It's day 45 of my second full P90X program, and I'm still going strong. In my last blog post, I mentioned that Wendy and I were doing P90X Lean together. Well, she decided after a few weeks into the program that it wasn't for her, so I've been continuing the same program by myself since. I considered going back to the P90X Classic program, which I did the first time, but decided to continue this one....just for something new. Basically, you do one less Ab Ripper workout per week, and for the first two three-week blocks, you substitute Core Synergistics for Chest & Back or Back & Biceps. Lastly, you do Cardio X instead of Plyometrics. It's easier than what I did before, but that's ok. I'm still working hard, and over half of the workouts are the same, so it's not that much easier! :)
The weight isn't coming off as fast as it did last time, but the eating hasn't been as "intense" as before either. I've been eating very good, just not 100% of the time. I've lost about 7 pounds in the first 6+ weeks, so that progress...even if it slow. Can't complain, right?
Dan
Showing posts with label Chest and Back. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chest and Back. Show all posts
Friday, February 8, 2013
Sunday, July 29, 2012
P90X: Round 2: Week 2
I had an OK week this week...still not eating nearly as good as I'd like to be. As I said last week, that 6-week in-between period really screwed me up and had my mind telling me it's OK to eat that way...I've already lost 50 pounds! True, but I really want to get down below 200 and that will take another 27 pounds. I don't think I'll get there eating like this. I'm not sure how to fix it...but I need to...soon.
As for the program, I had to adjust again. Monday was our last Senior legion baseball game so I missed that workout and moved everything out. Then, it was so hot Wednesday night (when I was supposed to do Plyometrics...which I have to do in the garage) that I did Kenpo inside instead. This was supposed to push Plyometrics to Friday but it was 100+ degrees again and I decided to do Yoga...hoping it would be cooler on Sunday...which it was.
Basically, as you can see below...I did no workout on the day it was originally scheduled. :) Oh well, I got them all done, so that's the important thing.
Monday:Chest and Back No Workout
Tuesday:Plyometrics Chest and Back
Wednesday:Shoulders and Arms Kenpo
Thursday:Kenpo Shoulders and Arms
Friday:Shoulders and Arms Yoga
Saturday:Yoga Legs and Back
Sunday:Stretch Plyometrics
I think I'm going to try to do Stretch tonight if I have time to (which I should). I really enjoyed it last year, when it was the only workout on Sunday and especially after I did Legs and Back, which leaves me sore every time.
Dan
As for the program, I had to adjust again. Monday was our last Senior legion baseball game so I missed that workout and moved everything out. Then, it was so hot Wednesday night (when I was supposed to do Plyometrics...which I have to do in the garage) that I did Kenpo inside instead. This was supposed to push Plyometrics to Friday but it was 100+ degrees again and I decided to do Yoga...hoping it would be cooler on Sunday...which it was.
Basically, as you can see below...I did no workout on the day it was originally scheduled. :) Oh well, I got them all done, so that's the important thing.
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
I think I'm going to try to do Stretch tonight if I have time to (which I should). I really enjoyed it last year, when it was the only workout on Sunday and especially after I did Legs and Back, which leaves me sore every time.
Dan
Monday, June 11, 2012
Round 2, Day 1: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
Feels great to be back doing P90X again! As you know by now, I'm starting up sooner than I had expected, but I had to make an executive decision before all of the work I put into round 1 was put into jeopardy. What thrills me the most is that I now have friends doing the program too! I can't wait to see how Day one went for Kyle and Carly and how Day 3 went for Darin tonight! Best of all, Wendy did the workout with me tonight!
As for me, the Chest and Back went pretty good, considering I hadn't done this workout in nearly a month (May 14th to be exact). Most of the number are down slightly from that last time, but that's OK. Shortly, I'll be back to those number and will be exceeding them.
Ab Ripper was a little off as well. I could also tell it had been nearly 2 weeks since I last did it. I did 343/349 reps, so not too shabby for Day #1, right?
On to "the Mother of all P90X workouts" tomorrow. Plyometrics!
Dan
As for me, the Chest and Back went pretty good, considering I hadn't done this workout in nearly a month (May 14th to be exact). Most of the number are down slightly from that last time, but that's OK. Shortly, I'll be back to those number and will be exceeding them.
Ab Ripper was a little off as well. I could also tell it had been nearly 2 weeks since I last did it. I did 343/349 reps, so not too shabby for Day #1, right?
On to "the Mother of all P90X workouts" tomorrow. Plyometrics!
Dan
Monday, May 14, 2012
Day 71: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
Today I "graduate" from my first workout as this was the last time I do Chest and Back. Looking back on how I started this workout on day 1 (Day #1 Blog Post) it's pretty amazing how far I've come. One Day #1 I did 9 standard push-ups total in 2 rounds. Tonight, I did 32. Now 32 is one round for the guys on the video, but that's a huge improvement for me!
How about some of the other push-up exercises:
Military push ups? I did one rep (non-knees) in the first three weeks! Tonight I did 8.
Wide fly? Three total (non-knees) the first three weeks. 24 tonight.
Decline? 1 rep total the first three weeks. 10 tonight.
Diamond? Averaged 7 (non-knees) per week in weeks 1-3. Did 19 tonight.
Dive bomber? Averages 11 in weeks 1-3. 15 tonight.
As for the pull-ups, I'm still using the band, but have moved back to get more tension and am now doing the same amount I was doing with less tension earlier in the program.
Ab Ripper was a new rep record again tonight...332/349. Getting there...want that 349 by day 90!
Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
How about some of the other push-up exercises:
Military push ups? I did one rep (non-knees) in the first three weeks! Tonight I did 8.
Wide fly? Three total (non-knees) the first three weeks. 24 tonight.
Decline? 1 rep total the first three weeks. 10 tonight.
Diamond? Averaged 7 (non-knees) per week in weeks 1-3. Did 19 tonight.
Dive bomber? Averages 11 in weeks 1-3. 15 tonight.
As for the pull-ups, I'm still using the band, but have moved back to get more tension and am now doing the same amount I was doing with less tension earlier in the program.
Ab Ripper was a new rep record again tonight...332/349. Getting there...want that 349 by day 90!
Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Monday, April 30, 2012
Day 57: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
Ok, so recovery week is nice and all..and I really do like the Core Synergistics workout...but it feels so good to be back doing resistance workouts again! Tonight was Chest and Back..the first workout I ever did almost 2 months ago. Remember when I couldn't do any push ups? Well, I can do more now. In fact, here are some stats from the first 3 weeks and tonight. The numbers for each week are the average number of reps per set (2 sets per workout). A push up from the knees counts as 1/2 of a rep.
Standard: W1-8, W2-5, W3-7, W9-12
Military: W1, W2-2, W3-2, W9-6
Wide Fly: W1-4, W2-3, W3-4, W9-11
Decline: W1-0, W2-0, W3-0, W9-3
Diamond: W1-3, W2-5, W3-7, W4-9 (many of these were 1.2 way down the first 3 weeks)
Dive Bomber: W1-6, W2-5, W3-6, W9-7
Decent improvement. I'm sure it's a mix of less weight to push up and stronger muscles. At any rate, I'm happy about that progress. As for pull ups, I'm still using bands and I pretty much did the same, though now I've moved back farther to get more resistance in the bands. I'm not going to do a "real" pull up until the post program fit test to see if I can do some. I'm hoping for similar improvement here that I've had in push ups so far.
For Ab Ripper, I set another record for reps...316 this time. I was able to max out on bicycles for the first time, and got 45/50 on mason twists again.
For Ab Ripper, I set another record for reps...316 this time. I was able to max out on bicycles for the first time, and got 45/50 on mason twists again.
Eating I've kind of fallen into a little snafu where I've told myself it's OK to eat more carbs. I've also caught myself having a small bite of some other foods that I probably shouldn't. Nothing major like 10 cookies or anything like that. Just little stuff that I need to correct. I'm really overall very happy with my eating. I've never done this...EVER...so anything like this is going to be tough. Like I've said before, I'm going to make this a life habit and not just "during P90X".
Time for bed. Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Day 51: Core Synergistics
I knew there was a reason why I use the double quotes when using the phrase "recovery" week! It's because Core Synergistics is probably the most butt-kicking workout in the whole program! Put it this way, I couldn't even do the glute stretch very well because my arms and legs were just covered with sweat...my crossed leg kept slipping out!
Still making quite a bit of progress on the push ups. I can't wait until next Monday when Chest and Back returns so I can see how much progress I've made since I did it in weeks 1-3. I really feel like I can do a lot more...we'll see. Don't want to get too far ahead of myself!
Also, I've gotta give a shout out to my wife Wendy and my girls. They've sacrificed a lot to allow me to spend about an hour each day on this program over the past 7+ weeks. If I do the workout early (before the girls go to bed) then Wendy makes sure they have baths and have their homework done. If I wait and do it late, then I can help with the girls but Wendy and I don't get the chance to have any time together before she falls asleep (she almost always falls asleep first). I really appreciate them allowing me to do this. Love you guys!!
Kenpo X is up tomorrow.
Dan
Still making quite a bit of progress on the push ups. I can't wait until next Monday when Chest and Back returns so I can see how much progress I've made since I did it in weeks 1-3. I really feel like I can do a lot more...we'll see. Don't want to get too far ahead of myself!
Also, I've gotta give a shout out to my wife Wendy and my girls. They've sacrificed a lot to allow me to spend about an hour each day on this program over the past 7+ weeks. If I do the workout early (before the girls go to bed) then Wendy makes sure they have baths and have their homework done. If I wait and do it late, then I can help with the girls but Wendy and I don't get the chance to have any time together before she falls asleep (she almost always falls asleep first). I really appreciate them allowing me to do this. Love you guys!!
Kenpo X is up tomorrow.
Dan
Monday, March 19, 2012
Day 15: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
Success! I started the workout around 7:30 tonight! It's still late, but not bad for a weekday and I made the conscious effort to not wait until 8:30 when the kids went to bed. Little successes add up to big accomplishments!
Gained one additional rep on Ab Ripper tonight. The biggest problems are with the exercises where I have to keep my legs up high in the air like the scissors.
I can't say I'm too sad that this was the last time I had do this workout until week 9 (day 57). Besides Yoga, it's the toughest workout I've done so far. I guess my attitude should be that if they are the weakest, then I should welcome them. I guess that's right, because I need the work. Oh well, ciao Chest and Back! See you in 6 weeks!
Having said all of that, I did see some very small improvements in push-ups...like maybe one additional rep per exercise. With pull ups it's hard to tell using bands. I think I'll probably setup a bar for the next round and see where I'm at. Maybe I can start trying to do them and then use a chair when I need it. We'll see. I made up some heavier weights for heavy pants and lawnmowers and I could definitely feel a better workout on those.
Gained one additional rep on Ab Ripper tonight. The biggest problems are with the exercises where I have to keep my legs up high in the air like the scissors.
On the nutrition front, eating differently has given me a chance to eat more of some foods that I really didn't eat much of before. Mostly vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, celery, squash, etc.. Also, I'm eating more whole grain breads and some brown rice. More fish and lots more chicken. One thing I'd never eaten before (until tonight) was brussel sprouts. I had them tonight, and they weren't too bad. They are no french fry or potato chip from a flavor standpoint, but I'm more concerned with healthy eating right now.
Pushing on to Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Pushing on to Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Monday, March 12, 2012
Day 8: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
The success and fun I had the past few days almost made me forget that Chest and Back is my weakest workout. I really made very little, if any, progress on push ups. I still believe that I'm just too heavy yet to be able to do much until I get stronger in my shoulders, arms and back. Not to worry though, I did all I was able to from my knees when the standard push ups failed. Still doing fine on the pull-up, but I temper that with the fact that I'm still using bands. Again, slashing weight will help with these.
Ab Ripper X seemed harder, but I again added reps to my total from Friday. I know my form isn't perfect, but again that will come with time. Getting the gut out of the way will help in allowing me to get my chest up higher for many of these exercises.
Trying a new drink tonight. It's an BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acid) drink that's designed to help me recover faster, along with helping to build muscle after the workout.. I'm hoping for a reduction in soreness this week, both from the drink and also from the fact that I'm on week 2 of the program.
Still on track on nutrition. Not meticulously keeping track of portions anymore...I pretty much know what I can and can't eat.
Plyometrics tomorrow.
Dan
Ab Ripper X seemed harder, but I again added reps to my total from Friday. I know my form isn't perfect, but again that will come with time. Getting the gut out of the way will help in allowing me to get my chest up higher for many of these exercises.
Trying a new drink tonight. It's an BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acid) drink that's designed to help me recover faster, along with helping to build muscle after the workout.. I'm hoping for a reduction in soreness this week, both from the drink and also from the fact that I'm on week 2 of the program.
Still on track on nutrition. Not meticulously keeping track of portions anymore...I pretty much know what I can and can't eat.
Plyometrics tomorrow.
Dan
Monday, March 5, 2012
Day 1: Chest and Back with Ab Ripper X
Well, I pretty much sucked...but I finished it. Chest and Back today, with Ab Ripper X thrown in for good measure. If you haven't done P90X, Chest and Back is pretty much all push ups and pull ups. I can't do a pull-up (too much weight), so I bought a heavy-duty resistance band at Wal-Mart for the pull-ups and stretched it as far as I could to get the max resistance. As for the push ups, I did pretty good, for me, on the first set of standard (8 reg, 10 on my knees). After that, not so great. But that's ok because push ups have always been tough for me. I'll get better.
Ab Ripper X? Holy cow! Again, pretty good on the in-and-outs (20). Lower back tightened up pretty quick after that. Made a few adjustments (like 20/25 scissors with the down leg on the floor), which allowed me to still do something and not just wait until the next exercise. Again, I just hope for gradual improvement.
Best of all, I didn't puke! I certainly felt it coming after I was done, but I held it off.
If you're wondering about nutrition, I'm obviously Level III and am doing the portion approach. I like the variety without having to prepare a recipe all the time. With the wife and kids, I hardly have time for the workouts, so not having to take a ton of time to prepare meals is a plus. Not being able to eat many carbs is going to be tough for me because I'm a carb addict! I love bread, crackers, all that stuff. I'm also told that a carb crash is coming, Hindsight being 20/20, I should have probably started the diet a few weeks early, but I'll fight through it. Supposedly in 4-5 days, I'll be better. Probably going to be a long 4-5 days! :)
Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
Ab Ripper X? Holy cow! Again, pretty good on the in-and-outs (20). Lower back tightened up pretty quick after that. Made a few adjustments (like 20/25 scissors with the down leg on the floor), which allowed me to still do something and not just wait until the next exercise. Again, I just hope for gradual improvement.
Best of all, I didn't puke! I certainly felt it coming after I was done, but I held it off.
If you're wondering about nutrition, I'm obviously Level III and am doing the portion approach. I like the variety without having to prepare a recipe all the time. With the wife and kids, I hardly have time for the workouts, so not having to take a ton of time to prepare meals is a plus. Not being able to eat many carbs is going to be tough for me because I'm a carb addict! I love bread, crackers, all that stuff. I'm also told that a carb crash is coming, Hindsight being 20/20, I should have probably started the diet a few weeks early, but I'll fight through it. Supposedly in 4-5 days, I'll be better. Probably going to be a long 4-5 days! :)
Plyometrics tomorrow!
Dan
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