Saturday, May 14, 2011

P90x Back and Biceps and Insanity Cardio Recovery

For some reason blogger would not let me log in the last day and a half so I haven't been able to post anything.  Anywho, the day before yesterday was P90x Back and Biceps followed by Insanity Cardio Abs. Man will Back and Biceps burn your muscle fibers out! My back is still sore. You are attacking your back and bicep from every conceivable angle. Doing a variety of curls and different style pull ups.

When I first started I could barely do like 2 or 3 pull ups. Now I can do 11 just 4 weeks later.  Some are obviously harder than others. There is one called a corn cob pull up where you do a pull up hold it at the top and move your head to the far left then to the right, back to center and face to the bar then down. It's crazy. I could only do 3 before I had to assist myself with a chair. There are so many different curls that I never knew existed and man do you get a crazy pump. Your biceps will be screaming for mercy before your done.

By this time you are probably familiar with me talking about the cardio ab workout from Insanity but just in case your not. It is about a 17 minute ab burning workout without a single crunch or sit up! And it's the most insane ab workout you will ever do. I promise after your first time doing it your abs will be sore for days. There is a lot of plyometric jumps, c-sit positions and plank work.

Yesterday was a bit of a rest day with cardio recovery from Insanity. Which is basically 35 minutes of stretching torture.  I hate this workout because I am soooooo not flexible. But then again I guess thats why discs like this are included.  I can already stretch a lot better than I could before I started. The only thing I will say about this workout is that your legs and groin area will be screaming for mercy by the time your done.  You have to do a lot of lung or squats and hold the contractions for up to a minute while sometimes incorporating pulses. Yikes.

Anyways, almost rapping up the first week of phase 2! I must say the muscle confusion is working for sure because I have been sore after every workout this week. Soreness usually goes away after your body gets used to a particular workout you do. Only thing I can figure is when you stop getting sore after your workouts must mean its time to switch it up or hit it harder.  Tonight is a new workout for me. It is from the P90x plus series, Upper Body Plus. I have previewed this workout a little and it looks killer. Seeing as how my back and biceps are still sore as crap I may cry like a girl tonight. We shall see. Talk to you later.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Insanity: Cardio Power and Resistance done

All I can say is, wow. Cardio Power and Resistance is a super intense cardio/plyometric workout and it even adds some muscle building via different styles of push ups.  Again, as with most Insanity workouts, the warm up takes forever and is freaking exhausting. The good news is that by the time you are done with the warm up the actual workout itself is only like 20 to 25 minutes usually. The bad news is that your heart rate is crazy high and you are exhausted after the warm up.

I bought a continuous hear monitor so I could monitor my heart rate during the workout to make sure I was in the fat burning zone. It even beeps and lets you know when you are below or above the suggested zone for your particular age and weight. It set me back like 50 bucks but I think it is invaluable tool to get the most out of your cardio. Cause if your heart rate is to high your not burning fat, if its to low your not doing much of anything.

This was the first time I have done this workout so usually the first 10 to 15 seconds of each exercise I had to wait and see what the exercise was since I had not done a lot of them before. There really isn't anything super different about this workout then plyometric cardio circuit. This one just adds some push ups along with the jumping and running.

All in all it is a great workout and I burned 674 calories in 45 minutes so it works you.  Shaun T from Insanity really does a great job of keeping you motivated. It's funny actually, because almost every time I was like, "ok, I'm going to die. I need to take a break." He would pop up and be like "COME ON DIG DEEP! YOU CAN DO IT!! JUST 20 MORE SECONDS!!!" I know it sounds corny but you will see what I mean if you ever start Insanity.

Today's workout is P90x Back and Biceps and Insanity Cardio Abs.  So I will let you know how it goes later.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Chest, Shoulders and Tri's done

It's been a long time since I have done this workout. I have started P90x twice and this is the second time I have been able to make it to phase two without quitting.

The first two times I always skipped days, sometimes even multiple days in the week. This time I have done a lot better.

Anyways, phase 2 workouts ramp up the intensity! Set after set after set and only one break. you really have to bring it to make it through this one. This workout focuses on different kinds of push-ups. Even including one arm push ups and plyo "clapping" push ups.

The main thing I have noticed about P90x workouts is that they really focus on shoulders. man there are some serious shoulder exercises in this one! They were on fire! And not because I'm badly sunburned lol.

Of course if you really want your arms to look big you have to work your triceps and this workout makes your Tri's scream!

After finishing up that workout I followed it up with Insanity's Cardio Abs. This is a 17 minute hard core ab workout with no crunches! Thats right, no stupid sit ups. Last month starting out I couldn't do half of this without laying on the floor. Now it's getting easier. My abs are sore the next day every time.

So day 1 of phase 2 down. Day 2 is a cardio workout from Insanity. it is Cardio Power and Resistance. I have never done this particular Insanity workout before so I'm a little scared/excited. So time to dig deep tonight. I will let you know how things go.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Phase 2 starts today!

So phase 2 starts today. Only 8 more weeks left. Time to dig deeper cause the workouts get even more intense now. Longer workouts with shorter and fewer breaks.

Today is P90x Chest, Shoulders and Triceps. Followed by Insanity Cardio Abs. It's going to kick my butt but it's going to be worth it. I can't even describe the pump and how good you feel when you finish.

If anyone else reading this has been thinking of starting a workout routine to try and get in shape for summer or just for health. I strongly encourage guys to start out with P90x first and girls to go with Insanity. you will not be disappointed.

P90x is made to lean you out but also build muscle which appeals to guys. While Insanity sheds fat retarded fast and tones your whole body, which most women would want I imagine. Anyways I'll let everyone know later if I make it through tonight's workout.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Recovery Week Over! Rest Day.........Or Insane Abs

Core Synergistics again last night for the last workout in the recovery week.  I really love this workout! I was sweating like crazy this time for some reason.  It really really works you! Man push up walk and where you hold plank position for 10 seconds then drop to chataranga for 10 seconds is crazy.

I am really starting to get excited. Really starting to see results and can tell for sure that my strength has increased significantly. Thinking about posting some 30 day result pics.  But the only start pics I have are of when I first started way back when I started doing P90x........and stopped. Then started Insanity.......and stopped.

I'm determined to finish this one. Then I am going to start Insanity: The Asylum. Just have to figure out somewhere to buy and agility ladder for it. Or make one of my own. I bought a jump rope to start practicing for Asylum and lets just say I will be using my imaginary jump rope for the workouts.  lol

Anyways, can't wait to start week 5 with a whole new set of workouts from the Insanity, P90x and P90x+ series.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Week 4 Day 5. Another Core Cardio and Balance

So last night was a repeat of Wednesdays workout. I really enjoy this workout because you build up a good sweat and still work on abs and balance.  Not much really to say about it that hasn't already been said.

Can't wait to get back into the resistance workouts starting monday. Last day of the recovery week tonight with another round of P90x Core Synergistics. Talk to you later.

Friday, May 6, 2011

What motivates you to exercise?

For a lot of people motivation could come in many different forms. but let's face it, most people when they exercise want to see the number on the bathroom scale go down. Yes, everyone usually picks a particular weight they want to get to and usually expect it to happen overnight.

It has been my experience in P90x/Insanity that initially the first week or two of exercise after being inactive before hand, you are likely to see a 5-10 pound weight drop. But after that it more than likely will slow down considerably, to even in some cases gaining a little weight.

Don't get discouraged when the scale stops moving. In time you will get to where you want to be. Go on YouTube and just google P90x or Insanity transformations and you will see what can happen if you stick with it.

I say when the scale stops moving start looking for other signs. Namely, losing inches around your waist, muscles starting to look more defined. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat and you will be gaining muscle. That's why I think some people's weight loss may plateau or actually gain a little.

If you take a lot of supplements: protein, creatine, NO pre workout etc. That right there will keep you from losing a lot of weight.

Let's just say that you can get your body to look the way you want. It just may not be at the weight you thought you needed to get to! I'm starting to see major results and I am at 160 pounds and when I started about seven or eight months ago I thought I needed to get down to 145 or 150 to get ripped. I still have a LONG way to go though.

Just keep pushing play! Dig Deep!


Recovery Week Day 4 P90x: Stretch-X

Ok, day four of week four was Stretch-X from P90x. I must say I have mixed feelings about this workout. For one it's 55 minutes of nothing but stretching! so in the beginning you are thinking to
yourself, "This is retarded" But then after about 20 minutes or so I really got into it.

It is actually very relaxing. Although I found out that I am the worlds least flexible person. I couldn't even grab my ankles on a couple stretches, or even come close to putting my hands on the floor.

But when it was all said and done I felt really good. and I don't know if this is a good thing or not, but I'm actually sore in my calves and chest. All in all I think it's a great workout to help you gain flexibility. But I think most people will think it's boring as crap.

This is the first time I have ever done a recovery week while doing either P90x or Insanity and now I see why they make you do it. I really feel reenergized and ready to tackle the next phase of my P90x/Insanity Hybrid.

Talk to everyone later

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Recover Week Day 3 Insanity: Core Cardio and Recovery

Day 3 of week 4 recovery week down. Tonight was Insanity: Core Cardio and Recovery. I must say this workout was a lot easier to me than Core Synergistics.

Much like most Insanity workouts you start off with a rather lengthy warm-up. However since this is a recovery disc it's less intense. That's not to say you won't get your heart rate up and get a good sweat going.

This workout focuses mainly on light cardio/plyo the first half of the workout, with the last 15 minutes or so focusing on balance exercises.

The last 3 minutes will destroy you if your leg strength isn't built up. You have to get in a wide squat stance and hold it while switching back and forth between arm circles and contracting arms open and closed.

All in all a great workout with great ab and leg exercises. I must say I HATE working out my legs buy Insanity always makes it fun. Shaun T really makes you Dig Deep as he says.

Tonight was fun. Talk to everyone tomorrow for recovery week day 4, P90x: X-Stretch.

Core Synergistics Done

For a supposed rest week Core Synergistics is no joke. In fact I found it to be one of the most difficult workouts I have done. Mainly because there was a lot of exercises that engaged multiple groups that were kinda confusing. For example one exercise involved doing a deep lunge with dumbbells, and while in the lunge do a triceps kick back, bicep curl, deep swimmers press and finish with a reverse curl! Oh, and you had to stay in the lunge the whole time!!! For 3 minutes straight alternating legs! Man that was tough. The key was every exercise engaged your core as well as other muscle groups.

The disc was about 55 minutes with only two 45 second water breaks I believe. So you better be ready to bring it with Core Synergistics! I'll talk to you all more later.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Diet

When you start either P90x or the Insanity workout program you will receive a nutrition guide that outlines step by step what you should eat for optimum results.

But let's be honest. The hardest thing to do other than working out is eating right. I'm going to be honest I can't eat half the crap in those guides.

Let's face it, we all live busy lives and it's hard enough to find time to exercise and it's even harder to follow a strict diet that will cost you like a billion dollars a week to follow.

My advice is to find things that you
can eat that you atleast enjoy a little that WILL FILL YOU UP. Just try and keep the calories and fats down and try and monitor your calories. We aren't stupid, you don't need a trainer to tell you not to eat a box of Krispy Kremes. If you are questioning whether you should eat something, chances are YOU SHOULDNT!

My best advice is put yourself in situations to succeed. Don't go to places that is going to make it difficult to order something healthy. Research and find something and know what you need to get before you even go in the restaurant. Don't even look at the menu! Don't say, "I've been good all day, I can eat one bad meal." NO YOU CAN'T! It's not worth it.

In closing, just make smarter choices and know that if you want to get ripped and fit you cannot slam Snickers and Fried Chicken and wash it down with 16 beers. use common sense and you will be ok.

Day 1.........Kinda

Alright everyone! Here we go, time to dig deep and bring it! I have already done most of the P90x and Insanity workout series but have never been able to finish either.  There was parts I loved about both, so I decided to combine the resistance workouts from P90x with the cardio routines of Insanity.  This blog will not only help me be accountable to hopefully complete all my workouts and maybe even encourage others to start a Beachbody workout, as I feel they are the best out there.  Now I have to say that I am already in week four of my 16 week schedule and decided to start a blog now. So here we go!!!!! Tonight is P90x Core Synergistics. Time to bring it!