Day 24- Stretch X

Due to a committment with asoccer game this evening and a pretty hectic workday, I switched Kenpo and Stretch X. I didn't want to wear myself out for my game. And Kenpo is pretty intense if you bring it. So I just got some nice stretching in.

Of course, my game got rained out so now I'm wishing I hadn't switched them. Oh well.

Day 23- Core Synergistics

Today was pretty exciting. It marked the first "new" DVD of the program for me since week 1. The workout is called Core Synergistics. As this week is labeled the recovery week in the program guide, I figured that this would be somewhere between the intensity of Kenpo and Yoga. Boy was I wrong.

This workout is an ass-kicker. It combines elements of Yoga, Plyometrics, and other moves involving pushups and ab work. IT keeps you moving throughout. I worked up quite a sweat. Of the moves, some of the hardest were the running plan to vinyassa (I think that was what it was called). Also hard was the banana to boat. Both required a lot of coordination and pushed you in both a cardio and resistance way.

This was a fun but challenging workout. I hope we get to do it again soon as I will probably do better on it now that I'm confortable with some of the moves.

Diet is going ok. I had a protein shake for breakfast. Protein bar for snack. Lunch was some sliced turkey and low fat chedder cheese on half of a wheat roll. Afternoon snack was some turkey jerkey. Dinner will be a filet and a small side salad.

See you tomorrow for Kenpo!

Day 22- Yoga X

Kicked off Week 4, the recovery week, with Yoga X. I still hate this workout, tough I am getting better at it. As I said, I think they could cut 30 minutes out of this and it would be better.

I did fine on the warrior pses and most of the balance stuff. I even did the crane for about 5 seconds! The Yoga Belly 7 workout at the end is a killer. It doesn't seem like it would be as hard as Ab Ripper X, but there are moves which are just as challenging.

Diet is good. I had a chicken scrambler for breakfast with 3 pieces of turkey bacon. Lunch was a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter. morning snack was a banana. Afternoon snack will be a protein bar. Dinner is some grilled chicken and salad.

Day 21- Rest Day

Just got back this evening from the work even I was at. Today is a scheduled rest day, so nothing new to report. The hotel bed really hurt my back last night, so I'm suffering from a sore back. I think Yoga tomorrow will help loosen me up.

Did ok on the diet. Protein shake for breakfast. Small cup of fruit for a snack. Lunch was a small crabcake and a turkey and low fat chedder cheese sandwich (I didn't eat the bread). Protein bar for snack. And some grilled chicken for dinner.

See you tomorrow for Week 4!!!

Day 20- Kenpo X

Hello all. I'm checking in from Maryland's Eastern Shore. I'm at a resort on the Chesapeake Bay for a work convention. Anyway, I just finsihed Kenpo. I did it on my laptop right here in my hotel room. It felt a little strange to be doing it outside of my basement, but I still had a blast. Worked up a great sweat.

I brought along my recovery drink and polished that off right after the workout.

The diet is going ok. I did have a little cheesecake last night for desert though! Today I woek up and had a protein shake. Snack was a cheesestick. Lunch was a protein bar. Snack was some nuts. For dinner I'm going to a crab fest, so I'll be eating a bunch of crabs!

Also, I had a few hours off today so I got a 90 minute massage at the spa here at the resort. After almost three weeks of P90X I can't tell you how nice it was! It might have been the best massage I've ever gotten. I was so sore and tight and now I feel like a million bucks! Tomorrow is a rest day and then Sunday I'll be starting the recovery week. I'm so excited!

Day 19- Back & Legs

Sorry for the limited posts over the next few days. I'm out of town for a convention for work, so time is limited.

I did back and legs today. I had to get up EARLY (5:30) to fit it in because of work. It sucked. I HATE working out in the morning. It is impossible for me to get my motor going with the needed intensity for this workout. I half-assed my way through back and legs. Easily my most disappointing performance to date.

I rallied on Ab Ripper, doing as well as always.

I broought P90X with me and will be doing Kenpo X tomorrow at the resort. I also packed a cooler for the trip full of my foods, protein bars, etc. I plan to eat as well as possible for the diet considering my circumstances.

Day 18- Yoga X

Today was my least favorite of all the routines- Yoga X. I hate this for a lot of reasons. I'm not at all flexibe so many of the poses aren't comfortable. Also, this workout is over 92 minutes long- which is a huge time committment. Also, it's just not fun. He gets ver spiritual and stuff at the end.

I made it through ok- though I struggled with the yoga belly stuff. Some of the poses are harder the ab ripper! The warrior stuff sucks, but I'm getting better at it. The balance poses are cool I guess. But the crane is impossible!

Diet is going well. I had a whole wheat english muffin and peanut butter plus 3 turkey sausages for breakfast. Protein bar for snack. Salad with grilled chicken and fat free honey mustard for lunch. Cheese stick for snack. I'm sauting some garlic shrimp for dinner. Should be good.

Day 17- Shoulders & Arms

Day 17 was another round of shoulders and arms. I did ok, butI'm still lacking in the sleep department- 5 hours last night. I still feel pretty good. I attribute that to the healthy eating though.

Last week I decided to order an extra set of handles for the bands. This way I wouldn't have to pause the DVD to switch bands. They got here yesterday so I broke them out for todays workout. Pretty much the first round of everything I used the greens and the second round I used the reds. It was a lot smoother.

Generally my performance was good. I matched all reps and increased some. The one move that just KILLS me is the first move of the bonus round- the straight arm switch shoulder flys. Seriously- my shoulder feels like it's going to explode by the 4th or 5th one.

Did great again on the Ab Ripper X. Fifer scissors continue to be my Everest. I still can't do more then 20. And I can only do 20 of the Mason Twists with my feet in the air. But compared to my first try at Ab Ripper X, I've progressed miles. That first time I was broken. I remember laying on the mat in a pool of my own sweat just laughing at how unbelievably hard it was and thinking I'd never come CLOSE to being able to do it. And in week 3 I'm holding my own. Just shows that you get out what you put in. You gotta BRING IT, or you are just wasting your time and money.

Played two indoor soccer games tonight about two hours after my workout, so I burned a TON of calories tonight. I ate a little on the heavy side for dinner, but the soccer games are sure to have burned off that extra food.

Thanks for reading. You keep coming back- I'll keep pushing play.

Day 16- Plyometrics

The BEAST was unleashed today. Due to a fussy/sick child, I barely got two hours of sleep last night. Let me tell you what- two hours of sleep is NOT a recommended amount of rest to try and tackle the Plyometric workout.

I did the best I could, but I was sucking wind and out of breath after the first set. I struggled all day, but still managed to do 90% of the stuff without it being modified. I had to modify a few moves. I still really hate the Rock Star Kicks. But my coordination on the creek gap jump move is much better.

Overall, I sweated my ass off, burned some calories, and worked my core and legs off. Every step is a step towards a new me.

Diet is going ok today. I had a protein shake for breakfast. A protein bar for snack. Some left over beef tips and broccali stir fry over brown rice for lunch. I'll be having a cheese stick for snack. And a small grileld chicken topped romaine salad for dinner.

Day 15- Chest & Back

Today was day 15- chest & back and I BROUGHT IT!!!!

I feel fantastic right now. I blew away my workout- doing many more reps then I was doing in week 1 or week 2. I just felt really good today. I worked so hard today that I was quite dizzy and almost threw up. It was wonderful. By the end I was completely wasted- but in a good way.

In my opinion, the hardest move in this workout is the diamond push ups. In week 1, I was only able to do 5/3. This week, I did 12/10. In just three weeks, I have really increased my results. It's awesome. I feel fantastic.

Ab ripper x was fun tonight. I did really well. The only thing I was not able to complete full reps on are the dreaded Pfifer Scissors. I did 20 and they KILLED ME! But in a good way! : )

So, I'm excited for tomorrow to really rock out on the plyos. I'm feeling great and am excited by the progress I'm making. And some of it is translating to the soccer field as well. People are telling me I'm looking more explosive and sharper then I have in years. And it's only the start of week 3! And I'm coming off my knee injury right before the workout program started. I can't WAIT to see where I'm heading.

Day 14- Rest Day

Day 14 is here. This is a rest day in the program with an option to do the Stretch X video. I have decided to pass on Stretch X. Just too much going on with the kids and wife today.

I have a soccer game tomorrow afternoon, so the Chest and Back workout will probably go down about an hour before kickoff of the last football game. This way I can settle in for the game right after I finish up.

By the way- GO STEELERS!

Day 13- Kenpo X

WOW!!!! I love Kenpo X. It is so much fun that you lose track of time in the workout. I actually found myself feeling sad at the end because I wanted to do more. It is such a great workout and it is so much fun you don't realize how hard you are working out.

The hardest move for me is the 4 block combo. I have trouble with the coordination of the moves. But other then that, everything else is a lot of fun. And during the "breaks" Tony kicks your ass with the jump roping, jumping jacks, and the dreaded "X ups". I hate those X ups- but I love them.

Diet went fine today. Protein shake and a banana for breakfast. Turkey Jerkey for snack. Grilled chicken breast (no bun) for lunch. Protein bar for snack. And for dinner I'm making tacos with ground turkey and whole wheat tortillas.

Tomorrow is the rest day of the week. There is an option Stretch X video that can be done. Depending on time constraints with the family, I may or may not do it. Sunday I have a soccer game and then I'll be starting the week 3 workout.

Day 12- Legs & Back

Wrapped up Day 12 today and I feel pretty good. I love leg workouts as my legs have always been strong from all my years playing soccer. I did better this time and was able to complete all reps for certain exercises. On others, like the different pull-ups, I did more reps then last week.

I was especially pleased with my performance on the one-legged wall squats. I was able to go the whole time. Last week that killed me.

I also blew out Ab Ripper X today. It was the first time I got through a majority of the exercises. I did 20 reps or more on every one. I really was stoked about the performance!

Diet is going well. Protein shake for breakfast. I had some turkey jerkey for snack. For luch I had a garden salad topped with grilled chicken and mozzerella cheese(low fat) and some low fat vinegrette. Afternoon snack was a protein bar. Dinner was some scallops wrapped in turkey bacon and a small veggie burger (spicy black bean).

I'm noticing some changes. I'm definately tighter everywhere and the love handles seem to have gotten a little smaller. My wife says my arms look bigger and there's more definition to my chest and back. We'll see. My weight has been all over the place. Last week I lost 5 pounds. This week, earlier in the week, I was back to the starting weight. Today I was 2 pounds lighter. But I FEEL lighter and stronger. I'm sure some of it is muscle development (muscles weighs more then fat). That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Day 11- Yoga X

Just finished up Yoga round 2. I'm still not a big fan. It takes up way too much time. On crazy days like today, it was a real challenge getting it in. I basically didn't see my family. I was out the door before 6am to beat traffic. Then I was at three different hospitals for my job and didn't get home until almost 8pm. Then I did the Yoga X and by the time I was done, the kids were in bed. It sucked.

Anyway, I did better on the warrior poses. I did ok on the balance poses. I rocked the yoga belly stuff.

Diet went well. Today was a real test due to the crazy work day. I had a protein shake for breakfast along with two pieces of chicken sausage and a banana. Snack was some turkey jerkey. Lunch was two chicken breasts and some fresh fruit. Mid-day snack was a protein bar. Dinner was some turkey and mozzerella and 4 pieces of beef on a stick.

See you tomorrow!

Day 10- Shoulders and Arms

I'm not sure what's up but I had trouble bringing it today. I have a lot goin gon with work and there's a lot of stress that I wasn't able to get out of my head during the workout. And it really impacted my performance. While I still got a decent sweat in, I had trouble pushing myself. The workout was easier this week- again because I knew what was coming.

I tried a harder band this workout (green). About half way through I switched back to the red though because it was killing my bad shoulder.

Ab ripper x was good. I felt strong and got through a majority of it. No less the 15 reps on any thing today and I did my best job every on the last move (mason twist).

Diet went ok. Two whole wheat english muffins with peanut butter for breakfast. Some turkey jerkey for snack. The rest of my shrimp and wild rice for lunch. A protin bar for snack. Not sure what dinner will be yet- I'll probably go grab a chef salad.

Day 9- Plyometrics

Day 9 is here and I BROUGHT IT! Yep, the "beast" that is known as the plyometrics workout came around again. This time I was much more comfortable with it as I had been through it once before and now knew all the different movements. It was a lot of fun!

Seriously, some people really hate this workout, but I love it. It hurts but in a really good way. I used to do a lot of this type of training in high school and college for soccer, so I'm fine with it. I'm sure I'll be sore again tomorrow, but I really had a blast. I really tried to push myself this time. In fact, I was working so hard I got lightheaded twice and almost vomited once. But I held it together and kept going. I feel great right now!

Diet is back on track. I had two whole wheat english muffins with peanut butter for breakfast. A banana for snack. Some chicken salad for lunch. A cheese stick and 5 slices of turkey pepperoni for snack and then for dinner I'm going to have some shrimp stir fry.

I'm really enjoying the program this week. I really feel tighter and stronger and feel full of energy. So far, I'd rate the program as an "A".

Day 8- Chest and Back

Today was the beginning of week 2. I had some slip ups last night at the wedding in terms of diet- but I didn't over do it. I don't think it'll cause too much damage (there were some little fried chicken coreon blues that were too good to pass up).

So, anyway, having returned from the wedding and had the rest day yesterday, I was ready to get back on the horse with the workouts. I started the day with a soccer game- and boy was it hot out. It was mid-80's and about 80% humidity. After the game, I came home and rested for a little. Then I got into the workout.

I must say I was pretty pleased overall. I did more reps on everything then last week, and I felt better doing them. Much of it had to do with the fact that there were no surprises. I was fully aware of the exercises coming up and how to do them, so I didn't have to watch them as much and could just work! The ab ripper after went pretty well. It was probably the best I've done with it. I'm still not completeting the full number of reps on each exercise, but I've improved a lot. I can tell the difference. Followed the workout with a recovery drink (I love them....)

Diet is back on track today. Wheat enlish muffin with a little peanut butter for breakfast and a protein shake. Snack was a few slices of turkey pepperoni. Lunch was a turkey burger. Snack was some more turkey pepperoni. Dinner was some grilled chicken covered with a little tomato sauce and some low fat mozzerella cheese (almost like chicken parm). I followed it up with small bowl of mixed fruit.

Day 7- Stretch X

Today is day 7- recover day and stretch x. Unfortuntately, I got hammered drunk on gin and diet tonic last night and didn't get up in time to do it. Last night was the rehersal dinner for my sister's wedding, and today is her big day. I'm going to add in the Stretch x tomorrow and "double up".

Day 6- Kenpo

I AM A NINJA! No seriously, I'm not, but I feel like some sort of ninja or something after my first round of Kenpo.

The workout was pretty intense- a lot more then I was expecting. I kept up pretty well though. My favorite stuff was the knee then back kick combo- lots of fun. The burnout at the end with the punches had my arms and shoulders on FIRE!

I had to do my workout eraly today as we are headed to PA for my sister's wedding this weekend. I'm taking food with me to try and stasy as strictly to the diet as I can. For breakfast today it was another whole wheat english muffin topped with peanut butter and a small bowl of mixed fruit(bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries). I had a recovery drink following the workout. I plan on eating a salad with some grilled chicken for lunch, a protein bar for a snack, and then eating whatever protein I can at the rehersal dinner.

I'm going to take the X Stretch with me for tomorrow and see if I can fit it in early in the morning, but no promises. Time and space is limited tomorrow. If not, it'll be a "miss" but at least it's on the recovery day. Then back home on Sunday to start week 2!

On a side note, my frend Jeff who is doing this workout with me (Dangle The Carrot) lives in Houston. It looks like Hurricane Ike is headed right for him and they could be in for a major disaster. Please keep Jeff, his family, and the people in harm's way in your thoughts and prayers.

Day 5- Legs & Back

Day 5 down. Legs and back today. That was pretty tough. My legs are still sore from the plyometrics a few days ago, so I was really feeling the burn today. The worst was the one-legged wall squats. Wow did those hurt! I could barely do them.

I'm still using a chair for all the chin-ups. However, today I pushed the chair really far away- making it much harder. I found myself sorts looking forward to the various pull ups as the were a welcome break from the burn in my legs!

Ab Ripper X sucked today. My legs were burning making some of the moves really hurt. I really struggled with it today. I tried to push through and do what I could.

Eating has gone well today. Had a wheat english muffin with peanut butter for breakfast. A string cheese stick for mid-morning snack. Lunch was a protein shake with bananas, strawberries, raspberries, and blurberries. Following my workout I had the recovery drink. For dinner I'll be cooking the turkeyburgers from the meal plan recipe.

Kenpo tomorrow baby!

Day 4- Yoga X

Ok, so the dreaded Yoga day came. I made it through. I am the world's LEAST flexible person so I was dreading this day. It was basically 4 sections- 1) movement poses 2) balances poses 3) ab work 4) stretching. The movement stuff was REALLY hard and I worked up a good sweat. The balance stuff was tough too. I fell on my face trying to do the "crane"!

The ab work was rough as my abs are still tender from the ab ripper workouts. The stretching stuff was pretty nice though. I actually felt pretty good following the workout.

My biggest complaint about the Yoga X is that it is just too damn long. It's over 90 minutes which really requires a major time investment. The other bad thing is that I was completely unfamiliar with any of the Yoga stuff, so it took me a while to really understand some of the movements and poses.

Anyway, back and legs tomorrow and Kenpo on Friday! I'm doing well with the diet too. Did a cheese scrambler for breakfast. Some string cheese for a snack. Chicken salad for lunch and dinner with a bowl of mixed fruit.

Also, I weighed myself today and I was down to 208lbs. That's 5 pounds off the starting weight prior to Day 1! Not that I am expecting to keep that kind of pace up, but it was nice to see that the switch in diet and exercise was already paying off.

Day 3- Shoulders & Arms

3 days down, 87 to go!

Today was the shoulders and arms workout followed by the wonderful Ab Ripper X. After accidentally using the black band the first day of the program (I thought it was the easiest- it was the hardest!), I tried the red band out today (the easiest) so I could concentrate on the forms and techniques. I didn't feel like I was "maxed out" on the bicep exercises, but it seemed about right for the shoulder and triceps stuff.

The toughest exercise was the two-angle shoulder flys. WOW! Are they tough! I'm sure I'll be feeling them tomorrow.

I'm still sore as hell in the legs from the plyometric workout yesterday. And I'm still shore in the chest and back from Monday. A lot of the stretching and stuff really felt good today in the warm up and cool down.

The ab ripper went a little better today. Better- but not great. I got through 25 reps on the first two exercises, but after that the most I could do was 10-15 on each out of the 25. The mason curls (I think that's what they are called) really kick my ass. I can barely keep my legs off the ground as I punch the floor from side to side. My abs were sore from the first time, so I can't imagine how bad they will hurt tomorrow!

The diet is going pretty well too. Protein shake for breakfast. Protein bar for snack. Chef salad for lunch. String cheese stick for snack. for dinner I'm probably going to make up some chicken salad.

This is crazy. I think if I make it through the week, it will be all downhill from there.

Before Photos

Here are my "before" photos. I took these the night before Day 1. So sad...I'm such a fatty. Can't wait to see what I can do in 90 days.

Day Two

Day two is in the books! Today was the Plyometric workout. Affectionately known as "The Beast" it sure lived up to his name! My thighs are still burning as I write this, hours after I finished.

Ate pretty well today. Protein shake with strawberries and a banana. Protein bar for snack. Leftovers from last night's dinner for lunch. Two string cheese sticks for snack. And some salmon followed by a bowl of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for dinner.

I'll be posting my "before" photos soon as well.

Day 1

I am a broken man! Seriously that was pretty intense. I started Day 1 on the Classic Routine doing the Chest and Back workout followed by the Ab Ripper X. For most of the pull up bar exercise I needed to use a chair, however, I kept the chair far away to work as hard as I could. The chest exercises were difficult as well. By the second time through the routine, I could barely do the Diamond push ups or the Dive Bombers.

Then the real torture started- The Ab Ripper X. It was tough. I could not even come close to keeping up. It got to the point where I was doing 10-12 and then laying in my sweat on the mat just laughing at how hard it was. But it's good- I know it will be hard at first. No pain, no gain.

The diet went well today. Protein Shake for breakfast. String Cheese snack. Chef's salad with low fat ranch dressing for lunch. Another string cheese for the next snack. And then for dinner I cooked the Beef and Broccoli stir fry from the meal plan menu in the guide. It tasted great! My wife liked it too.

I took my "before" photos and am going to try and publish them soon. Can't wait for tomorrow!

D-Day is Approaching!

OK, so Jeff and I will be starting in the morning. I took the standard "before" pics and hope to post them soetime this week.

Also, I did all my measurements. Here they are:

Wii BMI: 30.14
Wii Fitness Age: 28
Weight: 213 lbs.
Chest: 42"
Waist: 38"
Hips: 41.5"
R Thigh: 23.5"
L Thigh: 23.25"
R Bicep: 15"
L Bicep: 15"

I'm looking forward to getting started tomorrow. The bar is mounted. The groceries have been puchased. When I get up tomorrow I plan to "BRING IT!"

Elvis Has Entered The Building

My P90X showed up today. Boy I'm glad we (Jeff and I) aren't starting until Sunday. There is a lot of stuff to read and digest before starting. I need to get versed in the nutrition stuff as well as become familiar with the workouts, etc.

My friend Jeff's did NOT arrive yet- even though I ordered a day after him. He is quite bitter....