My P90X Story: Day 53

X Stretch. I don't think I could say that I ever thought stretching for an hour would feel so good. It was a really nice change of pace from the major workouts, but also from the workouts I've been doing during the rest/recovery week. It felt so very nice to stretch and not have to work too hard (unlike the Yoga X stretches).

Feeling pretty good about myself and how well I'v been doing. It is hard though at times to stay motivated. I think the diet is the hardest part, but it is also hard sometimes to feel motivated to do a workout at night when I know it is going to take me at the very least an hour to do it.

Rachel has stopped doing the workouts with me. She has had a sore throat and a cough for several weeks now and hasn't felt up to doing the exercises. I'm considering doing them in the morning again, even though that means I have to get up really early, at least I could spend some time with Rachel at night before we both go to bed. Maybe I wouldn't stay up so late if I knew I had to get up at like 5:00 AM or earlier to get the workouts in with enough time to shower and get ready in the morning??

My P90X Story: Day 52

Kenpo X. I don't now why I dislike this workout so much, but I never really look forward to it. It felt a whole lot better than it has in the past though. I actually felt like I could keep up, and I actually felt like I was doing something. I was able to get a little higher on my kicks, able to do just a little more on each of the different moves.

For a "rest/recovery" week I sure feel like I'm working hard still. Definitely not as hard as the normal workouts, not even close. But, much harder than I thought it would be. X Stretch tomorrow night, then Core Synergistics again and I think Yoga X to finish the week off.

Wish me luck as I prepare for my post-60 day pictures. Down to 235.8 pounds this morning. That makes 30 pounds in less than 60 days. I never thought it would come off that fast!!!

My P90X Story: Day 51

So, this was my first time ever doing the Core Synergistics workouts. Man, I wish I had done this the first time we had a rest/recovery week. I was so out of breath I couldn't even do all of some of the exercises. All core work, very, very little weights, but I am pooped after finishing this workout. I think this is one of the few workouts that I could see myself continue to do after the 90 days are over. It was a good overall workout.

One word of caution to anyone reading this considering the program. I finished eating at 7:00 PM and started the workout about 9:00 PM. I either drank too much water (which wasn't much at all) or I ate way too much (not very likely, but more likely than too much water) and I almost threw up doing either the first or second workout. So, I guess what I'm saying is, make sure that you don't eat too much and don't drink too much water during the workout.

My P90X Story: Day 50

The beginning of the rest/recovery week. I am a little nervous about this week, only because I feel like my body could really use the rest, and I'm not sure how much I will actually get since I have never actually done the rest/recovery week.

Started with Yoga X today. That is the only workout I have already done before since we do it every week. I also have done the workout that we do in a couple of days. I decided to pop in the X Stretch DVD before we actually started P90X thinking that I could use the stretching and that it wouldn't be too bad. My entire body was sore for several days....so this should be an interesting week.

My P90X Story: Day 49 Repeat

Day of rest. It felt really good to have a day off after working really hard this past week. I don't know what was different, but I was much more sore this past week than I have been for several weeks.

Looking forward to the rest/recovery week starting tomorrow, then the post-60 day pictures. We'll see how that goes.

My P90X Story: Day 48 Repeat

I am sooo looking forward to a day of rest and then a week of something different. My body has been much more sore this week. Don't know if it is because I'm pushing myself harder or if it is because of the time I missed while in Hawaii. Maybe a little of both.

Did Kenpo X tonight. I always feel just a little strange doing this one, though I am getting much better at feeling coordinated while doing it. I remember the first few weeks feeling like the biggest fool when trying. Things are definitely improving, though I still struggle occasionally.

Rest and Recovery week next week, then 60 day pictures and the start of the home stretch. Looking forward to it.

My P90X Story: Day 47 Repeat

I actually felt pretty good about doing this workout tonight. Not as tired as I have felt the last few nights, and actually somewhat motivated to do the exercises. However, by the time I finished legs and back, and right before doing Ab Ripper X, I just about crashed. I laid down for a few minutes to catch my breath and just about fell asleep. I don't know if it was because of a lack of sleep the night before or if trying to change to phase 2 of the diet isn't working because I may not be eating enough calories. I have had to do just a protein shake for breakfast the last 3 days because I either had to be to work early or overslept and was running behind. Not good. I much prefer when I get to have a real breakfast. My days seem to go much better when I do that.

Very much looking forward to Sunday (Day of Rest) and next week (Rest and Recovery Week). Don't know if next week will actually be any easier since we didn't exercise during the first recovery week due to the wedding. Looking at the calendar, I am on pass to finish the last rest/recovery week the week after Thanksgiving. That will probably make things a bit difficult. Had I stayed on track in Hawaii I would be finishing my very last week the same week as Thanksgiving. Oh well, it might be better this way anyway.

I look forward to seeing all the results at the end. Almost 2/3 of the way down. Wish me luck.

Oh, by the way, when I weighed myself this morning I was under 240 lbs for the first time since probably the summer right after I got married (basically 6 years) and before that it was probably my Senior year of High School or my second area on my mission. In other words, I have only been under 240 lbs probably 3 small stretches since graduating high school until now (for those who don't know, that is just over 10 years now). Looking forward to seeing more drop off and keeping it off. Down about 26-27 pounds since starting.

My P90X Story: Day 46 Repeat

I don't know what it is, but this week I have had a really hard time feeling motivated to do any of the workouts. Maybe it is because Rachel hasn't been doing the workouts due to illness and lack of enough energy to do everything else during the day she needs to without needing to take a nap with the kids. The funny thing is, every time I do the workouts, I finish and I don't feel tired anymore. I guess that should be motivation enough to just do the workouts and get them over with.

Really good workout tonight. I really tried to push myself during the yoga. I know that seems counter intuitive. I guess what I mean is....between the upward and downward dog (which we do about 50 billion of) he gives the option of doing a push-up in between. I have never attempted to do the push-ups in between before. But tonight I did a push-up in between every single one of them. Then, I was able to actually reach or open more or stretch farther on a lot of the poses. I felt really good about the workout tonight by the time I finished.

My P90X Story: Day 45 Repeat

Shoulders and Biceps. I don't know if it is just me or the nature of these exercises, but my arms always feel huge doing these. They feel like they are busting out of my shirt. Then I finish the workout and try to flex and I feel like I can barely move my arms. I try to shower when I'm done, and I can barely lift my arms to my head. I guess those are all signs that I am really working hard.

Did pretty good this workout. Upped my weight on several lifts and was till pushing the limit of 8-10 reps so I'm building size. I few I upped the weight and still went past 10 reps. The one thing I wasn't happy about was the very last exercise, strip set curls. You are supposed to do 8 reps at 4 different weights, each 5 pounds less than the previous. Well, I wasn't able to get 8 reps in on the first weight (25 lbs), I only got 5.5. I did sort of make up for it though by doing 10 reps on the lightest weight. I know that doesn't sound like a ton of weight to start with, but if you consider that at this point I've done about 15 or so other lifts using my biceps, it kind of makes sense.

My P90X Story:Day 44 Repeat

Plyometric X!!!!! I can honestly say that I definitely did not feel like doing this workout tonight. Stayed up too late last night and had to get up early to try and catch up on work. Only had about 4 hours of sleep last night. I was pretty much crashing and falling asleep before the workout. Took a quick 5 minute cat nap and then hit the workout.

It was definitely harder tonight. I could tell that I didn't have as much energy as I normally do. I worked as hard as I could though, which Tony always says in the DVD's is all that really matters. Do your best and forget the rest. Well, I did my best tonight, and it wasn't as good as I have done in the past, but I worked my butt off. Looking forward to the rest week next week, and then post 60 day pictures after that. Stay tuned.

My P90X Story: Day 43 Repeat

Back from Hawaii. Rachel is starting to feel sick again, so she skipped this workout, even though she totally kicked butt last week doing it. She really wanted to do this workout, but because she is coughing again and didn't want to cough through the whole thing.

I wasn't able to do quite as many reps on some of the lifts/exercises this week as I did last week, I think probably because I took most of a week off when we were in Hawaii, and we pretty much didn't do anything. We tried to relax and we spent so much time running around that we were exhausted most evenings when we got home.

After the workout tonight, I went ahead and weighed myself. I came in at 240.6 lbs. Down to 28% body fat. Back to the "grind" tomorrow. Glad that I got started on the workouts again tonight. Going to spend this whole week "redoing" last week's workouts. Then do the week of rest next week and take the post-60 day pictures.

My P90X Story: Day 45-49

We were in Hawaii for these days. We did the first two days of workouts for this week, but because we were in Hawaii and we were running around a whole bunch we did not get these workouts done. We will be redoing the workouts. So, look for the next week of workouts to be "repeats" of the workouts we were supposed to do this week.

My P90X Story: Day 44

First night in Hawaii. We actually did the Plyometric X workout. It was intense. We made the whole building shake it seemed like. Mom, Dad, and Matt watched us start the workout. Dad and Matt left after a few minutes to do some shopping. Mom stayed and watched the whole thing. Didn't get up and try any of it with us, but was tired at the end from just watching. I think she has a little better understanding now of what we mean when we say these workouts are super intense.

I'm sure that her workouts are good for her. If they get her heart rate up and they burn calories then it is good. Maybe after they finish a round or two of their workouts they can start on P90X? We'll see how everything goes.

My P90X Story: Day 43

Getting ready to head out for Hawaii. Been busy all day trying to get everything else done that we need to. Rachel joined me for the workout now that she is starting to feel better. This was the first time that she has done this particular workout, and I was very impressed. I'm a little beat. Still have stuff we need to get done to leave. Packing the bands and the pull-up bar to take with since the place we are staying doesn't have a fitness facility (at least that is what they told me).

I will try to be better about keeping up and keeping everyone up to date.

My P90X Story: Day 42

Sunday. Day of rest. Dropped the kids off at Grandma and Grandpa's house tonight. Tried to relax a bit. It was Fast Sunday, so we only had one meal. That is probably why we felt it was okay to eat a little more than we probably should for one portion/serving/meal. Rachel's family made lasagna. It was really good. Enjoyed the break/rest from working out. Getting excited to be heading out to Hawaii.

My P90X Story: Day 41

Kenpo X. Again, don't really remember much about this workout either because I didn't blog early enough. I know that we spent quite a bit of time packing this night so that the kids could stay over at Grandma and Grandpa's house while we are in Hawaii. At least we got the workout in.

My P90X Story: Day 40

Legs and Back workout. Unfortunately, I didn't finish this post earlier, so I don't really remember much about the workout.

My P90X Story: Day 39

Yoga X....Didn't get done Thursday night. Did it this morning (Friday). I really think I need to switch to phase 2 of the diet. Just don't seem to have enough energy at the end of the day anymore. Had a good workout this morning though. Nice and relaxing. It was a bit more difficult at first than normal because I didn't really warm up my body before we started stretching, so most of the warrior poses were really killing me (almost to the point of cramping). But, by the end of it everything was warmed up and relaxed and feeling pretty good.

Planning on doing the Backa nd Legs workout tonight. Really need to get it in tonight so that I'm not constantly behind. Trying to decide what to do about Hawaii next week. I can take our chin-up bar and the bands, but since I haven't been using the bands for any of the workouts I won't know how much to do or what size to make the circles to make sure I get the right resistance. Also, haven't called yet to see what the fitness center has. Debating on just switching the Hawaii week to the rest week, and then doing the last week of this workout before I start the 4 weeks to finish it off before the last week of rest (I know that probably doesn't make much sense).

Basically, you normally do 3 weeks of workouts and then a 1 week rest. Except for the last set, it is 4 weeks of workouts and then 1 week of rest. I saying I might do 2 weeks of workouts 1 week of rest, then 5 weeks of workouts and the last week of rest to finish off the 90 days.

I'm open to suggestions. Everyone let me know what you think.

My P90X Story: Day 38

Shoulders and Biceps....Can I just say that I feel like I'm huge after this workout? It is a strange phenomenon that I noticed first in High School, and then in College. When you work out a body part (like biceps) when you get done, for the first little bit they are bulging. I think today was the first time that I have actually seen my biceps "pop" a little bit.

Did this workout Thursday morning instead of Wednesday night because I was just too tired. I think that maybe I need to switch to phase 2 of the diet plan now. I'm having harder time making it between snacks and meals without feeling hungry or totally drained of energy. I think that is probably a good sign that I should switch. Plan is to do the Yoga workout tonight (I know, double workouts). We'll see what happens.

My P90X Story: Day 37

Plyometric X...I think I say it every week, but I really enjoy doing this workout. Tony calls it the mother of all P90X workouts, but I think it is the most fun to do. Yeah, its hard. Yeah my legs are burning through most of the workout. Maybe it is just that the bonus portion of the workout is sports related and seem really fun to do. I don't know.

I am actually curious to see how doing this workout (along with the others) has affected my basketball game. I haven't had a chance to play much since we started. I look forward to the chance I get to do that again in the near future.

My P90X Story: Day 36

Chest, Shoulders & Triceps.....This workout really takes a lot out of me. Didn't get the workout in this morning or at night, so I did it Tuesday morning. Though, everytime I get done, I feel like my arms look huge. Maybe someday they will actually look as big as they feel when I finish this workout. Got the weights that I need down for this one pretty good. It should be interesting next week to see how things go since we will be going to Hawaii for a week. We don't leave until early Tuesday morning, so I may try to do the workout in the morning on Monday next week instead of waiting until the evening.

Wish me luck next week while we are in Hawaii.

My P90X Story: Day 35

Day of Rest. I love getting to rest from teh workouts. It feels really nice to take a day off. It is hard sometimes to want to keep going. Everything just seems so busy all the time that it is hard to do the workouts. I will keep pushing through. Almost halfway done.

My P90X Story: Day 34

Kenpo X tonight....I started way too late. Didn't feel like working out because I waited too long to get started. Didn't get started until about 10:30 PM. Should have started about 9:30 PM like I was going to, but got caught up doing some other things instead. It was a good workout. I'm glad that I did it. Day of rest tomorrow. Looking forward to that.

Weight still seems to be staying about the same. Haven't really been following the diet very well. Can't tell if that is the biggest problem or if I need to switch to phase two of the diet so that I have a little more energy to go harder during the workouts. I have been struggling a bit with energy during the day, but that is probably because I'm not getting enough sleep. Still happy with the results. Shirts are almost all too big now, and pants are much looser. I am on the very last notch (or first) on one of my belts. Its nice that all my clothes are starting to get too big, but bad at the same time because I really don't want to have to buy new clothes.

My P90X Story: Day 33

So...didn't do the workout at night like I was supposed to. Back and Legs workout. We were both just feeling so tired that we decided to hit the sack and do the workout in the morning.

So, we actually got up at 6:00 AM so that we could do the workout before we watched General Conference. We didn't quite make it through the workout before the kids woke up. It was a pretty tough workout. Planning on doing the Kenpo X workout tonight as well. We'll see how things go tonight.

My P90X Story: Day 32

Yoga X....I really hate this workout. I don't know what it is exactly, but I really don't look forward to this day. I think it is because this stuff shouldn't really be that hard (except for th flexibility part) and yet I sweat so bad that I have a hard time holding most of the poses because my arms are sliding off my legs or out of position.

At the same time, this workout is pretty relaxing by the end of it. I just wish that I were better at it. I'm sure that it will come with time.