P90X Round 2 Day 15: Intervals (not Plyo)

Daily Workout Summary:

Due to tim constraints I opted to go with Intervals (from P90X+) today instead of Plyometrics. It saves me an extra 20-30 minutes. But it is no way easier- in fact I still think it's the hardest single workout Tony has put together in either of the P90X series.

During the video, Tony talks about studies that have shown that interval training is 2-3 times more effective in regards to cardio training then anything else. From personal experience, I can attest to that- and not just with this workout. Back in college, we used interval trainng in the pre-season for my lacrosse team to get in shape for the season. It was a different type of training then this. It mostly invovled track workouts (running different distances within set time limits- mixing short sprints and longer distances). But they were always killer.

This workout is just balls to the wall for 38-42 minutes (with warm up and cool down). You do 12 exercises at three different intensity levels, take a water break, and then do those 12 again in reverse order. It literally leaves me gasping for air and shaking all over. Of all the workouts, this is still the one I have trouble getting through no matter my fitness level. It really is that tough.

I prepared with my NOXplode and did the best I could. My bad knee decided to act up today, so some of the moves were a bit painful and I had to modify a few. but overall I brought it with a pretty good intensity level and felt like I got in a pretty good workout!

Diet:

I had a solid diet day today. Breakfast was a protein shake. Snack was a protein bar. Lunch was a large Galdiator Protein Shake (banana strawberry!). Snack was some turkey jerky. Dinner was fun. It was very spring like tonight so I fired up the grill. I cooked some hot dogs (for the kids and wife). I also made some turkey hot dogs and some turkey italian sausagues. I had one of the turkey dogs on a whole wheat bun with some mustard and I had one of the sausages. Plus a salad. I have to admit, the turkey dogs were pretty bland (especially as I could SMELL the hot dogs!). But the sausgae was excellent!

Favorite Move of the Day:

Tires

This is a take off of some of the moves from plyo and cardio x. The first 20 seconds are some easy tires standing in place (think slow high knees). The second 20 seconds were a very fast high knee/run in place like you were running in place with your feet in some truck tires. the last 20 seconds are the "wacky jacks" from cardio x as fast as you can go. This move killed me today for some reason. I could really feel my obliques being hammered on by the wacky jacks. Good times!

Soundtrack of the Day:

Mama Said Knock You Out- LL Cool J.

Another classic- probably my favorite LL song. This song just makes you want to go kick someones ass! It's a must-listen for me when I workout and it keeps me pumped. This came on halfway through Intervals, and really heped re-energize me and keep me going.

P90X Round 2 Day 15: Chest and Back

Daily Workout Summary:

Today was the last time with Chest and back until week 9. For some reason, I have been CRUSHING this workout. Maybe it was the rest day yesterday. Or maybe it was the three scoops (as opposed to my normal 2) of NOXplode. Either way, I was rocking it again.

I added 20 more total pushups in the day to bring the grand total up to 218 (versus 158 from week 1!). But I just felt more pumped, stronger, and felt like I was recovering more quickly. I think all the supplements I'm taking are really helping and I know I'm starting to feel great again.

Did well on Ab Ripper X also. Very few breaks and again all reps on all moves. I'm thinking I may start to add in some abs Core Plus from P90X+ on some days to push the abs even more!

Diet:

Decent diet day. Breakfast was a banana and a wheat english muffin with peanut butter. Snack was a protein bar. Lunch was a small salad, some chicken salad, and a small bowl of fruit salad. Sanack was some turkey jerky. Dinner was some grilled chicken topped with a little crab meat and some fat-free cheese.

Favorite Move of the Day:

Standard Push-Ups.

Nothing exciting or sexy about this move. Just some good old-fashioned push ups. ButI felt like I had a ton of energy and rocked out a personal best without completely killing myself for the rest of the workout.

Soundtrack of the Day:

Slam- by Onyx.

This is a little old-school but it's got a great beat and gets your head bobbing while you rock out on the pull up bar or on the push-up handles! Just really got my grooving today!

P90X Round 2 Days 12, 13, and 14- Legs and Back, Cardio, and Rest

Hello all. I've had a few crazy days and the ability to sit down and blog about my workouts was pretty limited. Now that all my commitments, etc are over for the last few days, I have a few minutes to get caught up. So, here's a quick update.

Friday was Legs and Back forme. I have always liked this workout. AsI mentioned many timesbefore, I was a soccer player and my legs have always been my strongestmuscle group. However, this week I decided to take it easy for the workout. I was committed to play in a soccer tournament on Saturday and didn't want to be too sore for the day long event. Got through the workout using body weight resistance only (no weights added). It was still a tough workout and was feeling it after! I also got through Ab Ripper with no fuss, taking less breaks and doing all reps. Progress is being made...

Saturday was supposed to be my Kenpo day. However, I never did it. That's because I spent all day playing in an indoor soccer tournament. I actually played on two different teams. One was in the Men's Open tournament (ages 18-whatever) and the other team was in the O-30 tournament. all teams are guaranteed 3 games and then more if you make the playoffs. both of my teams made the playoffs, so I was there for a while. We both ended up getting knocked out in the first round, but it still meant I played 8 games. By the end of the day I was wiped out. I figured I burned plenty of calories so I'm counting that as my workout!

Sunday was a much neeed rest day. Again, at some point I'm going to skip a rest day to have my weeks start on a Sunday, but not this week. I was so sore, bruised, and banged up, I needed today to recover. Spent thday up in Pennsylvania visiting my sister and her husband and then a quick stop over at my parents' house to let them give my kids their Easter baskets. So, I just got home a little bit ago and am finally able to post. I'm looing forward to feeling a little less sore tomorrow and "brining it" for chest and shoulders!!!

P90X Round 2 Day 11: Yoga (and a little more Shoulders and Arms)

Daily Workout Summary:

Because ofsome unforseen interruptions yesterday, I didn't complete the Shoulders and arms workout yesterday. I did some of it and then work isses arose and I had to bail and never finished. So today I doubled up. I re-did the entire shoulders and Arms workout in the early morning and then did Yoga after work.

I felt strong during the Shoulders and Arms workout. I was able to up some reps and some weight on a few exercises. I also completed all reps on all moves of Ab ripper with the least amount of breaks thus far this round of the "X".

Now, if any of you have read some of my older posts from my first time through the program, you would know that I hate YogaX. and really, nothing has changed. But I did the entire 92 minute workout today and survived. I still hate it, and am not sure I'll ever love it. But one thing that made it bearable today was listening to my own music. At least during some of the painful and/or boring parts I was able to listen to some music and forget about how much I hated what I was doing for a second. It really helped!

Diet:

I rebounded from yesterday with a better diet today. Breakfast was a proetein shake. Snack was a protein bar. Lunch was a small salad. Snack was a string cheese. Dinner was some grilled chicken and some salad.

Favorite Move of the Day:

Tree

I like the balance moves in the Yoga workout much more then the Warrior stuff. The warrior stuff is too repetitive and is just plain boring. The balance poses are different poses that work on both your balance and your core. Out of all of those, my favorite is Tree. Youbalance on one leg with the other leg folded inward and your ands up in the air. I can actually do this pretty well, so that' s pretty much why I like the move the best!

Soundtrack for the Day:

Jaco's Ladder- Huey Lewis & the News

I am a sucker for '80s music and one of my favorite bands from then was HLATN. This song hapened to shuffle on while I was working out and it kind of summed up how i feel about this P90X journey. I'm climbing and climbing and all I want is to get it better then today. And I do it step by step. Makes sense to me. And in that "spiritual" moment of clarity while doing Yoga, this song really seemed to hit home!

P90X Round 2 Day10: Shoulders and Arms (Sort of)

Daily Workout Summary:

Just a quick blastabout today's workout. I was all set to bring it when some things happened very late in the day with regards to work. By the time I finished dealing with the situation, I needed to leave for a soccer game. When I got back, I was able to get in some of the workout for today, but was interrupted by my wife and kids getting home. I had to cut out on the workout to have some "family time."

Because of this, I'm going to pull a sort of double tomorrow. I plan to finish the rest of the workout and Ab Ripper X in the early morning and then do Yoga at the end of the day to get caught up.

Diet:

Strange diet day today. I had an early OR case and didn't have my normal protein shake. I did manage to get some egg whites and turkey sausage at the Johns Hopkins Cafeteria, so I was still pretty healthy. But then I was stuck in cases and a dentist appointment with my wife. Therefore, I missed some of my mid morning and mid afternoon snack. Lunch was a slice of cheeze pizza (starving nd all that was around). Dinner was leftover baked chicken and peas from last night. Too light on prtein today and too heavy on carbs. must do better tomorrow!

P90X Round 2 Day 9: Intervals

Daily Workout Summary:

After listening to Jeff rave about how great the Intervals workout from P90X+ is, I decided to go ahead and give myself a refresher as well. Boy was that a mistake. Intervals kicked my butt! In fact, it ate me up, spit me out, and stood over me laughing.

This workout is short by P90X standards. It clocks in around 35-40 minutes. But it is non-stop with only one water break halfway through. You do 12 moves at varying degrees of intensity levels, and then you repeat in reverse order. There is everything from plyo to Kenpo in this and it is clearly the hardest workout of either series. I had to ake several breaks. I think it was a little ambitious of me to try this workout in week2. I should have help it for my recovery week when I was a little more fit. But it was a great workout nontheless.

Diet:

Decent diet today- though a little heavier on carbs then I wanted. Started off with a protein shake. Snack was a protein bar. Lunch was a turkey and chedder on wheat from Quiznos I forgot to put my fod in the cooler on the way out today so I only had my waters!). Snack was a hndfull of pine nuts. Dinner was some baked chicken and peas.

Favorite Move of the Day:

Jacks

The Jacks move is a killer. You start with 20 seconds ofhalf jacks (you don't bring your arms all the way up). Then 20 seconds of full on jacks at a good pace. Then the final 20 seconds you do the infamous "X" jacks from the Kenpo workout. I's a killer!

Soundtrack of Today:

I Wanna rock- Twisted Sister

I was really hurting during the workout today. I was having trouble keeping up, taking extra breaks, etc. But then this song came on in the mix and I was re-energized. Just something about this song that gets me going and puts a smile on my face. Is it wrong to be such a fan of '80s hair bands????

P90X Round 2 Day 8: Chest and Back

Daily Workout Summary:

I ultimately decided not to workout yesterday and to stay on the monday workout schedule for now. I was really sore yesterday and decided to listen to my body and give it a day of rest. As I get back into the groove I may ultimately decide to switch back to a Sunday start for the week. But as of now, I'm still on the regular schedule. As such, today was chest and back day.

I don't know what it is, but I was PUMPED today during the workout. I think a large part of how I'm feeling right now has to do with the upping of my Nitrix from 3 to 4 pills at a time as well as the addition of the Volumaize during the workouts. Whatever it is, it's working. I absolutely CRUSHED my workout today. I felt strong and really brought it hard.

I consider a workout crushed when I blow away reps from the previous week. In week 1 I did a total of 158 oushups (all push up moves combined) and 71 pull ups. this week, I did 198 push ups and 82 pull ups. Unbelievable! In fact, in the second round of the decline pushups, I did more reps then I did the first round! Amazing! Like I said, I think those supplements plus theCellMass andtheNOXplode are really helping me bring it right now!

I did ok on ab Ripper X as well. I was able to do all reps on all moves and cut down on the breaks. I'm still not where I want to be with Ab Ripper yet, but I'm making progress!

BLOG SIDE NOTE:

I have entered into an agreement with a company that writes software for tracking workouts. This company is called WorkoutSoft and they have written some really cool programs to help track your progress using P90X and P90X+. I placed a link to their site on the side of my blog. feel free to give it a click and browse what they have to offer. Or click here: http://workoutsoft.com/index.html

I downloaded my copy and will be entering in my information. I have promised them I would write a review of the software after I finish using it this round. So far, at first glance, it looks pretty cool. It provides some pretty insightful information and graphs regarding your progress. It even has a place for you to insert pictures! So far it passes the "look" test. I plan on getting up to speed and letting you know if it's any good.

The other cool thing is that if you decide to buy the software, if you go to their site through my blog you will get a discount. I'll have more details on this as I'm not sure if this will happen until after my review. But regardless, it's pretty cool!

Diet:

Decent diet day. Protein bar for breakfast. Snack was some turkey jerky. Lunch was some grilled chicken and broccoli. Snack was apiece of string cheese. Dinner will be some chicken on a bed of greens.

Favorite Move of the Day:

Military Push Up

I hate this move and love it. The close-in position of the arms really engages your triceps as well as your chest and gets the body hurting! In a good way of course. With the addition of push up bars, this move really works you and allows you to get really deep into the move. I brought it today and was able to really crank out some reps on this one!

Workout Song:

As I stated previously, I've begun listening to my own music during workouts. Todays workout can be summed up by the song of the day: B.Y.O.B. by System of a Down. If you have ever heard this song, it's pretty hard rocking and gets you head-banging! This song came on about halfway through the workout and I was bouncing my head to the beat and going crazy during the faster sections. I jusy felt like this song summed up my day amdwhat I felt like during the workout! Lots of crazy energy today!

P90X Round 2 Day 7: Rest Day

Today is supposed to be a scheduled rest day. However, I'm skipping it this week. I'm doing this because I generally like to have my off day be Saturday. When I started last week, I was still in Houston on Sunday coming back from visiting Jeff and Annie (Dangle The Carrot). So, I went ahead and started Monday. So, I'm going to skip the rest day and go ahead and do my workout later today to kick off week 2. Check back later to read my wrap up.

P90X Round 2 Day 6: Kenpo X

Daily Workout Summary:

Today ends week 1 of the program (again). It is the Kenpo workout. I've said this time and time again, but I just love this workout. It kicks your butt if you push yourself but it's so fun you don't realize how hard you are working! At the end of this workout, I'm always a sweaty mess.

I used the NOXplode again as well as the Volumaize with this workout. I finished all 20 oz of the Volumaize by halfway through the workout! The few weeks off due to my walking oneumonia seemed to have killed my cardio fitness much worse then my strength gains. I was STRUGGLING by the mid-point of this workout. But I just kept trying to push through and keep moving.I got my second an third wins and made it all the way through.

Diet:

Overall the diet went well today. Breakfast was a protein shake. Snack was turkey jerky. Lunch was some italian turkey sausage and a small salad. snack was a protein bar. Dinner was a personal pizza (wheat crust) with fat free cheese and turkey pepperoni.

Favorite Move of the Day:

Jab Cross Switch

Unlike many people out there, I like the punching moves more then the kicking moves in Kenpo. I just find it easier to bring more force and push myself on the punching type of moves. So this move, which is a simple 2 arm combo, is fun. Then to mae it harder, he has you jump in the air and switch your feet after every combination you throw. It takes the intensity to another level. I love this move and the one after it because of the switch part. It really pushes you- which is the point!

P90X Round 2 Day 5: Legs and Back

Daily Workout Summary:

Today was legs and back for me. I loved this workout during my first tour of duty on the X. However, when I recently started up again I pulled a muscle in my butt the first time out on this workout. so, after re-booting again aftermy recent illness, I was worried I may suffer another injury. Not to worry though- I made it through just fine.

I like working on my legs as these muscles have always been my best feature. So, when it comes to this workout, I have no trouble finding the motivation to "bring it". And I'm also really noticing a difference in my workouts now and I think a lot of it has to do with the supplements. The NOXplode is probably the best pre-workout drink I've used. Not only does it get me revved up, but it tastes great too. Also, the Volumaize during the workout I think is helping with myrecovery in between moves. But I think the biggest change is due to the Nitrix.

When I restarted last month, I was only taking CellMass and Nitrix. And I was only taking 3 Nitrix tablets at a time. The directions say if you weigh 200 lbs or more you need to take 4 each time. I'm right at 200, so I always took 3. but since the illness and my re-boot, I've been taking 4. And I think it's keeping me pretty pumped and helping with my performance.

Another thing I'm doing now is working out withthe videos in silence and cues mode. It only allows you to hear Tony talking as the build up to a move or when you change sides. I've been working out to my own music and it's been a very fun difference for me. I recommend it if you are starting to get bored with the videos.

Did fine with Ab Ripper X. I can still complete all reps on all moves. but I'm still having to take breaks that I didn't have to at the end of my first time through P90X. I can't wait to be that fit or better again!


Diet:

OK day for the diet program. Breakfast was two whole wheat waffles with sugar free syrup. Snack was a carb control protein shake. Lunch was some grilled chicken over greens. snack was a large strawberry banana Gladiator protein shake from smoothie King (Jeff's favorite). dinner wassome grilled chicken fajitas (minus the shells).

Favorite Move of the Day:

Switch Grip Pull Ups

This pull up is cool. It works you very hard and wears me out quickly. You do two standard pull ups. Then you switch to a reverse grip for two. Then you switch back, etc. It's good because it pretty much prevents you from cheating by getting help by rocking yourself up. Before you can really get your momentum going, you have to stop and switch. I think this is one of the top two most demanding oull ups in the entire P90X series.

P90X Round 2 Day 4: Cardio

Daily Workout Summary:

Today was supposed to be Yoga day. However, I had to work in the morning and in the afternoon I had to wait for the Direct TV guy to come (between 12-4). However, he didn't show until after 6pm! He got done around 7:30 (with the inside stuff), and I had a soccer game at 9. So instead of Yoga I went out and played soccer to get my cardio in today. I usually play in goal, but onight I played in the field and ran hard for 90 minutes. It felt good but I'm still sore from plyo the other day. this may help with that...or it may have made me more sore!

Diet:

Not too bad with the diet today. Breakfast was a whole wheat English Muffin with peanut butter. Snack was a protein shake. Lunch was half of a small personal pizza on a wheat crust with fat-free mozzarella and turkey pepperoni. Snack was a protein bar. Dinner was some sliced turkey over some lettuce and carrots.

P90X Round 2 Day 3: Shoulders and Arms

Daily Workout Summary:

Today was the shoulders and arms workout for me. I love this workout. I like trying to burn out my shoulders and biceps. I keep hoping one day they'll be nice and big!

I brought it pretty well today. I felt like I had a lot of energy (in part o the NOXplode and the Volumaize). I was busting through the moves and equaled and/or exceeded what I was doing before I got sick. I think I can see the benefits of the nitrix, CellMass, NOXplode, and Volumaize already. I was getting great "pumps" in my workout and felt like I was recovering very quickly. Overall I think it was a great workout and I love being back on the "X"!

Ab Ripper X was a different story. The good news is I did full reps on all the moves. the bad news is I had to hit pause a few times and let my screaming abs recover. It seems like of all the gains I "lost" while on my various breaks, the one I lost the most was with my abs. It will be a while until they feel tight and strong again. But I know it will come if I stick to the program!

Diet:

Solid diet day. Protein shake for breakfast (no milk). Turkey jerkey for snack. Lunch was some of the leftover turkey and corn/peas from dinner last night. Snack was a protein bar. Dinner was a grilled chicken salad with fat free ranch.

Favorite Move of the Day:

Deep Swimmers Presses

This move is a lot tougher then you realize when you see Tony do it. It is especially difficult if you don't bring the dumbbells all the way down and instead turn it into a sort of concentration move as well. But when you do this move you really feel the burn in your shoulders right away. And the twisting motion really helps bring that extra deep burn. I love this move!

P90x Round 2 Day 2: Plyometrics

Daily Workout Summary:

Today was the dreaded Plyometrics workout. This is always a butt-kicker. And while still recovering and with a 2 week lay off, it worked me over pretty good. As I sit here, a few hours later, I can feel myself getting sore already- never a good sign.

I worked out later n the day then I like. This actually forced me to eat dinner later, etc. I was just so busy with work that I did the best I could. I used the NOXplode again today- though I backed off on the number of scoops. Went with 2 today instead of 3. 3 caused me to have some issues falling asleep last night. But I still felt energized during the workout and was able to "bring it" as much as possible.

Diet:

Diet went pretty well today. Breakfast was a protein bar and an EAS Carb Control protein shake. Snack was a few pieces of turkey jerkey. Lunch was two veggie burgers topped with mustard. Snack was some pine nuts. Dinner was a turkey tenderlon and some corn and peas.

Favorite Move of the Day:

Lateral Leapfrog Squats

I love this move. It isn't all the challenging, but it's fun. To make it harder you really need to sit down deep into the squat while keeping your back straight. When i do this move it brings back my college lacrosse days when we used to have to practice moving our feet while playing defense and having to shuffle back and forth between cones. Fun times!

P90X Round 2 Day 1: Chest and Back

Daily Workout Summary:

Today I "rebooted" on P90X. So, I am back on Day 1 which is Chest and Back. Oh how I've missed it!

I am definately feeling the effects of the illness and the layoff. I am still a bit run down and had trouble breathing on some of the Ab Ripper, but I pushed through. I actually managed to do a lot of the same number of reps as when I left off of P90X 2 weeks ago, so I'm hopeful I didn't lose too much.

This time through I'm also adding quite a bit if supplements to my workout. I've started taking Nitrix, NOXplode, Volumizer, and CellMass. I've used other pre-workout stuff before, with mixed results. Today was my first day on NOXplode. and boy does it rock! At the 30 minute mark I could feel my blood pumping and my energy level jumped! It really helped compesate for the effects of the walking pneumonia I'm still recovering from.

Diet:

Not a good start to the diet today. I'm a medical sales rep and am often in cases in the operating room. today, I had a bunch of cases at two different hospitals. My early morning cases ran late which made me late for my afternoon cases. So what happened was I had a whole wheat english muffin for breakfast at 7am and didn't get a chance to eat again until after 4pm. On the day, I really didn't hit my caloric target and my carbs and proteins were all out of whack. It sucks because I can't exactly take food into the OR, so I had no way of eating. I'll try and get on track tomorrow.

Favorite Move of The Day:

Decline Push Ups

I actually HATE this move. It makes my arms and chest burn like hell. But I guess that's a good thing. I try and leave the tops of my feet on the chair instead of just the toes. They said that makes it harder. I'm usually burning badly by rep 6, so I have to try and breathe and just battle through these. For whatever reason, these have always been one of the worst push ups for me.

P90X Reboot

Hello all! As you read in previous posts, I recently came down with a case of walking pneumonia. Because of this, I basically missed 2 weeks of workouts.

The good news is, I'm feeling a lot better and am ready to start up again. The bad news is, I missed 2 weeks! I debated long and hard about what to do. Should I just pick up where I stopped? Should I pick up where I would be in the program if I hadn't stopped? Or should i start over?

I went to Houston to visit Jeff (Dangle The Carrot) this past weekend. We talked about it and I have decided to start over. The theory behind the muscle confusion is based upon working your muscles for s et period of time in a certain way and then changing things up. I had basically stopped for 2 weeks, so the element of confusion would be lost. So, as of today, I'm back to day 1.

Still Sick...

Still sick guys. Sorry I haven't been posting. I found out today I have walking pneumonia. The doc gave me some strong antibiotics. I should start feeling better this weekend. It's hard to workout when you have no energy and can't breathe! Let alone the strong coughs!

I'm going crazy not being able to workout like I want to. I was just starting to get my groove back with P90X. I can't wait to start feeling better so I can start "bringing it" again!

Sick....

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. In my post on Monday I referenced feeling like I was coming down with something. That would be an understatment! I've been hit hard by a nasty bug. I've tried working out but have little energy right now to get through it. Today (Thusday) I'm feeling a little better and I plan on trying to do something either later today or tomorrow. I'm dropping weight badly right now as I really haven't been eating. Fever, jont aches, coughing, sneezing, runny nose...good times!

P90X Round 2 Day 15: Chest and Back

Daily Workout Summary: Well, after a long day Sunday playing a lot of indoor soccer, I decided to take the rest of that day off. I was just too exhausted and beat up to try and fit in a P90X workout. So, today (Monday) I did my Chest and back workout. I had considered doubling up today (doing the C & B in the morning and Plyo at night), but I am too tired. This is because of two things: 1) I'm starting to get sick (sapping me of my energy) and 2) we got hit with a bunch of snow and I had to do a lot of snowblowing and shoveling today.

I did the chest and back workout early, which made running the snowblower and shovel a lot of fun later on. In retrospect, it was probably good though. Because after clearing my driveway and sidewalk (twice each), I would not have been able to bring it with good intensity.

I did pretty well today. I am matching or exceeding reps on all moves. One issue I'm faced with is the lawnmowers and heavy pants moves. I used bands for pretty much all of round 1. this round, I'm usin dumbbells. My wife got me an adjustable set that goes from 5-25lbs. This works for most everything I've been doing, but with moves like these two, I just don' have enough weight. The last two weeks, I've done at least 20 reps on heavy pants each round at 25lbs, and I'm not getting any burn. If I keep going until I burn out, I end up having to pause the DVD for a while. So, I may have to keep an eye on sales at Dick's to see if I can go get some heavierweights at some point.

Ab Ripper was a bit of a bear today. I got through it, but with the soreness of all my games yesterday, it was a challenge. I knew I was in trouble with the Pfifer Scissors when I was burning in my abs at rep 6! i got through them without stopping, but I was STRUGGLING! It hurt so good! But next time I'd prefer to make it until rep 15 or 20 to feel like that!

Diet: Solid diet day. breakfast was a protein shake. snack was a protein bar. Lunch was some grilled chicken and some carrots. Snack was an EAS CarbControl protein shake. dinner was some chicken and a small salad.

Favorite Move of The Day: Pfifer Scissors. I figured since I struggled with these today, I'd talk a little about them. From everything I've heard, this is probably the move that most people struggle with. I have good days and bad days with it. to be honest, it was the bane of my existence during round 1. However, around week 5 or 6, I realized that the key to getting through it is to breathe! I don't mean just breathe inand out. I mean to inhale as you switch legs, and exhale as you hold. If you slowly exhale and concetrate on your breath and abs, you gain more control of your core and the pain associated with the move. Whenever I struggle, I just remember to breathe and focus on the breathe- not the pain. It usually helps me get through it.