Onto Phase 2

So 1 phase down and 2 go in this round of P90X. And i think this phase got off to a pretty good start.

Day 29: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps and Ab Ripper X

I knew there were more push-ups (and not just any old push-ups) coming up in this workout. But I sucked it up, Brought It, did my best and forgot the rest. All in all things went fairly well in this session. Numbers in the Shoulder and Tricep resistance exercises averaged in the low to mid teens. Highlights were: 20 Chair Dips, and finishing strong with 30 Cross-Body Bows.

On the Push-Ups, averages were also in the low to mid teens. Highlights were: 12 Slow Motions, 16 Floor Flys, 16 Side-to-Sides and 12 One-Arm balances. Also even though I only did 10 of the Pike Presses, One-Arm Push-Ups and Clap Push-Ups, I think getting that many in is quite an accomplishment. Especially since I hadn't done any of those since September.

The only exercises I had real issues with were the Scarecrows, Slo-Mo Throws and Fly- Row Presses. Using the bands was kinda problematic on those for me. Those would work better if I had some light dumbbells to them with, so I think I need to invest in a set.

Moving on the Ab Ripper X. Wow! I must say today's ARX was absolutely the best one so far!! I have no doubt the 2 sessions of Core Synergistics probably helped with it. But I felt the strongest I ever have through the In & Outs, both Bicycles and the Crunchy Frog. I got a bit higher on the Wide Leg Sit-ups (still pretty much crunching, but with more height). I got through a whole set of Fifer Scissors without stopping. It was hard to keep the lower leg off the floor and the last few were murder, but I made all the way through.

I upped my number from 13 to 20 on the Hip Rock and Raises, I maintained 10 on the Roll-up/V-Ups but they were much more stable and less shaky than before. And I rode it out to the end feeling much stronger than before. Soaked with sweat at the end and feeling very accomplished!! it's a good Monday! Plyo returns tomorrow!

A jaunty ditty for today, David Cook's version of "Happy Together." Enjoy and have a good day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxdG_1sM1wg

Yoga Sunday . . .

So yesterday turned into a rest. Especially considering that I slept through a good part of it. I had to shift the workout schedule a bit.

Day 28: Yoga X

So Recovery 1 as come to a close with a nice session of Yoga X. I got a bit of a later start than planned, but I got it in! I must've worked a little harder in this session because I was actually still sweating by the end of it. I usually spend the first 3/4 of Yoga sweating and the rest I tend to cool off a bit. I did put some extra effort into Yoga belly 7 this go 'round so perhaps that's what made the difference. Anyhoo, I am happy with this session and looking forward to getting Phase 2 underway tomorrow. Changing things up is always a good thing.

Here's a very nice cover of "there Are Worse Things I Could Do" by Alison Moyet. Please to enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXXu7W3-Rvg

"Roll With It, Baby . . ."

Recovery week is in the homestretch . . .

Day 26: Core Synergistics

So the second round of CS was on tap today. I came pretty close to putting this off, but the call of the X was too strong. Amazing how that happens isn't it? Stared off a little slow, but got the old blood pumping right at the end of the warm-up and brought it on strong. I d o have to admit my focus was a little off in places, but overall a good job.

Once again things went just fine until Bow to Boat. It was better this time, even if getting int the Bow position is particularly challenging for me. Then things went smooth again until Plank to Chaturanga Run and Walking Push-Ups. These are very hard for mat the moment so I tried it and got out about 8 and 4 respectively, then did th regular push-ups to finish each section.

Superman/Banana was much improved over last time, but near the end of it I started to falter just a bit on the Bananas. And once again I did the Dreya Rolls minus the standing portion. Hell, just doing the roll part itself is challenging enough. But I know One day i will do this completely.

I was pretty drained by the time the Bonus Round came up, but I stuck it out. Finished strong and sweaty even though my Table Dips were done without the leg raise. Not quite there with that one as well, but the dips are enough work in themselves.

Another great day at the "gym" with Crazy Tony . . . .

Here's your song for the day: Steve Winwood and "Roll With It". Enjoy your Friday!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWptXUblA4E

Short Stretch . . .

Day 25: X-Stretch
Got my stretch in this morning at the usual time. It was a good session. I really must make it a point to do it on my rest days more frequently. That's about it. More Core Synergistics tomorrow! Woo!

Humpday Kenpo!

So I was quite tired this morning after getting in from work. So instead of working out then like I normally do, I went to bed and got some sleep. So tonight I was ready to Bring it!

Day 24: Kenpo X
So nothing really major or new to report. Kenpo is still #1 in my book and being refreshed from a good sleep really helped me bring the intensity tonight! My still sort of stiff back threatened to slow me down, but I sucked it up and focused on form and breathing. By the time it was all over, I was soaked! Another good one in the books and half way through Recovery Week!

Hopefully things will get back to normal next week and I can get back to my regular workout schedule.

The Core of the Matter

I must be really into this because after deciding I was too tired to workout today, I conjured the urge to Bring It! (at of all times, while I was on the can, I know . . . TMI) So I did. And Recovery Week continues . . .

Day 23: Core Synergistics
I hadn't done this one since my last attempted round last fall. So it was kinda exciting to see how things were gonna go. Like I said I was originally gonna forego this one, but something nagged at the back of my brain and next thing I know i was in the "gym" popping in a DVD and re-arancgint the living room furniture to make room. And so it began.

Yeah, this is a hellava workout comprised of so many elements. But it's actually kinda fun. (Can't believe I said that). For the most part, was able to go toe-to toe with Tony and Friends. But rest assured there was soome modification along the way.

The most challenging parts were: Bow to Boat (struggled with the Boat portion), Plank to Chatarunga Run (more like a brisk and shaky walk), Walking Push-Ups (Butt was way too high , but that was the only way I could do it, and I barely did it), an of course the dreaded Dreya Rolls (which actually didn't turn out that bad. I can do the roll and raise hips and leg part, I just can't get up on my feet from it, so I just repeated the roll.)

Then after a short mental debate, I decided to stick with it for the Bonus Rounds. Plank to Chaturanga Iso was very shaky, but I completed it. Halfback was a breeze, since it's basically Football Hero from Plyo. Table Dip Leg Raise was done sans leg raise, but I did 30 dips for a strong finish.

Broke quite a sweat on this one. Tomorrow is Kenpo X (Yeah!)

Monday's a good day for Yoga!

So today commences the first "Recovery" week of this round of P90X.

Day 22: Yoga X

This week will mark the one-third portion of this X round and the week starts with Yoga. I worked harder in this session to get some of these poses done to the best of my abilities. The result was a completely soaked tank top and yoga mat. Sweat was everywhere.

The Moving Asanas were much stronger. I was working so hard that the last few moves sort of fell apart on me because i was starting to get a little drained. The Balance Postures were also stronger, although I still had more trouble balancing on my right leg than my left throughout this section.

Floor Work was pretty much on par, as most of this is pretty easy for me (again, except for Crane and the shoulder Stand/Plough section). Yoga Belly 7 showed it's usual bitchiness to me. Especially on the Boat and Half boats and the second Touch the Sky. But the hard work in Yoga X always pays off when you get to Happy Baby because from then on you get to breathe and relax. Glad I did it today.

How about something nice and mellow. Here's John Stevens cover of Maroon 5's "This Love."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arSPbnG19Lk

For Just a Stretch

So week 3 has come to a close, and I decided to not make today a rest day and opted to hit the mat this afternoon . . .

Day 21: X-Stretch

So, the last two weekends got a little whacked out for one reason or another and I did not get any X Stretch in. But the timing worked out that I was able to do it today. And I am glad I did. I had forgotten how good this one feels. It's light enough to not feel like a total wipe-yourself-out workout, yet it's just enough work that you feel like you got something done. I still had to be careful because of my minor lower back issue, but I was able to complete most of the workout successfully with some modifications, most especially on the Boat because I can't make that reach, and of course the Plough because, at this stage, my body won't do that. I am really gonna do my best to get Stretch in every Sunday from now on.

So my first recovery week in this round begins tomorrow! I am looking forward to the change of pace. And then Phase 2 gets underway next week. Almost a third if the way through!

Saturday Kicks

Short and sweet . . .

Day 20: Kenpo X

Despite still feeling a small twinge of stiffness in my back, I kicked some butt with Kenpo X today! Now that I am at a point where i feel like I've got the moves down, I was able to concentrate more on bringing more intensity. I felt like I was actually throwing punches, blocks and kicks and not like I was flailing around. I did have to be a little careful because of the stiffness, but the pumping blood and adrenaline sort of eased things up and allowed me to Bring it! This continues to be my favorite workout in the series. I've had my recovery drink and now for some much needed sleep . . .

Here's a cool mash-up of "Under Pressure" by David Bowie & Queen and "With or Without You" by U2. "Without Pressure" Enjoy . . . :^D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulG25wY9cvA&feature=player_embedded#!

Back to Legs and Back again

This was another instance where I felt much better after working out than when I started. I truly do love this X thing . . .

Day 19: Legs & Back ad Ab Ripper X

So there was a little trepidation heading into this one because my lower back was feeling just a touch iffy. But I wanted to see what I could do and how hard I could bring it. Started things off a little timidly, trying to be careful. But as it went along, the twinge in my back actually started to fade out. I think i can attribute that to concentrating on the isometric hold on the banded pull-ups. Consequently, the rep numbers pretty much held steady. By the end I felt really strong and pulled off 30 Switch Grips Pull-ups, going a little bit past the end time. I was definitely in a zone by that point.

By the same token the first few sets of leg exercises were kinda soft, but once the groove kicked in the intensity really increased. A little better on the dreaded Wall Squats today. Also felt noticebly stronger on the Super Skaters, Alternating Side Lunges, Deadlift Squat and Sneaky Lunges.

Moving on to Ab Ripper X, I went back to being careful again in the beginning because sometimes I feel it in my back. I actually opted to lay on my back a bit for the In & Outs and the Bicycle sequence. I then sort of eased into Crunchy Frog. After that things pretty much were okay so I upped the intensity again. So the rest of ARX was on par with last Friday's. I even managed to get 10 V-Ups done again! And the oblique V's were very strong today, even though at this point it's hard for me to keep my legs completely straight.

All in all, another solid effort despite the touch-and-go of my lower back. I have to admit my back actually feels a lot better now.

Tomorrow is Kenpo Day!!! For now i leave you with Faith Hill and "Back To You". have a great day and weekend!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcJa9ouHKSM

". . . To the limit"

I was really straddling the fence about breaking out the mat today. Didn't get a proper amount of sleep yesterday, so I was a bit tired. But I decided to Bring It!

Day 18: Yoga X

It was a no-brainer. I always feel better after Yoga X. So toughing it out was the only option. Overall a pretty good session. Today's Moving Asanas were a bit stronger than last week. But the Balance Postures were much shakier this go 'round. Especially when I was on my right foot. I will definitely fight to get better balance, it really needs work.

Per usual so far, Crane and Plough are not in my reach, but the floor work in between went quite well. Yoga Belly 7, for the most part, was a little stronger this go 'round as well, but just slightly. However, I had to bow out of Scissor and the second round of Touch the Sky a little early. Just too much for me today.

So the final relaxing stretches were their usual welcome sight. And yes, I do feel better and glad I decided to go through with it. I feel like I made it "Through the Fire." Here's Chaka Khan. Please to enjoy . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymuWb8xtCsc

A Call to Arms

Day 17: Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper X

This is always a welcome break after working the Legs in Plyo the day before. A solid effort with a small uptick in rep numbers. 1 - 2 for the most part. Highlights are: 20/25 Chair dips (up 4 and 5 from last week), and 22 Crouching Cohen Curls. I made a concerted effort to squeeze harder on the bicep exercises. That made quite a difference. I think I might be feeling that later. And on the bonus round, my Side Tri-Rises were comparable in number to last weeks, but I actually managed to get up a little higher and get my lifting arm a little straighter. That took some effort, but the determination was there.

As for Ab Ripper X, also on par with the previous one, although I felt a little more wiped out during the session today. Numbers were the same except today I only got 8 V-Ups this go 'round. I am a little disappointed by that. But I will just have to make the effort to get back to 10 like I did last Friday.

It seems no matter how much the workouts break you down, there's always such a great sense of accomplishment when you make it through. No matter how easy it would be to do so, giving up is not an option. I am plum tuckered . . . . .

A-Plyo'ing Myself

Day 16: Plyometrics

Today's Plyo was a hard fought one. My legs felt a little tired before I even started, especially my knees. But I knew it had to be done. And we got it done. Per usual it took a little time to get a groove going, but like clockwork, the second half cam through. I guess by that point the blood is really pumping and the body is completely warmed up and that's were that latter half energy burst comes from. Wherever it comes from, I truly appreciate it when it happens. With all that, I sort of found myself watching the countdown clock a little more than I usually do. I was ready for this one to be done and done soon. I am glad I stuck it out and made it to the end. Another day's mission accomplished!

"Push It Good . . ."

I have to admit i wasn't completely feeling it going into todays workout. My back felt just a touch stiff, but put in the DVD and Pressed play, and things turn out just fine . . . .

Day 15: Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X

I was not sure how this workout was gonna go. Was still a little tired and creaky. Started the warm-up with Tony & Friends and once the blood started pumping I started to feel a little better and more determined to finish strong. I wanted to at the very least be on par with last week as far as numbers. All in all I did much better than anticipated.

Rep numbers were actually up, on average by 1-2, but still I wanted to get past my previous numbers and i did for the most part. Highlights: 30 second-set Standard Push-Ups, 26 second-set Wide Fly Push-Ups, and 20 Diamonds and Dive Bombers! I maintain that push-ups are probably one of my least favorite exercises, but I feel good that I'm getting some decent numbers on them, even if they're on my knees. Just makes me more determined to soon get of my knees and hopefully maintain the numbers when that happens.

Numbers on banded pulls and the other resistance exercises just upticked by 1 or 2, but I will take it. Especially considering how i felt before starting.

Ab Ripper X numbers were pretty much on bar with Friday's. I only managed to knock out 9 V-ups after hitting 10 last time. Maintained the 25s on most of the exercises. 13 Hip Rock and Raises like before. Kept up with the mason Twists.

It really is true that you feel better after a good workout. Today proved it once again for me.

Gonna give you a little Salt-N-Pepa today. I felt like I pushed it, so here's a live performance of "Push It!" Enjoy and see here tomorrow! :^D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01HlgEUqx0c

A Weekend of Sleep and Kicks

So this past snow week kinda turned my normal sleep pattern upside down and back. As a result I was awak for like twenty-five hours straight between Friday morning and Saturday morning. So I spent Saturday, which was supposed to be my Keno X Day, sleeping. Not to worry. I got it in the next morning.

Day 14: Kenpo X

Yep, it's still my favorite workout and I really benefited from getting the additional rest the day before. I discovered yesterday that much like Plyo, I tend to do better in the second half of Kenpo.

The first two "breaks" were kinda sluggish for me, but the second to, somehow I felt more vigorous. My jumping jacks and X-Jumps were mush stronger then the first two. And yes my shirt was light green when I started and and was quite dark and damp by the end of the whole thing.

Heading into week three feeling stronger and very positive!!

Happy Friday Workout!

Looks like we're finally starting to see the beginnings of thawing out of this week's deep freeze. Hoo-Ray!! Got another strong workout in this afternoon.

Day 12: Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X

I went into todays workout with a lot of enthusiasm. I think yesterday's Yoga really did the trick. Got a good sleep in. So I was raring to go! Rep numbers were up on all on all of the Pull-ups. I got a slight thigh cramp while doing the second round of the Closed Grip Overheads, so I came up short. I felt like I needed to make up for that so on the second round I knocked out 28 of the Switch Grips. Still using the bands, but still doing the work.

Also stayed on count with the leg exercises throughout. My lunges and low stances could probably be a bit deeper, but as always I did my best.

Ab Ripper X went down pretty well to. I need to backtrack and note that I 've only been doing 13 of the Hip Rock and Raises so far. Doing the rep on the odd numbers. But other wise, except for the V-Ups, I've been hitting the 25 mark. Speaking of V-ups, I did 10 today! One more than 2 days ago. So that made me feel good. I was totally soaked at the end of all of this, so i know I put the work in.

Tomorrow, my favorite, Kenpo X is on the agenda! And hopefully more melting of the snow and ice.

This song popped into my head for some reason and wouldn't leave, so I will share it with you. "Brother Louie" by Stories! Have a good night!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au5dmxLSxFk

Break out the mat and block!!

Yep, today was the day that I re-acquainted myself with the wonderfulness of holding and stretching and breathing.

Day 11: Yoga X

Brought it to the floor today. This was the first time in awhile that I have done Yoga X from beginning to end. And I was reminded of why some X-ers are not fans of this workout. But I actually quite enjoy it. I dare say it's one of if not THE most challenging of all of the workouts.

My balance and flexibility are not the best at all and I got another reminder of that fact today. But I stuck it out and did my best. The Moving Asanas are still probably the most challenging part of Yoga X because it's difficult for me to get the proper extension and positioning on some of the moves. But I did my best and sweated off the rest!

The Balance postures provide a nice relief. Even though I was a bit wobbly for most of it, and can't grab my rear foot for the Royal Dancer or completely raise my legs for the Standing Extensions, I got thru with the best of my abilities. It wasn't a total disaster.

Floor Work was a mixed bag. Of course the Crane and the Plough Variations are pretty much impossible for at this point, but the stretches in between were pretty successful.

Than it gets challenging again with the Yoga Belly section. Those are murder! I was pretty wiped by this point and holding my legs and arms up for 30 second intervals was brutal. But then it all quiets back down with the Side Twist and Glute Stretch and Happy Baby, followed by the closing relaxing poses at the end. And I made it the whole 90 minutes! Not a bad return to Yoga X!

I remember getting better at this as it went along, just like everything else with p90x) from my last half round. So I'm confident I will regain the balance and flexibility I got before and surpass it. It will happen!!

"I'll be there, I'll be around . . ."

I was definitely there for todays's workout. Undoubtedly I had more fun than the folx out in the parking lot spinning out on that sheet of ice.

Day 10: Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper X

Of all of the resistance workouts, I think this is the easiest one for me, so in turn, at this point is the one I tend to like the best. Got the groove going pretty quickly with this workout and rep numbers were up by 1 - 3 on average. Numbers for the Chair Dips spiked the most from 12/15 last week to 16/20 today! And the Side Tri-Rises also spiked a bit from 15/21 to 21/22. Not bad.

And, for this round, today was my best Ab Ripper X so far. Completed total reps on just about everything, even though some were modified. And i actually pushed out 9 V-Ups today. That felt good! Well, not at the time, but you know what I mean . . . This was a good one!

Tomorrow I return to Yoga X. I didn't do it last week because of time constraints brought on by attending Tony's Workout/Booksigning event last week. But tomorrow I will break out the mat and blocks for sure.

For those people outside sliding around the parking lot, this is "I'll be Around" by the Spinners (see what I did there?). Have a good one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfG47NsWVYA

Jumping in a winter wonderland . . .

Well, actually I stayed indoors. It was quite a productive day. Still snowed in so I tackled some major cleaning that was overdue and then Pressed Play!

Day 9: Plyometrics

This was another good day in the "gym"! I have said before that after Kenpo, this is my favorite X-workout. As usual, my legs were not liking the first half with all the squatting, but i felt a bit stronger today and didn't come out of any of the exercises before the 30 second or 1 minute mark came up. And again that second half second wind kicked in! The only truly challenging parts of Plyo for my are the Jump Knee Tucks, Rock Start Hops, and the Hot Foot, so I modified as necessary with marches, jump rope, or jogging or hopping in place as needed. Finished strong with the sports bonus at the end again. That's my favorite part of the entire workout.

Feeling good and accomplished again. Ready for the snow and ice to move on, but apparently it's gonna be here for awhile . . .

Just because, here's Lara Fabian and "I Will Love Again." have a good one and see yo here tomorrow . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxnl83HD3R0

"A licky boom-boom down . . ."

Snow day, schmow day. Just because it's a snow day, doesn't mean it's an opportunity to blow off a workout. Especially when the gym is your living room and your trainer is on a DVD.

Day 7: Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X

So we're back to the land of push-ups. Yay . . . . But it turned out to be a good day. After trekking through the snow to QuikTrip with some friends, and then finishing up some laundry, it was time to finally Bring it! And I did. Rep numbers on most of the exercises were up by an average of 2-3 throughout. And the numbers on the second round were higher than the first for the most part. So I did what I was supposed to and really kicked it up a notch on the second go-round!

Highlights were 27 standard push-ups on the second round, 18 military push-ups on the second round, 22 Wide Fly push-ups on the second round, 20 decline push-ups on the second round and 15 Dive Bombers on the second round. Still on my knees for most of these, but still quite an accomplishment for me.

Numbers were also up on the banded pull-ups as well. I think I really brought a high level of intensity with this session.

There was also marked improvement on Ab Ripper X as well! Highlights there were completing 7 slow V-Ups, and getting a little more height when raising up for the Wide Leg Sit-ups. They are still glorified crunches at this point, but much better than this time last week. Most of my ARX workout is modified to some degree, but I still gave it all I got. And felt very sweaty and accomplished when it was all over.

Plyo is back tomorrow. That's always fun. In honor of the snow day. Here is Snow with Informer. 'Til next time . . . . :^D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBEOyuTOxx8

"Kick It!"

Happy Saturday! And time for my favorite P90X workout . . . . .

Day 6: Kenpo X

Yep, just as grueling and fun as I remembered. I was already sweating at the end of the warm-up! It was just slightly awkward as i had to re-accustome myself with some of the moves. But once I got my rhythm going, it was on!! I really felt like i was on fire with this workout today! I like it because even though it's a lot of work, it's probably the most fun and easiest workout to get through, in my opinion. And with that at the end you really feel like you've accomplished something. My tank top was soaked about halfway down, and my face felt like it was melting because of all of the sweat dripping off of it. I was so wiped out by the end that I decided to forego the semi-planned makeup session of Ab Ripper X. Quite frankly, I am still feeling the ab work from 2 nights ago with Tony.

So another workout is in the books. Tomorrow, I could rest, or I could Stretch. We'll see what happens . . .

Until then, here's The Beastie Boys . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBShN8qT4lk

Just what I needed . . .

So after a very surreal and near traumatic night at work, I got home and went right to bed instead of working out. But i didn't want to let the day escape me without getting it in, so I Pressed play this evening . . .

Day 5: Legs & Back
My mind was still pretty much reeling from things that transpired at work so the first third of the work out was very unfocused. My concentration was at a low level. My balance was off even more than normal with the Chair Lunges and I almost stopped the DVD. But instead I paused it, took some deep breaths and decided to forge ahead. I really needed to do this. After the excitement of meeting Tony, I felt like I didn't want to let myself or him down.

I resumed the DVD and somehow managed to nearly completely clear my mind and focus on the workout. Finished it very strong. Got some good numbers in the high teens on the pull-up exercises with the red bands. And for the ost part kept up with Tony & company on the remaining leg exercises. Although those damn Wall Squats are truly the devil's tools, in my opinion.

Due to time contraints and my mental state, I did not hit Ab Ripper X. I think I may do that tomorrow after Kenpo X. We'll see how that plan pans out. No song today. Just quiet reflection. Have a good night and a great weekend.

Bring It? Brought it! Got the book signed . . .

So I made the executive decision to forego doing Cardio X this morning and went right to bed after getting home from work. But I more than made up for it by attending Tony Horton's Book Signing event tonight. Got the chance to workout with him for an hour. We did the Warrior Cardio workout which was comprised of elements from Kenpo, Plyometrics, Upper body, Core and Yoga. Pretty much a goo-melting stew of exercises!

Wow! Got my butt handed over to me, but I enjoyed every minute of it! Tony is just as funny, goofy and engaging in person as he is on the DVDs. I got my copy of "Bring It!" signed and got a picture taken with him, which I will share later when I finally make it home.

I am now at work, which will be followed by a staff meeting before I finally head home. It's gonna be a long night, but a very memorable one. My goal is to look like a totally different person the next I get the opportunity to see Mr. Horton face-to-face.

'Night all! :^D

"It only takes a minute . . ."

Actually, it takes more like a little over 59. But it is time well spent! Pressed play again today and brought it once more.

Day 3: Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper X

Surprisingly, I didn't have nearly as much second-day soreness as I expected from Monday's Chest & Back workout. I did have a little so I kinda eased into Shoulders & Arms. As usual once I re-remembered how to use the bands on these exercises and got a good groove going, the soreness totally became a none-issue.

Didn't do too shabby today, averaging in the low to mid teens on reps throughout and finished big by completing 21 reps on both final sets of the Side Tri-Raises. Granted I can't get my lifting arm completely straight on that one, I truly fought for whatever extension I could get.

I actually used a chair on the Chair Dips instead of the couch, and it made quite a difference. It was actually more difficult, but I got more reps on the second set after knowing what to expect there. Overall another good workout.

As far as my old pal, Ab Ripper X. Much better today than Monday. Upped my reps and even managed to do 5 V-Rollups. That's a big deal considering I am practically starting over. On my first attempt at P90X I had managed to get up to 12 before I fizzled on that round. But that's the past. We are moving forward. Anyway, I still feel ARX in my gut as I type this post. A sign that I really worked it out. I am happy.

I've got to sort of rearrange my day tomorrow, so I'm debating on either X-Stretch or half of Yoga X. I'm going to Tony's "Bring It" Book Signing event tomorrow evening, and I work 3rd shift, so it will be a full day. But it's gonna be great to see Tony in person!!

So, Take That!! :^D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJIeojotpUA

"You got it tough? I've seen the toughest around..."

Between the burgeoning soreness from yesterday, and the workout today, I am drained! But feeling good and accomplished.

Day 2: Plyometrics

Started this thing off today still feeling yesterdays Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X. So the beginning was a little shaky, but things got better as it went along. My legs were feeling like spaghetti in the first half of Plyo X, but like I remember happening in before, I somehow get a second wind in the second half and start to really bring it. Yep, modifying in a few spots (the Hot Foot is still eluding me, so I do a combination of jump rope and marching to accommodate, and the Jump Knee Tucks and Rock Star Hops are a challenge), but I never gave up. No matter how un-pretty it looks, I always try to make it to the end.

Tomorrow is Shoulders & Arms. After today, my legs are thankful for that.

Might as well Jump! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8LdRJqjjRM

Have a good day!! :^D

"So now your back from outer space . . ."

So after too many false starts after falling off the X-wagon back in September, I am back! And this time I mean it!! So I am starting from square one with P90X.

Day 1: Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X

Wow, it certainly felt like starting from the bottom, but I did much better than I thought I would, especially after this past celebratory weekend. I think resting for the latter half of yesterday and getting a good full night's sleep really helped.

Apparently, me and Push-Ups still have that love-hate-mostly-hate relationship I remember so well. Got off to a pretty good start however by completing 20 standard ones at the beginning. I pretty much averaged around 10-12 on the other varieties of push-ups, but I fought hard for everyone of them. Even if I was on my knees for the most part, except of course those crazy a$$ Dive-Bombers.

Back to the red band on the Pull-Up exercises. Averaging 15-17 reps on those exercises. About the same numbers on the floor resistance exercises as well.

One clue to me that I was really bringing it in this session was that I was starting to get that feeling like I was about to toss some cookies. But thankfully it didn't come to that.

Ab Ripper X, my old "friend." On my last attempted round of P90X I was actually starting to get to a point where I wasn't hating you so much. Rest assured the original hatred has pretty much returned. Wow, I had made so much progress last go 'round with ARX, so it was quite frustra

ting to see that I was so back to square one with this workout. But it's okay, knowing that I got pretty far before tells me that I can get there again and surpass it. Which is what I intend to do.

That part just before Mason Twists where Tony says "It's almost over, makes me sad."? Yeah, I was not sad, I was quite happy that it was almost done. It was not a pretty round, and I may not have made it to 25 on everything. But I did my best and forget the rest and made it all the way to the end without quitting.

Tomorrow brings Plyometrics, which is actually one of my favorite workouts. So I am quite looking forward to it. I have made a vow to myself that I will conquer the X in 2011!! And I feel like I am off to a great start!

'Til tomorrow, here's my song of the day. It's a repeat from the last "half" round of X, but it started playing in my head while I was working out, so here it is. Cake's cover of "I Will Survive." Please to enjoy! Happy New Year and have a great day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=596qaxm-u4o&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL