My oh my what a difference one week can make was all I could say as I finished the first video of week three today (Chest, Back, & Ab video). I looked back over my worksheets and was amazed. By the end of week one I was exhausted, sore, and yet happy that I survived the madness that is p90x. At end of week two I felt exhilarated and proud of myself for not only completing the week but, adding more reps and weights, doing more then I was able to the week before, and well… not keeling over!

What I love the most about this workout series is the variety. When I go to the gym I get lazy. I do the weight machines that I FEEL like doing. I get on an elliptical machine or treadmill for 45-60 minutes. Sometimes, I do a full sprint and others times I just do a high incline and decent jog. What I DO NOT DO is force myself OUT of my comfort zone. If I can help it, I will NOT being doing squats, lunges, push ups, or pull ups on a regular basis. BUT in the past three weeks I have been forced to do them…it isn’t always pretty believe me! No joke. It takes me at least an extra 15 minutes to psyche myself up for the lower body routine. I know the pain is coming and resist. Then I tell myself to get the hell over it and do it any way. It’s uncomfortable. I sometimes feel silly but, when those jeans that were uncomfortable fit just right…I feel rewarded. In just two weeks I can see the difference in how my clothes fit and the way I feel. All of which I LOVE.

The biggest issue I have with the series however are the AB work outs. Man oh man those C-sit positions are MURDER on my lower back. I simply refuse to do them as described. Instead I went to the message boards and looked for alternatives…which were all no brainers really. It means going back to the floor versions. It doesn’t work the full abdomen the way his C-Sits do but, it also doesn’t send my back into full on conniption either. I was also told by a trainer friend that my exercise ball could also be used to alleviate back pain. I hope to work up to being able to do the C-sits but, that day is definitely NOT happening right now.

Lastly, I do not have the ability to add a pull up bar to my apartment door frames. Instead I have used my bands with a fun jerry-rigged over the door manner I found on a youtube video (see photos below). It requires a roll of tape and a door that closes (preferably one that locks or opens from the opposite direction). I will need to buy a stronger resistance band soon however, as I don’t feel this “burn” he keeps talking about when I am using the bands. By the end of the disc I am a hot-sweaty-tired mess but, no “burn” to speak of. I am not however, comfortable using the bands for other exercises like they do in the videos. It keeps slipping from underneath my sneakers at times which is annoying. I will eventually have to buy more weights since I am currently hanging out with 5 lbs & 10lbs dumb bells along with those jogging arm/leg weights in increments of 2lbs and 5lbs. I probably won’t go beyond 20lbs myself because I have zero desire to get bulked up. When I feel like the weight is too light however, I just start get a head start. Tony talks A LOT in between so it gives me extra time to get to muscle fatigue without getting behind the video.

Please also note that I am not taking any of their supplements, bars, or recovery drink. I have a litany of liquid multivitamins I already take so I didn’t feel like buying more. I have also used Emergen-C since it is filled with electrolytes, vits, and lots of C..also it TASTES GOOD! I didn’t like the taste of t he recovery drink formula. I also add CoQ10 to my water which helps with fatigue and soreness. I’ve been taking it for years for my chronic fatigue problem so it’s great that it can do double duty.  Talk to your doctor about any supplements you are interested in taking.

I am going to be doing Day 2 of Week 3 tomorrow… PLYO X. Meep Meep I am already tired… ha ha ha.  Have a great day and safe workout!

B~