Sunday, May 31, 2015

5-31-15 HY: P90X3-Accelerator + P90X-Ab Ripper X + Splits + TCF.

5-31-15 HY: P90X3-Accelerator + P90X-Ab Ripper X + Splits + TCF.
It's Sunday, but I had to go to work because we had Open Campus. Didn't get hope till early afternoon. When I got home the house was HOT! But I hadn't had that chance yet to clean our air conditioners so I got right to it and cleaned the two downstairs AC units. Right after finishing, I got to my workout.
Again, I had forgotten the routines so I just went with one that sounded intense. Yep, chose a good one. I... was reading some coaches reviews of it and word out there is that it is not as intense as Agility X. So I was thinking that since I did Agility X and got through it with a good level of sweat, this one would be easier. NOPE! Because I thought it was easier, I came barreling out of the gate, full tilt. I would come to regret that after about 12 minutes. Plus, since I implemented a personal policy that says if I stop in the middle of a move, I would take enough rest and start that move over again from the beginning and would complete the move without stopping. The first 12 minutes, I was killing it. The next 8-10 minutes I was getting killed but still not stopping, the last 10 minutes, I was dying. I was doing moves from the beginning 2 sometimes 3 times again. So this 30 minute workout became over 45 minutes long. The last move, Donkey Kicks, I had to do a total of 4 times because I was just so totally spent. I had to really slow down my pace to complete the minute. I don't know why, but over the past few X3 routines, I have been grunting and groaning more than twice as much compared to other programs. Interesting. By the end of the routine, I was tired, but I would oddly energized. So much so that I moved right into Core.
I was planning to do an easier routine, but as I said, I was feeling energized so I went for the big guns. I paid for it... DEARLY! Much more groaning and core cramping. The phifer Scissors, the Heels to the Heavens, The Oblique V-Ups, and especially Mason Twist. KILLERS!!! All of them. Such an awesome burn.
I really don't want to lose pull up strength so I took some time and pumped out 50 various grips Pull/Chin Ups. The first one I did was an extra wide Pull Up. About 5 inches wider on both sides. Hit my back and shoulders at a different angle and I immediately felt the soreness set in. But I stretched it out and kept on pumping till I hit 50.
No time crunches today, so I could really sink into the split stretches. Pushed it hard and low. And I'm still keeping the Flow steady and watching my stances. If I'm not too careful, I overstep. Got to stay totally focused to get an accurate Flow with spot on stances and steps. Good day for that today.
In the end, I torched a solid 1100kcals. Awesome start to my week!

5-29-15 HY:P90X3-Cold Start + Incinerator + ChaLEAN Extreme-Ab Burner + Splits + TCF.

5-29-15 HY:P90X3-Cold Start + Incinerator + ChaLEAN Extreme-Ab Burner + Splits + TCF.
Good morning workout. Normally, I would do a cardio workout on Friday, but since I have sort of been here and there this week with X3, I went with a resistance routine. So, I really needed a good warm up, went to old faithful! I really like this routine because of the variety of moves and the idea of burning out one body part at a time, two moves at a time. Starting with back, then chest, a...rms, biceps. Then with a lot of core, with the rocket launcher stances and planks. I had to pace myself really carefully because I went to failure with the last rep of each body part. With the biceps, I was using only 10kgs, so the first bicep move was great with a struggle at the end. But by the last arm move, "Arm and Hammer" I almost didn't make it to the end. PUMP and BURN!!
Moved right into the core. I wanted to do the longer routine or even Ab Ripper X, but sort of had a time crunch so went with the shorter one. Another good burn till the end.
No additional stretch time with the splits and Flow. But was still able to push it hard.
Great workout, Pump and Burn! In the end, I Torched well over 700kcals! Great way to rip into the weekend!

Friday, May 29, 2015

5-28-15 HY: P90X2-X2 Yoga + TCF.

5-28-15 HY: P90X2-X2 Yoga + TCF.
Got up this morning feeling rather sore so I knew that it was yoga day. After my morning shake, I started the routine. I was thinking to do the X3 Yoga, but since I had time, I changed my plan and went with the longer routine. I think I like X2 more than X3 Yoga because I feel I can get into the poses a little more and I can relax more in the poses. X3 feels a bit rushed in that sense. I really like the focused and relaxed breathing as well.... Today, I did something for the first time EVER in a Yoga routine. I did the whole routine without shoes. Usually I wear my shoes to prevent slipping but I figured I'd try it shoeless. And with the help of my thick mat, I was able to keep from slipping. Also, I don't know what it was, but the sweat started really flowing early on today. It wasn't that warm in my room, but the sweat was real. I really enjoyed going without shoes today. Oh, and I also did it without the lights on, so the atmosphere was very relaxed with the slightly dim natural light seeping in from the lace-draped windows. I almost went back to sleep at the end. But I was feeling really good and focused. Also, no splits today. Instead, I focused on really pushing the moves in today's routine that stretch the "Splits" muscles and flexors. Tried to push the hip flexor hard along with the inner thighs and hamstrings.
Went right into the Flow and it felt really smooth so I was happy. It was just the workout I needed for today. I know it is not a really heavy and intense workout compared to the other routines, but I like to wear my HRM during all workouts. Today, I torched a modest 330kcals. But felt very happy with the other benefits of today's workout.

5-27-15 HY: P90X3-Cold Start + The Warrior + Pull/Chin Ups + ChaLEAN Extreme-Ab Burner + Splits + TCF.

5-27-15 HY: P90X3-Cold Start + The Warrior + Pull/Chin Ups + ChaLEAN Extreme-Ab Burner + Splits + TCF.
I was so NOT happy today. Everything was going as planned until I looked down at my HRM after doing The Warrior and realized that I didn't start my HRM. It almost feels like I killed myself for nothing. I know that's not the case, but not knowing how many calories I burned after a grueling workout is like a punch in the face. It's huge motivation for me so I was not happy ...with myself for such a bonehead mistake. I started the HRM right as I was cooling down and measured the second half of the workout.
Morning Shake and workout. Great way to start the day.
I was still quite sore so I was debating whether or not to do a Yoga routine. I finally decided on doing what I did. I had forgotten what kind of routine The Warrior was so I set up my Pull Up bar just in case. But I ended up not using it during the routine. I was thinking to do a set every 10 minutes or so when I saw that there were no pull ups in the routine, but that was not to be. The four move circuit was extremely tough and like yesterday I was taking longer breaks, just an extra 10-20 seconds to catch my breath. The moves were really killer moves and doing them for a minute was exhausting. Especially the moves that involved Sprawls and Burpees. DYING! The ab moves made me consider not doing an ab routine afterwards because I got an awesome core burn. Once I got to the Burnout, doing those Depth Charges just destroyed my legs. What a great move! Then I looked at my HRM. sniffle sniffle.
I really wanted to do some pull ups but was so spent during the main routine there was no way. But once I realized that my HRM wasn't on, I decided to crank out 50 pull ups. Also, I did them fast, not using full RoM (Chin over the bar to the full hang) but going down to about a hundred ten degree or so elbow angle. I was able to crank out 20 in a row, then went with 12's then finally 6 to round out the 50. Great pump.
I almost didn't do the additional ab routine, but I figured I could do the shorter routine and all would be good! MORE BURN!!!
Splits and Flow were solid. Very happy with that progress.
In the end, My HRM read over 430kcals torched. So I'm thinking my total burn would be close to yesterdays total, so around 850 or so. But I will be vigilant to keep that from happening again. It was BROUGHT!

5-26-15 HY: P90X3- Cold Start + CVX + Splits + TCF.

5-26-15 HY: P90X3- Cold Start + CVX + Splits + TCF.
Shocked AGAIN at how tough and intense X3 is. Oh, but first, I must make a correction. Last week, when I started P90X3 again, I think I said I did CVX when I actually did Total Synergistics. They are on the same disk and I got them mixed up. So on this new rotation, this is the first time for me to do CVX.
Today was actually supposed to be resistance day, but since CVX has me holding a weight, I went with CVX. I went with m...y 5kg medicine ball... OH MY GOODNESS! What an INSANE BURN!!! I was feeling pretty good about the workout when I started, but that confidence was burned out of me on the first circuit. I guess I should say that my lats, shoulders, and but were still sore from the previous two workouts. That really pushed me.That is also why I started off with Cold Start. I always increase my range of motion on my stretching with Cold Start. I was dying by the second move of each circuit and sweat was at a premium today. I needed a lot of extra breaks throughout the routine. With the cold start, extra breaks and cool down, this first half of the workout took almost an hour.
Second hour was Splits and Tai Cheng. I really took time to push the splits and go lower. My hip flexor has been rather sore as of late because I'm pushing. Today was not different. Not sure if I got lower, but I did get to the mark, despite my pain. I took a lot of time with the Flow today because of my soreness. The flowing movement really calms my muscles down and that extra stretch is really good.
In the end, I torched well over 900kcals. Yeah, I was shocked since the X3 workouts until now have topped out at 600kcals. BIG BURN!!!

5-25-15 HY: P90X3-Agility X + ChaLEAN Extreme-Extreme Abs + Splits + TCF.

5-25-15 HY: P90X3-Agility X + ChaLEAN Extreme-Extreme Abs + Splits + TCF.
No morning workout today, so I did it after work.
I was thinking this routine would be easy because it is not classified as a HIIT workout, but I was dying by the first ten minutes. It was a lot tougher than I had expected. Even though it was not continuous movement like T25 or Insanity, it was WAAAY intense. Even harder than I remember it being. I had to stop and watch to relearn moves, and I also ha...d to stop because I couldn't continue without a drink and a breathe. Got a great burn!
I was feeling good so I did my usual additional abs workout. Again, great burn in the core. Splits and Flow were right on point.
In the end, I torched a good 700+kcals. Felt good!

5-24-15 HY: P90X3- The Challenge + Splits + TCF.

5-24-15 HY: P90X3- The Challenge + Splits + TCF.
Everyone had their own plans today so I was free to do what I needed to do. I had some tree trimming on the schedule, and some other house work. Didn't get to my workout till early evening.
Continuing on with P90X3, The Challenge was up today. I was kind of waffling about the numbers, but I finally decided on 12-20. I was a little generous with the push ups, but with that many sets, I wanted to play it safe. The first round... was good, hit all my numbers. But the way I do pull ups is that I go all the way down to the max range of motion. I had to change that, and leave a little tension in the arms and back from the second rotation on. Not all the way to the hang, but had about a 40-50 degree angle on my elbows. I was able to do a long more that way. Also, with Tony's recommendation, I went down on my push ups until my elbows were at a 90 degree angle instead of bringing my chest all the way to the ground. A little less range of motion, but necessary with so many sets in a row. I kept my numbers all the way through the four rounds. But on Burnout, I did 12 sets of the 1 and 3's. So that was a total of 108 Pull ups and 196 push ups. Got an awesome pump and burn.
Starting to feel like I'm getting off that splits plateau. Pushing lower is becoming less of a chore.
Good solid Flow today. All around good upper body workout. In the end, I torched just over 520kcals. Good start to the week!