Travel Health and Fitness - P90x

Going to give the old P90x a go in a few weeks.

I have a longish (well long for me) trip to Dubai.....thought I'd give it a good start during the trip (using the DVDs and workout bands).

Over the last year or so I've been slowly moving to more intense/slightly shorter duration circuit workouts and have been enjoying them. I still bike a lot and I still lift but I've been adding these circuits in a bit.

*Circuit Example
25 sissy squats (no weight squat with heel elevated -- use dumbbell for heel)
25 dumbbell curls (double arm 30 pounds)
25 dumbbell side raises (double arm 20 pounds)
25 plank jacks
25 kettle swing/squat (25 pounds)
Do the above 5-6 times as fast as possible

Week 1 of P90x done....the workouts themselves are not that hard (a lot of hype I think). That said I was sore from some of the new moves. For me the 90+ minutes of Yoga was by far the hardest and of that its really only the first half that was really hard.

I added in a short bike ride, a spin class, about an hour on a stationary and a circuit class this week in addition to the 7 P90x workouts. Depending on my travel schedule I will probably add in a few workouts every week as I don't think the p90x is enough (I'd probably pack on a few pounds if I did it alone).

This week will be interesting as I have a trip to Houston (yesterday) and to Dubai (friday)....will have to work a bit to squeeze the workouts in on the longer travel days but I'm hopeful I can stick with it.

You might also want to see this thread re. P90X (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/omni/714866-p90x-workout-program.html).

The fact that you're doing this is great, but it seems to me that doing anything for 60-90 minutes three to five times a week would produce results like P90X. As you noted, the workouts aren't that hard. It's more that they take an hour at a time.

The fact that you're doing this is great, but it seems to me that doing anything for 60-90 minutes three to five times a week would produce results like P90X. As you noted, the workouts aren't that hard. It's more that they take an hour at a time.

I'm liking the structure to the workouts so far. I workout 6-9 hours/week normally and have for many years. My main problem is mostly diet related (fit and fat I always call it) the other is balance....when I workout on my own I tend to go in spurts of doing a lot of the same things....this program is probably more well rounded than what I do normally.

I also like the idea of 3 weeks to get use to the workouts, 1 lighter week (still 7 days but all cardio,yoga stretch) then move onto something else.

Its still early so we will see what results I get.....I need to focus up on diet for sure.

*its actually 6-7 days/week with the 7th being either rest or an hour of stretch X (I plan on doing the hour of stretch). I'm also adding workouts in on my own to keep my workout "totals" up.

It is a time suck for sure....here are the workout lengths for the first week:
Chest/Back + Ab ripper 68:57:00
Plyo 58:36:00
Shoulder/Arms + Ab Ripper 76:00:00
Yoga 92:24:00
Legs/Back + Ab Ripper 75:03:00
Kenpo 58:46:00
Stretch 57:32:00

Bit over 8 hours


The stretch and kenpo were IMO the easiest (actually nice to have them back to back to heal up a little) while plyo/yoga were the hardest.

It is a time suck for sure....here are the workout lengths for the first week:
Chest/Back + Ab ripper 68:57:00
Plyo 58:36:00
Shoulder/Arms + Ab Ripper 76:00:00
Yoga 92:24:00
Legs/Back + Ab Ripper 75:03:00
Kenpo 58:46:00
Stretch 57:32:00

Bit over 8 hours


The stretch and kenpo were IMO the easiest (actually nice to have them back to back to heal up a little) while plyo/yoga were the hardest.

A Beachbody coach suggested to me that if the time suck was getting too bad, I could fast-forward during the chitchat sprinkled throughout the videos. I could get Ab Ripper done in about 5 minutes less than the video. When you're talking about 45-90+ minutes, every minute saved makes a difference!

Week 1 of P90x done....the workouts themselves are not that hard (a lot of hype I think). That said I was sore from some of the new moves. For me the 90+ minutes of Yoga was by far the hardest and of that its really only the first half that was really hard.

I added in a short bike ride, a spin class, about an hour on a stationary and a circuit class this week in addition to the 7 P90x workouts. Depending on my travel schedule I will probably add in a few workouts every week as I don't think the p90x is enough (I'd probably pack on a few pounds if I did it alone).

This week will be interesting as I have a trip to Houston (yesterday) and to Dubai (friday)....will have to work a bit to squeeze the workouts in on the longer travel days but I'm hopeful I can stick with it.

Do you think that you are trying hard enough? I don't mean to be rude but I am a little lazy in pushing myself sometimes (I think my fear of failure kicks in) and wondered if you might be doing a similar thing and just mentally checking the "task complete" box, instead of pushing your body to its max?

Do you think that you are trying hard enough? I don't mean to be rude but I am a little lazy in pushing myself sometimes (I think my fear of failure kicks in) and wondered if you might be doing a similar thing and just mentally checking the "task complete" box, instead of pushing your body to its max?

Could be :)

No fear of failure here. I'm not saying they are easy workouts....they are not. I've been plenty sore from them. Just know that I'm big into pushing myself physically (marathons, 100 mile bike rides) and have been doing boot camp style circuit workouts for a while. I think if someone went into this program out of shape or having just started working out it would be really tough but for someone who has workout out hard for a long time they are not these end all workouts as I think the marking hype would lead you to believe.


If you'd like a comparison just do the circuit from the OP and post your time for 6 cycles. I'm not in the greatest shape in the world but for my size I'm in pretty decent shape.

Could be :)

No fear of failure here. I'm not saying they are easy workouts....they are not. I've been plenty sore from them. Just know that I'm big into pushing myself physically (marathons, 100 mile bike rides) and have been doing boot camp style circuit workouts for a while. I think if someone went into this program out of shape or having just started working out it would be really tough but for someone who has workout out hard for a long time they are not these end all workouts as I think the marking hype would lead you to believe.


If you'd like a comparison just do the circuit from the OP and post your time for 6 cycles. I'm not in the greatest shape in the world but for my size I'm in pretty decent shape.

Ok, I understand better now.

Ok, I understand better now.

No worries.

I hope to benefit from the structure of these workouts. Also for some reason its a ton easier for me mentally to focus on diet when I'm doing a formal program. I find on my own, while I still work out a ton, my diet really slips over the long term. I'm not sure why but I think its something to do with time line. On this I can focus on an "end" date of 90 (94 actually) days and then move onto something else.

A Beachbody coach suggested to me that if the time suck was getting too bad, I could fast-forward during the chitchat sprinkled throughout the videos. I could get Ab Ripper done in about 5 minutes less than the video. When you're talking about 45-90+ minutes, every minute saved makes a difference!

I can totally see that. The phase I shoulders/arms is a PRIME example. They rest between each set of 3 exercises (6 sets) and spend a bit of time talking. I'm betting 5-8 minutes or more could EASILY be cut from this tape.


So you did the p90? What kind of results did you get? How long did you do it for?

Week 2 done...so far so good. I went up in weight for almost all the exercises this week. I also ordered an "orange" band to add to my set (its more resistance than the current black one).

We'll see what progress I've made in another two weeks (28 days is the first phase)!

My travel schedule fit nicely this week....no way I'd have pulled off the yoga or plyo after my travel to Dubai....luckily it was Legs/Back/Abs that night!

I can totally see that. The phase I shoulders/arms is a PRIME example. They rest between each set of 3 exercises (6 sets) and spend a bit of time talking. I'm betting 5-8 minutes or more could EASILY be cut from this tape.


So you did the p90? What kind of results did you get? How long did you do it for?

I made it to about Day 70 then quit (and it took me about 100 days to get that far). I can give you a million excuses, but I had two big problems:
1. I had a couple injuries that were "caused" or exacerbated by P90X. (I use quotes since I surely share in the responsibility.) For example, there was one yoga pose where I twice hurt my shoulder & had to take a few days off to rest, ice, etc. before I eventually smartened up & just skipped the pose. A couple of the higher-impact moves in plyo (or the plyo section of the Cardio workout) caused some hip & knee problems that also led me to have to take days off to repair.*
1. Given the time requirement & injuries, I would skip a day (ie, push the schedule back) on days I was slammed. So there were spells where it might take me 8 or 9 days to get in 4 or 5 workouts. Which is better: Running 5x a week for 30 minutes or doing P90x three times a week because I don't have the time to do it 6 days a week? Ultimately, I didn't feel as if I was getting the full benefit of P90X given the number of days when I couldn't work out.

* Just to be clear, these weren't the good kind of pain from sore muscles.

I'm 5'4" and was 40 years old when I did it. I weighed about 140 at the start & got down to about 132 within the first few weeks. Then the weight slowly started creeping on again because I was missing workouts. I didn't see a huge change in any measurements, but in the early stages definitely felt as if my fitness level improved.

I'd recommend it to anyone who has the time & hasn't had any serious past sports-related injuries. I think it can be tough on the knees, hips and rotator cuffs.

Week 3 ends tonight for me with the stretch X workout. So far so good. Weeks 2 and 3 I've been on the road the entire time with several travel days so only doing the P90 workouts and not adding in much other. I head home later this week and hope to pick up spin and stuff again.

I've not hopped on the scale but feel pretty good overall doing these workouts. I'll weigh in at the end of the cycle 1 (28 days) and post.

Week 4 is the "recovery/transition" week:
Yoga X
Core Synergistics
Kenpo X
X Stretch
Core Synergistics
Yoga X
Rest or X Stretch

I'll say that if the core workout is a hard workout it isn't going to be much of a recovery week (yoga is brutal!)!

Week 5-7 looks like:
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps,Ab Ripper X
Plyometrics
Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Yoga X
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Kenpo X
Rest or X Stretch

So the chest/shoulders and back/biceps are new workouts.

Week 3 ends tonight for me with the stretch X workout. So far so good. Weeks 2 and 3 I've been on the road the entire time with several travel days so only doing the P90 workouts and not adding in much other. I head home later this week and hope to pick up spin and stuff again.

I've not hopped on the scale but feel pretty good overall doing these workouts. I'll weigh in at the end of the cycle 1 (28 days) and post.

Week 4 is the "recovery/transition" week:
Yoga X
Core Synergistics
Kenpo X
X Stretch
Core Synergistics
Yoga X
Rest or X Stretch

I'll say that if the core workout is a hard workout it isn't going to be much of a recovery week (yoga is brutal!)!

Week 5-7 looks like:
Chest, Shoulders & Triceps,Ab Ripper X
Plyometrics
Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Yoga X
Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Kenpo X
Rest or X Stretch

So the chest/shoulders and back/biceps are new workouts.

Is there any way to do this program without equipment (i.e., pull-up bar & dumbbells)?

Is there any way to do this program without equipment (i.e., pull-up bar & dumbbells)?

On the DVDs, they offer adaptations using resistance bands, but that's obviously still equipment.

I never used a pull-up bar at home, and instead rigged a resistance band over a doorway so I could do do sitting "pull ups" (i.e., I sat on the floor & pulled the resistance band to my chest).

Is your issue with the cost of equipment, doing it on the road without the weights or something else?

Also, are you male or female? (Trying to gauge what weights you'd be using in the program.)

Is there any way to do this program without equipment (i.e., pull-up bar & dumbbells)?

I travel too much to lug around pull-up bar and dumbbells!

I'm using a bag of exercise bands http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018QY22C (I added the orange band to the set). The bands and the CDs all fit in the bag that is smaller than a shoe box.

I'm sure a better workout with actual pull ups and weights but not bad with these bands.

and instead rigged a resistance band over a doorway so I could do do sitting "pull ups"


The set I linked to comes with a door adapter (and handles).

I should probably ask in a new thread but this might do if you have no weights: Convict Conditioning (http://www.youtube.com/user/ConvictConditioning). I have not looked at it at all and wondered what the fitness panel thought?

On the DVDs, they offer adaptations using resistance bands, but that's obviously still equipment.

I never used a pull-up bar at home, and instead rigged a resistance band over a doorway so I could do do sitting "pull ups" (i.e., I sat on the floor & pulled the resistance band to my chest).

Is your issue with the cost of equipment, doing it on the road without the weights or something else?

Also, are you male or female? (Trying to gauge what weights you'd be using in the program.)

The issue is primarily space and the fact that I know I won't be doing any pull-ups or chin-ups for some time given my body weight. I am a 43-year-old, relatively out-of-shape male. The resistance bands sound like a much better option for me.

The issue is primarily space and the fact that I know I won't be doing any pull-ups or chin-ups for some time given my body weight. I am a 43-year-old, relatively out-of-shape male. The resistance bands sound like a much better option for me.

It takes a workout or two but once you get a sense for how many/which bands to use they work really well. As someone said before almost all exercises they will have 1 person doing them with bands so you can see the proper form.

Be prepared for lots of pushups during the chest workouts, lost of pull ups (or bands) during back and lost of lunges/jumps/squats during the rest of the workouts.

I had my best Yoga last night....I was able to finish more of the moves (still not great form) and I wasn't totally wiped out 45 minutes in like the first few times.

I travel too much to lug around pull-up bar and dumbbells!

I'm using a bag of exercise bands http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018QY22C (I added the orange band to the set). The bands and the CDs all fit in the bag that is smaller than a shoe box.

I'm sure a better workout with actual pull ups and weights but not bad with these bands.

How's your experience been with the exercise bands? I looked at the customer reviews on Amazon and, while a large majority of them are positive, the negative ones seem pretty consistent about the quality of the merchandise. If they break, it always seems to be at the same place, at least according to the negative reviews. Would you give those comments and credence?

How's your experience been with the exercise bands? I looked at the customer reviews on Amazon and, while a large majority of them are positive, the negative ones seem pretty consistent about the quality of the merchandise. If they break, it always seems to be at the same place, at least according to the negative reviews. Would you give those comments and credence?


I'm four weeks in without any problems with the bands. They seems to be really well built to me (but I really have nothing to compare them to as this is my first set of resistance bands)

I did the Core Synergists DVDs the first time and there are a couple exercises (really the first ones I've seen) that can't be done with the bands....you need handweights or no weights I think. Namely the Lunge/kickback/curl/press (single move)....as a side note its one of the single best moves in my opinion.

I'm four weeks in without any problems with the bands. They seems to be really well built to me (but I really have nothing to compare them to as this is my first set of resistance bands)

Thanks for the info. I may give them a try.

Would you say the p90x has good exercises that particularly target the lower back? I haven't looked yet but I would be interested in experiences if they have. I occasionally experience lower back pain and am trying to figure out why at the moment without going to a physician.

Would you say the p90x has good exercises that particularly target the lower back? I haven't looked yet but I would be interested in experiences if they have. I occasionally experience lower back pain and am trying to figure out why at the moment without going to a physician.

It seems to be fairly well balanced. During the Yoga and stretching you'd hit the lower back fairly often.

Ordered up the shakeology and the recovery drink. Recovery drink was via amazon prime so its already here. Going to focus on nutrition during phase 2 and 3.

Recovery drink was OK....not great. A bit of a protein aftertaste. I've had MANY that were worse....

Toying with the idea of swapping out Kenpo in favor of a second plyo workout during the week. The kenpo just isn't a great workout (I'm sure part of it is due to my lack of flexibility) while the Plyo is an amazing workout.

We'll see....probably give Kenpo at least one more try.

Toying with the idea of swapping out Kenpo in favor of a second plyo workout during the week. The kenpo just isn't a great workout (I'm sure part of it is due to my lack of flexibility) while the Plyo is an amazing workout.

We'll see....probably give Kenpo at least one more try.

Just curious - does a "great workout" have to leave you sweaty/sore/exhausted? Seems to me that the kenpo might be good workout, but it just doesn't tax you in the way that you'd define a "great workout". I would be careful about substituting something. There might be a method to the madness.

But, I'm not doing the program, so what do I know?

Just curious - does a "great workout" have to leave you sweaty/sore/exhausted? Seems to me that the kenpo might be good workout, but it just doesn't tax you in the way that you'd define a "great workout". I would be careful about substituting something. There might be a method to the madness.

But, I'm not doing the program, so what do I know?

You are exactly right....and its why I'm on the fence. It comes right before the stretch day and honestly, to me, feels like two days off in a row. While it is kind of nice to have two easy days back to back, I kind of feel like I'm not doing enough.*



*I put on muscle fairly easy and lose weight VERY hard. I'm the only one I know who trained for and ran a full marathon and put on 5 pounds in the process!!!!

Currently I'm adding in my own cardio on the side by doing spin/row type classes (when I have time...which lately, knock on wood, is a bit).

I took the recovery/results drink yesterday for the first time. One of their claims is that if taken within an hour of the workout it will help with soreness.....we'll post plyo I'm solidly sore lower body.

I travel too much to lug around pull-up bar and dumbbells!

I'm using a bag of exercise bands http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018QY22C (I added the orange band to the set). The bands and the CDs all fit in the bag that is smaller than a shoe box.

I'm sure a better workout with actual pull ups and weights but not bad with these bands.

After what was probably way more analysis than necessary, I'm going to give this a go:

http://www.amazon.com/Bodylastics-13-Piece-Maximum-Quick-Clip-Resistance/dp/B0026NANMY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1320420535&sr=8-7

I'm optimistic that the DVDs will provide some structure for me. I'm not ready for anything like P90X, but this should give me a decent start.

After what was probably way more analysis than necessary, I'm going to give this a go:

http://www.amazon.com/Bodylastics-13-Piece-Maximum-Quick-Clip-Resistance/dp/B0026NANMY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1320420535&sr=8-7

I'm optimistic that the DVDs will provide some structure for me. I'm not ready for anything like P90X, but this should give me a decent start.

Let me know how they work! I'd also be interested to hear what you think of the DVDs.

They seem good.....5 bands, handles, door anchor. I do wish there was some sort of standard with the colors.

Let me know how they work! I'd also be interested to hear what you think of the DVDs.

They seem good.....5 bands, handles, door anchor. I do wish there was some sort of standard with the colors.

Hard to tell. Only 19 people reviewed them, but the comments were all positive and seemed consistent. I was going to get the ones you recommended but the DVDs gave the edge to the product I ultimately purchased. Also, while there weren't many negative comments overall, they seemed to consistently note that the bands would break in the same place.

Nevertheless, I'm sure any of the bands would be fine, as long as I USE them!

Nevertheless, I'm sure any of the bands would be fine, as long as I USE them!

That is the key!

Are you planning on traveling with these? To me that is the main benefit to bands.

I'm also really liking the push up bars that I got....just takes those pushups to the next level.

That is the key!

Are you planning on traveling with these? To me that is the main benefit to bands.

I'm also really liking the push up bars that I got....just takes those pushups to the next level.

Not traveling much these days, but, yes, ultimately the idea is to take the bands on the road to keep up with the workouts.

Not traveling much these days, but, yes, ultimately the idea is to take the bands on the road to keep up with the workouts.

Nice. I hope they work well for you.

Went up in weight again and feeling it. Butt is sore as all get out :)

Got the shakeology in the mail today. So my plan is to do the recover drink 5 days week post workout (I see no need to it after kenpo and obviously not after stretch) and mix in the shakeology most days either mid morning or mid afternoon.

While I only lost a net of 1 pound during phase one my pants for sure are a little looser than they have been in a while.

Nice. I hope they work well for you.

They are supposed to arrive today. I play hockey tonight, otherwise I'd break them out and give them a go. I'll post my thoughts in a day or two after I've had a chance to try them out.

Started week 6 today.....time sure flies when your having fun! :)

Week 7 I have a couple trips during the week....so far this has not been an issue. This is one of the BIGGEST benefit to me....travel days in the past, especially to new cities, were hard to still make the gym....doing these workouts in the hotel has made it easier.

I agree with you. P90x is great for travel. Insanity is even better for the road. It needs no equipment at all. It is a real butt-kicker, also. And shorter workouts.
Congratulations on getting to week 6!

I agree with you. P90x is great for travel. Insanity is even better for the road. It needs no equipment at all. It is a real butt-kicker, also. And shorter workouts.
Congratulations on getting to week 6!

Thanks!

I've heard of a few people mixing in insanity with P90x....I may look into that for my next round :)

They are supposed to arrive today. I play hockey tonight, otherwise I'd break them out and give them a go. I'll post my thoughts in a day or two after I've had a chance to try them out.

Box arrived yesterday. Based strictly on appearance, they seem sturdy and well-made. I look forward to investigating more when I get done with work today.

Box arrived yesterday. Based strictly on appearance, they seem sturdy and well-made. I look forward to investigating more when I get done with work today.

Definitely curious on your review...I live in Brooklyn & don't have a good gym nearby, so looking for something I can use in my tiny apartment.

Yoga today.....ugh ;)

Yoga done. My 7th yoga class and it still sucks :)

I'd give myself an F- for form for sure.

Definitely curious on your review...I live in Brooklyn & don't have a good gym nearby, so looking for something I can use in my tiny apartment.

So far I am pleased. The kit I bought comes with two ankle straps and two door straps, which I find helpful since sometimes I need the bands to be anchored high and sometimes low. Putting the two door straps in at once makes it easy to switch back and forth. I'll hold off on grading the exercise videos for now, as I haven't taken in many of them yet. The booklet that came with the materials is fairly helpful and comprehensive, and the web is full of other "how to" guides and workouts designed for resistance bands.

Good to know - thanks! Will keep an eye on this thread...I started using bands about a year ago for physical therapy after shoulder surgery (dislocated it after a beautiful fall in Vail last winter) and I think they've got potential.

Another Kenpo done :)

Just a stretch X away from wrapping up week 6. Middle of next week and I'll be half done with the 1st 90 days.

Good to know - thanks! Will keep an eye on this thread...I started using bands about a year ago for physical therapy after shoulder surgery (dislocated it after a beautiful fall in Vail last winter) and I think they've got potential.

I will say that the bands are good for most exercises, but a couple of pieces of Theraband material would do me some good, too. There are some hip and low back exercises that I learned at PT that don't work well with the long resistance bands that I have. Cutting off shorter pieces of Theraband and tying it off would work better.

That said, I gave the resistance bands a bit of a workout on Sat. and was pleased. I am thinking about buying the "anywhere" anchor as I don't have a conveniently-located door in my basement to use as an anchor point, but I do have several supporting posts that would make good anchors for the bands. I'd say that's the one thing I didn't consider before making my purchase - where will I work out and what are the logistics with regards to a door? Without a good anchor point, the resistance bands are much less useful.

"anywhere" anchor

I've not seen one of these yet. I'm having decent luck with doors at home and in about 5 different hotels so far (it helps that I'm playing the DVD on my laptop in hotels so it doesn't really mater where).

Well at 530am this morning doing chest/tris/shoulders/abs tonight sounded better than doing it at 530am......sitting in the airport now with a delayed flight I'm starting to regret the decision.

I've not missed a workout in 6 weeks and I don't plan to tonight.....wish me luck.

I've not seen one of these yet. I'm having decent luck with doors at home and in about 5 different hotels so far (it helps that I'm playing the DVD on my laptop in hotels so it doesn't really mater where).

http://www.amazon.com/Bodylastics-Heavy-Duty-Anywhere-Anchor/dp/B002U8P0TG

If you're working out in hotels, this probably won't help. I think it's better for home use, at least in my situation, where I don't have doors in my basement, but I do have some structural posts.

Well at 530am this morning doing chest/tris/shoulders/abs tonight sounded better than doing it at 530am......sitting in the airport now with a delayed flight I'm starting to regret the decision.

I've not missed a workout in 6 weeks and I don't plan to tonight.....wish me luck.


3ish hours late to houston....get to hotel and I've been walked for the first time in well over a year (had my marriott numbers met so been staying at priority club for a promo...walked me even as a plat)...FUN!

11pm I did the chest/tris/shoulders and skipped the abs (first even portion that I've missed). Will see if I have enough gas in the tank to add abs tonight after plyo.

I'm a lot more sore during this phase two. Get sore after the first workout and am basically sore on different body parts until the kenpo/stretch workout.


I'm liking it ;)

Well thanks for a bout of food poisoning I've missed my first few days of p90x in the 6+ weeks I've been doing them. I'll be back on track this week.

UGH

Two workouts back into it after missing three. Mentally I was a little worried about missing three days but man I was SICK!

So this has pushed my phase two end date out until 12/1

Yoga tomorrow :)

Started week 8 today. Anxious to get my body measurements/comp done at the end of the week.

http://www.amazon.com/Bodylastics-Heavy-Duty-Anywhere-Anchor/dp/B002U8P0TG

I wound up buying one of these. The location of the doors in my bedroom wasn't convenient for anchoring the bands and watching the DVDs. My basement is a better place for me to break a sweat anyway (not to mention it doesn't disturb my wife early in the morning) and this strap will allow me to anchor the bands from the structural posts in that space.

That said, I can't believe they charge $16-$17 for this thing. It's basically a strap of canvas with two loops on the ends. You thread one loop through the other and around a post to create an anchor point for the bands.

Overly anxious to hop on the scale and do my bodyfat %.

Was down only 1 pound after phase 1....I didn't do my bodyfat % when I started though but I'm guessing I gained muscle as my clothes fit better.

I'd think down a couple at LEAST on this weigh in.....we will see.

Did the Stretch X this morning since I'm working all day and traveling pretty late tonight.

Officially done with phase 2. Feeling good ;)

I think phase 2 was better than phase 1 workout wise. I enjoyed the lifts more in this phase.


Bring on phase 3!

Overly anxious to hop on the scale and do my bodyfat %.


My weight was flat but my body fat % was down 1.4% (I think). I'll take it. Phase three has started off well....few late nights in Vegas led to me skipping another day (my 4th since this started).



*Skip just means no workout for the day so my end day gets extended a day.

My weight was flat but my body fat % was down 1.4% (I think). I'll take it. Phase three has started off well....few late nights in Vegas led to me skipping another day (my 4th since this started).



*Skip just means no workout for the day so my end day gets extended a day.

Interesting. Does that 1.4% decrease in body fat result in any significant change in the way you look and the way your clothes fit? Has your waist measurement changed? Chest? I'm just trying to relate this to what they promote on TV and in their videos. The "transformations" seem pretty significant, so I wondered how "real" the results are for the average (not that I'm calling you "average") person.

Has any decided to purchase P90X2? I'm tempted, but not yet ready to bite the bullet (in part because I'm not in any shape to do it at this moment & have Chalean which I also haven't done).

Interesting. Does that 1.4% decrease in body fat result in any significant change in the way you look and the way your clothes fit? Has your waist measurement changed? Chest? I'm just trying to relate this to what they promote on TV and in their videos. The "transformations" seem pretty significant, so I wondered how "real" the results are for the average (not that I'm calling you "average") person.

So first off I'm not dieting and honestly I think that is the key. I've never been one to lose weight easily. As an example I did a full out protein diet (no carb) for 11 weeks a couple years ago. It was my first diet ever... I lost a grand total of just over 13 pounds....the people that ran the diet said they'd never seen anything like it (I'm sure they thought I was cheating a ton).

But my pants are looser and my shoulders are bigger for sure but I wouldn't call it too significant. When I get final measurements I'll let you know the actual decrease in inches.

Has any decided to purchase P90X2? I'm tempted, but not yet ready to bite the bullet (in part because I'm not in any shape to do it at this moment & have Chalean which I also haven't done).


Not me. I'll buy it second hand from someone dumping it cheap....same way I got P90x ;)

My plan is to finish up my first round of 90 and probably go right back into round two to finish off winter. Not sure what I'll do during summer (I bike a lot outside and that itself is a time suck....not sure I have enough time to bike and do p90x)

Also It looks to me that p90x2 is going to be a lot more equipment heavy.....OK for home but on the road its going to be pretty tough.

I can't remember if I posted but I bought an adjustable set of dumbbells for the house. They go from 5-50 pounds each in 5 pound increments. They are a little clunky to use but nearly as bad as I feared. Clunky = bulky. They do seem to adjust easily for strip sets.

Using actual weights (which I'm more use to in the gym) brings out an entire new level or sore.

^

I can't remember if I posted but I bought an adjustable set of dumbbells for the house. They go from 5-50 pounds each in 5 pound increments. They are a little clunky to use but nearly as bad as I feared. Clunky = bulky. They do seem to adjust easily for strip sets.

Using actual weights (which I'm more use to in the gym) brings out an entire new level or sore.

^

What brand did you buy? Living in a high-rise, space is always at a premium. when I saw the dial-a-weights they use in Chalean I was very interested, but it's a considerable expense (particularly when you already have already purchased a lot of weights).

What brand did you buy? Living in a high-rise, space is always at a premium. when I saw the dial-a-weights they use in Chalean I was very interested, but it's a considerable expense (particularly when you already have already purchased a lot of weights).

I went with the S.A. Gear (sports authority). They had a 25% off coupon over thanksgiving and I had a stackable 15% coupon.

I'd bought "normal' dumbbells in 8, 15, 25 and 30 and thought if I was going to buy any more that it just didn't make sense to not buy the selectable ones.

My only complaint so far is they are big...probably the size of a "normal" 65-70 pound dumbbell. Not a huge deal.

What brand did you buy? Living in a high-rise, space is always at a premium. when I saw the dial-a-weights they use in Chalean I was very interested, but it's a considerable expense (particularly when you already have already purchased a lot of weights).

How was chalean? I hear good things about that program also.

my 12th Yoga done today. i must say it is easier but my form still sucks and 45 minutes in (end of the moving poses) I'm still wiped out. 4 more sessions in my first round!

How was chalean? I hear good things about that program also.

I haven't really given it a fair shot. I'm jogging right now.

Week 10 done today with Stretch X.

Week 11 brings back the push/pull workouts.....I think I like the Push/push or pull/pull ones better. I'll have to wait until week 12 ;)

I went with the S.A. Gear (sports authority). They had a 25% off coupon over thanksgiving and I had a stackable 15% coupon.

I'd bought "normal' dumbbells in 8, 15, 25 and 30 and thought if I was going to buy any more that it just didn't make sense to not buy the selectable ones.

My only complaint so far is they are big...probably the size of a "normal" 65-70 pound dumbbell. Not a huge deal.

Will have to check them out next time I'm in Sports Authority...they don't even show them on their website. The SelectTechs look awesome, but no way I can justify a $400 weight purchase. (I have my own dumb bells in lighter weights, but live in a building that has a workout room with every weight under the sun.)

Will have to check them out next time I'm in Sports Authority...they don't even show them on their website. The SelectTechs look awesome, but no way I can justify a $400 weight purchase. (I have my own dumb bells in lighter weights, but live in a building that has a workout room with every weight under the sun.)

Interesting....I don't see them on the website either. I wonder why they don't have them there...

Yoga last night....still not fun ;)

I have two yogas next ween during the transition week and I'm done with my first round of P90x.

As of now my projected finish is 1/13/2011 so if that holds it will have taken me 101 days to finish 91 P90x workouts. Couple days sick, few days out of pocket, lots of days traveling, etc so not too bad IMO.

I'll recap my weight/measurement progress when I finish in another week and a half.

For workouts I think:
Plyo -- hardest cardio....pretty dang good workout

Yoga -- Still my least favorite. Partially the length (93 minutes) and partially
because its so hard for me flexibility wise.

Pull/Pull or Push/Push lifts (phase 2 lifts) were my favorite workouts.

I'll recap my weight/measurement progress when I finish in another week and a half.

For workouts I think:
Plyo -- hardest cardio....pretty dang good workout

Yoga -- Still my least favorite. Partially the length (93 minutes) and partially
because its so hard for me flexibility wise.

Pull/Pull or Push/Push lifts (phase 2 lifts) were my favorite workouts.

:eek: I don't care what workout I'm doing - this is a deal-breaker for me. Just reinforces what I think about P90X. It's a great thing, but anyone who exercises for that amount of time each day ought to see great results regardless of the program!

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Mountain-Products-Resistance-Exercise/dp/7245456313/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1325623313&sr=1-3
29.99
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vsnoIFD%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I got one of these. Its nice & light for travel.

:eek: I don't care what workout I'm doing - this is a deal-breaker for me. Just reinforces what I think about P90X. It's a great thing, but anyone who exercises for that amount of time each day ought to see great results regardless of the program!

;) I agree.

I workout like that and have for a LONG time.....the structure of P90x is doing me some good. I've firmed up a bit, lost a bit of fat, etc on this program.

Do you not do any workouts of this length? Our spin class has a monthly 2 hour session, my normal lifts in the gym normally go well over an hour, half/full marathon when I did that stuff was WELL over a couple hours, current bike events even of 50 miles are a few hours (not to mention the centuries we try to get in).

p90x is a time suck for sure. The shortest workout is like 56 minutes and most are right in the 1:10 range (when including the ab ripper portion)

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Mountain-Products-Resistance-Exercise/dp/7245456313/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1325623313&sr=1-3
29.99
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vsnoIFD%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I got one of these. Its nice & light for travel.

Look pretty similar to the set I bought (posted above).....let me know how they hold up. I like the bag as in mine there is enough room for the bands (I bought one additional "super" resistance color) and my 12 DVD set. If it were a touch bigger I could get my pushup bars in there.

*I haven't had any issues/breakage with mine yet.

:eek:

how are your bands holding up?

;) I agree.

I workout like that and have for a LONG time.....the structure of P90x is doing me some good. I've firmed up a bit, lost a bit of fat, etc on this program.

Do you not do any workouts of this length? Our spin class has a monthly 2 hour session, my normal lifts in the gym normally go well over an hour, half/full marathon when I did that stuff was WELL over a couple hours, current bike events even of 50 miles are a few hours (not to mention the centuries we try to get in).

p90x is a time suck for sure. The shortest workout is like 56 minutes and most are right in the 1:10 range (when including the ab ripper portion)

Nope. I commute an hour each way to a full-time job, and have a wife and 3 young kids awaiting me when I get home. Short of getting up and working out at 4:30 am, which isn't gonna happen, I rarely have 90 minutes available to devote to working out. The longest workout my schedule can accommodate is about 60 minutes. Aside from the fact that I don't see a huge benefit to working out much more than 45 minutes unless I was training for a marathon or triathalon or something like that. I understand that folks might get some personal enjoyment out of long runs or rides, but I'm not sure that working out for more than 45 minutes (at a pretty good clip) is going to yield material benefits for someone seeking a "regular" level of fitness.

how are your bands holding up?

So far, so good. But I will confess that I've only put them to "material" use twice now. I just started a "structured" workout with the DVDs that came with them on Sunday.

They seem like they'll be fine, but if they ever break, I can see where it could cause some damage to me or to personal property. The force applied to them at maximum tension seems pretty high, especially when doing squats and/or shoulder presses. I'm a relatively tall guy (6' 2"), so I have to add an ankle strap or two to add enough length to the band to get full range of motion and not fear snapping the band.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Mountain-Products-Resistance-Exercise/dp/7245456313/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1325623313&sr=1-3
29.99
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vsnoIFD%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I got one of these. Its nice & light for travel.

They look good. I gave these a look but ultimately decided on the Bodylastics set (also via Amazon). I am excited about how useful they should be for traveling. Like the Black Mountain set, the Bodylastics set comes with a bag about the same size and everything fits in nicely. I'm actually thinking of buying a few more bands and ankle straps and/or handles just to make switching between exercises easier and faster (mostly for supersets).

Nope. I commute an hour each way to a full-time job, and have a wife and 3 young kids awaiting me when I get home. Short of getting up and working out at 4:30 am, which isn't gonna happen, I rarely have 90 minutes available to devote to working out. The longest workout my schedule can accommodate is about 60 minutes. Aside from the fact that I don't see a huge benefit to working out much more than 45 minutes unless I was training for a marathon or triathalon or something like that. I understand that folks might get some personal enjoyment out of long runs or rides, but I'm not sure that working out for more than 45 minutes (at a pretty good clip) is going to yield material benefits for someone seeking a "regular" level of fitness.



Fair enough.

I have it a bit easier as I don't have a commute (except flying twice a week) and the real kicker IMO is no kids. My wife workouts out with me (or on her own at the same time) so that isn't an issue for me either.

The force applied to them at maximum tension seems pretty high, especially when doing squats and/or shoulder presses.

I agree. For things like squats and lat pull (the pull up version using the bands) I'm using 3-4 bands at the same time to get enough resistance....if one let go I can only imagine how much it would hurt.

Mine are holding up so far with lots of travel (packing/unpacking) and quite a bit of use. *knock on wood*

They look good. I gave these a look but ultimately decided on the Bodylastics set (also via Amazon).

Interesting that three of us all bought via amazon and we all bought a different set.

I'm actually thinking of buying a few more bands and ankle straps and/or handles just to make switching between exercises easier and faster (mostly for supersets).

Not a bad idea. I added the orange version to my set (heavier resistance than the group came with).

Fair enough.

I have it a bit easier as I don't have a commute (except flying twice a week) and the real kicker IMO is no kids. My wife workouts out with me (or on her own at the same time) so that isn't an issue for me either.

Yes, I think this is really the issue. No kids would mean not having to get them ready for school in the morning (and all that entails) and not having to get dinner on the table for them at a time that accommodates their bedtimes, plus the entire bedtime routine. But, for me, I wouldn't have it any other way - the time I have with my kids is the best!

I can still squeeze in a 40 minute workout before they get up or after they go to bed. 90 minutes just isn't feasible at this point in my life. Even if it was, I'm not sure why I'd go that long just to "stay in shape" (or "get in shape", as is the case now).

I totally agree with you that long workouts are imperative for someone doing marathons or triathalons or iron man-type stuff. I just don't think the "average guy" who wants to be fit & trim and be able to play some recreational sports needs to devote that kind of time to working out. In fact, it might indicate some inefficiency in the workout if it's taking that long.

Not a bad idea. I added the orange version to my set (heavier resistance than the group came with).

Funny you mention that - I was just looking for an orange band (30 lbs. of resistance) to add to my set. The "strongest" one I have is black, which I think is 23 lbs. of resistance in the Bodylastics set. The DVDs show the host talking about (and using) an orange band, but the Bodylastics website doesn't offer one for sale. I assume that I could buy one from another company and it would be compatible.

That said, I could just buy a couple of red or blue (13 lbs. and 19 lbs., respectively) and achieve the same objective. They run about $13 - $15 each though.

I agree. For things like squats and lat pull (the pull up version using the bands) I'm using 3-4 bands at the same time to get enough resistance....if one let go I can only imagine how much it would hurt.

Mine are holding up so far with lots of travel (packing/unpacking) and quite a bit of use. *knock on wood*

Yes, that's what the Bodylastics DVDs and literature recommends, too. For some exercises, I find one band to be enough (shoulder raises), but for a lot of other moves, I can defintely combine two or more bands. Overall, that's what I like about the bands - it's really easy to find the "weight" that challenges me. And there's almost no end to the exercises that can be done with the bands.

Funny you mention that - I was just looking for an orange band (30 lbs. of resistance) to add to my set. The "strongest" one I have is black, which I think is 23 lbs. of resistance in the Bodylastics set. The DVDs show the host talking about (and using) an orange band, but the Bodylastics website doesn't offer one for sale. I assume that I could buy one from another company and it would be compatible.


No consitancy in weight per color. Orange in my set says 40 pounds (I honestly have no idea how they measure it)
http://www.amazon.com/Aylio-Orange-Exercise-Handles-Included/dp/B0054MNYBQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1325704966&sr=8-5


That said, I could just buy a couple of red or blue (13 lbs. and 19 lbs., respectively) and achieve the same objective. They run about $13 - $15 each though.

If doing that may just be best to buy an additional full set?

I wouldn't have it any other way - the time I have with my kids is the best!

^

If doing that may just be best to buy an additional full set?

Good point. For just a few dollars more, I could double the number of bands and accessories. Might not be a bad idea since it would reduce the time spent switching resistance levels and handles/ankle straps for various supersets.

I have my upcoming workouts listed on a spreadsheet....we are getting down to the last few!

late flight last night so I took my laptop into the gym to do the plyo workout (yeah I'm that guy* ;)). A few stares and only one person asked what I was doing.

Gym was PACKED...I forget how busy it gets this time of year ...ugh...



*I'm also the guy that use to eat on the treadmill ;) When I was marathon training I'd have bananas, goo and the like for my long runs.

Flying out late again today so I'll bring the laptop back and hit core synergistics at the gym prior to my flight.

Yoga tomorrow and I'm done with this round!

Done!

-3 pounds during phase 3. Which was better than I expected with holdiays, lots of work travel, couple trips to vegas etc in there.

13 weeks of p90x and I lost 4 pounds total. If the body comp machine is accurate I put on between .5 and 1.7 pounds of muscle (depending on setting)....I'd believe somehwere in the middle of those two numbers easily.

91 workouts
103 hours 55 minutes of p90x
102 days to finish.

During that time:
7 spin classes
3 row classes
2 circuit classes

So another ~12 hours of workouts. Lots of time on the road so not many spin/row classes as I normally would get it.

Plan moving forward is I may take a week and lift heavy in the gym then cycle back onto phase 3 of p90x (the 5 week phase). Figure I can do that almost 3 full times (15 weeks) before biking season starts back up here.

I'd be happy to be down another 5 at the beginning of bike season. We will see. I always say it but I'll try to focus a bit more on intake this next time through.

Done!

-3 pounds during phase 3. Which was better than I expected with holdiays, lots of work travel, couple trips to vegas etc in there.

13 weeks of p90x and I lost 4 pounds total. If the body comp machine is accurate I put on between .5 and 1.7 pounds of muscle (depending on setting)....I'd believe somehwere in the middle of those two numbers easily.

91 workouts
103 hours 55 minutes of p90x
102 days to finish.

During that time:
7 spin classes
3 row classes
2 circuit classes

So another ~12 hours of workouts. Lots of time on the road so not many spin/row classes as I normally would get it.

Plan moving forward is I may take a week and lift heavy in the gym then cycle back onto phase 3 of p90x (the 5 week phase). Figure I can do that almost 3 full times (15 weeks) before biking season starts back up here.

I'd be happy to be down another 5 at the beginning of bike season. We will see. I always say it but I'll try to focus a bit more on intake this next time through.

Congratulations!

Do you see material changes in your measurements, i.e. waist size, neck size, etc? Seems stunning to me that after all of that, your bodyweight changed just 4 lbs. I'd like to lose a lot more than 4 lbs, and it depresses me to think that I could work out over 100 hours over 3 months and not see more of a change. :mad: You sound like you were in decent shape before you started the program though.

Anyhow, great for you! Finishing that program is quite an accomplishment!

Congratulations!

Do you see material changes in your measurements, i.e. waist size, neck size, etc? Seems stunning to me that after all of that, your bodyweight changed just 4 lbs. I'd like to lose a lot more than 4 lbs, and it depresses me to think that I could work out over 100 hours over 3 months and not see more of a change. :mad: You sound like you were in decent shape before you started the program though.

Anyhow, great for you! Finishing that program is quite an accomplishment!

Thanks. I'm pretty happy to have finished it.

:) It depresses me too ;) No...I'm use to it. Without 100% perfect diet I don't lose much weight and even then its a slow slog.

Visable results. I probably dropped a half size in my pants....my shoulders are a little more defined and slightly larger.

My wife will measure me tonight.

Chest = + .5
Waist = -2.5
Right thigh = -.5
Left Thigh = -.5
Right forearm = 0
Left forearm = 0
Right Bicep = +1
Left bicep = +.75

Chest = + .5
Waist = -2.5
Right thigh = -.5
Left Thigh = -.5
Right forearm = 0
Left forearm = 0
Right Bicep = +1
Left bicep = +.75

I would take a 2.5" reduction in my waist over 3 months. Nice work!

I would take a 2.5" reduction in my waist over 3 months. Nice work!

Thanks! Seems to = about 1 extra notch in the belt. If I could do that 1-2 more times in 2012 I'd be pretty pleased.

Thanks! Seems to = about 1 extra notch in the belt. If I could do that 1-2 more times in 2012 I'd be pretty pleased.

As you should. Even a one-notch change is good in my book.

SORE this week.

Not sure if I posted but I'm lifting heavy during my week off of p90x.

Chest/Bis for my first lift. Highlights:
Bench - 275lbs for the last two sets
Straight bar curl - 105lbs
Incline Dumbbell bench - 95lbs last set

No record breakers in there but a ton better than I thought it would be for as long as I've been away from heavy weights.

Did spin last night at a new club in Denver. Tris/back tonight I'm thinking.

Heavy lifting week is over....it was a nice change of pace.

Back to P90x starting today.

This should be my last week on the road for a while (A long while possibly) so I should be able to pick up some PM 'doubles" adding in spin/row/etc more during this 5 week section than the last.

Has anyone purchased the 10 minute trainer? If so is it something you can use in a hotel room?

Has anyone purchased the 10 minute trainer? If so is it something you can use in a hotel room?

I have not but it looks like something that could easily be done in the hotel room.

Chest/Back/Abs yesterday. Was pretty tired by the end of the workout. Based on advise from above I'm going heavier with all the band/weight exercises (not much I can do to the pushups). Trying to bring my reps into the 8-12 range to failure instead of 16-20.

For the "pull ups" (in quotes because with the bands they are more of a pull down) I added the black band (to the orange, yellow, red). This is enough resistance that I have to release slowly or it will drag me a little across the carpet.


Shoulders are a little sore this morning with all the pushups using the pushup bars....standard, military, wide, decline, diamond.

I forgot the hardest one!!! Divebomber pushups. These are brutal!

I forgot the hardest one!!! Divebomber pushups. These are brutal!

Ugh.

Ugh.

Yeah. And to top it off they are the last chest exercise of the workout. So by the time I got to them my chest and shoulders are already a bit fired. The first time I was only able to do 7 reps first set and 6 reps second set (you do 12 exercises then repeat the same 12).

Last time I was able to do double.

Chest/Back Workout
Standard Push-Ups
Wide Front Pull-Ups
Military Push-Ups
Reverse Grip Chin-Ups
Wide Fly Push-Ups
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-Ups
Decline Puhs-Ups
Heavy Pants
Diamond Push-Ups
Lawnmowers
Dive-Bomber Push Ups
Back-Flys

Repeat. second time through you do back then chest, back then chest, back then chest....

Yeah. And to top it off they are the last chest exercise of the workout. So by the time I got to them my chest and shoulders are already a bit fired. The first time I was only able to do 7 reps first set and 6 reps second set (you do 12 exercises then repeat the same 12).

Last time I was able to do double.

I think I would be plowing my face into the floor! :eek:

I think I would be plowing my face into the floor! :eek:

:D I save that for the crane move in p90x yoga. Honestly I set a pillow in front of me as I can't seem to hold the pose for a full 60 seconds (I come in and out of it and as many times as I come out of it properly onto my feet I'm landing on my head). Youtube p90x crane to see the move.

Shoulders and Arms
up tonight hopefully. 2 rounds of:

Alternating Shoulder Presses
In & Out Bicep Curls
Two-Arm Tricep Kickbacks
Deep Swimmer's Presses
Full Supination Concentration Curls
Chair Dips
Upright Rows
Static Arm Curls
Flip-Grip Twist Tricep Kickbacks
Two-Angle Shoulder Flys
Crouching Cohen Curls
Lying-Down Tricep Extensions
In & Out Straight-Arm Shoulder Flys
Congdon Curls
Side Tri-Rises

Few days into the second week of round two. Things are going well. I'm still sore a day or two after each of the lifts it seems. Legs were really sore last week.

Home this week so I've done spin twice in the PM and may hit a little row tonight if I'm up for it.

Missed a few days recently....probably the longest stretch (3 days) that I've been off for a while.

Friday I had a massive migraine so I didn't workout
Saturday we were snowmobiling (so some physical activity)
Sunday I was just lazy ;)


Back at it today with yoga (UGH I still hate yoga) and spin class tonight. I'll be wrapping up my 3rd of 5 weeks in the second round tomorrow.

. I'll be wrapping up my 3rd of 5 weeks in the second round tomorrow.


correction 2nd of 5 weeks wrapping up today.

correction 2nd of 5 weeks wrapping up today.

I'm impressed. This is your second round, right? How many days/weeks did you take off?

I've messed up my ITB, so my 2012 workouts have been sub-par for the last couple weeks. As I recover, I've actually consider doing some of the P90X workouts that don't require a lot of bending/straightening the knee.

I'm impressed. This is your second round, right? How many days/weeks did you take off?

Correct. I took 7 days off after I finished my first round (91 workouts) where I lifted heavy (actual weights at the gym) and did spin before I started back up.

I'm doing phase 3 only this second round (which is basically 1 week of phase 1, 1 week of phase 2, repeat both, transition week for a total of 5 weeks). I'm hoping to finish the 5 weeks, do another heavy lift week then do that 5 weeks one more time.....then we'll see what the weather looks like to see if I can start biking or not.



I've messed up my ITB, so my 2012 workouts have been sub-par for the last couple weeks. As I recover, I've actually consider doing some of the P90X workouts that don't require a lot of bending/straightening the knee.

I hope you heal quickly and can get back to it!

I'm still enjoying Tony Horton so far....I've said it a few times in this thread but I think I'm really benefiting from the structure. Getting workouts in on some of those days that I'd normally have taken off.

Being home for a few weeks has been nice also (being able to add in spin Mon/Wed nights and not eating out so dang much*).




*I really hope this is the last piece to the puzzle for me....As always I'm overly optimistic but I'd be STOKED to lose 2-3 pounds in each of these mini 5 week rounds. Just thinking about going into bike season that light excites me!

Legs/Back this morning (skipped abs as I was running late and my abs are a little sore).

Finish up Week 3 Round 2 this afternoon with Stretch X. Two more to go until Weigh in....I'm anxious as always.

Really feeling the love this round....going heavier and harder on just about everything. Amazes me when I go up in weight AND can do more reps than the last time.

Really feeling the love this round....going heavier and harder on just about everything. Amazes me when I go up in weight AND can do more reps than the last time.

Awesome! I think we sometimes underestimate ourselves. (Though the fact that you just finished a round several weeks ago doesn't hurt either.)

Well i've maxed out my bands on the pull ups (pull downs actually). I bought that set, added the "super" orange band but am now using all of the bands I own for pull downs.

Think I'll order up a second "super" band and see which lighter ones I need to pull off.

Beachbody.com released a new flavor of shakeology last week (tropical strawberry). I ordered up a sample of two to try out.

I hope its good. The chocolate I REALLY like, the greenberry or whatever I can't stand.

Beachbody.com released a new flavor of shakeology last week (tropical strawberry). I ordered up a sample of two to try out.

I hope its good. The chocolate I REALLY like, the greenberry or whatever I can't stand.

I'm also interested in trying it. The fact that it's vegan is appealing, because I try to avoid whey protein. But I've never met an (artificially flavored) strawberry drink I like. Chocolate is decent (though perhaps an acquired taste), but I don't drink it regularly because of the whey protein thing. Greenberry is hideous.

I'm also interested in trying it. The fact that it's vegan is appealing, because I try to avoid whey protein. But I've never met an (artificially flavored) strawberry drink I like. Chocolate is decent (though perhaps an acquired taste), but I don't drink it regularly because of the whey protein thing. Greenberry is hideous.


I drink the chocolate most mornings for breakfast (probably 6.5 days out of 7)...I started a couple months ago.

Greenberry is bad....I had the same 2 sample pack. I did drink both but it wasn't pleasant.

Do you add things into these shakes? I'm just ~12 ounces of milk, ice and the powder.

I agree on the acquired taste. I drink the E&E, post workout and shakeology and they are all acquired tastes to some extent.

I drink the chocolate most mornings for breakfast (probably 6.5 days out of 7)...I started a couple months ago.

Greenberry is bad....I had the same 2 sample pack. I did drink both but it wasn't pleasant.

Do you add things into these shakes? I'm just ~12 ounces of milk, ice and the powder.

I've been off of the Shakeology for a while, but I think I was mixing the powder with ~8 oz of liquid (mix of water & almond milk) plus enough ice to make it into a soft-serve consistency. Sometimes I threw in a little almond butter, too.

My biggest mistake when I first tried chocolate Shakeology: Not using enough liquid. I was working off of those menu cards that come with the first order, did a mix of chocolate + a banana + too little liquid. It was nasty!

The Vegan strawberry isn't too bad. It tastes a little like straw/banana to me. The only thing I dislike about it is that its a little gritty where the chocolate is smooth.

I ordered up another bag of Chocolate (still my favorite) and will probably get a strawberry bag to mix in but I don't think I'll do that one every day.

I weigh in this week.....end of this 6 week cycle. I'm anxious as always ;)

I'm feeling pretty good overall. A little bit of pain in my right heal that I'm monitoring (only when I stretch my calf) is my only real complaint.

Yoga tonight.....


Stretch X and weigh in tomorrow...

Heavy lifting in the gym starting Saturday (would start Monday but we'll actually be in town this weekend)...

Down 2 over this 6 week cycle. If my body comp is right I put on about a half pound of muscle.

I was hoping for a little more but solidly in my 2-3 goal for this and the next cycle.

I'll get measurements tonight or tomorrow when the wife is home.

onward and upward!

Chest/Bis for my first lift. Highlights:
Bench - 275lbs for the last two sets
Straight bar curl - 105lbs
Incline Dumbbell bench - 95lbs last set


Heavy week again this transition week.

This P90 really has me feeling functionally strong.

Did 285x8 my last set of bench
110 pound straight bar curls x 10 reps

We are approaching peak numbers (from a few years ago when all I did was lift and lift and lift some more).

Chest = + .5
Waist = -2.5
Right thigh = -.5
Left Thigh = -.5
Right forearm = 0
Left forearm = 0
Right Bicep = +1
Left bicep = +.75

That was for 13 weeks.

My mini 6 week set results:

Waist = -.5
Right Thigh = +.75
Left Thigh = +.75
Right Forearm = = 0
Left Forearm = +.25
Right Bicep = 0
Left bicep = 0

Started my second mini 6 week set end of last week. Lower body is SORE!!!

Goal of another 2-3 pounds lost....anything in that range would be nice.

With the warmer weather I'm going to be mixing in less spin class and more real biking. I'd like to get at least 1 longer ride in on the weekends (2+ hours would be nice).

Wrapping up week 4 of this second mini round.

The weather has been amazing so I've been riding 5 or so hours/week outside. With that I'm only doing the P90x lifts (3) and stretch. I've dropped plyo and yoga and probably won't pick them back up until biking season is over.

Not sure what I'll do for my "transition" week(s) between now and the 3rd mini round. Will figure that out Monday I guess ;)

Weigh in will be interesting as biking season usually means adding a couple pounds for me. Biking just isn't the same workout level/intensity that I do in the winter I guess. I think I've dropped a couple pounds only one biking season that I can remember a few years ago when I was hitting a circuit weight video several times a week in addition to biking.

Did 285x8 my last set of bench
110 pound straight bar curls x 10 reps


Has P90x helped your lifting too?

I think my max bench is 185#, but I'm usually 155/165, unless I have a good spot.

Why do you do straight bar curls? I use the EZ bar. The biggest my gym has (for pre-loaded bars EZ or straight) is 100#, and that's what I work up to (last time 2 x 8 x 100).

Has P90x helped your lifting too?

It has helped both my endurance lifting (20+ reps) and surprisingly, at least to me, my heavy lifting hasn't suffered at all. I'm real close to max weights on a lot of my lifts (max from the days where I did nothing but lift).

I think my max bench is 185#, but I'm usually 155/165, unless I have a good spot.

My best single rep bench is 355 pounds but I don't max lift very often. Last "heavy" workout I did a few weeks ago I did 285x8 on my last set of bench. I'll do heavy again in 2 weeks....we'll see if that improves or not.

Why do you do straight bar curls? I use the EZ bar. The biggest my gym has (for pre-loaded bars EZ or straight) is 100#, and that's what I work up to (last time 2 x 8 x 100).

No real reason. Variety probably is the best answer.

I'm in a dungeon of a gym so nothing fancy like pre-loaded bars of any type ;)

So I didn't update this but I finished my second mini round 2 or so weeks ago (puts me at about 7 months of P90x). this one was 7 weeks long.

I'm biking a lot more now that its in season and mostly just doing the p90x lifts.

I lost 2 pounds, if body comp is right put on a touch of muscle. I didn't measure....forgot and then went out of town. I'll catch it this next time.

Took a week off of p90x and started up my 3rd mini round of P90x this last week. I'm going to do 2 weeks of phase 1 lifts, 2 weeks of phase 2 lifts and then repeat so 8 weeks. Not doing a lot of plyo/yoga/kenpo in favor of riding...will be interesting to see if I make any progress weight wise, I usually put on a couple pounds during biking season. I'd be more than happy with another 2-3 pounds this phase (more so if I could put on another 1/3-1/2 pound of muscle).

Looking down the road I'll probably do another mini round to wrap up biking season and then hit the full p90x this fall/winter.

4th mini round finished this week. Biking season so I was hitting bike a lot, 1 bleacher workout and just 2-3 p90x lifts/week.

I really slacked on abs and did them maybe 50% of the time is all. Part of it was time but also just really tired and/or lazy at the end of the lifts. Overall my weight and reps continue to climb...on chest day I'm up to 350 pushups for the workout....I think 400 is doable somewhere down the road.

I'm at the cabin for a few more days but will grab a weigh in and measurements this week. I feel like I may have lost a couple pounds (and put on a little more muscle) but I always feel that way so we'll see.

I plan to continue just doing the p90 lifts only through the end of bike season. Planning to do the same 8 week rotation (2 weeks phase 1, 2 weeks phase 2, repeat). And then once I hang the bike up I'll do the full p90x again (7 days/week for 13 weeks).

Adding the I think my diet is marginally better recently. At cabin so there is zero eating out for the last few weeks.

In my mind I'd like to tighten up diet really tight when I hit p90x in full again....we'll see. Its always easier for me to say than do.

Has P90x helped your lifting too?

I think my max bench is 185#, but I'm usually 155/165, unless I have a good spot.

Why do you do straight bar curls? I use the EZ bar. The biggest my gym has (for pre-loaded bars EZ or straight) is 100#, and that's what I work up to (last time 2 x 8 x 100).

Straight bar curls involve your forearms much more than the EZ bar. If possible, use a 20kg Olympic bar as you'll use other muscles to balance a longer bar.

Still plugging away....lifting 2-3 p90x/week, riding a lot of bike (60-120miles/week) and trying to squeeze in a bleacher workout the weeks I'm in town.

My weight hasn't changed much recently but if the body comp monitor is to believed I'm still slowing inching on some muscle.

Getting anxious to start a full 7 days/week round of P90x again soon.

Down 1 pound over the last couple months. Put on a very small touch of muscle if body comp is correct.

Plugging along.

I'll take measurements one of these days and post them.

Not sure how this will look but a comparison of one of the workouts early on to this week:

Well it looks nice when I edit....not sure how to post a spreadsheet....

12/17/2011 9/10/2012
Reps Weight Reps Weight
Slow Motion 3-in-1 Push-Ups 12+12 12+24
In & Out Shoulder Flys 16 15s 16 25s
Chair Dips 30 40
Plange Push-Ups 20 24
Pike Presses 12 18
Side Tri-Rises 9 15
Floor Flys 22 28
Scarecrows 15 15s 16 25s
Overhead Tricep Extensions 16 25s 16 40s
Two-Twich Speed Push-Ups 20 20
Y-Presses 15 35s 18 50s
Lying Tricep Extensions 12 25s 12 35s
Side-to-Side Push-Ups 10 12
Pour Flys 10 15s 16 15s
Side-Leaning Tricep Extensions 15 20s 16 35s
One-Arm Push-Ups ? 20
Weighted Circles ?? 5s ;10/6 15/15
Throw the Bomb 15 15s 20 35s
Clap or Plyo Push-Ups 14 24
Slo-Mo Throws 8 15s 12 15s
Front-To-Back Tricep Extensions 15 15s 14 35s
One-Arm Balance Push-Ups 8 8
Fly-Row Presses 12 15s 8 25s
Dumbbell Cross-Body Blows 20 15s 15 35s

Weather is starting to turn here...will be full on P90x season time soon (vs just the lifts + biking that I'm doing now). I'm looking forward to plyo mostly ;)


I'd love to continue my push downward in weight and upward in muscle. -5 to -6 over the winter would be AMAZING :)

Weather is starting to turn here...will be full on P90x season time soon (vs just the lifts + biking that I'm doing now). I'm looking forward to plyo mostly ;)


I'd love to continue my push downward in weight and upward in muscle. -5 to -6 over the winter would be AMAZING :)

Have you ever tried bulking cycles? If you dont mind being a little 'padded' for a few months its a much faster way to get to an end goal than trying to put on muscle and lose fat simultaneously.

Have you ever tried bulking cycles? If you dont mind being a little 'padded' for a few months its a much faster way to get to an end goal than trying to put on muscle and lose fat simultaneously.

Yeah I've done a lot of different lifting through the years. Its easier for me to put on size than it is to cut weight. My only end goal really is to continue to workout long term. In second is staying functinonally strong. I'm not real interested in real diets (to bulk or lean)...I'm a "for the rest of your life" type.

I started another full round up this week. Lifts were good (but I've been doing them all summer). Plyo...wow I could tell it had been a while...I was good during the workout and cardio wise but HOLY CRAP I was sore from the waste down for a few days....can still feel it a little bit now.

Yoga was today...still stupid long and my least favorite. I can tell I've lost a bit of flexiblity that I had gained earlier during my last full cycle...mostly in the hips/groin area.

oh and I hammered a personal best 397 pushups during my last chest/back workout. 400 soon ;)

403 today. Onto 450 ;)

Finishing up the end of phase 1 transition week here. Went super quick...crazy as it is I'm still adding weight and reps to the exercises even a year later.

I'll hop on the scale and get measurements posted sometime next week.

Weight was flat for the 4 weeks
Body comp improved slightly
measurements improves slightly/stayed the same

Onward!

My weight management has gone to s*** this week - the in laws are in town :s

I have a trail race in a month so need to get back on the wagon asap - at 95kg i cant get away with just turning up on the day.

Finished another full round of p90x. Lost 2 pounds over the 90 days (not bad for me over the holidays).

414 pushups in the last week during chest/back workouts was a personal best (I think 450 could happen this year if I keep at it)

I seem to continue to get functionally stronger, seem to be putting on a touch of muscle and dropping some fat.


Starting up another round as of Thursday so only a couple days off of P90 (continuing to row/bike in the gym a few times/week). I've ordered up a pull up tower to take these workouts to the next level vs using the heavy bands for pull downs. I'm a little anxious/nervous....we will see how it goes. I'm sure my numbers will be low and it will make the workouts just that much more intense.

Goals for this round is to lose 3 pounds and keep improving in strength.

Bought a pull up cage. Pullups vs pulldowns = HUGE difference even using an assistance band. I'm in week 2 of using the cage and I'm having to rest a LOT more often than I did using the pulldowns. I guess sitting on my bottom was a bit of a mini break.

I lost about 14 pushups on my first chest/back/abs workout....I think just do to the increased intensity of the pullups.

My plan is to work up to 13-15 pullups on each exercise then reduce the assistance amount until I'm doing them totally unassisted (A LONG ways off)

Bought a pull up cage. Pullups vs pulldowns = HUGE difference even using an assistance band. I'm in week 2 of using the cage and I'm having to rest a LOT more often than I did using the pulldowns. I guess sitting on my bottom was a bit of a mini break.

I lost about 14 pushups on my first chest/back/abs workout....I think just do to the increased intensity of the pullups.

My plan is to work up to 13-15 pullups on each exercise then reduce the assistance amount until I'm doing them totally unassisted (A LONG ways off)

The key to pullups is learning to squeeze the right muscles and not swing. Wont be long before you're strapping extra weight to yourself:D

The key to pullups is learning to squeeze the right muscles and not swing. Wont be long before you're strapping extra weight to yourself:D

:) Lets hope!

:) Lets hope!

I just about manage repping my own body weight now on wide grip pull-ups, at one time I was strapping 40kg extra on my waist. I find i gain and lose on pullups faster than any other exercise.

Phase 1 went well! -2.8 for the phase. I haven't done measurements in a while but will try to soon.

Same as last I did the p90 and added in a couple spin classes a couple row classes each week. I think the biggest difference is that snowmobiling has started up in full swing on the weekends...hard to match that kind of functional workout in the gym.

Onto phase 2 :) Bis/back is going to be an interesting workout...it was pretty hard on my forearms before....adding in the pullup cage is going to be sweet!

Phase 2 of this round done :)

Pull-up cage is SWEET....really rocking it.


Lost a bit over 3 pounds in 5 weeks. Not sure what all is different but thats 2 in a row with BIG numbers.


Anxious to see what phase 3 brings.

Another full round of p90 done :). Took me around 120 days this time to get through the 91 days (couple days off, spin, row, etc).


Started up another round today. This one should take even longer I'm guessing if bike season every starts fully up here (snow/wind warning this week......)

Keep up the P90! Great workouts. I've had to balance them with others exercises though. After 2 rounds P90x and 1 of P90x2 I was getting repetitive motion strains and injuries. Doing some weightlifting has allowed me to put on some additional muscle and some moderate running and stretching had allowed my body to improve.