May 21, P90X3, Week 2, Day 4

The Challenge.

In one word, OUCH!!!

Last week was the first go so I was a little conservative and found my limitation. Today, I pushed my limits. My number was 25 push ups, and 10 pull ups/chin ups. I went up on the push ups by 5. I stuck with 10 pull ups, because I only went to 10 on the first round, then I had to break it up 6-4 after that. Today, I went to the 7-3 split. The push ups were a real challenge. I knew doing that many sets would push me. I was able to stay up for all the sets except the second to last set. I had to go on my knees before the last 5.

Back to pull ups, I got the 10 in the first round, the 7-3 split on the next 5, and then had to go back to the 6-4 split on the very last set.

The Burn Out I wanted to really push it, so I just kept going and was able to up the set count by one. From 10 to 11. Parallel Grip pull ups and then 3 regular push ups.

Got such a major burn. It took a longer than usual to get my heart rate down out of the zone. It took almost 15 minutes to get out of the zone. Then, I could barely lift my arms to get my undershirt on. Talk about rubber arms.

Finally, I think my new favorite grip is the Vaulter Pull up. I really felt like my arms and back were supporting each other as they got burned out. I couldn't have done any other form at the end. That was a great grip to put at the end of a grueling workout.

GREAT WORKOUT!!!

May 20, P90X3, Week 2, Day 3

X3 Yoga

I had some extra time today so I was tempted to do X2 Yoga instead of X3 Yoga, but I stuck with the program as scheduled, because there was another little program that I really wanted to try out. So After I did X3 Yoga, I did that other program. But first, X3 Yoga.

Last week I didn't realized that there was Cold Start on X3 Yoga, but I noticed it this week and I did it. Sound weird? to do a warm up before Yoga? Not at all! No matter what workout I do, it always take about 10-15 minutes for me to get into a zone so the Cold Start is perfect to get me up and running so to speak. I was able to do the wrap better, but I realized that I have more power in my left leg that I do my right. Not exactly sure why. Maybe I was positioned wrong, but when going from Plane to Crescent Pose, I needed assistance on my right and popped up on my left. I'll have to pay attention more next time to see if it happens again and if it does, why. I didn't feel as rushed this time around either, except when Tony says, "We don't have time..." and "Gotta move." Then I felt a little rushed. I guess it's all mental. Over all felt really good and energized afterwards.

Then, I went right into Mark Lauren's "You are Your Own Gym" program. I just started with his first novice workout. Only four moves at four sets each. The whole main workout was only 15 minutes long, 12 if you take out the explanations. Plus 11 minutes if you add the warm up and cool down. I did the whole thing so it was an extra 25 minutes or so. Nice little program for just a little added boost. Easy moves, but became a bit of a challenge by the final set.

To close out the week, I've got three tough workouts waiting. I almost did The Challenge today and X3 Yoga tomorrow, but again, decided to stick to the program as recommended and provided. I'll save the changes for my hybrid after everything is done.

Did a little something different with my Shakeology tonight. I added whole grain Muesli. Thought it would get a little grainy, but it was a nice surprise to see how much the taste was enhanced.

Have a great day!

May 19, P90X3, Week 2, Day 2

Agility X.

My left ankle was feeling a lot better so there was no issue with it today. I could go all out, as much as I could. This is the one workout where I wish I had more space. My "X points" have to be closer than I'd like them to be because of the limited space. So on moves like 8 Sprint 3 and 3.4 Run. I am basically doing something like the towel run in P90X's Plyo X routine. So it is a lot more high knees to compensate.

I love this workout, but it doesn't seem like an "Agility" workout to me. It still seems like a regular cardio workout. And man was it cardio. I totally got that vibe going. I was able to hang with most of the workout until the Scissor Kick Jumps. I kept up with the pause at the end of the line, but when I did it without that pause, I could only hang for about 15 seconds. Totally burned me out. Great move. Still can't get my legs that high though. Working on it.

Over all a great workout, again with the Cold Start. Odd, because I burned 60kcals (51 yesterday evening) on today's CS. I guess it's because I worked out in the morning today.

Hope everyone is starting off their week well!

May 18, P90X3, Week 2, Day 1

Total Synergistics

This is such a great workout. I was able to hang with most of it. I was able to up my weights a little. Move 5, Crawly Plyo Push-ups, last week, I died with 10 seconds left, but this week, I was able to hang all the way to the end. But I was so winded, I needed to pause the DVD for a few extra moments to catch my breath before the next move. Then on the next move, I upped my weight from 8.75kgs to 20kgs. A little too light last week. This week I was dying by the last rep. Pretty much all the 8.75kgs I used last week, I upped to 10kgs this week. On move 15, Side Rise Punch, I went from 2kgs to 5kgs. That was tough. Especially since my dumbbells are kind of long, I had to angle them to get them under my arm. Oh also, on the Flying Warrior, 2kgs to 5kgs. I didn't want to take the time to switch plates on my dumbbells so I put a towel through 2 of my 2.5kg plates and had 5kgs in each hand. Worked nicely. Finally, on the final move, Warrior Squat Moon, I was able to keep my balance better, not tapping out as much as last week.

Again, I started out with the Cold Start which I love! Total calorie burn was 619kcals. This is my first straight measurement of calories burned for this workout because I did the fit test last week. But the Cold Start is three calories down from the last time I did it.

Vegan Chocolate Shakeology for dinner. Feeling good about my eating.

I'm still struggling with sleep hours. I'm going to get it though.

Oh, finally, the weather today was so weird. I felt so UN-motivated. But I think it was affecting everyone. I actually accidentally took a nap in the afternoon. Something I almost never do without some type of physical activity prior. But my Super energetic daughter also took a nap today after she got home. Something she never has done before, so I'm not beating myself up over it.
Over all, a good start to Week 2 of P90X3 and to my work week as well.

May 16, Week 1, P90X3, Day 6

The Warrior

This program keep blowing me away. I am happily surprised at every turn. Another workout where Tony had me clutching my knees for breath after each round. Those Super Burpees are Crazy! Then to follow it up with those Think Drills. First time around, I couldn't hang at that point. I had to pause the DVD and catch my breath.

It was nice to see the return of some of the balance work in this workout as well. It it very nice to see elements from P90X and X2 in X3.  I added about 5-8 minutes to the workout for rewinding and leaning the new moves and catching my breath.  Also, I decided to do the Cold Start whenever it was available.  It was available today, so I did it. Only burned 54kcals with it, but I think it enhanced my calorie burn in the regular workout.  Then with my personal cool down (some extra stretching and foam rolling) after the main program, I burned a total of 500kcals today.

But I am still a touch sore from The Challenge. Heading into my rest day, I look forward to just stretching and taking it easy. Tonight, Shakeology for dinner and then hopefully getting to bed early. That is still the biggest problem for me. I want to get at least 7 hours of sleep regularly by the end of the program. And hopefully that also become habitual.

Have a great weekend everyone!

May 14, Week 1, P90X3, Day 5

CVX (Cardio Vascular X-Treme)

 First of all, I was wondering what CVX meant. I was hoping Tony would tell us what it stood for. If he did, I missed it. Can anyone tell me what it means?

Now to the workout. WOW, I have never done this type of cardio before. I mean, I have done certain moves with a weight, but never an entire workout with weight. It was easy at first, but again, about 15 minutes into the workout, I was contemplating putting the weight down, or at least grabbing a lighter dumbbell. And, there was one move in the second round, for which I did grab a lighter weight. But only one move.

Great workout, burned just under 500kcals.

Today, however, turned out to be a double workout day. In the morning, I played tennis. It was a great match from the start. I came roaring out of the gates. But I came a little undone later on. But closed it out in the end. It was also weird because we usually play 4+ sets, but we played a ton of deuces today in the second set and we only played just over 2 sets. I was striking the ball really well, but hit more than a few bad frame shots. Final score, 6-0, 6-3, 1-2.

May 14, Week 1, P90X3, Day 4

The Challenge

Since the name was rather ambiguous I wasn't sure what to expect. Then I took out the worksheet and BOOM! PULL PUSH DAY! I haven't been doing a lot of pull ups so far so I was a little nervous. Setting a number on a whole workout was a new twist. I am used to setting numbers for individual moves, but for an entire workout. HOO YA!!

I set my numbers to 10 Pull/Chin ups and 20 push ups. I got through the first double round fine, but the last rounds, I had to split up the pull/chin ups into a a 6-4 split to get to 10. I hit 20 push ups every time, so I will probably to with 25 next time. The Burn Out was awesome. I did 10 sets of the 1-3 combo, doing Parallel grip pull ups and regular push ups.

Got a major pump and burned over 600kcals. It was a true challenge!