Plyometrics– I did not realize it at the time but the “rest week” spoils you. Even though you still work out 6 days during the rest week, you do not do plyometrics or any of the weight lifting routines. It was tough jumping around this morning.  I have had back to back killer workouts so far this week. I am really sore from yesterday so  I know my body is working!

Cardio-X– I got motivated enough to do cardio-x last night. To be honest, the only reason I did it is because I mentioned it in my post yesterday…the power of a post! Compared to the other workouts, cardio-x is the easiest for me. It’s not only shorter but I really do not feel that I am working too hard until the end. I think the more I do this workout, maybe the harder it will become as I will master the moves which will lead to moving constantly…I still have to look at the video at times. My goal is to do cardio-x 3 times a week through the holiday season (next three weeks) and I will then evaluate if I want to continue it or not afterwards…I am thinking “no chance” right now but we’ll see.

Also, I encourage anyone to leave comments on this blog. Not only will I respond but I find it much easier to stay motivated if you are communicating with others that are experiencing the same battles.

Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps – Day 1 of phase 2 complete. Working out and eating healthy is all mental, I realized that this morning. During the rest week (last week), I was getting anxious to exercise with weights so you would have thought I would be ready to go this morning. Not true, I struggled to get out of bed and I was thinking  to myself as I was walking downstairs  “I am not ready for this, it would nice if I had another rest week.” I then thought once I got going, I would be fine…wrong, it got even tougher as I was not used to doing these new exercises. Before I knew it though, I was done and felt great! This workout seemed a lot harder than both the chest & back  and/or the shoulders & arms workouts. I will assume I will get better at this but it kicked my butt this morning. I was also able to fit in ARX which wasn’t too bad…still can’t complete it 100% but I am improving.

I should not post this comment as I might feel obligated to follow through but I am considering doubling up this phase. I will continue to do my P90X workouts in the morning but will do an additional workout (cardio-x) at night 3 days a week. Between Christmas, New Years, and holiday parties coming up within the next 3 weeks I feel even if I am real good as far as eating goes, there will still be some cheating done. I was thinking if I double up now, cheating will not affect my results whatsoever. I am still thinking about doing this, again…it’s all mental so I am currently playing mind games with myself trying to figure out if I should do this or not!

So far so good, I am very happy with my Day 28 pictures and measurements. I lost 11.5 pounds and inches off both my waist and thighs. My body fat percentage also dropped a significant amount. Now, I find it a bit hard to believe my body fat percentage is currently at 8%…I think it’s higher. What is accurate is the decrease in my body fat percentage as I measured my body fat in the same location (an inch above my right hip) both on Day 1 and Day 28. I am not too concerned about the final number as long as it continues to decrease. 

Here are my Day 28 measurements:

Body fat % – 8% (Day 1 – 18%)

Weight – 208.5 lbs (Day 1 – 220lbs)

Chest – 42 1/2″ (Day 1 – 40″)

Waist – 37  (Day 1 -391/2″)

Right thigh – 24 3/4″ (Day 1 -271/2″)

Left thigh – 24 3/4″ (Day 1 -271/2″)

Right arm – 16 3/4″ (Day 1 -16″)

Left arm – 16 3/4″ (Day 1 -16″)

Here are my Day 28 Pictures: 

(more…)

Cardio-X - Even though it’s Saturday, I still woke up early to exercise. It’s so much easier to get my workout in when my kids are still sleeping as it’s just about 100% that there will be no disruptions. Yoga-x was on the schedule but I decided to change it last minute and do the cardio-x workout. Cardio-x is the combination of yoga-x, kenpo-x, core synergistics, and plyometrics. It’s also the shortest P90X workout (excluding ab ripper x). This was my first time doing this workout and I have to say I liked it. It was not as intense as kenpo-x, core synergistics, and plyometrics but it was quick and I was out of breathe by the end. I do feel somewhat guilty not doing yoga-x but I did already do it this week so I don’t feel too bad. I will continue to do yoga-x but I can not make any promises that I will do it twice during the phase 2 rest week.

Updated measurements and pics tomorrow!!

Core Synergisitcs– I really enjoy this workout, it’s truly a tough one. As I am grasping for air and my muscles are all shot, Tony seems nonchalant after this workout like it was no big deal. I am used to him being loud and giving everyone high-fives right after an intense workout. I think core synergistic is right behind plyometrics and legs & back as far as being the hardest workout within P90X.

I did take the P90X recovery drink afterwards, I have been taking this recovery formula after the three weight training days, plyometrics, and core synergistics. I just have a whey protein shake after kenpo-x, yoga-x, and x-stretch…I consider the whey protein shake breakfast and usually follow up with a snack about an hour later. It’s not necessary to take the P90X recovery drink after the yoga-x and x-stretch and it’s debatable to take it after kenpo-x. The rule of thumb should be if your muscles are fatigued, take the recovery drink.