating 5-6 times a day and getting a lot of protein. Usually I do not eat this much. No cravings so far. Not even for rice, pasta or bread which were a big part of my diet. I can still see the king size bag of Better Made bbq chips on top of the frig and I don't even want them. Should have threw them out like the book said. All well. I have will power.

I can say one thing, a hot shower after these work outs sure does feel like a million bucks. Nothing feels strained and the work outs are great. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings. "You can do anything for 30 seconds, right?" Sounds easy enough until you are into about 40 minutes of it. Then you really feel the burn.

Day 1 with P90x - Chest and Back/Ab Ripper/Day 1 measurements.

My Day 1 before pictures.

All I can say about day one is wow. I'm going to be in for a real treat with P90x. Day 1 was pull ups, push ups and more pull ups and push ups. Then when you think you are done it's time to do the Ab Ripper. About a hour in total.




The water breaks made me throw up but other then that it was a great work out. Running upstairs to puke depleted my energy but I still finished the workout. Maybe I'm not really in that good of shape after all. The nutrition plan is great and it tells you what to eat. I did not feel deprived at all. I actually probably ate more than I normally would and I definitely took in a lot more protein than usual. I did do Shakeology for breakfast, then a protein bar and shake for snack, lunch was a chicken breast and a handful of almonds. Then another snack. I ate a protein bar and a yogurt. Dinner was a chicken salad with an avocado, some cucumbers and a tomato and then one more protein shake. Boy I'm full. Ok, 1 day down and no junk food. Only 89 more days to go. Some popcorn sure does sounds good.(kidding)

I also took my measurements. I'm really not looking to lose any weight and if I gain a few pounds of more muscle that will be ok too. Just want to tone up and get in great shape all in 90 days.

Weight- 168lbs
Waist- 34in
Hips- 39in
Thigh L- 21in
Thigh R- 21in
Arm L- 14in
Arm R- 14in
Fat% 23
Chest- 43in

Getting started with p90x

Well tomorrow is D-day. I am starting the Classic P90x. I am in better than average shape and I want to see what 90 days of "bringing it" will do for me. The hard part for me is going to be eating cleaner. I love my pasta,rice,bread,beer and a nice cold can of coke now and then. Ruffles and french onion dip, tostitos and jalapeno cheese dip, popcorn etc. I eat it all. Going to try to eliminate it all but I will post here to let you know when I screw up and how it affected me. Will I cheat? Maybe. But I'm going to try to stick to the nutrition plan as close as possible since this is how to obtain maximum results.

I 've been nursing an injured shoulder for 6 months and my back has been a mess for the last 30 days but I think I'm ready as I've tried some of the movements and none of them seem to stir up any problems.

If you are thinking about tackling P90x you can download the fit test here to make sure you meet the minimum requirements. P90x fit test

Couple of things you will need in addition to the P90x program are a pull up bar, barbells or resistance bands and the will power to keep "Bringing it" day after day.

You can get the extras at Beachbody or you can design your own pull up bar depending on the space you have and where you want to do your workouts. The pullup bar from Beachbody fits in between your door and is a very easy and quick way to get started. We do our workouts in the basement so I decided to build my own. I did find a pull up bar that you could screw right into the beams in the basement but I decided to make a custom home made pull up bar instead.










Here's what you need. I bought my supplies from Home Depot
1 - 2x6 Piece of wood $3.16
2 - 3/4 galvanized 90 degree elbows $3.18
2 - 3/4 galvanized flanges $9.82
2 - 3/4 x 12 in black pipe(could use 18in depending on what height you need)$6.82
1 - 3/4 x 48in black pipe $10.62
8 - lag screws $3.92
10 - lag screws 1/4 x3 1/2 $3.60
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$41.12 + tax

I also wrapped the bar with 2 layers of black hockey tape. It is still a little rough on the hands so you might need to wear gloves or find a pad to put on it.

Get the P90x Workout sheets