As I mentioned in my last post, I've decided to blog my P90X3 (Power 90 Days Extreme - yes that is what P90X stands for!) journey so that others could get a feel for if the program would be good for them. I also like the fact that writing the blog will help me track my results and I can take note of improvements in reps and form. PLUS - it keeps me ACCOUNTABLE to myself. Do you struggle with motivation? FIND something to keep you accountable to yourself. Keeping a diary of your workouts, pairing up with a friend for your workouts or joining a BeachBody Online Challenge Group (ask me if you'd like info on ours!) are super ways to ensure you stay committed!
So now that week one is in the books - here's a little summary of the program. First off, I'm following the "Classic" schedule. There are four different schedules that you can follow based on the outcome that you desire.
1) Classic - Total Body Fitness. Traditional balance of cardio and resistance + standard Muscle Confusion will help you gain muscle, lose fat and increase mobility.
2) Lean - The lean rotation is intended for those who are looking for a more toned look. It's not necessarily better for weight loss. (My first thought was this was the schedule to follow for weight loss so I wanted to share this info!) Both Lean and Classic can work equally well, but instead of muscle hypertrophy you'll target functionality, mobility and cardiovascular fitness. You'll still gain some muscle, you'll still lose fat and you'll still get strong - you'll just stay lean.
3) Mass - If you're looking to bulk up as opposed to getting ripped, follow the mass schedule. On this program you'll have to eat A LOT because gaining muscles takes calories, probably more than you're used to. (Follow the X3 nutrition guide that comes with the program - but calculate for gain rather than loss).
4) Doubles - You should probably complete one round of P90X3 first, before taking on the doubles schedule. Without a proper base, doubles will break you down beyond your body's ability to recover. However, it can help to accelerate both fitness gains and weight loss for those who are ready for it!
Back to week 1 following the CLASSIC schedule:
Block 1 - you follow this rotation for Weeks 1-3
Day 1 - Total Synergetics
Day 2 - Agility X
Day 3 - X3 Yoga
Day 4 - The Challenge (Yikes)
Day 5 - CVX
Day 6 - The Warrior
Day 7 - Rest
Total Synergetics: Full body resistance workout featuring compound movements, which utilizes multiple muscle groups in every exercise. This was an intense kick off to start the program! Workout included Push-Up/Side Arm Balance ( I was able to get through this but need to work on form), Crescent Chair (works your core and tough on the legs!) Pull-Ups (I still can't do a pull- up lol so I used resistance bands instead), Crunches, Squats, and moves with dumbbells.
Over all - I was able to complete all of the moves except the pull-ups, but really need to see improvement with form. Since it was the first time I've done some of these moves, I had to watch Tony and his gang do a rep or two before doing it myself so I'm looking forward to doing this one again next week now that I know what the moves consist of.
Agility X: Full body workout with "targets". You'll need floor tape for this workout so read the guide that comes with the program BEFORE you're scheduled to do this workout so you can have your workout area ready. The floor targets dictate movement. This workout includes both aerobic and anaerobic energy and focuses on precision, power, flexibility, balance and strength. As opposed to traditional cardio, the targeted movements force explosion, deceleration and proprioceptive adaptions leading to an increased ability to move effortlessly for extended periods of time.
I liked this workout because it was completely different from any workout I've ever done. But I did not read the book prior to my 5 AM workout so I was not prepared and didn't have the tape targets on the floor. Because I was pushed for time I improvised and used imaginary targets. I'm interested to experience this one with the real targets on the floor next week.
The Challenge: The workout is just like the name implies, CHALLENGING! I knew this ahead of time, though because my son warned me haha. The Challenge is nothing more than stacked push-ups and pull-ups in various forms.
For me, this workout is really tough because I don't have a ton of upper body strength yet. I can get through the push-ups (but again, need to work on form) and I cannot do a pull-up at all. For now, I modified and used resistance bands but next week I am going to try using the chair for assistance. Here is a great video on how to use a chair for assistance with pull-ups that I found online!
X3 Yoga - UGH. I think I am just not made for yoga LOL. I do not have much experience with yoga other than a class I have taken once or twice. I really WANT to be good at yoga because it improves musculoskeletal flexibility, balance, stamina, body awareness and core strength. (Plus you can find the cutest yoga pants online haha).
This round I had to do a lot of watching first, to figure out WHAT I was supposed to be doing. I think I did more watching than doing. There are 32 different moves crammed into this 30 minute workout. Thank goodness nobody was watching because I completely face planted when I tried THE CROW haha. My favorite move came at the end - the Shavasana! Can you relate?? Definitely will be interesting to see if I can get better with this and find a love for yoga.
CVX: Most awesome cardio workout! CVX combines resistance with intervals in order to increase the impact across every energy system. Basically this is cardio with dumbbells! Great for strengthening the core. I think this has been my FAVORITE workout so far. Definitely feel the burn when you're done! I was able to do this workout and follow them onscreen pretty well. Only goal I am setting for next week on this one is perfecting my form and using more intensity.
The Warrior: Total-body workout! No Equipment! This is the workout Tony designed for the U.S. Armed Forces!! (Now if that doesn't make you feel like a beast for completing it, I don't know what will!) This workout includes both upper and lower body resistance with core and cardio work. Think Push-Ups, Squats, Lunges, Burpees and Think Drills.
This one is probably my second favorite workout!! Was able to do most of the moves (still weak w/ push-ups and need to work on form) but will focus next week on perfecting form and increasing intensity now that I know the moves.
So there you have it! What I've learned is that anyone can do this workout regardless of your fitness level, so long as you go at your own speed and modify when needed. Even Tony says, "do your best and forget the rest".
Think you're too busy to workout? Think again! If you'd like to join our online accountability group, contact me! You can get the P90X3 Challenge Pack for an amazing sale price through January 31st! Save over $60!!!! Hurry! You won't regret it! Bring a friend or make some new amazing friendships within our group! We want you!
Watch the P90X3 promo video here!
Make sure to follow this blog! Next week I will get into the Science behind P90X and WHY it works. Plus - I'll keep you up to date with my own personal progress with the program.
Talk to you soon!
Sandy
