P90X Challenge: Week 2 Recap
I’m at the end of week two of my P90X challenge, and holy crap, am I loving it. And hating it. It hurts so good is the best way to describe it.
The hardest part, honestly, is the time commitment. It’s at least an hour everyday, and I’m proud to say I haven’t missed a single workout yet. I do them when I get home from work so there are no excuses.
So here’s the shocker now — I’m seeing results already. The definition in my arms has increased, and my lovely butt cellulite has noticeably smoothed. My abs are also more defined, which my boyfriend noticed, too (unprovoked, mind you).
The workouts are hard, but fun. They change so often you don’t get sick of them, and they are interesting enough that they keep your attention the whole time. Tony, the creator and instructor, is impressive strength wise, and entertaining, although a little chatty at times, but motivating. There are three to four people that workout along with him in each DVD that show different strength levels and different equipment modifications. I personally look forward to the DVDs with Daniel Hoss in them because I have a little crush, just a little, but all of them are in such fantastic shape you start to pick out your competition and try and beat them.
The DVDs are different than regular fitness DVDs because you don’t really follow along, you are told what to do and then you do it in the time span given. The Chest and Back DVD is a perfect example. It’s all push ups and pull ups, so you are told what kind of push up to do, pick your goal number, and then have about one minute to do them, while everyone on the DVD does theirs, which will probably be about twice the amount you can do. When you are done, you can try and squeak out a few more, or shake yourself out and wait. It’s not like you are following a routine along with the screen every second, which is precisely the reason I don’t like fitness DVDs — so P90X is perfect for me.
I still don’t like the yoga, but I’m sticking it out. It’s just because it’s yoga, it has nothing to do with the DVD.
The cardio DVDs are killer though. My average heart rate is usually around 150 with my peak typically around 170. That’s for an hour, mind you. I always joke because I never sweat at the gym — I’m just not a sweater — but these have me dripping and using a towel, which I LOVE. Kempo Karate is probably my favorite because you get to kick ass, but the plyometric DVD is definitely the ultimate cardio workout.
In terms of strength, I could barely do some of the exercises on Ab Ripper X when I first started, but now I can make it the whole way through with only a few breaks. Many of my push up variations have increased from 15 reps to 20, I’ve upped weights in my arm exercises, and my flexibility has improved as well. It’s only week two though, I’m excited to see the changes that are coming.
You guys had some more questions, so here goes:
You mention using 15 lb. weights…do I need to buy weights for this program? I usually use weights at the gym and don’t have any at home. Thanks! -Lindsay
Its best to use dumbbells because you can track your progress better, but you can use a resistance band instead, which are way cheaper. You definitely need one or the other, though.
Exciting! I’m whipping up an “entry test” of my own, can you tell me how you did and measured these:
Sit and Reach
Wall sit
In and Outs
thx a lot!
Linda
You can look these up online for more detailed instructions.
Sit and Reach tests flexibilty. You need a yard stick. Sit with your hips up against a wall with your legs straight out in front of you, toes up toward the ceiling. Place the yardstick with the 15 inch mark right at your heels. Put one hand on top of the other, and lean forward, reaching as far as you can down the yardstick, keeping your hips against the wall and knees straight. Mark the number. Do it three times and take the best score.
Wall Sit, you need a stop watch. Place you back against a wall, slide down the wall so your knees are at 90 degrees — like you are sitting in an invisible chair. Hold it as long as you can. Start timing as soon as you are in position, and stop timing when your butt hits the floor.
In and Outs are for your abs. It’s easier to just show you a video of the move, so click here for a demo. Do as many as you can and mark the number.
Miss anything?
Awesome post Kelly – I look forward to reading your next couple of updates, especially hearing what you have to say about YOGA X, my Favorite. How are you finding the P90X nutrition guide?
How often are you supposed to do the cardio dvd’s? Do you reccomend doing additional cardio along with the program?
Julie- Ill answer your question in my next post so everyone can benefit, but I already wrote week 3 and didnt want you to think I snubbed you (your question will be in week 4)
The dvds are programmed out for you, which one you do on which day. STRICTLY cardio dvds are about 2 times a week, but if you are pushing yourself as hard as you should be, even during the strength training dvds your heart rate should be high enough to be considered cardio as well.
There is one extra cardio dvd you are supposed to do one time a week at your discretion, so basically 3 days of intentional cardio. If it doesnt sound like enough, there is a different option that I lay out in the program overview post that is called P90X Lean, where you do more cardio and less strength training.
You can do more cardio on your own if you want, but I would impressed if someone could find the time (the workouts are about 1 hour- 1 and half hours a day) or the energy (and they are rough!)
Thankss Kelly. I’ll have to re-read the over view for the p90x lean, that sounds more my speed