For those of you that do NOT know what Kenpo is, it's kickboxing. But not 'Billy Blanks, I go so fast and put tricky moves and weird combinations in an odd sequence in hopes you fall over' ... Tony Horton (the guy who does all the P90X videos) keeps in concert with all of the other videos. Slow pace, 25 on each side. Switch, and repeat.
Be sure to really keep in tune with your heart beat here. I noticed that my legs or arms weren't hurting, but my lungs were, which made me stop prematurely. So, I hit pause and walked it out. It seemed like this was more of a workout on my lungs today then anything else. I felt some "pain" in my legs, but it could be residual from last night's workout.
I should briefly mention that as of right now, Kristi and I are NOT on the P90X diet. We are gearing up for it though. We just went grocery shopping, but not for Phase I (low carb, low fat, high protein). They reccommend you just throw away all of the bad food, but realistically, we just can't afford to do that. So, we will eat what we have and when we run out of it all, switch gears toward the diet. Once I actually read that book, I will give a brief summary in another blog post for those of you that actually want to do the diet.
Back to Kenpo X. Surprisingly, I did 99% of this workout. Mostly because I have done Billy Blanks crazy Tae Bo in the past, which just made this seem way easier (despite the fact that I could barely keep up with Mr. Blanks). I went a bit slower then the video, but I stuck with it. I sweated up a storm (more then Plyometrics!), had some fun, took a shower, and I am getting my second wind right now (DESPITE THIS COLD!!)
So, there you have it. You can do this, you can get the results you want, follow your heart.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Day 5: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Today is Day 5! I am feeling great, a little sore but nothing compared to the previous few days! What was strange about today's workout is - you only record what you do when it comes to back exercises NOT the legs.
Today's AB Ripper X was the BEST I HAVE DONE SO FAR!!!!!!! Still haven't done all of the crunch variations yet, but I am doing my best.
I was filled with sweat after today's workout, but I still have tons of energy. I am starting to be ... HAPPY ABOUT MY PROGRESS!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) Just 5 days and I am noticing a difference in my attitude (despite my silly cold) .. (Yes, that is right. I have a cold, and I am STILL exercising. Because I am hardcore. I put the X in eXtreme!)
As a reminder, I use resistance bands. The colours and weights are as follows: Black (5lbs), Blue (10lbs), Yellow (15lbs), and Red (20lbs). The coolest thing about the resistance bands I have is - there is one set of handles with 4 detachable cords. The handles can accomodate 3 cords! So, if I have black+Blue, then I am using 15lbs of resistance per arm.
So, today's Back exercises were .......
1. Reverse Grip Chin-ups: 12R, 15R+Blk
2. Wide Front Pull-Ups: 15R, 12R+Blk
3. Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 15R, 10R+Blk
4. Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 15R, 16R+Blk
I don't mean to brag (because I technically didn't do any pull-ups), but if you tally up all the "pull-ups" I did, it comes to a whopping 110!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)
Today was a great exercising day. I feel so great about myself. Kristi, my exercise partner/fiancee, just motivates me to do well and she always encourages me. Without her, I don't know if I could have done so much of the Ab Work! Thanks baby, I love you!
So, there you have it! Put your mind to it, and you can achieve anything!
Today's AB Ripper X was the BEST I HAVE DONE SO FAR!!!!!!! Still haven't done all of the crunch variations yet, but I am doing my best.
I was filled with sweat after today's workout, but I still have tons of energy. I am starting to be ... HAPPY ABOUT MY PROGRESS!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) Just 5 days and I am noticing a difference in my attitude (despite my silly cold) .. (Yes, that is right. I have a cold, and I am STILL exercising. Because I am hardcore. I put the X in eXtreme!)
As a reminder, I use resistance bands. The colours and weights are as follows: Black (5lbs), Blue (10lbs), Yellow (15lbs), and Red (20lbs). The coolest thing about the resistance bands I have is - there is one set of handles with 4 detachable cords. The handles can accomodate 3 cords! So, if I have black+Blue, then I am using 15lbs of resistance per arm.
So, today's Back exercises were .......
1. Reverse Grip Chin-ups: 12R, 15R+Blk
2. Wide Front Pull-Ups: 15R, 12R+Blk
3. Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 15R, 10R+Blk
4. Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 15R, 16R+Blk
I don't mean to brag (because I technically didn't do any pull-ups), but if you tally up all the "pull-ups" I did, it comes to a whopping 110!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)
Today was a great exercising day. I feel so great about myself. Kristi, my exercise partner/fiancee, just motivates me to do well and she always encourages me. Without her, I don't know if I could have done so much of the Ab Work! Thanks baby, I love you!
So, there you have it! Put your mind to it, and you can achieve anything!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Day 4: Yoga X
So, today was more of a relaxed day with the Yoga. Did you know this DVD was 1.5 hours long??? 1 whole hour and then 30 minutes. Sheesh ... It is not like any of the other exercise videos so far. This is very, very repeatitive and I found it hard to stay motivated to finish.
So much in fact, that I didn't. :o( I feel pretty bad about it now .... BUT, I am just not feeling myself today. I am coming down with some sort of cold, with my throat on fire. I also have this recurring pinched nerves on my left side. I just don't know where they originate. I tried icing them, but they are still here. So, Yoga was actually aggrevating them.
Oh! One thing I can gather from this video and a helpful hint for all of you. If you are not flexible, or you have too much belly in the way to bend in the Yoga way, then I highly recommend getting a Yoga block. These will give you a "cheat" by not reaching all the way down to the floor, but it will also allow you to open up your chest more and actually do the move correctly (rather then stretch and strain with improper form).
Although this DVD is nothing but stretching and such, he doesn't really warm you up. So, be sure to walk for 5 minutes or so before popping this DVD in, just to get the blood flowing. If you start stretching prior to being warmed up, you could pull something. So, walk it out.
Sorry, not much to say about Yoga. Oh yes, I only made it 30 minutes into the 90 minute workout. I hope to do better next week.
Good luck to you!
So much in fact, that I didn't. :o( I feel pretty bad about it now .... BUT, I am just not feeling myself today. I am coming down with some sort of cold, with my throat on fire. I also have this recurring pinched nerves on my left side. I just don't know where they originate. I tried icing them, but they are still here. So, Yoga was actually aggrevating them.
Oh! One thing I can gather from this video and a helpful hint for all of you. If you are not flexible, or you have too much belly in the way to bend in the Yoga way, then I highly recommend getting a Yoga block. These will give you a "cheat" by not reaching all the way down to the floor, but it will also allow you to open up your chest more and actually do the move correctly (rather then stretch and strain with improper form).
Although this DVD is nothing but stretching and such, he doesn't really warm you up. So, be sure to walk for 5 minutes or so before popping this DVD in, just to get the blood flowing. If you start stretching prior to being warmed up, you could pull something. So, walk it out.
Sorry, not much to say about Yoga. Oh yes, I only made it 30 minutes into the 90 minute workout. I hope to do better next week.
Good luck to you!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Lean P90X Routine
Weeks 1, 2, 3 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Core Synergistics
Day 2 - Cardio X
Day 3 - Shoulder & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 4 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Cardio X
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 5, 6, 7 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Core Synergistics
Day 2 - Cardio X
Day 3 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 8 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Cardio X
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 9, 11 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Cardio X
Day 3 - Shoulder & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 10, 12 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Cardio X
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 13 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Cardio X
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Day 1 - Core Synergistics
Day 2 - Cardio X
Day 3 - Shoulder & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 4 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Cardio X
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 5, 6, 7 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Core Synergistics
Day 2 - Cardio X
Day 3 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 8 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Cardio X
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 9, 11 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Cardio X
Day 3 - Shoulder & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 10, 12 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Cardio X
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 13 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Cardio X
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Doubles P90X Routine
Weeks 1, 2, 3 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 4 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 5, 6, 7 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - AM Cardio X; PM Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - AM Cardio X; PM Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - AM Cardio X; PM Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 8 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 9, 11 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - AM Cardio X; PM Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - AM Cardio X; PM Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - AM Cardio X; PM Yoga X
Day 5 - AM Cardio X; PM Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 10, 12 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - AM Cardio; PM Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - AM Cardio X; PM Plyometrics
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - AM Cardio X; PM Yoga X
Day 5 - AM Cardio X; PM Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 13 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 4 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 5, 6, 7 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - AM Cardio X; PM Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - AM Cardio X; PM Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - AM Cardio X; PM Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 8 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 9, 11 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - AM Cardio X; PM Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - AM Cardio X; PM Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - AM Cardio X; PM Yoga X
Day 5 - AM Cardio X; PM Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 10, 12 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - AM Cardio; PM Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - AM Cardio X; PM Plyometrics
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - AM Cardio X; PM Yoga X
Day 5 - AM Cardio X; PM Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 13 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Classic P90X Routine
Weeks 1, 2, 3 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 4 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 5, 6, 7 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 8 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 9, 11 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 10, 12 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 13 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 4 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 5, 6, 7 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 8 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 9, 11 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Weeks 10, 12 (Adaptive & Mastery Phase)
Day 1 - Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Week 13 (Recovery Phase)
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest OR X Stretch
Day 3: Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X
All day today, I have been feeling the burn! Standing up, sitting down, standing up. Ouch!! I just sneezed and my abs hurt, or I should say, the area where my abs will be!
Again, I use resistance bands which follow this colour/weight scheme: Black (5lbs), Blue (10lbs), Yellow (15lbs), Red (20lbs).
All of these exercises are done twice, so I will list each rep set, followed by the band colour, separated by a comma. The exercises we did today are:
1. Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10Y, 18Y
2. In & Out Bicep Curls: 20Y, 28Y **Need to try Red next time
3. Two-Arm Tricep Kickbacks: 18Y, 15Y **Need to try Blue next time
4. Deep Swimmer's Presses: 17Y, 14Y
5. Full Supination Concentration Curls: 14Y, 15Y
6. Chair Dips: 16, 15 (Use your own body weight)
7. Upright Rows: 15Y, 15R **Red is good for now
8. Static Arm Curls: 8 per side Y, 8 per side R
9. Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 13Y, 12B **Blue is where I need to be
10. Two-Angle Shoulder Flys: 16Y, 16Y
11. Crouching Cohen Curls: 20Y, 16Y
12. Lying-Down Triceps Extensions: 10Y, 8Y
There was an option to do 3 additional BONUS exercises (In & Out Straight-Arm Shoulder Flys, Congdon Curls, and Side Tri-Rises). There was no way I could do these today ... but they do look fun. Especially those side tri-rises.
On to the Ab Ripper X! I was exhausted by the time I got to this point. EXHAUSTED! BUT, I did my best and forgot the rest. Today, I was able to lift my butt of the ground!!!!! I don't remember what he calls them, but you basically hold your legs in the air while lying on your back. Then you proceed to lift your butt off the ground. Reutnr back to the floor and continue. This is a HUGE improvement for me because last time, the only thing I did was will myself off the floor. Didn't work.
In addition to all of this exercising, I am determined I really need a recovery drink (should aid in recovery time which means less pain in the muscles). Kristi (my fiancee and workout partner) looked into some of the cheap options, or atleast where we can find the same product just cheaper ... and she ran into some guy's commentary. What he said is worth repeating (I just wish I knew where she found it to give the guy some credit here). He said, and I quote very loosely, that people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on cable, find excuses to spend extra money on our cell phone bills ... yet when it comes to our health, we find reasons and ways to spend the least amount of money. I am a victim of this. Which is ridiculous because above everything, we NEED our health. So, spend the extra money and get a product that is worth it. He also tested a few different company's recovery drinks and found the P90X recovery drink found on Beachbody.com. I plan to buy this on pay day!
So, there you have it! I can do it, so can you. Just do your best and forget the rest!
Again, I use resistance bands which follow this colour/weight scheme: Black (5lbs), Blue (10lbs), Yellow (15lbs), Red (20lbs).
All of these exercises are done twice, so I will list each rep set, followed by the band colour, separated by a comma. The exercises we did today are:
1. Alternating Shoulder Presses: 10Y, 18Y
2. In & Out Bicep Curls: 20Y, 28Y **Need to try Red next time
3. Two-Arm Tricep Kickbacks: 18Y, 15Y **Need to try Blue next time
4. Deep Swimmer's Presses: 17Y, 14Y
5. Full Supination Concentration Curls: 14Y, 15Y
6. Chair Dips: 16, 15 (Use your own body weight)
7. Upright Rows: 15Y, 15R **Red is good for now
8. Static Arm Curls: 8 per side Y, 8 per side R
9. Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 13Y, 12B **Blue is where I need to be
10. Two-Angle Shoulder Flys: 16Y, 16Y
11. Crouching Cohen Curls: 20Y, 16Y
12. Lying-Down Triceps Extensions: 10Y, 8Y
There was an option to do 3 additional BONUS exercises (In & Out Straight-Arm Shoulder Flys, Congdon Curls, and Side Tri-Rises). There was no way I could do these today ... but they do look fun. Especially those side tri-rises.
On to the Ab Ripper X! I was exhausted by the time I got to this point. EXHAUSTED! BUT, I did my best and forgot the rest. Today, I was able to lift my butt of the ground!!!!! I don't remember what he calls them, but you basically hold your legs in the air while lying on your back. Then you proceed to lift your butt off the ground. Reutnr back to the floor and continue. This is a HUGE improvement for me because last time, the only thing I did was will myself off the floor. Didn't work.
In addition to all of this exercising, I am determined I really need a recovery drink (should aid in recovery time which means less pain in the muscles). Kristi (my fiancee and workout partner) looked into some of the cheap options, or atleast where we can find the same product just cheaper ... and she ran into some guy's commentary. What he said is worth repeating (I just wish I knew where she found it to give the guy some credit here). He said, and I quote very loosely, that people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on cable, find excuses to spend extra money on our cell phone bills ... yet when it comes to our health, we find reasons and ways to spend the least amount of money. I am a victim of this. Which is ridiculous because above everything, we NEED our health. So, spend the extra money and get a product that is worth it. He also tested a few different company's recovery drinks and found the P90X recovery drink found on Beachbody.com. I plan to buy this on pay day!
So, there you have it! I can do it, so can you. Just do your best and forget the rest!
P90X Resource List
I figured if I had any readers, they wouldn't want to go sifting through my blog posts to find some information. I also know it's taken me a long time to hunt down some scanned copies of some of the worksheets that come with the P90X videos (even if I found them previously).
All of these worksheets can be found on a list here (or you can just click on what you need below):
http://teambeachbody.com/get-fit/fitness-tools/workout-sheets
***Includes Excel (2003-2007) spreadsheets to keep track of P90X workouts electronically!
P90X Fit Test:
http://teambeachbody.com/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=f9e53d48-c3f2-4b25-96d4-23f8f015c372&groupId=10137
P90X Worksheet (fill in how many reps you do and which weight):
http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/p90x/P90XWorkSheet.pdf
P90X Worksheet (same as above, different format):
http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/p90x/P90XWorkSheet_090110.pdf
P90X Plus Worksheets:
http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/p90x/P90XPlus_Worksheets.pdf
If you are interested in OTHER fitness programmes offered by Beachbody (such as ChaLEAN Extreme, Insanity or Rev ABS, goto:
http://teambeachbody.com/get-fit/fitness-tools/workout-sheets
Good luck on your exercising adventure!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Day 2: Plyometrics
What is plyometrics, you ask? It's a whole lot of jumping. I am talking about a LOT of JUMPING. So, if you are a lady, be sure to wear a VERY GOOD sports bra. I would hate for any of you to tear some ligaments and have saggy boobs but great abs!
Tony Horton also claims that this Plyometrics video puts the X in P90X. It's extreme. He warns NOT to eat at least 1 hour before doing this video, to use a recovery drink afterwards (or during), and if you are a beginner to possibly just do the cardio video. Did I listen to ANY of this advice? Sure ... and no.
I failed to eat breakfast before doing this video. I woke up, waited about an hour and jumped right into it. I was feeling dizzy and just nauseous so I had to stop with just 15 minutes on the clock. Utter failure. But, now I know. Due to my large breasts (42DDD), I have these awesome sports bras, that I think I got from JC Penney, they clasp in the back and have underwires. Be sure to seriously think of your breasts ladies, they will hurt if they are not secured during this video.
I had to do everything, and I mean everything, modified in this video. I had to do low impact jumping (barely lifting myself off the ground). Oh, and for good form (which he will remind you of over, and over, and over again) jump on the toes. I mean lift off and landing. "Be catlike".
I have never sweated this much in my LIFE doing MODIFIED versions of the moves in an exercise video. Usually, I do modified versions if I am being lazy, NOT because I really need them. Well, in this video I NEEDED them, and I'm not ashamed to admit that over and over because this video IS DIFFCULT! Really puts the X in P90-Xtreme.
It will be a good day when I can finish this video. I can see it now.
So, good luck to you!
Tony Horton also claims that this Plyometrics video puts the X in P90X. It's extreme. He warns NOT to eat at least 1 hour before doing this video, to use a recovery drink afterwards (or during), and if you are a beginner to possibly just do the cardio video. Did I listen to ANY of this advice? Sure ... and no.
I failed to eat breakfast before doing this video. I woke up, waited about an hour and jumped right into it. I was feeling dizzy and just nauseous so I had to stop with just 15 minutes on the clock. Utter failure. But, now I know. Due to my large breasts (42DDD), I have these awesome sports bras, that I think I got from JC Penney, they clasp in the back and have underwires. Be sure to seriously think of your breasts ladies, they will hurt if they are not secured during this video.
I had to do everything, and I mean everything, modified in this video. I had to do low impact jumping (barely lifting myself off the ground). Oh, and for good form (which he will remind you of over, and over, and over again) jump on the toes. I mean lift off and landing. "Be catlike".
I have never sweated this much in my LIFE doing MODIFIED versions of the moves in an exercise video. Usually, I do modified versions if I am being lazy, NOT because I really need them. Well, in this video I NEEDED them, and I'm not ashamed to admit that over and over because this video IS DIFFCULT! Really puts the X in P90-Xtreme.
It will be a good day when I can finish this video. I can see it now.
So, good luck to you!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Day 1: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Today marks the first day of the next 3 months of hard work. Luckily, I have Kristi (my finacee) to be there, exercising next to me, which really was a HUGE help today.
Although not required, I want to document my measurements. I think these will fluctuate more then my weight (as muscle weighs more then fat).
Weight: 250lbs
Chest: 42DDD
Waist: 50.5"
Hips: 52.5"
R Thigh: 27.5"
R Bicep: 15.5"
I did NOT know that I should count my reps as I was doing the videos. I was just trying to do as many as I could in the time allotted. If you purchased your P90X videos from eBay and they did not include the workout sheets where you actually record what you do, go here: http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/p90x/P90XWorkSheet.pdf
The doorways in this house do not have molding framing them in, so I have to use resistance bands. The colours of the twin-bands are black (5lbs), blue (10lbs), yellow (15lbs), and red (20lbs). Luckily for me, I purchased the bands AND a chin-up bar from eBay from a seller called croxgear.
Here are my thoughts on these 2 DVDs for today: Not your typical exercise DVDs AND not what I expected. Yesterday I was afraid to start. Once I started, the major theme is: Do your best. You have 30sec, or 1 min (whatever) to do as many of this type of exercise as possible. What is your goal? Got it? GO! The AB Ripper X DVD = HOLY MOLY! This is definetly my weakness. At the end, he says something along the lines of 'if you did all of the exercises, you did 349 crunch variations!' I definetly did not do 349 today. More like 25 of what he actually said to do. Some of them, I just couldn't do and so I started doing traditional crunches.
So, the exercises I did today (every exercise was done twice):
1. Standard push-ups: 22, 15 (both from knee)
2. Wide front pull-ups: 20, 23 (using Blue resistance band)
3. Military push-ups: 3, 5 (knee)
4. Reverse grip chin-ups: 27, 25 (Blue)
5. Wide fly push-ups: 10, 8 (knee)
6. Closed grip overhand pull-ups: 15, 22 (Blue)
7. Decline push-ups: 2 (correct) then switched to on my knees and did 15, 15 on knee
8. Heavy pants: 15, 15 (Yellow)
9. Diamond push-ups: 3, 1 (knee)
10. Lawnmowers: Right 25 Left 25, Right 25 Left 25 (Yellow)
11. Dive-bomber push-ups: 3, 1
12. Back flys: 10, 7 (Black)
So, there you have it!
Although not required, I want to document my measurements. I think these will fluctuate more then my weight (as muscle weighs more then fat).
Weight: 250lbs
Chest: 42DDD
Waist: 50.5"
Hips: 52.5"
R Thigh: 27.5"
R Bicep: 15.5"
I did NOT know that I should count my reps as I was doing the videos. I was just trying to do as many as I could in the time allotted. If you purchased your P90X videos from eBay and they did not include the workout sheets where you actually record what you do, go here: http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/p90x/P90XWorkSheet.pdf
The doorways in this house do not have molding framing them in, so I have to use resistance bands. The colours of the twin-bands are black (5lbs), blue (10lbs), yellow (15lbs), and red (20lbs). Luckily for me, I purchased the bands AND a chin-up bar from eBay from a seller called croxgear.
Here are my thoughts on these 2 DVDs for today: Not your typical exercise DVDs AND not what I expected. Yesterday I was afraid to start. Once I started, the major theme is: Do your best. You have 30sec, or 1 min (whatever) to do as many of this type of exercise as possible. What is your goal? Got it? GO! The AB Ripper X DVD = HOLY MOLY! This is definetly my weakness. At the end, he says something along the lines of 'if you did all of the exercises, you did 349 crunch variations!' I definetly did not do 349 today. More like 25 of what he actually said to do. Some of them, I just couldn't do and so I started doing traditional crunches.
So, the exercises I did today (every exercise was done twice):
1. Standard push-ups: 22, 15 (both from knee)
2. Wide front pull-ups: 20, 23 (using Blue resistance band)
3. Military push-ups: 3, 5 (knee)
4. Reverse grip chin-ups: 27, 25 (Blue)
5. Wide fly push-ups: 10, 8 (knee)
6. Closed grip overhand pull-ups: 15, 22 (Blue)
7. Decline push-ups: 2 (correct) then switched to on my knees and did 15, 15 on knee
8. Heavy pants: 15, 15 (Yellow)
9. Diamond push-ups: 3, 1 (knee)
10. Lawnmowers: Right 25 Left 25, Right 25 Left 25 (Yellow)
11. Dive-bomber push-ups: 3, 1
12. Back flys: 10, 7 (Black)
So, there you have it!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Mind set of a Fatty
Today, I was thinking (which isn't abnormal for me), P90X has you record your physical abilities, your physical appearance, but what about your mentality? I am pretty sure mine will change as I start to feel better about myself, so I just want to have some written proof of my physical depression before hand.
I always joke around about my weight, partially because it makes me feel better to laugh about it, then to cry. So, it's not abnormal to hear me say something like "I sold my metabolism to the devil for a great personality" or "shoot, it takes a lot of these Oreos to maintain this figure" and even "I am in shape; round IS a shape!" Despite the smile on my face, I am hurting inside.
I constantly have dreams about me being a skinny person. When I am heavy in a dream, it's ALWAYS attributable to a fat suit that I can easily remove and because I am doing a psychological study on how people treat the obese.
In real life, I avoid mirrors. In my head, my image is that of a skinnier person then I physically am. So, when I look into mirrors or have my pictures taken, I am brought right back down to reality. This is actually a strange phenomena for a woman. Usually, men see themselves smaller then they really are and women see themselves as heavier. I am obese. I am depressed about it. I need help.
Food is very comforting to me. When I am stressed, happy, depressed, anxious, anything really, I eat. Depending on the emotion, the type of food changes. For example, when I am sad or depressed I usually get a sweet tooth (and will crave cakes and cookies), when I am stressed or anxious about a test, or studying, driving, etc I want salty, crunchy things (usually Goldfish crackers or Cheez-its). In addition to food, I drink Diet Pepsi every day. I usually only have 1 12oz can in the morning (roughly 10-11am). If I have homework, another in the evening. If I have a test, I drink them until the cows come home (in addition to eating my cheese crackers)!
I should send a HUGE thank you out to a friend of mine (Kyle Burns!) for being a man, stepping into the P90X challenge and becoming a coach at Beachbody.com (http://teambeachbody.com/coachkyleb). If it weren't for him, and his before and after pictures, I wouldn't even have the courage to attempt this (shoot, I've seen the infomercials!)
If it weren't for the P90X "Before pictures" practically required for the program, I think I would have actually packed a substantial lunch today. But nope, now I am wasting away with only the sounds of my stomach digesting itself talking to me. Seriously though, I refused to look at these pictures yesterday and actually asked "do the photos accurately portray how heavy I am, or should I try something different?" Well, this morning I looked at them (before packing my lunch), and they sure DO portray how fat I am. There is no denying that.
Seeing myself, in shorts and a bra, really makes me wonder how any of my loved ones could let me do this to myself? :( But that isn't the question I should be asking! Why did I let myself get this way? Why didn't I ever stop and help myself? Oh yeah, I did try ... I was on the Atkins diet for about 2 years (2002-2004) and I lost roughly 80 pounds! I gained it all back when I stopped the diet. I started it again not too long ago to get me to a weight that allows me to exercise comfortably. Kristi and I even got memberships to Powerhouse Gym! I maintained my size, gained a lot of muscle, and self-confidence! I felt GREAT about myself. Where did she go?
So, there you have it. A quick sneak peak into the mind set of a fatty.
P.S. I am too much of a chicken, and actually very embarrassed, to post my before pictures right now. Maybe on Day 30, when we all can see a difference!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Day 0: Fit Test
According to UPS.com, my package containing the chin-up bar and resistance bands was delivered yesterday. Which is strange, because I never got a notice to pick anything up AND my mailbox is pretty tiny. So, looking around UPS.com more closely, I see that the location for deliver was "FRONT PORCH" ... which is interesting to me because we live in a townhome. With enterance to the home from the back. Hopefully this package is still on the front porch and not ruined (seeming as it was delivered yesterday morning at 10am and it has been raining since then).
Today is the day I do my fit test and before photos! This is exciting because this means that I will be starting my exercising soon (depending on the results from the test.) For all of those that may read this, and don't know how to find the P90X fit test, please visit http://www.beachbody.com/text/products/programs/p90x/p90xFitTest.pdf
So, here are the results for my Fit Test pre-P90X workout:
0. Resting heart rate (done tomorrow morning before getting out of bed):
1. Pull-Ups: 0 (Should be able to do 1 if female)
2. Vertical Leap: # (Should be able to jump 3 inches if female)
3. Push-ups: 15, knees (Should be able to do 3 if female, or 15 off the knees)
4. Toe Touch: +5 (Should be able to reach -6 inches from your toes, no matter your sex)
5. Wall Squat: 1min 32sec (Should be able to hold wall squat for 1 min)
6. Bicep Curls: # (Should be able to do 10 curls with 8lbs if female)
7. In & Outs: 25 (Should be able to do 25, no matter your sex)
8. Heart Rate Maximizer: # (immediately after), # (after 1 min rest), # (after 2 min rest), # (after 3 min rest), # (after 4 min rest)
I can't wait to get started!!! This fit test will be repeated after 90 days of intense exercise. It will be interesting to see what changes!!
Friday, September 17, 2010
And the beat goes on ...
WOW. Time flies when you are NOT doing P90X (still). Yesterday, I just purchased more P90X equipment from EBay. This time, it was some resistance bands and the chin-up bar.
So far, th emonetary break-down of this P90X attempt is:
P90X videos and guides ....... $70
2xFloor mats (we have hardwood floors) ....... $40
Resistance bands & chin-up bar ......... $50
TOTAL: $160
Then, we bought the weight set (Weider bench thing) for $100 so Kristi could have diversity. I suppose a few things: 1. You can NOT put a price on how you currently feel and 2. This is still WAY cheaper then going through official P90X channels.
The best thing about all of this stuff is ... the P90X journey will begin VERY VERY soon!! I was thinking about taking my before pictures and starting the fit test soon. Maybe tomorrow or Sunday. I probably won't post before pictures until I have my 30 day pictures. This way I feel better about myself and better about showing everyone my fat. Although, my clothes are so uncomfortable and tight-fitting that I am sure everyone already knows what I look like. It's just a big step for me.
So, here is to starting soon!! :) (Which I am hoping for because I don't want to lose momentum!
So far, th emonetary break-down of this P90X attempt is:
P90X videos and guides ....... $70
2xFloor mats (we have hardwood floors) ....... $40
Resistance bands & chin-up bar ......... $50
TOTAL: $160
Then, we bought the weight set (Weider bench thing) for $100 so Kristi could have diversity. I suppose a few things: 1. You can NOT put a price on how you currently feel and 2. This is still WAY cheaper then going through official P90X channels.
The best thing about all of this stuff is ... the P90X journey will begin VERY VERY soon!! I was thinking about taking my before pictures and starting the fit test soon. Maybe tomorrow or Sunday. I probably won't post before pictures until I have my 30 day pictures. This way I feel better about myself and better about showing everyone my fat. Although, my clothes are so uncomfortable and tight-fitting that I am sure everyone already knows what I look like. It's just a big step for me.
So, here is to starting soon!! :) (Which I am hoping for because I don't want to lose momentum!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Purchased Weight Bench
Kristi is unsure about actually liking the P90X exercise videos. Mostly because she is not very coordinated when it comes to the typical Tae Bo or dance-like videos. This meant we needed to get something that would help her achieve her weight loss goals while I am achieving mine (just in case the P90X videos require too much coordination).
So, we drove to Omaha today and checked out a Weider 1200 for sale for $100. The owners pretty much bought this bench, put it in the basement and assembled it, and then left it there. They actually said "our 5 year old uses it more then we do" ... It's in mint condition!
This is the image from the listing ...
Everything is getting sooooooo exciting!! I just can't wait to get everything we need so we can get started!
So, we drove to Omaha today and checked out a Weider 1200 for sale for $100. The owners pretty much bought this bench, put it in the basement and assembled it, and then left it there. They actually said "our 5 year old uses it more then we do" ... It's in mint condition!
This is the image from the listing ...
Everything is getting sooooooo exciting!! I just can't wait to get everything we need so we can get started!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Recieved P90X Videos!
My sister Reychl (check out her blog here: http://titzandtaaats.blogspot.com) had the idea that I should blog about my P90X experience. So, here I go.
Kristi, my lovely fiancee, always listens to the saddness pouring out of my mouth every time I describe: how my clothes fit, how I feel that day, my dilemma for wanting to eat cake, not wanting to eat in public, etc. She also hears some positive things in there, too, such as: I want to do something about it ... blah blah blah ... P90X ... blah blah blah.
To my surprise, she bid on a P90X post on Ebay, AND WON!! WOOHOO!! After paying for it, we wait and wait for this item to arrive. Then the email from Ebay arrives letting us know the $40 video set we just ordered was a scam. GOSH DARN IT! So, she bid on another video set, this time spending $70. She won that one too. Today, we get the $40 video set in the mail from China! It wasn't a scam afterall, so take that Ebay. Now, we just have to do something with the $70 set! :o) If that one ever arrives ...
So, a little about myself, if you don't know me. I would say I have been overweight my entire life. There were always times I actually tried to DO something about it. Like when I was 12, for an entire summer at noon, I popped in my Mom's exercise videos and invited a friend over to do them with me. When I went to university, I took a weight lifting class, found a gym buddy (thanks Kevin!) and biked to and from school. Oh, and changed my diet - the Atkins Diet. I would have to say I was probably at my smallest then, and feeling good. I then graduated from school, took 8 months to find my first job, then moved 1,030 miles south for the next 4 years. I slowly gained my weight back because I was now supporting myself and couldn't afford to sustain my all meat diet. Kristi and I found each other and maybe a year later joined a gym. We were doing so well, until I decided I wanted to go to graduate school. As soon as I picked Lincoln, NE, a whopping 1,340 miles away, we stopped going to the gym.
This pretty much brings us to the present. I have lived here a year, and I have settled into a routine of going to school, researching, eating, staying up late, eating some more to stay awake, etc.
The other day I weighed myself. It was not shocking, but relieving, but still, it's the heaviest I have ever been. I am not sure I am comfortable posting the weight now. I am not even sure I am comfortable posting the pictures this programme makes you take now. I am so embarassed to show the world myself ... but it COULD be the motivation I need to really bring it for those videos. I can't start them yet because we need to buy resistance bands (this house is too small to harbour weight sets).
So, when it is finally time for Day 1 - I promise, I will post my information. This would be good for me too - because I would probably make elaborate Excel spreadsheets and not update them.
So, here is to getting a Beach body for Christmas ... I suppose the winter will just be motivation to stay skinny so I can ACTUALLY get my chance to wear a bikini. Or even something pretty from the ladies department.
P.S. I will start posting pictures, because as I write this I am realizing the importance of them when blogging about a journey. If you have nay questions about my journal, always feel like you can ask me. Just please, no negativity, I hear enough of it from myself.
Kristi, my lovely fiancee, always listens to the saddness pouring out of my mouth every time I describe: how my clothes fit, how I feel that day, my dilemma for wanting to eat cake, not wanting to eat in public, etc. She also hears some positive things in there, too, such as: I want to do something about it ... blah blah blah ... P90X ... blah blah blah.
To my surprise, she bid on a P90X post on Ebay, AND WON!! WOOHOO!! After paying for it, we wait and wait for this item to arrive. Then the email from Ebay arrives letting us know the $40 video set we just ordered was a scam. GOSH DARN IT! So, she bid on another video set, this time spending $70. She won that one too. Today, we get the $40 video set in the mail from China! It wasn't a scam afterall, so take that Ebay. Now, we just have to do something with the $70 set! :o) If that one ever arrives ...
So, a little about myself, if you don't know me. I would say I have been overweight my entire life. There were always times I actually tried to DO something about it. Like when I was 12, for an entire summer at noon, I popped in my Mom's exercise videos and invited a friend over to do them with me. When I went to university, I took a weight lifting class, found a gym buddy (thanks Kevin!) and biked to and from school. Oh, and changed my diet - the Atkins Diet. I would have to say I was probably at my smallest then, and feeling good. I then graduated from school, took 8 months to find my first job, then moved 1,030 miles south for the next 4 years. I slowly gained my weight back because I was now supporting myself and couldn't afford to sustain my all meat diet. Kristi and I found each other and maybe a year later joined a gym. We were doing so well, until I decided I wanted to go to graduate school. As soon as I picked Lincoln, NE, a whopping 1,340 miles away, we stopped going to the gym.
This pretty much brings us to the present. I have lived here a year, and I have settled into a routine of going to school, researching, eating, staying up late, eating some more to stay awake, etc.
The other day I weighed myself. It was not shocking, but relieving, but still, it's the heaviest I have ever been. I am not sure I am comfortable posting the weight now. I am not even sure I am comfortable posting the pictures this programme makes you take now. I am so embarassed to show the world myself ... but it COULD be the motivation I need to really bring it for those videos. I can't start them yet because we need to buy resistance bands (this house is too small to harbour weight sets).
So, when it is finally time for Day 1 - I promise, I will post my information. This would be good for me too - because I would probably make elaborate Excel spreadsheets and not update them.
So, here is to getting a Beach body for Christmas ... I suppose the winter will just be motivation to stay skinny so I can ACTUALLY get my chance to wear a bikini. Or even something pretty from the ladies department.
P.S. I will start posting pictures, because as I write this I am realizing the importance of them when blogging about a journey. If you have nay questions about my journal, always feel like you can ask me. Just please, no negativity, I hear enough of it from myself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)