Total Annihilation

Resistance & Abs: Legs & Back, Ab Burner

Today was the first day in my 60 day journey. I have completed P90X, so I should be in awesome shape. Unfortunately, I have taken a three week "vacation" because I was sick and needed to get ramped up with some more motivation before moving forward. I got up pretty early today - actually 5 am, with the intention of starting and completing my routines before the sun even rose. That didn't work so well really because I quickly discovered that I was not as motivated at 5 in the morning as I had been at 10 in the evening yesterday. Well, after a long battle of exercise avoidance I got on the ball and got to work.

Legs & Back is not my favorite exercise in the P90X family. By far actually. I despise it. I don't know why. It is just a challenge and a half for me. Pull-ups are usually fine, its the squats and lunges for an hour that drive me nuts. I don't have a powerful lower body, so that explains it I suppose. I should be encouraged by a challenge, but this is over the top. And it was especially hard because I have taken a break.

I have amped up the routines even more by adding additional weight. Not just in my dumbbells, but to myself. I know this sounds like I have put on some extra pounds, but that isn't the case. I weigh 187 lbs as of yesterday. I don't know what my weight goals are in the next 60 days, but I know my strength goals are phenomenal and extreme. So, the extra weight I am adding is in my backpack. I have several large books in my backpack and I can strap it to my back for body weight exercises such as lunges, squats and pull ups today. I am not sure how it will work out for dips or push ups, but we will definitely find out soon. Pull ups were definitely more difficult (I did 8 each time instead of 17), but I feel like I can increase my strength by adding weight. If you think about it, if the back pack is 20 lbs, then adding that brings me to the weight I stated P90X at! Interesting in my opinion. I'm not sure what it means, but its interesting.

I also did my shortest ab routine, Ab Burner. It was only 10 minutes long but it was sure interesting and challenging. The Idea of rotating through a bunch of different ab routines simply muscle confusion for my abs. We'll see how it works. I have high hopes.

Annihilation...

What is Annihilation?

Annihilation is my new set of exercise routines that I will be following over the next 60 or so days. I have designed it around P90X and other routines. With over 30 workouts, Annihilation will be the best muscle confusion my body has experienced yet!

What is My Motivation?

Mainly, I want to be healthy. I want to be able to take care of my kids and wife for as long as I can and I want to be in good enough shape that I can play with my kids for hours on end and not become exhausted. I want to be able to do anything my family wants, be it extreme sports or just going for a bike ride.

So, here it goes. I will push to be Harder, Faster, Better, Stronger! I may or may not post my schedule. Either way, I will give a full accounting for my exercise every day.

Day 86, 87, 88, 89 and 90!

Workout: None

Diet: Successful

Well, I have a lot to catch up on don't I? Unfortunately I became sick shortly after my last post and I have been unable to do any workouts since. I did so well on day 85 and I was so pumped to get my last week finished successfully. It kind of stinks but illness can really mess up your fitness program. I have decided to write here and finish up this first round of P90X officially. I will be starting a different routine possibly by tomorrow so I won't get too far behind in the game.

I felt like I had so much to say before I started writing but I really can't think of much. I hope I can continue to move forward. I will post my ending pictures soon. It is kind of hard not to have finished off strong, but I am moving on and I'm ready to Bring It even more next time around.

Day 85 - I'm Freaking Crazy!

Workout: Yoga X, Resistance and Abs

Diet: Semi-successful

Today I was quite a bit more active than any other day last week. I started the day fairly early to work on getting a job. After that I went to my mom's house and did the Yoga Routine. It is nice to have someone to do Yoga with. It makes it easier to get through the workout. That was actually quite a fun workout and I did pretty good. I only have to do yoga one more time! YAY!

After yoga I played with my nieces and nephew in my parents backyard. The trampoline was pretty awesome and I got a good workout without even trying. When I got home in the evening I tried some new techniques for resistance training. I am trying to get more lean and fit and to lose my body fat. I also did a routine for my abs. Man, I feel pretty good. Not sore or too tired, just good and ready for bed. Tomorrow is Core Synergistics which always kicks my trash. Who knows what else I will do tomorrow to keep things moving. We'll see.

Day 84 - Something Restful

Workout: None

Diet: Semi-Successful

Rest, rest, rest! I didn't really need it but I took it because I had to speak in church today and that is always a bit stressful. I got to play Wii Sports: Bowling with the in-laws, but other than that, today was really uneventful in the realm of fitness. I went to my sister's seminary graduation which was pretty good and I got to hear her speak so it was well worth it. I am preparing to make this next week as Extreme as I can, even though it is a recovery week. BRING IT!

Day 83 - Swimming Replaces Kenpo?

Workout: Swimming, Legs & Back

Diet: Semi-Successful

Today was another hard day to get in all my exercise for some reason. I went swimming in our apartment pool in the morning with my younger brother. That was a lot of fun and I was surprised by how hard treading water is in 5 feet of water. I couldn't extend my limbs correctly, so I was a bit cramped. We actually spend a great deal of time in the hot tub. It was a lot of fun and I got some good sun and I was outside for some good "fresh air".

Later in the day I started my Legs & Back routine and made it half way through before throwing up. I am not sure what happened. That is just an extremely hard workout for me to get into and to accomplish. 

I hope that even though next week is recovery week I can Bring It and push myself through this lull I am experiencing. 

Day 82 - What's Wrong?

Workout: None

Diet: Semi-Successful

Yet another day of little to no workouts. I just ran out of time, which is a lame excuse but motivation seems to be the problem. What's wrong with me? I'm 8 days from finishing P90X and I cannot seem to get my butt in gear. I need to push it. I need to push it more than ever...

Day 81 - Slacker

Workout: Abs Core Plus

Diet: Successful

So, today didn't go at all as planned. I was very far from motivated to do my Yoga routine so I decided to swim instead and then to follow that up with Abs Core Plus - turns out I couldn't find a swimming suit, so I just did the Ab workout. I know, that is nowhere near what I expected to finish but I am going to do a lot better tomorrow. I have some good plans for my next Round of P90X too: I am going to try the workouts with a brief warm up then I will do the routines without the videos, which means I can switch up the routines and do them in reverse. I can mix it up quite a bit. I am not sure how well that will work but I will try it out. I need to get some good music to exercise to so that I can keep moving and grooving. 

I know that I need to push harder than ever this last little bit. I have been slacking a bit. I am going to make sure to get my exercise done and even add some extra activity.

Day 80 - Going It Alone

Workout: Back & Biceps

Diet: Semi-Successful

Well, I finally did it! I completed a P90X workout without the video! That doesn't sound like much of an accomplishment if you haven't tried it, but for me it was tough! It was very difficult to stay motivated and to keep a good pace. I found it was easier to take breaks in between moves. On the other side of things, I was able to finish the 60 minute workout in under 40 minutes, saving 20 valuable minutes with which I could have done Ab Ripper if I had wanted to. I am just exhausted for some reason. I am going to try the Ab Core Plus tomorrow after Yoga. I know, I will probably regret making myself do another 20 minutes after the all-to-long Yoga X, but right now, it feels like I would just poke through the exercise instead of ripping my way through the meat of it. I will do that tomorrow and I will make sure to get an early start so that I can get a move on the rest of my day. 

I have found since I am unemployed that it is very hard to eat consistently. Its hard to figure out why because food is always available, and its not very far from me all day long. Its just that I am not motivated to get it or I am just too busy having fun at my computer looking for work. I am actually going to try to head out tomorrow if I can figure out where to go. It may be better for me to get myself in front of people to try to get hired. It may prove to be a good activity (not that walking from the car to a building and back is intense exercise). I need some sun and I need to get out of the house.

I may try to swim a bit tomorrow too. My complex just opened the pool so I might go check it out. That's some good sun and if I pick the right time of day, it'll be refreshing and a good alternative exercise. 

I suppose I have already thoroughly covered what I will be doing tomorrow without saying too much about today's workout... It was Intense. I did more pull ups than I ever have in this workout. I curled more weight more times and I am more worn out than ever before. This was my last Back & Biceps in my first round of P90X! The only resistance workout that I have to do in my classic schedule is Legs & Back... that's a hard one for me to get motivated about, but I'm going to plough through it and kick it's trash! Its crazy to think that I am almost done. 10 more days! Wow, it went by so fast and at the same time, so darn slow.

Day 79 - Push It Away From You

Workout: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X, Interval X Plus

Diet: Successful

I got off to a good start today. My wife worked all night last night so she got home at about 7:30am. I ended up sleeping in until about noon. As soon as I was up and ready to go, I did all my workouts for the day right in a row. It took a long time but I was still behind one workout. I am finally caught up!

I was supposed to do Plyometrics today, but I figure that workout is what has been causing my calve pain, so I decided to do Interval X Plus which is a good cardio routine and there is less impact on your joints. I feel pretty good about today. I decided to write earlier in the day than usual because I am done with my exercises for the day (although I may do some other form of exercise later today). 

Tomorrow is Back & Biceps and Ab Ripper X. We'll see how that goes. I want to do two exercises every day for the last two weeks of P90X. 

Day 78 - My Mind Says...

Workout: Legs & Back, Biggest Loser Fat Burning Yoga, Kenpo Cardio Plus

Diet: Semi-Successful

My mind says I can and my body agrees! The crazy part about today is that I didn't do half the workouts and activity I wanted to, but I sure did a lot of fun stuff. Legs & Back is always a nasty challenge for me. I did 142 pull ups today! That's not the hard part of the workout. For me, it's all the repetitive lunges and squats. I have a hard time with them. They wear me out. I almost threw up today because of them.

After my workout I got cleaned up and went to hang out with my wife's family. We had scones and talked plenty. My brother-in-law started up a Biggest Loser Fat Burning Yoga DVD and so I decided to tag along. It was a hard routine. We did a short warm up and cool down with a simple 20 minute routine in between. Man it was killer. Good workout, and completely unexpected. 

We ended up going to the Aquarium in Sandy Utah with my sister-in-law and her husband. It was way awesome. A great experience. Then we went to eat at Rubios. Good Mexican food. Probably not the best for me, but it tasted great. After that I went to my parents house to play 'war' with my younger brother. We love air-soft and have quite a few air-soft guns so we hammered out a few intense battles between the two of us in the back yard. Another golden opportunity for exercise in the form of playtime!

After I got hit a few too many times with air-soft pellets, I returned home and decided to try out the new P90X Plus Kenpo routine. It is names Kenpo Carido Plus. I want to talk about it a lot, but I will wait until I actually begin the next round of P90X before I review the new workouts. It was fun and it is very aptly named. 

I am pumped and ready for the coming couple of weeks. Bring on the Pain. Bring It!

Day 77 - Bring on the Pain!

Workout: none

Diet: Successful

Well, here I am on my third 'rest' day. I am tired of sitting around and not getting my workout done. Tomorrow is Memorial Day so I am going to get up early and kick some booty! I am excited. Two more weeks left in my first 90 Day Self Inflicted Butt Kicking. I am already gearing up for Round 2. Bring It On!

Day 76 - Games and Smores

Workout: Ab Ripper X

Diet: Semi-Successful

Today was a pretty good day. After a job interview, my wife and I went to my parents house for smores and a good time. We ended up setting up their trampoline and playing games on it for three hours with my younger brother and sister. That was a good workout. Then we played Frisbee until it got too dark. We ended up having smores around a small fire pit until midnight. It was a blast! We played all sorts of 'camp' games and talked a bunch. I ended up doing Ab Ripper X at their house before we came home. That was a lot harder having not warmed up or anything. It kicked my butt! I had a good day even though I never did my scheduled P90X workout. I need to catch up, but my leg still doesn't feel quite like it should. 

Day 75 - Injury

Workout: None

Diet: Semi-successful

My calf has been bugging me a lot lately and I think it is from Tuesday's Plyometric workout. It seems that the Plyo workout has been hurting my right leg for the last few weeks. I was unable to do Legs & Back today and I was a bit distracted so I didn't do Ab Ripper X. I did however get a job for the day. My 'boss'  lowered his job offer so I won't be going back. Its too bad because I need work that will pay me enough to survive and take care of my family. 

I will probably wait until Monday to push exercise again so that I have time to recover.

Day 74 - Balance Postures

Workout: Yoga X

Diet: Successful

Wow what a day! I didn't feel well when I woke up, which wasn't a great start. I finally got out of bed at 9ish and stumbled to the computer to look at job postings. I got to my Yoga routine in the afternoon. It went pretty well. I didn't do Yoga Belly 7, but I did all the rest. I am getting better at it, but I still haven't gotten over the fact that the workout is 93 minutes long!

I had a good day in other realms as well: I got two job interviews scheduled, which is a million times better than any other day I've been looking for work. And I got to see Terminator Salvation which came out today. It was an awesome movie! I recommend it.

Tomorrow I have Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X. I'm going to try to do them early so that I can get them done before my interview. Then I can be with my wife the rest of the day. Yay!

Day 73 - A Little Something New

Workout: Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X, Interval X Plus

Diet: Successful

Well, let me start by telling you that today was my last Shoulders & Arms workout for my first round of P90X. Its crazy to be this far along! I am excited to have accomplished the entire 90 day program. Having that success is something I feel I need right now. I am pushing hard, sometimes too hard I suppose... When I throw up during my routines or when I hurt my leg and keep working out. Yeah, that happened today. I did my Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper X this afternoon, but I wanted to try a little extra so I pushed play on my new P90X Plus routine called Interval X Plus. I'll spare you the details for now, but I felt that it was an awesome workout, and I only made it half way. I started to get the pain in my right calf that I did a few weeks ago in Plyometrics. It happens a lot actually, this pain. I pushed myself to at least make it half way through the workout, but decided to stop so as not to ruin all chances of me finishing P90X.

I feel really good about today. I finished clearing out my exercise room, so now it is all set up so I can Bring It. All my equipment is the same, but its all in one room so I don't have to run back and forth to do pull ups. 

I want to take a moment to thank my wonderful wife. She has been amazing throughout this entire experience. She is my strength and my motivation. When I have felt down on myself and when I was sure I couldn't finish, or even start my workouts, she let me know I could. She helped me Bring It every day and she is the most wonderful part of my life. I started this journey so that I can be healthy and be around for her and our kids when we have them. She is such a wonderful blessing in my life. Thank you Honey for working so hard and supporting me so much. You are the best!

Day 72 - Jump Training

Workout: Plyometrics

Diet: Successful

Today was a pretty good day for a Plyometrics day. I slept in just a little, and then got up to work on my job search. I did my workout in the afternoon in my 'new' exercise room. I moved all my stuff into our second bedroom and set everything up so that I can do my workouts without bugging my wife. 

Plyometrics wasn't too difficult today. I am not getting much better, but I'm doing the workout every week, so I feel pretty good about it. Tomorrow I am going to do Cardio X and my Shoulders & Arms workout. I will make sure to do Ab Ripper X and then I may even do some extra. I am going to make sure that my last few weeks are intense. Then after I complete my 90 days, I am going to bring on the hurt. I have some good plans that I am still working out the details.  It kind of goes along with the new workout program coming out this summer - Get Fit or Get Out!

Day 71 - I'm Going to Throw Up

Workout: Chest & Back

Diet: Successful

Today was an intense day of job searching. It is really a full time job to look for work. It is pretty exhausting. I got to my workout late in the evening. Actually, after midnight, so I was up pretty late. That workout always makes me want to throw up. I pushed myself pretty hard, but I only wanted to match the last time I did the Chest & Back routine. It was a good workout. It pushes me to my limits every time. 

I didn't get to do Ab Ripper. It was really late when I got to my workout. I need to stop missing that part of my workout. I have some plans for the next phase of my fitness/exercise. I will post about them a little later when I figure out how to incorporate it all. 

Oh, today was my last Chest & Back routine in my 90 day journey. Pretty exciting to have some 'lasts'.

Day 70 - Blog Links...

Workout: None

Diet: Successful

Today was a pretty restful day. I got to go to church and then go to my in-law's house for dinner. I got to do a lot of browsing and I found some good blogs. Check out the links to the right. There is definitely some great pointers in Tony Horton's Blog and I found plenty of other people doing P90X. It always gets me stoked to read other people's success stories and read about exercise. 

Check out the Law's of Fitness and Exercise in Tony Horton's Blog (posted a few years ago, check out the left hand side for the post list).

Day 69 - Karate Chop!

Workout: Kenpo X

Diet: Successful

Well, today went by awfully fast. I got up early and did Kenpo X in preparation for basketball with some friends. I went to the court but no one showed up so I guess I have to wait til next week. Kenpo was pretty good this week. I am usually pretty exhausted by the time I get to that workout, but I had a lot of energy today. The workout isn't all that bad, just hard to get started... That's like every other workout.

We got to take my sister's Senior Pictures today up in the canyon. It was a good time but we didn't hike or anything. This summer will be awesome in the mountains.

Day 68 - 1/2 The Work and Dying

Workout: Legs & Back

Diet: Successful

Today was another rough day. It feels like I am pretty down lately and it really affects my physical performance. I have not had a great week for P90X. I got through only half of Legs & Back before I crapped out. I am not sure what was wrong, but I couldn't finish it. Emotionally the workout is draining as well, which is really weird. That just goes to show that this program is only half physical and half Mental. If you can't push yourself and don't believe in yourself, you won't make it in this program.

I heard about a cool new program  from BeachBody coming this Summer - Insanity. It looks way intense. Its a 60 day program that uses no weights, but seems to rip you up and spit you out. The Slogan is "Get Fit or Get Out" - I like it. I am excited to try that program. Click here to view the preview video.

Day 67 - What Happened to My Arm?

Workout: ???

Diet: ???

Today was a pretty different day. I went to a Resume Training Course and did an awful lot of job searching. Later in the afternoon I got to my Yoga Workout and my nerves were just so shot that I could not get into it. I decided to do Cardio instead. The worst of luck: I hurt my arm in the Yoga section of Cardio. It was crazy. I wasn't able to finish the workout which is a bummer. 

I also had pizza in the evening, which wasn't the best move but hey, you only live once. I wish it were easier to eat well but that's not really the world we live in. I am definitely trying.

Day 66 - Curl Yourself to Death!

Workout: Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

Diet: Successful

Today was another fun and long day of job hunting. I eventually got to my workout in the evening. Back & Biceps is an intense workout. There is an extreme focus on only two body-parts so the workout is a little shorter than most. I didn't do as well today as I did last time I did this workout but that's okay. I think that is why the P90X program has recovery weeks: so that the workouts are hard and intense every time you get back to them. My muscles have not fallen into any plateau yet, which is pretty darn good for 10 weeks of the same exercise program.

Bowflex Pictures

Day 65 - Pictures Finally

Workout: Plyometrics

Diet: Successful

And now for pics...

Day 64 - Almost to the Brink...

Workout: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps

Diet: Successful

Today was a pretty good day of Job Hunting. I got a lot done. I finally got to my workout later in the evening, and boy was it hard. I pushed myself almost to the point of throwing up. I tend to push myself more and more each time I do the chest workouts. 

It is hard to eat well when you are home all day. The temptation to snack is incredibly strong and I have to admit I faltered a little bit. I did really good considering. It was a good day. I need to make sure to push extra hard this week to make up for the weekend. I will also post my Phase Two Pics tomorrow finally...

Day 63 - Happy Mothers Day!

Workout: None

Diet: A Good Day Off

Happy Mothers Day! I got to rest today and have a nice dinner at Mom's house. A Darn good day with my family.

Day 62 - What A Day...

Workout: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Diet: Semi-Successful

Today was a bit crazy, but a lot of fun. My wife and I went with my Dad to look for trucks for the majority of the afternoon, then we went with my wife's family to Star Trek. It was an awesome movie. 

I did the Legs & Back routine and Ab Ripper X. It is always a hard workout for me to get motivated to start, but it isn't all that bad once I get going. Because of this week's stress, I will be skipping Kenpo this week. I will be back next week to Bring It Hardcore!

Day 61 - Nerves Need A Massage

Workout: None

Diet: Semi-Successful

Today was a bit rough for me. My workplace let me go and that was a little emotionally draining for me. I tried to work out, but couldn't find the strength. I am going to do the workout tomorrow. I needed today to relax and prepare myself for the coming job search.

Day 60 - Catching Up

Workout: Yoga

Diet: Successful

Well, there is just so much to catch up on. I have had a lot going on and I have not written in more than a week. I wanted to try to remember everything about each day I missed, but that would be fairly impossible. I have decided to give an overview so that I can move on and not have any more excuses for holding off my blogging.

Recovery week was pretty good. I wish I could push myself more and more, but recovery week is a hard week to do that. Kenpo is a pretty good exercise. It is pretty hard to push hard and Bring It in the X Stretch. Core Synergistics is always tough. I played basketball on Saturday, but never got to Yoga, so I did half of the workout on Tuesday (this week, week 9) after Plyometrics and Ab Ripper X. Going back to Monday, day 57, Chest & Back is Back! I threw up at the end (that workout kicks my butt!) and I loved the workout. Tuesday was intense with Plyo, Yoga and Abs. Wednesday I did Shoulders & Arms, and Ab Ripper X. Wow, that was a great workout! I am feeling pretty good about my body and my fitness. I am working hard and keeping busy with my exercises. It is hard to get up in the morning to work out, but sometimes I manage to do it and get in a second workout later in the day.

Today was Yoga X, which I had to do after work. I like the workout, but the only drawback is how freaking long it is. I am getting pretty good at the poses. I sweat like crazy the whole workout, which is weird because its not a fast paced or anything. It is a really intense workout.

Tomorrow is Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X. I am pretty excited. I want to push hard and do as much as possible. I have to take my day 60 pictures tonight, so I will get them posted soon.

Day 59 - Shoulders & Arms

Workout: Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X

Click here for the update.

Day 58 - Plyometrics, Ab Ripper X, Yoga

Workout: Plyometrics, Ab Ripper X, Yoga

Click here for the update.

Day 57 - Chest & Back

Workout: Chest & Back

Click here for the update.

Day 56 - Rest

Workout: None

Click here for the update.

Day 55 - Basketball

Workout: Basketball

Click here for the update.

Day 54 - Core Synergistics

Workout: Core Synergistics

Click here for the update.

Day 53 - Stretch It Out

Workout: X Stretch

Click here for the update.

Day 52 - Martial Arts Training

Workout: Kenpo X

Diet: Semi-Successful

Click here for the update.

Day 51 - To The Core!!

Workout: Core Synergistics

Diet: Semi-Successful

Core is very difficult for me. I mentioned on the first recovery week that it was difficult, but I didn't quite remember this time around. It was a surprise all over again. I like the workout a lot and seem to get pretty tired from it, which is a really good thing to me. 

My diet has been pretty good, except at work I had pizza during a company lunch. One of our suppliers brought a reward and lunch so I felt inclined to eat with everyone. I limited how many slices I had and even had a good salad with them. 

Tomorrow is Kenpo again. I woke up early today and hopefully I can do it again tomorrow.

Day 50 - Yoga Time

Workout: Yoga X

Diet: Successful

Once again I could not get myself out of bed for an early morning workout. It is just really hard to get going and with a workout as long as Yoga X, the motivation to get up at 5:00 AM is just not there sometimes. I eventually did get to Yoga at about 10 PM. I know that's a bit late, but it works out well because my body is warmed up from the day and today I got to do Yoga with my wife.

I was quite impressed with how well my wife did some of the poses I struggle so much with. I am getting better than I used to be, but I was nowhere near as good as she is. I am liking the Yoga routine more and more each time i do it, so I am glad I get to do it twice this week (besides the fact that it takes an hour and a half of the day).

Day 49 - Getting Closer

Workout: None

Diet: Successful

Well, today is my rest day so I won't be saying much. I just wanted to write about how much I feel like I need to focus and push myself this last Phase coming up. I still have a week in Phase 2 - but it is recovery week, so I won't be getting intense too often. I remember Core Synergistics being really hard last time so I should be challenged this week. Yoga twice in a week is also hard. I just feel like making this last phase my strongest ever. I know I have pushed myself beyond my limits already - but now its time to bring it home: add extra weight, extra cardio, extra reps, extra workouts and extra activities. It is getting near summer so the weather is starting to work out well for outside activities. I have a lot left to go - 40 days to be precise, but I know that I can push through and make myself stronger than I could have imagined.

I need to stay motivated and I need to get plenty of rest. Anyone who has anything encouraging to say, your comments would be appreciated. It is hard to stay motivated and harder still to keep pushing myself beyond what I think I am capable of. Its the only way to truly Bring It and excel in this program, and in any aspect of life.

Day 48 - My Butt!!

Workout: Kenpo X, Ab Ripper X

Diet: Semi-Successful

Today was a pretty crazy day. I got to sleep in, which was very good. I had to get up and work out before I left to my nieces birthday party, so I had a tight schedule. Kenpo is one of the easier workouts, but it always comes when I am tired from the previous weeks workout - so that makes it harder.

Ab Ripper is still getting harder, probably because I push myself a lot more and I am getting a better understanding of how to do the exercises and what works most. Its a pretty awesome workout that I absolutely dread every time I do it. 

I did have some cake and ice cream today - and I took my wife to The Pie (Pizza rocks). One year ago today, we had our first date at The Pie - so it was awesome. I still need to stretch my legs because they are pretty tight. Monday I have Yoga again so that should help a lot. and the X Stretch is my Thursday workout this week so I am going to get stretched and rested pretty good. Then I can gear up for Phase 3 - and really Bring It!

Day 47 - I Need To Stretch

Workout: Legs & Back

Diet: Successful

Today was a pretty good day. We are doing a biggest loser competition at work and we had our first weigh in and team competition. It was a relay to move boxes from one end of the warehouse to the other - both teams ran at once and we raced. My team lost because someone in our team fell and my team didn't lose as much weight as the other team. It was a lot of fun though and there is actually going to be a video on YouTube so I'll have to make a link to it sometime. Here it is, Check the Relay Out

My workout was Legs & Back today. I did even more pull ups this week than last. I am definitely getting stronger. My legs are pretty solid now too. I need to stretch again because my legs have been really sore and tight. It seems all areas of my body are where I like them except for my stomach - the hardest area to reduce. I am trying hard and working hard every day though. 

My diet was pretty good today - mostly the usual, yogurt, fruit, fiber bar. For dinner we are Chick-fil-a again. It is one of our favorites. I know that at this point I have lost most of my fat - or a lot of it anyway, so my weight will probably start increasing quite a bit, but weight loss isn't my primary goal - my goal is fat loss and fitness. 

Tomorrow I will do Kenpo and Ab Ripper - I had to skip Abs today because of time problems, but it works out. Recovery week is around the corner. I am hoping that I can push hard this week and maybe even add a few workouts. 

Day 46 - Can You Do It?

Workout: Yoga X

Diet: Successful

Wow, I am really starting to like Yoga! I did very well today: Vinyasa's were all done with push ups and upward dog, which is no small feat. I also did wheel for a considerable amount of time. I accomplished all of my goals for the workout. I know I am not perfect with the Yoga routine, but I am getting better.

I ate well today, the normal actually. For dinner I ate chicken and fruit. I love fruit. 

Day 45 - Half Way There

Workout: Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

Diet: Successful

Wow! Half way through the program. Its gone by pretty fast I guess. 45 days without soda is probably my most remarkable feat at this time. I am feeling pretty good physically although I am always pretty tired. I am enjoying P90X and the results, although not all visible, are a great motivation to continue. I just need to be sure not to plateau in the second half.

Today was pretty good. I couldn't work out in the morning because my arm was bruised from giving blood. When I did get around to Back & Biceps, I was ready to go. I did very well and increased my weight and reps on almost all my exercises! Ab Ripper was a challenge again. I guess I am pushing harder and harder each time I do it. 

I am excited for Yoga tomorrow, which is actually a surprise because I used to dread it.

Day 44 - Blood & Sweat

Workout: Plyometrics

Diet: Semi-Successful

Today I actually got up today to work out. Plyometrics is always intense and difficult for me and today was no different. Its hard to push myself because it is difficult just to get through. I did well though, and felt very good for having accomplished so much. I got that pain in my right calve again, which is very annoying and severely limits the intensity I can bring to the workout.

I got to donate blood at work today. It was the first time I have ever been able to donate and it was a really cool experience. I couldn't lift anything heavy or do any strenuous exercise, so it was a good thing I was able to get up early to do Plyometrics. 

Diet was pretty good today. I ate well up til dinner: I had McDonalds... I know, not the best, but I got a Burger and a Parfait. No fries or anything, but it was bad enough. I will need to work extra hard tomorrow. I have Back & Biceps tomorrow with Ab Ripper X - and I will try to do Cardio X in the evening to double up and get some extra work it. I need to bring the intensity big time - tomorrow is Day 45: HALF TIME!!

Day 43 - In It To Win

Workout: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X

Diet: Successful

Well, day one of my "get up early and get it done' policy was a failure. I could hardly drag myself out of bed to go to work, let alone to push myself to the edge physically and them push myself harder (like I try to do in all my P90X workouts). It was just one of those mornings. I need to do better and get more rest.

I eventually got to my workout in the late evening, and had a difficult time keeping at the right pace. I pushed myself and did more weight and more reps on most of my workouts, but I had to pause a few times and catch myself a little before pressing on. I guess that's what happens when you are exerting yourself at full steam. 

Ab Ripper was intense today too. I pushed harder and made sure not to cheat on anything and it paid off... it burned like no other! My diet was good today, nothing unusual or crazy, just healthy yogurt, fiber bars, bananas, SlimFast, etc. Pretty darn good day if you ask me. Tomorrow, Plyometrics should be a blast. I'm planning on kicking its butt!

Day 42 - Rest? Is This Rest?

Workout: None

Diet: Successful

Weekends are always the most difficult time to maintain a good diet. There is just too much time and too many good foods. I try really hard to eat fruits and vegetables and protein and to minimize eating after 10 at night. It is still very difficult and I guess I am excited to get back to the weekdays so that my diet will be a little less complicated and a little easier to maintain. 

I am glad to have a day to rest, but I am also way excited to get back to exercising and making my body tired. I like being sore from a hard workout. I'm going to make extra effort this week, seeing as it is the last week of Phase 2 before Recovery Week.

Day 41 - High Sword, Low Hammer!

Workout: Kenpo X

Diet: Successful

Today went by way to quickly. I woke up fairly late and got ready for the day. I needed to change the oil in my cars and that took quite a while. In the evening my wife and I went to dinner at Red Robin and then to a movie (17 Again, which was actually quite funny) and when I got home late, it was pretty difficult to motivate myself to punch and kick for an hour, but I did it.

Kenpo is getting easier and easier. I am trying to intensify my workout and do each move better and better. I do get a little bored in the workout, but that is my own fault: I am pretty tired when I get to Kenpo X and I am usually going through the motions. I try to keep focused, but sometimes its pretty hard.

I am already looking forward to Monday's workout and I hope to be able to do all the workouts in the morning next week so that if I am up to it, I can add some cardio in the evenings. It was a good week.

Day 40 - 117 Pullups! and Ice Cream

Workout: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

Diet: Semi-Successful

Wow today was awesome! Legs and Back is so much better with weights. I pushed myself really hard. I guess I have noticed a big change in my legs the last little while and it had encouraged me to work even harder. I also made sure my back got plenty of work. I did a total of 117 pull ups over the whole routine - that's about 11 more than ever before!

After my workout, I had a great opportunity to hang out with my wife and her brother, and we ended up going to KFC and then to get ice cream. It was a lot of fun and I tried to limit how much I ate, so it was well worth it. 

Tomorrow is Kenpo X, then I get a break for a day, and then I can get back to working hard and Bringing It!

Day 39 - I Did It!

Workout: Yoga X

Diet: Successful

Once again I couldn't get up to do my 90 minute Yoga routine before work, so I had to do it after work. That's okay, because my body was warmed up and probably more prepared for the workout. I did a push-up in between every vinyasa which is optional but it makes the workout just a little harder and I like that. Next week I think I'll try to do upward dog instead of cobra during each vinyasa. That going to be hard. 

I actually did the 'pretzel' move I have struggles with all these weeks. It was hard but I stayed down the whole time. Its right after Right Angle pose and you have to reach under your leg and behind your back and bring your hands together. It was pretty tough. There are only a few more poses I need to work on then I can do them all. After that it will be a matter of perfecting them all. Oh, I did the Wheel for part of the time instead of just the Bridge. That's a major improvement too! I am kind of liking this Yoga thing and I at least feel like I'm getting better at it and more flexible. 

Tomorrow is the dreaded Legs & Back. It will be hard, but I like the progress my legs are making, so it's worth it. I will try to use weights on all the exercises I can, to make it more challenging.

Day 38 - Take That My Nuggets!

Workout: Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X

Diet: Successful

I have to explain: in the workout video Tony calls one of the guy's biceps nuggets, so that's what the title means. I ripped my biceps pretty good and I loved it. With my new weights, I can use all sorts of resistance and push my muscles past what I've been able to do before. Its great. In the workout Tony also pushes your back and you get to do pull ups galore, along with back flys and lawnmowers. Basically you get to blast only two body parts for the entire hour. When I got done, I was pumped and ready for more, but my arms just couldn't quite lift anymore (and that's awesome in my book). 

Ab Ripper is still kicking my butt, but I love it. I am getting better at it again, but that isn't to say I've mastered it. After another recovery week I will be back to square one again. That's a good thing though, I want it to keep pushing me and I want to be able to improve still. If I get too used to it, my muscles will get into a routine and stop improving.

Tomorrow I get to do Yoga again. That's 90 minutes of glorious pain, and I'm actually looking forward to it. I guess I must be getting better at it. Bring It!

Day 37 - My Calf...

Workout: Plyometrics
Diet: Successful

Today was a pretty good success. I ate well throughout the day. The regular yogurt, fruit, fiber bar, and tuna sandwiches. For dinner, I made steak and potatoes, corn and pineapple. I have done pretty good at portion control and I feel good about everything.

Plyometrics is an intense workout that exhausts me and makes me sweat like no other. I kind of dread it every week, but I love it at the same time. Today was a great workout, but there was a small problem: I hurt my calf. It happened in the middle of my workout so I had to back off a little on some of the exercises. It was okay but I didn't get to push the intensity as much as I would like. I am happy that I was able to finish the exercise, because anything more serious could have easily stopped the workout all together.

I feel like my biggest gains and progress are in strength and stamina more so than in physical appearance, even though many people have told me there are changes in the way I look. I am still tired often because of the workouts, but I am slowly getting better and stronger.

Tomorrow is Back & Biceps again and I am excited! I have my new weights so I will get an incredible workout. I'll make sure to Bring the Intensity.

Day 36 - Got A New Toy!

Workout: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Diet: Semi-successful

Well, I finally did it, I spent the money and bought some new weights. These aren't just any weights, its the Bowflex Selecttech 552 weight set. They are variable weight dumbbells that make it east to switch from 5 to 52.5 lbs and almost any weight between within a few seconds. They are great and I like them a lot. I got them today so that I could use them in my workout tonight. I will post pictures etc as soon as I can but in the mean time, here is a link that will show you a bit more about them. Bowflex SelectTech 552

My workout today was exhausting! I like it when my workouts make it hard for me to move and make me tired. I forgot about Ab Ripper until I finished my first workout, but I made sure to complete it all. I am getting pretty good at pushing myself to failure. With my new weights, I got to try a whole new dimension to the workout. I got to use weights instead of resistance bands for the workout and that made a world of difference.

My biggest weakness for the day was that I had pizza for dinner. I didn't have too much, but I still ate it. I didn't get to eat much throughout the day, which also affects my diet goals, but I will do better tomorrow.

Plyometrics is tomorrow and I am looking forward to jump jump jumping my way to stronger legs. Ha. I always kind of dread the plyo workout, but it is fun and gets me pretty tired, so for that reason I like it.

Day 35 - Rest, Finally

Workout: None
Diet: Semi-successful

Today is Easter and I got to spend some of the day with my In-Laws and I got to eat plenty of good Ham and Potatoes. There was plenty of dessert but I tried to refrain and eat it in small quantities. It felt good to rest today and not have an intense workout to push my body through.

Tomorrow starts week 6, and I am ready to Bring It!

Day 34 - Martial Arts Master

Workout: Kenpo X, Ab Ripper X
Diet: Successful

Today was such an interesting day. My wife and I slept in til 12 then we ate lunch and slept again til 3:30 in the afternoon! With all that sleep you would think that I would be all rested up and ready to work out, but that was not exactly the case. My body was not ready at all and I was tight and sore from the week or exercise and work. I pushed through and finished Kenpo and Ab Ripper X, but barely. I am so looking forward to a day of rest.

This week kicked my butt! I am looking forward to the rest of Phase Two. I am trying to Bring It as much as possible. My biggest struggle is diet. With so many things going on it is easy to get fast food very often. I am trying to change that, but it is hard. I know that if I keep it up all my progress will go away, so I need to try harder and push more for a clean and healthy diet and eating schedule.

Rest tomorrow! YAY!

Day 33 - Tired of Squats

Workout: Legs & Back
Diet: Successful

I actually got up again to work out! It was a pretty good workout even though it was difficult. Legs are not my strong point. I did 106 pull ups total so that was pretty good for my back. I really enjoy this time of the week because I have only a few more routines left and I get a rest day. I didn't do Ab Ripper X today because of some time restraints but I don't feel bad about adding that exercise to the end of Kenpo X tomorrow. Its going to be tough but I'll make sure to Bring It!

I ate well today as well. I had a good breakfast and ate good food throughout the day. For dinner, my wife and I got Chick-fil-a for the road (we went to babysit my sisters children). I ate two orders of chicken nuggets and fruit. The only area I struggled with today was later in the evening while watching a show we got some chips and I had a snickers bar. Not the biggest lapse ever, but it was a lapse.

Tomorrow is the end of week 5 and I am making sure I bring the intensity. I feel pretty good about my progress even though it isn't too visible. I hope I can continue to push myself beyond my current capabilities.

Day 32 - Yoga & Cardio - In the Same Day?

Workout: Yoga X, Cardio X
Diet: Successful

Today was a bit of a different day. I got up early, but not early enough to finish the entire 90 minute Yoga X routine. I decided to split the workout at the halfway point and I did the second half after work. It went pretty well although I don't want to split the workout again if I don't have to. After I finished the second half of Yoga X I decided to do Cardio X as an additional workout for the day. I have never done that workout before so it was a new experience.

The routine is a mix of lots of moves from other workouts like Plyometrics, Kenpo X, Yoga X, and Core Synergistics. It goes by pretty fast and got me sweating a lot. It felt pretty good but it wasn't as intense as many other workouts I have done. Maybe I'm getting better and stronger or maybe it isn't supposed to be so intense because it is supplemental exercise for the program.

I ate pretty well today, and had plenty of water. I think it is getting easier not to drink soda. Today a co-worker bought sodas for everyone and offered me one. I wanted to drink one, but I resisted and I am still going strong. I hope that the desire to drink soda will be gone at the end of my 90 days, that way it will just be easier to keep healthy.

Tomorrow is Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X, which isn't new to me, but should be good since it has been two weeks since I did it. I feel like this week has been a wake up call for my body. I am not as strong as I want to be, but P90X seems to be pushing my body over the edge.

Day 31 - Back & Biceps! Ahhh!

Workout: Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Diet: Successful

I actually got up early to work out today! It felt pretty good to get moving early in the morning. It always takes me a while to get past the whole 'want to crawl back into bed' phase. Back and Biceps is an intense workout. 24 different sets alternating between back and bicep exercises, this workout is an hour of pulling and curling. By the end I couldn't move my arms easily and I was covered with sweat. I like this workout a lot.

I ate well today, got plenty of protein and water. My biggest concern is that I am so tired lately. I can hardly stay awake if I hold still very long. My joints and muscles are also pretty tired. I hope that I can get some adequate rest this weekend. I need my body to be rested and ready for the intensity of the P90X workouts. I will keep moving forward

Day 30 - Jumping Like a Rock Star!

Workout: Plyometrics
Diet: Successful

Today was a really good day. I am extremely tired and still sore from yesterdays workout, but I am happy about that. I didn't feel well when I woke up this morning, so I didn't workout in the morning. Instead I did Plyometrics in the evening. It was difficult. My recovery week changed my body somehow and now the workouts that had become easier are much more difficult. That's a good thing I suppose. Muscle confusion is the main reason there are so many workouts and options in this program. It makes it interesting and keeps your body on its toes figuratively.

I ate well today. I am finally back to tuna sandwiches for lunch. I took a break because I had some tuna salad that had celery seeds in it and it ruined my taste for any tuna at all for a while. Never use or try celery seeds, they are gross. I ate consistently throughout the day and made sure to consume plenty of protein and water. I have been drinking a lot of water lately, which is great for you.

Tomorrow is Back & Biceps and Ab Ripper X. I have not done Back & Biceps before so it will be intense and interesting. I am kind of interested to see how well I'll do seeing as that is an interesting combo of muscles to work out for so long. Well, we'll see how well I do I guess. It should rock my muscles world! X Me!

Day 29 - Back In Gear!

Workout: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X, 10 Minute Cardio
Diet: Successful

With an entire week 'off' I am so excited to bet back to the grind! I have been ready to push myself even harder and now Phase 2 is finally here. Today was excellent. I made sure to eat plenty of healthy food throughout the day. Protein galore and nothing with too much sugar or calories or carbs. I even had chicken and rice for dinner. At work we had a big breakfast with all sorts of fatty meats etc. I had fruit, orange juice and eggs. I was quite disciplined today and I feel pretty good about it.

My workout today was not completed in the morning as I had hoped. It is always difficult for me to get up especially on Monday. I did get to the workout in the evening. The workout is actually a new one to the program, meaning I have not done it as part of P90X yet. I have tried it before I started P90X and it was excellent then. It was amazing this time around! I worked myself into the ground and loved it. After Chest, Shoulders & Triceps I got right into Ab Ripper X. You'd think I'd be able to hop right in and do it with ease, but that was not the case. My week off made me softer or made my muscles heal and repair and now they can be ripped in different ways. I am excited for the challenge of Phase 2.

Tomorrow I will do Plyometrics, which isn't a new workout but it will be good and refreshing. I am hoping to lose a lot of weight and gain plenty of muscle during this Phase 2. Bring It On!

Day 28 - Phase 1 Photos

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Before Phase 1 After Phase 1 Before Phase 1 After Phase 1

Day 27 - Hmmm

Workout: Yoga X
Diet: Semi-successful

Today was a pretty relaxed day. I made sure to get up early and I did Yoga X. Because of some time restraints, I had to skip some of the poses. I didn't end up doing 'Yoga Belly 7' or 'Bridge', 'Crane', or 'Shoulder Stand to Plough'. It was still a good workout and I feel pretty good about it. I got a good stretch out of it.

My diet was pretty good, but a little lacking. I went to Cafe Rio for dinner, but I didn't eat all the food, so I feel a little better about that. I basically didn't discipline myself as much as I should have today.

Right now my main concern is my Phase 1 Photos. I hope they go well. I know that I will keep working hard no matter how they turn out. If my photos and my progress isn't where I'd like it to be, I will be sure to set new goals and push myself even harder. It's only been 27 days, so my progress isn't complete. Bring It.

Day 26 - Wow!

Workout: Core Synergistics
Diet: Not-So-Good

I started the day well, eating good foods and making sure I didn't get too hungry or too full. I ate like that the whole day really, except there were a few additions to my diet that weren't complimentary to my goals. A Rep for a freight company brought us Pie from Village Inn at work. I ate only half a piece, but I still feel that it hindered my progress some. In the evening, my wife and I ate out at Chili's. The food was good and I stayed away from soda. I even changed one of my sides to vegetables. I could tell, however, that the food was not the most healthy food I could have consumed. Not too bad, but not too good. Later when my wife and I went to a movie, I had some ice cream while we waited for the show to start, and I had sour patch kids in the movie. Overall, not such a good day in the diet sector, but I don't feel that it hindered me too much. I just need to make sure not to let things like that happen to frequently.

I also started the day well by getting up early to do my workout. It felt good and I sweat so so much again! This is the second time this week I did Core Synergistics and It was intense. I like the exercise because it feels very much like I am melting fat right off of my body.

I am almost done with my recovery week! I am getting very close to posting my first photos of my progress. I haven't a clue who or how many people actually read this, but I am hoping that my pictures show you plenty of progress. I have decided already that even if I am not satisfied with my results or even if I have not improved at all, I will keep pushing hard and make sure that I continue the P90X program with more intensity than ever before. I have also decided that I will push myself through Phase Two with as much intensity as I can bring and I will not hesitate or back off on anything. I am ready to Bring It!!!

Day 25 - Feel That Stretch

Workout: X Stretch
Diet: Semi-successful

There isn't too much to be said about today. The X stretch is never too intense and never makes me sore of fatigues me. It always is very relaxing and feels great. I actually got up early this morning to do the workout. It felt good to be so on top of things and have my workout done before even leaving the house. The only problem I have with doing my routines in the morning is that in the evening I feel lazy and my body usually has recovered by then so I am not sore or anything. Of course I'm tired and want to sleep, but its not the 'did so great on my workout and now I can't move' kind of tired.

So Stretches went well and I am actually seeing some improvement in my flexibility. I ate pretty well today and made sure to have little meals throughout the day. My one weakness: Chic-fil-a for dinner. I am trying to get enough fluid etc but it is proving to be quite difficult and I don't know why. It may have something to do with accessibility, because when I have water around, I drink it. Its only when getting it is inconvenient that I have problems.

Core Synergistics is tomorrow again. Earlier this week that exercise made me sweat like crazy. I am ready to Bring It! Recover week is almost over then we step up to the 'Big Guns': Phase Two!

Day 24 - Focus!

Workout: Kenpo X
Diet: Successful

One work can describe today's workout: Intense! I made sure to push myself in every aspect of the workout: balancing, height in my kicks and intensity in my punches. Kenpo X never made me sweat like it did today. I can't believe how much better I have got at it. I am not perfect, nor are my kicks as high as I'd like, but improvement is improvement. I still have not been able to get up in the morning for my workout, so I have been doing them in the evening. I am not sure if that increases or reduces the effectiveness of exercise...

I made sure to eat regularly today; every hour or so I had something to eat. That's all I have to say about diet today.

At my work, we are starting a three month competition: 'Biggest Loser'. I have already lost 10 lbs with P90X so I feel like I can keep it up. We will go from April through June with several competitions and a final weigh in to determine the biggest loser. I am pretty excited about the contest. There is something about having competition that usually drives me to do my best. I hope to win, but really, I am not so concerned about weight loss as I am about getting into shape. I ho[e I can keep this up....

Day 23 - Burnin' to the Core!

Workout: Core Synergistics
Diet: Successful

Today was a very good day in terms of the P90X program. I got off to a good start with good food. I was able to eat throughout the day as I have been striving to do and I had a good dinner. After my workout in the evening, I had a protein shake and plenty of water. Things are going well.

My exercise today was Core Synergistics. I have done this workout before, while I was testing the P90X workouts and it was a bit easier before. I don't know what has changed. Maybe its that my body is tired, or maybe its because I have a whole new level of intensity. Whatever it is, it worked and made this workout HARD and I sweat like I haven't in a long time. It felt so good to be beat and exhausted when I finished. I am enjoying my recovery week very much.

Kenpo X is tomorrow. I need to make sure to push myself all the way through - the Kenpo X workout seems to slow down quite a bit at the end, so I'll need to bring the intensity to make the whole workout as effective as possible.

Day 22 - Take That Half-Moon Twist!

Workout: Yoga X
Diet: Semi-successful

I'll start with a confession: I ate Panda Express today. Wow, that was a step back. But it tasted so good! I decided that needs to happen only on rare occasions. Other than that, my diet for the day was fairly good. I ate consistently throughout the day and made sure to stay away from candy. I could still work on fluid intake, but I am doing better.

I didn't meet one of my goals today. I didn't get my workout out of the way before work. Same as always, I had a very difficult time getting up. So I did Yoga X later in the evening. I am getting better at Yoga X, but there are many poses I still struggle with and need to improve. I also noticed that I need to get into a lower lunge, or lower poses. It is hard to perfect and I believe it will take some time, but I am Bringing It as much as I can each time I do the workout. There are some poses I could do this week without a Yoga Block, which is a big improvement. I need to focus this Saturday (When I do Yoga X again) to make sure I am as deep and as powerful and stretched as I can be. I am one step closer to being 'Mr. Pretzel'!

A pretty good day and a decent start to my first recovery week. Phase Two will be intense, but I am not waiting til next week to 'Bring It'. I'll make sure to ROCK Core Synergistics tomorrow!

Day 21 - Ready to Bring It!

Workout: None
Diet: Semi-successful

Today was a simple day. I didn't have work or any workout so I got to relax all day. I actually have the urge to work even harder this week than ever before. I am kind of anxious to get moving again, even though I have only 'rested' for a day.

This week is recovery week but I want to Bring It even more. I want to stretch myself and push myself. I guess I have more energy or something because I don't think I'm going to let this week be a walk in the park. I am going to make it a week of intensity as much as I can. I will be able to take my first set of progress photos within a week.

Day 20 - X Me

Workout: Kenpo X
Diet: Successful

Kenpo was pretty interesting today. I seemed to get worn out very quickly and then in the last half my second wind came and I breezed through it. I pushed myself hard the whole time and to make the workout more challenging, I did a lot of balancing. There are several moves that you kick in several directions with the same foot. In the video they place their foot down in between for balance. Tony mentions that it is an option to just stay up and balance throughout the series of moves. That's what I did and it seemed to help intensify the moves.

My favorite part of the exercise is near the end when the exercise calls for vertical punches. You get in horse stance and punch forward switching hands each time. The count is to 100 punches and they slowly increase speed. When you hit 100 punches Tony tells you to keep going faster and faster til he says stop. I love it because I get to try to punch faster and harder each time and I feel pretty good when the 'bonus' 15 seconds are up.

I ate pretty well today and did grocery shopping for next week. I had some moderate snacks throughout the day: healthy stuff like fruit and olives. For dinner I had a turkey sandwich and a SOBE LEAN. In the evening my brother and sister came over for a movie and we had some popcorn. All in all a good day and a good week. I am looking forward to my rest day tomorrow and my recovery week this coming week.

Day 19 - Knowledge is Power, Power is Change

Workout: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Diet: Successful

Wow, I am ready for recovery week. Its crazy how fast it has come. The change in routine will be nice. I will get to try a few more exercises and I get a break from some of the hardest ones. In fact, I don't have to do Chest & Back til week 9. That's not to say the workouts replacing them won't stretch me and push me to my limits, but it will be a nice change.

In my Legs & Back Workout today, I pushed harder than ever. I did more pull ups than I have before in this workout. I added weights to most of the squats and lunges, even when he says adding weights is extreme. He says adding weights is psycho and he wants me to be a psycho, so it works for me.

I ended up doing Ab Ripper X in the evening because it is hard to do two workouts in the morning before work. I am getting better at this workout and even though while I am in it it hurts and is hard, I find myself recovering from it much faster. I hope that I can find new ways to push myself in this area.

For food, I had the same struggles as I have all week. I did take my wife out to lunch at Chic-fil-a and that was good, even though not the best for me. We ended up eating garlic chicken with pasta for dinner. Very good and tasty. I am still going strong on my no soda goal. Overall, not a bad day at all. On more day of Phase 1 and I'm on to Recovery Week, which still will be challenging, but it will offer something a little different. I can't wait to get some progress photos on here to see what progress I've made visually.

Day 18 - We All Need Balance

Workout: Yoga X
Diet: Successful

Let me start out with diet today. I have been having a hard time eating all the good foods I should, as I mentioned yesterday. It was a little bit better today, but I know I am going to have to try something different. Maybe taking breaks at the same time every day to make sure I eat something. I just don't want my body to go into some 'mode' that it starts storing fat etc because it thinks it isn't getting nutrients anytime soon. I think that's what I'll do. I got to eat plenty of eggs for dinner, which were delicious and they are quite good for you. My wife makes some good eggs, putting ham and cheese in them making them just right and tasty.

Yoga X was actually pretty good today. It is a 90 minute workout so it is hard to do in the morning before work. I feel pretty good about my progress. This is the third time I have done it and I can see and feel that I am getting better. I am best at the balance poses, and love the stretching. I am improving in my weak areas noticeably. I can do some poses longer and better than I did just last week. Its pretty awesome to feel and see progress like this. Lets hope I keep getting better and that I can eventually do some of the pretzel like poses the 'Kids' in the P90X video can do.

Day 17 - Get Em' Up

Workout: Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Diet: Successful

Today was an exciting day. I like the Shoulders & Arms workout quite a bit. Like Tony says, "These are the glamour muscles". Its true and whenever I do this workout I feel like my arms are huge. Kind of funny because they haven't changed too much, but that's okay. I know that I am getting stringer. I am now trying to add more resistance and more weight. I have 25 lb. dumbbells, but I also have 5 lb. dumbbells that during certain exercises I can balance on the 25s and get 30 lb weights. I am also switching from resistance bands to weights on some of the exercises. Its pretty cool that after only 17 days, I am progressing so much in the area of strength. And even though I am tired most of the time, when I do need energy, I have it in me. Oh, today I did end up throwing up a little during the workout. Its not fun, but I know I am pushing myself hard.

My favorite part of all these workouts is when I am done, and I can hardly move, or I am sore enough I can barely wash my hair in the shower. That feels like a productive workout to me.

Today I had a harder time eating all the right foods. I didn't necessarily eat the wrong foods, but I couldn't find the time to eat well. It is getting harder at work to take time for a yogurt or a piece of fruit, but I am hoping that will change soon. It is probably just because we have just moved our warehouse and are taking time to adjust to everything and get things put away.

Tomorrow if Yoga X, which I always kind of fear, but really enjoy once I have finished it. I guess you could say I like having that part of the week behind me.

Day 16 - This is P 90 X!

Workout: Plyometrics
Diet: Semi-successful

It was so so hard to get out of bed this morning. I ended up sleeping in until about 6:40 so I didn't get to work out before work. It was a hectic day at work because we are trying to get caught up from the few days we were closed for our warehouse move. There is a lot of work to be done and I suppose I could count that as extra or alternative exercise, but I won't. I ate consistently throughout the day and tried to eat plenty of protein. I had some slim-fast type shakes (the off brand, but actually better Nutrition Facts), yogurt, a SmartOne meal, etc. In the evening I slipped a bit and went to Carl's Jr., but i didn't bid size it and I am still not drinking soda. Not drinking soda is hard for me, but I am making it!

My workout was Plyometrics and I definitely Brought It. I pushed myself harder than I ever have in this workout and I feel like it did me a lot of good. My heart rate was up the whole time, and I used up a lot of energy. I made sure I wasn't 'cheating' on any workouts by using hands to balance or jump and I made sure to move in double time whenever I could.

Tomorrow is Shoulders & Arms with Ab Ripper X. I am pretty excited. It hasn't got me too sore
before, but I am going to try to push past that and make myself sore and tired as I possibly can. Bring It!

Day 15 - Take That Chest & Back!

Workout: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Diet: Successful

This time around, I kicked Chest & Back in the Butt! I feel really good about my performance. I did end up throwing up once, but that's because I was approaching the routine with all the intensity I could muster. I worked out early in the morning, so my body had time to repair and recover. I was sore through the morning but by the late afternoon, I was feeling refreshed and as if I could do the workout again. I did Ab Ripper after work because I ran out of time in the morning. I am feeling pretty good and I want to keep bringing it big time.

I had lots of protein today. I had a protein shake this morning, and cottage cheese and fruit for lunch, carrots for a snack (with olives) and quesadillas for dinner. I had yogurt and fruit for snacks. I felt really good about diet today. I am trying to do better on water consumption, which should reduce recovery time for my body, and help me feel better.

Day 14 - I Love Rest Day!

Workout: None
Diet: Successful

Today is simple enough to summarize: rest. I got to attend church, then I took a good nap with my wife and then relaxed through the evening. No workout, no work, nothing. It feels so good to be able to slow down and think. I feel like the P90X program is doing very well for me. I am bringing it as much as I can. This next week I won't be moving a warehouse so I believe I can push myself even harder and concentrate more of my energy to the exercise. I feel like I have made some good progress. I am half way through the first Phase! One more week and I'll be on 'Recovery Week'. I am pretty excited about the changes I already see in my body. I can't wait to see what I can do after 90 days.

Day 13 - Karate Kid Returns!

Workout: Kenpo X
Diet: Successful

Well, I had to go back into work today, which is not very common for my company but since we are moving, it was kind of necessary. Luckily I was able to leave at 1pm and got to spend a lot more time with my wife than I expected. It was an excellent day, but I am really sore and tired from the past week of intense exercise and work.

Kenpo X seems to be getting easier. It was the first P90X workout that I ever tried. I put it in a month or so ago to check it out and it kicked my butt big time. I felt like I would pass out and I had to go for a cool down walk outside in the cold. This week it was kind of a breeze. I am thinking of holding weights or something to intensify it a little more. My heart rate the first time I did it got up into the 170's but today it was in the 140's when I checked it. I like the workout and it moves a lot faster than Yoga X, so that is a plus. I have decided that Kenpo X has been added to the program as a type of muscle speed training. If you get bulked up and strong with everything, but don't train your muscles to move quickly, then you will not be as versatile an athlete as one would like. It makes you a well rounded athlete.

Diet was good today. Keeping fueled and trying to make it good stuff. I did eat Chick-fil-a for lunch but that doesn't happen often. Enchiladas for dinner, which were fantastic. All in all, very productive and successful day and week. I am so excited to take tomorrow completely off. No work, and no workout!

Day 12 - Now I Know What Tired Is

Workout: Yoga X, Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Diet: Successful

Today was another long day at work. We are almost completely moved. I will have to go in tomorrow (Saturday) to finish up. After getting home at about 7:30, my wife and I decided to catch up on yesterdays missed workout, and to complete today's workout; not an easy task. It was 2 hours and 45 minutes of exercise and it made me so sore. I was pretty tired already because of work, and then Yoga mixed with Leg exercise did me in. Ab Ripper X (which as Tony says, 'I hate it, but I love it') was the cherry on top.

My diet was pretty good and I tried to keep my body well fueled throughout the day as I worked. Our company had a BBQ so I did eat some junk, but I limited my portions and I did not drink any soda (which was very hard because everyone around me had all sorts of soda). Diet is something that I am working on, but it is probably the most difficult part of this whole program.