Beginning Phase 2 - 30 Days Comparison

This morning I completed "Chest, Shoulders & Triceps" and began Phase 2 of this go-around of P90X. During the first four weeks, I was pretty consistent, except for not doing Ab Ripper X more than once a week. Lack of time in the morning when I work out is the best excuse I have, but it's real!

I've also consistently been using my creatine. I think I'm seeing some results in just 30 days visually. I definitely feel like I'm a little bulkier, but still not too much. My goal is to get a little bigger, but also creating more definition. This is where my diet is betting better, but still not as good as it needs to be. I need to make lifetime changes for the better.

What I really, really like is my energy and increase in strength! Without a doubt, I have to thank some of that to the creatine, but I also know that I had a decent base before beginning this series of P90X. My flexibility is also near or at an all time high. That is in thanks to my consistency with Yoga-X and Stretch-X. It is a very good feeling to see the progress when I am 40 stinkin' years old!

DAY 0                        DAY 30

September 13, 2010                            October 11, 2010

I also consider what my fitness means to my faith while I'm on this journey. I certainly know the physical me is nothing without my faith and belief in Jesus as my Savior. One important benefit is being able to keep up with my two sons, in addition to the work I do at my church with middle school boys. Having the engergy at the end of the day on Wednesdays is necessary, if I am to relate to and keep up with them!

Update to My Rededication to P90X

So, I'm beginning my 3rd week of the first month in my rededication to P90X. I have done every day as I'm directed, except for only doing about 1/2 of the Ab Ripper X days. I'm just too pooped to continue after the usual M, W, or F workout, but I will find 15 minutes in the evenings to do it half of the time.

My diet is so-so, but I know I'm getting in few calories.  One thing I am doing different is adding a supplement to my workouts. My choice was Body Fortress Super Advanced Creatine HP. My first reaction for beginning such a supplement was whoa, man, isn't this bad? Isn't this what Mark McGuire used and got ridiculed? (When he allegedely didn't use any other banned substance, and creatine was legal to use in baseball at the time). My verdict so far ... BIG thumbs up!

I know it was probably psychological, but on the very first day, I felt the effects that is written about in the research ... it gives a greater "pump" while working out, and it also delays fatigue - that lactic acid feeling. Now that I've been taking it for 2+ weeks, I feel wonderful, I think I am stronger, and my muscle mass is larger, and my definition is beginning to show just a bit more positively. Only one thing to watch out for that I've read about is cramping. Just this morning, I was turning in my car into the backseat, and my left pectoral muscle cramped on me. As of this writing, the same muscle is a bit sore from the earlier cramping ... I would probably attribute it to the supplement as this has been one side effect for others.

In addition, I've probably gained 5 pounds, more than likely just muscle mass. Below are a few pictures that I took from a few weeks ago. This was one week after P90X, and one week of creatine. It's crazy to think the supplement could have made a difference in such a short time, but my gut tells me this is what it's from! I see a little more "fat tire" in my midsection. I think the only thing that will help this is my diet getting better ... I gotta make improvements in that arena.

 

 

Here I Go Again!

Ok, to steal the title of a good Whitesnake song, I'm recommitting myself to P90X again. I'm also going to eat better, begin to supplement a little, and overall just be healthier. I am 40 afterall ... I'm a man!

Nearing the End of 2nd Session!

I'm nearing the end of my 2nd 90 days of P90X, and I'd say I'm still very pleased with how things are going. Any negatives are because of my own behaviour. My eating has gotten even a little worse than I did in the first 90 days, and I was never fully committed to the diet portion then. I miss one or two workouts a week and still consider it a complete week. Previously, I would do doubles in one day if I missed any workout.

I'm cool with all of that. I set a new record on Sunday with doing 18 pullups! Amazing! I couldn't do more than 3 when I started last May. Also, I know I talk a lot more about P90X to lots of other people. I'd say a few started it because they had already heard of it, but then when they heard me compliment it so much, they gave it a whirl for themselves.

Update and Injury

So I'm plodding along nicely in week #1, phase 2 in my second go-round of P90X ... and I sprained my ankle pretty nicely while participating on a scavenger hunt with the middle school at my church. The assignment we were working on was getting a picture of road kill and while getting out of the car, and onto the curb, my left foot rolled under ... immediate pain! It seemed to get better as the evening wrapped up and the swelling continued. I iced it when I got home, the swelling seemed to steady, but it became more painful to walk on. No ER visit yet ... but I'm wondering.

Progress with pull ups!

Just a quick note here to mark my progress with pullups. This morning was Legs/Back followed by Ab Ripper. One of my highlights with this routine is right off the bat, I get to max out on my reverse grip pull ups. Today I set a personal record by doing 15 straight! I did 14 last week. Back in week one, I could barely do 4 straight. In addition, I also have set a record this morning with my total number of pullups, but I don't feel like adding them all up right now!

My P90X Update

I haven't been updating my P90X blog because I'm not taking it as seriously after doing it the first 90 days. I am sticking to most of the workouts, but I'm not as "hard core" as I was. For example, in week one, I can remember missing Plyometrics on Tuesday, and I missed one of the Ab Ripper workouts. During week two, I missed doing Legs/Back, Kenpo, and an Ab Ripper workout. With this, I'm looking to take baby steps to eating better too. My ice cream and desserts are in small portions.

I did Yoga X after work tonight, and I felt really strong in most of my poses. I love the sweat that comes without any high impact work. I've also noticed I like the evening workouts because I'm stronger and more flexible. When I'm doing weights, I can use more weight, and generally get in a few more reps per exercise. As it turns out, I'm happy to get in the workout whether it's in the morning or evening ... especially if I can get JR to workout with me!