Well, no stretch for me today. Didn't think the DVD was of any use last week, so I took today off.
I'll touch on two things: my continued diet and results.
I've still been eating really well. I feel as if I need to cut down the size of the meals, but find a way to get more calories out of them. I seem to be a bit too full, especially after my lunches. At the same time, I've done some calorie counting and I seem to be coming up short of the 1800-2200 I should be consuming during this first phase of the workout.
Still eating the same as last week. Added a can of sardines and some hard boiled eggs to my list of unique foods. Tried out turkey chili which was awesome and easy. Still focusing on as much protein as I can while limiting fats and carbs. Going to stay that way til I start showing muscle through what I consider fat.
In regard to results, I'm most excited for Day 30 when I'll compare a photo that night with one from Day 1. I have been taking progressive pictures every other night or so for me to look back on.
I certainly feel better. Arms feel stronger, chest feels better when I do pushups, and abs are starting to come through a bit. I fear getting abs while still having love handles. That'd be awful. Need to step it up during Plyo and Kenpo this week in order to keep pushing to work those off.
Last week of what I've been doing. This is supposed to be the week that I'm a Master at what I've been doing. We'll see about that.
January 31, 2010
January 30, 2010
Day 13: Kenpo X
Kenpo is awesome.
I feel like I get a lot out of this for a number of reasons:
1.) I can do all the moves well (sans kicking high)
2.) I can do these moves at a high intensity
3.) It's Saturday so I didn't need to wake up early for this
I turned off the music in the background. I liked to hear myself breathe during this routine, exhaling with the punches and kicks.
Definitely have to stay focused for this stuff. The jab/hook/cross/uppercut combos can get really ugly if you're not paying attention. But they look and feed great when you do them properly.
I'd like to hope that I'm becoming more flexible and can kick higher. But I'm probably wrong.
This is basically the end of week 2. Tomorrow's stretching and resting. I'll take full advantage. Then we repeat this week a third time before we switch it up.
I feel like I get a lot out of this for a number of reasons:
1.) I can do all the moves well (sans kicking high)
2.) I can do these moves at a high intensity
3.) It's Saturday so I didn't need to wake up early for this
I turned off the music in the background. I liked to hear myself breathe during this routine, exhaling with the punches and kicks.
Definitely have to stay focused for this stuff. The jab/hook/cross/uppercut combos can get really ugly if you're not paying attention. But they look and feed great when you do them properly.
I'd like to hope that I'm becoming more flexible and can kick higher. But I'm probably wrong.
This is basically the end of week 2. Tomorrow's stretching and resting. I'll take full advantage. Then we repeat this week a third time before we switch it up.
January 29, 2010
Day 12: Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X
After Yoga, working out muscles feels amazing.
I mentioned last week that this routine is made less challenging based on how separate the muscle groups are. What I realized today was that I could push myself a bit harder on the pullup bar without fearing the next move. Here are today's results:
12 Reverse grip chin ups
10 Wide grip pullups
10 Close grip overhead pullups
8 Switch grip pullups
14 Reverse grip chin ups
12 Wide grip pullups (assisted)
10 Close grip overhead pullups
16 Switch grip pullups*
*Resistance band instead of pullup bar
While working out I kept my post open from Day 5. This enabled me to see my numbers from last week, set them as a goal, and try to surpass them. It was nice motivation.
But hey Brett, why are you so bad with Switch Grip Pullups? Well let me explain what they are:
Start off with two reverse grip chin ups (hands shoulder width apart, palms towards you). After the second, while still off the floor, flip your hands around into the close grip overhead pullup formation (hands shoulder width apart, palms away from you). Do two, and switch again til failure. That switching destroys all your energy, so after getting 8 on my first attempt (4 in each grip), I decided to use the band. It was the 8th and final move, I figured I'd get quality over quantity.
In regard to the legs, certainly going to feel it tomorrow. Again, today is made up of wall sits, calf squats/raises, skater lunges and so on.
Finished up with Ab Ripper X. Best part today: spilling water on myself while trying to drink, on my back, with 4 minutes to go. If that doesn't wake you up I'm not sure what will.
I mentioned last week that this routine is made less challenging based on how separate the muscle groups are. What I realized today was that I could push myself a bit harder on the pullup bar without fearing the next move. Here are today's results:
12 Reverse grip chin ups
10 Wide grip pullups
10 Close grip overhead pullups
8 Switch grip pullups
14 Reverse grip chin ups
12 Wide grip pullups (assisted)
10 Close grip overhead pullups
16 Switch grip pullups*
*Resistance band instead of pullup bar
While working out I kept my post open from Day 5. This enabled me to see my numbers from last week, set them as a goal, and try to surpass them. It was nice motivation.
But hey Brett, why are you so bad with Switch Grip Pullups? Well let me explain what they are:
Start off with two reverse grip chin ups (hands shoulder width apart, palms towards you). After the second, while still off the floor, flip your hands around into the close grip overhead pullup formation (hands shoulder width apart, palms away from you). Do two, and switch again til failure. That switching destroys all your energy, so after getting 8 on my first attempt (4 in each grip), I decided to use the band. It was the 8th and final move, I figured I'd get quality over quantity.
In regard to the legs, certainly going to feel it tomorrow. Again, today is made up of wall sits, calf squats/raises, skater lunges and so on.
Finished up with Ab Ripper X. Best part today: spilling water on myself while trying to drink, on my back, with 4 minutes to go. If that doesn't wake you up I'm not sure what will.
January 28, 2010
Day 11: Yoga
"If you have to, use a yoga block... or your dog... or your cat"
No, I can't reach the floor. And yes, I'm perfectly happy with that.
Yoga blocks are for those of us who can't bend over on certain, aka all, moves. So we need some assistance to make contact with the floor. So they tell you to spend 15 bucks on a "block" that brings the floor six more inches closer to your body. Substitute it with a tissue box. Substitute it with with a pillow before you collapse and go to sleep.
Yoga does not enthuse me. Tony and his gang are unbelievably flexible. I'm not.
Today was round two of trying out the Crane. No dice. maybe a second and a half. I was more aggressive with my attempts, which means I literally fell on my head a couple times. I also rolled over backwards a couple times during some of the "leg up" moves.
Yoga is not relaxing. And it's also a bit disappointing considering all the other p90x workouts are so high energy, this just feels slow. It's 92 minutes that I watch tick down 1 by 1.
Tomorrow's leg and back which I enjoyed the first time around, then Kenpo Saturday. Maybe Yoga's supposed to fire you up for what's to come, because I certainly don't get into it.
No, I can't reach the floor. And yes, I'm perfectly happy with that.
Yoga blocks are for those of us who can't bend over on certain, aka all, moves. So we need some assistance to make contact with the floor. So they tell you to spend 15 bucks on a "block" that brings the floor six more inches closer to your body. Substitute it with a tissue box. Substitute it with with a pillow before you collapse and go to sleep.
Yoga does not enthuse me. Tony and his gang are unbelievably flexible. I'm not.
Today was round two of trying out the Crane. No dice. maybe a second and a half. I was more aggressive with my attempts, which means I literally fell on my head a couple times. I also rolled over backwards a couple times during some of the "leg up" moves.
Yoga is not relaxing. And it's also a bit disappointing considering all the other p90x workouts are so high energy, this just feels slow. It's 92 minutes that I watch tick down 1 by 1.
Tomorrow's leg and back which I enjoyed the first time around, then Kenpo Saturday. Maybe Yoga's supposed to fire you up for what's to come, because I certainly don't get into it.
January 27, 2010
Day 10: Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X
Double digit days. If I ever get to triple digits it means I'm doing this program (for better or for worse) a second time.
I'm pretty sore today. Legs hurt from Plyo and I think my body finally hurts from my nighttime workout from Monday.
Today was shoulders and arms. I didn't mind it during week 1, and it definitely wasn't too bad today. This is probably the one workout (thus far) that I wish I had a few dumbbells rather than using resistance bands. Many of these moves are similar to ones I've done at the gym (bicep, tricep and shoulders), but they just feel different on the bands.
Between last time and today I went out and bought a second resistance band, this one tighter than the first. Certainly useful for bicep and tricep sets. Many of the shoulder moves go over the head so that first band I bought was perfect for those.
Overall pretty good today. Kept up and even fast forwarded through Tony's breaks.
Finished with abs. There's nothing else to say. It's just not fun. I'm trying to perform the moves on a more difficult scale:
Leg Climbers: Laying on our back, one leg out on the floor, the other up in the air. As you lift your back/head off the floor, use your arms to climb the lifted leg. The way to make this harder is to bend the other leg that's on the floor. Straighter it is, the easier it is. Closer your knees is bent to your body, harder it is. Today was the first time I tried it with a bent knee. Not bad.
Tomorrow's Yoga, which I dread simply because of the length. 90+ minutes of me wobbling around doesn't seem beneficial. We'll see.
I'm pretty sore today. Legs hurt from Plyo and I think my body finally hurts from my nighttime workout from Monday.
Today was shoulders and arms. I didn't mind it during week 1, and it definitely wasn't too bad today. This is probably the one workout (thus far) that I wish I had a few dumbbells rather than using resistance bands. Many of these moves are similar to ones I've done at the gym (bicep, tricep and shoulders), but they just feel different on the bands.
Between last time and today I went out and bought a second resistance band, this one tighter than the first. Certainly useful for bicep and tricep sets. Many of the shoulder moves go over the head so that first band I bought was perfect for those.
Overall pretty good today. Kept up and even fast forwarded through Tony's breaks.
Finished with abs. There's nothing else to say. It's just not fun. I'm trying to perform the moves on a more difficult scale:
Leg Climbers: Laying on our back, one leg out on the floor, the other up in the air. As you lift your back/head off the floor, use your arms to climb the lifted leg. The way to make this harder is to bend the other leg that's on the floor. Straighter it is, the easier it is. Closer your knees is bent to your body, harder it is. Today was the first time I tried it with a bent knee. Not bad.
Tomorrow's Yoga, which I dread simply because of the length. 90+ minutes of me wobbling around doesn't seem beneficial. We'll see.
January 26, 2010
Day 9: Plyometrics
Not 9 hours after finishing Chest and Back last night, I'm squatting and reaching with my friend Tony.
Plyo day. The same day my heart rate monitor's supposed to arrive. Damn.
Just as I felt with my second repetition of yesterday's workout, today's wasn't as brutal as the first go-round. I think that's the theme of the week: Not as awful when you know what's coming.
Some moves are still brutal. Mary Catherine Gallagher's are terrible. You lunge, one knee bent forward, the other leg straight and kicked back far behind you. Arms up. Now jump and switch positions. Superstaaarrr. Terrible.
My least favorite, which I tried to keep up for the full minute, were Hot Foots. Yes, foots. Stand on one leg and jump around making a cross shape. Each foot for 30 seconds. After switching feet:
Tony: If you get tired...
Dude with prosthetic leg: Or if you have one leg...
Tony: Then just do some jump ropes on both feet.
Pretty intense for a 7am workout.
Day 9 of 90. That's 10%, ey?
Plyo day. The same day my heart rate monitor's supposed to arrive. Damn.
Just as I felt with my second repetition of yesterday's workout, today's wasn't as brutal as the first go-round. I think that's the theme of the week: Not as awful when you know what's coming.
Some moves are still brutal. Mary Catherine Gallagher's are terrible. You lunge, one knee bent forward, the other leg straight and kicked back far behind you. Arms up. Now jump and switch positions. Superstaaarrr. Terrible.
My least favorite, which I tried to keep up for the full minute, were Hot Foots. Yes, foots. Stand on one leg and jump around making a cross shape. Each foot for 30 seconds. After switching feet:
Tony: If you get tired...
Dude with prosthetic leg: Or if you have one leg...
Tony: Then just do some jump ropes on both feet.
Pretty intense for a 7am workout.
Day 9 of 90. That's 10%, ey?
January 25, 2010
Day 8: Chest and Back, Ab Ripper X
Round 2 begins.
Today, like Day 1, was Chest and Back followed by Ab Ripper X.
Compared to the first time I did this, today was much easier. I think last time I feared that it would never end. Today I knew what was coming. That meant I knew which moves would be awful, as well as which I could burn through.
I wrote down my reps today. We went through each move twice (water breaks in between) so the first number is for set 1, the second is for set 2:
Standard Pushups: 16 / 12
Wide Grip Pullups: 6 / 6
Military Pushups: 12 / 10
Reverse Chinups: 10 / 8
Wide Fly Pushups : 12 / 8
Close Grip Overhand Pullups: 10 / 14*
Decline Pushups: 10 / 7
Heavy Pants: 14 / 12
Diamond Pushups: 8 / 6
Lawn Mower: 12 / 14
Dive Bomber Pushups: 8 / 6
Back Fly: 10 / 12
*Resistance bands instead of pullup bar
Nice that I can look back at this post, rather than save a sheet of paper, to see if I'm progressing.
My friend tried today's workout with me. Seems to be similar to things he's been told to do at the gym. Definitely nice to have someone pushing you on, but doesn't mean anything's any easier.
Finished the workout with abs. Still feel it just as much as Day 1. I do feel myself working harder to push through it, but I know I've got a layer of fat to burn off before I ever see a hint of muscle.
Working out at night sucked. It loomed over my entire workday, and ruined my evening eating schedule.
9 hours until I'm awake and doing Plyo. Guess that's more motivation to get up and do this early, rather than waiting until the end of the day.
Today, like Day 1, was Chest and Back followed by Ab Ripper X.
Compared to the first time I did this, today was much easier. I think last time I feared that it would never end. Today I knew what was coming. That meant I knew which moves would be awful, as well as which I could burn through.
I wrote down my reps today. We went through each move twice (water breaks in between) so the first number is for set 1, the second is for set 2:
Standard Pushups: 16 / 12
Wide Grip Pullups: 6 / 6
Military Pushups: 12 / 10
Reverse Chinups: 10 / 8
Wide Fly Pushups : 12 / 8
Close Grip Overhand Pullups: 10 / 14*
Decline Pushups: 10 / 7
Heavy Pants: 14 / 12
Diamond Pushups: 8 / 6
Lawn Mower: 12 / 14
Dive Bomber Pushups: 8 / 6
Back Fly: 10 / 12
*Resistance bands instead of pullup bar
Nice that I can look back at this post, rather than save a sheet of paper, to see if I'm progressing.
My friend tried today's workout with me. Seems to be similar to things he's been told to do at the gym. Definitely nice to have someone pushing you on, but doesn't mean anything's any easier.
Finished the workout with abs. Still feel it just as much as Day 1. I do feel myself working harder to push through it, but I know I've got a layer of fat to burn off before I ever see a hint of muscle.
Working out at night sucked. It loomed over my entire workday, and ruined my evening eating schedule.
9 hours until I'm awake and doing Plyo. Guess that's more motivation to get up and do this early, rather than waiting until the end of the day.
January 24, 2010
Day 7: Stretch X, Rest
And on the 7th day, Tony rested.
Well, actually he stretched. The program tells you to either do their DVD, take a day off, or do some cardio. It's a recovery day.
I tried out the DVD. It's an hour long 'workout' that is all about stretching. It started off fine: Arms, legs, back, chest, etc. Actually, it started off similar to how many of the other DVDs starts off. Only difference was this never changed. I got pretty fed up with it, fast forwarded through some of it, and stopped 15 minutes short of the finish.
Today I rest. After a strong week of working out, I think it's well-deserved.
Outside of the working out this week, my diet has been stellar. To speed up a metabolism, one is supposed to eat small meals 5-6 times a day, rather than 3 big ones. It keeps the body busy, blood sugar up at a good level and never overly full.
I've found this to be pretty good. I love eating, so doing it 6 times a day is perfect. 'Meals' don't have to be big fancy shows. For me it's been a banana. Or Greek yogurt. Egg whites with veggies. Marinated fish or chicken. I've been keeping my fats and carbs low, while focusing on getting as much protein as I can.
The worst things I've probably eaten in 7 days have been a single cookie, 94% fat free popcorn, or a couple sticks of Pocky.
The hardest thing about this eating schedule is that you're not supposed to eat within three hours of going to sleep. So finishing my nights with a Kashi bar before 9pm, and living 5 steps from my kitchen, has been a bit tough. So far I'm not falling for any temptations, but I see that being the hardest part moving forward.
In regard to drinking? Light beer has 96 calories and 4g of carbs. Gin has 70 calories and 0g of carbs. I think I should be fine.
Well, actually he stretched. The program tells you to either do their DVD, take a day off, or do some cardio. It's a recovery day.
I tried out the DVD. It's an hour long 'workout' that is all about stretching. It started off fine: Arms, legs, back, chest, etc. Actually, it started off similar to how many of the other DVDs starts off. Only difference was this never changed. I got pretty fed up with it, fast forwarded through some of it, and stopped 15 minutes short of the finish.
Today I rest. After a strong week of working out, I think it's well-deserved.
Outside of the working out this week, my diet has been stellar. To speed up a metabolism, one is supposed to eat small meals 5-6 times a day, rather than 3 big ones. It keeps the body busy, blood sugar up at a good level and never overly full.
I've found this to be pretty good. I love eating, so doing it 6 times a day is perfect. 'Meals' don't have to be big fancy shows. For me it's been a banana. Or Greek yogurt. Egg whites with veggies. Marinated fish or chicken. I've been keeping my fats and carbs low, while focusing on getting as much protein as I can.
The worst things I've probably eaten in 7 days have been a single cookie, 94% fat free popcorn, or a couple sticks of Pocky.
The hardest thing about this eating schedule is that you're not supposed to eat within three hours of going to sleep. So finishing my nights with a Kashi bar before 9pm, and living 5 steps from my kitchen, has been a bit tough. So far I'm not falling for any temptations, but I see that being the hardest part moving forward.
In regard to drinking? Light beer has 96 calories and 4g of carbs. Gin has 70 calories and 0g of carbs. I think I should be fine.
January 23, 2010
Day 6: Kenpo X
Kenpo lived up to its hype. It was a lot of punches, kicks, blocks and elbows. And combinations of each.
Starts with punches. Jabs, then jab/cross, then jab/cross/hook, then jab/cross/hook/uppercut. 25 reps of each, and you do two sets, alternating which foot is forward. Then you do similar moves with kicks, blocking, and finish up with elbows.
Pretty fast speed, and my one complaint is that there were probably too many breaks. Yes Tony keeps his heart rate up by running in place, jumping jacks and the likes, but I'd rather half the breaks. Next time, definitely fast forwarding through some of those.
Tony also likes to speed up the last 10 of some of the moves. On top of that, he grunts. Not for me.
Overall, I'll definitely look forward to this one. Tomorrow's some stretching, then Monday we go back to chest and back and start the sequence over again.
Starts with punches. Jabs, then jab/cross, then jab/cross/hook, then jab/cross/hook/uppercut. 25 reps of each, and you do two sets, alternating which foot is forward. Then you do similar moves with kicks, blocking, and finish up with elbows.
Pretty fast speed, and my one complaint is that there were probably too many breaks. Yes Tony keeps his heart rate up by running in place, jumping jacks and the likes, but I'd rather half the breaks. Next time, definitely fast forwarding through some of those.
Tony also likes to speed up the last 10 of some of the moves. On top of that, he grunts. Not for me.
Overall, I'll definitely look forward to this one. Tomorrow's some stretching, then Monday we go back to chest and back and start the sequence over again.
January 22, 2010
Day 5: Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X
My friend Andrew started p90x the same day I did. Woke up to an encouraging text today:
"Legs and back was doable for sure"
I get up at 7am to do this. He gets up at 5:25 for it. You decide who's insane.
Today was a nice change of pace from yesterday's Yoga. It certainly is a muscle building day, but what was nice was how different these two muscle groups are from one another.
Day 1, chest and back, seemed to work the same area with every move. Pushups and pullups, all using the arms and the rest of the upper body. Today, when doing pullups, I was able to rest my legs. When I was lunging, my back got the break. Definitely enjoyed this one more.
Today's workouts went like this: quad exercise, calf exercise, back exercise (pullups of sorts). The legs definitely burned, considering I'm still feeling the effects from Day 2 (Plyo).
I was more confident with pullups today because of what I said before. I didn't feel like I was killing my upper body with every move. There was a solid 3 minute break between each routine. Today I jotted down my results as I'm supposed to:
10 Reverse grip chin ups
8 Wide grip pullups
10 Close grip overhead pullups
8 Switch grip pullups
12 Reverse grip chin ups
12 Wide grip pullups (assisted)
8 Close grip overhead pullups
4 Switch grip pullups
Pretty good by my standards. Tony and the gang are still busting out 15-20 on each, but certainly felt stronger going into each routine (sans the last one).
Leg exercises included a lot of lunging and a bit of wall-sitting. Sort of felt like I was pledging again.
Ab ripper was back to kicking my ass today. I don't think that will ever get easier. 349 reps during 11 different moves, none of which I've ever done before this week.
Tomorrow's Kenpo, which is their version of a kickboxing/karate/taebo workout. Heard good things. Then Sunday's my rest/stretch day. Then we do this week over again.
Per the text this morning, I'm happy to say that this feels like it's going well because of the motivation around me. The blog, Andrew doing each routine the same day as me, and a number of friends taking the gym seriously now, keeps me pumped for each day. It's also made eating healthier easier.
5/90 days complete.
"Legs and back was doable for sure"
I get up at 7am to do this. He gets up at 5:25 for it. You decide who's insane.
Today was a nice change of pace from yesterday's Yoga. It certainly is a muscle building day, but what was nice was how different these two muscle groups are from one another.
Day 1, chest and back, seemed to work the same area with every move. Pushups and pullups, all using the arms and the rest of the upper body. Today, when doing pullups, I was able to rest my legs. When I was lunging, my back got the break. Definitely enjoyed this one more.
Today's workouts went like this: quad exercise, calf exercise, back exercise (pullups of sorts). The legs definitely burned, considering I'm still feeling the effects from Day 2 (Plyo).
I was more confident with pullups today because of what I said before. I didn't feel like I was killing my upper body with every move. There was a solid 3 minute break between each routine. Today I jotted down my results as I'm supposed to:
10 Reverse grip chin ups
8 Wide grip pullups
10 Close grip overhead pullups
8 Switch grip pullups
12 Reverse grip chin ups
12 Wide grip pullups (assisted)
8 Close grip overhead pullups
4 Switch grip pullups
Pretty good by my standards. Tony and the gang are still busting out 15-20 on each, but certainly felt stronger going into each routine (sans the last one).
Leg exercises included a lot of lunging and a bit of wall-sitting. Sort of felt like I was pledging again.
Ab ripper was back to kicking my ass today. I don't think that will ever get easier. 349 reps during 11 different moves, none of which I've ever done before this week.
Tomorrow's Kenpo, which is their version of a kickboxing/karate/taebo workout. Heard good things. Then Sunday's my rest/stretch day. Then we do this week over again.
Per the text this morning, I'm happy to say that this feels like it's going well because of the motivation around me. The blog, Andrew doing each routine the same day as me, and a number of friends taking the gym seriously now, keeps me pumped for each day. It's also made eating healthier easier.
5/90 days complete.
January 21, 2010
Day 4: Yoga
"Now take your left leg… throw it over the back of your neck like a scarf… and breathe."
"I can't breathe"
Now I know what Brian Regan was talking about.
That was just 92 minutes of Yoga. I've never done Yoga. Amazing what these people can do.
It was a pretty intense hour and a half. First 50 minutes was devoted to the standing type poses. Arms, legs, balance. Included:
Warrior one, warrior two, warrior three, reverse warrior, downward facing dog, upward facing dog, crescent moon, half moon, full moon, blue moon, hoegaarden...
I guess my balance is a bit shaky. These guys, led by Tony, make things look so easy. I need two arms and two legs for everything they're doing with a pinky. Hopefully I get better at this. Could be an ugly 13 weeks of Yoga.
The last 40 minutes were positions based on sitting/kneeling. I found these just as challenging, but I felt more daring in pushing myself. Why? Further down for when I fall.
Frog, boat, half boat, bridge, wheel, table, and so on. Even some ab workouts. My favorite: Crane. No, I can't do it. But trying it must have been hilarious. Crane's the one that again, the 84 pound girl made look so easy. Squatting, hand in front of you, annnddd lift your legs about 6-10 inches off the ground. For 60 seconds. I might have gotten off the ground for a solid second. My goal for the last time I do Yoga: get off the ground for 5-10 seconds during Crane.
A relaxing-Tony is pretty funny. Much calmer tone. Much calmer music. At one point he told a guy to reach further. Further! "I'm yelling too much for Yoga."
Looking forward to the 7 day absence of this one.
Namaste.
"I can't breathe"
Now I know what Brian Regan was talking about.
That was just 92 minutes of Yoga. I've never done Yoga. Amazing what these people can do.
It was a pretty intense hour and a half. First 50 minutes was devoted to the standing type poses. Arms, legs, balance. Included:
Warrior one, warrior two, warrior three, reverse warrior, downward facing dog, upward facing dog, crescent moon, half moon, full moon, blue moon, hoegaarden...
I guess my balance is a bit shaky. These guys, led by Tony, make things look so easy. I need two arms and two legs for everything they're doing with a pinky. Hopefully I get better at this. Could be an ugly 13 weeks of Yoga.
The last 40 minutes were positions based on sitting/kneeling. I found these just as challenging, but I felt more daring in pushing myself. Why? Further down for when I fall.
Frog, boat, half boat, bridge, wheel, table, and so on. Even some ab workouts. My favorite: Crane. No, I can't do it. But trying it must have been hilarious. Crane's the one that again, the 84 pound girl made look so easy. Squatting, hand in front of you, annnddd lift your legs about 6-10 inches off the ground. For 60 seconds. I might have gotten off the ground for a solid second. My goal for the last time I do Yoga: get off the ground for 5-10 seconds during Crane.
A relaxing-Tony is pretty funny. Much calmer tone. Much calmer music. At one point he told a guy to reach further. Further! "I'm yelling too much for Yoga."
Looking forward to the 7 day absence of this one.
Namaste.
January 20, 2010
Day 3: Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X
Did I forget to mention how sore I was? Yesterday my chest, back, abs and triceps killed from Day 1. Today, lower body hurts from the cardio yesterday. So, why not destroy the only things that still feels good? Biceps and shoulders.
This morning's focus were shoulders and "arms", followed by abs. The workout was good considering how much pain I'm currently in.
The program requires you to either purchase an expensive set of multi-weight dumbbells, or a 14 dollar resistance band. I chose the latter.
3 of the people in the video use the free weights while one guy does every move with a resistance band. This was my first time using one, so needless to say it was a bit shaky. What's great is that each move (15 of them in total), is repeated. They were grouped in sets of three: shoulder move, bicep move, tricep move. Repeat the set, then learn 3 new moves. The repetition enabled me to perfect the band and figure out how tight I needed it to be (step on a bigger loop for a heavier feel).
Definitely felt the tricep and shoulder moves more than I did the bicep ones. Might invest in a second, shorter band for biceps in order to get a greater range of weight.
The one thing I noticed today that was annoying, outside of Tony's banter, is the time allotted for each move. They give you about 45 seconds to a minute for each, but tell you to set goals for a number of reps. My 12 reps are done a lot quicker than a minute. Feels like a lot of moving around, ballistic stretching, while I wait. I've read in other blogs that people just fast forward through it.
Also a bit annoying when Tony counts his reps out loud. He's on five when I'm on eight. I know, just hit mute. But some of the stuff he says makes sense. There are versions I can watch where it just gives you cues as to what's next and when to switch, might try that out next time I do shoulders and arms.
My first go at Ab Ripper X on Day 1 was less than a success. Today I was set on burning through it, and I'd say I was pretty successful. I couldn't do all the moves for 25 reps each, but definitely worked a lot harder today. I'm really curious as to what won't hurt when I wake up in for Day 4.
Tomorrow: Yoga.
This morning's focus were shoulders and "arms", followed by abs. The workout was good considering how much pain I'm currently in.
The program requires you to either purchase an expensive set of multi-weight dumbbells, or a 14 dollar resistance band. I chose the latter.
3 of the people in the video use the free weights while one guy does every move with a resistance band. This was my first time using one, so needless to say it was a bit shaky. What's great is that each move (15 of them in total), is repeated. They were grouped in sets of three: shoulder move, bicep move, tricep move. Repeat the set, then learn 3 new moves. The repetition enabled me to perfect the band and figure out how tight I needed it to be (step on a bigger loop for a heavier feel).
Definitely felt the tricep and shoulder moves more than I did the bicep ones. Might invest in a second, shorter band for biceps in order to get a greater range of weight.
The one thing I noticed today that was annoying, outside of Tony's banter, is the time allotted for each move. They give you about 45 seconds to a minute for each, but tell you to set goals for a number of reps. My 12 reps are done a lot quicker than a minute. Feels like a lot of moving around, ballistic stretching, while I wait. I've read in other blogs that people just fast forward through it.
Also a bit annoying when Tony counts his reps out loud. He's on five when I'm on eight. I know, just hit mute. But some of the stuff he says makes sense. There are versions I can watch where it just gives you cues as to what's next and when to switch, might try that out next time I do shoulders and arms.
My first go at Ab Ripper X on Day 1 was less than a success. Today I was set on burning through it, and I'd say I was pretty successful. I couldn't do all the moves for 25 reps each, but definitely worked a lot harder today. I'm really curious as to what won't hurt when I wake up in for Day 4.
Tomorrow: Yoga.
January 19, 2010
Day 2: Plyometrics
Phew. I've never wanted to go to work so badly.
My goal is to do this in the morning before heading off to work. This is definitely the workout to do before the day starts. There's no way I'd want this looming as something I need to do once I come home.
Plyometrics is p90x's badass cardio workout. It's 23 different moves, and here's how they group them. You do four routines, three for 30 seconds and the final for 60 seconds. Then you repeat those four, then a 30 second water break. Then the next 4, and so on. The final three are their Sports Bonus ones, which I'll get to in a minute.
Remember yesterday when I asked where the normal guy was in the video? The guy who'd have difficulty with this? Well, I certainly got what I asked for. The cast included Tony, one girl and two guys ... one with a prosthetic leg. COME ON.
Some moves were harder than other. It's a lot of squatting, a lot of turning, and a whole lot of jumping. The girl who lives underneath me might not have enjoyed this 7am routine.
Some of the more enjoyable moves (Notice how I didn't say 'fun'):
Run-Stance Squat Pick-up: Start in a running position, jump, turn 180 degrees, land in a squat with your hand on the floor. Aaand repeat.
Jump Knee Tuck: Simple right? Jump up with your knees coming as close to your body as possible. Just not simple midway through your workout. Aaand repeat.
Rockstar Hop: Similar to Jump Knee Tuck, but swing your arms like you're playing the air guitar (see: Peter Townshend). Aaand repeat.
Twist Combo: Arms out like they're holding ski poles. Lightly jump and turn your torso and feet 90 degrees, so they point left, center, right, center... Aaand repeat.
They ended with a Sports Bonus:
Pitch & Catch: Wind up like a pitcher, make a throwing motion, then squat to catch it. 30 seconds on both arms. My rights must have been really impressive.
Jump Shot: Catch and shoot. Ballin'
Football Hero: Four 'juke' steps forward, then 8 high knees backwards.
Sports bonus was definitely the best. Kept me pushing through towards the end.
Overall, I can see why I'm going to hate this one as it approaches. After yesterday, I was happy to be off the pullup/pushup routine. Now I can't wait to hit the floor.
Oh, and Tony took 2 sips of water the entire 59 minutes. He's either a camel or a machine. Wouldn't be surprised by either.
My goal is to do this in the morning before heading off to work. This is definitely the workout to do before the day starts. There's no way I'd want this looming as something I need to do once I come home.
Plyometrics is p90x's badass cardio workout. It's 23 different moves, and here's how they group them. You do four routines, three for 30 seconds and the final for 60 seconds. Then you repeat those four, then a 30 second water break. Then the next 4, and so on. The final three are their Sports Bonus ones, which I'll get to in a minute.
Remember yesterday when I asked where the normal guy was in the video? The guy who'd have difficulty with this? Well, I certainly got what I asked for. The cast included Tony, one girl and two guys ... one with a prosthetic leg. COME ON.
Some moves were harder than other. It's a lot of squatting, a lot of turning, and a whole lot of jumping. The girl who lives underneath me might not have enjoyed this 7am routine.
Some of the more enjoyable moves (Notice how I didn't say 'fun'):
Run-Stance Squat Pick-up: Start in a running position, jump, turn 180 degrees, land in a squat with your hand on the floor. Aaand repeat.
Jump Knee Tuck: Simple right? Jump up with your knees coming as close to your body as possible. Just not simple midway through your workout. Aaand repeat.
Rockstar Hop: Similar to Jump Knee Tuck, but swing your arms like you're playing the air guitar (see: Peter Townshend). Aaand repeat.
Twist Combo: Arms out like they're holding ski poles. Lightly jump and turn your torso and feet 90 degrees, so they point left, center, right, center... Aaand repeat.
They ended with a Sports Bonus:
Pitch & Catch: Wind up like a pitcher, make a throwing motion, then squat to catch it. 30 seconds on both arms. My rights must have been really impressive.
Jump Shot: Catch and shoot. Ballin'
Football Hero: Four 'juke' steps forward, then 8 high knees backwards.
Sports bonus was definitely the best. Kept me pushing through towards the end.
Overall, I can see why I'm going to hate this one as it approaches. After yesterday, I was happy to be off the pullup/pushup routine. Now I can't wait to hit the floor.
Oh, and Tony took 2 sips of water the entire 59 minutes. He's either a camel or a machine. Wouldn't be surprised by either.
January 18, 2010
Day 1: Chest and Back, Ab Ripper X
What the heck am I getting myself into?
That was insane. 58 minute workout for Chest and Back. First 14 minutes are stretching. So what, it's 44 minutes of two muscle groups? I used to go to the gym for over an hour, why was this so bad? Cause at the gym you do about 6-8 workouts, with breaks in between each, and generally someone to pass time with.
This was 12 different workouts, small breaks in between. Oh, and you do it twice.
It's pullups, pushups, and a few back exercises. Of course Tony, who I'm sure I'll LOVE by the end of this, is ripped out of his mind. As are the two guys he's with. As is the 84 pound lady who does each move with him as well. Where's the guy with 22% body fat doing Diamond Pushups? That guy would motivate the heck out of me. Not these U.S. Marines.
Tony makes his partners set goals. What's your goal, Viper? First off, when your name's Viper, your goal better not be less than 500 of anything. They set their marks in the 20s and 30s. I was happy to make it to double digits before everything turned into Jell-o.
No matter how many pullups I did in preparation for today, Day 1, nothing could have gotten me ready for this. And to top it all off, we finished today (and every other day for 90 days), with Ab Ripper X.
16 minutes of Ab workouts. Okay, I used to do 8 minute abs. So twice that should be easy. Not the case at all. 'Seated Crunchy Frog' sounded like fun. Until I tried it. That was the case with every workout for the past 74 minutes. It all looked attainable, until I realized that I have my muscles, not Tony's.
89 more days. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it...
That was insane. 58 minute workout for Chest and Back. First 14 minutes are stretching. So what, it's 44 minutes of two muscle groups? I used to go to the gym for over an hour, why was this so bad? Cause at the gym you do about 6-8 workouts, with breaks in between each, and generally someone to pass time with.
This was 12 different workouts, small breaks in between. Oh, and you do it twice.
It's pullups, pushups, and a few back exercises. Of course Tony, who I'm sure I'll LOVE by the end of this, is ripped out of his mind. As are the two guys he's with. As is the 84 pound lady who does each move with him as well. Where's the guy with 22% body fat doing Diamond Pushups? That guy would motivate the heck out of me. Not these U.S. Marines.
Tony makes his partners set goals. What's your goal, Viper? First off, when your name's Viper, your goal better not be less than 500 of anything. They set their marks in the 20s and 30s. I was happy to make it to double digits before everything turned into Jell-o.
No matter how many pullups I did in preparation for today, Day 1, nothing could have gotten me ready for this. And to top it all off, we finished today (and every other day for 90 days), with Ab Ripper X.
16 minutes of Ab workouts. Okay, I used to do 8 minute abs. So twice that should be easy. Not the case at all. 'Seated Crunchy Frog' sounded like fun. Until I tried it. That was the case with every workout for the past 74 minutes. It all looked attainable, until I realized that I have my muscles, not Tony's.
89 more days. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it...
January 8, 2010
About Me, and About This Blog
So what exactly am I doing?
Ever lay in bed at 4am and see this guy talking about how your body plateaus when you work out? How you need to continuously shock your body? He's pitching for p90x. It's a workout program that supposedly kicks your ass for at least an hour, every day, for 90 days straight. After that, with eating properly, you should be ripped. Well this is my go at it.
My exercise history: I've never been in great shape. 6-7 months is probably the longest I've ever been on a constant gym regimen. 8 minute abs for 3 months in a row gave me an upper-abdominal two pack. I admit it, I've never been disciplined enough to get into good shape. I don't see results, I get a bit lazy, and it goes by the wayside.
Well it's time to get into a routine. I did a ton of research to see if p90x really works. It was tough finding a blogger that wasn't being paid by p90x to promote its products. Eventually I found a handful, and this seems to be pretty legit.
So here it goes. My package arrived yesterday. I still have some equipment to purchase before I begin, but 1/18/10 seems to be my start date.
My goal: Lose some body fat, put on some muscle, and just overall feel/look better come mid-April. Day 1 and Day 30 pictures will be posted on Day 30, and every 30 days after that.
Why blog? It's just to keep me going. So that if I were to miss a day, and come back to post, I can feel that much worse about missing it. 90 days is long enough, I don't need to miss a routine and push back my end date. I encourage feedback, but again, this isn't for you. It's for me.
I always thought that I'd end up with a living room full of infomercial products. I hope my first choice (outside of the perfect pancake, which sucks by the way) is a good one.
Ever lay in bed at 4am and see this guy talking about how your body plateaus when you work out? How you need to continuously shock your body? He's pitching for p90x. It's a workout program that supposedly kicks your ass for at least an hour, every day, for 90 days straight. After that, with eating properly, you should be ripped. Well this is my go at it.
My exercise history: I've never been in great shape. 6-7 months is probably the longest I've ever been on a constant gym regimen. 8 minute abs for 3 months in a row gave me an upper-abdominal two pack. I admit it, I've never been disciplined enough to get into good shape. I don't see results, I get a bit lazy, and it goes by the wayside.
Well it's time to get into a routine. I did a ton of research to see if p90x really works. It was tough finding a blogger that wasn't being paid by p90x to promote its products. Eventually I found a handful, and this seems to be pretty legit.
So here it goes. My package arrived yesterday. I still have some equipment to purchase before I begin, but 1/18/10 seems to be my start date.
My goal: Lose some body fat, put on some muscle, and just overall feel/look better come mid-April. Day 1 and Day 30 pictures will be posted on Day 30, and every 30 days after that.
Why blog? It's just to keep me going. So that if I were to miss a day, and come back to post, I can feel that much worse about missing it. 90 days is long enough, I don't need to miss a routine and push back my end date. I encourage feedback, but again, this isn't for you. It's for me.
I always thought that I'd end up with a living room full of infomercial products. I hope my first choice (outside of the perfect pancake, which sucks by the way) is a good one.
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