/mike

Check out P90X for yourself!

The hype behind P90X and it’s difficulty is not overdone. This program is hard. It will kick your butt every day. Fortunately on each video Tony states, repeatedly, that if you’re not at the same level as the demonstrators you don’t have to keep up with them. Take breaks. Easier ways to perform each exercise is usually shown for anyone that is having troubles.

And now for a little day-to-day breakdown.

Day 1

Today was a muscle building day. I haven’t been to a gym or lifted weights for several weeks now and today hurt. I bought some small weights and exercise bands because I didn’t know what exercises I’d be doing and how difficult they were going to be. I’m glad I did.

The reps were really low today but I’m looking forward to seeing how they evolve over time.

Day 2

And my first experience with plyometrics was one for the books. After yesterday I knew I was in for a shock with P90X, and today really put me in my place. In the end I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised given my lack of exercise but wow. I was totally knackered at the end and actually felt like I wanted to puke a couple times.

Oh yeah, and the soreness started kicking in from yesterday’s workout too. Doing cardio is not necessarily easy when your abs are too tired and sore to work properly.

Day 3

Another muscle building day today. It was a little more focused and I took it pretty easy because yesterday totally obliterated my legs. I powered through as much as I could but my legs were definitely some sort of factor in taking it easier instead of pushing as hard as I could.

Seriously, I can’t believe how sore my legs are.

Day 4

Back at it with the cardio today. This time it was yoga. I haven’t done yoga ever in my life to this point so this was another interesting experience. Back in the day I used to have really good balance but not so much any more. I’m surprised at just how tiring it was.

My flexibility obviously needs some work as well. Looking forward to doing this again and seeing my improvement. Legs are still super sore today.

Day 5

Time to build those muscles again. My still sore legs definitely affected today’s performance. I made sure to push to the point where I just couldn’t physically do any more. It was another day where I felt like puking after finishing up.

Oh, and there was the whole I-worked-out-after-four-hours-of-sleep-because-I’m-travelling-today thing as well. :-/

Day 6

Because of my travel yesterday and today I wasn’t able to get today’s cardio in until the evening. It was a good workout and I got a nice sweat going by the end of it. It was a little more complex today and there were a bunch of times I was mixing up the movements. Hopefully the movements get easier so I can focus on the intensity.

Day 7

I opted to go ahead and do a workout today. Well, it’s not really a workout, it’s stretching but it’s still doing some physical activity. Again, I can see just how bad my flexibility has become and hope it gets better over time.

Closing thoughts for week 1

I’m feeling better already. I’m sleeping better at night and I’m waking up easier and earlier each morning. Even after one week I feel a little stronger and — I may be projecting a little bit here but — I’m already seeing some changes.

Getting P90X is one of the best things I’ve done in recent history. I’d been considering a Bowflex home gym because I was getting fed up with going to the gym and P90X is much, much cheaper. I’m really excited to see how it goes over the next few weeks and looking forward to starting week two.