P90X: BRING IT! (February: only 28 days to do YOUR best and FORGET the rest!)

[H20Goddess]

February: new thread.

Originally Posted by LadyBeloved

Are you ready to begin the most extreme workout program available on DVD?

P90-X is not for the faint of heart. Each week consists of three days of resistance training including ab work, one day of power yoga, one day of kenpo kickboxing, one day of plyometrics and one stretch (or rest) day. Each program ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours of fun and high intensity. The bodies you see on the P90-X commercials WERE ACTUALLY built using P90-X and are not actors or models.

What you need - the P90-X DVD's. These can be purchased through the beachbody website or through ebay (much cheaper). You need dumbells and/or resistance bands. You can use a pull-up bar (mine is one that hooks on the door jam easily and is quickly removable. - You can use a chair to assist the pull-ups, by putting a foot on it, if you are not strong enough to accomplish them with body weight yet) or use the resistance bands for the pulling exercises. It is recommended you have a yoga mat as well. The only other things you need is dedication and determination.


I would add to this that you also need tenacity, patience, serenity and an understanding that your body is unlike any other body in this thread or anywhere else. You body will respond to the stresses and challenges of this program in a way that mine will not. And vice versa.

Don't set the infomercials as your 90 day standard. You may reach that level of striation and ripped muscle but you also may not and you should not consider it a failure if your body doesn't respond in that manner in the first 90 days.

For many, this is the time of year people really start to think about their bodies and how much they've abused themselves over the year. After Thanksgiving, remorse settles in and after December, everyone wants to sign up at the local gym and "BE GOOD THIS TIME" ... but everyone discovers how difficult it actually is to BE GOOD. Because it isn't about "being" in the short term; changing your body means changing your life, your way of thinking, your WAY OF BEING so that you no longer need to think in temporary, short-term fix kind of ways.

You will now think in terms of how you want your life to be and how important the life in your years are and only then will you make the necessary changes. Only when you finally realize there are no easy, fast fixes will you cross over to "FIT and FREE" ... and everyone has a different speed limit and a different route to getting there.

I think one of the best things about this particular board on this site is how little judgment there is here when people come and go. We hold out the welcome signs and mean it when new people come in. If they vanish, we wonder about them but when they return, there are no recriminations.

Understanding everyone is on a different path, working at a different level and pace, we will always keep the porch light on. This is a safe, judgment free zone.

Doesn't mean we won't be honest with you, but we will always be respectful and gentle in our responses. It's one of the reasons I like the E-board.

Having preached all of that, let's remember one more thing:

Many men and many more women have better success during Rounds 2 and 3. What they all have in common is ... they really wanted it ... so step up to that little area between your couch and your television and BRING IT!

Carry on as usual....

[H20Goddess]

New month, new thread and plenty more days to bring it!

Extra cardio this evening.

[darlingnikki]

thanx for the link!!
so we work out after the kids are in bed...usually 9-10:30 PM...
I find myself yawning some nights while I'm sweating!!
What are some pre-workout snacks to give me a boost of energy that
have no caffeine?

[Shimmerfly]

I've been really slack for the last few days. I went away camping on the weekend and haven't P90X'd since Thursday. I'm going to try and do something tonight, but it will likely be tomorrow.

I think I might start week 5 over since I've missed 4 workouts.

Here's to a great February!

[H20Goddess]

darlingnikki: For my pre-workout snacks I allow myself a different variety of things. A few of my pre-workout snacks include: a small bowl of steel cut oats, or yogurt, or apple slices spread with natural pb, sometimes it's pb on plain rice cakes or sometimes I'll just have a banana. Usually whatever I feel like on that particular day. The main thing is that I eat something to give me the energy I need to get through the workout.

Shimmerfly: So you missed a few days. Don't sweat it. Just jump right back in as soon as you can. It happens to all of us from time to time. I think your plan in repeating week five over sounds great. I've certainly repeat a week of a particular phase here and there whenever I feel it is warranted. As matter of fact, I've been extending weeks during this current round. So do whatever you feel you need to do to get it done! And I concur with you...here's to a great FEBRUARY!!

Plyo this morning - was oozing sweat afterwards. Felt wunnerful!

[darlingnikki]

oooouuuwwwccchhhhhh....

'nuff said.

[H20Goddess]

I hear ya darlingnikki!

Back/Biceps this morning....absolutely KILLED. It was intense. Biceps are fried.

Doing extra cardio this evening as usual.

Happy X'ing to all!

[H20Goddess]

Was supposed to do Kenpo X this morning, but woke up a little later than usual, so I did Cardio X instead.

Extra cardio this evening.

[Madger]

Just reporting that I'm sore and agree with darlingnikki when she said "oooouuuwwwccchhhhhh".

Truely, It is a killer!

I've become "friends" with Michele Ritter on facebook. She's a great motivator and seems like a genuine and sincere person; a true positive role model.

H20, I envy you for doing extra cardio tonight and wish that there will come a day in which I can do "extras" because right now, I'm getting a butt-kicking doing it just once!

[H20Goddess]

Thanks Madger. I normally don't allow the extra cardio sessions to last any longer than 40 - 45 minutes but they have been great and are helping me lean out even more.

It's great that you "Friended" Michele on her Facebook! I tried to post on her wall last week about how her infomercial segment had motivated you, like you'd mentioned to me, to try P90X, but I think I wrote too much because Facebook wouldn't post it for some reason even though I attempted about four times...lol. Nonetheless, glad you're in touch with her on her page. Her motivation and tips are awesome!

Meant to mention in my earlier post that I did Cardio X rather than Kenpo X because Cardio X is shorter, and not doing my workout this morning was simply OUT of the question.

[Madger]

Originally Posted by H20Goddess

It's great that you "Friended" Michele on her Facebook! I tried to post on her wall last week about how her infomercial segment had motivated you, like you'd mentioned to me, to try P90X, but I think I wrote too much because Facebook wouldn't post it for some reason even though I attempted about four times...lol. Nonetheless, glad you're in touch with her on her page. Her motivation and tips are awesome!

That was really great of you to try to pass on my message to Michele!...That is really nice of you - I really appreciate your attempt!
Thanks a bunch for that.

[Madger]

Oops, I didn't notice how many times I said "really" in my last post.

Shows that I'm "really" appreciative!

[Iwantlessofme]

Sorry to jump in, but I have a couple questions if you don't mind. I am at about 210 pounds and my husband at around 300. Do you think we could do this program, even if at first we can't keep up? Second, do we need the bar, weights and resistance band right away? We are really, really tight for money right now, my husband has been laid off for quite awhile, but we don't want it to keep us from getting in shape. Third and last, what eating programs are you on? We are on Atkins, will that be ok with this program? Thank you in advance. Min

[Shimmerfly]

Originally Posted by H20Goddess

Shimmerfly: So you missed a few days. Don't sweat it. Just jump right back in as soon as you can. It happens to all of us from time to time. I think your plan in repeating week five over sounds great. I've certainly repeat a week of a particular phase here and there whenever I feel it is warranted. As matter of fact, I've been extending weeks during this current round. So do whatever you feel you need to do to get it done! And I concur with you...here's to a great FEBRUARY!!

Plyo this morning - was oozing sweat afterwards. Felt wunnerful!

I'm starting week 5 again tomorrow. I've now had a full week off and I'm itching to get back into it. The timeframes just haven't worked for me this week.

Originally Posted by darlingnikki

oooouuuwwwccchhhhhh....

'nuff said.

Originally Posted by Iwantlessofme

Sorry to jump in, but I have a couple questions if you don't mind. I am at about 210 pounds and my husband at around 300. Do you think we could do this program, even if at first we can't keep up? Second, do we need the bar, weights and resistance band right away? We are really, really tight for money right now, my husband has been laid off for quite awhile, but we don't want it to keep us from getting in shape. Third and last, what eating programs are you on? We are on Atkins, will that be ok with this program? Thank you in advance. Min

Hi I am currently around 215 and not very fit at all. I was also a bit hesitant at starting a program like this. Other than some swimming I hadn't done anything for a long time before I started. I modify a lot of P90X but still get a kick arse workout. Even after a week I was able to do so much more.

If you get resistance bands that is enough to get you started. That is all I did until I wanted to get a chin up bar to workout harder. I didn't want to pay for free weights straight up (and have to store them somewhere). My bands cost about $40 (AU) for 3 at the local sports store.

I'm doing a version of South Beach. Low carb but with some fruit and wholegrains.

[Violet_Dream]

Hey all...

I just completed week 1 of Slim in 6 that I've had since 2004 and this is my first time doing the full six weeks. In the past, I've done one day and then move onto to a different exercise. When I am done with Slim in 6, I am looking at purchasing P90X and Slim Series.

Off to check out Michele Ritter on Facebook...have a great evening all.

[H20Goddess]

Iwantlessofme: Welcome!

Plenty of folk in your same weight range are doing P90X. Like Shimmerfly said, you can modify the moves you cannot do until you eventually get better at doing them the more advanced way. You get so much stronger as the weeks progress that you will amaze yourself with how much better you'll get with all the exercises.

Regarding the equipment needed you can either use the bands for the workout INSTEAD of a pull-up bar or dumbbells, but at the very least you will definitely need at least the bands, since the bands can be used in place of the pull-up bar for the pull-up exercises or for in place of dumbbells for the dumbbell moves.

Eating-wise, when I first started I was doing Induction-level carbs but didn't work. I had to up them to at least 75 - 90 a day. P90X is extreme and you will need adequate enough carbs (at least moderate levels) to complete the workouts. I was afraid of upping the carbs at first, afraid I'd gain some of my weight back. But the program is so vigorous that it made up entirely for the carbs I'd added in. I'm now, more or less, neither low carb nor low fat, but rather, simply eating clean, wholesome foods from diffrent sources and definitely include fruits and grains as a part of my diet because this is what works for me etc. You can tweak your eating to see what works for YOUR needs with the program. I just find that this way of eating works for me.

Good luck with the program!

Moonstruck: Hello and welcome! You definitely have a good start towards P90X with having done Slim in 6.

And please do check out Michele's page. Her transformation is nothing short of amazing!

Shimmerfly: It is good that you're getting back at it as soon as you can. It's good to keep up the momentum you have going with the program. You've been rocking the program so far, so get back in there and go get 'em girl!

[Violet_Dream]

Checked out Michele Ritter's page and all I can say is......

She's 46 and has 7 kids?

Do you all use the chin up bar? I was thinking of passing on that for now. Out of the 12 P90X DVDs...which one has the chin up bar routine and how long is each DVD on average?

TIA!

[Iwantlessofme]

Thank you so much for the info. I am going to look into getting the program and the bands, we will see!

[H20Goddess]

Moonstruck: Legs/Back, Chest/Back and Back/Biceps all require either a chin-up bar or the bands for the back exercises.

I use a chin up bar, yes. I use one called the Iron Gym. It is very easily removable and doesn't require any screws or anything attached to the door.

And yes, Michele Ritter looks amazing for having had twelve kids. What P90x has done for her is incredible!

Iwantlessofme: Not a problem at all.

[darlingnikki]

yoga tonight!!!

...ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm....... ......

[Shimmerfly]

Originally Posted by darlingnikki

yoga tonight!!!

...ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm....... ......

I'm back in business.

Yoga X yesterday and Legs & Back done today. Look out!

I just started where I left off so I'm continuing with week 5 and forgetting that I did nothing for an entire week. :|

Have a great weekend Xers and Happy Valentine's Day.

[H20Goddess]

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Off to do some cardio now!

Cheers!

[darlingnikki]

happy love day too!!

yesterday we split up the workouts...abs in the am legs and back in the pm.

it seemed to help because I find abs after legs my thighs are burning so much its hard to focus on ab work.

Ken-po tonight...can't beleive we're finishing week three!

[kbrookn]

Hi, everyone!

I just found this thread. I just completed my third day of P90X. I was so intimidated at first, but am kind of loving it. I have a muscular lower body already and I'm afraid I'm going to really bulk up. I'm doing the classic program now and was wondering if anyone had any advice for me on how to make sure I get a leaner look rather than a bulky look.

Love all of the info and have been trying to read past posts. You guys are inspiring!

TIA!

Kara

[Shimmerfly]

Good morning all.

I did Kenpo X today. Gawd I love that program. It has to be my absolute favourite.

Kara, I think if you go with lighter weights and more reps you should be fine.

From what I can gather from the program and reading on the internet, a lot of people worry that there isn't enough lower body strength training included ...

So I don't know. I know there is a ton of upper body work but it does seem pretty balanced to me.

I really need to work on my lower body. :/

[kbrookn]

Thanks Shimmerfly! I can't wait to do Kenpo X. Seems to be a very popular one. I did Plyo yesterday. Wow was that a killer, but I really enjoyed it. I am actually surprised how much I am enjoying these, even with all the soreness I'm experiencing. It's a good pain!

[darlingnikki]

KenPo X right now!!

[H20Goddess]

kbrookn: Hello and welcome! Congrats on finishing your third day so far!

I wouldn't worry about bulking up. I don't think that's even possible for most women unless they're eating massive amounts of food and taking steroids or something of that nature. Nonetheless, Tony's advice to anyone wanting a leaner look, is to keep your reps to 12 - 15, and for them going for size or mass, to keep their reps to 8 - 10. I've done three full rounds of the program thus far, each time, keeping my reps within the 8 - 10 range, and I've never been leaner in my life. I am as far from bulky as you can get. Just keep your reps within the 12 - 15 range if you're doubtful and watch your caloric intake and you will be fine. Frankly, with the intensity of the workouts, you'll be so busy burning calories more than anything else. As for the soreness you're feeling so far....doesn't it hurt so GOOD??!

Shimmerfly: I agree....Kenpo does rock. It is an intense workout. Throwing your full body weight behind those punches and twisting your core as you throw them, makes for a really, really intense workout for sure!

[Madger]

Good Morning! Chest/Back and Ab Ripper X tonight...Honestly, looking forward to it.

Last night, I talked with dh about getting lipo later this year; he said I won't need it, as long as I continue with the workouts... Good to know and definitely worth it. As I said before, I've abused my body with food, weight gain and lack of excerise; it's good to be on course with a healthy life and body.

I read Tony's Blog and this paragraph hit me:

I'm writing this because I want you to realize that life can be incredible - not through luck or upbringing or even education. I know plenty of people with a great education and money and they're a mess. Joy, happiness, opportunities, success and the life you want comes from making The Change to a lifestyle that involves regular exercise and whole foods. What seems hard as hell at first will turn your life into a carefree world of endless experiences, plenty of opportunities and the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy life for the rest of your life. The issues and drama of the past will fade way because you had the courage to make consistent fitness and healthy food a priority.

LOVE IT! And, I'm making changes to reap all those benefits!

[Madger]

Do suggest not weighing myself?...Truthfully, I'm scale obessed but thought I should put it in the trunk of the car so that any initial weight gain won't derail my workout motivation. Thoughts?