P90X: Round 5

On July 11, 2011 a large group of my customers on Facebook started doing P90X together on the same day. Most will do their workouts individually from home, some will do them together but all have committed to keeping each other motivated by posting the days events, results, set backs and triumphs in our group. The feeback has been tremendous and the encouragement is awesome!

So stoked!

This is my fifth round. First round I was miserably out of shape coming off brain surgery. I struggled through every workout. Second round was a little better. I felt more confident and could do most of them. Third round was the first time I could do the Plyometrics video all the way through. And round four was the first time I had ever done an unassisted pull up in my life.

This is the round of reckoning. It’s time. I’ve worked hard to get to where I’m at. I can see definition that I haven’t seen for a long time. Now, I’m going for a body I have never had. I’m going for shred.

Also, I’m carb cycling. Strength days are complex carbs with fibrous fruit. Non strength days are very little carbs with the exception of recovery drink and Shakeology.

I will post pictures at 30, 60 and 90 days. I will also make occasional entries about my progress. Please ask any questions you like. I’d be happy to answer them.

Phase 1

July 11, 2011

I again made great progress this round. I started out barely squeezing out real unassisted pullups. This in itself is a great milestone. Tall, with long arms, and carrying excess weight for the last 20 years, I had never done a real pullup in my life ever until the end of Round 4. Though I still wouldn't say I'm a pro, or even "good" at them yet, I definitely am well on my way to competantly doing pull ups forever.

I also made great strides in pushups. I did literally almost twice as many pushups on week 3 Chest & Back day as I did on week 1! Very pleased with the size gains as well. I went for low reps, higher weight and on Leg & Back day I added a 5 x 5 bench and squat routine to help gain mass. Who says you can't gain mass on P90X? Tell them they are wrong!

Also, I do have to say that Michele and I made a switch. We are not doing Yoga X. Instead we ordered Deepak Chopra's Advanced Yoga video. It is still a great workout for strength and flexibility that makes you sweat but it's about 30 minutes shorter and much more relaxing. We combine it with other physical activity throughout the day. Some call it cheating, I call it realistic. We had gotten to where we just absolutely dreaded Yoga X (and we both love Yoga). This minimizes the risk of skipping the thing altogether!

Phase 2


Phase 2 has started out well. The benefits of muscle confusion by the change in routine is still evident even after 4 rounds! Sore is the word of the first week in each new phase.

Got away from the carb cycling this first week. Also missed Legs & Back (and bench & squat 5 x 5). Not happy about it but lack of sleep and a busy schedule interfered. Rest is just as important as the work. It's important to take care of ourselves. So, I'm going to catch up on my rest so Monday I can hit the ground with scorching speed and make great strides in week 6 (week 2 of phase 2).

Stay tuned
8/14/11

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