Day 59 - Dallas does Shoulders and Arms

I'll add to this...I'm at work...trying to get out of here at noon to get ready for New Years

Good workout today.

Day 58: Late Night Plyo with Denver

I just can't get in the groove. I am fighting the motivation piece. I'll get it back, but right now I'm struggling. Maybe the picture deadline on January 1st (Great timing!) will be enough to snap me out of it.

I had energy for it, that's for sure, it was just getting started.

The software we are using has a new update. It's cool.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 58 - Dallas jumps to Plyo

Great day today.  I was exhausted waking up early again....but when Plyo started I was in the zone.  I felt great throughout the workout.  I did hit my all time low on BF% this morning.  Maybe that got me off on a good foot - 20.  Not in the teens but getting close.

I jumped my heart out.  With warm up and cool down - Max HR 172 and Avg 143.

I'm planning a New Years Day ride - 38 miles on a mountain bike.  The ride is called the New Rears Ride - The first ride on your "New" Rear.  I'm hoping all this Plyo/Cardio will help....that and the weather being nice and not too cold.

Glad to see Denver joined us again.

Tomorrow is another day...push play.

Day 57: Denver Returns to CHEST & ARMS

I was not motivated to get going again as the lost weekend kind of set me back. But I brought it!

(More Later)

Day 56: Denver Did Stretch!

I actually stretched. Does that make up for skipping Yoga? Probably not. Tony doesn't yell at all in X-Stretch!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 55: Yoga's Lost Weekend

I didn't do it. If it was my first time through I would have. But I had obligations this weekend. I know, I know, excuses, excuses. I couldn't find the time to have Tony tell me to do a Downward Dog!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 54: Denver's CORE Values

I am still alive. This Holiday week was kind of a mess and definitely set me back a bit. Oh, well, at least it was the recovery week.

I did the Core workout, but I didn't do the last exercise and the bonus round as I had to pick someone up at the airport and I never went back and finished.

I'll be back at it in full force on Monday as I am worried about the Day 60 Pics!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 57 - Dallas does Chest and Back

It's back.......the workout that started it all.

I did well on the all the push ups...got 3 wide grip w/o chair and 3 rev Grip w/o chair. After that...all pulls ups sucked. Right now I don't feel like this will improve anytime soon.

I just realized I'm only 5 days away from Day 60 pictures. I don't see any change in day 30. Denver showed me his change from day 30 to 60 and it was a big change. I have not been following the diet 100%. I'm eating better than I did before, but still not perfect. That must be the secret sauce.. Without the diet 100%...you will NOT see the big changes the program states.

It is on me....I should be following it much better....but then I got me thinking:

If you follow the "diet"...it is just that....a diet. You will go back to your old ways. I need to find a nutrition plan that I can follow going forward. Not just for 90 days.

Day 55 - Dallas Does Yoga and Wii

I was wrong - I thought today was Kenpo.....Yoga.

It was a good Yoga day.  I still feel it is a little long for a Yoga exercise, but it was a good workout.

After Yoga I went upstairs and played with my daughters Wii Fit for 30 mins.  I've been on it every day since X-Mas.  It is a blast.

Day 54 - Dallas does Core

Got up and did Core early (not 5 am, but I did get most of it done before my daughter woke up.

Good day.  Next time I do this I will try to pause it and try to remember how many reps I did of each.  It just seems there is a lot less time between exercises.

Anyway - It all went well this morning. I "think" I did 10 Prison Push-ups and had to put my knees down twice during the Plank/Chat runs - Lat Chat run was tough.  I bonked with 3 sec left.

Tomorrow is Kenpo I think....this week we do this one a lot.

Day 53: Denver Does X(mas) Stretch!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Great Stretch!

See You Tomorrow!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 52: Denver Kicks it Up with Kenpo!

Good workout, not great. I was having trouble bringing the intensity today. I think I was distracted with Holiday stuff, but I got through it. It is my favorite exercise, so I never dread doing it. I still had trouble with keeping my heart rate up with the blocks, but other than that, it was good.

I ate my traditional Christmas Eve Pizza. I don't really feel guilty, at least I won't until I'm ont he scale tomorrow.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 51: Denver Did Core Synergistics

I forgot to post again.

Excellent workout. The Core Synergistics are killer. I did pretty well. I have my computer near me when I do the workout, so it's easy to track my results, but I do have to push pause once in a while.

I agree on the Plank to Chaturanga Run. Man, that is killer. I always peter out at the end.

Prison cell Push-Ups pretty much do me in every time and it's hard to recover afterwards. It is an excellent (though tiring) exercise.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 52 - Dallas does Kenpo

Quick post - Great day today.  HR monitor was working.  I felt great.  Kicks so butt and had fun.

Now on to putting out and lighting the luminaries for our neighborhood.

Tomorrow is X-Mas and X-Stretch.....kind of goes together doesn't?

Happy Holidays!!!

Day 51 - Dallas does Core Synergistics

I was looking forward to this workout since the last "recovery" week.  This is like all the workouts in one.  I can see doing this 2x a week after "graduating" from the first round of P90X.

The software Denver and I are using has a sheet for us to write down what we did.....I don't know about Denver, but I never have time btw exercises to write anything down.  I have a hard enough time figuring out how many I did.....

Prison Cell PU - I did better this week.  My upper body was stronger.

Plank to Chaturanga Run - I think Tony really likes saying and doing Chaturanga - I got through three sets and could not do the last two (I think there was 2 more)

Lunge-Kick Back-Curl-Press - I think I need a sm drop in weight.  I got through it with 10lbs, but the last two were killer.  I have no shoulder strength.

Reach High/Under PU - I like these.

Table Dips - I can't get into a full table (shoulders hold me back)

Denver - As for the Wheel/Bridge - I can't come even close to trying....

Day 50: Denver's Yoga Day

50 days! Whoo hoo! Wait a minute. That means that it will be picture day right around New Years. That's not as good news as I don't think my body is ready for new pictures! (I know my scale isn't! my little slide this week did not help matters at all.

I didn't dread Yoga today at all. It was a pretty good day for yoga. I did some meditation earlier in the day, so that set the table for the Yoga feast!

I really felt the first section, with the Downward Dogs barking at me throughout.

The Stand on your leg for an hour section was pretty good. I still can't last the whole time, but I feel my form was pretty solid.

The Balance Postures were very good for me today. I was almost better on my weak foot (right one) which was odd. I went 42 seconds before having to come out of "Crane," which was a record for me. I had a few toe touches, but this was my best ever.

The Stretching was good as always. I meant to ask Dallas if he does "Bridge" or "Wheel?" I try to do Wheel, but I can only last about 10 seconds at a time before I have to drop to Bridge.

Yoga Belly 7 was not as awful as I always think it is going to be.

It's always nice to end with the last part. A nice reward for some hard work.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 50 - Dallas does Yoga X

50 days down.  I can't believe it.  The last three days I've eaten some chips...three days of Mexican for lunch.  You wouldn't think that would make a difference (I didn't go crazy by any stretch of the imagination), but I am back to 164.5.  I was down to a low of 162.  It just amazes me that weight can swing so much.

I'm really hoping my body is more efficient now, so maybe it will burn it off easily in the next week or so.  I was really hoping by now I would be under 160 and working the last month or two on getting to 150.  With this type of weight loss so far, I'm worried that getting to 150 will be way too hard a goal to hit.  As for Body Fat.....I think I need to reevaluate my goals for this program.  I think I drank the cool aid too much going into this program.

Day 49 - Dallas Rests

I skipped the most important day for me.  Too much going on.

Day 48 - Dallas does Kenpo

I did it....after I realized my HR Monitor was full.  I ha to delete old workouts to make room for these new ones.  So I'm not sure what my avg/Max or cal burned was.

I like this workout, other than the left side/back kicks....my knee doesn't feel right doing them.

Dday 49: Denver Stretched (And did Kenpo!)

More Later:

Keep Bringing It!

Day 48: Denver Missed Kenpo!

I'm doing it on Sunday in addition to the Stretch!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 47: Denver Did Back and Legs

Ouch.

I'm still using too much weight.

Just a placeholder!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 46: Denver Catching Up!

Sorry, I've been negligent.

What's cool is that both Thanksgiving and Christmas are both during recovery Weeks.

What's not cool is that I've been having a rough week.

Yoga was okay. I didn't Bring it!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 47 - Dallas Does Legs and Back

I did 10 Rev Grip Pull-ups without a chair.  I could only follow that up with 6 for round 2.

As for the rest, I managed 1 wide front pull up, but that was it for w/o a chair.

I went no weight this week on the Toe-Roll.  Normally I have been doing 20 lbs.  I think my form was a lot better.

Ab Ripper killed me today.  Only thing that got me through it was knowing this was the last time doing it for a week.

Day 46 - Dallas Yoga-s Up or Downward

Well I was not into this today. I just could not focus. I did ok for most of it, but the Downward Dog series went on forever today. Most of the time I really enjoy this series, but today....not feeling it.

My balance was great today. I held the Stand on One Leg series pretty well....I still stumbled a little, but in general...I did pretty well.

I have to admit....I stopped when he started the ending part. I don't like the way he puts the cool down together on this one. It doesn't relax me. He talks too much. I did my own cool down.

Day 45: Denver Does the "Glam" Muscles: Biceps & Back!

Even I don't exactly enjoy the Pull-Up portion of this workout. The biceps, on the other hand, are just plain fun!

I increased my weight for many of the exercises, figuring this was the last week before the recovery week, so I might as well go for it. Most exercises I started with 20 lbs during the first week, I am now at 30. Of course, some of the reps dropped from 10 to 8, but it was worth it. The only one that really killed me was when I tried to do the "In-Out Hammer Curls." I lasted two reps with 30 lbs, and that killed me. I switched to 25 lbs and I barely equaled last weeks total. It pretty much ruined me for the strip sets at the end. I was going to try to start at 30, but I coul dbarely get through 25 lbs on the first strip set.

I did 45 lbs for the Congdon Locomotives and they went pretty well. I did 30 lbs for the Open Arm Curls and my arms are much bigger after these three weeks. It feels good.

I do need to start eating someday.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 45 - Dallas does Back and Bicep

I was looking forward to this day...until I realized it was pull up day. I'm glad there was plenty of Bicep work to be done.

I only increased a few weights. The rest I was having hard enough time with. This is truely my first time working my upper body.

Have I mentioned I hate pull ups. I was not able to do ANY pull ups this go round...without the chair.

My "core" was beat today. So "not Ab" Ripper was tough today.

At work...I'll post more tonight

Day 44: Denver Pushes Plyo

Well, I planned on getting up early before an appointment this morning and doing plyo. I also planned on winning the lottery.

I am usually fine with Plyo if I get to it early enough. The longer that I procrastinate, the less motivated I am. I finally got to it late in the afternoon. I had a phone call interrupt at one point, but other than that it was a good workout. I was able to do all the challenge moves (arms up, Dominic speed, etc.) and I maxed out at 170 in the HR department and burned 975 calories.

A good day. I'm looking forward to Biceps tomorrow, which is good, because I have been sluggish this week after a great last week!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 44 - Dallas and Plyo

Great workout this morning.  Another 5 am wake up.  Another day of wishing I had more sleep time.

I only paused twice...both to blow my nose.  I didn't have to hit pause.  I'm getting into a grove with this workout.  This is the mother of all workouts.  No doubt about it.

Other than the stuffy nose, I felt good today.  I wasn't keeping up with Dom, but I pushed it pretty hard.

Day 43: Denver Pushes Play for Chest/Shoulders/Triceps

It took me a while to get motivated to "Push Play."

I eventually got there. I did the extended version, with unnecessary distractions pulling me away from the workout. I finally plowed through the second half and the dreaded Ab Ripper after deciding the first half was ineffective.

I didn't increase the weight for all but a few of them. I increased 'Throw the Bomb" to 25 lbs and Front to Back Tricep Extensions and Fly Row Presses to 20 lbs. Not a lot of weight, but an increase for me. I increased all the push-ups by 1 or 2 reps and killed the "Airborne" Plyo Push-Ups once again.

The Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups still kill me, but the Pour Flys were pain free. So that's something.

The problem with this time of year is the fact that the food is just killer when you are measuring your weight. I'm not even trying to lose a lot of weight, but when you are tracking it every day it stinks when you notice you gained all the weight you lost back in one weekend. Not only was the dinner party I went to a smörgåsbord of southern comfort food, it was the fact that the hostess sent home leftovers. So not one day of rich, excellent food, but THREE!

I feel stronger and that's the most important thing.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 42: Denver Skipped the Stretch

I just never got around to it Sunday. I took a meditation course on Saturday, does that count?

Day 43 - Dallas pumps out Chest, Shoulder & Tri

It is getting harder and harder to get out of bed. I got up and then 5 mins later was REALLY looking at the bed and thinking I could just do it later...right?

I finished getting ready to push play.

I had a queasy feeling in my stomach today. I had to pause btw a lot of the Ab Ripper exercises. I didn't want to toss my cookies while doing scissors or V-Ups.

I increased a lot of my reps for the push ups. I think my body is getting used to the movement, so I can do more.

I added a few weights here and there, but in general I stuck with what I did last week.

Hopefully I spelled everything right today....Denver will let me know.

Day 41: Kenpo in the Morning with Denver

I got up real early to do this before an appointment. I do enjoy doing the workouts early, as they make you feel like you've accomplished more before 8 AM than the Army. Well, not really, but you get the idea.

My Schitzo HR monitor continues to mess up my "Zone". I had a real hard time maintaining the HR in the zone (144-153). But it was a good workout, nevertheless.

I agree with Dallas on the first stretch. I don't get it. I always feel like I should be pulling with the other hand, but it could be the point of the stretch.

Anyway, the wider the horse stance, the higher the Heart Rate!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 41 - Dallas gets down with Kenpo

Great day today.  I was worried with not getting any sleep last night, but it all turned out ok.

The hardest part of this workout for me is the first stretch.  It kills me....I'm not doing it right.  It still stretches me, but I don't look like them.

The only other part that is tough for me is the back kicks with my left leg.  My knee acts up so I can't kick hard (my HR drops during this side).

I was able to keep my HR up a lot more today.  All of my horse stances I went REALLY deep on.  That worked to keep it up.

It is going to be 70 tomorrow so I will probably hit the bike and get in 20+ miles.  I will be doing the X-Stretch as well.  I think that is one of the most important for me.

Day 40 - Dallas conquers Legs & Back

Well after this weeks ups and downs I was not sure how today would go.

-Photos did show the improvement I wanted

-Weight comes down...I get happy....weight goes right back up...I get mad

-With the market (It affects my business A LOT)...I'm pretty stressed these days

Today the scale said 163...good start...my left knee kind of feels weird...not good, especially on a leg day.

I kept all the weights the same as last week.  I didn't want to push it too hard with a knee in question.

As I listened to Tony today, I realized I was using some of the same weights he was.

On to the workout:Highlights - Both high and Low

I did 6 Rev Grip Chin-ups w/o a chair then added 4 with the chair...new record (round two switched these numbers to 4/6)

Wall Squats - I think I could do these a lot longer than he requires...we'll see when I redo the Fit Test

Alt Side Lunge - Tony points he foot straight to the side when he does these.  That really is not a Side lunge (he does the same thing with the ThreeWay Lunge as well)  The acrobat does it correctly keeping her foot facing front so it is a side lunge.

Ab Ripper was tough for me to today....I think with the legs and using bigger weights than I probably should be using, the first four exercises kill me.  Once I get past the scissors I'm home free.  It is getting past those first three.

Anyway - Kenpo tomorrow......Push the Play Button

Day 40: Denver's BACK Acts Up

First of all, I was angry that my computer shut down and I lost the data that had the second half of my Wednesday workout. I'll try to update that post, but I don't know some of the weights I used. Then yesterday I did another Late Night Yoga session and I hurt my back about halfway through.

(See updated Yoga Post)

Today I tried to squeeze this workout in before the Rangers game. I ended up doing the Ab-Ripper first. That was weird, but it allowed me to watch the game. I should have skipped the game as the Rangers fell behind 5-1, then came back and tied it before blowing it and losing 8-5.

My back is really acting up. I am trying to get the motivation to push play, fearing my back is going to make it impossible. I'll get it done somehow, maybe I'll have to modify a bit.

Keep Bringing it!

(I hope Dallas isn't too disheartened! I didn't see results last time until around Day 60!)

Dallas is not happy with photos

Well I finally got around to taking my 30 day photos.  There were taken on day 37, but that is close to 30 days right?

All the energy and excitement about P90x drained out of me.  I have seen 30 day pics of others and I was expecting a lot better results at day 30.  I REALLY hope this improves. 

My spare tire is at full force.  I haven't been perfect on the diet, but I haven't had cake, ice cream...any of that stuff.  I've eaten about 1000 times better than I normally do.  I'm very frustrated!!!!

Day 39: Denver's Yoga Day (Updated)

I still haven't updated yesterday's post, and I haven't done Yoga yet, but I have to give Dallas a hard time:

Dallas must have been typing in the dark this morning:

"My arms were pretty sory today, so all the downward dogs we killer."

It sounds like really bad Rap lyrics!

Anyway, I did another Late Night Yoga session. It's nice to do before going to bed. Halfway through, my back started acting up and my stomach was having problems.

I did not finish the entire Yoga session. I feel bad, but I was not going to be able to do it.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 39 - Dallas tries to balance through YOGA

I was not very balanced today. I even fell out of Royal dancer...which I can normally hold for as long as you want. I'm pretty tired so maybe that is it. Today will be short.

Yoga Belly felt great....once it was over.

My arms were pretty sory today, so all the downward dogs we killer.

Day 38: Denver Pumps Up Biceps!

My name is Denver and I my arms are pumped--- up!

My roll continues this week. I somehow have the energy (despite not eating a lot) and I'm bringing it to my workouts this week.

I improved all my pull-ups by 1 each (except the "Choose Your own" which last week was a disaster- I had nothing and only did 3 standard pull-ups- I matched my chin-Ups at 18) and upped my weight wherever possible.

Proving that I am not a Math person, I think I did 28 reps last week on the 21's. Duh. I figured you did 7 halfway up, 7 all the way up and then repeat (28 total, makes sense?) As I did it today, I counted along with Tony and realized my mistake. I can't remember how I did these last time. I don't think I understood the difference between each 7 rep set and just did 21 curls (not understanding what was so special about them!)

I didn't up my weight for the 1 Arm Cross Body curls, but I should have.

I maintained the same weight for a lot of the middle exercises, then bumped up to 30 for the Bent Over Rows and the Open Arm Curls. The latter almost killed me. Too much weight. I might try it again next week as that seemed to work for

To Be Continued... (Have to run- I'll finish later! Sorry!)

Day 38 - Dallas enjoys Back and Biceps

Well - I should adjust that title. I enjoyed the biceps part...not the pull-ups.

Where did Tony ever come up with Corn-Cob pull ups? These are not fun. They are pure torture. I can't believe the girl chooses these as her bouns pull up exercise. Tony must have paid her big time for that one.

I was bouncing around with weights today again. I bumped all of my weight when I could (Lawnmowers, Hammer curls, strip set, bent over rows, steam engines). The rest I was the same as last week. I think I can bump up the Lawnmowers and Steam engine some more (I think my lower back is strong). There are few moves I don't think my form is correct. I wish Tony was in the room to tell me to bend over more or pull back more instead of up....then again if he was in the room I probably couldn't type this right now. Maybe that is something to strive for....unable to post today due to paralyzed state.

Pull ups still bug me. I just don't understand why these are soooo hard for me.

All the arm work was fun. I had the pumped feel in my arms all through breakfast and my shower. I'm ok right now, but I'm sure I'll feel it big time tomorrow.

My laptop battery started to die during the cool down. I had to move down to the office to plug in and finish the cool down and Ab Ripper down there. Kind of weird doing ab work in my office and not in the normal room. Only plus was I couldn't put the laptop next to me to hit the pause button as much. I HAD to push through the bicycles and Crunchy Frog. I DID get up and pause before the scissors (actually I did 5 then had to stumble up and hit pause). I did start back at 1 when I un paused. I still don't get the leg climb for this program. It doesn't seem P90X like.

Oh...I almost forgot....I jinxed myself....scale today said 165.5 - I called it yesterday. Given this...I think the scale will say 162 and 21% BF tomorrow :-)

Yoga tomorrow.

Day 37: Denver Pushes Play and Powers Plyo!

I'm Bringing it this week! Big time.

I remember a similar feeling around the same time last time around. I think it is the change in routines (Yes, Dallas, we have one more week of this) that energizes me as much as this week has.

I brought it, but I still have to pause after the Second Jump Knee Tuck (as I match the Dominator) and just can't recover in time for the equally draining "Mary Catherine's". I also extended the second to last water break, but other than that I was on it. I also tried to jump higher and longer.

As for the weights, I think I posted that last week, but I'm not sure what you mean? I did increase a few of my weights yesterday and I usually increase by 5 each week if I can. Some exercises are never going to get me heavier than 15!

My first time around I was very disciplined about the food. This time, not so much. I may try to buckle down, but I'm finding it hard to motivate myself. Although when I look at the fat not disappearing around my belly, I get a little more motivated. I need to go to the grocery store and get some healthy food options.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 37 - Dallas does Plyo all out

I brought it big time today...no pauses, HR max out, matched the spring loaded guy in the back for all reps...even the first exercise I jumped high. I think I was excited this morning (still wanted more sleep)....my scale said I was now at 163. My lowest so far!!! I'm sure tomorrow it will be back at 165, but for today...I was pumped. We started putting the X-Mas tree up...so my space just dropped. I managed ok though.

Denver - What weights were you using the first time around? Looks like you are increasing pretty well.

I drank my whole water bottle today. Normally I have 1/2 left at the end...not today. Last sip was taken before the cool down.

Denver has me wanting to do the Mon routine again.....I need to push harder to keep up with him. Do we have one more week of this rotation?

As to the diet.....I think I'm on the right better diet. I don't go over board. I eat smart. I'm eating more per day and also eating more times per day. I don't follow it to the extreme I probably should, but with an 8 yr old around and eating out on the weekend. I can't be perfect.

Day 36: Denver Pummels Chest, Shoulders & Tri's toTell About it!

Killer, killer workout. Awesome. I really enjoyed this today and had some good milestones.

The Good:

1. The 3-in-1 Slow Motion Push-Ups were good and I matched my 12 with the Bonus.
2. Upped my weight to 20 lbs in the Scarecrows and they went much better!
3.Upped weight in Lying Tricep Extensions to 30.
4. I did "Airborne" Plyo Push-Ups. Yeah, Baby. 15 of them.
5. I did 30 lbs (20 reps each arm) with the Cross Body Blows. Almost killed me, but I did it!

The Bad:

1.Pike Presses. I don't think I'm doing them correctly. I think my feet are too far away. The pressure in my head (I am able to touch) is intense when I finish my 12 reps.
2.Pour Flys- These kill my right elbow and (now) shoulder. Ow. Only did 8 with 15 lbs.
3. One Arm Push Ups- Still need my knees. Grinded out 10 like last time.
4. Front to Back tricep extensions: Still not sure of the counting. Felt it though

The UGLY:

1.Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups. I just can't do these. Again, if you count 1 rep for each 4-3 combo of Fast-slow, I barely did 3. Killer.
2. Slo-Mo Throw- I finally realized I wasn't supposed to lean back like the guy with the bands. Still struggle to do 10 reps with 15 lbs.

Ab Ripper was good enough. I felt I was going through the motions. Dallas is right on about Bicycles. Abs my @#$! If it's Abs, why do my legs and Hips kill after each set? Tony still can't count on the reverse ones!

I do the cross-Legged. It took me awhile to get there the first time through, but I like it better now. You'll get there, Dallas, don't worry.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 36 - Dallas does Chest, Shoulders and Tri

I was exhausted this morning. I need to find a way to get more sleep.

Being the 2nd time through this I found at elast I had better weights for it. There are few I thought I could go bigger, but ended up going back to last weeks weight....it takes a little too long (and took much noise) to change weights when I have choosen wrong.

Tough ones today included: The Pour, Clap Push-Ups (I feel I make too much noise landing and will wake everyone else up) My goal on these is to be able to do a couple of those crazy getting air types...., One arm (all knees this week), The slow mo push ups are pretty tough.

Ab Ripper - I was not feeling it this morning. I paused after the bicycles again (these are not an ab workout...more hips and legs). The wide leg (no way will I ever be able to do this one crossed leg) I always have to kind of throw myself up. My legs lift off the ground slightly as I come up. I guess when my abs get stronger I'll be able to just roll up. The Leg climbs...I don't find these hard. For Tony I think this would have been one of those "do 50" or something. I do it with my other leg bent and do half with no touches.

Anyway...back to work.

Day 35: Denver Limbers Up with X Stretch!

I needed this.

Actually Looking forward to the Week 2 of Phase 2.


Keep Brining It!

Denver's Updated Stats

Here are my 30 Day Updated stats. Of course they have changed since Wednesday, but I am hoping I'll start seeing some more progress. Dallas- the first time through I didn't start to see any significant changes until around the 6th week, so hopefully that will be the same for you!
I'm not sure my measurements are perfectly accurate. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

11/3/08 12/3/08 CHANGE

Chest 42" 42" none

Waist (@ Belly Button) 37" 37" none

Hips 41" 40 -1

Thigh R 22.5 23 +.5

Thigh L 23 23 none

Arm R 13 13 none

Arm L 13 13 none

Weight 182.6 178.2 -4.4 lbs ( back around 181 today)

Body Fat 18% 16.2% -1.8% (been as low as 15.4)

Not super results, but about what I was expecting. My resting heart rate has dropped a lot, so that's about the only impressive result!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 34 - Dallas does Kenpo

I followed Denver's lead and did this workout last night at 10:30.  Not the best time to workout.  I thought I worked my you know what off, but my HR never got above 150.  I know I was pushing it.  I guess my body s-l-o-w-s down at that hour.

I'm pretty beat today.  Wife's b-day today.  So this is going to be short.  I should get the stretch in this afternoon.  Denver - Have you posted your measurements?  I'm curious how I did compared?  I didn't really see a major change in mine.

Stretch today and then on to day 36

Day 34: Denver's Day of Kenpo

I didn't have it today. It started out auspiciously as I hit the button on my Polar F11 before it got a chance to figure out my OwnZone. It was downhill from there.

I didn't feel into it. It might have been because I was in a tight window to get the exercise done. My heart rate was supposed to be from 137-145 but I averaged 138 and spent most of my workout under the Zone, and that was before the Heart Rate Killing "Blocks". I only reached my Max(163) during the punches at the end.

My Polar F11 goes from one extreme to the other, as it can't get a handle on the alternating workouts. Maybe it's BiPOLAR?

I did learn something today, as I slogged through the Bruce Lee impersonation. Every time I have done the "Step-Grab-Drag-Punch" I've imagined I'm grabbing someone's hair and then punching them in the face. I always found this to be quite an unrealistic move. Sure, I think I've seen people do this in movies, but not everyone has hair (Ahem...Dallas...What?). Today I watched carefully and realized that it was grabbing a piece of clothing and then punching the face. Duh! Now that makes more sense. Anyway, that's my education for the day. Enjoy!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 33: Denver's Gravity Powered Legs

Of course I didn't drop down weights in these like I thought I might last time. When I realized today I was using more weight than Tony, it all made sense to me. My legs are just dead on Saturday. I don't know why I am using these weights. I think they may be affecting my form. I'm definitely getting a workout, though.

I'm using 25 lbs on the Balance Lunges and the Calf-Raise Squats. I used 25 on the Step-Back Lunges as well, and did the Curls on the last five of each.My Pull-Ups are doing well: 18 Wide Front, 17 Close Grip, 27 Reverse Grip, 24 Switch Grip (But I don't hold onto the bar before switching).

I am looking forward to Kenpo tomorrow and I promise to have an update a lot earlier. I'll also get back to the Measurements, which I took, but did not post.

I've decided to review the Bicep exercises next week, so that will be more detailed at the time.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 32: Denver Did Yoga

Just a little slow with the updates. Sometimes I'm composing while I do the routine and I trick myself into thinking I had posted! Sorry about that!

Anyway, I procrastinated because I am battling some kind of flu or cold. I was miserable all day. I forced myself to finally do it at around 11:00 PM! I felt good after I did it.

Like Dallas, I found myself having trouble with moves that I usually don't have problems with. I still can't make it through the one leg "Warrior Three" torture. I was still not feeling well, so I thought I might quit after the first 30 minutes, but I pressed on and did them all. I really like the "take care of yourself" after the Yoga Belly 7. I held all of the poses very well, and I almost held "crane" for the entire minute.

Thank you, Dallas, for the Push-Up tip. I'm not sure I've been doing push-ups or not. I thought I was, but I'll have to check it out. I was doing something differently with the push-up after I thought I saw Tony doing it differently than I was and I felt a twinge in my leg. My body said "let's not do that again, okay?"

I always dread the 90 minute workout, but I have to change my thinking, because with Ab-Ripper, the other workouts are only about 14 minutes shorter for the most part.

Day 33 - Dallas does Legs / Back

Denver looks like he is getting slow on his updates.....hello?

I didn't feel so hot yesterday eve....so today I was worried how I would do.  It felt like my heart was going to pound out of my chest today.  I couldn't breath (nose was pretty stuffy), and just culd not catch my breath.

I got through it and actually did 4 Rev Grip Pull-ups without a chair...then did an additional 5 with the chair.  Second time around I did 1 w/o chair and 8 with it.  Getting better.  If I could only do any of the other ones.....time will tell.  I could do the Rev grip before, so I know it can be done.

Not much to say today.  Ab Ripper was pretty hard since I could not breath.  I didn't pause until Scissors came.  That is the furtherest I've gone w/o pausing.  It was also the only pause I did.

I feel better about the workouts.  I think I'm getting more out of them.  I'm still sore from the arm work out on Wed.....

until next time...keep pushing play

Day 32 - Dallas and Yoga

Today was great. I pushed it really hard today. Held every pose as best I could. What is really weird is my left legs lasted longer during Warrior 3 to "leg stand for 4 hours pose". My right started burning like crazy when we went to left hand down twist right. My left leg lasted all the way through. Now don't take that to mean I was solid with either leg. I was all over the place with my balance and both legs were shaking, but I did the best I have ever done on these poses.

Denver mentioned wondering how you can "not" do a push up from Upward dog....just move your hips up and lean over. Maybe I'll video it for you. I'm at the point where I do all the push ups, but in the begininng I did half of them...I was not sure what was coming next and wanted to make sure I could make it through the whole hour and a half.

Tomorrow is Legs and Back. More wonderful pull ups!!!!

Push Play!!

Day 31: Denver Pumps up Biceps & Chest

This workout rocks. The "Glam" muscles always feel good when pumped up. Even when I can't reach my arms above my shoulders or do something like buckle a seat-belt, I feel the satisfaction permeating through my body!

I'll have more time tomorrow to update this post and do the day 30 comparison measurements as Dallas did tomorrow!

Keep Bringing It!

Dallas updates his 30 day numbers

Formatting this is pretty tough

                                                 11/3/08         12/3/08      CHANGE

Chest                     40"                39.5 "        -.5"

Waist (@ Belly Button)         37.25"              36.5 "         -.75" - I like this

Hips                                      39.5                   39            -.5

Thigh R                                22.25                22             -.25 - Weird

Thigh L                                22.25                 22             -.25 - Weird

Arm R                                     14                   13.75        -.25 - I guess these are equaling out

Arm L                                   13.5                 13.75        +.25

Weight                                  168.5                165.5        -3 lbs - I thought this would be better

Body Fat                               24%                 22%        -2% - I really wanted this to be better

My weight went as low as 164 (Thanksgiving killed that) and my body fat as low as 22.  I'm surprised my legs have not changed for the positive.  Same with my arms.  Maybe I had to get rid of overall fat first.  I like seeing the change in my Waist.  Granted this is at my largest point (belly button), but it does show that I'm losing my spare tire.  Lets hope this trend continues.

I still need to take my day 30 pics.  I won't post them, but I still need to take them.

Day 31 - Dallas pumps up with Back and Biceps

I still haven't done my measurements. I'll do my best to get it done tonight.

New workout - Denver was right....I REALLY enjoyed no pull ups on Monday. All good things come to an end. Today was pull up mania.

I'm at work, so I don't have the full list of exercises. I agree with Denver. No doing repeats makes it easier to handle. Although some are VERY close to being dupes of the previous exercise. I'm not sure how many bicep exercises we did in a row. I kept putting my weight back in the stand thinking I was headed to the pull up bar and Tony would say ok...now for some more biceps work.....ugh.

I really felt "pumped up" during this workout. My arms were sore and felt swelled up. I like that feeling.

ABR X - I didn't feel it today. I was pretty tired after the B/B workout. I made it through and only paused twice (Btw the bicycles and before scissors). I did really well at the legs climb. I think I finally realize how to do these well. Mason twists - I like these....great burn after.


Again...I'll try to get my measurements up.

Day 30: Denver Plyo's his way through!

I almost forgot that today was Day 30. I have to do my measurements again. I don't think I did very well, since my eating has been less than stellar. I feel good, though, and my heart-rate monitor likes me, so I'm happy.

I went to the Dentist today, so my mouth is still numb and should remain so for another hour or so. I'm just glad I'm not video blogging, or it would be a disaster!

I took a few breaks (after the 1st set of Jump Squats and a couple others) and made it through. Unlike the first week, I feel much more up for doing the workouts.

Anyway, I'll post more later on.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 30 - Dallas gets into Plyo

Tonight I will get my measurements posted. Denver reminded me of the Fit Test that my HR monitor has. I ran the test before doing Plyo today.

51 was my Test number with a Resting HR of 46. I'm curious to see if I have lost inches any where yet.

On to the workout:

I pushed it hard today. No pauses other than a 5 sec one to let my dog out..no more doggie door.

My legs were burning big time today. When I got to work and was climbing the stairs to my office....my right legs was not happy with me. I could not put any weight on it for 30 sec or so. I stood half way up the stairs till it let me move again. I guess old age is sneaking up???

I jumped high with Dom in the back....I did not do the 360 turns though or the constant jump squats at top speed. But all the others I followed his lead.

Tomorrow is a new workout...I WILL be reviewing it tonight.

Keep pushing Play!!!

Day 29: Denver Does Chest,Shoulders & Triceps

After a week of eating terribly and back at 181 lbs after being as low as 179 (not great progress, but I'm not really trying to lose as much weight as last time- or so I tell myself!) I was actually looking forward to this workout. It's a killer workout that I love because you don't have to go back and do the same exercise a second time. One and done! That's the ticket. There's something else that I like about this workout, I just can't seem to remember what it is. Hmmmm.... Oh, yeah!

No Pull-Ups! I somehow forgot about this fact. I don't think I even noticed it the first time around! I wonder if Dallas enjoyed the fact that there were no Pull-ups?

Here's the workout:

Slow Motion 3-in-1 Push-Ups- These are killer. Something about going slow just burns. Great, though! I did all 12 slow and then could only manage 10 Speed Bonus reps.
In-and-Out Shoulder Flys- I used 15 lbs here (I forgot what I used the last time!)
Chair Dips- I did my usual 40 with 1 leg up/alternating every 5
Plange Push-Ups- I am still not sure I'm doing them correctly. Tough, for sure!
Pike Presses- These are killer. You have to basically do push ups from a tight Downward Dog position. I managed 10.
Side-Tri Rises- I did 20 each tricep. I still don't see why these are hard, but I did struggle more than the other workout.
Floor Flys- These are fun. I like them. I have the hard-wood floors, so I use a towel. Works great. I did 20.
Scarecrows- I thought of Dallas acting as the Scarecrow in the 4th grade play! These weren't too tough, I think I need a bigger weight (I did 10 reps with 15. Not enough!)
Overhead Tricep Extensions- these were okay. I could probably do a bigger weight than 15 (I did 14 reps)
Two-Twitch Speed Push-Ups- Easily the hardest Push-Up set. I used to count how many times I went up and down, but Tony said he was doing 9, so I assume that means each set of 4 Fast/3 Slow. I struggled to do 3.
Y-Presses- I felt like Arnold, not the "Girly Man" I am! I did 12 reps/25 lbs. Awesome.
Lying Tricep Extensions- These are cool also. I do 12/25
Side-to-Side Push-Ups- These are fun and tiring. I managed 15 doing the medium version (Over-Down-Up-Over). No way I was able to do the advanced crazy version!
Pour Flys- I used 15 lb weights and I struggled. Also felt something tweak in my right elbow. Skinny armed guys like me don't like these! My form is awful!
Side Leaning Tricep Extensions- (Blogger doesn't like Tricep in the singular form? Go figure!) I don't have a good chair for these. I never know the right weight. I did 10 reps of 20, but probably could do a higher weight.
One Arm Push-Ups- find your inner Jack Palance. I don't even try to do them regular. I have to do the knee option (Girly Man!) and I do 5 on each arm. I used to not be able to do any, so it will come with time.
Weighted Circles- Don't seem that hard at first (10 lbs each arm) but they wear you down. 10 Reps forward and then back and then repeat. 40 total. Ouch.
Throw the Bomb- Never was good at football, and I'm worse at throwing left handed. These are tough. I did 12 reps of 20. Can probably try more weight, but it's that fine line... I tweaked my neck during the left arm. I know, I'm just getting old!
Clap or Plyo Push-Ups- I did 12 regular clap Push-Ups. I didn't get airborne with my feet, but I managed to clap each rep. I remember seeing a movie as a kid where someone did this (Rocky?) and I tried to do it. I'm a little better now! By the end of this I'll be doing the Plyo! That's a promise!
Slo-Mo Throws- I can't do these well at all. It's another five step combination Tony horton special that takes rewinding several times to figure it out. I did 10 with 15 lb weights.
Front-to-Back Tricep Extensions- I am not sure how to count these (I still don't know if you count each extension, or each set of Front and back- Tony is no help!) and I used to light a weight (15 lbs)
One Arm Balance Push-Ups- I can crank these out since we do them in Yoga and core Synergistics (or variations of it). I only did 14, but I will push myself to do more next time.
Fly-Row Presses- These are the hardest for me. I have no idea what weight to use. 15 lbs seems too light (I did two then moved up to 20 lbs) and then 20 was too heavy as I struggled to get to 8. Form was lousy. Not sure what to do next time.
Dumbbell Cross-Body Blows- These are a satisfying way to end the workout (er, before Ab-Ripper that is!) but again, not sure what the count is. Tony just says go until you can't go anymore. I counted each right-left combo as 1 and got to 20 reps with 25 lb weights. Very good exercise.

Ab Ripper was good. I didn't have to pause at all (except my normal speed-up and wait for Tony pauses). I had trouble getting my heart rate up.

My Polar "Own Index" rated me a 56 (elite), so I was happy with that. I have been as high as 57 and as low as 45 since getting it last February.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 29 - Shoulders/Back/Tri

Well - 4 weeks down and 8 more to go....I think. I thought it was 90 days or 3 months....

Back to normal wake up at 5 and work out. No more "recovery" days left.

Anyway. I really need to learn to pre watch these new workouts. I was rewinding a few times to figure out what I was supposed to do. Tony makes these exercises up so I had no clue what a plange push up was or most of the other stuff.

I did alright. I had the wrong weight about 50% of the time (Denver - What weights are you using for each one?). Live and learn. I don't have the exercise list with me so I'll have to add that info later. I can tell you that one arm push ups are a blast.....just kidding. It was a tough day. Do we have Plyo tomorrow?

I need to get back to eating well. I will add a post later today with my measuments after the first 4 weeks. I can tell you I hit a low of 164 / 22% (down from 168.5/24%) but this week I have crept back up to 166.5 / 23

Ab Ripper X - I made it through both bicycles before I had to pause (very small one) before Crunchy Frog....after that I made it through without a pause. I did finish a few exercises before they did so I had a little extra time(wide leg and V-Up Roll Up). I did all 50 twists.

Day 28: Denver Stretches out vacation...

This is just a place holder. Haven't done the stretch yet, but will later this evening. Stay tooned!

(Update) I ended up only doing a part of it. I'm energized to do the workout on Day 29!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 27: Denver Does Yoga again...

and still wonders how "not" to do a push-up from Upward Dog?

Seriously. He shows it once and says "I choose not to do one..." and the camera promptly cuts away. Grrr.

Yoga was good. My balance was off and I was in a small room that I could put my hands on the ceiling, so it was a different sort of reaching for the ceiling.

I was really worn out after doing it.

I'll be doing X Stretch later for sure.

Keep Bringing it!

Day 27 - Dallas does Yoga late

I did this Sunday morning.  With family in it was tough finding time to do an one and half hour workout.  I'll do X-Stretch tonight.

I did ok today in Yoga.  I did push ups through the whole thing.  That was a first.  I still can't stay in the one leg hold for as long as Tony wants ME to.   I did alright though.  Next week I'm going to push it as hard as I can.

Yoga Belly went well.  I like it better than Ab Ripper X.

Next week I'll get back to some longer posts.

Day 26: Denver "CORE's" Turkey Day out of system!

I was looking forward to this workout just because of yesterdays overeating. I'll do my full analysis, since Dallas did it last time!

Stacked Foot / Stagger Hands Push-Ups- I did 45 today. I probably could have eeked out 5 more, but I like to increase by 5 each time, so I would be at 70 by the end of the program and that might be a little bit of a reach!

Banana Rolls - I can do it without pushing on the sides, but I'm not sure about my form.

Crescent Lunges- These were okay, still using 10 lbs. I might need to go up a bit.

Squat Run - This is a great exercise. I only use the 10 lbs., but it does the trick. I get to 85 reps!

"Sphinx" Push-Ups - I love ancient references, this is hardcore. I can do 18 currently. One arm goes up before the other, so I am not sure that is okay?

Bow to Boat - Flashbacks to Yoga Belly 7!

Low Lateral Skaters- What does this have to do with skating? And why does Xtreme fit tracker say we need a weight here?

Lunge Reach- This is a good one. Real life skill of picking something up and putting it on a high shelf. I do 12 per set with 10 lbs.

Prison Cell Push Ups - Absolutely the hardest exercise. I did 10 and it almost killed me.

Side Hip Raise - I agree with dallas that they are not difficult. Of course, I didn't do them like Dreya and have one leg up in the air. I'm not crazy.

Squat X-Press- Probably the second hardest. By the time you get to 15 you are praying it's over. I did them with 10 lbs. (I just like not having to switch weights, if you could figure that out!

Plank to Chaturanga - Killer is right. I only got about half of the third Chaturanga run. Form is suspect as well.

Walking Push Up - Yeah, after 30 seconds, you are wondering when Tony will call off the dogs!

Superman/Banana - Tony loses comic book cred when he says it could be Spiderman. What is he thinking? These are great, though.

Lunge-Kickback -These wear you down. after a while. 10 lbs is a lot after a bunch of these.

Towel Hopping- My favorite. It feels like skiing. And that says a lot coming from a snowboarder/knuckledragger like me!

Reach High & Under Push Ups - These are great. Balance/core/strength. Awesome. I did 12 and should have been able to do more.

Steam Engine- I wish I had hit pause before doing them. I was still tired from the previous exercise and my form suffered.

Dreya Roll - Fun. My stomach was a little queasy at this point, so I didn't do the flairs at the end.

Plank to Chaturanga Iso - It sounds easy. Just hold a Chaturanga pose, then plank, repeat. Ouch. Sweat drips off as you are holding it making you even more aware of the pain.

Halfback- These are cool. A Go-To exercise of Tony's

Table Dip Leg Raise- I did 50. Form suffered at the end, but a great way to finish.

I don't know how Dallas was able to do this with an audience. I am way too self conscious. My wife watched the last 6 exercises of this once and it was distracting. Anyway, happy Black Friday!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 26 - Dallas handles the Core

I did this post already....it did not post it.  So this one will be shorter than the last.  Family in town....didn't have enough time to type the last one.

I had an audience this morning.  So everyone got to see me Core out.  I can say I was glad to do this one again.  THe second time around I at least knew what was coming next.

Keeping pushing play.

Day 25 - Dallas did not stretch

Sorry guys...I never had time to stretch.....other than my mouth.

Day 25: Denver (sort of) Stretches

If you count walking around after eating too much food as stretching, I stretched!

I thought about it several times, but I was waaaay too stuffed. I didn't even try to cut back on what I ate (but I only had one piece of pie, er, two halves of two slices!)

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Keep Bringing it!

Day 24: Denver's Kenpo Interuptus!

I made the mistake of pushing it too close to the time I had to leave. I was at the dentist today, so it threw me off my regular schedule and I didn't "Push Play" right away. I had exactly the amount of time needed before I had to leave (I sped through the warm-up as well) and sure enough, an important phone call came about 10 minutes in and it was a phone call I had to take.

So there was no way I could get it done before I have to leave in 7 minutes. So I am typing this now and will do it later tonight and update the blog later.

The coolest thing about our schedule this week is that Thursday's workout is the X Stretch! How cool is that for timing. Thanks, Tony! (He thinks of everything, doesn't he?)

Anyway, Happy Turkey Day tomorrow. I'll probably post, just not sure when.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 23: Denver Does Core Synergistics!

I had forgotten about this workout. Not completely. I knew it was pretty much an all-encompassing workout that has the potential to kick butt. But I had forgotten all the different workouts. The last two times I got this far in P90X I didn't make it to this day. So I needed to review the program with a new set of eyes. I won't go through all of the program because I'm a day behind with this post (I had some other priorities taking away my computer free time!) and I don't want to repeat what Dallas has already said. I'll possibly give my two cents on each exercise on Friday.

Basically, I used the 10 pound weights on every exercise that asked for them. I was destroyed by the Prison-Cell Push-Ups, the Squat Run and the Squat X-Press. The Bow-to-Boat was pretty killer as well. My favorites are the towel hopping and the Dreya Roll. It's a pretty cool workout. There is nothing that you dread doing beforehand.

It's a good reminder that "recovery" is a relative term when you are talking about P90X!

I'll do a better job later in the week with this one.

Keep Bringing It!

Day 24 - Dallas does Kenpo

24 days down.....I went as hard as I could.  For some reason I can't get my heart rate up much during Kenpo.  On Sunday I rode and burned 1500 calories.  Today I burn just under 400.

My posts will be short this week.  I did push play today and had a lot of fun doing the workout.

My weight has gone back up...I really don't understand the whole weight thing.  If this keeps up I will not be very happy.

Day 23 - Dallas tries Core Synergistics

Recovery week - I don't think so.  I do have to say.  It was not as hard as I thought it was going to be.  Don't get me wrong, it was tough, very tough, but I thought it would be up there with or beyond Plyo.  It was not.

The Exercises

Stacked Foot / Stagger Hands - I did 20.  I could have done more(2-3) but I thought we would be repeating.

Banana Rolls - I had to push up to the sides.  Maybe next time I'll figure out how to do it without hands

Crescent Lunges

Squat Run - I used too big a weight. My arms are dead right now.

Sphinx Push Ups - This one looks really hard.  I started just fine, but it gets to you.

Bow to Boat - For some reason I had a hard time with Bow after doing the Boat

Low Lateral Skaters

Lunge Reach

Prison Cell Push Ups - This one drains the energy quickly.  I need to work on these

Side Hip Raise - To me these were not hard.  I could have gone  lot longer if Tony wasn't moving on to the next one

Squat X-Press

Plank to Chaturanga - Killer

Walking Push Up - First half was no problem...then it hits you and you are dead

Superman/Banana - He likes this move.

Lunge-Kickback series - Long series.  Probably should have had less weight

Towel Hopping

Reach High & Under Push Ups - Never seen these before.

Steam Engine

Dreya Roll - I can't get up without my hands

Plank to Chaturanga Iso - killer

Halfback

Table Dip Leg Raise

I'm still trying to figure out the weights on this one.  With company in this week I also need to figure out the timing and location of my workouts starting tomorrow.

Keep pushing play!!

Day 22: Denver's Yoga Bear

Yeah, yeah, I know. Yoga Bear? Very original. But there is a point.

I do look at Yoga as the "bear" of the P90x program as I have documented frequently. But I did manage a good Yoga workout today. I also had a bad food weekend and I gained a few pounds back. I told Dallas that my first time through I didn't really lose any weight until week 6 or 7, so the fluctuation is pretty normal, I think. I also think that I will probably not see the results I saw first time as my commitment to the diet is suspect at best. This week will not be any easier!

I doubt that the fat has turned to muscle this qucikly, but you never know.

For my Yoga workout today, I used the heart rate monitor because I didn't want my Polar F11 to yell at me for slacking this week. I'm very sensitive to criticism from my heart rate monitor. I'm seeking help, don't worry!
Of course, Polar, being the wise "OwnZone" guru that it is, decided that after a week of putting my "zone from 96-118 for some reason, puts me in the 135-147 zone. Perfect for Yoga. Not!

So I turned off the alarm and just looked at the results. The max I got up to was 136 (I think during the one leg portion) and my average was 93. The coolest thing of note was that during the corpse, my rate went down to 54! (I think that's my all-time low, except when I passed out getting my blood tested about 10 years ago. I ended up passing out and rushed to the hospital with an EKG telling me my heart rate was 23!)

During "Ohms" my HR went to 83, so I thought that was interesting.

My balance was much better today. I didn't fall out of any of the balance poses. I only had to break after each 20 seconds in "Crane" and I was able to stand on one foot and grab my ankles with both hands for a good amount of time. I guess it was a good thing I didn't bike-ride 20 miles on Sunday!

A good start to the Recovery Week. At least one Yoga session is down. 1 more and two Core-Synergsitics to go!

Keep Bringing it!

Day 22 - Dallas wakes with Yoga

Missing the X-Stretch did not sit well with me. I really need it. I did do some exercise, but the stretching is what I needed the most.

Recovery Week - I pre-viewed the Core DVD again - Holy smokes. I'm in for some trouble.

Yoga today went well till we had to do the stand on one legs for 2 hrs. I guess the ride yesterday took a lot out of my legs. I was coming out of the poses left and right. My thighs were on fire.

Yoga Belly went well. I can't say I could have held Scissors to boat any longer, but I did make it through.

I was really surprised on Sat when I go on the scale. I had dropped 4 lbs since I started this program....if I go back one more week, to before my LiveStrong ride, I have dropped 7 lbs.

All good things come to an end. This morning I was back to only haven lost 2 lbs since Day 1. Not the best way to start Week 4. Maybe it is normal weight fluctuation. Or maybe I'm replacing fat with heavy muscle.


Tomorrow is another day.

Day 21 - Dallas skips stretch...but rides

I didn't have time to do the X-Stretch as well. On the other hand I did do a 20 mile mountain bike ride.

My eating for the past three days has not been great. I didn't go crazy, but I had more carbs than I should have.

On to Yoga and Day one of recovery week.

Day 21: Denver skips the Stretch

I was planning on doing it. Really. I still could. It's 10:00 PM my time. I might still do it, but I know I have Yoga tomorrow, so I feel like I'm not missing out on much. I'll leave it at that. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. I never missed a stretch the first time through, so I'm feeling like I should. Oh, well,
I guess we can all wonder with great suspense!

Keep Bringing it!

Day 20: Denver Does Kenpo Again!

Dallas you read my mind (besides the title thing). How the heck was Tony's heart rate at 160 after the blocks? I was at 130, maybe, during the same time and I have a feeling Tony is in better shape than I am. My only explanation is that it was an old heart rate monitor that shows the average (This was way back in 2003 or 4 when it was created. Technology changes, right?)

I also think Dallas is right on about the leg workout on Friday influencing the Kenpo. I described that last post as the Legs workout is killing me.

I really got into the audible part of the program, letting out the primal "HEY!" with every punch and kick.

I also wonder why Tony worries about the hamstrings, yet this is the one workout he doesn't have us do the "money" hamstring stretch!

Keep Bringing it!

(Next week is the so-called "Recovery" week, so Dallas can look forward to not working hard at all! ---Insert Evil Laugh here!)

Day 20 - Dallas punches out Kenpo

Denver is right.  Titles are getting harder.

This is one of the best workouts. It is fun, hard and you get to kick and punch.  That alone makes it the best.

I kept my heart rate up until the blocks.  No matter how low my horse stance was or how hard I blocked, I could not keep my HR up.   Not sure what else to do.  Tony said his was at 160.  I don't see how.

I didn't have my daughter or wife with me this week.  It was just me.  I really sweat during this workout.  Whenever I work out I have to sweat.  If I'm not I don't feel like I'm working.  No problem during this workout.

The warm up for me is still the hardest.  Probably b/c it comes the day after legs.  When he has us squatting down and going side to side, I'm fine.  When he tells us to extend a leg, I can't seem to get my legs to work.  I get back my form the second we go to crescent pose.  Maybe next time I'll get it.  I'm starting to get used to the punch combos.  The more I do it the more it flows.

Until tomorrow...Keep pushing play.

Day 19: Denver Does LEGS (and lives to tell about it!)

I mentioned a few posts back that this was the program that was actually giving me the most trouble. For some reason, the routine I used to look forward to has basically switched positions with Monday's Chest and Back. I have my suspicions why.

I am using weights for all the leg routines and I may have overdone it a bit. I am using 25 lbs, (Tony is only using 20's) and I am always feeling it the next day. Even though I have gained confidence in the Pull-Ups, somehow the combination with the legs is intimidating to me.

I am still on the steady 2 rep increase in my Pull-Ups, so that's a good thing.

My diet pretty much sucks, and has been confirmed by the nutritionist I saw at the Doctor's office today. More on that later.

I like doing the Sneaky Lunges and the Three-Way Lunge. The Step Back Lunges and the Alternating Side Lunges almost killed me!

The best thing about Ab Ripper X today? I don't have to do it for 9 days! Whoo Hoo!

I made it without pausing (minus the built in pause I get when I speed through a few exercises like Oblique V-Up and Leg Climbs!)

Keep Bringing It! (I probably won't be posting until Sunday, but I won't miss my workout!)

Day 18: Denver DID Yoga X!

I even thought about my post and I think I convinced myself that I had written this blog entry. I guess I didn't. Oh, well.

The Yoga session was interrupted several times by very urgent matters (okay, I procrastinated and kept thinking of something else I have to do. Yeah, I know...) but I got it done. I've said many times that if the session was 15-20 minutes shorter, I would not have the motivation problems I seem to have with Yoga. I actually enjoy a lot of the exercises and I always feel great afterwards.

My Downward Dog session was pretty good. I even did better holding the Half-Moon Pose this week. The Balance postures were interesting. I was having trouble with my stronger leg for some reason(left) and I don't know why. I did the best ever on Crane this week as well, only touching down for about 15 seconds of the 60 second exercise.

It was a good session, and I know it is necessary, so I always "push play!"

Keep Bringing It!

Day 19 - Dallas does Legs and Back for the 3rd time

Another day I didn't want to get out of bed. I eat terrible yesterday..not bad food, just not much food. I ate breakfast and then had a snack at 3, then dinner at 5:30. No lunch. I'm not sure I hit 1000 calories yesterday.

On to the workout - I bumped up the weight and felt it!! I was out of breath for the first half (I'm pretty congested as well). First time I have felt like that on a Friday. I pushed it pretty hard and I felt every exercise.

I DID 3 REV PULL UPS!!! Then had to use the chair to pump out 7 more. 2nd time around I only did 1. I went back to my total gym for the other pull ups. I just have not felt like I'm pushing myself and working my back enough. I figure it out one of these days. Wall squats hurt today. Normally I can hold them pretty long. Today I was dead.

Ab Ripper - I paused like crazy today for the first half. Once we got to the heels to heaven I was back and didn't pause from there forward. The twists felt great....lots of burn. I wasn't sure I would get the whole bonus done...but I did.

I brought it today!!

Day 18 - Dallas does YO-GA YO-GA YO-GA

I know I can't come up with much in the way of cool titles.....how on earth are we going to do day 90???

Today was different. I was better at a lot of the poses, but for some reason (probably b/c of Shoulders yesterday) I could not stay in Down Dog as long as a normally can. Normally I can get into Down Dog and stay there for as long as you want me to. Today, I was looking forward to moving out of Down Dog, more than wanting Scissors to come to an end.

Yoga Belly - I felt great during....hard, but it felt great. I can't believe Denver makes it through AB Ripper without pauses???

I felt a lot more relaxed today than I did last week. I think Denver was right. I was rushing last week.

This morning I did not want to get out of bed. Once I started though I was glad I did. Last night I read through the exercises for next week. Core looks like one HECK of a workout. Maybe I was reading it wrong, but it looks tough. I'm going to preview it tonight.

Denver sure is fired up. I'm going to have to up my game. I'm down 3 lbs and 2% BF so far. Of course I fluctuate that much every week!!

Legs and Back tomorrow then on to Kenpo

Bring it!!!

Day 17: Denver Brings It: Shoulders & Arms

It took me almost three weeks, but I finally got it really going on. I brought it today. After this workout I finally felt like I was in a groove. My first week I was really sore. My second week I struggled with motivation. This week I am on fire. Just in time for the recovery week!

Anyway, this time around it has been great having the weights. My first time through, I had the bands (and a MyGym- a band contraption) that just didn't work the way that the weights are working now. There are times where it is difficult to switch the plates quickly, but I have pushed my weight intensity up to a level that is challenging me. I feel stronger. I'm using 25 lb dumbbells in each hand for pretty much every exercise for shoulders and arms- the only exception are the "light" weight exercises, like Straight Arm Shoulder Flys (Or any flys for that matter) which I go for about 15 lbs.

I made it through Ab-Ripper without pushing pause and my heart rate stayed consistent. I had more motivation for this as well. It was a good day for exercise!

Keep Bringing It!

Day 17 - Dallas pumps through Shoulders / Arms & AB Ripper X

After talking with Denver about how he determines his effort and weights for each workout, I made some changes...I raised the weight across the board.  I was doing 12-15 reps on a lot of exercises.  Now I'm doing right around 10 and struggling with the 10th.

The Two Angled Shoulder Flys were the ones that gave me the most challenge this time around.  I raised the weight for the 1st go round and then had to drop it back down.  It is tough for me.

Most of the Tri work I was able to really feel it.  So I guess I was pushing it well.  The In/Out Straight Arm Flys (seeing a pattern here) gave me trouble as well.  Tony talks like we shouldn't pick a big weight so I always go low.  I think next time I'll bump up and see what happens.  16 reps is a lot to reps for a bigger weight.

ABRX - I did better today.  Still had to break between the front and back bicycles, but after that I did much better.  Made it through the scissors without pausing.  Paused between the Hip Rocks and the Pulse Ups.  Not bad.  Only two extra pauses.

Keep Bringing it!!!

Day 16: Denver Goes (PLYO)Metric!

I'm telling you, coming up with a catchy headline each time is going to kill me!

Alternate title:

"P90X Has Two Mommies" (See, on Chest and Back, Tony calls that the "Mother" of all P90X workouts. Then the very next day in Plyo, he calls Plyo (specifically the "Jump-Knee Tucks") as the "Mother". Thus the title. Yeah, I have too much time on my hands and I've memorized every bad joke and throwaway comment by Mr. Horton!)

I loved the workout today. I was happy not to do Ab-Ripper and to be able to power through the routine. I paused it a few times (I don't know who can get through the third section (Jump-Knee Tucks followed by the Mary Catherine's!) without doing so!

Dallas, did you say "Accelerade?" I've tried that stuff and I have to say I was impressed. I used to be able to find it int he grocery store, but haven't seen it lately. I'll have to look harder.

Unfortunately, Dallas, you will need your weights on the two Core Synergistics days. Not a lot of weight, but some. I'll go back and see what I was using 9I think I used the 10 lb bars without the plates for the few exercises you need).

Turkey week is a challenge, that's for sure. I didn't have anything like that my first time through, so we'll see how it goes. Anyway,

Keep Bringing it!

Day 16 - Dallas gets through Plyo

I went for it today.  No extra pauses, almost all the advanced moves (I couldn't jump as high as Dom the whole time).  It is really tough to get through the whole thing.  I still feel weird doing the left handed pitching.  I always miss the 2nd throw and then have to catch up.  I think Sunday when I rode as hard as I could, it gave me the spark I needed to just go all out and not break.  We'll see how I feel tomorrow.  I used my endurance recovery (Accelerade) in my water this week.  Hopefully that will help.

Next week is Recovery week.  It is also Turkey week, family coming in, no school.  I'm going to have to plan my workouts.  Looks like I don't need the weights for any of them.  Or am I wrong?  I will probably move my workout into my bedroom so I don't wake everyone up.

Sounds like Denver is finding his stride again.  I'll need to push hard to keep up.

I still need to take some pics of my equipment for everyone.  Shoulders and Arms tomorrow.  Keep bringing it!!!

Day 15: Denver Destroys CHEST & BACK

It's interesting. I used to dread Mondays and feel that it took forever to get through the workouts. I'm not that much better at Pull-Ups this time around, but I have the confidence that I can get through them. Push-Ups, on the other hand, I'm feeling so much stronger than before. My first time through the program, I struggled to get through the push-ups because my chest has always been weak. Its gotten stronger.

Now I find the Friday workout the hardest to get through. I used to hate the fact that Monday made you repeat the exercises twice. I think mentally I would hold back and not go all out on the exercises.

My #1 tip for gradually improving is, of course, writing things down. I always try to do two more reps (for non weight-bearing exercises) each time. This mental challenge works well, and I'm usually able to meet it. It can sometimes have the opposite effect, since you can reach your target and stop, not pushing yourself to go further. It's a conundrum, but at least it means you are steadily improving.

Ab Ripper was okay, though I was interrupted a few times during it. I'm at least getting my heart-rate up during it these days.

I am looking forward to knocking this week out and having a good recovery week. Don't worry, Dallas, recovery week is cake! (Shhh, don't tell him that Recovery week is anything but "cake!" I want him to be surprised!

Keep Bringing it!

Day 15 - Dallas tries to pull up for Chest and Back

It does seem crazy that I was looking forward to today's workout. I guess I REALLY want to do a pull up. Sad to say...I still can't. I noticed that if I can get my arms half way up using my legs...then I can make it the rest of the way (I couldn't do that before). I'm worried I won't be able to do a single pull up when this is all over in 90 days. I'm not sure what to do. The first week I had trouble shampooing my hair. I didn't have that issue this week. I'm not sure how to make my pull up workout "push" me harder. If it wasn't for the push ups I would have had a terrible mental day.

Push ups - I killed push ups this week. I did 11 diamond push ups (8 second time around)! I didn't use my knees (tried that last week and I didn't like it), but I need to confess I didn't make it all the way down to touch my hands to my chest. I was close though!!!

Ab Ripper - I did my normal pauses between certain moves. Btw Front / Back bicycles, half way through scissors, just before heels up, and then just before the mason twists (which I did all the bonus as well). I did really well on the legs climbs. I think I fianlly got the idea how to "do" these.

If I take the pull ups out I think I had a great work out.

Plyo tomorrow.

Day 14: Denver Stretches out the Weekend!

Okay, so I am late posting this weekend, but I did warn you!

I was so sore this weekend that I was having trouble bending over to pick up anything. My neck was hurting as well. I needed this stretch more than I ever have. It was great, but I am concerned about my inability to recover from a tough Friday Leg workout. If I didn't think I was getting old before (I just turned 40 a few months ago) I do now. Ouch.

I'm glad Dallas enjoyed this weekend's workouts, but if he's looking forward to tomorrow's workout, I may need to call a shrink! (Just kidding, I was young and foolish once! And I think I still had the euphoria going after week two last time. It's a little more tempered now!)

I'll check in tomorrow!

(I think I gained all my weight back this weekend. I ate at a restaurant for breakfast on Saturday and Grilled steaks and pork chops for dinner on Saturday and Friday respectably.

Keep Bringing it!

Day 13: Denver Kicks Kenpo!

Yeah, I brought it. I was in a different location, but I made it work. The cool thing was I got to do this in front of a big screen TV and at times I thought I was going up against a life-size Tony!

I think one of the most important parts of this workout is the mental toughness required to "bring it!" I found myself occasionally not putting forth the intensity needed to make the workout worthwhile. I was able to correct this quickly enough, but it reminded me that I need to stay focused. Of course it didn't help that my legs and back were still killing me from Friday's workout.

In fact, I walked the dog with my wife and my legs felt really heavy. It did not improve after this workout, that's for sure. I also had some balance issues with some of the combination moves. It was as much fun as ever, though!

I really need the stretching on Sunday, that's for sure! (See how clever I am, I wrote this as if I was writing on Saturday, but it's already Sunday and I know what I am going to write for Sunday. Neat, eh?)

Keep Bringing it!

Day 14 - Dallas need X-Stretch

Again I was looking forward to X-Stretch.  I need this so badly.  I have a Yoga block now so it was a huge help for me.  My daughter did it with me.  Just makes me look worse.  Tony is talking like the one girl is gumby.  I felt sorry for her last week.  He kept telling her she was a freak of nature.  Well my daughter puts her to shame :-)

When he has us fold over and touch the ground, then put one hand on the ground in the middle and then twist up with the other....it really shows what bad shape I'm in.  My hand is barely past half way.

Anyway it was a great stretch day.  The rest of the day has been house stuff.  Turkey day is around the corner.  At 3:30 I met a friend and went on a mountain bike ride.  I had not been on a bike since my LiveStrong ride.  It felt great to get back on the bike!!!

Two weeks down.  I feel good.  I can't wait to push play tomorrow.

Keep pushing play.

Day 13 - Dallas kicks some Kenpo X

Well I got the whole family to join me today in Kenpo X.  My daughter (a red belt in karate) liked all the moves, but was a little bored with all the cardio stuff.  She sat down through some of it.  Seeing her in the warm up....she can bend in half.  In the move where you are lying down and have one leg up, grab your toe then fold to the side....she was pretty much in the split while holding her toe....amazing.  My wife did every move with me and really liked the work out.  She did the Stretch with me last week.

This was much better this week.  Last week I was a little lost and confused through some of the moves.  This week I knew what he meant (most of the time).  I keep my HR monitor on from the start of the warm up until the cool down is done.  I download all my HR info to a software program so I can monitor my HR for recovery time.  Max HR was 176 and avg was 142.  Most of the cardio stuff or max kicks I was at 168-172.  I was really bringing it today.  My HR drops pretty quick.  Once we started the cool down I had dropped to 130, then by the time we leaned over I was at 115.  When the cool down was over I was at 109.  Then it shot back up to 124 when I was taking the dvd out of the player....weird.

Anyway - Great day.  I can't wait to stretch tomorrow.

Day 12: Denver Does Legs & Back (with aches & pains!!)

It was during the Step BAck Lunge when I felt the first tweak. Ouch. Something in either my hamstring or just below my right buttocks started killing me. I was able to make it through the workout but I worry about tomorrow. Then I felt something in my left wrist doing my Reverse chin-ups. I even felt something in my left arm during Crunchy Frog. It was not a good day for aches and pains!

Maybe I'm just getting old? (I also kept forgetting to restart my heart rate monitor, another sign of old age?)

Anyway, The first exercise is grueling for me. I carry 20 lb weights and do the one leg-balance lunge, and for some reason it kills me. It is a good leg workout, that's for sure. I am very sore right now and thankful that I don't have to stand while writing this (Has anyone seen those treadmill desks that some offices have now?) and hopefully I'll be recovered enough for my Kenpo workout tomorrow.

I probably won't be able to write about my Kenpo workout until Sunday evening, so don't panic (I know, it's hard to imagine that life can go on, but hopefully Dallas will fill the void!)

Almost done with two weeks and I'm feeling it already. I'm down to 179 lbs, which is better than 185. I'll give a better report on Sunday.

Keep Bringing it!

Day 12 - Dallas does Legs & Back Week 2

Pull-Ups....I really don't like them.  I'm hoping once I can do a few I'll get to like them more. I went back to the pull up bar with the chair.  I figured that is what they recommend so I'll give it a go.

I think I need to increase my weights on the Calf Raises and the Step Back Lunges.  Denver do you use weights on the Toe Rolls?  I think next week I'm going to add using weights.  I think Tony scares everyone into not using them.

The wall squats were harder for me today.  I think it is b/c I pushed it harder in the Skaters.

I did feel my bad knee start talking to me during the three way lunge.  It was not talking very nice either.

AB Ripper X - After the leg workout I found the Bicycles a lot harder.  My abs could have kept going, but I had to pause between the Front/Back bicycles and the Crunchy Frogs.  Then I did fine until the darn scissors again.  It was my legs again that were giving out during the scissors.  I got to 19 and had to pause, then finish the final 6 up.  I can't get my high leg past 45 degrees so I have to use the leg muscles more than those buff people on the DVD.  If I could get my leg up higher I think it would take some pressure off my legs and put it on my abs more.

Who knows?  Anyway it was a good workout.  I almost went back to bed thinking I could do the workout this evening.  Then I realized I would never do it tonight.

Keep Bringing it!!!

Day 11: Denver Does Downward Dog Tired (YOGA)

It's amazing how much better this week felt. I have my resistance towards Yoga X to begin with, but last week my stomach was killing me and a torturous session became the equivalent of a death sentence! I survived this session, despite some balance issues that seemed to be shared by Dallas this week. I was great on the "Tree" pose, embarrassing on the "Royal Dancer" pose, and I brought it to the "Toe Lock" pose! (That's the one where you stand up and grab your toe while straightening your leg completely. I do a double hand grab on this. Yeah, that's right!)

Of course to get to that point you have to make it through the million "Downward Dogs." I was much better in the first 45 minutes. It's still impossible to make it through the 1 leg "Half-Moon" and all subsequent poses. My legs, which I consider strong, just can't take it.

A couple of musings: I'm wondering if Dallas knows what the heck Tony is talking about when he says "Do the push-up if you want/have to?" when moving from Chataranga to Downward Dog. I do not know how to do this without a push-up. The one time Tony says he chooses "not" to do this, the camera cuts away (one of several, minor but annoying editing snafus throughout the program!).

I am able to do the final balance posture (Crane?) for about 15 seconds at a time without putting down my toes. I don't know how anyone can do that for the full amount of time.

I like the stretching a lot, and I didn't hate Yoga Belly 7 Deadly Poses like I usually do. When I tried to start up the program the last two times after the first successful 90 days, the yoga is what usually set me up for failure. I never had the desire to take the 90 minutes to do the Yoga X, and then it would feel like there was no point in sticking to the plan. I think that is the key. Avoid missing a day at all costs.

Another thing I think I have noticed. Tony says the tip of the day is to clear your mind completely. When I have a good balance day (or Yoga day in general) I am completely committed to doing it. When I am already thinking about it being over, it takes longer and I don't do as well. So if I am in a hurry, I can count on a lousy Yoga session. Your post made it sound like you were in a hurry, so maybe that affected your balance. I know when I start thinking about my to-do list, I usually end up on my rear!

Keep Bringing it!

Day 11 - Dallas gets to do Yoga

I was looking forward to Yoga this week.  Back to something I was used to.  Today was not my day for balance.  I was having one of those bad days.  I had a heck of time even standing still even.  I got through it, but there are a few moves I just couldn't hold very long (mainly the twisting poses).  Most of the moves that I have done before I was able to hold...Dancer (I know this as standing bow), Crow (I was able to hold this for about 20 sec off and on), the basic warrior poses.

The ab section at the end.  I must have been asleep last week.   I didn't really remember them.  I do now.

Today is quick and to the point.  I have a really full day and need to get to it.

Keep bringing it.

Day 10: Denver Powers Through SHOULDERS & ARMS

I have to admit, I was not motivated to do this workout. I don't know why. I usually like the Wednesday Workout, because it is all arms and shoulders and there are no pesky push-ups or pull-ups (I love alliteration!). Once I got going, I was okay. I did better on most exercises. It is still hard for me to judge the weights, and because you have to keep switching the weights, I tend to try and use the same weight for many exercises. This can be a major thinking error. I am on 25 lbs mode right now. I think for a lot of the exercises, 23 lbs would be just right. You are supposed to struggle for the last four, so that is mission accomplished. You are not, however, supposed to lose your form. I was guilty on that for the Flip-Grip Twist kickbacks and the last several were awful. Same with the Seated Two Angle Shoulder Flys, which progressively got worse as the exercise went on.

Note to self- Don't be lazy, switch to the proper weight!

Ab Ripper was bearable. I didn't pause as much, and my heart rate was up there. I had a malfunction 20 minutes into the workout and I had to restart my Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor and figure out the totals afterwards. More math makes the workout less fun!

Dallas, I think your grammar is correct. But the Whom/Who debate is tricky so I am not writing it in blood!

Anyway,

Keep Bringing it!