Day 84-90 Umm...I didn't fall off the wagon at the end here...

I just got too busy to come in and update my blog. I finished strong and put together a video that has been getting some really good reviews from my peers. I had a lot of fun making the video and I really enjoyed the P90X program. I will absolutely do another cycle, but first...I'm going to do Insanity. In fact...I'll be starting it this Monday so I'll be starting this blog over again on Day 1!

If you'd like to watch my results video you can do so here...

http://www.youtube.com/getfitreedman

Day 83 - Kenpo X (But I did Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X)

Legs and Back...OOF!...this workout is always a killer. The wall squats are such a killer! I also did cross legged situps for the first time tonight...mostly because a buddy of mine gave me a hard time for not doing it that way by now. It certainly was harder!

I did the workout tonight with my buddy Jay and we took a few pictures here and there...you can see them on my Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2152352&id=18311604&l=2fdb210b92

Day 82 - Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X (But I did Yoga with Jay)

Jay and I came up to TCU and did Yoga X in one of the lecture halls...it was a decent enough workout, but I've decided that Yoga is one of those workouts that I really do need a partner with me to do it "right".

Day 81 - Yoga X (I played some soccer instead)

I was planning to do Yoga X before I went and kicked the ball around, but I ran out of time and after I finished kicking the ball around my legs were worn out and I was really sore...I'll push everything back a day this week and finish up on my "off day".

Day 80 - Back and Biceps + Ab Ripper X

Great work out - I'm a little sad that I won't be doing this one again for a while. Last time I'll be doing this work out for a while...I've got some pictures from it on my Facebook page and some video uploaded to my youtube account - http://www.youtube.com/getfitreedman.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2152072&id=18311604&l=eb2f06a42b

Day 79 - Plyometrics

Once again I was up at TCU doing the Plyometrics...I don't have any pictures from it, but posting this reminds me that I did take pictures of it last time so I'm going to go back and edit last weeks blog entry about Plyo. I was on the phone with a friend of mine for the first half of the workout. It was pretty hard to talk and breathe at the same time! No knee problems still...my hamstrings are hanging in there too! I'm nearly done! TEN MORE DAYS!

Day 78 - Chest, Shoulders, Triceps + Ab Ripper X

I did Ab Ripper X first tonight...I think I like doing it that way...It doesn't happen very often, but there has been a time or two where I just didn't have it in me to do Ab Ripper at the end of my work out...this way...I already had it done and I'm not about to quit the "main" workout early. Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps is such a great work out...I took a bunch of pictures of it tonight with the camera on a timer/tripod. I'm not going to upload them here...I'll link the gallery on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2151781&id=18311604&l=80e2d86cfe

Day 77 - X Stretch or Rest (or Soccer!)

Well I had a couple or options today...I could have made up for at least one of the workouts I missed this week or I could just focus on the game and try to work as hard as possible during it. I opted to go the game route. I should have done Legs and Back or Kenpo X too, but I didn't. In any event, we lost the game...badly...I'm so sick of people not coming to our games (to play). We need more reliable players. I also slightly pulled my left hamstring about 3/4 of the way through the game. So irritating...

Day 76 - Kenpo X (Or Moving Day!)

I had a couple of errands to run today and I slept in (too late). When I finally got around to taking care of my errands it was also time to help my friend move. We ended up moving till after 11pm...in other words...no Kenpo X. ARGH!

Day 75 - Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X (skipped due to party)

My darling wife had a celebration dinner that lasted all evening...we were busy with that and I was completely stuffed afterwards. There wasn't any way in the world I was going to be able to do Legs and Back...or Ab Ripper X. So yeah...skipped it....bummer.

Day 74 - Yoga X

I did Yoga X tonight...it was broken into little bits here and there as I snapped some pictures of the poses. It made the routine a lot easier than it normally was so that was good and bad...for the most part I really need someone else to be taking the pictures during Yoga. It's not good to break up the routine like that...I took a bunch of pictures...you can view them here...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2151274&id=18311604&l=ad2bede67a

Day 73 - Back and Biceps + Ab Ripper X (Skipped Ab Ripper due to time/soccer match)

Well I got off work about the usual time today, but instead of getting right to my work out like I had intended I decided I'd take a little nap for a while. My darling wife joined me about the time I was going to get up and she asked me to lay there with her a while longer...so of course...I stayed. I woke back up a short time later and started cooking dinner for myself. I also got on board the Redline express! I put my dinner in the fridge and cranked out Back and Biceps....such a great work out....I still wish I had a pull up bar though. After my work out I had a light dinner and headed out for my soccer game. The game was great - we won 7 to 2 and I got a hat trick. I'm not sure if it was the Redline or what, but I was cramping a little during the game....and in the strangest of places...my thumbs! I'd kick the ball and my thumb would curl up on itself...I'd have to use the other hand to straighten it. The good news is that I don't have anymore soccer games during the week so I shoudln't be on the Redline for any more of the games.

No pics...

Day 72 - Plyometrics

I made quite a production out of today's Plyometrics work out...I hooked up my camera to the tripod and shot a bunch of different videos and stills. I drank my NO SHOTGUN too late again though...I think I drank it around 10pm....so I was riding the Redline until 3am this morning...I'm a wee bit tired right now. It was interesting to do the work out with the camera going...I had slightly longer breaks between the moves because I'd need to reset the camera. It allowed for me to increase my depth and intensity a little, but at the cost of overall speed. Who knows whats best...

Some of these pictures are pretty humorous...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2151006&id=18311604&l=382d772379

Day 71 - Chest, Shoulders, Triceps + Ab Ripper X

A buddy from work came by and did this work out with me. It was his first time to ever do a P90X routine, but he'd seen some of them before. He's in good shape already...I believe he's training to run a marathon. He did well...got through the entire work out...even Ab Ripper X. We each had some studder steps along the way of course, but overall it was a great work out. I felt bad that he had to use the bands one a few of the moves...I've only got the one set of dumbbells.

Day 70 - X Stretch (but I did Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X)

I was dragging all day today, but I knew I needed to get this work out in...so I made up my mind...drank down my NO SHOTGUN and VROOOM! away I went! That drink certaily gives you a kick in the pants and gets you motivated to work out...I need to stop drinking it so late though! I didn't get to bed until 4am! It was a brutal work out and Ab Ripper X wasn't any easier...I think I can tell now during Ab Ripper X that I've missed a few of the work outs with it. It's back to being rather difficult...either that or my form has been improving lately and I'm just working that much harder during. I like the latter...better...

Day 69 - Kenpo X (I did Insanity instead)

My buddy Jay and I went up to my work and found us a spot to do Insanity...it's not that it requires that much room, it's just that I prefer to jump up and down on a solid surface and not on my pier and beam floor. The work out was just as hard, if not harder, than the last time I did it...I still die off doing the up and down, jump around push up thing...It was a brutal work out and I was glad to have done it. It makes up for skipping Yoga...thats for sure! I'll edit this post and add the pictures when I upload them...

Day 68 - Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X (I chickened out)

I'm a few days behind on my posts, but I remember well enough to know that I didn't work out on Friday...I know...I'm a slacker!

Day 67 - Yoga X (But I did Shoudlers and Arms + Ab Ripper X)

If you've been following along you'd know that I skipped the work out yesterday due to my soccer game and so I'm a day behind this week. I'll just move everything ahead a day and skip the rest day so I will be doing Kenpo this Sunday. Tonight was the 2nd night for me to use my NO SHOTGUN pre-workout drink. My incredibly sexy wife was teasing me because I was pretty much hopped up on goof balls as a result of the energy that this drink had given me. I was all over the place...and extremely pumped to get my work out started. It's funny too because before I took the drink I was kinda dragging a little and wasn't sure about the work out for tonight. That all changed a few minutes after drinking down that cocktail! I had a terrific work out and enjoyed some hard work during Ab Ripper X. I will admit to skipping the wide leg situps though. I didn't skip them because they're hard though...I skipped them because I hate them with a passion. I think they're boring as hell and take forever to do. I know I shouldn't have skipped them, but I was just not patient enough. I also need to get better on my diet these last 3 weeks. I've been eating a little too much crap lately...I don't think it's shown up yet on my body, but it's not a good practice to start up...especially not this late in the game! I took a couple of pictures during the work out...but they're not of the routines...just of me being a tool and flexing in front of the mirror...here is one of them.

I didn't bother to crop it or anything...

Day 66 - Shoulders and Arms + Ab Ripper X (or maybe just a soccer game)

I had every intention of doing it all tonight...my soccer game was at 7:30pm and I planned on getting my work out in after that...well it was a hard fought game and we ended up "winning" but the final goal (scored by me) was disallowed due to the rules stating that we can only have a total of 7 guy goals scored. That would have made it 8 for the team and 3 for me personally. So sadly...the game was officially a tie even though everyone knows that we scored more points than they did...oh well. I was pretty banged up after the game though so I elected to skip tonights work out and move it to tomorrow.

Day 65 - Plyometrics

Tonight I did something a little different...I took a laptop with me up to my office and did my Plyometrics work out in the hallway! I had a ton of room...the building was nice and cool...and I was able to really put everything I had into the work out. It was great to not have to worry about jumping up and down on my pier and beam foundation and my tile floor. I still can't do the guitar hero jumps because it hurts my left knee and so I sorta just jump up and down and swing my arm...I wish my knee could handle it, but it simply can't. In fact, during the sports bonus I had to stop altogether because as I was doing the basketball drills I aggravated my MCL (I think) on my left knee...I could see what I believe was the tendon sitting on the top of the outside of the bone on the inside of my knee...I bent over and pushed it back into place and hit stop on the DVD player. It felt a little weak to walk on it and bend the knee so I won't be doing Plyo again without my knee brace. I'm not sure why I bother to try to do it without it since I know that knee is prone to injury anyway. Lesson learned though...it was a minor little tweak though so I'm pretty sure I'll be fine to continue till the end!

Day 64 - Chest and Back + Ab Ripper X

I got started on my work out later than I'd hoped and it was HARD tonight...harder than last week. My numbers fell a little here and there, but I stepped up the weigth a little bit on a couple of the routines as well. I think the last time I did this routine I had some pre-workout drink in my system and I didn't tonight. So maybe there is something to those drinks after all. My resupply of protein and vitamins and pre-workout drink should come in today/tomorrow and my Recovery Drink and protein bars came in yesterday so I'm ready once again to go buck wild with my P90X routine! I need to make up Ab Ripper X tomorrow...I skipped at at the end of this work out because I was totally zonked. Here are my day 64 pre-work out pictures though...

You can't here without hard work, dedication, and the right diet. But, you can get here...

Day 63 - X Stretch (or Legs and Back)

I spent the day with my brother's kids again. I took the three of them to the swimming pool at my parents house and we had a great time. I had a nice home cooked meal (thanks Mom!) and too much watermelon! At the end of the night I went over to my brother's house and we knocked out Legs and Back. It was my 2nd time to do Legs and Back with weights and my first time to do a P90X work out with an actual pull-up bar. I was so completely and totally wiped out. I'm not sure which variable it was...or if it was a combination of all three of them...playing in the pool, using weights, or doing real pull-ups, but I was done for by the end of the routine. I was actually feeling a little sick to my stomach I worked so hard. I've also decided that I hate switch grip pull-ups. :)

Day 62 - Kenpo X (but I didn't do it)

Well this was supposed to be Kenpo X, but I was totally blasted from spending the day with my nephew and swimming/playing around in the pool. I need to get back on the schedule, but it's been really hard lately with a couple of curve balls that have been thrown my way. I'm hoping that things get back to normal this coming week. Holiday weekends are never good for my work out!

Day 61 - Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X (But I did Kenp X)

I'm still running behind from yesterday...we spent the day with my brother's kids and one of my nephews is spending the night with us tonight so I didn't want to take too much time doing a work out...I chose to go ahead and get Kenpo X in...it's always a great work out and I was happy to get it in and get it out of the way. I will either do Yoga X or Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X tomorrow....either way I'm working out on Sunday too.

Day 60 - Yoga X

It's pretty sorry...but I didn't work out on Day 60...it was supposed to be Yoga and it was a late day for me...the lovely wife and I took a late night nap that pretty well ruined it for us as far as working out goes...I woke up and was going to get my work out in...I figured I'd sub in Kenpo X due to the hour...but my sweetie woke up and we watched some TV instead...oh well..

Here is my Day 60 Progress picture though...I took it myself with the tripod so I didn't realize my arms weren't level until later...

Day 59 - Shoulders and Arms + Ab Ripper X

Tonight was my first time to do this work out with weights...now that I'm in Phase III I'm repeating some of the routines from Phase I over again...I have made some serious progress thus far. It was extremely evident in the Side Tri Rise routine. The last time I did it with this work out I was finishing up doing 3-7 reps with each arm and now I'm up to 25 on each arm, for each set! I was shocked and just kept going and going...I felt like the Energizer Bunny! I was without a recovery drink for this work out and I can tell the difference. I tried my best to create a recovery type meal by mixing up a small protein shake and eating a banana....but it still left me feeling whooped and I am a lot morning than I have been in a while. I finished up the work out with Ab Ripper X. It was extra brutal for some reason, but I made it through!

Day 58 - Plyometrics

I started this work out pretty late and my magnificent wife was tuckered out and went on to bed. I was a good husband and chose to do Plyometrics outside instead of in the house. I didn't want to disturb her with all the jumping around...wow was it humid though. Also, the house next door to us is a complete waste. It stinks like cat piss half the time and is worse when it's humid. So there I was jumping around on the walkway, in the dark, in the heat, in the humidity, breathing in stale cat urine odors...I was about ready to go over there and jump on my neighbors head! I was soaked head to toe by the time I finished...I was worn out!

Day 57 - Chest and Back + Ab Ripper X

I'm back to the beginning here...at least in so much as I'm doing Chest and Back from Phase I again. I was more than a little shocked to see the increase in my pushups. Not only did my numbers jump WAY up, but my form was better in every way...maybe there is something to this P90X afterall! ;)

It was a great work out, but I am HATING not having a pull up bar...I think this weekend I'm going to figure out a way to hook one up...or make one and set it outside...I've gotta do SOMETHING!

Ab Ripper X gave me some fits this time through...I was still able to do it all, but I was REALLY struggling. I think maybe because I was able to really push myself during the Chest and Back work out...that it had an impact on my Ab Ripper X....

Day 56 - X Stretch, Soccer, Kenpo Cardio Plus

I started out the day with X Stretch because I've been sore and tight all week long. I figured it would be a good way to get me ready for my soccer game and also help with the soreness in my legs (especially). It felt really good, but I'm still not getting the results with my flexibility that I'd like to see...I need more Yoga and X Stretch!

We lost our soccer game - 5 to 4. I got two goals and two assists...I was pleased with how I did, but wish that the outcome would have been different.

I finished up the day with some Kenpo Cardio Plus...it was my first time to do the routine and it was a nice change of pace from Kenpo X. I'm not sure it's any better as far as the cardio goes, but it was new and different so that is good enough for me.

Tomorrow I start Phase III.

Day 55 - Core Synergistics

This is my "make-up" Recovery Week routine. Normally this would be Kenpo X, but I needed to get this work out in since it's not very common and it's one of my favorites. This was my first time to do it with extra weight and it made a HUGE difference. It's funny to think of this routine as a recovery routine or whatever...it's just HARD! I really enjoy it.

Day 54 - Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X

DOH! I just realized that this week was supposed to be my recovery week leading into Phase III. I've been doing the wrong work outs all week...oh well...I guess I won't get a recovery week this phase, but I'll add Core Synergistics in tomorrow since it's one of the recovery week routines.

Legs and back was KILLER today though...I added weights to it this time since I have the bowflex dumbbells. It was a great work out...I'm not going to do Ab Ripper since it's not supposed to be done during recovery week.

Day 53 - Yoga X

I didn't do Yoga X...this week has been hit and miss for me. I'm trying to keep focused, but it's been extra hard lately.

Day 52 - Back and Biceps + Ab Ripper X

I love this work out. It's one of my top 3 favorites for sure. I wasn't thrilled about doing Ab Ripper X two days in a row, but I did it. It's what I get for skipping it on Monday I suppose...This is such a great work out with the SelectTechs....don't get me wrong...it's a GREAT work out however you do it...but I'm glad to be using the weights now as opposed to the bands. I was at the point that I needed to either buy the Extreme Black Band or go with weights...

Ab Ripper has been pretty tough for me the past two times I've done it...I'm not sure if I'm pushing myself harder or getting my legs straighter or if my form is better so it makes the routines harder...or what. All I know is that I'm struggling with Ab Ripper X again - and I love it!


Just some curls...various types...

Superman!

Doing the Locomotive (I think that is what it's called).

Another post work out pump...that's the difference with the weights vs bands for me. I wasn't getting a pump like this from the bands. Look at the vein in my left arm...

Day 51 - Plyometrics

Well I had made plans to start off this week strong and keep churning right on through till the end. Unfortunately, I found myself without the drive to get up and do Plyometrics tonight. I have been really sleepy and tired lately...I did make up my Ab Ripper X from yesterday though.

So anyway...I missed another Plyo work out, but so long as I don't miss another work out this week I can be caught up by Sunday!

Day 50 - Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps - Ab Ripper X

Tonight's work out was incredible...the only bad thing about it was that I got started so late that I ended up not doing Ab Ripper X. I'll have to make that up tomorrow....I'm still getting a feel for where my strength is and how that relates to how much weight I can lift on the each routine. I'm getting a better feel for it each time I repeat a work out. It really helps to have the log sheet to check and see how I did the last time to see if I need to increase my weight or go down in weight. I set up a tripod to snap my Day 50 pictures, some during the work out, and then did some posing in front of it after the work out to show off my post work out pump. So please excuse the obvious pride that I'm taking in my results...

Day 50 - prior to working out

During the work out...

Day 50 - goofing off post work out.

Day 49 - Father's Day

I spent the day with my family. I didn't work out - Legs and Back - like I'd hoped, but it was a great day all the same. This next week I will be sure to BRING IT like I have been...I don't want to push so hard up to this point and then slack off.

Day 48 - Yoga X and Turbo Jam (What!?)

Ok so I planned on doing Yoga X in the morning and then finishing up my day with some Cardio Kenpo Plus, but my lovely wife wasn't in the mood to lean the new Kenpo work out so we switched over to one of her favorites instead. Yoga was pretty rough for me that morning and I wasn't familiar with the Turbo Jam work out so I did my best to follow along and keep up. We got a pretty good work out in and me especially, since I'd done Yoga X that morning.

Day 47 - Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X (or not)

Ugh - This week has not been the best for me as far as working out. I had two great work outs on Monday and on Wednesday, but I was again too busy to get into Legs and Back...I had some company over so we just visited instead of working out...I did knock out about 40 pushups, but that didn't really do much for me at all...So now I have Yoga X and Legs and Back to make up...oh boy.

Day 46 - Yoga X (or not - so I did Ab Ripper X)

I coudn't find the time for Yoga X tonight...I felt bad about skipping the work out and since I didn't do Ab Ripper yesterday I through it in for my work out tonight...I'll make up Yoga X later during the week.

Day 45 - Back and Biceps - Ab Ripper X

Well on Monday I worked out with my brother and tried out his Bowflext SelectTech weights. It felt so good to use actual weights again and I was hooked. Now this doesn't mean that the bands aren't awesome and can get you where you want to be...I was just ready to move to the next level. Today marked my halfway point through the P9oX program so I felt like rewarding myself. I looked around for used weights, but learned that Sports Authority was offering the SelectTechs for $399 and they were throwing in the stand for free! The stand is a $160 value so I went ahead and made the plunge!

Seeing as how it is halfway through the program I figure I'll go ahead and post my progress picture as well...The work out tonight was amazing. I used the Bowflex weights for the first time and even though I STILL don't have a pull up bar I had the most amazing post work out pump. I was feeling really good through the whole work out and really pushed myself to get the absolute best work out possible. It took me longer than I expected to put the stand together so I ended up skipping Ab Ripper for the night. I can't wait to get to use the weights again...

Day 44 - Plyometrics (but I did Insanity instead)

I had a couple of reasons for not doing Plyometrics tonight...first of all I've been dying to try this Insanity DVD. I've heard so much about it from my friends on Facebook and I've seen the ads and teasers on YouTube. I figured it was time to try it for myself...I was also under the impression that it would be easier on my calf than Plyometrics.

Let there be no mistake...Shaun T, the guy who created Insanity, is not jacking around here. This was so hard for me...I wasn't able to do much of it right...My knees weren't going quite high enough, my pace wasn't quite right, my form was all over the place...of course this was the first time I'd ever done this before and I'm sure I'll get better each time, but wow....it was HARD!

Feel free to take a look at the work outs...I uploaded them all except for the stretching (at this time) to YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-DOQbBqEyQ&feature=channel

Day 43 - Chest, Shoulders, Triceps + Ab Ripper X (but I did Abs/Core Plus)

I spent the day with my brother today...I'd told him that I was getting through Ab Ripper X without too much trouble lately and he suggested I give a new ab routine a try. P90X has a follow up program called P90X Plus...or P90X +...whichever you like...So he pops in Abs/Core Plus and I used his garage to work out. It's where he has his pull up bar and some nice mats laid out for working out. It was a nice set up and it was cool to be able to use a pull up bar (even though you just hang from it during this routine). It was a terrific work out and I'm really looking forward to being able to do it more often (when I finish P90X AND get a pull up bar). The moves that the DVD has you doing were all very cool and some of them, if not most of them, were things I'd never seen or done before. It's longer than Ab Ripper X and so of course it was harder...if not simply due to its length. Regardless I felt like I had an amazing work out and that was only the start of it.

We rested for about 30 minutes and while we were doing our Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps warm up he paused the DVD and says..."You know what we should have done...we should have found out if you can climb that rope in my backyard." Now mind you it's pitch black outside and I'm still tired from Abs/Core Plus AND I was hoping to save my energy for the work out instead of the rope climb, but I went ahead and followed him out there and gave it a go. I can't remember that last time I climbed a rope, but I remember the first time I ever did it w/o using my legs. It was last night. I must say it felt pretty damn cool to pull myself up, hand over hand. I guess maybe it was 15 - 20 feet up in the air. Going up was certainly easier than coming down...and doing it w/o being able to see the ground wasn't a big help either!

My brother also has the BowFlex SelectTech adjustable weights...I messed around with them briefly in between the work outs curling 85lbs in each hand...just kidding...I think it was probably 30lbs in each hand. Anyay...I certainly liked the way they felt and I'm getting close to the point where I would like to focus more on size than getting "cut" and that will be hard to do with bands alone...even the black band from BeachBody. The trouble is that weight system is around $500 or so...but now I'm jonesing.

My numbers stayed pretty close to the same for the Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps workout. I did make the leap (pun) to the plyometrics pushups and launched myself into the air for 8 or 9 pushups. That was fun. I also gave the one armed pushups a try - w/o using my knees...still not able to do that...but soon! All in all it was a great work out and thank goodness I was able to follow it up with a recovery drink!

These pics were taken right after I finished Abs/Core Plus...my first time to ever do it so I wanted a picture ;)

Day 42 - X Stretch - Rest - and or Soccer

I went with Soccer...I'd planned on catching up on either legs or plyo today, but I was a little concerned about over doing it and then not having anything left over for my soccer game. I decided to just give it my all in my game instead...I also had some chores to do around the house and what not that prevented me from really having the time to do both. We won our game and I scored twice...it was a good day.

Day 41 - Kenpo X

My leg was finally well enough to do some "leg work" and it was a good thing too. I really pushed myself during this work out. I was feeling a bit guilty for missing a couple of work outs this week due to my injury and so I really blew it out during Kenpo X. I was "over doing" the reps on nearly every routine and really low in my horse stance. It felt great!

Day 40 - Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X (or maybe Mi Cocina)

Well as it turns out I totally skipped todays work out...it sucks to miss it, but I didn't want to risk further injury to my calf and the gorgeous wife and I went out to dinner with another couple...we both ate a bit too much so we're too full to work out right now and so I'm just going to take a pass on tonight's work out altogether. I may try to do two work outs tomorrow to try to catch up a little on this week. I hope that by tomorrow I'll well enough to really BRING IT!

Day 39 - Yoga X

My beautiful bride and I did Yoga X tonight...we got a little later start than we wanted, but we managed to push through it and get it done. She did a terrific job! I am still nursing the injured calf so it's really wrecking havoc on my work out.

No pics...

Day 38 - Back and Biceps - Ab Ripper X

Not a lot of time here so I'm basically just going to say that tonight my lovely wife and I did Back and Biceps. It was her first time to do it and she did great! I don't think I did Ab Ripper X because I'd done it the day before...

No Pics.

Day 37 - Should have been Plyo, but I'm injured SO...Ab Ripper X

I decided to do the smart thing and not risk further injuring my calf and giving it at least a couple of more days to heal before I try to work it out....especially considering how much calf work is in Plyometrics! I absolutely HATE that this has happened and that I was unable to do my Plyometrics work out, but the fact is it has happened and I cannot do it.

I opted to do Ab Ripper X today instead of yesterday and I considered doing X Stretch today as well, but honestly I didn't to be tempted to do anything that could injure the calf...besides my amazing wife and I spent quite a while at Costco walking around shopping...my leg was feeling pretty loose after that and I felt like that was enough for it...for one day.

No pics for you!

Day 36 - Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps - Ab Ripper X

Second time through on this routine and my super cute wife did it with me! I was so proud of her as she went through every routine with me - doing her best and modifying where she needed due to her wrist...she did amazing! I didn't do half bad myself...I showed improvement in every area and in some areas I showed great improvement. I was only able to do 5 one armed pushups (from my knees) the first time through and this time I was able to muster 15 of them.

Since I hurt my leg and will likely not be able to do my cardio this week I will be doing Ab Ripper X on those days...hence the "- Ab Ripper X".

I have a few pictures from the work out...

I'm not yet able to do the pushups like Tony does...but I can at least get the clap part down.

Mid pushup here...

On the way back up on this one...

Day 35 - Part 2 - Revenge of the Calf

****INJURY****

Well crap...I pulled a calf muscle in my soccer game last night and now my P90X routine is in jeopardy. I see no possible way for me to do Plyometrics tomorrow and it will be very unlikely that I can do Yoga on Thursday...The resistance work outs shouldn't be a problem, except for legs and back...right now I can barely even walk.

I'm so bummed.

Day 35 - X Stretch (But I didn't do it)

Day 35 is supposed to be X Stretch, but I didn't do it...I chose to do One on One with Tony Horton - Recovery for Results....instead. It's basically a very, very light cardio, resistance, stretching routine. Nothing too fancy and certainly nothing too long. It's a good routine to do if you don't have much time or energy, but you want to get something going....

Day 34 - Kenpo X + Ab Ripper X

This is by far the easiest work out that P90X has...I do like the pace though...I keep my heart rate up at a decent level and I don't get so exhausted that I can't move after the work out.

My wife has done this routine with me a few different times, but she wasn't feeling well tonight so she went on to bed and I finished up my work out...I added Ab Ripper X to this work out because I didn't do it last night. I was able to get all 50 Mason Twists with out putting my legs down or falling out of the pose.

Day 33 - Legs and Back - Ab Ripper X

Legs and back...hard work out and rough on a fella's knees. I had just started the routine when my buddy Jay showed up and joined in so I started the DVD over and sorta just bounced around keeping up my heart rate till he got caught up to me...I'd only done the one legged chair lunges so it didn't take long. We pushed through work out and elected to skip Ab Ripper X for the night...it was pretty late and we were both tired.

Day 32 - Yoga X

Tonight I did Yoga X....I've REALLY gotta start this work out sooner. I didn't get to bed until 2:30am. There was never a question of IF I was going to get to the work out, but when...

I might have taken it a little easier tonight than I normally did, but I still got a great work out. I tried to make sure I was nice and low in all my warrior stances, but I did realize that I kept floating back up so I was having to keep an eye on that and keep lowering myself back down in it. I'm trying to get into the crane position more now too...I still can't get in it and hold it for any real length of time...but soon!

I'm doing 3 pushups with each chataronga now too...and on the last one I cranked out 10. I did a total of 85 pushups during the Yoga X work out!

No pics...my charming wife was asleep.

Day 31 - Back and Biceps + Ab Ripper X

Tonight was my first time to do this work out. It's new for me due to my being in Phase II now. I was so pleased to learn that Tony had us doing 21's. I have some fond memories of doing 21's with Kent while we were in high school and the summers thereafter. I'm pretty sure we did that and preacher curls more than anything else. The bands worked really well for this routine, but this was the first time I really would have liked to have had some dumbells. I was having a hard time configuring the bands to the right resistance levels and I know if I had some dumbells I'd have done things a little smoother. Even so I had the most amazing work out and can't wait to do this one again...

I was able to roll through all the Ab Ripper X reps w/o stopping and was doing a pretty good job of keeping my form up. I still struggle of course, but I'm pleased with how I am able to do it. My legs could stand to be a little straighter (my up leg) during fifer scissors, but I just can't make me straight yet so I fight for hieght and do my best. I was able to get 45 mason twists before I crashed...took a couple quick breaths and hammered out the last 5.

I did the cool down and then hauled ass to the kitchen for my recovery drink!

Day 30 - Plyometrics

Tonight was Plyometrics...as usual this was a great work out...nice and hard! It was a little different this time though because instead of jumping around in the house I would open the blinds and dart outside to do some of the more "violent" jumps outside on the sidewalk (and still be able to see the TV). I'm just a little nervous jumping around on my pier and beam floor ;) so I figured I'd could bounce outside to do it more intensely. It was funny though because a neighbor across the street caught me in the act and hollered out "GREAT JOB!" after I finished the jump knee tucks heh.


Since this is day 30 I'm posting my Day 1 vs Day 30 pic here. I'm excited to see what day 60 and day 90 will bring...so long as I BRING IT!

Day 29 - Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps + Ab Ripper X

I've officially started Phase II...

This means I'll be introduced to some new work outs on the P90X DVD. This is a good thing and a bad thing! The good news is that I'll be doing some new moves and working my body in different ways...the bad news is I really enjoyed what I was doing, but on the flip side I'm sure I'll like the new stuff too.

For example...tonight I did slow motion push ups followed by rapid pushups. I don't remember for sure, but I believe I did 4 super slow and then 4 super fast...I think I did 2 or 3 sets like this...however many it was I got them all but the last one I think...and that was just the FIRST exercise!

Tony Horton pretty well blew my mind showing off during the clap pushups....down, up/clap, down. He took it to a whole other level and actually went AIRBORN. What an animal!
I absolutely loved the work out though...I can't wait to be able to do it better...some of the stuff I really had some trouble doing right. But, 28 days into the program and I'm still going strong and loving my results.


I think these were lat raises...but I'm not sure.

About to start Ab Ripper X

And away we go!

Doh! I just realized I am off a day on my posts...

I missed a post for a work out WAY back when on day 18 or 19...I did a Legs and Back work out and didn't blog it. So I'm actually on Day 28 right now and not Day 27...I'll adjust on my future posts...Argh!

Day 27 - Yoga X

Wow...first of all I had no desire to work out tonight...aside from the desire to not let myself down. It was late...I'd had a long day...we had a disappointing loss in our soccer game even though EVERYONE played their best and did a great job. We still fell just one goal short...My buddy Jay did an amazing job in goal considering the pressure he faced and I was proud of how our team played, but you guys (if there really even is anyone reading this) don't come here to read about soccer.

So Yoga X...I was already very stiff and sore and tired from our soccer game and doing a few chores at one of the rent houses...but I forced myself to do it tonight and I'm glad I did. My form wasn't as good as I believe it has been in the past, but a lot of that has to do with one of my hips being a bit sore and I think I've got a slight strain in one of my hamstrings...anyway...I started with a shirt on and it came off almost immediately...this work out is just so crazy intense AND you're hardly even doing anything! I can't believe how fit you've gotta be to really excel at Yoga...I've really been missing out all these years by not doing it until now!


Not the most perfect of poses...but, I'm still doing it!

Again...my form isn't flawless, but I'm busting my hump doing the best I can...what are you doing?

Last pic...form isn't prefect (again), but I'm glad I do what I can...I do the BEST I can each and every time I Bring It!

Day 26 - Core Synergistics

Today was supposed to be Yoga X, but if you've been following along you'd know that I didn't get to work out yesterday so I guess that makes yesterday my "rest" day. Although as hard as my beautiful wife and I worked at one of the rent houses...it's hard to call that a rest day. In any event, I did Core Synergistics tonight. I really do enjoy this work out, but it is the first work out in a while that I'm actually having a hard time keeping up and not able to do everything w/o stopping. I didn't stop MUCH, but I did have to pause a couple of times during a couple of the moves. I really like the different styles of pushups and look forward to the next time I'll get to do this routine...which won't be until week 8. I'm hopeful that by that time I won't have any trouble AT ALL.

No pics tonight...

Day 25 - Yoga (oops!)

I'm actually not 100% sure that I'm supposed to have done Yoga X today or not....more of the same from yesterday. My wonderful wife and I worked until after 11pm over at the rent house again....we came home and had dinner...watched a little TV...and now I'm going to bed. I'll have to push Yoga X and Core Synergistics into my "rest day" on Sunday.

Day 24 - X Stretch

Alright well...I only did half the work out tonight. My hard working wife and I were busy cleaning up one of our rent houses and getting it ready for the next folks to move in...we didn't get finished up until after midnight I think. Anyway...I had to go back to work that night and so I only did the upper body portion of the stretches.

No pics...

Day 23 - Kenpo X

I had a soccer game tonight and I followed that up with Kenpo X. My body was not pleased with the double cardio...I was really stiff after my soccer game and it was hard to really push myself during the kicks required for Kenpo X. I felt like I did fine, but I wasn't thrilled about how I was feeling...just sore during...

My soccer game was great...I got a hat trick and my buddy Jay (the goalie) got a shut out. It was a lot of fun!

No pics again - my amazing wife did Kenpo X with Jay and I.

Day 22 - Yoga X

I kicked it up to another level tonight on Yoga X. I was doing 2-5 pushups on all the movements and I could really tell the difference at by the end of the 40 minutes of pain! :) The thing I love most about Yoga X is the gradual improvement I see in myself every time I do it. I'm still no where near close to being able to do the crane...but one day!

No pics...

But, I did post my video to Break.com - http://www.break.com/usercontent/2009/5/richards-p90x-progress-731174.html

Day 21 - Core Synergistics

Today was a bit of an off day...I was supposed to do Yoga X tonight, but I didn't get geared up to work out until way late (after midnight). My beautiful wife was kind enough to work out with me and we figured we'd swap up the work outs and do Core Synergistics instead of Yoga X (since it's 90 minutes!). It was our first time to do this work out and that was nice to do something different for a change. It was entertaining and very hard for me...I think my wife breezed through it though ;)

I was drenched in sweat...the front and back of my shirt were totally soaked through.

We didn't take any pictures tonight, but I did take my day 21 pictures this afternoon. I'll post them later.

Day 20 - X Stretch

Nothing much to say here...I stretched for an hour...It's not the most amazing work out in the world, but it's a crucial part of the program. I know a lot of people skip it...those people are wrong.

Day 19 - Kenpo X

Tonight my adorable wife joined me for a full on P90X work out! She did fantastic! She's a Kenpo fighting queen! She did it right after completing her own Turbo Jam routine too so that is double hot!

I don't have any pictures because it was just the two of us...and we were too busy Bringing It! :)

Great work out.

Day 18 - Yoga X

Yoga X - I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait to get through those first 40 minutes...they're such a killer! I did a push up after every single movement (when he tells you to if you want to) this time through and they felt great...well all of them except for the two after turning to one side and holding your body up off the floor...those two hurt...I was even able to raise my leg on one side...I don't remember which though.

Bottom line...as hard as it is...its getting easier and I'm enjoying it. The little ab routine at the end is a nice change from Ab Ripper X...but it still gives me a nice burn.

No pics...maybe next time.

Day 17 - Arms and Shoulders + Ab Ripper X

Another great work out...I'm coming to the end of phase one this week and so I'll be going through a nice little recovery phase then on two phase two. I have no idea what I'm in for...except lots and lots more pain and gain!

I beat last weeks numbers across the board so I'm happy with my progress. Also, and I'm thrilled about this, I was able to get through Mason Twists without stopping or dropping my feet to the floor. I also kept my feet up the entire time on Fifer Scissors. I didn't say how HIGH up I was able to keep them...but I felt some new muscles burst into flames in my abs! I made it a point in my mind that I wasn't putting my feet down...no matter what and it worked.

No pics - sorry. My little vixen was in the other room doing her own couple of videos...

Day 16 - Plyometrics

Well I was alone for the work out tonight, but that didn't stop me from nearly killing myself doing Plyometrics. No pics because my gorgeous wife was busy doing her own work outs in the other room...The best thing about Plyometrics is no Ab Ripper X at the end...I am pretty darn sure I had nothing left in the tank when I finished tonight!

Day 15 - Chest and Back + Ab Ripper X

We had a late start on our work out, but we still brought it. I was extremely proud of myself after this work out. I made greater than 100% gains on many of my reps from the prior week AND I stepped up my resistance band to the green one. So not only was I able to do more pushups on all the various exercises I was pushing myself harder on the bands too! I think I was inspired by my day 15 pictures - taken prior to the work out - to really blow it out. Jay and I would push ourselves to failure on the pushups and then drop our knees to the floor and knock out a few more modified pushups to get that last little bit out of our muscles.

Here are some pictures of Jay and I doing some diamond push ups...as best we can...

Me getting ready to start...

Another good reason to take pictures during your work out - bad form!

No pain yet...just some good breathing!

just a few more...

That's working hard...

And finally...a smile

Day 14 - Stretch X (or not)

Well I had every intention of doing Stretch X today, but you know what they say about good intentions. I did at least get to work up a small sweat playing soccer today, but I scored 3 goals pretty quickly in the game and so I pulled myself out since I wasn't able to generate anymore points for my team. Then my darling wife and I had dinner plans and we visited for quite a while after that...then we had to watch the Survivor Finale of course...anyway....long story short...I didn't do Stretch X today.

Day 13 - Kenpo X

Today was Kenpo X. Jay and I went through the routine and worked up a good sweat. I was a lot more into this work out the second time around. You have to check your ego at the door...or at least I did...I think last time I was thinking to myself how "silly" it was for a guy with as much martial arts experience as I have...to do cardio kick boxing. I was a lot more focused this time through and I felt at it the end. It is a really great work out, but you only get out of it...what you put into it.

Day 12 - Legs and Back + Ab Ripper X

I thought that the first time through the legs and back routine was hard...I was wrong...I'm pretty sure I didn't "BRING IT". After I saw my chair squat pictures I was pretty disappointed with how low I went. I also know I didn't push myself on the two sets of wall sits.

Well tonight I feel great about how hard I worked and am looking forward to a good nights rest and sleeping in some tomorrow.

Some how Jay was able to power through the work out even though he spent the first part of the night drinking a few cold ones with some friends. I guess he's just lucky it wasn't Plyometrics night...or maybe it's me thats lucky...we work out at my house after all.

Sorry...no pics today.

Day 11 - Yoga X

So today I had a friend tell me he wanted to work out, but couldn't do it at my normal time. I agreed knowing that it would mean I'd be doing a bit of extra Yoga (ouch). So I did the first part of the Yoga DVD and took a small break and then did the "whole" thing over again. I paused a few times during the first part to snap some pictures of the guys working out with me. I don't consider that dogging it because I'd already gone through the entire routine once!

Oh and congrats to Cam for making the deicions to do P90X! You won't regret it brother!

So here are the pictures of Yoga X

I think I'm swan diving here...more diving than swaning.

My gorgeous wife is a little ahead of me here (or behind I can't tell).

This is one of those things that looks SO easy...until you try it!

I wonder how long that smile will last...

About that long...way to push it Jay!

Looking good Jay!

Jay doing some Yoga...a sight I never thought I'd see.

My lovely bride doing the twist prayer pose

Rei and Travis...you guys come over to my house and show me up...whats that all about! Nice job guys!

Here is a picture of just doing the best I can...

I think this must have been taken early on...I don't look tired yet.

One of the best things about P90X and Tony Horton...you warm up first and you cool down with some fantastic stretching...check out Rei on the red mat...THAT is some flexibility!

More stretching...Jay and I were a little cramped...

Namaste: "the light within me honors the light within you"