DAY 90 - StetchyX OR Rest Day

Yep, you guessed it!

I chose REST DAY!!

There have been a couple of rest days since I finished, but I haven't been resting the whole time... I've been working out regularly - mostly pilates and interval training.

Now being through P90X a second time, I can confidently say - I'll do this again. I still love the amount of strength and endurance it builds in you... but more than anything, I LOVE how getting through this workouts leaves you feeling like a superhero. And honestly, there's no better post-workout feeling!!!

Thanks for reading along - it's been a great journey.

Overall, I lost 6 lbs and 14.5 inches. Good times!

DAY 89 - YogaX

I regret to inform you that I did NOT complete this workout... it's the 90 minutes part... I keep thinking I'll do it, but I end up doing other yoga or pilates videos... So, this video... it wins. It beat me. :)

I know 90 minutes of yoga is a long time, but this yoga workout is still really great. I actually think about this workout the most out of all of them... Ah, yoga.

DAY 88 - KenpoX

Hi - I'm still here...

Sorry, the end of my P90X experience didn't happen all easy-peasy, like I'd first expected... My parents came to visit, and I was hoping to complete more workouts while they were here, but in the end, I decided to take advantage of the time I had with them, and I delayed my ending until after their departure.

So, a couple of days late (4), I completed my Kenpo workout... (It was supposed to be Core, but I had mixed up the two earlier).

This is definitely a workout I'll continue to incorporate into my usual routine - probably with the weighted gloves still. I like how the gloves really bring it up a notch!

DAY 87 - StretchyX

Ooops... I was just looking at what I need to do tomorrow... and I realized that I did stretchyX a day too early...

This morning was supposed to be Kenpo!

Well, the stretchy video I did was no big craziness, but I've never found it to be a challenge. It's just "nice"... Maybe if I liked it more, I would have done it more often on Sundays instead of opting for the "rest" day...

DAY 86 - Core SynergistX

It's been awhile since I've done this video!! Wow.

And I can't believe how much I sweated!!

I find it a challenge to remember to keep your core engaged the whole time... Well, I get to do it one last time this week, so maybe I'll be able to do a great job at it - the last time! Ha!

DAY 85 - YogaX

The final week is FINALLY here!

I slept in a bit this morning... when you combo that with yoga - that leaves me in a slow, dreamlike, zen state - I'm late for work even by the time I'm pressing play... That's definitely what happened today. I used to be at work between 8 - 8:30... then I started to work later, so I adjusted my time... 8:30-9... Then on yoga days... 9:20...

But hey! It's the final week! (And I have yoga TWICE this week!!)

This morning's yoga went really well. I was really twisting and turning during the Warrior Three series. Did crane several times for several seconds... And then fell on my head (gently, and partially hit the pillow I put out in front of me)... I was REALLY great at plough/shoulder stands. It's incredible to think that the last time I did this program I couldn't even get into plough! I'm awesome.

And - I did a great job on Yoga Belly 7. I went for gold. :)

DAY 84 - Rest day!

Oh, you know how I love REST DAY! :)

I'll probably get out to do a walk today... and could still do the stretch video, I haven't ruled it out... I'm not that sore, which kind of surprises me after increasing all my weights this week. Each day I was sore, but the pain didn't really linger... it just to replaced by other screaming body parts and then forgotten. Not a bad way to roll. ;)

Here we are... on the eve of the LAST week! I know my shape has changed... it will be interesting to compare my measurements, weight and photos to my first week next Monday.

DAY 83 - KenpoX

Do you want to know something amazing? I've done this Kenpo video at least 12 times now since I started in January... And I can still feel like I'm REALLY working out. It hasn't become "old hat" - I've continued to find ways to really challenge myself. Interesting how doing a program like this doesn't just impact you physically, but mentally. I'm proud of myself always being present and creative and thoughtful during each of these workouts. There is a lot of repetition. But there's also the chance to show yourself how you can always find more in familiar movements.

Wax on. Wax off.

DAY 82 - Legs & Back

Ladies and gentlemen...

The moment we have all been waiting for...

I have filled in EVERY column of EVERY worksheet!!!

Incredible!!

And even more fabulous... I've completed Ab Ripper X for the last time! (Thank goodness!)

Before you can ask, yes, I brought it! I X'ed that workout!! Deeper lunges, more weight, more pull-ups... When you're calling yourself an animal after some of your sets... you HAVE to be doing something right!!!

Kenpo/Stretchy this weekend and then we're into my FINAL week!

TA DA!

DAY 81 - YogaX

"I know, I"m yelling too much for yoga!"

What a great workout today! I had actually considered doing one of the other (shorter) yoga videos since I slept in a bit... but then I just felt like I've come so far without switching up ANY workouts, why start now? So, I did YogaX and totally brought it.

And, yes, I rocked Yoga Belly 7 times. ;) It's funny how much more you can accomplish when you remind yourself that this is one of the last times you'll be doing the workout... (Yoga will be part of my "recovery week" next week, so this wasn't the last time).

I was thinking of my cousin during my workout, wondering how she's doing with the program, and then when I was having my breakfast, she sent me a note! (Crazy, right?) Anyway, her husband is a congressman - and got to workout in D.C. with TONY yesterday!! How awesome is that?

(Feels a little bit like "An American Tail" knowing that we were working out at the same time...underneath the same bright sky... LOL

DAY 80 - Back & Biceps

Oh the glamour workout...

I did some really GREAT work today... changed up my band and REALLY pushed it. Hello!??!

There were like 6 sets that have FOUR exclamation marks behind them... I'm a machine!

It's SO awesome to see a worksheet fill up! I only have ONE column remaining out of all my worksheets!! How crazy is that?? LOVE IT!

DAY 79 - Plyo

OK, this challenge that I gave myself to BRING IT for all of these final routines is sometimes CRAZY! I'm so impressed with the effort I put forward today. Especially my jump knee tucks and my rockstar hops... As you know, these have been a struggle for me since the start...but today... I rocked them! :)

DAY 78 - Chest, shoulders & triceps

BRING IT!!!

Like last week, this will be the last time I do these workouts this week - so I'm going to bring it all week.

Today was a GREAT start!!! Wow.

I switched to a harder band - and I think every note on my worksheets has a ! beside it...basically meaning... I can't believe I just did that!!! :)

My arms are going to feel it this week! Love it!

Now Ab Ripper X... That's a whole other deal... Thankfully enough, I ran out of time before my first appointment, so I had to end at Leg climbs... But, I didn't really mind...

DAY 77 - Rest day!

I have a lot on my plate today... and I enjoyed a bit of a sleep in... so, I'm QUITE thankful for a rest day today!

My legs were so tight still this morning that I got up and went and soaked them in the hot tub... It was great to just sit and soak. Nice down time.

This is it... The eve of the last "weights" week... and then "recovery" week... and then we're done... It's so crazy that the end is SO near!

DAY 76 - KenpoX

I received a new Kenpo video from B1X when I saw him a couple of weeks ago...and contemplated doing it today... but then thought I may as well just keep using this video until the end... Go classic all the way. ;)

My legs were SO tight all day yesterday - and they still were this morning. OUCH! So, it was great to get some kicks in there and loosen things up!

I sweated like a mad beast today! Sometimes it's quite fabulous to just workout in your own living room and not have to worry about running into anyone at the gym... :)

DAY 75 - Legs & Back

I can't believe this is the second last time for Legs & Back... It's so crazy to just have one column left!

Great workout this morning. I have been pushing it harder all week - and today is NO exception... but I'll tell you... I can definitely feel my "curling" muscles!! Oh my!

DAY 74 - Yoga X

Well, after thinking yesterday that there would be no way I could do all the "optional" push-ups between all my downward dogs... It's nice to know that I'm not that smart! That's now how it went down AT ALL!! I rocked it.

I did struggle with crane a bit... but WAY better than before!

I just wish that when we're doing "corpse" pose at the end that he would take more time for it... :(

DAY 73 - Shoulders & arms

So, this week, at work, there is a corporate curling bonspiel on... We played our first game on Monday and on Tuesday, my team was commenting on areas they were sore... and I wasn't. We played again yesterday, and again, I thought it was no big deal... Well... you pair that up with doing Shoulders & Arms today - and man oh man!! I'm sore and it's not even the next day yet...

I hope that tomorrow when I'm doing YogaX I have enough strength for my downward dogs... but I doubt I'll be adding the optional push-ups between!

The workout itself this morning was really good. It's the last time I'll do this video in the program... How crazy is that? The end is VERY near! In honour of my last time through, I increased my weight on everything. It was TOUGH! I was very happy when I made it through... Although, I followed it up with Ab Ripper X and I can't believe how poorly I did in that video this morning... well, except for the Mason Twists - which I completed! (Big accomplishment for me... I usually stop at 40 reps).

Hopefully I can brush my teeth tomorrow...

DAY 72 - Plyo

Due to my recovery from my cold, I did take things a bit easier this morning... I wanted to get through it, challenge myself, but not set my recovery back... And, I have to say, I was surprised at what I was able to keep up to normal pace. There were a couple of things that I did modify... and one set that I skipped.

Keeping a close eye on my heart-rate monitor, I was still around the same BPM that I usually am.

Good workout. Lots of sweat!

DAY 71 - Chest & back

I'm back!

I did do the stretch video on Saturday, but didn't do yoga yesterday.

This morning we got back on the horse and hit chest & back - HARD! I matched most of the reps that I did the last time - and really pushed myself - especially on the pull-ups. Also, I moved up to one of the hardest resistance bands I have just to really push me over the edge for the other resistance sets. My arms and back are a little sore right now... although, I did just curl for the first time ever tonight... So, chances are, it's feeling some strain from being used differently...

And, I did Ab Ripper X along with the video... It's hard-er (In my mind, that's said just like Tony). It was a challenge!! I can't believe how hard that video is STILL!

OOPS!!

Oh my goodness! I haven't posted since March 14th! I knew it had been awhile... but I didn't realize it was THAT long!

Well, you'll be happy to know that on March 15, 16, 17 and 18th - I completed my workouts!

On March 19th and 20th I was visiting my family... and didn't workout... You would think that because I was in the same house as my younger brother, B2X, who is doing his own modified version of the program, that we would have helped each other stay on track... But, he had to work early, and barely made it to work on time as it was... and being that it was a "vacation" for me - I didn't set an alarm...

On Monday March 21st, we were back in action. He and I did Chest, Shoulders & Triceps along with Ab Ripper X together. It was fun having someone to workout beside! But it was also interesting that at times I found it distracting and couldn't push myself further... Or maybe it was just the change in venue and time of day...?

After our workout, B2X made us Recovery Drinks (from Beachbody). Tony talks about recovery drink in the videos all the time... and I have to say... they ARE GREAT! I love the smooth orange-vanilla flavour of the recovery drink... But, point of interest - B2X and I both got a little shakey afterwards. Sometimes we do shake, and it can be a little unnerving. He and I just shrug it off. But, it was interesting to see us both shaking after our workout... I'm going to pay more attention to this, because I don't feel like I've been as shaky in Winnipeg... Curious.

Tuesday (22) and Wednesday (23) I worked out in my hotel room while I was on the "business" portion of my trip. It was funny on Wednesday trying to find somewhere to do a pull-up from... but ultimately looped my resistance band around the leg of the bed. Worked great!

Thursday morning I was not feeling well. I skipped Yoga and slept in as much as I could. :(

Friday March 25th, I had more time on my hands, being back on "vacation", and I did Legs & Back at my sister's apartment... Once again, I was troubled with finding somewhere to do my pull-ups... I used their couch, but it wasn't heavy enough. For one rep I made my brother-in-law sit on the arm of the couch, that was perfect! I skipped Ab Ripper, too tired and I didn't have the video or my handy email on me.

Friday night I hung out with B1X and his family. He and I got to discuss a couple of technique issues I was having... particularly around Crane. So, we both did our best crane poses and found that I am WAY more vertical than he is... But couldn't really find a solution... I was still feeling under the weather so we didn't do a lot in his new training room. I didn't even try any pullups... which I was intending to do.

My brother's crane:


My crane:


My 2.5 year old nephew's crane:


On Saturday March 26th, I skipped my workout. I was getting much sicker at this point... and my sister and I were hungry!

Sunday March 27th, totally sick. Woke up in Toronto after a night out with girlfriends. I was exhausted! And - I only had a couple of hours before flying back to Winnipeg.

Upon my return to Winnipeg... I wasn't fighting a cold... I WAS SICK!!! Two days off work, but all week have not been feeling well, so I couldn't even contemplate a workout! Today, I am going to attempt StretchyX just to get me back in the swing of things! I might do yoga tomorrow... And then Monday, we'll REALLY do week 11!

I only have three weeks left!

DAY 57 - Chest & Back

It's been WEEKS since I've done this workout! And wow! It still kills me!

I changed up my resistance bands around the door. The other one just wasn't challenging enough. I went for one of the toughest bands I have - and wow - now THAT'S resistance! Why didn't I START with that one? SO HARD!

So, there's a small concern I have... Now that I'm slimming down, I believe one of the places on my body with the most difference are my feet... but not really in a good way... They are SO vein-y now! And not just veins you can see through the skin like shadowed webs... They're BIG - I-pump-a-lot-of-blood-veins. It's crazy!

Anyway, good workout this morning. I'm looking forward to attacking Plyo tomorrow.

DAY 56 - Rest

Slowly, I am becoming the laziest fit person I know... Hee hee! Just kidding, but every now and then, it's nice to hibernate and not do much.

So, no stretching for me. Just rest.

DAY 55 - YogaX

Oooooommmmmmm....

I did my yoga workout this morning - and sweated like no one's business! By the time I got to all the triangle poses, sweat was just dripping off my nose/brow every time I leaned over.

There are only two poses now that I'm still using the yoga block, for everything else that I originally used it for, I'm now able to fully put my hand on the floor and maintain balance.

My seated hamstring stretches are also coming along - I was able to press my nose to my knee on both sides this morning.

I'm turning into Gumby.

DAY 54 - CoreX

I was talking to a friend last night and she asked me how P90X was going and if I am still doing all the Superman-Bananas. Being that I do "Core" so seldom during the 90 days, it was funny that she asked me on the eve of a Core workout. The best part is - she complains about it and says that she hates it - but I don't think she's ever done it - just watched her husband do it!! She's cute.

So, yes, I took on Core for the second time this week. And, I know, you're not going to be surprised at this point - but I rocked it!!

I did 10 prison cell push-ups!!!!

And I did 9 Dreya Rolls - without awkwardly pushing myself up off the ground!!

I found the lunges with the arm extensions a little difficult... I'm wondering if it's from my weighted glove action in Kenpo on Wednesday...?

DAY 53 - StretchyX

Ahhh... StretchyX...

I do enjoy this video... and I'm surprised that I do choose to rest more often than to do Stretchy on Sundays... I love that there's a big focus on the shoulders and the hips. I hold a lot of tension in both places.

And, I'm getting SO good at shoulder stands/plough! It's getting to the point where I can't even remember how or why I found it difficult... :) I guess all I need to do is go back and read a couple of the early entries...

DAY 52 - KenpoX

Pretty funny experience this morning... I went to bed and woke up thinking that this morning's workout was YogaX... But I had this feeling of doubt before I started, checked my calendar... KENPOX!

What a mental shift!!!

Although, I have a feeling that if it were the reverse and I was totally expecting Kenpo and it was actually Yoga... I may not have made the shift as easy!

I did a great job through this workout!! I work the weighted gloves through the whole routine and by the end... I could really feel it!! I did a couple of the moves all from one foot - just like Tony! :) Still love "the other" Tony the most in this video. (Well, besides, THE Tony - without which there'd be no direction or jokes...)

DAY 51 - Core

"Superman! Banana! Superman! Banana!"

There's actually a post by BeachBody on Facebook right now asking people what their favourite Tony Horton phrases are so they can collect ideas on what to put on some of the new P90X gear... At first I was only thinking about the ones that would make sense to anyone who'd see it... (Or at least *some* sense) But then realized how powerful it was as I was going through the posted responses from others - quoting some of my favourite lines - and how ALL P90X grads have this inside scoop... They've all worked out with Tony, one-on-one for 90 days. Interesting how one of the most solitary workout programs out there can unite thousands of people...

Core was good this morning... It's hard to find a complaint about Core. There are some things that I still find challenging (bouncing back up from Dreya rolls - top of the list), but this is one of the few workouts that you RARELY do throughout all 90 days, so how can I give it any flack...? ;)

BTW - feeling much better today. Happy International Women's Day!

DAY 50 - YogaX

The start of recovery week... Almost didn't happen...

I woke up this morning with horrible cramps. Horrible. And I didn't want to get up. I didn't want to wake up. I didn't want to uncurl from my fetal position. But... with the faint hope that it would make me feel better - I went for it. Even as I was starting the video... I just wanted to go back to bed. I had to broker a deal with myself that I had to get through the first 20 minutes first...

Well, I did, and then I just kept going. Why not?

Unfortunately, fitness and diet don't play as big of a role in my monthly cycle as I had hoped. (And no, I don't care if you're reading this and your a boy - suck it up, this is something we experience monthly in order to keep our civilization alive)

So, from all the superhero moments I've had - weights lifted, push-ups executed... Today was one of the biggest achievements yet! And all I had to do to earn it was get out of bed!!!

DAY 49 - Rest

Ahhhh.... Rest day...

DAY 48 - KenpoX

Before I forget - again - let me tell you what happened yesterday! I broke my resistance band. In half. Two pieces.

It was the band that I had looped around the door for pull-ups. So, I have a feeling it got squeezed between the door and the jam... I put up another resistance band to replace it - it has like a "sleeve" over it... So, I was thinking it could protect it from the same fate... however... The "sleeve" prevents it from being extended really far... So, I'm going to need to learn a whole new stance/positioning arrangement so that I can find the "burn" with this one... Or replace it. My other bands are Beachbody ones, and I'm more protective of them - because they're like Minushka dolls... they get gradually harder... So I don't want to miss a "step" in that graduation... Anyway, I have time to work it out - next week is RECOVERY WEEK again! (Already?! I know... I thought the same thing.)

Kenpo this morning was good. I spent the first part trying to really focus on my knees and the depth of my "fight" stance. The second part, I focused on my arms, and even grabbed my weighted gloves from TurboJam and did the rest of the video wearing them. It gave an nice extra level of resistance. I liked that.

DAY 47 - Legs & back

It was quite a difference this morning - doing the workout this morning compared to last Friday! Better concentration > better balance > better workout. Good times!

I was still feeling my arms today from my workout on Wednesday.

And I'm already feeling my legs from this morning!

DAY 46 - Yoga

I am a yoga master.

I know I've mentioned this before - but I can't believe how quickly your body temperature rises when doing this yoga video. I started with a polar fleece sweater done right up to my chin - and I was still cold. (Part of me wishing I was still in my warm bed... the other part of me thinking about grabbing a blanket off the couch) and then about 6 mins in... zipper goes down...10 mins in... sweater off... 20 mins in... turn a fan on...

Seriously! It's incredible.

Did a great job this morning. My focus was on sinking into everything deeper by using my breath. And, I could really notice a difference.

Right now... my biceps are really sore from yesterday's workout!

Feels good being closer to the END of the program now instead of the start!

DAY 45 - Back & biceps

HALF-WAY!!!!

WOOT! WOOT!!!

I am so proud of myself for making it to the half-way point without missing a day!!! Hopefully I can get through the rest of the program maintaining my perfect attendance!

This morning's workout was SERIOUS. I pushed further on each set. I was really impressed with some of the reps I got through. Yes, definitely a day I was calling myself a superhero!!

DAY 44 - Plyo

Movin' and groovin' workout.

My brother, B2X, hates this workout! And I love it!

This morning I totally pushed it - and I did all of the knee tuck jumps and *almost* all of the rockstar hops!!! This is INCREDIBLE! So proud of myself!

Awesome.

And... I don't know if you've noticed... but tomorrow is the HALF-WAY POINT! WOOT! WOOT!

DAY 43 - Chest, shoulders & triceps

Monday, Monday...

So, as you may recall - this workout is HARD! One-handed push-ups... Push-ups with claps between... Man!

The good part...

I'm getting better at every move! There are still a couple of types of push-ups that I need to do from my knees in this workout, but I know that will change... eventually...

I've also made a lot of progress with Ab Ripper X! I am almost at 50 Mason twists at the end.

DAY 42 - Rest or Stretch...?

REST!

I probably should have made it a stretch day... but I just wasn't feeling it...

I started a detox program with my homeopath - and I don't know if it was the detox, my body just needing rest, or what... but I was SO tired today! So, I took it easy!

DAY 41 - KenpoX

After a really great night's sleep - I was ready to rock this workout.

It was great!

Surprisingly enough - one of my favourite parts - were the cardio breaks. Between the sets of jabs, punches, kicks - there are "water breaks" where you run on the spot, do jumping jacks, and then X jumps - you do a standard jumping jack, but jump off the ground with your arms and legs stretched out like an X. I love the X jumps.

DAY 40 - Legs & Back

My balance was ALL OVER THE PLACE through this workout!

There are a large number of one-legged exercises - and all of them were a bit wonky.

I'm really rocking the resistance band for the pull-ups. In case you were wondering... ;)

UPDATE:

I can't believe I overlooked this part of my update - this workout was the first one I did at the end of the day. And it was SO hard to focus - and as I did mention above - hard to balance.

So, the other part I didn't mention... I ordered pizza for dinner - with the promise that I would still do my workout. A promise is a promise... ;)

DAY 39 - YogaX

PLOW WARRIOR!!!

Kids - I'm FINALLY able to do the whole plow/shoulder stands sequence!

So proud of myself.

Last time I was doing P90X, I resented the yoga workout... about 1/2 way through, I started using a shorter video from Tony Horton - "Fountain of Youth."

This time though, I'm not as frustrated or concerned about the length of the workout. I just seem to get in the zone and stay there... This time it took me until about 20 mins in to get in the zone... but then I did... and then it just flows.

I like that.

DAY 38 - Back & biceps

Great workout this morning! I changed up my resistance band to a harder one - and really challenged myself. I might really regret it tomorrow, but only time will tell... ;)

I'm glad that workout was a success... it helped make up for the fact that I do not like ab ripper x, Sam I am. I do not like green eggs and ham. It's SO hard!

The good part about this mornings tackling of Ab ripper X - I went through it fast! And - it actually felt like it was working my stomach today - now that my hipflexors aren't so mad at me...

DAY 37 - PlyoX

I had a blog entry half written in my mind this morning as I was finishing my workout... but now it's gone. I'd write in the morning, but I'm worried it would make me late for work...

My workout was really good this morning. It was intense and sweaty. And I'm doing SO much better at my rockstar hops and knee jumps.

But man - do my arms hurt from Monday's workout... There are these little pockets of soreness... Wow.

DAY 36 - Chest, shoulders & triceps

OK, it went better than last week - let me just start with that...

But I've been done my workout for over 30 mins and I'm still shaky!! What an intense workout! I still can't believe they put one-arm push-ups AND clap push-ups in the same video - and both in the second half of the workout... KILLER!

Noticed something interesting though... In the other arms routine, they have tricep side raises at the end - as part of the "bonus round" - and I can do over 26 per side. (Superhero!) However, in this workout, they've also included the same exercise - but I can barely get to 17! See, the workout is THAT intense. :)

It almost every set, I pushed myself to add ONE more rep - and in most cases I did that! So, it was a great workout - I know my body is feeling it and I feel like I have an extra boost in ME credits getting through that challenge!

(Yes, I just invented "ME credits" - since I don't know the difference between self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth to adequately describe what I'm feeling)

Oh - and let's not forget the icing on the cake today - Ab Ripper X. Holy goodness was that hard to get through. In many ways, I think doing my workout at 5:30, with the time pressure of getting to work on time helps push me through my workout - and limits the amount of mental babble that can work against me (depreciating my ME credits). I took several mini-breaks - but managed to get through it all... Oh, didn't do as many V-roll ups as I was supposed to - but did as many as I could.

I also added a couple of extra hip stretches at the end in hopes of loosening up that joint after it was worked so hard. I still can't believe how much my hips feel that ab workout.

DAY 35 - StretchyX

Well, the time finally came for me to have a stretchy day instead of a rest day... My legs were still SOOOOOO SORE when I woke up this morning from my Legs & back workout on Friday! Friday! Isn't this crazy?

What I am most impressed with is how sore I am after a video I've now done 4 times (not during my recovery week). I guess for the most part I've just started challenging myself farther than before... So, we'll award a point to the video for the workout provided - and bonus points for me for Bringing IT!

So, today's stretch was much needed... but I think I might still need a soak in the tub or whirlpool...

DAY 34 - KenpoX

I'm a fighting machine!

Even with my super sore legs! I think this was the first time I really, truly did not want to get out of bed!!! My butt is SO SORE! And I'm realizing *just* how involved my butt muscles are involved in EVERYTHING! It's awful!

With all that being said - once I started the video I was right into it. And, I was a lean, mean fighting machine! I was on my game!

Good times.

DAY 33 - Legs & back

Wow.

Legs & back is the strength workout that hasn't changed this week... I thought it would be easy, breezy...

WRONG.

It was SO tough! I didn't even conquer the one-leg wall-squats like I did once before!

This is going to leave me sore tomorrow...

DAY 32 - YogaX

Interesting session this morning... I did some things better than ever before... plow/shoulder stands... and did some things much worse! When we were doing all the right angle / triangle poses - I couldn't find my balance... And then I was GREAT at tree pose! Who will ever really know...

But, I will admit to really enjoying sitting in child's pose while everyone in the video did crane pose... You have to balance ALL of your body weight just on your hands - while having your feet tucked up onto the backs of your arms... your head is angled towards the floor... and there is the possibility that you could smash your face... even though Tony warns you to get a pillow and place it in front of you - just in case...

Once again it had me feeling all zen... but then I snapped out of it... and it wasn't a good snap today... it was like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed... But, I was also late eating my morning snack... so that probably had something to do with it (like 95%).

DAY 31 - Back and biceps

Hello back! Hello biceps!

The glamour muscles, as Tony likes to call them...

The interesting part about doing pull-ups is that I don't have my resistance band coming from a high angle... so finding the "money spot" is hard some times... But there were a couple of sets today that I was *right* in the zone - and they were challenging! I can always do WAY more on resistance bands than with a pull-up bar... but I do miss the pull-up bar at the Fortress - and being able to put one foot up on the back of the couch... It was challenging - but not deadly.

Ab Ripper X has now been added back in on all the "strength" days (Mon, Wed, Fri) - and it's HARD. I'm not even following the video - I'm following pictures and instructions and take all sorts of mini breaks and go at my own pace... but my outer hip muscles... Oh, they are NOT liking all this ab work... I laughed today at work and invoked pain all across my abdomen....

Yoga tomorrow... I better get to bed!!!

DAY 30 - Plyo

I am going to be honest here... I did NOT want to get out of bed... and I did NOT think I was going to be able to do a full workout. My arms - especially between my shoulders and the front of my chest - and my hip flexors... SORE.

But - here's the key to P90X - you have to press play... do your best... and forget the rest.

And they're right!

Although I was sore - I am WAY more agile than I was even last week - so jumping around - it doesn't seem so hard - ONCE you get started. I wouldn't have known that if I'd stayed in bed.

Truth.

DAY 29 - Chest, shoulders, triceps

OH.


MY.


GOODNESS!!!


Hardest workout - ever.

There were a couple of sets that I could barely do 6 reps - one handed push-ups and the push-ups where you clap between - yeah, those. I had to take a rest between almost each rep...

Take note, ladies and gents... because if I get to the point where I can knock out 20 reps... I'm gonna want a trophy.

DAY 28 - Rest day

My brother, B1X, sent me a note the other day - he and my younger brother, B2X, finally started the program... we were *supposed* to do this together... Anyway...........He is going to make sure he does StretchyX on every rest day to see if it improves his flexibility.

I considered it on Sunday.

But still chose not to do it. It's just so great to have the day free from making the time to work out... It also could have been that it was the rest day following Recovery Week... So, really, what could I be that sore from...??

DAY 27 - YogaX

This was funny this morning... It's Saturday, and I didn't have anything big planned today, so I slept in. And then, like every other morning, got immediately dressed in my workout clothes and started my routine.

But I was SOOOO not centered. I was probably 12 minutes into the video, and I decided to pause it - regroup - drink some water - close my eyes and get focused. I had been off balance, shaky and thinking about how I didn't really want to do it... But, after I regrouped - MUCH better and I just zoned in on what needed to get done in every movement. However, probably should have paused the video again and repeated that process when it came to the balance postures... I really didn't do well... :(

The coolest part about doing yoga this morning - feeling my leg muscles! Holy goodness! I've got some awesome muscles taking shape all over the place - and especially in my legs right now. It's really cool to see them "popping" up... I also have more veins showing... which I don't think is as cool... Who knew SO much blood had to circulate through your feet? So many veins there!

DAY 26 - CoreX

Second time around with CoreX - there were some things that I did MUCH better this time around... and some things that continue to plague me.

Better: lunge work - I had really great balance for this workout, so I was able to get deep into my lunges. Prison cell push-ups - I did a full 10.

Plaguing: Dreya rolls... seriously - from lying on your back, roll up, PUSH yourself up to standing - this is NOT happening... I end up favouring one side and doing this awkward push up... It's not pretty. Bow to Boat... I'm great at boat... but due to the tight hips/quads... grabbing my ankles for bow in such a quick movement (in order to keep up with the group) super hard for me. BUT - there are instances where I am able to grab both ankles and hold bow pose - and that's MUCH better than ever before!

And once again, sweated like you wouldn't believe.

DAY 25 - StretchyX

I gotta say - I LOVE recovery week! Every workout feels like a treat - like a little spa trip. I know... for those of you who didn't wake up every morning with me for the first 3 weeks doing hardcore workout stuff - you might not appreciate the "reward" - but it's definitely there.

This was actually the first time I have done the StretchyX video this time around (I doubt it's really called StretchyX - I like putting an X on to the end of every workout name, in case you haven't noticed... but Beachbody only used it for certain workouts). I really enjoyed it - and so did my hips, quads and hamstrings. My shoulders are still a little tight - but not like my hips/quads/hams - they are TIGHT! But, I do feel they're loosening throughout P90X, so hopefully, by the end of my 90 days they'll be in a much better condition.

Funny, other people do this solely focused on "getting cut" - and I'm really focused on making sure ALL areas of my body are strong - and flexible.

DAY 24 - KenpoX

Ok, so I thought I had a choice... that I could do Kenpo or I could do the stretch video... and I was going to write this post full of drama about my choice... but then I checked to see what I'm supposed to be doing tomorrow... And realized that I'd combined them in my mind... Kenpo today... Stretchy tomorrow.

Kenpo this morning was nothing but good times... However, kept losing my balance/focus when I was doing one of the last combinations. In your "stance" (one foot leading, hips facing the corner/angled) you punch one hand out towards the tv, and the other towards the back wall (while looking at the back wall)... then you kick straight towards the tv with the front foot, and then kick your back foot behind you (mule kick) towards the back wall.

When you're doing it - and you're in the groove - no biggie. For some reason this morning, I couldn't really get into the groove... it was odd.... But whatevs. Shake it off, move on.

DAY 23 - CoreX

There are workouts that I complete, which afterwards, I feel like a superstar... or like I climbed Mount Everest... And ladies and gentlemen... that's TOTALLY how I felt this morning.

What a challenging workout!!!

All core/balance. It's a great workout... but man! It pushes you!

And I was sweating profusely!

Gold star for me!

DAY 22 - YogaX

What? Yoga on a Monday??

Yes, everyone, it's...

RECOVERY WEEK!!!

YAY!!!

So, all week long - there will be a change from the "everyday" - Yoga today... Core SynergistiX tomorrow (Aren't you excited? This will be the first time that I do this workout this time around!)

Good times!

This morning's Yoga was great. I even did most of the plow/shoulder stands exercises that have been troubling me from the first go-around with P90X.

Stay tuned for tomorrow...

DAY 21 - Rest day

I love rest days!!!

Especially - rest days that lead into "Recovery Week"!!!

I have to say, for really "BRINGING IT" this week - I didn't experience as much muscle soreness as expected! That was a really nice treat!

DAY 20 - KenpoX

Remember last week? I said I was going to stop watching Vanessa... Smart move. I picked up so many other form pointers from the other two guys - Wesley and The Other Tony. It was great!

And, since it was such a mild morning - and I was working out at 8:30, instead of 5:30 - my apartment was so much warmer - and I was sweating buckets!!! It was funny - that's how I remembered doing Kenpo - was sweating SO much! But when you're working out early in the morning...in Winnipeg...in the winter... It's a bit cooler of a "work environment"!!

Still really enjoy Kenpo - and the challenge to really dig into everything so I'm feeling it.

DAY 19 - Legs and back

Ok... I'll admit... I'm writing this from memory... I can't believe I haven't posted in days!

The thing I remember most about Friday morning... Dr. Ho's amazing back brace... and Wall-sits.

So, I start my workout just after 5:30 every morning... And that is peak time for infomercials! So, there's this one that has been on at least 3 times while I've been setting up - Dr. Ho's back brace... It's this brace you can put around your back, you add air to it and it relieves pressure off your spine. And then he has these massager things...that are even supposed to help you workout your abs... Yes - it's tempting!!

Why workout when you can just buy something in 3 easy payments that will do it for you???

Wall sits - I rocked these on Friday! I was SO impressed. First you do basic ones - back against a wall, knees at 90 degrees... and then you do ones where you raise one leg straight out - so your thighs are still at the same height - but one foot is in the air - the other is FIRMLY pressed to the ground. I was challenging myself - since this was the last "weights" routine of this phase - and ever exercise - I went beyond where I had been the week before. Pretty impressive!

DAY 18 - YogaX

Once again... I was very zen this morning after yoga... and once again, I was later than my usual time arriving at work! Maybe I'll have to block off that first hour every Thursday morning until the program's done so I don't mistakenly miss a meeting because I'm too zen to get a move on... ;)

The workout this morning was really good. One of the things that I liked the least the last time I went through this program were all the vinyasas... I think you do vinyasas between each pose for AN HOUR of the 1:32 duration of the video. My goodness!! Anyway - I'm not finding them as challenging - or as annoying - as I did last time. I haven't added any push-ups to my vinyasas yet, but I could.

I tried getting into plow pose again - I did better than last week, probably closer to my attempt the first week. So, maybe there is still hope for me yet!

I can't believe on Monday I will have my "repair" week already! You get one every 4 weeks of the program. Can you believe it that I'm almost done week 3? It seems crazy! Only two workouts left!

DAY 17 - Shoulders & arms

I am BRINGING IT!!!

My goodness ladies and gentlemen... week 1 was a warm-up, I was taking things a little easy. Week 2 I started to challenge myself... but week 3 - I am PUSHING myself! Wow. I can't believe what I can all accomplish!

I'm still a master at the side-tri raises... Tony thinks it's incredible that Dreya can do 26... Well, buddy, so can I. I can do more than that, I'm sure... But they actually hurt the side of my thigh... It's strange.

Anyway, it was a great work out! I need to keep this brief so I can get to bed and rest up for YogaX tomorrow!!

DAY 16 - PlyoX

As I noted yesterday, I tend to think and proclaim that I'm a superstar during my workouts...

Well, that's all well and good... but a "rockstar" I am not....yet.

In PlyoX you are asked to do "rockstar hops" - so, you pretend you have the neck of the guitar in one hand that's held out from your body, higher than your shoulder, then the other hand swings around, as if you're strumming the guitar... and then... the hard part - from a stationary position, you jump, tucking your legs under so that they *could* hit your butt... Like you're a rockstar, hopping across the stage with your guitar...

I cannot do these. Yet.

There are two jumps in this video that I really struggle with, the rockstar hops, and the knee tucks...? I can't remember what the other ones are called right now - but you jump straight up and instead of tucking your feet to your butt, you bring them up to your chest...

Kills me.

Both of them make me feel uncoordinated and made out of lead... Maybe with time that will change...? Stay tuned and we'll both find out!

DAY 15 - Chest and back

Laides and gentlemen... I know I will surpass this number in coming weeks... but this morning, I did

502 push-ups!

And I will admit to you... when I do a set that is really beyond what I thought I could do - I pump my hands in the air and say "I'm a star!" or... if it's really amazing "I'm a super star!" ;)

But seriously, if you were doing 502 push-ups... wouldn't you be saying that too??

(Please note - these were spread out during my 60 min work out - I didn't do 502 in a row!)

DAY 14 - Rest day!

Wahoo!!! Another rest day!

I first woke just before my alarm normally goes off, but convinced myself (somehow...) to go back to sleep... Then at 7 am, I woke again... And thought that I wouldn't fall asleep again.. but I did.. and it was wonderful to sleep in until 8:30!

I actually think that I probably should have done StretchyX because my hamstrings have been SUPER tight lately... But alas, it was easier for me to do other things around my apartment... like make my food for the week and clean... (Anything to stay inside and avoid the cold, cold Manitoba weather!!)

DAY 13 - KenpoX

I was a sweating machine during this workout!!

And, I've also determined that from now on, I'm following the other guy on the video - NOT Vanessa. I didn't like Vanessa the first time through, and I still don't. No offence to her, I'm sure she's a nice person... But I just don't think she has the best form... Now, the other guy - whose name I believe is also Tony... he has GREAT form! So, I'm now going to follow him.

At the end, you have to do these vertical punches from your waist. It's great - when you have good form!

This is the second Saturday in a row that I woke at my regular time (5:30 am) to work out before enjoying the rest of my day. And, for the second weekend in a row - it was a great decision. It would have been so easy to have returned home from snow shoeing last weekend, or from giving my friend a tour of downtown Winnipeg and just shut down... In either case, it would have been way too easy to skip KenpoX!

DAY 12 - Legs and back

Remember back to last week - when I couldn't believe how great i was at doing wall squats? They KILLED me this morning. My legs were burning like no one's business!

Great workout this morning. I continue to be impressed with my ability to get up at 5:30 every morning - and pushing play.

I still haven't decided yet if I'll do Kenpo in the morning before meeting up with my friend AK... or if I'll do it after we're done hanging out... Tough call right now.

Side note - in the legs and back workout - there are 3-4 exercises they don't demonstrate with a resistance band... I think I might get creative....

DAY 11 - YogaX

"Yoga Belly X my brother"

There was a moment during the yoga program this morning, where I laid my head down on the mat following an upward dog... and I thought... I could fall asleep right here...

But I didn't.

When I ended the Yoga video today, I did what I always do... put my equipment away and then go into the kitchen to eat the protein portion of my breakfast before I shower... And so, I knew I was kind of dawdling... but wasn't really concerned... I glanced at the clock - I was 40 minutes behind my usual schedule!! It was crazy!!

But what was even crazier was - It didn't change my speed! I continued to move at my turtle pace for the rest of the morning - even after I got to work!! I was in such a zen-state though... I didn't even care.

I gotta admit... it was pretty nice!

p.s. all of my hopes about doing Plow this time around were set back today... I'm still not there... nor can I do crane... :(

DAY 10 - Shoulders & arms

It's funny... the first time around, I was thinking - man, I can totally rock all of this... And then, I began this week focused on using weights/reps that challenged me... And... taking that road less traveled has made all the difference...

For any resistance band users out there - it's interesting to do two programs using bands (P90X and ChaLEAN Extreme) - there are different tips in both - but really, the best way to use the bands is to use a combination of what BOTH programs teach... There are several exercises in this workout that are WAY better with bands - based on the positioning (standing to do tricep kickbacks when Tony is on the floor)...

Once again... I hope I'm able to brush my teeth tomorrow... :)

DAY 9 - PlyoX

I was full of such bravado last week... "Plyo's great fun!"

This morning - not so much. I got my butt kicked! And sweated buckets!! I'm not really complaining - it's great to get through a good workout!

The funny part was - it left me starving ALL day! Each snack/meal I had could only sustain me for about 90 mins... and then I was SUPER hungry again.

This is not common.

So, I had all of my snacks/meals closer together - and then went to watch a movie - and didn't get hungry enough to open my Vega bar during it... So, I must be curbing my hunger...

(Don't fret little readers - I eat very well, and very consistently. If I continue like this tomorrow, I'll make a new game plan.)

Anyway, I'm glad I got through the workout - and I have a feeling, I'll feel the same way through the other workouts this week! ;)

DAY 8 - Chest and back

Here we go again!! Week 2 begins!

Great workout this morning! I did even better with my push-ups than last week. Last week, I started getting rug burn on the heels of my hands, but today, I mostly used my push-up stands, and also rolled out my yoga mat for the ones I couldn't use a stand for. It made a world of difference!!

Something else I did today - I took a look back at the number of push-ups I was doing during Weeks 1&2 last time around... AND... I was doing the same amounts - but from my knees! Now, I call that a DEFINITE improvement!

I guess that's why I keep feeling like a superhero. ;)

DAY 7 - Rest day

Ahhh... how wonderful!! A day of rest!

And rest - I did!!

I slept in. I read a book. I went and got groceries. I cooked. I talked on the phone. I watched TV. I wrote a blog entry...

It was really great to have such a relaxing day!

And now tomorrow, it all starts again! I'm ready for it!

DAY 6 - KenpoX

It's Saturday.

And I voluntarily woke up at 5:30am so I could do KenpoX before starting my day!

What!?! Who is this woman I've become??? LOL

I'm REALLY proud of myself for doing this. Even half-way through my workout, I knew it was a fabulous decision.

The Kenpo routine didn't have me sweating as much as I remember it doing so before...? It might have something to do with the fact it's -35 degrees outside... Who knows... But, it's still a fun workout. I think of Plyo and Kenpo as both being "fun" - I really enjoy them - especially this one - it just keeps going. You never really slow down, but work at a steady pace through the whole hour.

Good times.

Now on to my day - where I get to embrace the fact that I'm not just fit... I'm also ACTIVE!

Get out of the gym ladies and gentlemen. Don't just do a "workout" - be active! Use your body!!

(And yes, I might regret that big claim tomorrow morning...)

p.s. Taking my before photos before heading out... I'm REALLY looking forward to the transformation my body is about to go through!

DAY 5 - Legs & Back

It's interesting to notice what I'm MUCH better at this time around... And, legs & back - I GOT!

In the summer I did the Chalean Extreme program (also offered through Beachbody, like P90X). And, I have to admit, there have been some aches and pains this week that I NEVER experienced with that workout... So, I was beginning to wonder if it had any impact to my overall fitness...

It did.

Last time I did P90X, Legs & Back nearly killed me... Wall squats? What? Ladies and gentlemen - no biggie. Squats, speed skating lunges... no biggie. So, although there are areas of my arms/abs/hamstrings that are feeling the pain... There are some things that I KNOW I've improved on.

But, I have the same beef as when I first started this program... The workout sheets are not complete. I think there should be a comment box for the "non-weight" exercises. Not everyone has a blog to look back on... ;)

DAY 4 - YogaX

OH. MY. GOSH.

Even after doing Yoga for 90 mins this morning... I am still SORE! My muscles loosen up after a couple of minutes of movement... but getting past those couple of minutes feels like an eternity - during which I feel like I'm 90!!

It's so interesting about this Yoga workout - you start off cool or cold (like me this morning) and then SUDDENLY - you're sweating. I remembered that about this workout - as soon as it happened again! It's like an instantaneous thing... cool - BAM - sweating. No general increase in body temperature... one extreme then the other...

I was actually doing pretty well at the Plow this morning - laying on your back, lift your legs/lower back up into the air so you're basically a letter J. So, I'm hoping this will be an area of improvement throughout the 90 days. Or, should I say... 86... ;)

With my legs being all stiff and sore... I'm curious to see what tomorrow morning's Legs and Back workout will bring...

DAY 3 - Shoulders & Arms

The workout this morning was good!

I'll confess... I like the fact that I don't have Ab Ripper on hand for the first week... it's a good way to ease into things...

And I'll also tell you that my legs HURT! I can't believe how tight and stiff I was today! I totally underestimated the impact of Plyo yesterday! Today at my desk, if I was sitting longer than 30 mins, when I stood up - it was like I was a Tin Man, and I expected Dorothy and Toto to accompany me to the washroom... Ridiculous.

I went and soaked in the whirlpool this evening for 30 mins, it was great! Had a nice conversation with a guy who lives in my building. He's helping build the Human Rights Museum. Apparently it's going to be a VERY tall structure when it's done...

Getting up in the morning isn't bad. But I'm still really surprised that I'm not getting any better at going to bed earlier... Hmmm...

DAY 2 - Plyo

It was fun to do PlyometriX again! I know, I can't even believe I'm saying that myself... But to hear some of Tony Horton's lines that I'd forgotten about... It was like spending time with an old friend... Ha!

My arms have gotten progressively sore during the day - but all in all - I'm in MUCH better shape than I thought I'd be.

I'm just hoping that my downstairs neighbour doesn't mind me doing Plyo at 5:30am...

DAY 1 - Chest & Back

I woke up bright and early this morning - 5:30 - to tackle my first workout of P90X-2: Chest & Back.

I forgot how many types of push-ups there are... standard, wide, decline, diamond, military... And I did every single type this morning! And not just once, ladies and gentlemen... the lowest amount of reps - 8.

I'm very proud of a couple of things today:
- I got up out of bed in time to work out
- I did all of my pushups from my toes
- I made it to work on time
- I stayed awake the whole afternoon
- I kept with my new green tea regime instead of opting for coffee
And...
- I found a solution to my pull-up bar dilemma.

I've wrapped a resistance band around a door. Please God, don't let me rip the door of the hinges with my brute strength!

P90X - TAKE 2

Here we go again!!!

Tomorrow I start P90X again!

It's been a long time (suddenly!). I am looking forward to the challenge - in the workouts, the schedule and the personal endurance!

The interesting part of this is that I started a whole new eating regime in May... and I have done Chalean Extreme (another Beachbody program) along the way... and somehow, starting this feels like a whole new adventure - unconnected to what I've already done - yet building on the success. I'm liking this feeling.

Isn't it incredible that I know what's in store for me... and yet, I'm still excited to get started??

My only concern: pull ups. I still don't have any kind of apparatus to help me out... We'll have to see how that goes...

I did my "fit test" today. I thought it was going to be easy... so I was really surprised when I was *feeling it* afterwards! But, I guess that's what you get from doing a 2 minute wall squat, 20 push-ups, 30 bicep curls and 35 in & out ab crunches in a row...

The only thing that worries me is that they talk about your resting heart rate going down over the program... I don't think it's supposed to get lower! I already get questioned by the nurses at the blood donor clinic because it's often under 50...

Well, without further ado... I'll go to bed so I can get up bright and early to start DAY 1!!