Join My Exclusive P90X Challenge!

Monday, November 14, I will begin an exclusive P90X Challenge that will incorporate both P90X & Shakeology.

I will only accept 5 people for this challenge!

I only want you to be a part of this if you are ready to take charge and commit:

• pictures and measurements (not to broadcast – but for you)
• one Shakeology meal a day
• daily P90X workout (I will tell you the workout to do based on the calendar)

I am convinced that after the first 30 days you will look and feel wonderful, and you will be HOOKED and on your way to living a healthier life! I am already excited for you!!

I am ready to give 110% to each of these 5 people. It will be the six of us working together, so we can see results together — we will commit to our fitness goals and hold each other accountable.

Starting November 14, the six of us will all be doing the same workout scheduled for P90X, drinking Shakeology, tracking our progress, staying connected in our private Facebook group, etc. I will help you develop meal plans and give you daily access to my coaching, even beyond my normal coaching hours.

If you are thinking “well I don’t have Shakeology” ~ well then, YES what I am saying is you will have to commit to getting on Shakeology and drinking it once per day!! Don’t worry! It is one of the best commitments I have ever made!

This will be a commitment for the 5 people I take in and I want us all to be 100% committed…

By joining my challenge and purchasing a P90X challenge pack (available November 1), you will automatically get 1 month FREE of Beachbody Club membership— this is a great tool to have for all of us because we will all be starting at a different point in our fitness so with the club membership you will get a customizable meal planner that will make reaching your goals easier. Another bonus — 10% off all your Beachbody products and being entered into daily ca$h drawings just for tracking our workouts!

It is simple, though...5 easy steps for 5 committed individuals:

I know it sounds like a lot of info - right?

1. DECIDE & COMMIT to joining my P90X Challenge.

2. Commit to P90X for a full round of 90 days.

3. Choose Chocolate or Greenberry Shakeology to drink once per day for 90 days.

4. Receive CHALLENGE CONFIRMATION email from me with tips on how to track progress, how to measure, when to do your fit test, recipes, fitness tips, goal setting, how to schedule workouts, how to join our PRIVATE Facebook challenge group, etc.

5. Succeed ~ Look & Feel Great!!

FAQ. Based on questions I've already received:

• What if I already own P90X or drink Shakeology daily? Great! We'll make this challenge work for you as long as you are committed to BOTH for 90 days.
• Do I have to live near you? Not at all! These products are meant to give you success in your home on your schedule. This challenge is a commitment to yourself and to me to make a major transformation in yourself!
• What's the cost? On November 1, exclusive challenge packs will be available at $205 which includes the entire P90X program, your first month of Shakeology, a 30 day trial of the Team Beachbody Club with free shipping. Additional costs will be equipment you want to purchase and your next two months of Shakeology at $120 per month ($4/day). We can talk about possible discounts and the cost differential if you already own the program/drink Shakeology.

Beat the New Year's bandwagon and invest in yourself and your health! Start your transformation now.

P90X Week 12: Results and Recap

Holy cow! My last "normal" week of P90X wasn't really a normal week at all. I had to take two days rest from my soccer game on Sunday. I woke up early and tried to do my first two workouts, but seriously I hurt so bad, I could not. If it was only muscle soreness I would have pushed through it, but my joints have been beyond aching lately. Wednesday and Thursday, I did get double workouts in. Shoulders and arms plus a short run on Wednesday and Yoga and soccer practice on Thursday. The joint pain set in again, therefore I decided to take another couple of days off before my next game on Sunday. I'm glad I did because I ran my tooshy off in that game. Intensity was the name of that game. Let's just say, I'm really glad next week is recovery week. Then...90 Day pics!!

Results:

From the waist down, I'm gaining in inches. I keep telling myself I'm gaining because I'm mid season and my muscles are bulking. The only way to tell for sure is to wait another six weeks and see if I start slimming down in the hips and legs again. My clothes fit fine, still on the loose side, so my concern is relatively low. Perhaps recovery week will also be a slim down week :)

P90X Week 11: Results and Recap

It seems I'm late on posting because this week is following right in order like the beginning of the month. Downright freaking crazy. I sort of took a break from P90X to take advantage of the totally awesome weather Texas received after 60-something 100°+ days. You could say I grew tired of working out in my living room and hit the roads. Here's what I did instead of Week 11:

I'm glad I took the break. Variety is the spice of life, and no workout is effective when you're just going through the motions anyway. I ended the week ready to jump back into the very last week of hardcore working out and the last recovery week to finish off my first full round of P90X!

Results:

I gained in the hips and thighs...thank you soccer! Normally, I think I would be miffed that my thighs and hips are getting bigger, but I train those suckers at least 4 hours a week...it's all muscle, baby. Also, nothing else is gaining...I'm maintaining, which after all, is what a fit life is all about.

P90X Week 10: Results and Recap

This week was not all about P90X. The incredible Texas heat wave broke, and I ended up running outdoors, therefore testing out a bit of my upcoming hybrid training schedule (at least I can say I was testing it out...I just really wanted to run!).

Results: Maintaining. No loss, no gain, and that's fine with me. I feel the difference in my workouts. I'm stronger and my endurance is on the upswing (especially if this humidity stays low). I really can't believe I have two more weeks of the total workouts and then to my last recovery week. After that...it's off to the hybrid schedule I made up for myself (but that's another blog post entirely)! Here's a brief overview of my week through Daily Mile.

P90X Week 9: Recap and Results

This week was, well, nothing short of crazy, to say the least. Here's a little of everything happening:

• First week of school with the boys (T started middle school and the Cy-guy starting his second year of Pre-K)
• I cut my hours at work to about 30 hours a week.
• P's hours start picking up at work so his crazy schedule begins too.
• Planning the Cy-guy's 5th birthday party
• Planning out a running P90X hybrid schedule with my soccer season.

So, my head has been spinning a bit, but I made sure to stay consistent with my workouts. During the workouts, I'm pushing hard too. My goal is to be as sweaty as possible at the end of the workout. Since I'm working out indoors, I don't have to fight humidity, but I need to make myself sweat. Sweat is liquid awesome, as I like to say. At this busy time, P90X is really my only stress relief and since I went part time at work, it's my only "me" time too. I really like this last month of P90X. The arm/chest/shoulder workouts are mixed up every week rather than the same repetition for three weeks. I have to admit, I am struggling with the Ab Ripper X. I was getting to the point of finishing it consistently or not taking breaks for my lower back, but this week I had to dig deep to bring it on the abs. My desired 6-pack just might have to wait.

Results:

My weight seems to be on the decline again, but I have to be cautious to make sure it's not dehydration again. With the hot soccer games lately, it's a possibility I need to remember. Other than that I'm maintaining and loving it. I can tell you I am feeling a little burn out, but I think it's more the hectic schedule right now than the actual P90X.

Here's to 3 weeks left of the first 90 day cycle!

Oh! If you have any questions for me or just curious about products I train with, foods I eat, whatever. Please...shoot me an email at carin.schaab@yahoo.com!

P90X Week 8: Results and Recap

Can anyone say "Thank you, Recovery Week?!?!?!"

Last week ended up being a blessing in disguise, despite my enthusiasm to hit the weights and plyos hard! Between soccer training, work, P90X, and this unusually long streak of 100°+ temperatures, I had started to fade...quickly. I had read on the P90X message boards from Beachbody.com, as well as many other reviews that it can happen. The body just plain pooping out from the intense activity on top of a normal schedule.

On last Monday, I had planned to workout after my early morning doctor's appointment. I had to get in to switch my birth control to the Implanon, an arm implant to last for three years. After my doctor put it in and was giving me the care instructions for the week, she said "No lifting, and for you that especially means no weights, no push ups, and if it hurts, no running." My heart sank, but I knew I had to listen to her.

I promptly got home, pulled up my P90X schedule and realized it's Recovery week! Woohoo! No weights. Actually the only workout I couldn't do fully was the Core Synergistics due to pushups. A week with extra yoga and stretching made it possible for me not to find an alternative schedule for the week. I ended up being pretty rested for my first soccer game on Sunday!

Results:


I found this week that I only lost in the waist. Not a big loss, but it's the first time I can remember seeing a waist measurement below 30 inches! I also noticed that most of my measurements and weight are about the same as I started, but I'm not too concerned about that. I've had several questions of why do I think I'm gaining and if I'm disappointed. I'm gaining and having increasing measurements because I've been working to build muscle and change my body shape. There is no way I'm disappointed! I'm very pleased with the results I'm getting. I'm seeing strength where I never thought I could imagine it. Despite the incredible heat during my soccer game, I still felt pretty strong, stronger than I felt at the end of last season. Remember, I still have 4 weeks left of this first complete round to "Bring It!" After all, I need to work up to P90X2!!! Check it out!

P90X Week 7: Recap and results

Week 7 went fast!!! Combined with school camps, getting the family ready to go out of town, and the hot, hot temperatures here in the Dallas area, P90X was honestly just something on my day's schedule to get done. I have noticed that I'm rarely sore after workouts anymore despite the massive sweat, oh wait, liquid awesome showers that happen during the hour of working out. Also, my cardio workouts are becoming easier and easier. The true test will be when soccer season starts.

On a surprising note, P and the boys attempted Yoga X with me this week. I have to give them all kudos because they wanted to try a family yoga session beginning with one of the most intense yoga workouts out on the market right now. I am currently on the hunt for something all for of us could try. Cy only wanted to do about 5 minutes. He can’t stay still for too long. P did about 15-20 minutes, which is so cool that he tried. T, by the way, is totally awesome. He hung with me for 45 minutes. He did all the vinyasas of Yoga x. I was such a proud mom!

Results:

I've gained some inches and lost as well. My weight and my waist measurement I have been able to maintain. I keep thinking it's because my muscles are becoming more awesome. I know part of my current little plateau is due to me laxing a bit on my meal planning, which leads to not so great choices all the time for me. I'm not talking about fast food and super junk food, but more cheese on foods, a little more of the "foods-only-my-kids-will-eat", not enough fresh veggies and fruits. It's amazing what a difference little details or a little slacking in the diet can do. Thank goodness I have my Shakeology® to help out in the veggie/vitamin/nutrient department.

I realized I've only got about 5 weeks left of this first round of P90X. Wow. I can't wait for the day I get to write the "Week 12, Day 90" post!

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P90X Week 6: Recap and Results

This week I hit P90X pretty hard. Excitement about the changed up arm routines helped enough to keep pushing me through it (and the selfish desire to have kick ass abs). The only things that really seem like an obstacle right now are :

• my wrists, which are super painful during all push ups (I really need to invest in push up bars),
• me forgetting to re-lace my workout shoes from my running lacing to just general workout lacing. Jumping around in looser ( is that even a word?) laced shoes leads to sore ankles which I know I will pay for once soccer season gets here.
  
• Waking up at 5 a.m. Last week, I have been the only person in my house that NEEDS to be up at any particular time. When P works, I get up at 5, so I can spend at least 30 minutes with him before he leaves. He's been off work lately, but I am still getting desperately trying to keep myself on schedule.

Little obstacles, that's all.

This week was one filled with not just P90X. Add in three soccer training sessions as well. Currently, I am getting one of my friends ready for the soccer season and the extra training doesn't hurt me either. We had four sessions scheduled for this week, but I was plum exhausted. I did my X Stretch yesterday and called it a day. With the season starting in two weeks, it looks like double workouts are a consistent part of my schedule. (insert big smile)

Results:

As you can see, I've gained one pound, but lost a total of 0.9 inches: 0.5 inch at the waist and 0.2 inches off each thigh. When I first saw the scale, I was like "Whhhaaaa??", but then I realized the super cool muscle I'm feeling develop in my thigh, a.k.a., my quad. It's pretty cool because I'm so used to a broad muscle, and now I'm feeling definition. I really hope they are the reason for my awesome kicks lately!

P90X Week 5: Recap & Results

After changing up my routine for last week, this week in P90X felt like Week 1, but with a slightly different schedule for weights and I am stronger 30 days later. This week included the following schedule, for weeks 5-7:

Monday: Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps + Ab Ripper X
Tuesday: Plyometrics
Wednesday: Back & Biceps + Ab Ripper X

Thursday: Yoga X
Friday: Legs & Back + Ab Ripper X
Saturday: KenpoX

Sunday: X Stretch or Rest

(495 minutes of working out with only the P90X schedule)

Last week was probably the only true P90X week. Starting week 6, I have to start incorporating more running and soccer training for both my upcoming soccer season to start and the marathon I signed up to run in February. You'll probably start seeing more double workouts from me over the next 6-7 weeks while I'm still plugging away at my first full round of P90X.

Results:

When comparing the numbers, I maintained just about everything this week. I feel stronger, and I feel that I look good too. The main result I love is the increased endurance I feel. Sprinting on the soccer field and all the stop and go training that goes with soccer is still tough in this consistent 100+° weather here in Texas, but I truly feel less winded and favored spots do not feel as weak.

The awesome news is *please insert drum roll* since the beginning of P90X, I dropped one size. This is major news for me. Ever since high school, I have been a Size 10. For the first time in at least 15 years, if not 17ish, I am a size 8. To buy shorts smaller than my normal was a super exciting day for me!

And to top it off...some Day 1 v. day 30 pics...

The day before I started P90X:

End of week 5 (with a bonus week of Les Mills classes):

I know there's a focus of the pics on my arms, but my arms have seen the biggest changes over the first portion of P90X. Stay with me during my adventures for Day 60 and Day 90 pics!!!

Changing It Up

This past week, I took a break from P90X to change things up a bit before I started on Phase 2, a.k.a Days 30-60. I took advantage of some Les Mills classes offered at one of my local recreation centers as well as hitting the road and field.

This is my schedule of last week:

Monday: Les Mills Body Combat (high cardio, alot like KenpoX/kickboxing)

Tuesday: Les Mills Body Pump (cardio/weight mix)

Wednesday: Rest (I tested heavier weights than normal on the Body Pump and could barely move my arms)

Thursday: Les Mills Body Flow (a mix of Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates - I love, love this class!)

Friday: Unintended rest day

Saturday: Early morning run. Short, sweet, slow. 1.64 miles in 22 minutes.

Sunday: Soccer training with P and the boys. Shooting, passing, sprints, one-on-one practice with P as the keeper/coach.

I'm glad I changed up the routine a bit. A little mix up is good for the body, but for me, it's a more mental thing. I get bored easily with workouts, therefore the change up was just what I needed to get excited about starting Phase 2 of P90X.

The Les Mills classes were really fun. That's a surprise coming from me because I don't get into the whole group fitness classes. Yet, I think they were more fun because I've been working out at home. I know I would have made a fool of myself in the Body Combat classes if I had not done the KenpoX. Tripping over my own two feet is not my favorite way to embarrass myself. I was confident though during the class, probably because I did all the self-tripping in the comfort of my own home where no one was watching. The Body Flow class was exactly what I needed that week. Full of calming and centering techniques with strength poses intertwined, I felt stronger and calmer at the end of the 60 minutes. My confidence soared when I hit and held two strength moves (the Crow and Warrior 3) consistently. I could not do that in May. I think I'll definitely be taking the Body Flow classes again. I added pictures of the Crow and Warrior 3 poses for you to see these amazing strength moves.

The Crow and Warrior 3

My run on Saturday was amazing and difficult. I felt free again, and loved the feel of my feet hitting the pavement. Despite the humidity, I felt strong and ran all but 0.10 of the 1.64 miles I tracked. The difficulty of the running was the mental motivation. I have been scared to get running again, even though I felt I could. I did not want to push myself out of excitement or the internal want to do more. I have a tendency to push myself to do more than my body should. After the run, I was glad I got out there and just did it.

Sunday morning, I got P and the kids up to help me with some soccer training for my upcoming season. Why Sundays? My games are on Sundays. Why training? I feel that since my workouts have been indoors and with very minimal running, I need to get out on the field and acclimate myself to the heat, the humidity, the field, and my cleats. I always need work on my long balls and shooting. P makes a great coach. Even though he only played a couple of years when he was younger, he knew enough to push me when I was ready it call it a day. He knew what I needed work on and yelled across the field to keep my mind out of the zone I get in when it comes to soccer and mentally aware of the skills I needed to work. The boys helped me with passing and I also got to do a little coaching of my own with T and teaching him how to kick the ball and the Cy-guy and keeping his dribbling consistent. A perfect morning to get us all up and moving for the day.

Now, Week 5 of P90X starts. I'm ready with a mental excitement and ready to keep moving on this journey to get stronger and healthier. Those are my main goals from this round of P90X. The lost weight and inches are only an added bonus, as well as the look in my boys' eyes when they see my arms while we compare muscles in the evenings.

P90X Week 4: Recap & Results

I realized the past two weeks completely threw me for a loop, and I didn't get my last week's recap posted. Last week was "recovery" week. I did the recovery schedule mixed in with the chest & back session and the Ab Ripper. Part of me forgot what week I was on (see, I told you it's been crazy around here), so by my start date I was on Week 4 .... Recovery, ha! It seemed I worked harder during recovery week than during the previous ones. I think it might be that I'm finally feeling like my old self and even better than the kidney stone episode. Me feeling better = me pushing harder = me LOVING my workouts. By the way, if you're doing P90X and you haven't made it to Core Synergistics yet...get ready. I think I was sore for three days. I always knew my core was a major area for me to strengthen, but, wow, this workout gets it done.

Results:

No weight lost this week, but I'm not surprised. I can feel and see my muscles rebuilding. Yet, partial inches were lost, which is exciting for me. More inches lost = Mommy gets a new wardrobe!

P90X Week 3 : Recap and Results

Week 3 (or Week 2 Reboot) went similar to Week 2. A very busy week combined with some physical issues left me fatigued. My iron levels have been lower than normal lately, therefore it's been difficult to make it through a "calm" normal day, let alone my hectic "normal" kind of day. I did manage to get in a Plyos workout along with some stretching. I've been eating very well, despite the July 4th holiday AND my birthday (falling on a weekend, no less), as well as keeping my hydration levels on par or above.

Results: Another pound lost. The scale has truly surprised me. I actually thought it was a fluke until I went to the doc's office yesterday, and they even said I've managed to lose 5 pounds since I was in 3 months ago. The lab tech asked my trick, and of course I told him P90X! I seriously thought I was at my "happy weight", not at a plateau. The changes I'm seeing in my body truly encourages me for when I can get back to running and my soccer season starts. The muscle definition I'm beginning to see tells me that my body is getting conditioned and in better shape to do the activities I love doing.

Ah, and let me tell you about Cardio X! After a weekend of watching intense Women's World Cup games, I needed a bit of a workout to sweat some of that fan tension. Oh wow. Cardio X is usually recommended for those either doing the Doubles schedule or a bit less intense workout with the Lena schedule. Cardio X kicked my booty. It mixed up elements of Yoga X, Plyos, and Kenpo X as well as other cardio moves I've heard in other programs. Let's just say I can tell i did not intake enough protein yesterday to reduce the soreness I feel in my hamstrings (thank you Kenpo moves!).

Here's to another week of bringing it with P90X (and watching the amazing women's world cup games too)!

P90X Week 2: FAIL

Last week started out great with goals and a new frame of mind. My Monday workout went fantastic, even getting through Ab Ripper X. Then, the rest of the week disappeared. Seriously, I remember working, cooking, and sleeping...and that's it. Sunday morning I woke up and was like "What in the world? It's Sunday?". I decided to enjoy my couple of days off of everything and reboot Week 2 starting this next week (meaning yesterday today).

On another note: my legs and feet are itching to feel the pavement/trails/pitch....whatever I can run on. I find myself debating on modifying the P90X schedule a bit to incorporate a run or two during the weeks. The only thing holding me back from just adding the running on top of the P90X schedule is my hesitance to be overly ambitious thinking my body can handle it when I'm not 100% sure it can right now.

Oh! Results from The week of only 1 day of P90X....

I'm going to chalk up the one pound loss to sticking to my healthy diet and drinking basically only water to stay hydrated in this 100° Texas (humid-like-nothing-else-and-it's-not-even-August-yet) heat. The exciting part...I broke the 140 mark that I've been at for about 6 months. The last time I was below 140 lbs. was a long time ago back when I met P... in 1998. 13 years later when I'm actually not at a point to try and lose weight, just trying to stay the healthiest that I can, I drop at a healthy weight. It's good news, and good news is always a great way to start off the week!

P90X Week 1: Recap & Results

If you asked me to describe the first week of P90X in one sentence, here it goes: it kicked my ass, but I love it and I want more. First off, thanks to everyone following this adventure of mine. It sure seems to be a joyride, eh? I had several opportunities to get discouraged and throw in the towel, but I refused. I had to make myself recognize that I still am not at my normal strength level, and actually pretty well below it.

On Day 6, I woke up at 6 a.m. to do the Kenpo X. I physically could not do it. It took everything in me to take a shower and get myself to work for my weekend shift. On Day 7, even after a good 10-11 hours of sleep, I still did not feel well enough to attempt even the X Stretch. I'm pretty sure I was just beyond tired as well having some low iron days too. I literally slept the day away.

Not all is lost though! I still managed to end the week with some pretty surprising (at least to me) results. Drum roll please.... 3 inches lost in the waist as well as 1.5 inches in hips. I also saw marginal losses in each thigh, which is still awesome. My jaw still drops when I see those numbers (and I measured 3 times to make sure). I can honestly tell you I have never seen that kind of loss, ever, and to lose it at a point where I feel like I'm in pretty decent shape and modifying the program. Wow.


Yes, I am a bad blogger that not only forgot to weigh herself again (I don't believe in the scale), I also didn't take Week 1 pics because my body didn't seem much different than the beginning photos. I guess I know better now, huh?

I think I realized a couple of my struggles this past week: cutting into my sleep to work out and intaking enough good calories (target about 2700 with my activity level) to keep my body fueled while also trying to intake about a gallon of water a day. The sleep issue became a moot point when I told myself I need to be an evening workout person. I need to get the workout in right after work or sometime in the evening while my kiddos are preoccupied. The extra hour of sleep right now is crucial to my fitness. The calorie intake I'm still trying to balance. Following suggestions with my Meal Planner on teambeachbody.com, I've made sure to mix protein (i.e., cottage cheese, yogurt, etc.) with my fruit, have slightly bigger portions (this scares the crap out of me), and make sure I eat...all the time. I am looking into adding the P90X Recovery Drink and/or Shakeology to help up my nutritional needs as well during this extreme program.

With clearer objectives in mind, I transition into Week 2. The routine is the same as Week 1. Look for a late week update as well as Week 2 results intermingled with some Women's World Cup posts! Go USWNT!!!

P90X Day 5: Loving the Legs

Day 5 consisted of Legs and Back plus Ab Ripper X. After resting yesterday (thank you crazy digestive system) and a great night of sleep, I was ready to slash today's workout. My legs have always been stronger than my core and upper body. It's sometimes considered the curse of soccer players.

I loved the Legs and Back workout. The warm up and stretching alone helped me get my hammies completely stretched out. The last six months has been a struggle when it comes to my hammies. I often felt like I had dried up rubber bands in the backs of my legs, but not today! The Legs part consisted of squats, lunges, and various other body weight type exercises, but still it's mainly squats and lunges in many different versions. I really loved the way you were shown how to modify the exercises for less or more intensity. With adding more weight or more movement, you could really get your legs shredded. Heck, you could turn it into whole other plyo workout if you wanted. There's this one 'triple lunge with a kick' move that totally blew my coordination out of the water. I'll get it; probably by week 12, but I'll get it!

The Back part consisted of pull ups with grip variations, just like in the first work out. I definitely needed a stronger band. I did not want to be wasted by the time I got home from my workday though. I really want to slash the back workouts because as soon as I finish this round, I get to finish the BIG ink on my back. Just thinking about it makes me want to do a happy dance! *Wiggling with joyous excitement like my 4 year old* I ran out of time for the Ab Ripper, so I'll need to carve out 15 minutes this evening to bust it out.

Super positive note! It's day 5, and results are already noticed. Today I'm wearing a shirt that usually buttons a bit too tightly across the chest (you know, that one little gap that men love to try and sneak a peek through). It's buttoned and laying completely flat. I also noticed the cap sleeves aren't so tight on my upper arms. Very minimal results, but I wore this blouse two weeks ago, so it's noticeable. Minimal, but quick results of sticking to it and working hard.

P90X Day 4: Yawning Yoga

Normally, yoga gets me fired up, especially this Yoga X. I believe it's such a great way to get combine meditation and movement. This morning, it took everything I had to get out of bed. I didn't feel like total crap, but I did feel "blah". I wasn't sure why either. I've been eating well, and I got a decent night of sleep.

I started the Yoga X, and yawned, and yawned...continuously for about 30 minutes. I yawned during my sun salutations, my warrior poses (my favorites), everything. It really did seem the most of the yoga happened with my yawns than with the rest of my body. I decided to actually press stop, roll up my mat, and go make some coffee. I told myself I'd try it again in the evening, but still wondered why I felt so "off".

I soon found out as the morning moved on. My lactose intolerance was kicking up. Apparently, I didn't pay attention to several of the foods I ate yesterday, and therefore paid for it all day yesterday. Thankfully I now knew why I felt "off". Calling this day a wash made me feel good that I was listening to my body and not pushing myself for a schedule's sake.

P90X Day 3: Wishing for Weight

Let's just say this day was easy-peasy. Shoulders and Arms, sounds like it should bring on the burn. It did...a little. It's my own fault though. I stuck with my tiny mobile dumbbells of 2 lbs. Granted, I harbored a bit of fear of overdoing it or getting injured. Mostly, I think I wanted to get all the way through the workout and know for sure I could up the weight next week.

Yet, see, that's the beauty of P90X. I can modify as much as I feel I need to and then make adjustments (even mid-workout if I want) next time. I felt like I had a half-ass workout this morning, and maybe I should have done the Ab Ripper X instead of waiting until this evening. Again, all my own fault, but no regrets...at all. I have next week to step it up with more than enough confidence that I can handle it.

I had hoped to have P snap a shot of me in the middle of the gun show training workout, but I got pleasantly surprised when he told me next time he's borrowing my mat for his sit ups!

Day 2 results: Pooped after plyos. Slept almost all evening AND then a full night's of sleep. Oh! My ass is getting more sore by the minute as this day passes on (thank you, Tony Horton for making me do all those squats).

P90X Day 2: Slightly Dragging

Day 1 truly wore my ass out. Yesterday afternoon, I ended up taking about an hour and a half nap while my boys watched a DVD on the couch beside me. (Yes, I know I shouldn't have, but hey, it happens). This morning's alarm went off at 5:20 a.m. To be honest, this once 5 a.m. regular waker has not willingly seen anything before 6 a.m. in months. After a restless night with thunderstorms, I reluctantly got out of bed. Once I realized why I was up and at 'em, excitement began to build. It was Plyos day. (As much as they suck, I have always loved plyos, even as much as you'll hear me bitch about them.)

Plyos or ...
plyometrics (ˌplaɪəʊˈmɛtrɪks)
— pl n
( functioning as singular ) a system of exercise in which the muscles are repeatedly stretched and suddenly contracted.
Thank you dictionary.com
A.k.a. jump training or using jumping movements to create speed and strength. Plyos are an intense cardio workout that work your lungs and heart as much, if not more, than the legs and core. Plyos have been in some form of my workouts since I was at least 13. I am more than familiar with them (and I still love to hate them).
This morning, I took this hour easy. With smaller movements and many step-throughs instead of jumping, I decreased the high impact of this workout. I still ended the hour in sweat and still downed a bottle of water throughout the hour. Even later, I'm still a bit tired. My body is just getting in the groove again, and it's a tough groove to remember.

Note: The only soreness I feel from yesterday is my lower abdomen, which indicates I need to pick it up on the Chest and Back workout next week. Also, my metabolism has already jump started back to like it is when I run.

P90X Day 1: Jumping Right In

These first couple of weeks of this round of P90X, I'll be telling you that how this program can be modified to create less intensity and impact on your body until you feel comfortable hitting it full strength. You don't have to be in recovery to modify it either, you just have to bring it.

Today's workout is Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X at the end. I took it easy with only 5lb. resistance bands to simulate pull ups (a pull up bar would be too dangerous in our house with our two monkeys boys) and 2 lb dumbbells. I know the weight is really light, but I wanted to take no chances on injury since I'm just getting back into the groove. The only other modification I did was knee (or girlie) push ups for all but the decline and divebomber push ups. This was a big ego pill to swallow since only about six weeks before I could complete 100 standard push ups with no modification at one time.

In general, the Chest and Back workout rocked. It's a bunch of variations of pull ups and push ups. I do know I either need heavier weights and bands or more reps. I guess my weakling arms aren't as weak as I thought! Ab Ripper X, though, was a different story. My core has always been a tough area for me to work, but it took a beating during my kidney stone issue and recovery. Fortunately, I knew enough to modify the exercises where I needed to as well as take breaks to not injure my back.

All in all, I loved getting moving again. I kind of regret not ever doing a full round of P90X before now, but as Tony Horton frequently reminds you throughout the workouts, "Do your best; forget the rest".

Preparing for P90X

I contemplated on if I should start any of the versions (Classic or Lean...I was staying far away from Doubles) of P90X since I'm coming off 4 weeks of basically no exercise at all for medical recovery. My doc wanted me to take it easy, a sort of take it as I can type of mentality towards getting back into exercise. I had to do something, anything, to just get off my ass and move. I decided to modify the Classic P90X schedule with lighter weights and bands as well as less reps and smaller movements until I feel my body is getting strong enough to go full force again.

Since before any round of P90X measurements and pictures are essential to tracking your progress, I took measurements and pictures. I did skip the Fit Test (I know, I know), but due to family emergencies, I said screw it. (I still can't believe I'm putting the results of doing nothing for four weeks up on the big WIDE web.)

Beginning Measurements:

Right Arm: 10.75"

Left Arm: 10.75"

Chest: 36"

Natural Waist: 34"

Belly: 36"

Hips: 40"

Right Thigh: 20.25"

Left Thigh: 20.75"

Right Calf: 14"

Left Calf: 14.25"

Before Pics: (here goes nothing)

If you haven't seen what P90X is all about, take a little peek here to grasp a bit of the intensity.

If you want more info on P90X, contact me here!