An admittedly lazy thirty-something's P90Xperience

Take THREE: Days 19-28

2009-10-17T15:53:00.004-04:00

DAY 19: Bis, Tris, & Shoulders; Ab Ripper X

Finally back into the groove of working out in the am! It feels so good to have my workout done before work. I tried to challenge myself w/heavier weights this time; we'll see if I feel any difference. I saved Ab Ripper for after work; I'm finding I get a better work out w/it this way. It's feeling so much easier; I'm amazed at how out of shape I'd gotten since last time!

DAY 20: Run

Just an easy 3+ mile jog. Nothing special.

DAY 21: Yoga X

Yoga?! On a Saturday NIGHT?! Bummer. I feel like a broken record, but 90 minutes is a LONG time. This is starting to feel easier and I (think) I'm going deeper in most of the poses. I did the extra push up between Upward Dog and Downward Dog every time.

DAY 22: Run

I planned to go for a longer run today, but I made it about 3 miles before I had some intense (so bad I was contemplating flagging down a car to take me home-I had to stop and sit on the side of the road for about 5 minutes until the intensity subsided so I could make it home!) cramping, so I ended up having to walk the remaining close to 2 miles home. I was so disappointed cause I'd been feeling so good and looking forward to getting a little more mileage in. Bummer.

DAY 23: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

What a way to start a Monday morning! I still think Wall Sits SUCK, but, other than that, this workout isn't that bad. I did not use weights on the optional exercises, but I will have to next time. Still no bands, so I did crappy push ups. Ab Ripper in the evening again with great results!

DAY 24: Run

I enjoyed a surprisingly dry am run (I'd been anticipated a wet rainy cold run). My hamstring felt a little tight, so I nixed the intervals I'd planned to do and went w/a straight 3+ miles jog.

DAY 25: Kenpo X

I couldn't make myself push play in the morning, despite the fact I was in my workout clothes and had the DVD in the DVD player, so I had to do this after work. I have no problems w/this workout. I'm not a huge fan of the first set, but it's over quickly and I'm on the next one. In fact, this whole workout seems to be over before I know it...

DAY 26: Run

I found it much easier to get myself out the door at 5 am knowing that tomorrow would be a day OFF! Same old, same old: 3+ miles.

DAY 27: REST, GLORIOUS REST

I love that my day of rest rotates and falls on a different day of the week. It fell on a Friday, this cycle, and that was a super end to the work week. (Though, I did feel as though I SHOULD be working out!)

DAY 28: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

Just completed this workout (just in time for kick off at the ND-USC game!). I finally remembered to snag some bands and I used them instead of doing pull ups. I like that A LOT better. I'm hoping I feel it tomorrow...as long as I do, I'll continue to use the bands (I do need a heavier resistance, though, I think). I haven't done Ab Ripper yet, but I will after the game. I did at least 20 of each type of push up (save Diamond and Dive Bomber-10 of them) the first rung and between 25-30 the second.

TAKE THREE-Days 16 & 17

2009-10-07T10:53:00.002-04:00

DAY 17: Plyo

Once again, I did NOT workout before work (I had something REALLY important to do....catch up Gossip Girl and Greek on the DVR...) meaning I was dreading the end of the day and having to work out. It wasn't that bad though. This DVD is sticking in the warm up (and I realized last time I must have just forwarded from where it skipped cause I had forgotten about all the lunges and squats in the WARM UP), but I got it past where it skips. Actually, I just realized, I DID attempt to do this in the am: I pressed play, started the warm up, it froze and I decided it was the universe's way of telling me to sit back down and watch TV! I did fairly well, though I didn't really give my all on the stupid Rock Star Jumps and I still am only doing 15 secs per leg on the last 1 minute exercise.

DAY 18: Run

A little over 3 miles in the break from the wind and rain Mother Nature was so gracious as to provide for me! Best part? It was BEFORE work, so I'm back on track!

TAKE THREE-Days13, 14, & 15

2009-10-07T10:49:00.002-04:00

DAY 13: REST!

YEAH; a day off (though I really feel like I *need* to do something)!

DAY 14: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

We spent the weekend camping at a family reunion (so may day off couldn't have fallen at a better time!) and I didn't get a whole lot of sleep. After we get home/unpacked, the last thing I want to do is push ups and pull ups...I debate taking a second day off (one for the P90X cycle + 1 for the cardio cycle). I even SAY I'm going to take 2 days off. Then, I pushed play. And it wasn't that bad. I did at least 20 of all of the push ups and 10 of the pull ups (w/at least 1 more the second round than I did the first). Ab Ripper X actually felt really good!

DAY 15: Run

I was up most of the night in pain, so I did not get my run in before work. On a Monday. Ugh. However, I did make myself go after dinner and this was the first run that DIDN'T suck in a long time. Good stuff!

TAKE THREE-Days 10, 11, & 12

2009-10-07T10:46:00.003-04:00

DAY 10: JOGGING

Just over 3 miles. Nothing special. Wasn't fun.

DAY 11: KENPO X

I still really like this workout. It seems to go very quickly for me. I'm not a fan of the very first series, but after that's over I really *enjoy* it. I'm always sore from it, as well (arms & back, especially).

DAY 12: JOGGING
Another crappy run for me...just over 3 miles.

Take THREE-Days 8 & 9

2009-09-30T11:57:00.001-04:00

DAY 8: JOGGING

Just a nice easy 3 mile-ish jog this morning. I didn't feel too bad, but I didn't feel great, either.

DAY 9: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

This is always a tough workout for me! I hate *lifting* legs (cause it HURTS and it's where I need to focus :) !) and, of course, I'm not a fan of pull ups. No band yet, so I'm still using the cheater chair for pull ups.

This was the first day (this cycle) that I waited to do Ab Ripper until after work and it was much easier this time! Woot woot!

Take THREE-Days 6 & 7

2009-09-30T11:56:00.003-04:00

DAY 7: YOGA

Wow. I was DRENCHED with sweat 2o minutes into this workout. I forgot just how challenging the first 45 minutes are! I was as sweaty as if I'd just run 3 miles and our house was 66 degrees! This is a great workout, but I still hate that it's 90 minutes; that's a big committment!

DAY 6: RUNNING

I ran just over 3 miles, again, today, this time incorporating hills into my run. It was not fun.

Take THREE-Days 4 & 5

2009-09-30T11:53:00.001-04:00

DAY 5: Arms & Ab Ripper

I still think this is the *easiest* day. My only issue w/this continues to be my own: the use of selectorize weights is a big fan pain between exercises.

Once again, Ab Ripper SUCKED!

DAY 4: Running

I jogged just over 3 miles before work. It wasn't the best run ever, but it's over!

Take THREE-Days 2 & 3

2009-09-30T11:51:00.003-04:00

DAY 2: Jogging

I ran a little over 3 miles, completing intervals. I *sprinted* the short sections and jogged the long sections for a total of just over 3 miles. I'm already feeling pretty sore in my chest, back, and abs! I didn't dread this run, as I've been dreading my runs lately, so that's a good sign!

DAY 3: Plyometrics

I love this workout! It's def tough, but I enjoy the variety and the way it's set up. Like Tony says, I can do anything for 30 seconds! The only move that I really don't like is the Rock Star Jumps...which is kind of weird, since I like to imagine myself as a rock star! Old habits die hard, I still only do 15 seconds per leg on the last 1 minute move!

P90X-Take THREE!

2009-09-30T11:47:00.003-04:00

I've decided to try P90X yet again, with a twist. Though I truly don't enjoy running, it's something I feel I need to do to be fit. Plyo and kenpo just don't seem to be enough cardio for me. However, I went back to all running (w/some weight training thrown it, too) and it just wasn't enough either. So, I've decided to try alternating running and P90X daily and see how that works out for me! Here we go:

DAY 1: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

Wow. I forgot how much I loathe pull ups. The push ups were ok, but I just don't like pull ups. I think I'm going to get a band and try using that instead of pull ups (I have lost strength, though; it's all I can do to do ONE pull up!). The push ups were tough, but doable. I think I did at least 20 of each variety, save the diamond and under the fence versions (10 each).

I've also lost a lot of core strength, apparently, cause Ab Ripper was not fun, either!

TAKE 2: DAY 66, DAY 67, DAY 68, DAy 69, & DAY 70*

2009-03-12T17:28:00.002-04:00

DAYS 66, 67, & 68:* Yoga, Legs & Back, Kenpo

I was a big fat quitter. I've been fighting this chest/coughing thing for close to 3 weeks on top of feeling fat and gross and like this wasn't working (and on top of being on vacation staying w/cousins in a small apartment and not feeling like doing 90 min of Yoga there). So, I quit. However, a quitter I am not and I'm back on the horse. I've decided to mark this attempt w/an "*" and pick up as if I've never those 3 days and I'll tack those 3 on to the end of the 90 days.

DAY 69: Rest

This is where I picked back up :)

DAY 70: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

I felt a little better about being a big fat slacker after I threw up, again, mid workout. I managed to finish, but it let me know my body needed (and probably still needs) a break. I'm on all kinds of meds (steroids, antibiotics, nasal aspirator, hydrocodone cough syrup) and I still can't kick this! BUT, I DID IT! I also already did Ab Ripper, so I'm done for the day and happy to be back on the wagon (yet not looking forward to Plyo....).

TAKE 2: DAY 64 & DAY 65

2009-03-07T11:48:00.002-05:00

DAY 64: Plyo

I knew this was going to be hellish. It's been close to 2 weeks since I've experienced any sort of restful sleep & I was going to be doing this at 5 in the morning, after the 9th night of mere minutes of sleep. However, we were headed on a road trip directly from work, so it was neither now or never. And never wasn't an option!

So, I did it! It was not pretty and I felt as though I'd practically coughed up a lung (why why why would anyone smoke?!), but I did it.

DAY 65: Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

We're on vacation and I still did this! Also, for the first time in close to 2 weeks, I slept for SEVEN hours w/out coughing! YES! I'm super excited cause this should mean my workouts will start to feel normal! I coughed much less today during this workout and felt pretty good. Sadly, there's no pull up bar where I am, so I did have to skip those exercises :(. I'm getting ready to do Ab Ripper as I type...

TAKE 2: DAY 62 & DAY 63

2009-03-05T16:13:00.002-05:00

DAY 62: Rest, glorious rest

DAY 63: Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps, Ab Ripper X

I don't even know how to comment on today's workout. I'm not sure if I got more of an ab workout from coughing a lung up during the main workout or during Ab Ripper. This cough is killing me. The worst part is I don't FEEL badly, I just can't stop coughing. So, I feel like I should be able to get a good workout in, but as soon as I get my heart rate up, I erupt into coughing fits. It sucks. I think I had an ok shoulder & tri workout, but the push ups weren't up to par. I tried to just focus on quality over quantity.

TAKE 2: DAY 61

2009-03-03T20:16:00.003-05:00

DAY 61: Kenpo X

So, I made it about 27 minutes in before puking. Lovely. I really wanted to finish and was debating whether or not I'd spew again if I did...I decided to take a chance and keep going. I got to minute 33 before I could feel the bile rising and called it quits. I'm not a pretty puker-it comes out mouth and nose and I really didn't want to taste burgers and zucchini chips for the third time today, so I called it quits. I hate that I didn't finish it, but I'm hoping with the rest day tomorrow maybe my body will finally kick this coughing thing and I'll be back on track. (Sorry for the gross details)

TAKE 2: DAY 60

2009-03-02T19:54:00.002-05:00

DAY 60: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

2/3's of the way done! Woot woot! I'm still feeling under the weather, but pushed play anyway. I think I actually did a pretty nice job on the pull ups tonight and did ok on the legs, too. I didn't do Ab Ripper yet; I'll either do it as I watch The Bachelor finale or maybe first thing in the am (my night time cold/cough meds are starting to kick in...). I used to HATE this workout, but now I don't dread it (well, any more than I dread any work out...).

TAKE 2: DAY 59

2009-02-28T18:55:00.002-05:00

DAY 59: Arms & Shoulders, Ab Ripper X

When I woke up this morning, I was sure I wasn't going to be physically able to work out today. I was fretting and trying to decide what I would do: would I fast forward to tomorrow and do today's workout, just skip my workout and continue as if I'd done it, quit altogether....

As it turns out, I felt marginally better as the day went on and I was able to get it in! I did not use very high weights (7.5-12 lbs for everything), but I did it! I even made it through all of ab ripper, though I was tempted to count my incessant hacking up a lung as abs...

TAKE 2: DAY 58

2009-02-27T19:54:00.002-05:00

DAY 58: Plyometrics

This was rough. I'm still feeling like something's sitting on my chest & was NOT looking forward to this workout. I put it off til late evening, then finally pushed play. It was tough. My legs were sore...I'm not sure if it's from the recovery week or just general yuckiness from being sick? Either way, it's over and I think I did an ok job, considering the circumstances...one more day closer to 90!

TAKE 2: DAY 56 & DAY 57

2009-02-26T16:54:00.002-05:00

DAY 56: REST

DAY 57: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

Ugh, I feel like poop. I've been coughing for 3 days straight and my entire core is sore from it. If I wasn't at Day 57, there's not a chance I would have worked out today (I always follow the *rule* to work out if symptoms are above the neck, and rest if they're below), BUT, there's no way I was *quitting* now, so...

Obviously not my best workout, but I do feel pretty good about it, considering the circumstances. I've yet to do Ab Ripper; I'll get to it before I go to bed.

TAKE 2: DAY 55

2009-02-24T18:50:00.002-05:00

DAY 55: Core Synergistics

This may be my second favorite work out. I really like this one. It felt good tonight; I even did everything the *hard* way (though I did NOT do the bonus round). The only thing I need to remember to do next time is up my weights on the 3 exercises that use them.

Looking forward to tomorrow....REST!

TAKE 2: DAY 52, DAY 53, DAY 54

2009-02-24T06:01:00.002-05:00

DAY 52: Kenpo X

I really have nothing more to add about this workout; I still like it.

DAY 53: Stretch X

If I wasn't such a stickler for the whole 90 day follow the program thing, I would prob not do this workout. It's 58 minutes of....stretching. Pretty boring, but I'm actually kind of glad I have to do it because I never stretch.

DAY 54: Yoga, again

I did the moving poses (first 50 minutes), but didn't finish the balance postures and Yoga Belly X because my back was hurting a bit, so I decided not to push it.

TAKE 2: DAY 49, DAY 50, DAY 51

2009-02-20T17:14:00.002-05:00

DAY 49: Rest

I heart Wednesdays!

DAY 50: Yoga X

I'm not a big fan of Yoga on weekdays...and during the *Recovery Week*, Yoga falls on Thursday AND Monday for me...ugh. I wisely did the *hard* part (the moving poses, the first 50 min) in the morning before work, so when I came home all I had to do was the *easy* part. I'm still doing a push up between plank and downward dog every time, so that's good! Yoga Belly 7 burned today!

DAY 51: Core Synergistics

I like this workout. It's tough, but doable AND you don't repeat anything, my favorite! I only went down to chataranga from plank run 1 time and stayed in plank the rest of the time. I feel like I did well on the push ups, but I probably could have upped my weight a little on the combo moves. It's over, it's Friday, and that's all that matters!

TAKE 2: DAY 48

2009-02-17T19:54:00.002-05:00

DAY 48: Kenpo X

I got nothin' new to add about this one; I don't hate it. I'm still really liking this workout; it's still my favorite. I wonder how much of that has to do w/the fact I know when I'm doing it tomorrow is my day OFF?!

I should also add I've had NO lower back pain since I've been doing P90X for the second take, save after I spent those couple of days shoveling...

TAKE 2: DAY 44, DAY 45, DAY 46, & DAY 47

2009-02-17T06:16:00.002-05:00

HOLY COW! I did NOT quit, but apparently I've been a blogging slacker!!! Let's get caught up...

DAY 44: Plyometrics

This was a big turning point for me, as I was SICK, AND it was a Friday, AND I was already comfortably dressed in jeans, AND I didn't work out in the morning, AND I still DID IT! After a long boring day of in-service, I talked a co-worker into the starting the work out w/me and I banged it out. It was nice having someone else do part of it w/me, both to help pass the time AND as a gauge to sort of measure my progress; this is DEF getting easier, guess that means it's time for a *recovery* week to make it hurt again!

DAY 45: Biceps & Back; Ab Ripper X

HALF WAY DONE!!!! Woot woot! And I felt like crap AND we got a call letting us know our ride for the day was picking us up a half an hour earlier than they'd said the night before, the the chips were all pointing towards missing this workout, but I pushed play anyway! As always, the pull ups kinda sucked, but I think I did ok, considering the circumstances, w/my bicep stuff. However, I did forget to get back to Ab Ripper once we got home and I'm NOT happy about it....

DAY 46: Yoga X

Still feeling crappy & still not feeling like working out, but I did (most of) it, anyway. I did ALL of the *hard part* (the first 5o minutes) and the first of the more difficult balance poses before I quit. I just didn't feel like doing all of the stretches; I know, that's the easy part, but that's also the part I felt least guilty about missing. I was beating myself up, but then I realized at least I did most of it! Usually, feeling like I did, I wouldn't have worked out at all, so that's progress!

DAY 47: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

My husband did this work out w/me, and that always makes it more entertaining! The leg exercises are actually feeling a little easier, which, again, tells me it's almost recovery week so it starts sucking again! I'm not even talking about pull ups anymore, but I am thinking of getting some bands and seeing how they work...

Ab Ripper burned, as always!

TAKE 2: DAY 41, DAY 42, & DAY 43

2009-02-12T06:03:00.002-05:00

DAY 41: Kenpo X

I didn't realize I hadn't blogged about this yet until I logged on this morning. I'm still loving this workout! Not much else to say about it...

DAY 42: Rest!

It was my rest day, but I did play about an hour or two of 2 man volleyball (against middle schoolers, but still, it was a lot of moving!).

DAY 43: Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps, Ab Ripper X

For the first time in a couple of weeks, I completed my workout in the morning and I'm loving it! It's barely 6 AM and I'm done for the day; there's no better way to start the day! I need to get back on track and start banging these workouts out in the morning on a regular basis. This workout was a little easy, but it's still one of the toughest yet! I still can't get the Side Tri Rise...I don't know if my form isn't right or if I'm just that weak... I did a little better on the push ups, though, and I remembered what weights I wanted to use for each of the tricep/shoulder exercises. The halfway point is fast approaching!!!

TAKE 2: DAY 39 & DAY 40

2009-02-09T20:32:00.002-05:00

DAY 39: YOGA

Yoga was nice today because I did it with my mom. It was nice for a few reasons:

*A-it's always nice to spend time w/my mom,

*B-it's always nice to workout (ie share pain/misery) w/someone, and

*C-it was nice to see/hear from someone else (who is in amazing shape...she runs ~30 miles per week + swims 2 miles per week + lifts twice per week...she exercises at least 360 days of the year...AND she just ran a marathon at age 50!!!) how difficult this is!

So, Yoga didn't suck as bad yesterday and I did it all in one shot.

DAY 40: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

So, I had a crappy day. I suffer from dysmenorrhea and was miserable today. To top it off, I sort of "OD-ed" on OTC pain relievers and was in an annoying fog the rest of the day. Working out was NOT something I wanted to do, but it never even crossed my mind NOT to. For real! That's awesome and that's def one of the best things about this program...you are committed for 90 days! Who wants to make it 39 days and then fail?! Not me!!

I had a good leg workout, but, surprise surprise, not so much w/the pull ups. I have got to start focusing on them. I may get some bands and see if that helps at all...

Going to push play right now to get through Ab Ripper X and then off to bed...

TAKE 2: DAY 38

2009-02-07T10:52:00.002-05:00

DAY 38: Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

This work out was just ok for me today. My forearms and hands are really sore (I did a lot of cake decorating last night, and, believe it or not, all of the squeezing works random muscles I don't usually use, apparently...quit laughing), so I just wasn't feeling the pull ups (and my hands/forearms were even aching during some of the bicep exercises).

I used higher weights (I think, again, I'm not using the worksheets) for the bicep exercises, so that was a good thing. My pull ups sucked though. I did such a great job focusing on them on Friday during Back & Legs, I thought I'd feel they were easier today...not so much.

I have another baby shower that I'm nearly late for (procrastinate much?!), that Ab Ripper will have to wait until this evening some time.

TAKE 2: DAY 35, DAY 36, and DAY 37

2009-02-06T18:56:00.003-05:00

DAY 35: REST!

Woot woot! I love this day! And, I really love that it falls in the middle of the week; I look forward to Wednesdays now!

DAY 36: Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps, Ab Ripper X

This is a bad-ass workout. I thought it was hard the first time (last week) because it was new to me and I didn't know what to expect. Nope, it's just plain hard. I still haven't determined exactly what weights to use for the shoulders/tris (I'm not using worksheets...shhh, don't tell Tony!), so I think I was a little off on them. I can barely do some of the push ups. On the 4 count down and up ones, I can make the wide and regular width on my toes, and then it's to my knees for military. One arm are killer; I think I got a whopping 5 on one arm and 3 on the other, on my KNEES!!! I did manage 5 on my toes w/a clap and then 5 on my knees w/a clap. That's all I can remember. Ab Ripper is still burning!

DAY 37: Plyometrics

I made the mistake of having a Friday Happy Hour drink pre-workout...not my brightest idea. J-Bomb taste in your mouth is not pleasant during this work out (and I was extra dry, as well). Even so, I'm really starting to enjoy this workout! Crazy, I know. I still don't like the Rock Star hops (weird, since I like to fancy myself a rock star) and I'm still only doing 15 sec per leg on the Cross things at the end, but I like it! (Next week, no Happy Hour first, though; I'll do it in the morning before work, I swear!)

TAKE 2: DAY 33 & DAY 34

2009-02-04T06:01:00.002-05:00

DAY 33: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper

I'm actually starting to like this work out. I decided to really focus on the pull ups today because I don't feel like I'm seeing improvement there. I'm happy to say my lats are pretty sore! The leg exercises are getting easier, too (though *easier* should def not be equated w/*easy*...). I was able to do all of the Ab Ripper exercises w/out any low back pain, so that's a good thing!

DAY 34: Kenpo

Still my favorite workout, no complaints here! I have found that I'm wicked thirsty during this workout, though (and I always forget until I'm mid workout so I always waste part of a break running in place in front of the water dispenser on the frig filling my glass).

TAKE 2: DAY 32

2009-02-01T20:44:00.002-05:00

DAY 32: Yoga

I know this will be shocking, but I procrastinated and only had time to do the *hard* part (the first 50 minutes) before heading to a pre-Super Bowl party. I told myself I'd finish when I got home and (though I thought this was a pipe dream) and I actually did!!

I added a push up between plank and downward dog throughout all of the moving poses and *tried* to go a little deeper in the Warrior-type poses. I was def feeling this, today! The balance poses and Yoga Belly X were super simple after the nice long break in between.

Even though this is annoyingly long, it's good stuff!

TAKE 2: DAY 31

2009-02-01T10:07:00.002-05:00

DAY 31: Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper

I'm not going to lie, this was not my best effort. As usual, I procrastinated until I had barely any time left before I needed to be at a baby shower, so I was moving pretty quickly through this workout. This is the last (I think) of the *new* workouts for me and I found I really like the set up of this workout, as it is another one with no repeats! Woot woot! The bicep exercises are great (though I still hate crouching congdon curls for some reason, not sure why, but I don't like them) and I'm still not a fan of pull ups (and I don't feel like I'm seeing much improvement there, either).

I did Ab Ripper first and it as nice to have it out of the way...I was able to do ALL of the exercises w/out any lower back pain, so that's nice to know.

TAKE 2: DAY 30

2009-01-30T06:13:00.004-05:00

DAY 30: Ply OH metrics

Let me just say this program apparently does what it's supposed to! At the end of week 3, the workouts were feeling, while not exactly *easy*, much more doable. After last week's *recovery* week, these week 4 workouts are killer! Yesterday's workout was a brand new one, so I couldn't judge based on it, but Ab Ripper last night was the hardest I've ever had it feel! I was burning-my abs were on fire (yet I'm strangely not sore yet this am).

Plyo today was just like I was doing it for the first time! Good stuff! I really enjoy this workout, as it's what I'm used to considering a workout...kick your butt & drenched in sweat! I'm also loving that I don't have to do Ab Ripper today. Not looking forward to Back & Biceps tomorrow because I have a feeling a billion pull ups are headed my way (and I'm sure they'll be just as difficult as they were Day 1...).

Oh, how could I forget...today marks the 1/3 mark of the program! Woot woot!!!!

TAKE 2: DAY 28 & DAY 29

2009-01-29T07:28:00.002-05:00

DAY 28: Rest, glorious rest

Today was a rest day, as well as a SNOW DAY! Yeah! I intended to take full advantage of the rest day, but I did end up getting more exercise in than I'd bargained for! My husband and I played some Wii Tennis in the morning, which I thought would be the extent of my *physical activity*...until we got our FJ stuck in the snow. Yep, spent a decent amount of time (though not nearly to the extent of my amazing husband) attempting to push the FJ out and trudging through the snow back to the main road. Not what I had in mind for a rest/snow day ;)!

DAY 29: Chest, triceps, and shoulders

So, I'm just going to be blunt...this workout SUCKS! Not my best effort today, I must admit; I'm not sure if it's because I'm tired/a little sore from yesterday's FJ debacle or just because I didn't *know* this workout. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, whether I'd be repeating exercises and needed to save a little or if they were one and done. They were (thankfully!) one and done. I do like the set up of the workout (push up exercise, shoulder exercise, tri exercise), but it is def one of the more difficult ones. I could barely do a couple of the exercises (I'm not sure why I have such a hard time w/the lying down side tricep push ups). If there was ever a workout I was waiting to hear "Bonus Round" so I could quit, it was this one. There is so bonus round...you just have to keep going. I'm glad I got this over with and I'm sure it won't be so bad next week! I'll do Ab Ripper this evening (or maybe even when I'm done here!).

TAKE 2: DAY 27

2009-01-27T21:38:00.004-05:00

DAY 27: YOGA

So, today's the day I finally gave in and was a big fat slacker...I only did part of the Yoga workout. The worst part of it is; it was actually feeling good and I was doing well (even adding the push up between plank and downward dog), but I just didn't feel like continuing. My sides are chaffed, my wrist hurts, it's late, and I just gave in to all the excuses and decided to stop. Maybe I'll feel like finishing the rest tomorrow (does that still count if I do?!)...

Though, I did *play* a lot of volleyball today helping the kids get their required number of legal hits to begin game play, so I'm counting a little of that, too...

TAKE 2: DAY 26

2009-01-26T20:36:00.003-05:00

DAY 26: Core Synergistics

After a rock star like weekend, I was sooooo tired this morning. I didn't even delude myself into thinking I'd do this before work...and I was really regretting that decision this evening! It was almost 7PM before I finally pushed play...and was pleasantly surprised!

This was a pretty good workout, considering how tired I was! I did wuss out on a couple of things (like Plank-Cha Turanga Run...I stayed in Plank), but other than that I think I did pretty well. I did not do the bonus round, though.

All in all, I really like this workout (though, it was really nice doing it WITH someone last week, instead of solo).

TAKE 2-DAYS 24 & 25

2009-01-26T11:12:00.004-05:00

DAY 24: Kenpo X

Even though I'd been up way later than I prefer to be, I still woke up early to get this workout in before our weekend guests awoke and we went on our way. I still really like this workout. I like the way it's set up; I like that it's fast paced; I like that it *hurts*, but that it's still doable.

DAY 25: Stretch X

At the end of a rock star weekend, I was NOT looking forward to working out (hmmm, why do I feel like I'm always typing that?). Thankfully, this workout is crazy easy. It's just....stretching (hence the name, I guess). I'm glad this isn't in the regular rotation because it's really really boring. It's 58 minutes of stretching, but it was the workout of the day, so I did it.

TAKE 2: DAY 23

2009-01-24T06:54:00.004-05:00

DAY 23: CORE SYNERGISTICS

I'm officially 1/4 of the way through the program...woot woot! I forgot how hard this workout is!!! Thankfully, I did it w/a colleague and that gave me the motivation to do it well, otherwise, I may have been stopping short on some of these! It was so nice having someone to do the workout with AND we even did the bonus exercises!

Form is uber important on this one for me to prevent low back strain. I really actually like the push ups in this one because they're not boring old traditional push ups. Another thing I liked about this workout was no exercises are repeated; I'm a big fan of being done w/a move when it's over. The only downfall to my workout today was I didn't have the right weights. I only had 10's and they were too heavy for some of the moves, so I'd do as many as I could w/them and then finish w/out.

Off to do Kenpo X!

TAKE 2: DAYS 20, 21, & 22

2009-01-23T05:09:00.002-05:00

(I wrote a post yesterday on Days 20-21, but it wouldn't post and then it disappeared...)

DAY 20: Kenpo X

This could be my favorite P90X workout! I really like how fast paced it is; it seems it's almost over before I even realize it. I must admit, there is one move I still can't do...Star Blocks. I'm just not very coordinated...I need to practice it on a day I'm not doing it, but I never remember I can't do it until I'm doing the workout. I even waited until after work to do this and it still didn't suck!

DAY 21: REST

Rest, glorious rest! I take back what I said above-THIS is my favorite P90X day ;)! It's not so much the not working out part I like about this day as the not having the commitment to workout!

DAY 22: Yoga X

This is the start of Week 4, which is a *recovery* week, so it's a different line up of workouts. The thing I'm least looking forward to about this week is TWO weekday Yoga workouts! At least I have one of them done and out of the way now. I must admit, this was the best the Yoga workout has ever felt for me. I feel I'm getting deeper in my poses and I'm able to hold them all (except Twisting Half Moon...I'm already on my way back to Runner's Pose because I forget about it and then I have to rush to get in it). I still wish this wasn't 92 minutes long, though...

TAKE 2: DAY 19

2009-01-20T06:07:00.002-05:00

DAY 19: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper

I'm still loving that nothing is repeated in this workout...well, except for the pull ups. These leg exercises are KILLER and I'm always so glad that when I'm done w/one, I'm DONE...at least until the next time. I even added weight this time to the exercises for which Tony encourages them.

I'm not feeling the pull ups. They don't seem to get any easier and I can still only do ONE before using the cheater chair. I'm not a big fan of things I'm not instantly able to do well...

Once again, I'm pretty proud of myself because I made myself do Ab Ripper at 9:30 when all I really wanted to do was go to bed...but, I did it!

It's almost time to get ready for work and I haven't done Kenpo X yet, so I guess that will have to wait until after work...

TAKE 2: DAYS 17 & 18

2009-01-19T08:13:00.002-05:00

Day 17: Arms & Shoulders, Ab Ripper:

Today was a good workout! I finally did justice to this workout; I took my time and upped to the weights to where I was struggling to complete 15 (or 16) reps. My triceps and delts are sore (though I seem to have a hard time getting my biceps sore...not sure why, but this has been the way I've been for as long as I can remember) and my abs were sore from Ab Ripper before the day ended: good stuff!

Day 18: Yoga:

Once again, I'm so glad this workout now falls on a Sunday for me, otherwise, I don't know how I'd ever fit it in!! 92 minutes is a looooong time! This workout felt better today, too. I did the 50 minutes of moving poses, then stopped (as my husband arrived home with dinner) and finished to balance postures and Yoga Belly 7 after I ate.

Take 2: DAY 16

2009-01-16T17:17:00.002-05:00

PLYOMETRICS:

BIG shout out to me for doing Plyo on a FRIDAY, after school! I was counting my proverbial chickens before they hatched and counting on a 2 hour delay today, so I procrastinated and did NOT do it this morning (I watched Gray's Anatomy instead :) ). I had a looooong day (my colleague with whom I'm co-teaching just became a father so I was pulling double duty today) and was not in the mood to workout when I got home (plus, my husband tried to talk me into having a beer with him). However, I did it!!

The hardest part of this workout was pushing play. Once I got started, it was great. I'm actually starting to feel a difference in the exercises; they're becoming easier and I (think) I have better form. Good stuff! And now I'm off to start my weekend...

PS I guess I should add I'm still a big fat cheaterhead and am only doing 15 sec each leg on the Hot Cross move....

Take 2: DAY 14 & DAY 15

2009-01-16T05:26:00.002-05:00

DAY 14: REST

Glorious, glorious rest! It was fabulous to wake up and not have to work out (and know that I didn't have to come home and work out because I'd procrastinated in the morning). Once again, I considered doing another workout, but instead decided to enjoy my day of rest. I'm always preaching to others the importance of a day of rest to allow your body to recover, but sometimes I have a hard time practicing what I preach...

DAY 15: CHEST & BACK, AB RIPPER

I didn't get a lot of sleep the night before so, even though I was blessed with a 2 hour delay, I didn't do this workout until after school (and after I'd baked a triple layer checkerboard cake and a batch of zebra cupcakes). My push ups actually felt stronger today and I did at least 25 of normal width and wide width and 20 of military and decline. I was only able to get 5 good diamond and under the fence. Pull ups were terrible...I could BARELY (and in some cases not even) get 1 before resorting to the cheater chair.

Ab Ripper was great; I even did the bonus mason twists!

And, since I'm sitting here typing and have yet to get my 2 hour delay phone call, I guess plyo will have to wait until after work...

Take 2: DAY 13

2009-01-13T19:21:00.002-05:00

KENPO X:

Even though I procrastinated and did not complete this work out this morning before work (I was a little sore and I lot tired from all of yesterday's activities), this was still a great workout! I finally pushed play after the weather on the 5:00 news (I'm hoping for a cold delay for school tomorrow :) ) and the workout flew by. It seemed there were only 14 minutes left before I even knew it. This is a fairly intense workout (I mean, when your BREAKS are jogging, jump roping, jumping jacks, and X jumps you know it's non-stop!), but just when I think I can't punch (or kick, or block) anymore, a *break* comes and we move on. I must say though, I AM very much looking forward to my day off tomorrow (though I plan to do aerobics w/the crowd at work after school tomorrow for a bonus workout...hope I'm not regretting that on Thursday!)!!! Maybe next Kenpo day I'll actually remember to wear my HR monitor...

Take 2: DAY 12

2009-01-12T17:12:00.002-05:00

Legs & Back; Ab Ripper X:

I did NOT want to do today's workout! My husband and I enjoyed a leisurely morning in the hot tub and the last thing I wanted to do was Legs & Chest (esp knowing we were cross country skiing later in the day). However, I hate quitting, so I did it. This workout is never as bad as I think it's going to be. As hard as the leg exercises are, I kind of like them! AND, I LOVE that you do not repeat any of the leg exercises (though you do do 15-30 reps of each at a clip)! I did NOT add any weights today and the pull ups were not my best effort, I admit...

My back is still annoying sore from shoveling, but I'm popping anti-inflammatories AND using Icy Hot medicated pads, so relief should be in sight. My husband and I just returned from a 3 mile cross country ski (my first real time skiing) so combine that w/today's P90X workout and I am not looking forward to how I'm going to feel when I wake up tomorrow...

I have not yet done Ab Ripper X today, but I plan to do it after dinner!

Take 2: DAY 11

2009-01-11T20:13:00.002-05:00

YogUGH X:

I'm not going to lie to you:

A. This SUCKED, and

B. I did not give the best effort...

I was crazy sore and tired from all of my extra-P90X activity yesterday (cross country skiing and shoveling) and this was just flat out hard. I made it a little over 30 minutes and then I stopped. HOWEVER, I did come back to it and finished the remaining hour a little later in the evening. While I'm glad I did it; I still know it wasn't my best effort and I hate that. That being said, I don't know how much more I had to give! My lower back is very sore from shoveling and I don't want to push it to the point where I have to stop again...

Bottom line: I DID IT!

Take 2: DAY 10

2009-01-11T10:13:00.002-05:00

ARMS & SHOULDERS, AB RIPPER X:

I am very proud of myself for completing todays workouts. My husband and I woke up early to travel to pick up our cross country skis and then went cross country skiing (my first time). I didn't last very long (apparently ice underneath the snow doesn't make for prime conditions), but did get in a solid 25 minutes of some semblance of cross country skiing...and it's def all the workout it's hyped to be!

We got home from skiing and the last thing I wanted to do was P90X, but I was not going to type that I missed a day, so I pushed play and took off. Luckily, I think this is one of the *easier* workouts (though my shoulders were already on fire from my attempts to ski). I made it through, though, after the first round, I prob didn't use the weights I should have; I'll have to up them next time.

Ab Ripper went well; I replaced the 2 that hurt w/ab exercises of my own and even did the bonus round.

Finished working out and headed back out into the frozen tundra to shovel. NOT looking forward to Yoga tomorrow (today)....

Take 2-DAY 9

2009-01-09T08:12:00.002-05:00

(Before I get to today, I'd like to point out that I did manage to make myself do Ab Ripper X last night after I got home from my long day and ate dinner! I skipped the 2 that are hurting my back, but I didn't do fillers as I was cutting it close to the BCS "championship" kickoff...I did, however, do the BONUS!)

Today was the mother of all P90X workouts: Plyo! I did not wear my heart rate monitor, as it was in my car and I was too lazy (and it was too cold out) for me to go get it. Even w/out my heart rate monitor, I can safely say this was an excellent cardio workout as I was drenched in sweat! As much as I didn't feel like pushing play, this was a great workout for me today. I really pushed myself and felt good. I found it helps the workout go by for me if I count the sets (there are 5 sets and you do 2 reps of each exercise: 30 sec, 30 sec, 30 sec, 1 min...I counted 1...1.5....2....2.5, etc). I would have even done the bonus round (maybe) if I had had enough time.

My back and abs were sore today, but my chest not as much, letting me know I need to go deeper/further w/my push ups next week. I also have a slight twinge in my lower back, but I'm fairly certain it's a result of shoveling ice on Wed and sitting in a metal folding chair for 3 hours scoring a swim meet yesterday, NOT the program.

P90X-Take 2: Days 1-8

2009-01-08T10:45:00.002-05:00

Days 1-8 are complete and it hasn't been bad! I started the program on a Thursday and I like the timing of my new schedule a little better. My day off falls on Wednesday, which is a nice mid week break and Yoga falls on Sunday, which makes it much easier to fit in the 90 minute marathon!

It's amazing how much strength & flexibility I've lost since my last go round! I could barely do 1 pull up on SOME of the varieties, where as I ended being able to do TWO of each before adding the cheater chair last time.

A quick recap, day by day:

Day 1: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper:
This was tough. It was very evident I'd lost strength, both in the push ups AND the pull ups. I'd forgotten just how difficult the Diamond Push Ups and the Under the Fence (I forget their real name) Push Ups are! I found there were 2 exercises in Ab Ripper where I felt strain in my lower back (Wide Leg Cross Leg and Roll Up V-Up) so I did NOT do them (but did add another ab exercise of my own in their places). I also forgot how much I hate the opening 4 exercises; they kill my hip flexors!

Day 2: Plyometrics:
Sore already; I love this feeling! Plyo wasn't bad because I found I didn't remember all of the exercises, so I didn't know when the end was near.

Day 3: Arms & Shoulders, Ab Ripper:
Still the easiest day, in my book, but did have cramping in my hands/fingers again. I still also find myself slacking a little because I'm too lazy to take the Selectorize dumbells back to their base to switch weight (hey, look at the title "admittedly lazy..."). Ab Ripper was burning!

Day 4: Yoga:
This is tough! I really need to keep my core tight and watch my form, as I do tend to feel a little tugging in my lower back on some of these moves. The opening 45 minutes is tough and then it gets a little easier. I am glad this now falls on a Sunday!

Day 5: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper:
Ugh, legs and pull ups, what a crappy combo! The legs weren't as bad as I thought (but I also didn't add any extra weights, next week!), but I still hate pull ups! I even did ALL of the calf exercises! My husband and I did Ab Ripper together, so I got a bonus ab workout from laughing so hard!

Day 6: Kenpo X:
I don't mind this one, other the yoga positions warm up. Just when I'm ready to quit, we move onto blocks and they're a little easier for me the the rest of the stuff, so it's good timing.

Day 7: REST :)
Sadly, this fell on a SNOW DAY, so while it was nice to rest, it would have been an easy day for me to fit a work out in (I did shovel ice though, so that counts for something). I almost did some other workout, but decided there's a planned rest day for a reason, and I was very tired so my body must be telling me something.

Day 8: Back to Chest & Back, Ab Ripper:
As much as I just wanted to sleep on the couch or watch Top Chef, I made myself do this this morning and I'm so glad I did! I already feel stronger. My pull ups feel better, as did the push ups. I'm already sore (just 5 hours later) which is a good sign! I'll do Ab Ripper when I get home tonight before watching the BCS title, oops, I mean championship, sorry Utes, game!

P90X-Take 2

2009-01-08T10:36:00.002-05:00

So, apparently once you hit 30 it's not so easy to maintain a 20-something body...especially when you eat and drink like a 17 year old boy-who knew? I've decided to give P90X another go, including blogging about my experience.

I'm a little late to the game is starting the blog because....well, honestly because I wasn't sure I'd stick w/it! I'm already on Day 8, so my second-first post will be a recap of Days 1-8. Last time I attempted P90X I hurt my back during the very first day (because I am an idiot. No really, I am. I had the chair set BEHIND me during pull ups, so I was hyperextending each rep. The worst part was, I didn't even realize it throughout the whole workout, until I watched my husband do his and noticed the girl on the DVD!) and while I made it almost 3 weeks, I was in a considerable amount of pain and knew I needed to give it some rest. I still continued to work out (an assortment of running, Wii Fit, walking, lifting, Tae Bo, etc), but no P90X.

Fat (that WAS a typo, but it's pretty fitting, so I'll leave it) forward to now and I am S-O-F-T soft. Gross. I am the fattest I've ever been in my whole life. I don't use scales, so I can't give you a number, but I've seen pics and it ain't pretty...even my face is fat! So, I decided it's time to give P90X another go (w/the cheater chair correctly placed, this time...) because this is not the me I want to be (and last time I lost a couple of inches in just the first 2 weeks!)...

DAYS 20 & 21....I'm so ashamed

2008-05-11T20:24:00.002-04:00

DAY 20 was supposed to be Kenpo and DAY 21 was supposed to be rest...

Well, they both ended up being rest. I was crazy busy all weekend and did not employ good time management skills to make sure I had time to fit in Kenpo. However, I'm thinking it may be a good thing because my lower back is still killing me and the rest may be just what I need! I just checked the WEEK 4 schedule to see what's on tap for tomorrow....YOGA! Looking forward to it. I am really having a hard time w/the fact I missed a day though....

DAY 19-dreaded LEGS & BACK

2008-05-10T15:06:00.002-04:00

DAY 19: LEGS & BACK

This was a good workout, today. Let me toot my own horn: I did TWO of each pull ups before using the cheater chair! Woot woot! Of course, legs SUCKED because they are hard, but it was good. I did well and tried to watch my form and keep my core tight. I just realized, I forgot to do Ab Ripper, so I'll either do that today w/Kenpo or tomorrow...oops. Good things are happening!!!!

DAY 18...cut a little short

2008-05-09T12:23:00.002-04:00

DAY 18: YOGA X

I do really like this Yoga workout, except for 1 thing.....it's SOOOOOOO long! It's over an hour and a half and it's so hard to fit it into my Thursday routine! I've yet to get up early enough to fit it in before work and then I've got to rush to fit it in in the afternoon if we have evening plans. Poor time management on my part, I know.

I do really like the work out though! I stopped after an hour so The Man could do Plyo and I could get ready to meet friends. My lower back is still hurting and I think some of these positions aren't helping it.....

DAY 17-Arms & Shoulders

2008-05-08T08:02:00.002-04:00

DAY 17: ARMS & SHOULDERS (& AB RIPPER X, of course)

I still feel this is the "easiest" workout to date. Don't get me wrong, it's tough and you will feel it, but it's not as bad to me as the other ones. Thankfully, little to no hand cramping like I had last time I did this workout. I used the same weights as last week; I'll probably try to up the resistance next time I do this.

Ab Ripper burned, burned, burned....that means something's happening in there, right?

DAY 16: Plyooooo yeah!

2008-05-06T06:10:00.002-04:00

DAY 16: PLYO X

What a great way to start the morning! Sorry, I must still be high on endorphins! 3rd time doing Plyo X and it feels good. Don't get me wrong, it is tough, but good do-able tough. I even did "Hot Feet" (ok, only 15 seconds each leg instead of 30, but that's the only exercise I slacked on today!).

I really tried to focus on my form and keep my core tight during all exercises in an attempt to stabilize my lower back. I think my favorite move is "Airborne Heisman's"...for a minute there, I am Joe Montana!

I forgot to put on my heart rate monitor and I didn't feel like pushing pause to go put it on (something about one of those laws of Newton's....an object in motion..., an object at rest....). I didn't do the bonus round (next time, for sure!) which means I didn't do the cool down, either.

DAY 15: Here we go WEEK 3....Chest & Back

2008-05-05T10:45:00.004-04:00

DAY 15: Chest & Back

I woke up early this AM to complete the workout BEFORE work. I tallied my results and determined I did 220 push ups this morning (I have to admit, 10 of those were modified-on my knees...the Diamond Push Ups are killers....the first set I managed 8 on my toes, second set I completed 10, deep ones, from my knees)! Push ups felt a little tougher this morning, but not too bad. I'm not a big fan of Diamond and Decline (because they are HARD). The "under the fence" ones are tough, too, but they're at the end so they don't seem quite as bad. I think I need to find a thinner pillow for under my chest to make sure I'm going even deeper next time.

The pull ups were just so so again. I'm not sure what my deal is w/them. I need to WATCH someone perform them w/the cheater chair to make sure I'm doing them right. I'm still only able to do 1 real one each set, then on to the cheater chair.

Good news! Drum roll, please.......I have lost 1 inch from my waist and 2 inches from my hips in the last 14 days! Woot woot! (I haven't modified my diet at all, if I followed their diet plan instead of my eat-whatever-you-want-especially-if-it's-"bad"-for-you diet, I'm sure I would be seeing even more drastic results! However, I'm a big fan of food and I'm already fairly fit, so I'm not interested in being that extreme.)

Didn't do Ab Ripper yet (started the In & Outs and Forward Bicycle, then bagged it); I'll do it this evening w/The Man. My abs are feeling rock hard!

DAY 14: Rest, glorious REST

2008-05-05T10:44:00.002-04:00

DAY 14, yesterday, was my scheduled REST day and boy, did I take advantage of it! I so needed a day of no exercise.

DAY 13: 8.5 miles + Kenpo X?!

2008-05-03T19:26:00.002-04:00

DAY 13: KENPO X

So, my amazingly fit, awesomely supportive 50 year old mom is running her first marathon. She asked me if I'd run some of her "long run w/her today. I initially declined because I am in the midst of P90X, but how can you decline the woman who gave birth to you?!!

So, this morning, I ran 8.5 miles w/my mom (after she'd already run 11.5!!!!). It hurt. My legs felt like cement blocks after yesterday's back and legs workout. My glutes felt like rocks. But, I completed the run w/minimal whining, and w/all intentions of completing Kenpo X when I returned home. Then, The Man wanted to go to a "local" brew pub for dinner. So, I showered, got ready, and we took off. Only to find out (when we arrived at 3:20) it didn't open til 4:00. No problem...we head next door and enjoy a couple of Sam Adams Summer Ales and return at 4:00...only to learn the KITCHEN doesn't open til 5:00! We each have a beer before deciding to head "home" to a local tavern to eat dinner. So, I've now had a few beers and a dinner (yummy personal pan pizza!!!) when I decide to attempt Kenpo X.

I made it 31 minutes before I decided I'm a quitter. My back is actually tender to the touch and I'm not going to push it anymore. I at least completed half of Kenpo X (after 8.5 miles jogging) and I'm proud of myself. I am taking tomorrow off, as recced by the P90X schedule!!!! I can't wait!!! I am actually a little worried about my back, though. I have had a herniated disc before and my lower back isn't the most stable (no surgery, too young at the time). The logical part of me knows I should rest, but the competitive part of me thinks I'm already 13 days into it, I'm not getting off track now!!! We'll see how Monday goes.....

DAY 12: Let me toot my own horn!

2008-05-02T18:48:00.003-04:00

DAY 12: Legs/Back (and Ab Ripper X)

First, let me tell you how proud I am of me. Apparently I enjoyed the nectar of the gods a little too much last evening and though I woke up w/all intentions of getting my Friday workout out of the way at 4:50 AM, there was no way that was happening! Fast forward to the end of the work day and I STILL felt not-so-hot. Had I not been doing P90X (and blogging about my experience) there's not a chance I would have worked out today. But, knowing I had to post, I indulged in a little "hair of the dog" and pushed play.

Feeling the way I did, my intentions were simply to complete the workout and hopefully get something out of it. I was pleasantly surprised! I think I did very well on the leg exercises (I even completed ALL the calf exercises!)...the only one I felt I may not have had the best form on was single leg wall squats, but those are HARD!!!

The pull ups were just ok. On a positive note, I did do one of each of the 4 varieties (wait, I'm lying, not on switch grip either set) w/out the chair first, but I didn't do as many reps w/the cheater chair as usual.

Something else to be proud of me for, I completed the cool down!!!! And, I even added some of my own extra stretched above and beyond (my lower back has been really bothering me, so I figured I'd better get some stretching in)!

I have not finished Ab Ripper yet, but I have it cued up and ready to go. I'm a little concerned about fitting Kenpo in tomorrow because I've committed to running about 9 miles in the morning w/my amazingly fit 50 year old mom who's training for her first marathon. She's always willing to do an extra workout w/me, so I couldn't leave her hanging (she's running TWENTY miles, I'm just doing the back nine!). I'm still planning to complete Kenpo, but we'll see how the run goes. On thing is sure, I am def taking advantage of Sunday's scheduled REST!

DAY 11: YogUGH

2008-05-01T17:57:00.002-04:00

DAY 11=YOGA & YOGA BELLY X

Today was just not my day. I didn't mind Yoga last week (once I realized the "hard" part was over after 50 minutes), but today just wasn't my day. I didn't do it in the AM as I had planned and I wouldn't say I was dreading it went I got home, but I had no desire to workout. All I wanted to do was crack open an ice cold Moosehead and watch bad reality TV. In fact, if not for the fact that I write this blog and on the off change someone would read it and KNOW that I didn't do do Day 11, I may well have bagged the workout today. So, it's a good thing you're not reading this.

I DID do the workout, but I can't say it was my best effort. The first part, the moving poses, wasn't as hard as I remembered, partly because my effort sucked and partly because I knew when the end was coming! I have to confess, at one point during the balance poses, I actually checked my mySapce...oh the shame (it was during Crane, which Tony tells beginners NOT to do, so I felt like being a beginner today)! I really like the Yoga Belly X moves; they're great core poses and I was shaking as I did some of them.

On a positive note, my shoulders felt the burn very early today in the Warrior poses letting me know yesterday was a good workout! I also learned I need to do laundry more frequently, as my favorite workout shirt (that I've been wearing since I started P90X for most workouts) reeks and I almost had to hold my breath during Downward Dog.

This is a great workout, I'm upset w/myself and my half-@$$ed effort today.

I love DAY 10

2008-04-30T19:44:00.003-04:00

DAY 10 = Arms & Shoulders (and, of course, Ab Ripper X)

I'm still thinking this is the "easiest" workout. I did not do it in the AM as I was busy trying to scratch my eyes out of my face (apparently I've developed allergies, yuck!). I, of course, waited to the very last possible minute to do it and not be late to my nephew's 2nd bday party.

If you recall, I wasn't a big fan of my workout from this workout last week, mostly because of the inconvenience of using "selectorize" dumb bells. This week was much better because I already knew what weights I wanted to use and when I needed to change them out. I increased almost all of my weights and felt like I got a good workout, especially with the first 2 sets of exercises. I did 15 reps of each exercise (except the ones where "everyone" does 16 reps) and 25/30 dips.

My biggest problem w/this workout was intense finger/hand cramping! Holy cow! By the end of the workout, my form was def suffering because my hands were screaming and it was all I could do to keep a hold of the dumb bells. I didn't do the bonus set simply because I'd procrastinated too long and was running out of time (which means I also didn't do the cool down that I promised I was going to begin doing today!).

Ab Ripper X was better today than it was on Monday, but my abs were def burning!!

I know Tony annoyed the heck out of a bunch of people in other blogs/reviews I've read, but he still isn't bothering me. I like him. He's more "real" than any other exercise instructor on a DVD I've used and he doesn't lie...there's nothing I hate more than being told I have 1 more only to do 27 more!

My goal for tomorrow is to not snooze so I can have enough time to do my 98 minutes of Yoga X BEFORE work so I can have the afternoon off!

Jumping right in to DAY 9

2008-04-29T06:07:00.003-04:00

DAY 9 = Plyometrics = ouch

I'm not sure what from exactly, but my quads feel like I'm trying to work out in shorts made of cement. My legs feel so heavy; it's why I cut my run exceptionally short last night and it's why plyo was not so fun this morning. I'm hoping that's a good sign and it means all is working according to Tony Horton's master plan.

I remembered to wear my heart rate monitor this time and I was in my zone during all of the plyo exercises and below on the breaks. I had it on (I started it as I started the warm up) for 48:32 and I was in my zone for 31:33. My max HR was 165 and average was 137 (this wasn't my best effort today; I expect better numbers next Tuesday). I burned 307 calories (which means The Man will probably burn about 17,389 and drop 10 lbs during the workout).

I gotta be honest, I slacked a little on the last "hot feet" move; I hate calf burn!! Just an ok performance today, I'm glad it's over, but I'm a little disappointed w/my effort. I'm going to try something new and different for the rest of the week...I'm going to actually do the cool downs! I've always been terrible at cool downs and I think my body's starting to feel it so I'm going to make an effort to complete the cool downs, especially the stretching, this week. Starting tomorrow. Or maybe the next day (just kidding).

DAY 8: Here we go again

2008-04-28T19:17:00.002-04:00

So today started the cycle again, with Chest & Back and the wonderful Ab Ripper. As previously mentioned, due a post-Benedryl fog, I decided not to complete my work out in the AM and had to "look forward" to doing it after work. The Man got off work early and was already finished w/both workouts when I got home. He sucks (but he'd also already made the meatballs for tonight's dinner, so he doesn't suck that much :) ).

I'm not going to lie, Chest & Back kind of sucked today. I'm not sure if it was because it was early evening or because I knew what was coming this time or if it was just my mindset, but it was tough today. I think I did a good job on the push ups:

30/31 regular

20/21 military (hands in closer, fingertips pointing away from head, elbows stay close to sides)

20/25 wide fly (regular stance, just wider hand placement)

17/18 decline (feet up on the couch)

5/10 diamond (hand in diamond shape, legs wide...the second set was from my knees...I know, I'm a wuss!)

10, 8 dive bombers (hands and legs wide, take forehead to floor, followed by chest, followed by hips, then back up and repeat. Yes, they are insanely hard...I was grunting and making all kinds of noises to get 8 my last set)

The pull ups were another story. I just don't think I've got the hang of proper form using the cheater chair. I'm going to do a little playing around to see if I can get it right.

The 3 dumbell back exercises (heavy pants...I love that name and I love when the guy in the background on the DVD says he wants to do skinny pants...lawn mowers, and back flies) were ok. I need to up my weights next time, I do believe.

It was kind of nice having The Man there while I was working out so he could check my for me (though I've pondered adding a wall of mirrors to our living room to check my form, I don't think it works aesthetically!).

I finally finished Chest & Back and had to move right on to Ab Ripper. I've done Ab Ripper 3 times and haven't had any trouble. Until today. It hurt! The first 3 moves (including crunchy frogs which still make me giggle every time he says it!): in & outs, bicycles and reverse bicycles, and crunch frogs all hurt my quads way more than my abs. I didn't not finish all of the last exercise...I know, I'm a slacker.

Then, The Man and I attempted to go for a run. I lasted about 3 minutes before I decided today wasn't the day to double up (he went for about 25 minutes). I'm looking forward (for real, no sarcasm here) to Plyometrics tomorrow, though I did just take Benedryl again, stupid itchy eyes, so I'm hoping I can still bang it out in the AM. 8 days down, 82 to go!

And on the 7TH DAY, she "rested"

2008-04-28T13:27:00.002-04:00

Today was supposed to be the "rest" day or the Stretch X day. Instead, I ran about 4 miles and walked 1.5. This was more of a social run/walk than "exercise", but it was still something. I am planning to incorporate some running in in addition to my P90X workouts this week. Nothing crazy, just some easy runs and maybe a day w/some interval training to keep up my cardio. I just finished an 11 week session w/a personal cardio trainer from my FIL's college program (kind of like a "student teacher", but a trainer) and I don't want to lose the gains I made there.

It's Day 8 now, and I haven't done my work out yet. I took Benedryl last night for stupid itchy eyes from allergies and though I still got up a little after 5, I didn't feel up to push ups/pull ups. I want to be able to do this work out well, so I'm waiting until after work. Something to look forward to. Great. Feeling a little "fat" today...could be the Smiddicks & Moosehead. Or maybe the pizza & 1/2 cheesesteak. Or maybe the Parmesan garlic chicken tenders. Or maybe the cookies I baked yesterday. Hmmmmmmm

DAY 6: Kenpo

2008-04-26T19:47:00.002-04:00

I wasn't sure what to expect today, having no idea what "Kenpo" was. So, I googled "kenpo review" and read a few other blogs to get an idea of what was in store for me. I didn't learn all that much, as the reviews varied from "too easy" to "omg was this tough". So, it's Saturday, a lazy day, and we had lunch plans at 12:30. I kept putting the workout off (at one point even starting the DVD, doing a few minutes of the warm up, then watching the rest as I read) and finally pushed play at the very last minute possible to complete it and still have time to get ready for lunch.

I was not a big fan of the warm up...mostly because it was kind of hard. It was mostly a bunch of Yoga poses, ending with some static stretches. The workout began with a series of punches. I've done a lot of Tae Bo, so I liked this. I wish Tony had a few more form cues, though. I keep feeling as though there was a pre-workout tutorial I should have completed before these workouts. Kicks followed punches and blocks (which was new to me) followed kicks.

I don't really have much of an opinion about this one. I forgot to wear my HR monitor, so I couldn't tell how long I was in my zone, but it didn't "feel" very much like cardio to me. Maybe I'll have more of an opinion on this one next week. I AM very much looking forward to my day off tomorrow, though I think I'll probably go for an easy run in the AM.

On a side note, I FEEL as though changes are already happening to my body...yippee!

DAY 5: sucks

2008-04-25T08:18:00.002-04:00

So, today marks the first day I swore at the TV during P90X...this isn't unusual; I frequently let out a stream of choice words at Billy Blanks during Tae Bo...but that's because he LIES! He's always saying one more set and you do 753 more reps. Liar face. Thankfully, Tony is NOT a big fat liar, he just works my @** off! (Hopefully, literally!)

Today is (scratch that, WAS, because I already did this morning! Woo hoo) legs and back. I should probably preface this by telling you I HATE LEGS. Lunges could be my least favorite exercise ever. The workout starts off w/the usual warm up and stretch. Then, the "fun" begins. And by "fun", I mean scream-at-the-TV-feel-as-though-your-legs-will-fall-off-wonder-why-you-aren't-still-snug-in-bed fun.

I wasn't sure what to expect w/this workout because the worksheet only showed 2 sets of 4 different types of pull ups. There were no clues to what leg torture lay ahead... The basic format was 2-3 leg exercises (like squats, more types of lunges than should even exist, wall sits & single leg wall sits, groucho walk, and calf raises) followed by a pull up set. Each leg exercise was repeated anywhere from 15-30 reps, varying by exercise. I gotta be honest...I did not complete every exercise. A couple of times I wussed out at 15-20 reps. The one I specifically remember bailing out on was a calf exercise. I hate sore calves; they hurt and my calves are already sore from Days 1-4, so I was just a big baby and slacked a little.

I think I did better on the pull ups already (though it could just be wishful thinking). I was able to do 1 at the beginning of each set 4 of the 8 times, as opposed to just once back on Monday. This is officially my least favorite to date, I just don't know if it's because I was tired, I hate legs, it's been a long week, or if I just really didn't like it.

I made myself do it this morning so I could be done for the day since it's FRIDAY, but I just realized I still have to do Ab Ripper tonight at some point...at least it's only 16 minutes. Speaking of minutes, after the 98 minute marathon that was Yoga yesterday, this workout seemed like a sprint!

DAY 4: Yooooooga

2008-04-24T21:25:00.002-04:00

So, this is the first time I haven't done my P90X workout in the AM before work...I snoozed when the alarm went off and I didn't feel like having to rush since this work out is.....wait for it....over an hour and a half!!! Of course, come 3:15 I was wishing I'd never heard of a snooze button!

About 30 minutes into this workout, I was sure this was going to be the first workout I did not like...it was slooooooooooow. I was def sweating and feeling the burn, but it still didn't "feel" like I was working out. Nor, did it feel the clock was moving. Just at the point when I felt like saying forget this, it got better. A little over 50 minutes into the workout, it changes from moving poses to balance poses. Phew.

The moving poses aren't all that hard, once you realize you're not going to be doing them for 90+ minutes. I even did the extra push up from plank to downward dog most of the time! And it may just be wishful thinking, but the push ups felt better and easier. I'm actually (slightly) looking forward to the next time now that I know the routine. One thing that was a little difficult for me was not being able to see Tony; our flat screen is mounted above the fireplace, so I couldn't see it from certain poses w/out disrupting my balance.

I liked the balance poses; they were challenging, but less so than the moving poses. Just when I thought it was getting easier, Tony through in some ab work...he has a name for it I don't remember...all I know is it burns!!! It was a great way to end the workout.

I'm still not a huge fan of the fact it's a 90+ minute workout, but I don't hate it as much as I thought I would 25 minutes into it. I'm actually kind of looking forward to the next time!

What I'm not looking forward to is Legs & Back a mere 8 hours from now...

Tivoed Gray's Anatomy is calling me...

Day 3...was this really....EASY?!

2008-04-23T08:19:00.002-04:00

First, let me just tell you how my body felt when I woke up this morning...OUCH! Crazy sore, but in a good way. I def know I've been using some different muscle groups; I love feeling the burn! Pretty much all of my body is sore right now, except my quads, hams, traps, and tris (and I can already feel the sore coming on in my traps and tris from this mornings workout!).

DAY 3: ARMS & SHOULDERS

The warm up was a little rocky, getting loosened up and ready to go (the fact it was 5:15 may have played a role in that, as well). I liked the set up of this workout: shoulder exercise, bicep exercise, tricep exercise, then repeat all 3. Set your own goal- 8-10 reps for growth, 12-15 to tone (NEVER 11!!). I did 15 reps of everything and will need to increase my weight next time (started off w/10's for everything and made some minor adjustments, 15's or 7.5's along the way). There were 4 sets of 3 different exercises in all, completing each cycle twice. There's also a Bonus Round...I did NOT do the bonus round due to time constraints, but I plan to do it w/The Man tonight. I will also do Ab Ripper w/him.

My only issue w/this workout is my own. We have BowFlex select-a-size dumbbells and it was kind of a pain taking them back to the base to adjust the weight (which is why I really didn't that much this workout). It will be better next time since I now know what weights I'd like to use.

I've also noticed an increased appetite...I am HUNGRY a lot! I have read that one of problems people have w/P90X is not taking in enough calories for the increased workload. I've been trying to eat snacks at regular intervals, usually Nature's Valley Sweet & Salty Almond granola bars (OMG, soooo good! They actually ARE sweet AND salty!) and Wild Bill's beef jerky along w/my 3 regular meals.

I don't remember if I've pointed this out yet or not, but I do NOT plan to follow the P90X nutrition plan (though I am impressed w/the science behind it and think it's a well rounded plan). One step at a time, people. Baby steps.

Ab Ripper and Day 2

2008-04-22T06:54:00.002-04:00

So, I did Ab Ripper last night after dinner and....I like it! It's only about 15 minutes and there's an "end" in sight, each move is performed for a goal of 25 reps. It was challenging, for sure, but doable. Ab Ripper gets a hearty two thumbs up from me (this time, at least). That being said, my abs are already on fire and I don't even want to think about laughing tomorrow!

On to DAY 2: PLYOMETRICS

After a whopping 2 hours of sleep, when my alarm went off at 5 AM I was not looking forward to jumping around with Tony. However, knowing my husband would be doing it when he got home made me push play.

It's not....that bad. Basically, it's 30 seconds of 3 different moves, followed by a 1 minute move, and then repeat the whole thing over again. For 4 or 5 different sets....I lost count. The good news is, they were all doable, even if I did want to throw things at Tony at various points throughout the workout. I'm not familiar w/any BeachBody workouts, so I don't have a background of their moves. It would be helpful if Tony gave a few more form cues, I mean, I'm not quite sure how he can talk non-stop the entire time and NOT slip in a few cues. Before completing, I wouldn't have thought this could be considered a "cardio" workout...I was wrong. Next time, I'll remember to wear my HR monitor so I can let you know just how long I remained in my zone.

Oh yeah, and I am a big fat slacker, no bonus round for me today...I wanted something to look forward to next time (which means my husband will do it tonight for sure, drat!).

On a side note, I am crazy sore and it's only been 24 hours since chest/back and less than 12 since ab ripper. I love being sore!

And We're Off-Day 1

2008-04-21T19:01:00.002-04:00

Chest & Back:

I decided to complete Day 1 BEFORE work, beginning at 5:00 AM. Good thing I am a morning person. The warm up was pretty easy. So far, so good. Little light stretching, lot of Tony talking. And now the pain begins. We start w/standard push ups. Not bad...I put a couch pillow on the floor beneath my chest to make sure I go low enough. Not bad, I think I busted out 30. On to wide grip pull ups. I do one, then I need to use the cheater chair (one foot on the chair to "help" me complete the next 29). We continue to alternate between push ups and pull ups (with a couple of dumbbell exercises thrown in there) for the next 10 sets. Then, we do the same thing all over again. I'm not gonna lie to ya, the push ups were killing me! By the time we got to Dive Bombers, I could only do 5 w/good form. After the initial pull up, I could complete NONE w/out the cheater chair. I was oh-so happy every time a water break appeared on the screen! Woo hoo-I never thought I'd be so excited for a beverage not containing hops!

Tony pretty much NEVER shuts up throughout the entire workout. While it may bother me 87 days from now, it didn't bother me today. I actually started the DVD w/the "music/cues" option and realized that "muted" Tony so I started over in the "normal" mode. I liked hearing him chatter; it helped pass the time for me.

Fast forward 13 hours and I'm ALREADY sore! And I'm usually a "2 day" sore (it takes me about 48 hours to experience my full sore)! I already feel it in my bis, tris, lats, delts, and pecs. I'm not looking forward to waking up tomorrow and trying the Plyometrics! Off to complete the Ab Ripper to complete today's workout! Oh yeah, my abs are already sore, too, from holding my core during the chest/back exercises!

Day 0-Am I Fit Enough to Get Fit?

2008-04-21T18:40:00.004-04:00

So, today's the day my husband and I set to begin our P90X journey. Great. Can't wait. It all begins w/the dreaded "before" photos. We had to take 6 photos, while wearing shorts and a sports bra (not him, he just wore shorts): 2 front views, 2 side views, and 2 AHHHHHHH rear views! Not pretty; if I were more confident, I'd post them for you to see. But, I'm not. Plus, I take comfort in my anonymity. We then had to measure our chest, waist, hips, R/L thighs, and R/L biceps (thus inciting a lengthy debate as to exactly where the measurements were to be taken). One more measurement before we have to actually do something: resting heart rate (52 for me).

Onto the action. We were supposed to warm up for 10 minutes, breaking a "light sweat" varying between movements such as jogging in place, jumping jacks, marching, etc. After 3 minutes of laughing at each other and running around our living/dining rooms, we declared ourselves "warm" and moved on. The first test was pull ups. I could do a whopping....1! Yeah! Pathetic as it is, I did meet the required pre-reqs to continue (kinda like having to be this tall to ride). Due to rather low ceilings, we opted to skip the vertical leap test.

All of these pre-tests require you to perform until "failure"...which to me meant going at least as long as my husband did before I quit. Test 3=push ups. I completed 39, soaring well above the sorry required THREE! On to Test 4 which is the toe touch (and another debate about how far apart feet should be....I said 12" like the President's Challenge test The Man said they should be together...I gave in). I reached 9' past my feet.

Test 5 is the dreaded Wall Squat...I call them Wall Sits. You basically put your back against the wall and pretend you are sitting, with your quads parallel to the floor. Sucks. I lasted 1:14, :14 beyond the required 1 min (and :02 longer than The Man). Moving on to Test 6: Bicep Curls. I used 10lbs and completed 35 reps (needed at least 10 reps at 8lbs to be "cleared" to begin).

Test 7 tests abdominal strengths: "In & Outs"....basically, you put your weight on your butt w/your hands on the floor beside you and bring your knees to your chest then extend w/out letting your feet touch the floor. Repeat until you can't repeat anymore (which for me was 30 times).

The last test we needed to complete was a Heart Rate Maximizer. We had to perform jumping jacks for 2 min, with the last 30 seconds being as hard as we could, then take out HR immediately after and at 1 min intervals for the following 4 minutes. No problem.

This pre-test was easy enough, right? Now we're cleared for take off...oh no.

Please allow me to introduce myself...

2008-04-21T18:14:00.001-04:00

Who. Am. I?

I am a thirty-something (newly turned 31) fairly fit, admittedly lazy, former athlete with an appetite that could rival that of a 21 year old frat boy. Did I mention I'm barely 5'2? Not a whole lot of room for any extra pounds, without being mistaken for a weeble. I'm an HPE (that's Health & Phys Ed) teacher, so I should be able to develop my own workouts, but I have a little problem w/motivation. I've always been active (in HS I ran cross-country, swam, dove, played hoops & softball and I played collegiate water polo), but much prefer the competition/camaraderie that goes along w/athletics to "working out". As a "grown up", I have run (at one point running 20-30 miles per week), swam, lifted, roller-bladed, sweated away w/Billy Blanks' Tae Bo, dabbled in a little Yoga, swore at Mya doing Yourself Fitness for PS2, got my groove on with DDR, and tried the gym, all while packing on a few extra pounds. Fast forward to now and a late night infomercial on P90X. I'm sold (that's not saying much....if I wasn't too lazy to get off the couch to get a credit card, I would probably own everything RonCo sells-I'm gullible like that)! My husband's best friend had recently given it a shot and had a favorable review, so $148 later (w/the oh-so reasonable shipping/handling fees) here we are...

It seemed like the perfect fit-an at home workout for those who are already reasonably fit, as most of the at home options are for those for whom just getting off the couch and getting another beer out of the frig is a workout. I checked out a number of blogs before starting and very few seemed to fit "me", so I thought I'd blog and track my experience w/P90X day-by-painful-day. Here we go!