Day 48: Those kids were KENPO Fighting! (And a late night pain in the neck!)

Those kids were fast as Lightning!



Yeah, baby. Early morning Kenpo to set the tone for Saturday!

As I have stated many times before, I love getting my Kenpo on. I did it early this time, due to my schedule and it was definitely hard after doing the workout late last night. My neck is a little stiff still, but it didn't bother me too much during Kenpo.

One thing I noticed this time (When you watch a video over and over you start to notice things you didn't in the past. Which is why watching a movie - or reading a book - more than once is always a good idea!) is that during one of the last moves, Tony talks about kicking and that you want to "think Shins" as far as height goes. But then everyone demonstrates a kick to the head! Either that or we are practicing kicking NBA players in the knee!

Anyway, it was a great day, topped off with another beautiful, long bike ride. It added to the workout and felt great.

And then the pain hit. Shooting pain in my neck. Excruciating. It kept me up late and I feel like I can't move. I don't know if I can do my stretching tomorrow. We'll see.

Day 47: How Can I Sleep When My Legs Are Burning?

I felt better this week than last week.

Again I improved in all areas that I was able to. Especially kicking butt in the Pull-Up department. I hit 26 reverse grip pull-ups and I was able to come close to each of my first rep tallys the second time around.

Man this workout kills the legs. You don't think the Lunges are doing anything until you hit the final repa dn the cumulative effect hits you like a body check from Dion Phaneuf! (Just checking to see who's paying attention. Look him up, you'll probably see a picture of him pummelling someone into the boards! Why not just say sledgehammer? too Cliche, grasshopper! I am trying to improve my locutions!)

Ab-Ripper X was brutal again, and I will not be sad to see it go away for more than a week. I felt a twinge in my neck again during the program, but hopefully it will go away soon! I also did the whole routine without my shoes on because I couldn't figure out why I needed them. I felt much better without them, and then I realized why!

The shoes add about 2 1/2 pounds of weight to each foot. Duh! No wonder it felt better! I'll leave them on next time. I felt a little guilty about it.

Okay, not really. But I will wear the shoes again next time!

I did manage to do the Wide-leg sit-ups for most of it and did the "no-touch" option once again!

Every time we start the Mason Twists I keep hoping Tony will stop us at 40 like he says in the beginning.

I keep getting disappointed.

Sigh.

Another tough workout down. I am still worried about my results as I know that next week is a recovery week and I know I am stronger but the dang pictures loom over my head! Any advice on how not to be anxious about this? I can't follow the meal plan and it's messing me up. I know I'll never have abs like Adam, but come one, I want to lose all my flab!

Day 46: Yoga (Groan!)

I could look forward to this workout if the initial phas was, say, twenty minutes shorter. My legs were burning by the time I got to Warriot Three Pose. When I staggered across the room, it was as if all the muscles had been removed from my legs.

I can't tell you how much relief I feel when I get to the last Visnasya (Spelling?), although I was able to hold the Pretzel pose for the entire allotted time.

I kicked butt again on the Standing poses (Tree, Royal dancer, Toe Lock/Leg extension and even Camel!)

I do enjoy the stretching and the meditation stuff at the end.

I always feel better having DONE the workout, but I wish I had more motivation to do it. I would think as I get better I would be more comfortable, but it's the opposite. I am getting better which is raising the bar and making it harder. Now I know why Adam is sweating like a madman during the whole routine!

I'm back down to 175.8. For a guy not watching the scale, that really made my day!

I still need more muscle.

Does anyone check their heart rate during Yoga? The beeping would probably drive me bonkers and be counterproductive. It would remind me of the Ellen Degeneres comedy routine where she talks about doing Yoga and meditating and wonders if she turned the stove off. No one is funnier at random streams of consciousness than Ellen. Am I off topic? A little, but I'm ready for Recovery Week after this weekend. I wonder if it would be worth it to get Dumbbells when I am 2/3 through the program? I'm worried about my muscle results. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks and Keep Bringing it!

Day 45: Back & Biceps (And Tony Cheats in Ab Ripper!)

I have suspected it for a while now. I couldn't understand why my counting was so far off from Tony's in Ab Ripper X.

So I watched.

Carefully.

He doesn't count correctly in the Reverse Bicycle exercises. I'm at 25 and he starts counting from 19. Not even close!

I'm on to you, Tony. There are a few other counting errors throughout the programs. You will not be doing my accounting, Mr. Horton, that's for sure! The nerve of that guy, trying to trick us into doing more than we think we are doing!

I did show some improvement in Ab Ripper x as I was able to do some of the cross Legged Sit Ups in lieu of the Wide Legged version. I also did most of my Leg Climbers with only the one touch at the toe (or would that be no touches? Whatever it was, it was cool!).

The Back and Biceps is always a fun workout, because the routine is for the "Glamour Muscles" and it feels good working the Biceps especially.

I improved in pretty much everything, and it's always motivating to see this type of improvement on a weekly basis. I was able to do switch-grip pull-ups (although I can't switch while hanging. I guess it's kind of cheating, but I'm still doing the work! I don't know why these tire me out so much more than all the other type of Pull-Ups. I even managed the Corn-Cob Pull-Ups AND the Towel Pull-Ups without the chair this time.

I did 18 Wide Grip Pull-Ups, but my callouses are starting to bother me when I do the pull-ups. My padded hand grips are in a permanent position, so it makes it difficult.

I love the Congdon Locomotives. Awesome feeling.

I also improved a little bit with my Hammer Curls. My right arm is stronger than my left. I still tilt my body when I am trying to push through the left hand curls.

Yoga tomorrow. I'm excited. (okay, that was sarcastic, I know, but I can't stand the first half of that workout and then finishing with Yoga Belly Seven!).

Later!

Day 44: Plyomaniac Strikes Again!

I brought it and I brought it big time!

I did feel it a little more after this workout, but I think it's because I was so frustrated with the day before that I was ticked off at myself.

I again managed to keep up with Dominic and I didn;t hit the pause button nearly as much as I usually do. It helped that I was in a time crunch, so I didn't have a lot of time to mess around. The intensity was there and I worked it.

My legs are killing me.

I love the Sports Bonus round, but I don't feel it there like I do everything else.

I lost another couple of pounds as I am down to 177 lbs (from 179 yesterday) and I feel good about myself.

I had a night meeting and it was next door to a great chinese Restaurant that I smelled through the entire presentation. I felt guilty about not having the will power to ignore it. I ordered curbside-to-go and took home some Kung Pao Chicken.

I know.

I only had about half of it (until I finished it on Wednesday!) so I don't feel that bad. I've been living on Power Bars and other Protein replacement shakes and bars. I indulged and it was good.

Day 43: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps. Being Jack Palance!

How the heck does anyone do one-arm push-ups, let alone an ancient actor who probably smoked more in on day than I inhaled second had smoke in my lifetime?

Talk about an ego-killer! I can't even do it on my knees like the lady int he video! What the hell?

This workout was the first of the resistance workouts that I didn't really improve my stats from the previosu week. Part of this is because the numbers are set increments, but it's mostly that I didn't improve or push myself as much as I should have. I was admitteldly distracted with work and other things and I wasn't feeling it.

My heart rate was good, but it was frustrating to not see the progression as I do in the other resistance routines. I think the bands also limit me a bit. I don't have that many options for weight with the bands.

Ab Ripper was deadly. I still have to hit the pause button after the first set of bicylcles!

Week 6 Review: Houston, We Have a Problem!

Sort of.


I felt really good for most of the week, but I didn't eat very well. It's not like I had junk food, but I ate too much of everything, tossing the whole "limited portions" thing out the window. I also am completely convinced that Mucle Milk is making me gain weight (which might be the point- I should really read the label!) and not muslce.


It was disappointing that I was back up to 179 lbs at the end of this phase after the week before I was down to 175. It's hard to convince myself I am not worried about the scale when I go through the routine of weighing myself every day. Glutton for punishment?


I like this phase better than phase 1. This is mainly because I am in better shape and can do "Dmore physically, but also the routines didn't have as much of the "Do one set now and then when your limbs are hanging limp from your body do them again!" mentality.


There were also less push-ups.

Or maybe I've gotten better at pushups? Who knows, but it is a good program, and I thank those who commented that they see some improvement from Day 1 to Day 30. I have a critical eye of my own development and I was expecting more. But if I look closely, I admit that I can see definition in areas that I have never had before.

I am still loving this program. For a person like me, I need a strict schedule to adhere to and I need to see some results. My heart rate is doing really well and my cool Body Fat scale says I have the body of a 20 year old!

(Well the next day it said I was 30, but it's finciky that way!)

More later. Sorry I am behind in my posts! I haven't missed a workout, though!

Day 42: Stretching it to the Limit! And a Bike Ride to Boot!

I almost didn't do the stretching. I waited until late at night. I'm glad I didn't skip it as I actually contemplated doing so. Even though I contemplated by asking myself, "Do I really want to spend an hour stretching?" I ended up making the right decision.

As always, it was a pleasant and satisfying time spent.

Earlier in the day I took a wonderful bike ride for about 6-8 miles. It was a glorious day and although my rear felt it from a new bike (first time on the seat) I think P90x really prepared me for the exercise as I was never winded. Granted I wasn't going Lance Armstrong on anyone, but I wasn't stopping and coasting all the time either!

Day 41: Kenpo Kicks it Up a Notch!

Nothing like a Late Night Kenpo X session right after my Rangers win an essential game against the Buffalo Sabres!

My balance was off again today and I gained some weight since Thursday. Probably because I had a Muscle Milk Shake yesterday, depsite warnings that it was probably not a good idea.

But other than that, Kenpo rocked once again. I love it. It is by far the most "fun" workout and you can really get into it.

I haven't really seen anything I can improve in (like the muscle exercises) but I think my form is better (at least in my mind. I could look like a reject from Mr Miyagi's Katate class, but who is going to know? So just picture someone looking like they know what they are doing, okay?)

Anyway, I'll be bacl tomorrow with an update and a week 6 review! Thanks for reading!

Day 40: My legs are burning!

Although this is my second favorite workout, it almost killed me.

I knew I was in trouble when the first exercise (the balance lunge) had me dizzy afterwards. I felt it big time in every one of my leg exercises, and I was much more wobbly than I usually am.

The good news is that I improved in all of my Pull/Chin-Up exercises, peaking at 23 Reverse grip Chin-Ups (I did 10 the first week). Again, it's crucial to keep track of what you have done in the past because it gives you a goal to reach for. I made sure I beat all of last weeks totals, and I don't think I would have done that if I didn't know what I had done. I also raised my Wide Front Pull Ups by about two a week (6-8-11-12-14) and I'm not losing as many reps on the second set.

I do always feel great after this workout, but I was as tired as I ever was tonight. I also noticed my heart rate was pretty good during this workout. I was in "the zone" for most of it (although believe it or not, my heart rate went down during Ab Ripper X! Go figure!)

More later as I'll report on tonight's Kenpo X!

Day 39: The Dreaded Yoga!

This was the first workout in a while that I really wanted to skip. I didn't, but I wanted to. It was after a long day at work and it ended up being a late night session and I was not looking forward to it.

I am still seeing improvement in my flexibility and my endurance. I can hold the "Twisting Pretzel" Pose (I think it's named something else, but you getthe idea!) and other balance postures a lot longer.

I hate the Yoga Belly Seven.

I was almost asleep during the "Corpse" pose, but I woke up just at the end of the minute. I wonder if I did fall asleep, how long would it be before I woke up? Would the "Ohms" wake me, or the obnoxious loud commercial for Beach Body products at the end?

Enough of that. I am behind in the blog (but not my workouts!) More later!

I'm not eating well, but that's not new.

Day 38: Back and my Aching Biceps!

Killer Workout. There's nothing more satisfying than working out you biceps, which is why they are called the glamour mucles, I suppose.
It's a vanity thing, but you can tell you've worked out your biceps more than any other part of your body. This is what Hans and Franz meant when they said "We're going to...Pump...You up, you girly man!

My heart rate was in "the zone" for a good amount of this workout. I got messed up in the end where I had to take a phone call and it screwed up my workout. I finished it, but the last 6 minutes didn't have the usual cumulative effect.

The muscles confusion is excellent. My body was not ready for this. I struggled with the bands again and if I could afford a decent (or any condition) pair of dumbbells, I would buy them right now.

I've been hungry the past two days and I think I gained a pound back. Oh, well. I keep telling myself it's not about the scale. I feel I look 100 times (er, 10 times?) better already and I feel healthy. That's the most important thing at this point.

More later!

Day 37: Plyomaniac! Bringing it for real!

The mother of all P90X routines continues to be Plyometrics.

I was interrupted several times but I was trying to monitor my heart rate and I was having some difficulty staying in "the zone". I guess I should learn more about zones before I try to change anything.

The squat-switch-jump-turns-whatever were killing me. I am still feeling this workout, which is much different than the times I've done it (since week 1 anyway) previously.

I cooked my killer Thai-Chicken for dinner (a small portion) and although it has veggies and really lean chicken, it probably had ingredients in the sauce that were not the best for me. But I got tired of energy bars for dinner. I also made some Turkey Jerky that will be ready tomorrow and I found some cool "Low Carb" bread that will be good for my Peanut Butter sandwhich lunch.

More later!

Day 36: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps (Ow, my neck!)

I am in pain. The workout went well, but right during Ab Ripper X (Cross-Leg/Wide Leg Sit-Ups) I got a major pain in the neck. First I felt two popping-like sensations right above my lower back/waist area. That worried me, but it didn't hurt. The pain came right during the Sit-Ups. I don't know what the problem was, but I am still in pain. I made myself finish, mainly because the neck wasn't bothering me during the rest of the Ab Ripper exercises, but it's killing me now.

I really need to get on the diet again. I am dedicated to the exercising part of the program, but not the diet. I'm still eating pretty healthy (except a few pieces of candy at work) but I don't eat enough. Period. I did go shopping, so hopefully tomorrow will make me more disciplined. I did take out a steak for tomorrow, so maybe I'll have a good protein dinner tomorrow.

More later!

Week 5 Review (Phase 2 Commences!)

Phase 2 is where the muscle confusion really hits home. I was enjoying the Phase 2 routine, and just when I got used to things, old Tony Horton and the P90X crew rocked my world.

The format stays basically the same:

Monday:
Replacing Chest & Back is newcomer Chest, Shoulders & Triceps. The routine is excellent and less Push-Up intensive, which is good (because I hate Push-Ups) and bad (because I hate Push-Ups!). Unfortunately, Ab Ripper X is still here. I take that back. I like the Ab Ripper. Sort of. Not really. Maybe like I like Broccoli. I know it's good for me, but...

Tuesday: Plyometrics remains. The mother of all P90X routines continues her dominance!

Wednesday:
Shoulders & Arms is replaced by Back & Biceps. Of course what would Wednesday be without Ab Ripper X as well? Besides less painful, I mean? The Back and Biceps routine is brutal on the arms, and you really feel it in the biceps. I like it a lot.

Thursday:
Yoga, the deceivingly brutal and intense workout, continues to challenge me.

Friday:
My favorite workout, Legs & Back is still on Friday and I like it.

Saturday:
My second favorite workout, Kenpo X, lets the Friday-Saturday One-Two Punch continue (pun intended!). this is a great start to any weekend and you can't help feeling energized by doing this routine.

Sunday:
Ahhhhhh! Stretch! Don't skip it! I needed it more this week than ever!

The new routines are less repetition, which allows you to focus on maximum reps. It also works some different body parts and uses different exercises on body parts you have already been working. this is where the muscle confusion is gold.

I ate a lot of meal replacement bars and shakes this week and I think that's why I showed the most change in my stats (see Day 30 Pics/Stats Post), although it could be the cumulative effect.

Anyway, I am still loving the program and think Tony Horton should be inducted into the infomercial Hall of Fame (right next to the guy who brought us the "Flowbee")!

Day 35: Stretching out the Weekend

This was another great Sunday X Stretch.

Don't even think about skipping it!

I went grocery shopping and stocked up on health food again. It is so much cheaper doing junk food, but I feel so much better that it is worth it. Besides getting milk and OJ, I have only had to do two grocery shopping trips since I started the program. Of course, I've been drinking a lot of protein shakes and eating a lot of meal replacement bars.

I made some turkey jerky. I'll post the recipe here, but I warn you that it is scorching hot. IF I'm going to eat healthy, I'm going to make it sizzle!

I'm ready to start Week Number 6! Keep Pushing Play and Bringing it!

Day 30 Pictures

Pictures unavailable at this time! Sorry!

I think I see some improvement, but it's not as "Xtreme" as I would like. I feel better, though!

DAY 30 WEIGHT: 175.4 lbs (Down from 182.4)
DAY 30 BODY FAT: 14.7 % (Down from 16.6%)
DAY 30 BODY WATER: 55.7% (Up from 55.1%)

Day 34: Kenpo ROCKS!

I love the Kenpo.

Once again, Ibrought the intensity and it felt great. It is a fun workout and I can bring it with pleasure. It's one of those empowering workouts that makes you feel stronger and more confident.

I got a free heart monitor by buying two Minute-Maid Enhanced Juices (check it out HERE).

My resting heart rate has improved a lot since I started this program. I am definitely in the best shape of my life (well, almost. I still have a bit of flab around the gut, but I am much better cardiovascularly! Uh, is that a word?)

I was in "the zone" for a good amount of the workout, but I am going to have to work on it a bit more. It's been a good work. I like this better than the first phase, and I look forward to the stretch tomorrow. I hope to get my pictures up soon.

Day 33: Legs, Back and Ab Ripper (I'm on fire!)

I have been right on top of my workouts, but less on top of my blog. Apologies for those that are interested. Hopefully you'll be relieved to know that I didn't cheat and skip a workout.

I absolutely love this workout. Here is waht I learned after this one:

It is very important to write things down. I highly recommend this software because it not only allows you to track your progress, it is a great motivational tool. Before I do each exercise, I look back at the last time I did it and decide what I am going to shoot for this time. If I didn't have the logs, I would probably be doing roughly the same each week. When Tony harps on writing down your reps and weights, he is right on. Write it down!

I still use the "MyGym" for this workout, as a lot of the exercises can easilly be used with this product (I only used the bands once or twice).

I enjoy all the lunge exercises, since my hockey legs thrive on the stuff.

The Pull-Ups went very well, as I improved in all but one set (The second set of the Wide Front Pull-Ups that really hurt my hands. I wonder if I need gloves. Callouses are not building up as quickly as I would like. It is more like blisters.)

I am really going to love the Friday-Saturday routines for this segment of the program. More later!

Day 32: Yoga! I Survived The Twisting Triangle Pose!

For this report I am just going to give myself grades. They are on a bell-curve, of course!

Part 1: Vinyasa's (Spelling?) This is the first time I did Upward Dog and not Cobra. I made it through almost all the poses, but I did pretty much bail on the last stage of the workout (The "Stand-on-one-leg-for-what-seems-like-a-million-hours" pose.)

Part 2: Balance Poses: I kicked butt. I did "Tree" without falling once on my left leg and just once on the right. I managed to do the Royal Dancer and I was able to hold my leg with both hands and keep the horizontal pose. Yeah, baby! I did "Wheel" for a little bit, but still felt more comfortable in "Bridge". I did "Crane" for the first time and I did "Plough" without breathing difficulty. My favorite part of the Yoga program (besides the end where I almost fall asleep in the "Corpse" pose.)

Part 3: Stretching: I notice a big difference from week one. I can now almost use a yoga block stretching beyond my feet. If I bend my knees slightly I can do it, but that doesn't count. I can feel the flexibility. I almost matched Tony in "Ohms" length.

Anyway, a good day. More to come soon!

Day 31: Back & Biceps (Killer!)

It's hard to type this. I am really feeling yesterdays workout. There is something about working the biceps that I really enjoy, in a sadistic sense. It is definitely a good kind of pain. Sort of.

The workout is well paced once again. 24 Different exercises to destroy your recovered muscles.
They are:
Wide Front Pull-Ups
Lawnmowers
Twenty-Ones
One-Arm Cross Body-Curls
Switch-Grip Pull-Ups
Elbows-Out Lawnmowers
Standing Bicep Curls
One arm Concentration Curls
Corn Cob Pull-Ups (OMG- You have got to be kidding me! Pure torture!)
Reverse Grip Bent-Over Rows
Open Arm Curls
Static Arm Curls
Towel Pull-Ups (I really liked these. I didn't do that well with these, but I like the idea!)
Congdon Locomotives (Awesome. I love these. It's a great Power move. Fun!)
Crouching Cohen Curls (These are really hard to do with the bands.)
One-Arm Corkscrew Curls
Chin Ups (What is the difference between these and "Reverse Grip Pull Ups? Anyone? Bueller?)
Seated Bent-Over Back Flys
Curl-Up/Hammer Down (Again, hard with the bands)
Hammer Curls
Max Rep Pull-Ups (I felt so weak at this point I didn't come close to doing my usual amount!)
Superman (Unlike the Core Synergistics, this was a welcome relief from the rest!)
In-Out Hammer Curls (Duh-na-na-na. Hammer Time!)
Strip-Set Curls (4 reps starting with a high weight and decreasing incrementally. This was tough with the bands, but I made it work. A great exercise.)

Overall it was a great workout. I still struggle with some of the pull-ups and some of the band routines don't work well. The "MyGym" (the parts that weren't broken) continues to be a very good replacement for weights and the bands, as it is much easire to just stand on it and pull as opposed to trying to loop the band to get more resistance. If I didn't have the MyGym, I don't think I would be doing nearly as well with some of the exercises that call for weights (especially since I broke one of my bands), although it is very difficult to guess the weight as the bands increas in resistance the farther you stretch them (and decreas the opposite way). As long as you keep track of the color and whether you are standing, kneeling or sitting, you can probably figure out a system that works.

I think this is the last new routine, since the Cardio X isn't part of the "Classic" routine, so my future reviews will be anything new that I notice. Thanks for reading and keep bringing it!

Day 30: Plyo MANIA!

Sorry for the delay. I've had computer issues the last few days, but I'm still on schedule without missing an exercise day.

I rocked the Plyo. It was a great workout and I still love the Swing Kicks. My goal is to keep up with Dominic and I matched him almost the entire workout today. The squat jumps are what kill me!

I probably won't have any video updates for a while, so sorry for those that only like the videos. I'll try to make this as entertaining and informitive as possible. Thanks for the feedback! I'll also have updated pics soon, although I had to take them myself so no face.

Day 29: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps (Oh, My!)

Talk about a shock to the system! If my muscles are as confused as my mind is, then the P90X legend is for real. It was a good workout, though.

No double reps during this workout. Twenty-Four (24) Different exercises and each one of them is killer. I had a few problems during this workout as first my light weight Blue Band broke one side. Then I broke the other side. And then to completely ruin my day, the MyGym band broke as I figured I was giving up using the regular bands. I was not happy.

It was also the first day that I had to split the workout in two due to interruptions and bad timing on my part.

Slow Motion 3-in-1 Push-Ups (These are very difficult, especially if you try to match Tony!)
In & Out Shoulder Flys
Chair Dips
Plange Push-Ups
Pike Presses
Side Tri-Rises (I don't know what the deal is, but these don't give me any problems)
Floor Flys (Almost impossible. I suck at these big time!)
Scarecrows (See, I'm always thinking! A tie in to my title!)
Overhead Tricep Extensions (This is also where my first two bands broke!)
Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups
Y-Presses (This is where the MyGym Broke and I considered Kenpo Chopping the couch!)
Lying Tricep Extensions
Side-To-Side Push-Ups (Nice, but almost as hard as Fly Push Ups!)
Pour Flys (You don't get as much out of this with the bands. Bummer)
Side Leaning Tricep Extensions
One Arm Push-Ups (I did approximately "0")
Weighted Circles (You can do this with bands. I used my 3 lb weights. It was hard enough!)
Throw The Bomb (If the government is watching- don't paint me as a terrorist! That's the name of the dang exercise! It's football reference!
Clap or Plyo Push-Ups (Felt like a Marine, although I think Marines can do more than 8!)
Slo-Mo Throws
Front To Back Tricep Extensions
One Arm Balance Push-Ups
Fly Row Presses
Dumbbell Cross-Body Blows (This was really fun, especially with the bands.)

Overall, it was an intense and fulfilling workout. I am sure I'll get more comfortable with a lot of the exercises and then they'll switch me to something else.

Keep Bringing it! Here's my vid:


(Unavailable at this time!)

Week 4: My Progress Update (Stay Tuned!)

This would be a good time to review my own progress, but because I am not at day 30 yet, I will wait until I post my photos. I probably can't take the updated photos until Wednesday (Day 31) but it's my only option at this point. Expect a review of my progress on Thursday. Thanks for your patience!

Week 4 Review: Am I recovered now?

So it's been 28 long days. Here is my review of the program thus far:

The Good:

1. The program is planned extremely well. It is so much better than just guessing which exercises to do on what days (as I have had to do with other programs or if I just try to do it on my own.)
2. Tons of variety. No getting bored here. By the time you get the hang of something, it will be a while before you do it again. It makes the learning curve a bit steeper, but the results (and motivation) make it work.
3. Motivation. I don't know if the blog and YouTube vids make me more accountable, or if it is the nature of the program, but I can count on one hand how many times I didn't want to work out. I'm not talking about the inevitable sense of dread that accompanies "pushing play" on days you know you are going to be feeling it. I'm talking about how many times I thought about actually skipping a day. I also like using the Beachbody.com WOWY site to log my workouts. It's nice seeing the little red X's all over the board.
4. The DVD'S. No surprise, considering the slick infomercial, but the criteria for a good workout vid are all met: A leader who is not annoying (like, say, Richard Simmons); People actually working out and not just demonstrating; Variety of custom options depending on your fitness level; Decent music; Learning new things with each viewing.
5. Um, the Diet. Well, this makes my bad list as well, but that's for personal reasons. The diet is manageable and if you have the patience, there are some great recipes.

The Bad:

1. Inconsistent Demonstrations. This isn't that bad, but there are some exercises that are explained brilliantly, and others that are destined to have you skip back to the beginning. I'm sure I'll appreciate the spartan directions when I have heard tony say "from you hips to your finger-tips" for the eighty-seventh time, but it's a bit aggravating at times. The camera angles are good for the most part, but occasionally they zoom in on something ridiculous which causes you to get confused (I won't name specific exercises, COUGH- STAR BLOCKS-COUGH!)
2. Space Limitations. Again, this is minor. This program is designed for a home, but sometimes it seems like you need a lot more space than a small living room.
3. You really need Dumbbells. Yeah, the bands kind of work, and you can get some killer resistance, but I feel like I am not maximizing my results because I spend so much time trying to figure out what weight to use. The MyGym helped, but now I've broken one of those bands. It's hard to track what weight you've used with the bands as well. If you are thinking about doing the program without dumbbells, just be warned that it is challenging and keeping track of your progress (increasing resistance/weight) is tough.

The Ugly:

1. The shameless promotion of Beachbody Products. I know, I know, it's an infomercial product and it is a huge company, but I think there are enough advertisements in the guide book (written in context, of course!) and on the website. I don't even mind the plugs for products afterwards. I just don't like Tony telling me to buy the recovery drink at least once per disc.

It's really not that ugly, but I had the good and the Bad, so what am I supposed to do? Leave out the ugly?

Here's my Video Review:

(Unavailable at this time!)

Day 28: Thank goodness for X Stretch!

It was definitely different muscles that really felt the X-Stretch today. I definitely look forward to the stretch days and I can see the results. Anyway, The scale finally shows that I have lost some weight, I wonder if it's because I ate better (I don't think so?) or if I didn't put on any muscle this week?

Anyway, I'll have a Week 4 review and vid by tomorrow.

Day 27: Namaste! Yoga beats me up!

Core synergistics yesterday made Yoga harder for me today.

All I can say is that I dreaded doing it. I am glad I did it, but it was an effort. I still can only do about 80% of the program. I am showing improvement. I'm glad tomorrow is a stretch day and then the recovery week is over.

Does this mean I recovered?

Sorry for the weak post. I do have some more in depth things I'll be adding shortly, including reviews of products I use.

Keep bringing it!

Day 26: Core Synergistics kicks my ABS!

I wasn't looking forward to this workout. Idid much better than last time as familiarity makes me a little more confident and my trusty skip back button is getting worn out while I try to learn these moves!

Here's what I ate today:

Breakfast:
Hot oatmeal with a smidgen of Brown sugar and a touch of 1% milk

Lunch:
2 rice cakes with peanut butter

Dinner:
Stir Fry Thai chicken with Bell Peppers and some Jasmine Rice

Snacks:
Muscle Milk Fitness bar
Gatorade G2
Water
Recovery drink

Not great, but I still feel like I am eating a lot healthier than I ever have. I have lost a few pounds, but I look a lot better than I used to.

I am going to be a little more discretionary with my Muscle Milk, since I was told that that might not be good for me. Damn those GNC salesmen! I know that I need some kind of Protein Powder drink and Muscle Milk seemed like ti would help me a lot. I only use one scoop instead of two, but I do use about a two cups of 1% milk. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Day 25: Stretching Results (My life as a Pretzel!)

I am committed to doing the program every day, and although the STRETCH X program is tempting to blow off, it is a routine that I have seen incredible progress each week. I have always been flexible (C'mon, I was a goalie!) but I had definitely lost a little flexibility over the past few years. In a almost a month I can do almost all the stretching routines and it always feels great during and afterwards.

If you are contemplating skipping the Stretch workouts, you really should reconsider. I know it is making me stronger and enhances my ability to make things work.

I alos love the "Rollers!" I could do those for an hour!

Core Synergistics tomorrow. I can't say I am looking forward to that workout!

Day 24: Kenpo tips from P90Xtreme!

Okay, so you've done the Kenpo X four times now. The first time it was kind of a novelty, so you were into it. The second and third time was good, but you were missing something. You weren't really punching anyone, so how do your muscles really feel it beyond an excellent cardio workout?

I know, I wondered the same thing!

Today it was a revelation. I really felt it during the entire workout. I brought it, big time. Star Blocks aside, I was on fire. (Um, well, I at least had a serious temperature!)

P90Xtreme, how do you "Bring" the intensity level to this workout?

I'm so glad you asked! Even though I still can't do "Star @%$& Blocks" I have learned something, Grasshopper!

The answer is: Mirrors!

I don't actually have mirrors, but I amg oing to reveal the poor man's way around this. Obviously, if you have a mirror in your workout room, you are golden. What I have is two glass framed pictures that pretty much do the same thing. I set up my mat (I use the plyo mat to take it easy on my old goalie knees) horizontally across the room directly in the line of the two pictures. These pictures are only about 1" x 1 & 1/2" , but it does the trick. I can see my expression easily when i am facing the pictures. I then do the left punch routines looking at the left picture and the right punches on the opposite.

Umm, P90Xtreme, that's great. Er, really, really great. What an, um, interesting tip...

Yeah, I know what you are thinking. Maybe I punched myself in the head (or residual effects of hockey pucks to the noggin)?

I did hit myself, but I am dead serious. This works. Seeing your form in the mirror/glass is a major motivation to bring the intensity. When I am not looking at my reflection, I sometimes feel kind of foolish punching at nothing. This technique makes you think you're punching yourself.

(It also helps that one of the pictures is a photo of Hockey legend Mark Messier with a bloody face. It kind of sets the tone!)

I wouldn't have been able to do this the first few times because I was learning the routines, but once you feel comfortable

(I still get confused with the punch combinations, so I have to say them out loud as I am punching, like, "JAB-CROSS-CROSS-UPPERCUT!")

I credit this technique with increasing my intensity, especially during the punch/kick routines. I'd love to hear if anyone else has tried something similar. At night you could do it in front of a window and it would accomplish the same thing. Of course, the neighbors might see you, but if a burglar is sneaking up during your routine, there is no doubt that you would scare them away. Especially with all the vocal grunting (highly recommended as well- don't dismiss it as nothing!)

Keep Bringing it!

Day 23: Core Synergistics: Recovery Week My ABS!

Any lingering fantasy of a relaxing vacation week was blown up in Rambo-like fashion today as Core Synergistics came in and kicked my ABS (and every other part of me!)

I couldn't do a lot of this. I had to watch, rewind, watch, rewind, move into a bigger workout room (Not that I had that choice, but Tony had us all over the place. He obviously didn't get the memo that I was in a limited space for my workout room.

Walking Push Ups? You have got to be kidding me.

Stack Foot Stagger Hand Push Ups? Is that an exercise or a dance move?

Sphinx Push Ups? Ancient Egypt is ruined for me!

Superman-Banana? Leaning Crescent Rolls? This is the first exercise vid that made me hungry from the titles!

Plank to Chaturanga Run? Good luck with this one! Holy Cow!

Lunge-Kickback-Curl-Press is as hard as it sounds, and I only used 3 pund hand weights!

Reach High AND Under Push Ups? (mommy!)

I did kick butt at Towel Hopping and Steam Engine.

Finally: The Dreya Roll! Be careful, I almost rolled into a wall!

Tip of the day: The person demonstrating the "Squat Xpress" with the Bands (I don't have weights) is a woman. If you are a guy and you try it, BE WARNED!

Anyway, here's my YouTube vid:

Day 22: Yoga. This is recovery? Yikes!

It isn't that bad, but Yoga is the toughest (and longest workout) so don't be fooled into thinking the term "recovery" is equal to the term "less work!"

This week will be two YOGA routines, one KENPO routine, two STRETCHES, and two CORE SYNERGISTICS (which is a new routine for me, so I look forward to reviewing it.

Basically, it is more about letting your muscles recover from the workouts, while maintaining your flexibility and core strength.

I really don't know what I will do without the Ab-Ripper.

I'm worried that my pictures won't be that impressive, but it's a long process, so I'll deal with it. More later as I try Core Synergistics on Day 23!

Day 21: Week 3 Review!

I survived the first three weeks. Here are my observations:

I felt stronger this week. I improved in most of my exercises and didn't feel a plateau.

I have totally bought into this muscle confusion strategy. It works. It works like aces!

I haven't really lost any weight, but I feel better. The food is a challenge for me, but I realized that if I tried to lose weight, I'd probably be less healthy. 180 is a reasonable weight for me, and my waist already looks better, so I have decided not to stress out about it. I will continue with the junk food free diet (and I made some kick-ass Spicy Turkey Jerky last week!) and see if I can turn the extra abdominal fat into muscle. I look forward to taking pictures on Day 30 and see if I notice any results.

I will be posting more YouTube vids this week, since I will be doing new routines.

Thanks for reading and keep bringing it!

Here's the YouTube Vid:

(Unavailable at this time!)

Day 21: Another Stretch: The Rangers Win!

The Stretch was great today. I really love the "Rollers." I could do those all day. That and the Cat Stretch and the Child's Pose. Money!

If anyone happened to miss this friendly exchange between two hockey players doing the "X", check it out here and the follow up here! In a nutshell, one of my readers, "habs" (Chris) is an Original Six fan of the Montral Canadiens (or the "Habs", short for Les Habitants for those outside hockey circles!) was sorry to hear that I was a Ranger fan and suggested a "bet" of an extra Ab-Ripper. My Rangers weren't exactly dominating at this point and the Canadiens are one of the hottest teams int he league, chasing down first place in the East. But this is a matter of team pride, and I gulped down my reservations and accepted the challenge. The game was today, so besides Super Bowl Sunday, I had a hockey game to be excited for. Or to dread the results of (A national broadcast as well, where my beloved Blueshirts have made embarrassments of themselves lately.

True to form, the rangers fell behind 0-3 on the strength of Montral's brilliant Power Play. I started looking for the DVD's, figuring if it continued this way I should just end my misery and pop in the Ab Ripper X now. Shockingly, the Rangers (sensing my distress) stormed back and scored 5 unanswered goals to secure the victory. Chris, a true sportsman, had already signed on and told me he was doing the extra session. I wish I could say that out of solidarity I joined him, but I couldn't bring myself to do anything beyond the X Stretch. I'll do my week in review next post, but thanks again to Chris (habs) for the comments on my blog!

Day 20: Kenpo Kicks Butt Again!

I still can't do the $%&@ "Star Blocks!"

There are two problems.

1. I don't have enough room to move as far forward as the exercise calls for.
2. Tony does not explain it slow enough for a coordination challenged guy like me (I never thought I was challenged this way until this video!).

Part of the problem lies with the video editor. Just when Tony is looking at you head on and you are trying to get ready to follow him, they cut quickly to a smiling guy checking his heart rate monitor. By the time it cuts back, Tony has already started the drill and I am completely lost, never to recover despite numerous pause and rewinds.

All it would have taken was Tony to walk through the blocks slowly before starting the exercise. Not bad that in the 7 videos (+ Ab Ripper) this is the first real mistake I have found, and I am sure I am probably in the minority.

Other than that, it was a good workout. I did get interrupted during the last 15 minutes and my heart rate went down, so I am not sure if it was as effective as it could have been.

More tomorrow, with my 3 Week Review!

Day 19: He's got Legs! And he knows how to use them! (Sort of)

This was harder than the past two weeks I've done this. My legs were a little more tired and I was breathing pretty hard. I had to push the pause button a few times, but I did see some improvements:

I did 16 & 15 Reverse Grip Pull Ups! (This is huge for me! Up from 13/13 and 10/10 Previously)
I did 11 & 10 Wide Grip Pull Ups! (Up from 8/7 and 6/5)
I did 9 & 5 Closed Grip Pull Ups (Up from 7/7)
And I actually did 6 Switch Grip Pull Ups. I don't know how I did them, but I managed to do two and then switch grips and go again. I couldn't do any the past two weeks (I could do two and then fell when I tried to switch).

So this is progress.

I also was able to do most of the Fiefer Scissors in Ab Ripper.

This was all good news.

Now the bad: I feel better, stronger (we can rebuild him!), but I still don't feel I look any better. I don't think I am eating correctly at all. There is too much dang preparation. I think I might try just doing a bunch of meal replacement bars. I bought a bunch of Bell Peppers for $1 each on sale and I haven't used them. I just figured out that I can cut them up and freeze them, so that will help, but I just hate planning meals.

I've forced myself to eat many times a day as opposed to once, but I still have the abdominal flab. I've even dropped my Dr Pepper intake from 3-6 a day to 2-5 a WEEK. I want to look better after 30 days and I only have 9 days left. My weight has fluctuated from as low as 179 to as high as 184.

At least my rangers won tonight! More tomorrow!