Finally, caught up! So, today is really Day "19" on the P90X system. :) :)
I plan on doing the stretch DVD, but it's practically 10pm and I am STILL in my jammies! I have a lot of school work to get through (although, you probably can't tell with my string of blogs) this weekend, and so I am not sure if I will get a chance to pop it in. I really want to though.
I am going to sign off though, because, well, I have an Immunology test on Tuesday that I need to be studying for.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Day "18": Kenpo X
I was pretty excited to some Kenpo this week! I remembered really enjoying it the first week (as a reminder, I wasn't able to get this far week 2 because of a knee injury). I finished with school pretty late (7:30ish pm), and Kristi picked me up (her car broke down, so she is using mine). She was having a pretty crappy day and she really wanted to go to this restaurant called Lazlo's. So, how could I deny her? This put us getting home around 9ish pm. She had to work on Saturday morning which pretty much meant she had to go to sleep by 10pm.
So, Kristi wasn't exercising tonight either. I just ate more food then I probably should have (all of it complied with the P90X nutrition plan. I was a good girl) and I needed to wait at least 1 hour for some digestion to occur.
So, here I am, at 10:15pm, getting ready to do some Kenpo! That's dedication. Just like with the Plyometrics earlier this week, I noticed that I barely had energy to get through some of the exercises. I started off really strong, turning my hips and sweating up a storm. But then I just hit a brick wall. I am not sure if it was because of the time OR because of the P90X Phase I Fat Shredder nutrition plan. They do warn about lack of energy and moving on to the next phase. I think I may be doing this quite soon.
I finished the video, but it was no where near a strong finish. Kind of disappointed with myself.
So, Kristi wasn't exercising tonight either. I just ate more food then I probably should have (all of it complied with the P90X nutrition plan. I was a good girl) and I needed to wait at least 1 hour for some digestion to occur.
So, here I am, at 10:15pm, getting ready to do some Kenpo! That's dedication. Just like with the Plyometrics earlier this week, I noticed that I barely had energy to get through some of the exercises. I started off really strong, turning my hips and sweating up a storm. But then I just hit a brick wall. I am not sure if it was because of the time OR because of the P90X Phase I Fat Shredder nutrition plan. They do warn about lack of energy and moving on to the next phase. I think I may be doing this quite soon.
I finished the video, but it was no where near a strong finish. Kind of disappointed with myself.
Day "17": Legs & Back, AB Ripper X
I had to do this video by myself because Kristi is working late tonight. It's ok and everything, but I really enjoy when we laugh and talk and good around a little bit. It was hard without her here, but it really just felt like exercise.
Keeping with the theme of the last muscle building workout, my goal was to increase weight and decrease reps. It kind of worked out that way!
1. Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 20R+B, 15R+B
2. Wide Front Pull-Ups: 16R+B, 15R+B
3. Closed Grip Pverhand Pull-Ups: 16R+B, 15R+B
4. Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 20R+B, 16R+B
So, the first time I did this exercise, I did a total of 110 "pull-ups", then I increased to 157 last week! This week, I did 133!! So, my plan of increasing weights and decreasing reps worked out! :o) I hope to simulate more of pull-up by using heavier weights, while continuing to lean into the bands and pulling at an angle (as Tony Horton mentions in the video).
As for the leg part of the routine - well, my legs were sore the next day (and the next one too). I actually felt it in my inner thighs too! Which was exciting!
I am starting to be able to do more of the Ab routine as well!! I did all 25 In&Outs followed immediately by 20 of the bicycles. I rested for 10 seconds before doing the reverse ones, but was able to do a lot of those too. I noticed my legs being sore during the ab workout! haha. I worked myself pretty hard this day!
Keeping with the theme of the last muscle building workout, my goal was to increase weight and decrease reps. It kind of worked out that way!
1. Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 20R+B, 15R+B
2. Wide Front Pull-Ups: 16R+B, 15R+B
3. Closed Grip Pverhand Pull-Ups: 16R+B, 15R+B
4. Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 20R+B, 16R+B
So, the first time I did this exercise, I did a total of 110 "pull-ups", then I increased to 157 last week! This week, I did 133!! So, my plan of increasing weights and decreasing reps worked out! :o) I hope to simulate more of pull-up by using heavier weights, while continuing to lean into the bands and pulling at an angle (as Tony Horton mentions in the video).
As for the leg part of the routine - well, my legs were sore the next day (and the next one too). I actually felt it in my inner thighs too! Which was exciting!
I am starting to be able to do more of the Ab routine as well!! I did all 25 In&Outs followed immediately by 20 of the bicycles. I rested for 10 seconds before doing the reverse ones, but was able to do a lot of those too. I noticed my legs being sore during the ab workout! haha. I worked myself pretty hard this day!
Day "16": Yoga X
I am so behind with the blogging. I am sooo sorry! School just gets in the way sometimes.
I don't know what it is about this particular Yoga video, but I just can't bring myself to get over the boredom and do the exercises! It didn't help that the twisting and bending aggrevated my knee, so I stopped about 30-35 minutes into the 90 minutes video. :( I was talking with my sister (because YAY, she is doing the videos now!!) and she said it gets better after 45 minutes, so I am going to fast-forward it if I am feeling like stopping. At least that will show me some more of the exercises!
There isn't much to say, other then I gave up :o( I hate to say it like that, but it would b the truth. This video just sucks. A lot. I PROMISE I will get through the entire video when week 3 comes up!
I don't know what it is about this particular Yoga video, but I just can't bring myself to get over the boredom and do the exercises! It didn't help that the twisting and bending aggrevated my knee, so I stopped about 30-35 minutes into the 90 minutes video. :( I was talking with my sister (because YAY, she is doing the videos now!!) and she said it gets better after 45 minutes, so I am going to fast-forward it if I am feeling like stopping. At least that will show me some more of the exercises!
There isn't much to say, other then I gave up :o( I hate to say it like that, but it would b the truth. This video just sucks. A lot. I PROMISE I will get through the entire video when week 3 comes up!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Day "15": Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Today, my goal was to add weights and do less reps, where I felt I was able to. I even made it through 1 set of the bonus round!! :) :) :) Kristi and I had to stop there because we started late due to getting home late. BUT hey! We did some of the BONUS round!!
As a reminder, I use resistance bands and the colours and weights are as follows: Black (Blk, 5lbs), Blue (B, 10lbs), Yellow (15lbs), and Red (20lbs). If you combine two or more colours (which you are able to do with the resistance bands I have), then you add the weights together as well. So Black +Red = 25lbs. I found a picture of what I am talking about with the linking up 3 bands a time. So, here is what my resistance bands actually look like:
So you can hook each end of the bands into the handles! Super awesome!!
These are the exercises I did today:
1. Alternating SHoulder Presses: 13R, 14R
2. In & Out Bicep Curls: 16R+Blue, 16R+B
3. Two-arm Tricep Kickback: 15B, 15B
4. Deep Swimmer's Presses: 15R, 10R
5. Full Supination Concentration Curls: 11R, 13R
6. Chair Dips: 20, 20 (I should mention that my knees were bent, so these are the easiest)
7. Upright Rows: 15R, 15R
8. Static Arm Curls: 12/side R+B, 8/side R+B
9. Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 16B, 13B
10. Two-angle Shoulder Flys: 16B, 16B
11. Crouching Cohen Curls: 15R, 18R
12. Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 13Y, 15Y
(I still really dislike Exercises 10-12. For some reason, they give me the hardest time!)
BONUS ROUND:
13. In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyrs: 14B, --
14. Congdon Curls: 10?R+B, -- (I was counting strangely, and then got confused with his counting. So, this is probably an underestimation)
15. Side Tri-rises: 16/side, --
As a reminder, I use resistance bands and the colours and weights are as follows: Black (Blk, 5lbs), Blue (B, 10lbs), Yellow (15lbs), and Red (20lbs). If you combine two or more colours (which you are able to do with the resistance bands I have), then you add the weights together as well. So Black +Red = 25lbs. I found a picture of what I am talking about with the linking up 3 bands a time. So, here is what my resistance bands actually look like:
So you can hook each end of the bands into the handles! Super awesome!!
These are the exercises I did today:
1. Alternating SHoulder Presses: 13R, 14R
2. In & Out Bicep Curls: 16R+Blue, 16R+B
3. Two-arm Tricep Kickback: 15B, 15B
4. Deep Swimmer's Presses: 15R, 10R
5. Full Supination Concentration Curls: 11R, 13R
6. Chair Dips: 20, 20 (I should mention that my knees were bent, so these are the easiest)
7. Upright Rows: 15R, 15R
8. Static Arm Curls: 12/side R+B, 8/side R+B
9. Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 16B, 13B
10. Two-angle Shoulder Flys: 16B, 16B
11. Crouching Cohen Curls: 15R, 18R
12. Lying-down Tricep Extensions: 13Y, 15Y
(I still really dislike Exercises 10-12. For some reason, they give me the hardest time!)
BONUS ROUND:
13. In & Out Straight-arm Shoulder Flyrs: 14B, --
14. Congdon Curls: 10?R+B, -- (I was counting strangely, and then got confused with his counting. So, this is probably an underestimation)
15. Side Tri-rises: 16/side, --
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Day "14": Plyometrics
After taking a little over a week off, doing Plyometrics scared me. Normally, or at least the other times I have done this video, I was excited! I think this exercise goes by very fast and despite my boobs practically knocking me out with every jump (yes, I do wear a sports bra), I rather enjoy it.
But today, it felt like day 1 exercising! I was winded in the warm-up! I barely had enough energy to complete the video, and I am sure everything was done with minimal effort (despite my legs still hurting ... days later). Kristi then brought something to my attention: we started the P90X Nutrition plan! Phase 1 (I will write a more detailed blog about the diet later) is heavy protein and very little carbs to try to shred as much fat as possible. They warn that energy levels will be low during exercise, and in that case, you should move on to Phase 2 (adding more carbs, taking away protein).
We will probably finish out the week on Phase 1 and move into something that will give us the energy to actually complete the exercises.
Sorry this is so short, but that's all!
But today, it felt like day 1 exercising! I was winded in the warm-up! I barely had enough energy to complete the video, and I am sure everything was done with minimal effort (despite my legs still hurting ... days later). Kristi then brought something to my attention: we started the P90X Nutrition plan! Phase 1 (I will write a more detailed blog about the diet later) is heavy protein and very little carbs to try to shred as much fat as possible. They warn that energy levels will be low during exercise, and in that case, you should move on to Phase 2 (adding more carbs, taking away protein).
We will probably finish out the week on Phase 1 and move into something that will give us the energy to actually complete the exercises.
Sorry this is so short, but that's all!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Day "13": Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
After taking a little over a week off from exercise, my knee is all "healed". It only took a lot of ice and a lot of elevation. Even a knee wrap. But so far, so good. This means: I EXERCISE TODAY!!!! Yippee!!!
So why am I calling it day "13"? Good question. I debated calling it day 1 again because, according to The Truth (By Frank Sepe), every day you miss at the gym sets you back 1 week. So, if I missed 9 days, that sets me back 9 weeks - which puts me to where I was 7 weeks before I started P90X!! This thought has me seriously depressed at the momment. So, I cheated. I measured my waist because at first glance, I look exactly the same. Well, so far so good! I am down 2.5 inches in my waist and 12 pounds (cheated there too). So, maybe just calling it day "13" will be ok. Another reason why it is "13" is because technically that puts me at KenpoX, which scared me. I didn't want to do some crazy thing on my knee quite yet. So, skipping that day and just resting on the following 2 days brings me to today! A fake day "13" and all my numbers will be messed up from here on out! Sorry about that, but life happens.
Here are my exercises from today:
1. Standard Push-ups: 20, 20 (both from knee)
2. Wide Front Pull-ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
3. Military Push-ups: 5, 6 (both from knee)
4. Reverse Grip Chin-ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
5. Wide Fly Push-ups: 20, 15 (both from knee)
6. Closed Grip Overhand Pull-ups: 15R+Blk, 15R+Blk
7. Decline Push-ups: 10, 7 (done CORRECTLY)
8. Heavy Pants: 20R, 10R
9. Diamond Push-ups: 6, 7 (both from knee)
10.Lawnmowers: 12&12R, 12&12R (did 12 on each side, right arm, left arm)
11.Dive-Bomber Push-ups: 3, 1 (Not low, but I am working on it)
12.Back Flys: 14R, 19R (From a standing position)
I think I did great today and I can't wait to try Plyometrics tomorrow. I did notice that I was winded in the warm-up. I hate taking time off from exercising, but I need to take it nice and easy.
So why am I calling it day "13"? Good question. I debated calling it day 1 again because, according to The Truth (By Frank Sepe), every day you miss at the gym sets you back 1 week. So, if I missed 9 days, that sets me back 9 weeks - which puts me to where I was 7 weeks before I started P90X!! This thought has me seriously depressed at the momment. So, I cheated. I measured my waist because at first glance, I look exactly the same. Well, so far so good! I am down 2.5 inches in my waist and 12 pounds (cheated there too). So, maybe just calling it day "13" will be ok. Another reason why it is "13" is because technically that puts me at KenpoX, which scared me. I didn't want to do some crazy thing on my knee quite yet. So, skipping that day and just resting on the following 2 days brings me to today! A fake day "13" and all my numbers will be messed up from here on out! Sorry about that, but life happens.
Here are my exercises from today:
1. Standard Push-ups: 20, 20 (both from knee)
2. Wide Front Pull-ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
3. Military Push-ups: 5, 6 (both from knee)
4. Reverse Grip Chin-ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
5. Wide Fly Push-ups: 20, 15 (both from knee)
6. Closed Grip Overhand Pull-ups: 15R+Blk, 15R+Blk
7. Decline Push-ups: 10, 7 (done CORRECTLY)
8. Heavy Pants: 20R, 10R
9. Diamond Push-ups: 6, 7 (both from knee)
10.Lawnmowers: 12&12R, 12&12R (did 12 on each side, right arm, left arm)
11.Dive-Bomber Push-ups: 3, 1 (Not low, but I am working on it)
12.Back Flys: 14R, 19R (From a standing position)
I think I did great today and I can't wait to try Plyometrics tomorrow. I did notice that I was winded in the warm-up. I hate taking time off from exercising, but I need to take it nice and easy.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Day 12: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
So, today I was at school and I was walking. Just walking in the lab, my usual stroll across the floor. In mid-step, my right knee started hurting. It reminded me of when I stretched some ligament on the inside of my knee, but in the joint area.
So what did I do when I got home? I still did Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X, of course! If being sick couldn't hold me back, either was the knee issue. I decided to take it very easy, modifying the modified moves by holding most of my weight off my right knee. After the exercises, and a little rest for dinner, standing up was painful.
This means I will NOT be exercising for DAY 12 (Thursday) or stretching on Day 13 (Friday). Which is just tormenting me. I feel like I am taking a million steps back now, when I have come so far. BUT, if I learned anything, it is not to exercise when you are hurting.
Well, here is what I did the other day!
1. Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
2. Wide Front Pull-Ups: 20R+Blk, 17R+Blk
3. Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
4. Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
That brings me to a total of 157 FAKE PULL-UPS!!!!!!
I can't wait to have no more knee pain so I can get back to these videos. I am going to pause my dates until I can actually do the videos. So, Day 12, you are forever away. Please come quickly.
So what did I do when I got home? I still did Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X, of course! If being sick couldn't hold me back, either was the knee issue. I decided to take it very easy, modifying the modified moves by holding most of my weight off my right knee. After the exercises, and a little rest for dinner, standing up was painful.
This means I will NOT be exercising for DAY 12 (Thursday) or stretching on Day 13 (Friday). Which is just tormenting me. I feel like I am taking a million steps back now, when I have come so far. BUT, if I learned anything, it is not to exercise when you are hurting.
Well, here is what I did the other day!
1. Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
2. Wide Front Pull-Ups: 20R+Blk, 17R+Blk
3. Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
4. Switch Grip Pull-Ups: 20R+Blk, 20R+Blk
That brings me to a total of 157 FAKE PULL-UPS!!!!!!
I can't wait to have no more knee pain so I can get back to these videos. I am going to pause my dates until I can actually do the videos. So, Day 12, you are forever away. Please come quickly.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Day 11: Yoga X
I got home from school late today (9:30pm) and I had lunch around noon. So, not only was I famished, I was exhausted, and so no exercise happened yesterday. I planned on doing it in the morning before school, but then I realized I had to be in early today.
So, poop!! :( I think what I am going to do is NOT rest on Friday, but do Yoga or Stretch X instead.
This is not good. I feel bad about myself, but there was no way I was going to exercise until 11pm, then eat dinner, stay awake for 2-3 more hours for proper digestion and go to sleep at 1-2am.
So, poop!! :( I think what I am going to do is NOT rest on Friday, but do Yoga or Stretch X instead.
This is not good. I feel bad about myself, but there was no way I was going to exercise until 11pm, then eat dinner, stay awake for 2-3 more hours for proper digestion and go to sleep at 1-2am.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Day 10: Shoulder & Arms, Ab Ripper X
I can't believe it has been 10 whole days!! Just 20 more days until I weigh myself and all of that jazz!
Today, I focused on adding the proper weights and having correct form. I still didn't make it through the bonus round (mostly because it is now 9:40PM Central time, and I STILL have not eaten dinner!) I hate getting home from school late! :o(
Anyway, I did pretty well - AND that includes the Ab Ripper X video! Usually, I skip crunchy frogs and just do more In & Outs. Well, today, I DID crunchy frogs!!! I only did 5 or 6, but I did them!!! :) :) The fifer scissors (which used to be awful for me), I am starting to be able to hold for 8-10 switches at a time! I have to rest though.
I still can't climb my leg, but I tried today. My problem is my back doesn't really come off the mat. I can lift my shoulder blades up, but not my lower back. So, this exercise just doesn't feel like it's doing anything when I am climbing my legs. Instead, I do a traditional crunch with my arms lifting trying to grab something invisible on the ceiling. So, I reach with my right arm to the left.
As for the exercises done today with the Shoulders & Arms, this is what I did:
1. Alternating Shoulder Presses: 13Y, 13Y
2. In & Out Bicep Curls: 20R, 20R+Blk
3. Two-Arm Tricep Kickbacks: 15B, 15B
4. Deep Swimmer's Presses: 16Y, 13Y
5. Full Supination Concentration Curls: 12Y, 12R
6. Chair Dips: 16, 17
7. Upright Rows: 16R, 19R
8. Static Arm Curls: 8 per side R, 8 per side R+Blk
9. Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 14B, 14B
10. Two-Angle Shoulder Flys: 16Y, 16Y
11. Crouching Cohen Curls: 16R, 20R
12. Lying-Down Tricep Extensions: 13Y, 10Y
**The way this is done is 1-3, repeat. 4-6, repeat. 7-9, repeat. 10-12, repeat. The last set of 3 (10-12) are just awful for me. I struggle the most with these. The bands also hurt my arms when it comes to the deep swimmer's presses. There is nothing I can do about these; I think it's just the type of bands I have.
Again, no bonus round because I got home late from work today. I can't wait to try those side tri-rises, they look challenging!
Don't be afraid of challenge! Embrace it.
Today, I focused on adding the proper weights and having correct form. I still didn't make it through the bonus round (mostly because it is now 9:40PM Central time, and I STILL have not eaten dinner!) I hate getting home from school late! :o(
Anyway, I did pretty well - AND that includes the Ab Ripper X video! Usually, I skip crunchy frogs and just do more In & Outs. Well, today, I DID crunchy frogs!!! I only did 5 or 6, but I did them!!! :) :) The fifer scissors (which used to be awful for me), I am starting to be able to hold for 8-10 switches at a time! I have to rest though.
I still can't climb my leg, but I tried today. My problem is my back doesn't really come off the mat. I can lift my shoulder blades up, but not my lower back. So, this exercise just doesn't feel like it's doing anything when I am climbing my legs. Instead, I do a traditional crunch with my arms lifting trying to grab something invisible on the ceiling. So, I reach with my right arm to the left.
As for the exercises done today with the Shoulders & Arms, this is what I did:
1. Alternating Shoulder Presses: 13Y, 13Y
2. In & Out Bicep Curls: 20R, 20R+Blk
3. Two-Arm Tricep Kickbacks: 15B, 15B
4. Deep Swimmer's Presses: 16Y, 13Y
5. Full Supination Concentration Curls: 12Y, 12R
6. Chair Dips: 16, 17
7. Upright Rows: 16R, 19R
8. Static Arm Curls: 8 per side R, 8 per side R+Blk
9. Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks: 14B, 14B
10. Two-Angle Shoulder Flys: 16Y, 16Y
11. Crouching Cohen Curls: 16R, 20R
12. Lying-Down Tricep Extensions: 13Y, 10Y
**The way this is done is 1-3, repeat. 4-6, repeat. 7-9, repeat. 10-12, repeat. The last set of 3 (10-12) are just awful for me. I struggle the most with these. The bands also hurt my arms when it comes to the deep swimmer's presses. There is nothing I can do about these; I think it's just the type of bands I have.
Again, no bonus round because I got home late from work today. I can't wait to try those side tri-rises, they look challenging!
Don't be afraid of challenge! Embrace it.
Day 9: Plyometrics
It just hit me. I completely forgot to log in how I did with yesterday's Plyometrics. Sadly, I mostly forget how I did. Let me ask Kristi (an unbiased person in this case).
That's right! I was dizzy again, but I think this was because my body was dehydrated. I took less breaks then last time, and just kept moving. The dizziness had me stopping for a little bit (I suffer from spurious vertigo - which sucks. But not as much as going to the doctor and them doing the weird stretches for it).
Anyway, I had little motivation yesterday, and it probably trickled through the exercises.
Sorry this is so short, brief, and everything else.
That's right! I was dizzy again, but I think this was because my body was dehydrated. I took less breaks then last time, and just kept moving. The dizziness had me stopping for a little bit (I suffer from spurious vertigo - which sucks. But not as much as going to the doctor and them doing the weird stretches for it).
Anyway, I had little motivation yesterday, and it probably trickled through the exercises.
Sorry this is so short, brief, and everything else.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Day 8: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Today's workout was a repeat of day 1 routines NOT day 1 endurance!!!! :) :) :) I pushed myself harder, lifted more weights, and just kept going past the pain. I am VERY shocked by what I have done today! Kristi was out-for-the-count due to her period creeping in a few days early and knocking her out with some horrible cramps. I had to find the motivation within myself today, which made it a harder workout, but I did it. I am very proud of myself today.
Here are my results (ALL of them an improvement from Day 1 - either in number, or I added weight, or just did the exercise as correctly as I could)!
1. Standard Push-Ups: 20, 20 (both from knee)
2. Wide Front Pull-Ups: 20R+Blk, 17R+Blk
3. Military Push-Ups: 6, 7 (knee)
4. Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 20R+Blk, 18R+Blk
5. Wide Fly Push-Ups: 20, 17 (knee)
6. Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 15R+Blk, 12R+Blk
7. Decline Push-Ups: 5, 7 (DID CORRECTLY!)
8. Heavy Pants: 23Y, 15Y **Need more weight
9. Diamond Push-Ups: 6, 10 (from knee)
10. Lawnmowers: 14R on each side, 14R on each side
11. Dive-Bomber Push-Ups: 4, 3
12. Back Flys: 15B, 20B (both from a standing position)
I do all push-ups from my knees, so I was very proud of myself for doing the decline push-ups. I don't go too low so I can't lift myself back up, but I still did the decline (from my couch)!! The one thing I am looking forward to doing A LOT better are the Dive-Bomber Push-Ups. These are terribly difficult and cause my hips to pop (which hurts). I can't wait to get low and do these better! It will be a sign of my improvement!
As always, I did Ab Ripper X immediately after the Chest & Back video - and I did a lot more then usual, but still not enough to make my ego happy. I could do all 25 In & Outs (as that was part of the fit test), but crunchy frogs I can not do (I can't even wrap my arms around my legs, I am too large for that nonsense), so I just do more In & Outs. The bicycle things, I can do about 10-12 in either direction. I cannot do the leg climber things because I barely lift off the ground. So, instead, I bend my knees (like you would for a traditional crunch) and reach up and over (right hand reaching to left side) as if I were trying to grab something off the ceiling. I am not sure if this is comparable, but at least I am still doing something. The last exercise he does, something about Mason Dixon's? I can't even reach the floor, let alone past my hip. I try them anyway (without my feet in the air). That reminds me, I can't do the side crunches either! WOW, I really suck at the Ab Ripper X, haha. Rather then hold my legs in the air at 30 degree angle and bringing them in with the side-crunch, I just bend my knees toward my chest and lift my upper body to meet my knees, still doing the side crunch. Hopefully, this is ok.
Well, it has to be because I am doing my best, and forgetting the rest. Good luck!
Here are my results (ALL of them an improvement from Day 1 - either in number, or I added weight, or just did the exercise as correctly as I could)!
1. Standard Push-Ups: 20, 20 (both from knee)
2. Wide Front Pull-Ups: 20R+Blk, 17R+Blk
3. Military Push-Ups: 6, 7 (knee)
4. Reverse Grip Chin-Ups: 20R+Blk, 18R+Blk
5. Wide Fly Push-Ups: 20, 17 (knee)
6. Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups: 15R+Blk, 12R+Blk
7. Decline Push-Ups: 5, 7 (DID CORRECTLY!)
8. Heavy Pants: 23Y, 15Y **Need more weight
9. Diamond Push-Ups: 6, 10 (from knee)
10. Lawnmowers: 14R on each side, 14R on each side
11. Dive-Bomber Push-Ups: 4, 3
12. Back Flys: 15B, 20B (both from a standing position)
I do all push-ups from my knees, so I was very proud of myself for doing the decline push-ups. I don't go too low so I can't lift myself back up, but I still did the decline (from my couch)!! The one thing I am looking forward to doing A LOT better are the Dive-Bomber Push-Ups. These are terribly difficult and cause my hips to pop (which hurts). I can't wait to get low and do these better! It will be a sign of my improvement!
As always, I did Ab Ripper X immediately after the Chest & Back video - and I did a lot more then usual, but still not enough to make my ego happy. I could do all 25 In & Outs (as that was part of the fit test), but crunchy frogs I can not do (I can't even wrap my arms around my legs, I am too large for that nonsense), so I just do more In & Outs. The bicycle things, I can do about 10-12 in either direction. I cannot do the leg climber things because I barely lift off the ground. So, instead, I bend my knees (like you would for a traditional crunch) and reach up and over (right hand reaching to left side) as if I were trying to grab something off the ceiling. I am not sure if this is comparable, but at least I am still doing something. The last exercise he does, something about Mason Dixon's? I can't even reach the floor, let alone past my hip. I try them anyway (without my feet in the air). That reminds me, I can't do the side crunches either! WOW, I really suck at the Ab Ripper X, haha. Rather then hold my legs in the air at 30 degree angle and bringing them in with the side-crunch, I just bend my knees toward my chest and lift my upper body to meet my knees, still doing the side crunch. Hopefully, this is ok.
Well, it has to be because I am doing my best, and forgetting the rest. Good luck!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day 7: Rest OR Stretch X
I can't believe I have made it through 1 week of P90X! In other exercise programmes I have tried, I usually make it 3-5 days at the most, and then stop out of boredom. Maybe it's the different exercises done everyday, AKA muscle confusion, that has me pumped and ready to go!
Today, we have a choice: rest and do nothing, or pop in the Stretch X DVD and go to town. When I woke up this morning, I had all intentions of doing the Stretch X video, just to see what it is all about. BUT, I forgot about the redox Minisymposium today (basically a very long day filled with redox biology lectures (conference) plus a 2 hour class). After all of that, I am pretty drained and so I am choosing to rest.
I still have this stupid cold, I still have my three pinched nerves. I am hoping tomorrow's day of push-ups and pull-ups goes well!
Today, we have a choice: rest and do nothing, or pop in the Stretch X DVD and go to town. When I woke up this morning, I had all intentions of doing the Stretch X video, just to see what it is all about. BUT, I forgot about the redox Minisymposium today (basically a very long day filled with redox biology lectures (conference) plus a 2 hour class). After all of that, I am pretty drained and so I am choosing to rest.
I still have this stupid cold, I still have my three pinched nerves. I am hoping tomorrow's day of push-ups and pull-ups goes well!
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