Day 22 for me will be Core Synergistics.
Core Synergistics (58 minutes): This total body workout incorporates cardio, stretching, and resistance to strengthen the core muscles (the muscle groups that girdle the waistline and back.) Building a strong foundation with solid supporting muscles is the goal of this state of the art workout. By strengthening your core, you will be more prepared to tackle the cardio and resistance moves throughout this program while reducing the chance of injury. You'll also improve your flexibility, balance, and coordination.
It was nice to have a change in workouts. This workout seemed to consist of set after set of three different exercises. The first being some sort of push up, the second some sort of ab, and the third some sort of leg (squat or lunge) with added arm movements with weights. Never did the same exercise twice, but that general pattern seemed to repeat itself. I used 5 pound weights for all of the weight exercises. Was able to complete most exercises, but could not do the Chataronga run, so stayed in Plank run for that one. Also, the very first ab exercise, the banana roll thing...seemed to hurt that lower ab muscle I have grumbled about before. So had to kind of modify some of the ab stuff. All in all though, GREAT workout.
Ummm...also...scratch what I said yesterday about wondering why we don't do Ab Ripper during Recovery week. I get it now! We don't do Ab ripper because its all covered in this workout, which I will do twice this week. Plus, Yoga is twice this week, and the Yoga Belly is killer!!
Also, saw my mom today, and she commented on how toned I am looking. Which made me feel great!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Day 21
Day 21 is Yoga X day.
I do the workout, it's getting easier each time. I'm holding poses longer and feeling stronger each time. My right glute muscles cramp up BADLY though during one pose, which leaves me writhing on the floor in pain for a few seconds. But I shake it off and continue.
The completion of todays workout ends the first three weeks of P90x, and I move in to the fourth week, dubbed recovery week, before phase 2. Recovery week is as follows (each workout is roughly an hour except Yoga which is 93 minutes).
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
Of course, I have to mix it up a bit to fit my schedule, so tomorrow I will do Core Synergistics. I'm excited about this because it will be a new workout for me, and I like change! I'm wondering though why there is no Ab Ripper in recovery week....
I do the workout, it's getting easier each time. I'm holding poses longer and feeling stronger each time. My right glute muscles cramp up BADLY though during one pose, which leaves me writhing on the floor in pain for a few seconds. But I shake it off and continue.
The completion of todays workout ends the first three weeks of P90x, and I move in to the fourth week, dubbed recovery week, before phase 2. Recovery week is as follows (each workout is roughly an hour except Yoga which is 93 minutes).
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
Of course, I have to mix it up a bit to fit my schedule, so tomorrow I will do Core Synergistics. I'm excited about this because it will be a new workout for me, and I like change! I'm wondering though why there is no Ab Ripper in recovery week....
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Day 20
Day 20 is rest day.
My arse is killing me from yesterday's workout, and since I will be running up and down the stairs all night tonight, its probably good that its rest day. However, my p90x addicted brain secretly thinks it would be fun to sneak in a cardio workout, Kenpo maybe? Somehow, I have reached a point where it feels weird not to work out and I kind of crave it. Yikes, I've turned in to that person! However, I have committed myself to follow the program exactly as its laid out, so I will refrain.
I was lying in bed thinking last night about Karen Pot Stirrers. Who is this Karen? Why does she eat so much soup? So I tried to research it today in hopes of enlightening everyone, but I can't find anything about who invented this stretch. So no enlightenment today.
My arse is killing me from yesterday's workout, and since I will be running up and down the stairs all night tonight, its probably good that its rest day. However, my p90x addicted brain secretly thinks it would be fun to sneak in a cardio workout, Kenpo maybe? Somehow, I have reached a point where it feels weird not to work out and I kind of crave it. Yikes, I've turned in to that person! However, I have committed myself to follow the program exactly as its laid out, so I will refrain.
I was lying in bed thinking last night about Karen Pot Stirrers. Who is this Karen? Why does she eat so much soup? So I tried to research it today in hopes of enlightening everyone, but I can't find anything about who invented this stretch. So no enlightenment today.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Day 19
Day 19 Back and Legs and Ab Ripper X.
So this is my third time doing the Back and Legs workout, and my ninth time with Ab Ripper. Still can't do a grown up pullup, so do all of them modified. As for the leg stuff, I finally add weights in all the places he recommends. I use 8 pounders for all. And....for the first time I am able to complete the whole brutal 60 seconds of the the wall squat leg lift things (where you alternate the leg raise every 10 seconds.) AND...I am able to hold both 30 seconds sets of chair salutations for the whole 30 seconds each.
Ab Ripper goes well, complete all exercises, all reps, with the exception of those d*#! Mason twists! My low back pops with every in and out and every Fifer scissor when my left leg drops. Not painful, but I must be out of alignment.
Thought for the day......Tony Horton calls sweating "actual DNA removal." Ewwwww.....
So this is my third time doing the Back and Legs workout, and my ninth time with Ab Ripper. Still can't do a grown up pullup, so do all of them modified. As for the leg stuff, I finally add weights in all the places he recommends. I use 8 pounders for all. And....for the first time I am able to complete the whole brutal 60 seconds of the the wall squat leg lift things (where you alternate the leg raise every 10 seconds.) AND...I am able to hold both 30 seconds sets of chair salutations for the whole 30 seconds each.
Ab Ripper goes well, complete all exercises, all reps, with the exception of those d*#! Mason twists! My low back pops with every in and out and every Fifer scissor when my left leg drops. Not painful, but I must be out of alignment.
Thought for the day......Tony Horton calls sweating "actual DNA removal." Ewwwww.....
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Day 18
Day 18, Kenpo day, my favorite workout.
I still can' t believe how FAST this workout goes by. It's like you start, you punch and kick for a bit, and then all of the sudden its over!! I think its the only workout I wish were longer :)
I always think of things I want to bring up on the blog, and then once I sit in the chair, it's like my mind goes blank. So that is all for today, BOORING!
Day 18...over.
I still can' t believe how FAST this workout goes by. It's like you start, you punch and kick for a bit, and then all of the sudden its over!! I think its the only workout I wish were longer :)
I always think of things I want to bring up on the blog, and then once I sit in the chair, it's like my mind goes blank. So that is all for today, BOORING!
Day 18...over.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Day 17
Day 17, Shoulders and Arms.
My shoulders are still pretty sore from Monday, but the overall the workout goes well. I am able to up all exercise to 8 pounds, with the exception of the two angle shoulder flys and the in and out straight arm shoulder flys, both of which I keep at 5 pounds. 15 reps of everything (except for the ones that call for 16) I get to side tri raises, of which I have not been able to do at all, and today I can do 6 on each side, both times! Woot!
I do Ab Ripper X right after since I am all warmed up anyway, and it goes well. I actually don't do as well as Monday, but maybe thats because I didn't rest between workouts today. But no searing pain, except for the burn of hard working abs.
In in great news for the day, in going through some photos on the computer, I find that I did in fact download my before pics before hubby erased the card, so I DO have my actual before pics. Hooray!!
Day 17 Tada!! RIP Ted Kennedy....
My shoulders are still pretty sore from Monday, but the overall the workout goes well. I am able to up all exercise to 8 pounds, with the exception of the two angle shoulder flys and the in and out straight arm shoulder flys, both of which I keep at 5 pounds. 15 reps of everything (except for the ones that call for 16) I get to side tri raises, of which I have not been able to do at all, and today I can do 6 on each side, both times! Woot!
I do Ab Ripper X right after since I am all warmed up anyway, and it goes well. I actually don't do as well as Monday, but maybe thats because I didn't rest between workouts today. But no searing pain, except for the burn of hard working abs.
In in great news for the day, in going through some photos on the computer, I find that I did in fact download my before pics before hubby erased the card, so I DO have my actual before pics. Hooray!!
Day 17 Tada!! RIP Ted Kennedy....
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Shameless Plug
I'd like to take a moment to give God a great big thank you for the invention of the Homedics Shiatsu Massage Cushion without which my sore and weary muscles would not make it through this program. As a massage therapist myself, this is the ONLY tool I have ever found that mimics a deep tissue massage. True, it will only focus on the muscles around the spine and between the shoulder blades, but it tides me over between real massages. My only complaint is you can't stop the rollers on sore areas to focus for a few minutes. A minor annoyance.
So a shout out to the Homedic Cushion. Buy one. Now. You'll thank me later. I'm going to spend a few minutes with mine right now.....
So a shout out to the Homedic Cushion. Buy one. Now. You'll thank me later. I'm going to spend a few minutes with mine right now.....
Day 16
Day 16, Plyo day.
The workout goes well. I am actually able to complete a few tuck jumps, just a few though, then back to just straight jumping. Same with rock star jumps. As for the other exercises, I pretty much complete everything, save maybe a few seconds here and there. I discovered the first day I did Plyo that I don't know how to throw a baseball with the correct form, such as is included in the bonus moves at the end. I try really hard today to mirror what they are doing, but it just doesn't feel right. I must remember to ask Mike to show me how to throw a baseball tonight, as I pretty much find myself standing around frustrated for the one minute they are "throwing" balls.
Tony talks about how great Plyo is for athletes, and how his basketball game improved greatly since he started Plyo. I'm wondering how it will affect my kickball game. League starts end of September. I'm pretty sure I'll probably be the MVP at this rate ;)
A question, what do people recommend for workout shoes? My Nike Airs just aren't cutting it, and I think its time I invest some moolah in new shoes to support my new workout program. What I could really use is a shoe that has some extra something on the bottom to prevent sliding, as I do my workouts in my living room, and it is all hardwood floor. Do they make a workout shoe with some extra stickiness on the bottom? Thoughts....suggestions?
In amusing news for the day, have you ever noticed in the workouts that Tony often talks to Jerry, the camera guy? I came across a p90x blog from a guy named Jerry. He stated that for the first few workouts, he was convinced Tony was talking directly to him, thought somehow each workout was personalized to the buyers name. He was bummed when he figured out Jerry is actually the camera man! HAHAHA. Maybe Tony should make personalized programs......
The workout goes well. I am actually able to complete a few tuck jumps, just a few though, then back to just straight jumping. Same with rock star jumps. As for the other exercises, I pretty much complete everything, save maybe a few seconds here and there. I discovered the first day I did Plyo that I don't know how to throw a baseball with the correct form, such as is included in the bonus moves at the end. I try really hard today to mirror what they are doing, but it just doesn't feel right. I must remember to ask Mike to show me how to throw a baseball tonight, as I pretty much find myself standing around frustrated for the one minute they are "throwing" balls.
Tony talks about how great Plyo is for athletes, and how his basketball game improved greatly since he started Plyo. I'm wondering how it will affect my kickball game. League starts end of September. I'm pretty sure I'll probably be the MVP at this rate ;)
A question, what do people recommend for workout shoes? My Nike Airs just aren't cutting it, and I think its time I invest some moolah in new shoes to support my new workout program. What I could really use is a shoe that has some extra something on the bottom to prevent sliding, as I do my workouts in my living room, and it is all hardwood floor. Do they make a workout shoe with some extra stickiness on the bottom? Thoughts....suggestions?
In amusing news for the day, have you ever noticed in the workouts that Tony often talks to Jerry, the camera guy? I came across a p90x blog from a guy named Jerry. He stated that for the first few workouts, he was convinced Tony was talking directly to him, thought somehow each workout was personalized to the buyers name. He was bummed when he figured out Jerry is actually the camera man! HAHAHA. Maybe Tony should make personalized programs......
Monday, August 24, 2009
Day 15
Day 15, I start my third week. Back and Chest again, along with Ab Ripper X.
Small bit of upsetting news last night when my husband informed me he accidentally deleted all the pictures on our memory card. Luckily, that didn't include many pictures. Unfortunately, it did include my before pictures from two weeks ago. Such a bummer! So I will have him take more before pictures tonight, even though I am actually two weeks in.....
I do Back and Chest in the morning. Still can't do a real pull up, but SOOO close! All of my reps are up this time, and I switch to 8 pound weights for Heavy Pants, Lawnmowers, and Back Flys. Still can only do 5 divebombers. As for the declines, last week I could only hold plank. This week, I go down to knees and am able to do 8 the first time, 5 the second. Man those are hard!
After a wonderful lunch with friends (where I indulge in my first and only splurge at Duckfat, renowned for their french fries fried in duckfat) I feel slightly guilty. Consider throwing in a cardio workout tonight to make up for it. Reconsider and decide against it. Consider again an hour later, then finally decide that I can't be perfect all of the time, on indulgence won't kill me, and saying farewell to a friend moving away, worth it.
I do Ab Ripper X. For the first time, I am able to complete all reps of every exercise, with the exception of the Mason Twists. Once again I complete the first 20 with legs up, 10 with legs down, and the last 20 with legs back up. I am amazed at how much stronger my core is. All the moves are higher, I can actually do all the V-up pulse up things, and I switch directions on the bicycle without breaking in between. What I do notice is that I cannot get my legs straight up in the air, for things like the Fifer scissors and pulse ups. So I guess that is the next goal, to get all the moves with completely straight legs.
Day 15, Dadone!
Small bit of upsetting news last night when my husband informed me he accidentally deleted all the pictures on our memory card. Luckily, that didn't include many pictures. Unfortunately, it did include my before pictures from two weeks ago. Such a bummer! So I will have him take more before pictures tonight, even though I am actually two weeks in.....
I do Back and Chest in the morning. Still can't do a real pull up, but SOOO close! All of my reps are up this time, and I switch to 8 pound weights for Heavy Pants, Lawnmowers, and Back Flys. Still can only do 5 divebombers. As for the declines, last week I could only hold plank. This week, I go down to knees and am able to do 8 the first time, 5 the second. Man those are hard!
After a wonderful lunch with friends (where I indulge in my first and only splurge at Duckfat, renowned for their french fries fried in duckfat) I feel slightly guilty. Consider throwing in a cardio workout tonight to make up for it. Reconsider and decide against it. Consider again an hour later, then finally decide that I can't be perfect all of the time, on indulgence won't kill me, and saying farewell to a friend moving away, worth it.
I do Ab Ripper X. For the first time, I am able to complete all reps of every exercise, with the exception of the Mason Twists. Once again I complete the first 20 with legs up, 10 with legs down, and the last 20 with legs back up. I am amazed at how much stronger my core is. All the moves are higher, I can actually do all the V-up pulse up things, and I switch directions on the bicycle without breaking in between. What I do notice is that I cannot get my legs straight up in the air, for things like the Fifer scissors and pulse ups. So I guess that is the next goal, to get all the moves with completely straight legs.
Day 15, Dadone!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Day 14
Day 14, Yoga Day.
I decided to be good and follow the program as Tony lays it out, which means instead of substituting a cardio workout for the Yoga, I just suck it up and do the Yoga.
I actually found I liked it more this time. I seem more flexible, so am able to do all of the poses. About halfway through the moving poses series, I stop doing the push up in the Vinyosa. I actually attempt the Crane pose, and get it, though I can only hold it for a few seconds at a time. I do not attempt the wheel, but stay in bridge.
Yoga Belly is easier this time for sure, so my core is getting stronger.
So Yoga is done! I feel good, I feel strong, I feel flexible. Off to a pool party :)
I decided to be good and follow the program as Tony lays it out, which means instead of substituting a cardio workout for the Yoga, I just suck it up and do the Yoga.
I actually found I liked it more this time. I seem more flexible, so am able to do all of the poses. About halfway through the moving poses series, I stop doing the push up in the Vinyosa. I actually attempt the Crane pose, and get it, though I can only hold it for a few seconds at a time. I do not attempt the wheel, but stay in bridge.
Yoga Belly is easier this time for sure, so my core is getting stronger.
So Yoga is done! I feel good, I feel strong, I feel flexible. Off to a pool party :)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Day 13
Day 13 for me is rest day. As much as I can rest while working a double shift that is :)
So, since I don't have workout to post about, I pose this question. Tomorrow is Yoga day for me. I don't like the Yoga part. I want to like it, I want to be that Yoga loving person like it seems everyone around me is. I'm just not! I get bored. I'd rather sweat to some hard core cardio for an hour. Thus my question, should I just suffer through a workout I hate, or go ahead and switch it out with one of the cardio workouts. I was thinking if I do the CardioX, that has about 15 minutes or so of Yoga within the workout....
WWTD? What would Tony do? Scratch that, I know Tony would do Yoga. What would YOU do??
So, since I don't have workout to post about, I pose this question. Tomorrow is Yoga day for me. I don't like the Yoga part. I want to like it, I want to be that Yoga loving person like it seems everyone around me is. I'm just not! I get bored. I'd rather sweat to some hard core cardio for an hour. Thus my question, should I just suffer through a workout I hate, or go ahead and switch it out with one of the cardio workouts. I was thinking if I do the CardioX, that has about 15 minutes or so of Yoga within the workout....
WWTD? What would Tony do? Scratch that, I know Tony would do Yoga. What would YOU do??
Friday, August 21, 2009
Day 12 Continued
Got home from work, did the Ab Ripper X.
FINALLY!! I was able to complete it without that tearing pain. I still felt it, but it was mild and I didn't feel like I was going to injure anything.
The best part?? I was able to complete almost all of the reps of every exercise. The exceptions were Mason twists (I did twenty rested ten and did the last twenty) and the roll up pulse up things which I just had to go slower than they were going.
So I guess regardless of the pain, my core is getting stronger for sure. The first time I did Ab Ripper, I couldn't even lift my legs up for the Mason twists, and I couldn't do the Fifer scissors at all.
Also ran in to a friend today, and without me mentioning P90X she says "something is different about your arms. They are either tanner, or more defined" I would like to believe what she was seeing was more defined.
Woohoo!!
FINALLY!! I was able to complete it without that tearing pain. I still felt it, but it was mild and I didn't feel like I was going to injure anything.
The best part?? I was able to complete almost all of the reps of every exercise. The exceptions were Mason twists (I did twenty rested ten and did the last twenty) and the roll up pulse up things which I just had to go slower than they were going.
So I guess regardless of the pain, my core is getting stronger for sure. The first time I did Ab Ripper, I couldn't even lift my legs up for the Mason twists, and I couldn't do the Fifer scissors at all.
Also ran in to a friend today, and without me mentioning P90X she says "something is different about your arms. They are either tanner, or more defined" I would like to believe what she was seeing was more defined.
Woohoo!!
Day 12
Day 12, Legs and Back. 55 minutes of lunges, squats, and pull ups. And Ab Ripper X.
So I am excited for my workout today because I had a dream last night that I did one reverse grip pullup the grown up way. What is my lesson for today? I am not a prophet. That would explain why I also didn't get that scratch off ticket I had a dream about that won me $1000. Darn it.
When I start the workout, I am super tight and sore in my right piriformis (hip rotator) so some of the right lunges and squats are difficult. I do my best, and by the end, it is all stretched out and now it feels wonderful. My arms are shaking, my legs are shaking, but I feel GREAT!
I will do the Ab Ripper when I get home from work tonight.
I had some insight yesterday while chatting with a friend. She asked me about my son's first day of Kindergarten. In my head it was far away, on paper, its less than two weeks. When I realized this, I welled up and instantly started to cry. I don't think I realized how hard this was going to be on me. For five years now he has been with me. On the three days a week I massage, I don't go in til 11 or 12 so we have all morning together. And on Mondays and Wednesdays I'm off, so we have all day together. Saturdays, I work both jobs, so he is with his daddy all day. Now I realize, what the heck am I going to do with him in school all day?? He is my little partner. And it made me realize that deep down I am devastated that my baby is going to Kindergarten. I think I started this program so that I would have something else to focus on and put my energy in as we transition in to this next phase of our lives.
So I am excited for my workout today because I had a dream last night that I did one reverse grip pullup the grown up way. What is my lesson for today? I am not a prophet. That would explain why I also didn't get that scratch off ticket I had a dream about that won me $1000. Darn it.
When I start the workout, I am super tight and sore in my right piriformis (hip rotator) so some of the right lunges and squats are difficult. I do my best, and by the end, it is all stretched out and now it feels wonderful. My arms are shaking, my legs are shaking, but I feel GREAT!
I will do the Ab Ripper when I get home from work tonight.
I had some insight yesterday while chatting with a friend. She asked me about my son's first day of Kindergarten. In my head it was far away, on paper, its less than two weeks. When I realized this, I welled up and instantly started to cry. I don't think I realized how hard this was going to be on me. For five years now he has been with me. On the three days a week I massage, I don't go in til 11 or 12 so we have all morning together. And on Mondays and Wednesdays I'm off, so we have all day together. Saturdays, I work both jobs, so he is with his daddy all day. Now I realize, what the heck am I going to do with him in school all day?? He is my little partner. And it made me realize that deep down I am devastated that my baby is going to Kindergarten. I think I started this program so that I would have something else to focus on and put my energy in as we transition in to this next phase of our lives.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Day 11
Day 11, Kenpo day.
Woke up feeling pretty good. Not as much soreness. That makes me happy. Also seems I am finally starting to notice a difference on the scale. I am down 4 pounds from my start day.
So today is Kenpo day, my favorite workout so far. It goes by fast, it is super satisfying, and boy do I work up a sweat.
And today I get a treat! A 90 minute massage this afternoon that my sore and weary muscles have been looking forward to all week!! Ahhhh.......
Day 11....OUT!
Woke up feeling pretty good. Not as much soreness. That makes me happy. Also seems I am finally starting to notice a difference on the scale. I am down 4 pounds from my start day.
So today is Kenpo day, my favorite workout so far. It goes by fast, it is super satisfying, and boy do I work up a sweat.
And today I get a treat! A 90 minute massage this afternoon that my sore and weary muscles have been looking forward to all week!! Ahhhh.......
Day 11....OUT!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Day 10
Yippeee!! I am on Day 10 and in to the double digits. Today is Shoulders and Arms and Ab Ripper X.
I didn't sleep well at all last night. I tried taking Melatonin before I went to be, yet still was awake at 3 and didn't get back to sleep til 5:30, then up at 7. My body still hurts, though butt and legs are better, it seems to be mostly my neck, shoulders, back and abs.
I pull out the 8 pound weights because last time I did all the exercises with 5 pounders, and found I was not struggling with the last three reps on most, as Tony recommends. However, last time, I did not hurt as much as this time. So I get started, a lot of the exercises (especially bicep stuff) I use 8. Some however, I have to stick with 5. You are supposed to do 8-10 reps for size, 10-12 reps for toning and weight loss, I do 15 reps of everything.
The only one I cannot do is the very last bonus exercise, tricep side raises. Hopefully in time.
I move on to Ab Ripper X. I thought my Abs were feeling better. 4 minutes in I realize that whatever has been going on with my lower ab muscles is not better. I can't think of how to explain it other than that certain exercises, like crunchy frog and scissors, make it feel like something is going to tear. Its not a burn or a feeling of the muscle is working hard, its more of an injury type feeling, and I DON'T want to injure it more. I'm still wondering if this could have something to do with my C-section. Any input?? So I do modified things making sure it doesn't hurt. Maybe Friday I will be able to do more....
Day 10....CHECK!
I didn't sleep well at all last night. I tried taking Melatonin before I went to be, yet still was awake at 3 and didn't get back to sleep til 5:30, then up at 7. My body still hurts, though butt and legs are better, it seems to be mostly my neck, shoulders, back and abs.
I pull out the 8 pound weights because last time I did all the exercises with 5 pounders, and found I was not struggling with the last three reps on most, as Tony recommends. However, last time, I did not hurt as much as this time. So I get started, a lot of the exercises (especially bicep stuff) I use 8. Some however, I have to stick with 5. You are supposed to do 8-10 reps for size, 10-12 reps for toning and weight loss, I do 15 reps of everything.
The only one I cannot do is the very last bonus exercise, tricep side raises. Hopefully in time.
I move on to Ab Ripper X. I thought my Abs were feeling better. 4 minutes in I realize that whatever has been going on with my lower ab muscles is not better. I can't think of how to explain it other than that certain exercises, like crunchy frog and scissors, make it feel like something is going to tear. Its not a burn or a feeling of the muscle is working hard, its more of an injury type feeling, and I DON'T want to injure it more. I'm still wondering if this could have something to do with my C-section. Any input?? So I do modified things making sure it doesn't hurt. Maybe Friday I will be able to do more....
Day 10....CHECK!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Day 9
Day 9, Plyometrics Day, and with this post I am caught up to the present day with my blog. I wake up, still sore, and realize I do not have enough time this morning to do my workout. I also feel yucky, didn't sleep well, and feel like a cold or something is approaching. I decide I will do my workout when I get home from work, which I HATE!!
So the whole time I am massaging, I am having this internal struggle with my brain. Should I just skip my workout today? Force myself to do it? In the end, I decide I can't let my four blog followers down. I get home from work and do Plyo. It's just as hard, but I actually feel stronger this time. The only part I can't do is the tuck jumps (where you jump and kick your butt with your knees) and the rock star jumps (same idea, but with a pretend air guitar) Jumping and trying to tuck my legs is again causing that pain I mentioned yesterday in the lower abs. I'm really hoping it gets better, especially considering that is my problem area, and part of the reason I started this!
So Day 9, complete. 81 more days to go.
So the whole time I am massaging, I am having this internal struggle with my brain. Should I just skip my workout today? Force myself to do it? In the end, I decide I can't let my four blog followers down. I get home from work and do Plyo. It's just as hard, but I actually feel stronger this time. The only part I can't do is the tuck jumps (where you jump and kick your butt with your knees) and the rock star jumps (same idea, but with a pretend air guitar) Jumping and trying to tuck my legs is again causing that pain I mentioned yesterday in the lower abs. I'm really hoping it gets better, especially considering that is my problem area, and part of the reason I started this!
So Day 9, complete. 81 more days to go.
Day 8
Day 8. For those of you who are not familiar with this 90 day program, Weeks 1-3 are exactly the same, so that means today I get to do Chest and Back again. Today it will hit 90 degrees in Maine, and I have plans with my mother and some friends to take our kiddos to Aquaboggan, a local water park. So I set my alarm and get up early to do my workout first.
Now I don't mean to whine, and I hate whiners, but I want to be honest. I still hurt, everywhere. I'm still wondering when the hurt starts to go away. Any insight??? Still can't do a pull up, so do modified. Push ups are a lot harder this week due to the soreness, so my numbers are lower. I finish the workout and we head to the park. I decide I will do the Ab Ripper workout when we get home, no matter how late.
So, at the water park. My son is an adrenaline junky like his mama. He quickly figures out the fastest slides and we stick to them. I point out to him that you go faster if you lay on your back rather than sit. On each slide, I go down first, and he after so I can be at the bottom to catch him if needed. So on one of the faster slides, I lay down, and then when I go around one big curve, I realize that you really use your ab muscles to steady your body on the turns, because a pain tears through me lower abs and I want to cry. Needless to say, I don't lay down any more after that. Once in the wave pool, a little boy accidentally kicks me in the butt. I refrain from punching him in the face.
We get home around 9. I get my son settled in bed and pop in the Ab Ripper X. I realize about 4 minutes in to it that I am not going to be able to finish this workout. Something is wrong in the lower abs. Its not a workout pain, its like a something is going to rip and give out pain. It hits me that because on my day of rest I did Yoga, which includes the hard core yoga belly workout, maybe I am overdoing it, since he does recommend never doing abs two days in a row.
My other thought is my c-section 5 years ago. I know it can affect future use of your muscles. Any thoughts on this?????
Now I don't mean to whine, and I hate whiners, but I want to be honest. I still hurt, everywhere. I'm still wondering when the hurt starts to go away. Any insight??? Still can't do a pull up, so do modified. Push ups are a lot harder this week due to the soreness, so my numbers are lower. I finish the workout and we head to the park. I decide I will do the Ab Ripper workout when we get home, no matter how late.
So, at the water park. My son is an adrenaline junky like his mama. He quickly figures out the fastest slides and we stick to them. I point out to him that you go faster if you lay on your back rather than sit. On each slide, I go down first, and he after so I can be at the bottom to catch him if needed. So on one of the faster slides, I lay down, and then when I go around one big curve, I realize that you really use your ab muscles to steady your body on the turns, because a pain tears through me lower abs and I want to cry. Needless to say, I don't lay down any more after that. Once in the wave pool, a little boy accidentally kicks me in the butt. I refrain from punching him in the face.
We get home around 9. I get my son settled in bed and pop in the Ab Ripper X. I realize about 4 minutes in to it that I am not going to be able to finish this workout. Something is wrong in the lower abs. Its not a workout pain, its like a something is going to rip and give out pain. It hits me that because on my day of rest I did Yoga, which includes the hard core yoga belly workout, maybe I am overdoing it, since he does recommend never doing abs two days in a row.
My other thought is my c-section 5 years ago. I know it can affect future use of your muscles. Any thoughts on this?????
Day 7
Day 7, Yoga X.
Yoga X (93 minutes): If you think this will be the day to relax forget it! The P90X yoga workout will challenge you like never before. You'll sweat, twist, stretch, and hold all kinds of unfamiliar positions to feel energized—maybe even enlightened.
I will admit, I dreaded this workout. Not the Yoga part, just the 90 minute part. It just seems SO LONG!! But I keep telling myself over and over. Its 90 days, I can do anything for 90 days. I have to do this! So I do it. And its hard. And you have to focus so much that the 90 minutes does fly by. I don't love it, but I will do it. Hopefully I will get better. I could not do the Crane pose at all. So that will be my goal.
Yoga X (93 minutes): If you think this will be the day to relax forget it! The P90X yoga workout will challenge you like never before. You'll sweat, twist, stretch, and hold all kinds of unfamiliar positions to feel energized—maybe even enlightened.
I will admit, I dreaded this workout. Not the Yoga part, just the 90 minute part. It just seems SO LONG!! But I keep telling myself over and over. Its 90 days, I can do anything for 90 days. I have to do this! So I do it. And its hard. And you have to focus so much that the 90 minutes does fly by. I don't love it, but I will do it. Hopefully I will get better. I could not do the Crane pose at all. So that will be my goal.
Day 6
Remember that time, on Day 5, when I said I didn't think I would be too sore?? Why do I ever open my mouth. My ass hurts so bad I can't sit on anything that isn't padded. My leg muscle hurt to the point they feel crampy. I find I have become that girl who is constantly stretching, my shoulders, my quads, my triceps, even in public places. I can imagine people thinking "who does she think she is, some kind of athlete??" If they only knew my pain, they wouldn't judge. I find myself sneaking in stretches while massaging, its that bad!!
Day 6 is supposed to another cardio workout, and then Day 7 is rest. However, due to my work schedule, I have changed this. Saturdays I massage all day, then wait tables at night, in an upstairs dining room. So, the only conceivable way for me to actually survive a Saturday workday is NOT to do a workout right before. So for my P90X schedule, Day 6 will be rest day, and Day 7 will be Yoga X, since its the only day I can fit in a 90 minute continuous workout.
However, because I got called in to work last night, I still have that Ab Ripper workout to make up. And since that is only 17 minutes, I easily fit it in in the morning. My Abs hurt so bad, I can't even tell you. It seems to be the exercises where I have to drop my legs close to the floor, but not actually touch it that hurt the most, especially the scissor ones. Its my lower ab (or my "pooch" or "front butt" as I lovingly refer to it) that hurts the most. I do my best.
So much for a day of rest!
Day 6 is supposed to another cardio workout, and then Day 7 is rest. However, due to my work schedule, I have changed this. Saturdays I massage all day, then wait tables at night, in an upstairs dining room. So, the only conceivable way for me to actually survive a Saturday workday is NOT to do a workout right before. So for my P90X schedule, Day 6 will be rest day, and Day 7 will be Yoga X, since its the only day I can fit in a 90 minute continuous workout.
However, because I got called in to work last night, I still have that Ab Ripper workout to make up. And since that is only 17 minutes, I easily fit it in in the morning. My Abs hurt so bad, I can't even tell you. It seems to be the exercises where I have to drop my legs close to the floor, but not actually touch it that hurt the most, especially the scissor ones. Its my lower ab (or my "pooch" or "front butt" as I lovingly refer to it) that hurts the most. I do my best.
So much for a day of rest!
Day 5
Day 5 is Legs and Back and Ab Ripper X.
Legs and Back: (59 minutes): Get ready to squat, lunge, and pull during this unique series of P90X workouts for both the lower and upper body. Strengthen and develop your glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves. There is also a handful of some highly effective pull up exercises to give you lower body a quick breather while you work your upper body. Some of the leg exercise require dumbbells or bands.
So I wake up today feeling ok. Still very sore, wondering when that will start to get better. So I find I still not only can't do a pull up, but I'm still so sore from Monday, that it is even more difficult to do the modified version. I do my best, but my repetitions are low. As for the leg part. Oh. My. Gosh! You know that term "feeling the burn"? I was feeling the inferno. I kept up well, only stopped early with some of the wall squat stuff, but even then, it was quick breaks and right back to it. I finished the workout, legs a bit wobbly, but overall it feels good. Feeling like I won't be too sore tomorrow.
As for the Ab Ripper, I get called in to wait tables after I massage, so I will have to save it and do it tomorrow which is supposed to be my rest day.
Legs and Back: (59 minutes): Get ready to squat, lunge, and pull during this unique series of P90X workouts for both the lower and upper body. Strengthen and develop your glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves. There is also a handful of some highly effective pull up exercises to give you lower body a quick breather while you work your upper body. Some of the leg exercise require dumbbells or bands.
So I wake up today feeling ok. Still very sore, wondering when that will start to get better. So I find I still not only can't do a pull up, but I'm still so sore from Monday, that it is even more difficult to do the modified version. I do my best, but my repetitions are low. As for the leg part. Oh. My. Gosh! You know that term "feeling the burn"? I was feeling the inferno. I kept up well, only stopped early with some of the wall squat stuff, but even then, it was quick breaks and right back to it. I finished the workout, legs a bit wobbly, but overall it feels good. Feeling like I won't be too sore tomorrow.
As for the Ab Ripper, I get called in to wait tables after I massage, so I will have to save it and do it tomorrow which is supposed to be my rest day.
Day 4
Day 4 is normally Yoga X, a 93 minute workout. Because I also have a job and a five year old, I am forced to "tweak" my routine just a bit. I am switching Yoga X day with Kenpo day, which is normally day 6. So...today is Kenpo day for me.
Kenpo X (59 minutes): Kenpo means "law of the fist", and that's exactly what you'll be throwing during this cardio-intense workout, that and a whole bunch of kicks, elbows, knees, and forearms!
I wake up on Day 4 again sore from head to toe in the previous three days spots, with an added bonus of sore triceps, biceps, and pecs. Yehaw! Oh Tony, I'm not backing down yet!
So I start Kenpo. I love the fact that you warm up really good before each workout, because my muscles really need it. I have a hard time moving at first. First few punches and kicks are killer, but than my muscles start to warm, and I discover about 30 minutes in to the workout that Kenpo is absolutely my new FAVORITE thing!! There is something so completely satisfying about spending an hour punching and kicking. This is the only workout so far that when I finished I actually thought (cover your ears Tony) "Man, I don't want that to be over!" AND! I was covered in rivers of sweat.
So to recap, Kenpo rocks, can't wait for the next time!
Kenpo X (59 minutes): Kenpo means "law of the fist", and that's exactly what you'll be throwing during this cardio-intense workout, that and a whole bunch of kicks, elbows, knees, and forearms!
I wake up on Day 4 again sore from head to toe in the previous three days spots, with an added bonus of sore triceps, biceps, and pecs. Yehaw! Oh Tony, I'm not backing down yet!
So I start Kenpo. I love the fact that you warm up really good before each workout, because my muscles really need it. I have a hard time moving at first. First few punches and kicks are killer, but than my muscles start to warm, and I discover about 30 minutes in to the workout that Kenpo is absolutely my new FAVORITE thing!! There is something so completely satisfying about spending an hour punching and kicking. This is the only workout so far that when I finished I actually thought (cover your ears Tony) "Man, I don't want that to be over!" AND! I was covered in rivers of sweat.
So to recap, Kenpo rocks, can't wait for the next time!
Day 3
Day 3 is Shoulders and Arms and AbRipper X.
Shoulders and Arms: (60 Minutes) This P90X workout incorporates a potent combination of pressing, curling, and fly movements that will do wonders for the development of the deltoid muscles, biceps and triceps.
I wake up this morning even more sore than yesterday morning. I am like an old lady trying to crawl out of bed. My body doesn't even feel like my body. My body won't move in the ways I need it to. I begin the workout. I use 5 pound weights for all of the exercises. There are many I think that 8 lb weights would be better, but I figure for my first week, I will stick with the 5's. Also, I don't have 8's, so not much of a choice. But as Tony has tracking sheets where you track all your weights and reps for every muscle workout, I made a note to myself to get 8 lb weights for the next workout. This workout has been the easiest so far. I think my arm and shoulder strength is pretty good anyway due to my career. Now when I say easiest, I in NO WAY mean easy!! And I know I will feel it tomorrow.
I go to work, come home, get dinner in the oven, and do the Ab Ripper. My abs are so sore from Monday, that I have a REALLY hard time even completing the workout. But I do the best I can. Still can't get feet off the floor much for the Mason twists.
I wonder if I will ever finish all 50. Scratch that, of course I will! Tony promises....
Shoulders and Arms: (60 Minutes) This P90X workout incorporates a potent combination of pressing, curling, and fly movements that will do wonders for the development of the deltoid muscles, biceps and triceps.
I wake up this morning even more sore than yesterday morning. I am like an old lady trying to crawl out of bed. My body doesn't even feel like my body. My body won't move in the ways I need it to. I begin the workout. I use 5 pound weights for all of the exercises. There are many I think that 8 lb weights would be better, but I figure for my first week, I will stick with the 5's. Also, I don't have 8's, so not much of a choice. But as Tony has tracking sheets where you track all your weights and reps for every muscle workout, I made a note to myself to get 8 lb weights for the next workout. This workout has been the easiest so far. I think my arm and shoulder strength is pretty good anyway due to my career. Now when I say easiest, I in NO WAY mean easy!! And I know I will feel it tomorrow.
I go to work, come home, get dinner in the oven, and do the Ab Ripper. My abs are so sore from Monday, that I have a REALLY hard time even completing the workout. But I do the best I can. Still can't get feet off the floor much for the Mason twists.
I wonder if I will ever finish all 50. Scratch that, of course I will! Tony promises....
Day 2
Day 2 is Plyometrics.
Plyometrics (59 Minutes): You better bring it when you take on this dynamic cardio workout (some call it "The Beast") With over 30 explosive jumping moves. You won't be spending much time on the ground during this P90X workout.
First off, lets talk about how I am feeling. My arms feel like lead. My shoulders are killing me. I can't reach behind me to hook my own bra. So yes, the soreness starts. (Little do I know at this point, this is only the beginning!
So, I start my first Plyo workout. Now I like to work out hard when I do work out. So I give it my all. I'm not sure I have ever sweat like this. I start guzzling water during the water breaks, which Tony warns against and I KNOW is wrong! But my brain tells me to go ahead because I am thirstier than a desert wanderer! Needless to say, about halfway through the workout, that feeling comes over me. Light headed pretty sure I am going to barf all over my pretty workout sneaks. I manage to hold it back though (because I'm that girl who hates puke more than anything) and finish the routine. When I go downstairs to change the laundry, my legs are so wobbly I have a hard time getting back upstairs. Day 2 is done.
Plyometrics (59 Minutes): You better bring it when you take on this dynamic cardio workout (some call it "The Beast") With over 30 explosive jumping moves. You won't be spending much time on the ground during this P90X workout.
First off, lets talk about how I am feeling. My arms feel like lead. My shoulders are killing me. I can't reach behind me to hook my own bra. So yes, the soreness starts. (Little do I know at this point, this is only the beginning!
So, I start my first Plyo workout. Now I like to work out hard when I do work out. So I give it my all. I'm not sure I have ever sweat like this. I start guzzling water during the water breaks, which Tony warns against and I KNOW is wrong! But my brain tells me to go ahead because I am thirstier than a desert wanderer! Needless to say, about halfway through the workout, that feeling comes over me. Light headed pretty sure I am going to barf all over my pretty workout sneaks. I manage to hold it back though (because I'm that girl who hates puke more than anything) and finish the routine. When I go downstairs to change the laundry, my legs are so wobbly I have a hard time getting back upstairs. Day 2 is done.
Day 1
So, Day 1 is Chest and Back along with Ab Ripper X. Descriptions...
Chest and Back (53 minutes) : Its all about pushing and pulling during an intense resistance routine. Made to strengthen, tighten, tone, and build the major muscles of the upper torso, you'll quickly feel the burn. While the majority of the exercises will be push ups and pull ups, some will require the use of dumbbells or bands.
Ab Ripper X (16 minutes) : This is the quickest P90X workout—only 16 minutes to complete yet it hits all the areas of the midsection to burn the fat and tone the muscles using sit-ups to Pilates moves. You'll have everything you need to flatten your stomach and get the 6-pack you have always wanted.
So Day 1, a Monday. I wake up raring to go. Start the workout, realize quickly that I can't do a pull up, which is no big surprise. I haven't been able to do one my whole life. Tony gives you two different options. Either using bands, or using the bar, but adding a chair that you can give just enough support with you toes to help out. I go for the chair option. I'm not messing around.
I do the first few sets of push ups regular style, but quickly realize that the only way I can keep up is to do them on my knees for now. The only two I have a real problem with are the divebomber pushups and the incline pushups. But as Tony says, I just do my best and try to keep my form great. Finish the workout. Arms are shaking, but overall, I enjoyed it.
Later that day I do the AbRipper workout. Well over 300 situps, I think 13 different varities, in 16 minutes. Yes, I'm pretty sure I didn't complete the 25 reps of any of them. But I tried my hardest. The killer here is the final, Mason twists. I couldn't keep my legs of the floor for more than 5 of them, and you had to do 50! I still did the fast twists, and kept TRYING to pick my legs up!
So Day 1 over, I go to bed feeling good.
Chest and Back (53 minutes) : Its all about pushing and pulling during an intense resistance routine. Made to strengthen, tighten, tone, and build the major muscles of the upper torso, you'll quickly feel the burn. While the majority of the exercises will be push ups and pull ups, some will require the use of dumbbells or bands.
Ab Ripper X (16 minutes) : This is the quickest P90X workout—only 16 minutes to complete yet it hits all the areas of the midsection to burn the fat and tone the muscles using sit-ups to Pilates moves. You'll have everything you need to flatten your stomach and get the 6-pack you have always wanted.
So Day 1, a Monday. I wake up raring to go. Start the workout, realize quickly that I can't do a pull up, which is no big surprise. I haven't been able to do one my whole life. Tony gives you two different options. Either using bands, or using the bar, but adding a chair that you can give just enough support with you toes to help out. I go for the chair option. I'm not messing around.
I do the first few sets of push ups regular style, but quickly realize that the only way I can keep up is to do them on my knees for now. The only two I have a real problem with are the divebomber pushups and the incline pushups. But as Tony says, I just do my best and try to keep my form great. Finish the workout. Arms are shaking, but overall, I enjoyed it.
Later that day I do the AbRipper workout. Well over 300 situps, I think 13 different varities, in 16 minutes. Yes, I'm pretty sure I didn't complete the 25 reps of any of them. But I tried my hardest. The killer here is the final, Mason twists. I couldn't keep my legs of the floor for more than 5 of them, and you had to do 50! I still did the fast twists, and kept TRYING to pick my legs up!
So Day 1 over, I go to bed feeling good.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Start Date August 10, 2009
Yes, I know it is actually one week since my start date. It just occured to me to start a blog. I have always wanted to, just wasn't sure I had anything to blog about. And then I decided to let Tony Horton start kicking my ass.
So, I have wanted to start this program for a long time, each week I kept putting it off. Always something that week that would get in the way. I did some of the workouts here and there, but never followed the actual program, and never any of the muscle workouts.
Finally, Sunday August 9th, in a fit of motivation, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods, got myself a chin up bar, and prepared to start the next day.
Now a little background. I am 34, a wife, a mother, a massage therapist, and a waitress. I have struggled with weight my whole life. I was always a tad overweight in high school, even though I was very active. Ballooned up a bit in college. Ballooned up more with a bad first marriage, tipping 200. When I got rid of the baggage of that marriage, I dropped down to about 160-170 without really trying. The day I found out I was pregnant, I weighed 175. At the height of my pregnancy, I weighed 250 pounds. After I stopped breastfeeding, I was about 210. I got serious, joined Weight Watchers, and got down to about 155. That was 4 years ago. I have maintained a fairly normal weight, between 155-160 since then. Seems to be an ok weight, but I have this GUT!!!
I can be a Nazi when it comes to my diet. My struggle? Following any exercise routine for longer than a week. I get bored easily. I make excuses. I flat out don't want to do it. I will be honest, I want to love exercising. Sometimes I do. Sometimes, I would rather eat my shoe.
I am at a point in my life where I need to challenge myself, and I need to see this through. I have found so many blogs from people who start P90X and never finish. My goal is to not be one of those people.
This is going to be my moment, my time to prove that I, this little ole girl from Maine who everybody assumes is just happy, easy going, unassuming, unnoticable, somewhat timid, need a I go on...can BRING IT!
I have taken my before pictures. They are not pretty. I will post them at a later date, that is how not pretty.
So that is a little background. Tomorrow I will blog about my first 8 days in a nutshell, then start day to day blogs from there. Let me just tell you this to keep you hanging. I hurt. I am in pain. Every second. There was one day I couldn't sit down. During my first Plyo workout, I almost barfed. I hurt in muscles I've never felt before, and I am a massage therapist! A little boy kicked me in the pool today in the butt by accident, and I almost punched him! And one more thing, I LOVE it! So Tony, even though I secretly believe you are trying to kill me, BRING IT!
So, I have wanted to start this program for a long time, each week I kept putting it off. Always something that week that would get in the way. I did some of the workouts here and there, but never followed the actual program, and never any of the muscle workouts.
Finally, Sunday August 9th, in a fit of motivation, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods, got myself a chin up bar, and prepared to start the next day.
Now a little background. I am 34, a wife, a mother, a massage therapist, and a waitress. I have struggled with weight my whole life. I was always a tad overweight in high school, even though I was very active. Ballooned up a bit in college. Ballooned up more with a bad first marriage, tipping 200. When I got rid of the baggage of that marriage, I dropped down to about 160-170 without really trying. The day I found out I was pregnant, I weighed 175. At the height of my pregnancy, I weighed 250 pounds. After I stopped breastfeeding, I was about 210. I got serious, joined Weight Watchers, and got down to about 155. That was 4 years ago. I have maintained a fairly normal weight, between 155-160 since then. Seems to be an ok weight, but I have this GUT!!!
I can be a Nazi when it comes to my diet. My struggle? Following any exercise routine for longer than a week. I get bored easily. I make excuses. I flat out don't want to do it. I will be honest, I want to love exercising. Sometimes I do. Sometimes, I would rather eat my shoe.
I am at a point in my life where I need to challenge myself, and I need to see this through. I have found so many blogs from people who start P90X and never finish. My goal is to not be one of those people.
This is going to be my moment, my time to prove that I, this little ole girl from Maine who everybody assumes is just happy, easy going, unassuming, unnoticable, somewhat timid, need a I go on...can BRING IT!
I have taken my before pictures. They are not pretty. I will post them at a later date, that is how not pretty.
So that is a little background. Tomorrow I will blog about my first 8 days in a nutshell, then start day to day blogs from there. Let me just tell you this to keep you hanging. I hurt. I am in pain. Every second. There was one day I couldn't sit down. During my first Plyo workout, I almost barfed. I hurt in muscles I've never felt before, and I am a massage therapist! A little boy kicked me in the pool today in the butt by accident, and I almost punched him! And one more thing, I LOVE it! So Tony, even though I secretly believe you are trying to kill me, BRING IT!
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