Reboot P90X 2015: Day 1 Fit Test and Then Some

After much delay and much failure, I’ve started back up again. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall down, what really matters is that you get back up.

So here I am again on Day 1 on P90X. I did the fit test without the heart rate monitor and it’s quite sad to see the numbers. Sure, they’re only numbers but I remember when I was more in shape when I first started P90X years ago. Age has not been kind to me and my body keeps rebelling.  It is time to start over.

The Exercises

• Chest and Back
• Ab Ripper X

I did one round of C&B, that’s 12 exercises, and I didn’t repeat the rounds. It was tragic. 10 pushups per set and about 15 pull-ups with the green bands. I modified most of the exercises to the most basic format: alternate between pushups and pull ups. For Ab Ripper X, I made it through all 11 exercises and 25 repetitions. It was exhausting but I’m glad I did something.

The Meals

• Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal
• 2 Eggs, 2 Slices of Ham, and 1 Pack of Instant Noodles
• Lomo Saltado: Peruvian stir fry with beef, onions, and tomatoes with a side of rice and fries
• 1 shortbread cookie

For meals, I don’t follow the prescribed diet. I am a normal person trying to eat healthier but honestly, it’s hard. I don’t fake my meals. I eat real food, even if it’s not good for you. I don’t do supplements, recovery shakes, protein bars, etc. I like whole foods that are as natural as possible. So yes, for today, I had some instant noodles and I used half a pack of seasoning that comes with it. And shortbread. So what? This was what I ate and I know I can do better.

Because I have done this program before, it makes me feel more embarrassed about my body. Knowing what it used to be able to do, what it used to look, and even where I started…I have become such a slouch! I wonder if people noticed I let myself go and why didn’t they say anything? Then again, what can they say that will sound positive and not judge-y?

Here’s to tomorrow! Show up and let’s go!

Second Goal Met

I finished the second week of P90X and I’m starting Week 3!

YES!

It’s a small victory and I’m a week behind schedule, but I have to go at my own pace. This is what works for me.

I did Chest and Back and Ab Ripper X with 75 Mason Twists.

I noticed that I’m getting stronger every time and it’s nice to see improvements, however small. My body is slowly changing and I’m starting to see more definition in my abs, which is usually the first place I notice physical changes. But there is also a little loose skin as I move about…so the fat is shrinking, but my skin isn’t compensating fast enough.

What gives?

I know I’m getting older and my body isn’t what it used to be, but I’m still young. I guess my body needs more time to compensate. It took me 6  months of doing nothing to get to my flabby self…it might take me a year or more to get back into “shape.” I need to be patient and wait it out.

After all, it’s only been three weeks.

First Goal Met

One week of P90X is complete!

YES!

It’s a small victory and I just need to keep going. I find that if I set smaller goals in addition to the big goal (finish P90X), it makes me feel more successful and it keeps me motivated.

I noticed that in this one week, I have already sized myself out of my fat jeans…my Gap jeans. I put them on today and I have over an inch gap in the waist and there’s some looseness in the legs. I had to wear a belt otherwise they’d be falling off. ALREADY?!

It was so unexpected because I had hoped to reach this state in 2 more weeks. My body is adjusting faster than I thought and my waist is usually the first place I notice changes. I usually hover between 2 sizes and now I’m down to the smaller size. I guess that’s a good thing, but now it means no more fat pants for me.

I did Chest and Back today and I pushed myself more than I did last week.

It’s a good day.

Just Show Up and Press Play

I feel so sluggish, tired, lazy,and depressed. It took so much energy just to get out of bed in the morning. I wasn’t motivated. I wanted to delay the start. I just wanted to sleep the day away.

It’s not the perfect beginning but if I can do this at my lowest emotional point, think of how much easier it will be on the good days.

I sucked it up, put on my workout clothes, and hit play.

It’s the first day of P90X.

Chest and Back. Ab Ripper X.

The first hour wasn’t so bad. As I kept going, I felt more energized and awake. The sluggishness started to fade away and I was getting pumped by the half hour mark. I’m not great at doing push ups or pull ups, but I know that if I keep going, it will be easier.  My goal was 16 reps for each exercise. I did 10 reps with 15 lb weights for lawnmowers and heavy pants. For back flys, I did 10 reps with 5 lb weights.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be using 15 lb weights to start! But I believe I am stronger than I was during the last attempt at P90X.

For Ab Ripper X, I decided to go for 20 reps of all the exercises instead of the full 25. I didn’t think I was ready…and I was right. My abs burned and I started to sweat halfway into the routine. By the end, I was practically shouting the numbers going through the last few exercises. And I did 30 Mason Twists. It was all my body could handle.

I was spent but satisfied that I completed Day 1.

Post workout: my arms a little sore with a slight ache, my abs feel like I still need to stretch them out, but overall, my mind and mood is better than it was this morning.

Exercise is my emotional savior.

Weekly Update III

Exercise Plan

For 5 days while my cousin was visiting, the only exercise I got was walking around town. Believe you me, this was a workout since we were on our feet for 10 hours+ a day. But on Wednesday, I started back up with P90X for Week 4 of Phase I, recovery week. I totally forgot that the exercises are different, so I did Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X the first day instead of Yoga X. But that’s alright, as long as I continue with the rest of the recovery exercises, I’ll be on track.

• Chest & Back/Ab Ripper X: 20 reps for every exercise, 10 lb weights for weighted exercises, and 15 back flys. I used a green resistance band for the pull-ups. I must go lower on my push-ups and improve the form and quality of all my push-ups and pull-ups. For Ab Ripper X, I need to improve my leg climbs, but I did 100 Mason twists without weights.
• Core Synergistics: much more difficult than I thought, didn’t do the bonus round (extra 5 mins) and used 5 lb weights for the weighted exercises.
• Kenpo X: the balls of my feet were sore from core synergistics. As for the workout, I definitely needed the yoga mat to prevent me from slipping and sliding. I added more bounce to my step going through the workout to add intensity. Plus I kept a low horse stance (thanks to taiko) throughout the whole blocks section.
• X Stretch: skipped and took a one hour walk along the beach
• Core Synergistics: easier the second time around, skipped the bonus round and didn’t use any weights. The plank runs were killer.

Food Plan

Sure, I ate whatever I wanted while my cousin was here, but we shared a lot of the items I would usually have on my own. So, it definitely helped with portion control and we ate fairly healthy. Plus, once Wednesday came around, it was back to eating what I have stocked in my fridge. I was pretty tired and lazy after my cousin left so I made some ham, salsa, and guacamole quesadillas for a couple of meals. And since I bought a ton of fruit, I’ve been trying to finish them before they go bad!

Since I stocked my entire fridge with delicious healthy food hoping my cousin would help me eat it, (we only had 4 breakfasts and one dinner at my place) I have loads of food left. I’ve been hungrier than I usually am and I’ve been trying to eat more to stay full longer, but it’s still a hit or miss situation. Hopefully, I’ll get it down by next week so I’m not trying to eat everything all at once.

March Madness: Day 15

Today was a much better day. I went back to the normal schedule, but now, my rest days are on Mondays.

Exercise Plan

P90X Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X.

For Chest & Back, I did 18 reps of everything except for 15 reps of back flys. I used 10 lb weights for the weighted exercises and a green resistance band for the pull-ups. My right shoulder was feeling a bit awkward, so I eased up on it halfway. For the bands during pull-ups, I noticed that pull unbalanced…one side is slightly stronger than the other, so the band moves around. I’ll have to find a solution for that later.

Ab Ripper X. I completed all the exercises and for Mason twists, I did 75 reps without any weight. I still need to work on my form for a couple of the exercises and straighten my legs. But really, those sit-ups kill because I feel like I’m “kipping” instead of doing them properly.

Food Plan

• Breakfast: 1/2 green onion bun and 1 blood orange
• Lunch: rotisserie chicken sandwich with homemade bread, mayo, pesto, baby lettuce salad, and alfalfa sprouts
• Snack: 3 home-made strawberry veronas
• Dinner: beef, eggplant, black bean and garlic stew with rice and green onions

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March Madness: Pause.

Oh what a day. My low blood pressure tendency reared its ugly head. I got up this morning and felt super light-headed and dizzy. I lacked energy to do anything and I wasn’t up for working out. Bah!

I guess my body needs a break.

Exercise Plan

I planned to do P90X Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X. However, I’m not feeling so good so I’m pushing it back to tomorrow.

Food Plan

• Breakfast: 1 blood orange and 1/2 green onion/ground pork bun
• Snack: 4 Girl Scout Thin Mints
• Snack: baby lettuce salad with beets, alfalfa sprouts, sesame seeds, and balsamic vinaigrette
• Snack: 3 slices of home-made herb focaccia bread with balsamic vinegar and olive oil

I didn’t have much today, but hopefully I’ll be better tomorrow and have actual meals instead of snacks.

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March Madness: Day 8

It’s the start of week 2.

Right after exercising today, my body cooled down super fast and I had to shower quickly, or put on more layers to protect myself. It’s pretty ridiculous, my body is getting colder, but my hands stay warm.

I took a nap after 6 PM today and I do feel better, but I missed dinner, so I had a snack. Someone told me that I’ve been sleepy lately because my body is getting used to the workouts, so it’s repairing my body when I sleep…which is probably why I’m not very sore the same day or the next day. But once my body gets used to it, I won’t be so sleepy and instead, I’ll feel more energized. I can’t wait for that day…I feel so lame being sleepy mid-day.

Exercise Plan

P90X Chest & Back and Ab Ripper X. For Chest & Back, at about 80% effort, I started to feel it in round 2. I don’t have a pull-up bar, but I used my green resistance band on the doorway and got in my pull-ups. Besides, I don’t think I can do actual pull-ups right now, so having a bar is a waste.

I did 15 max reps, 20 reps with a 10 lb weight for heavy pants and lawnmower, and 10 reps with 10 lb weights for back flys. It was suggested to me to use 10 lb weights instead of 5 lbs and for this program, I’m thinking I can do 15 lbs and lower the reps to 10-15. The back fly is pushing me…my back isn’t strong enough for that yet.

For Ab Ripper X, I did all the exercises except for 12 of the sit-ups once again. But for the mason twists, I did 40 reps with a 5 lb weight and that really got me going. It seems like the more I do Ab Ripper X, the shorter it seems!

Overall, a good start to the week and I probably should get some 15 lb weights. I can’t wait to add cardio on these double days…but I should stick to the schedule and not get ahead of myself.

Food Plan

• Breakfast: 2 hard-boiled eggs, 1 cup multi-grain oatmeal, and 1/2 grapefruit
• Snack: 2 pork “taquitos” with guacamole and chili sauce
• Snack: raw carrots
• Lunch: pan-fried tilapia, veggie curry with mushroom stew and steamed rice
• Snack: home-made peach “crumble” with yogurt and mint

I haven’t eaten raw carrots since I was in high school! But for some reason, I was craving it. Aside from a week’s shadow-craving of chicken wings…I think my cravings are leveling out. Seriously, I crave food…anything, healthy or non-healthy for no reason at all during random hours of the day. If you didn’t know me, you’d think I was whacked out or pregnant. But luckily, I’m none of those.

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To begin at the beginning

A girl can never have to many blogs just like she can never have too many shoes right?

Well, I’m writing this blog to chronicle my efforts at staying fit, healthy, and toned. This is not another fad-diet attempt to lose weight. I’m altering my habits for the better in the hopes of keeping it as a permanent lifestyle change. I’m not obese, nor am I considered overweight…I just want to have a better understanding of how my body operates and how food enters into the equation.

I love food, but I can’t say that I love ALL kinds of food. I savor the moments when the hot, steaming bowl of soup comes my way or when the cool rush of a chilled dessert finds its destination onto my plate. Despite my adoration of the culinary arts, I don’t often overindulge beyond my limit.

The age has come and gone when I’d attempt to amateurishly compete in food olympics. Back then, food was seen more as calories, a chore that I had to go through to fuel my body. I thought that the more “food” fuel I put in, the more supercharged I’d be for the rest of the day. However, I soon found out that it doesn’t work that way.

I’m reaching the age where my metabolism isn’t as quick as it used to be and the pounds don’t stay off if I’m sitting at the desk for 8+ hours a day. I’m not as active as I used to be. In college, I exercised practically everyday doing cardio and light free weights. Now, I can barely get myself to walk up several flights of stairs without first thinking of pushing the elevator button. When I can easily walk down the street to drop off the mail or packages, I take the 5 minute drive instead.

It’s about time for change.

I’ll be following the 6 Day Body Makeover book’s guidelines to get my exercise juices flowing and from there, I’ll boost up my workouts. I find it best to start small and work your way up than to take that huge leap and fall flat on your face. After all, starting a 6 day workout program is much easier than setting up a year-long schedule. Though the book suggests that you should follow everything as closely as possible, I’m using it more as a guide,  not a stringent rulebook.

I’ll be mixing up the workouts with a 60 minute jog, P90X  YogaX, and P90X Chest and Back to better tone the areas of my body that I really want to focus on. Of all things to want, I want a slimmer arm and leg line, but my abs are fairly toned already. I guess that’s what I get for last year’s major workout in preparation for swimsuit season and it’s still lingering.

Here are my beginning stats:

• Height: 5’1″
• Weight: 103
• Body Type: C (Meso-Endo  with hypoglycemia/low blood pressure tendencies)
• Chest: 30.5″
• Waist: 25″
• Hips: 33.5″
• Thigh: 18″
• Calf: 13″
• Arm: 10″