Sunday, May 25, 2014

May 23, P90X3, Week 2, Day 6- The Warrior

May 23, P90X3, Week 2, Day 6- The Warrior.
Today was rather different from last week. First off, I knew today was going to be a double day so I made a concerted effort to get to bed a little earlier than usual. But before going to bed, I put the Cold Start and The Warrior onto my iPad because I don't have a DVD player at the gym. I got up early and went to the gym and did the Cold Start and The Warrior. I was able to hang until the Super Burpees.killed me. I pushed it hard, but only lasted 30 seconds before I had to take a breather. The other moves were great. I think this is one of my favorite workouts because it doesn't repeat the moves, and I love the variety of the moves. The combo of upper body, cardio, and core is a great systematic approach to the routine. It forces us to push when we can push and then raise the intensity when we can, namely, the core moves.

In the next moment I played a tough match of tennis. At first, my legs were like rubber. Warming up was tough. I just couldn't get my legs under me. But as I was getting into it, my energy started coming back. Great match, with some great games and rallies. I mean, so major knock down bang up hitting all out rallies. So much fun, and those awesome rallies just energized me more. Final score, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. There were 5 games that I fell behind 15-40, but I came back to win in 4 of those games. Good scrappy play. Tons of fun!

Total calorie burn 1600+kcals in over 2 hours of P90X3 and Tennis! Totally great way to end the week!

Thursday, May 22, 2014

May 22, P90X3, Week 2, Day 5

CVX.

Pushed it hard today.

I kept the weights in my hands the whole time. Last week I had to drop the weights from 4kgs to 2kgs for one move. My shoulders were dying with the March and Reach.

This is such a great workout. Last week I burned 494kcals, but I burned close to 650kcals.

No more holding back.

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!!!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

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!

Monday, May 19, 2014

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!

Sunday, May 18, 2014

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.

Friday, May 16, 2014

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!