That's right. I'm finally taking part in the Tony Horton, P90X phenomenon.
As you can clearly see, I've already done three days worth of exercises, hence the "87" in the title. Before I discuss this any further, allow me to provide you, the reader, with a bit of history regarding my fitness level:
Name: Pete
Age: 37
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 204 lbs.
BMI: 29.3 (Overweight (partially inaccurate, as a pinch test reveals that my true BMI is closer to 25 (which is still slightly overweight, but not by much)))
Exercise: Daily - mixture of martial arts (Tae Kwon Do), biking, yoga and weights
Eating Habits: Mostly healthy - around 2500 calories per day
Overall fitness level: Very good
Most of my weight is centered around the midsection, what many refer to as a "beer gut". This is due to a number of poor eating habits, most of which came on during the time I was on anti-depressants. Sad, but true. Given all of my above factors, I came to the conclusion that the time was right to jump into the P90X program and on Monday, October 4th, 2010, my new exercise program began.
Day 1: Chest and Back
I was pretty pumped when I popped in the video. I knew it would be tough, but I was looking forward to the challenge. On the whole, it was difficult, but I spent most of the time finding the proper weights and doing smaller amounts of reps - still enough to make me sweat buckets, but not enough to take me down too much. I found the exercises very logical, easy to understand and well presented - Tony Horton's sense of humor is a tad bit cheesy, but he is always amusing. He's also supportive and also drives you to want to continue.
Ab Ripper X followed this routine. Ab Ripper X is, as I'm sure you've surmised, a workout video intended to help tone your abdominal area. It was hard as nails, but worth every moment. I couldn't keep up with the trainers and I know I felt like I wasn't doing a good job, but in the end, I gave it my best and I know I'll get better each and every session.
Day 2: Plyometrics
The second day of the program started the same as the first - I was filled with excitement and looked forward to the workout ahead. I was a tad bit sore from the previous day, but wasn't about to let that bother me. I pressed play and began the jumping program they call "Plyometrics"...
And I swear I was going to die after I was finished.
I pride myself on the condition of my legs - I have pretty well defined quads and while my hamstrings and calves are on the tight side, I thought I could handle this program easily. It was a lot of fun, there is no doubt, but it was grueling and my legs were worked in ways I didn't know they could work. Easily the most difficult day so far! Couple that with the cardio Tae Kwon Do class I taught earlier that day and I burned an easy 2500 calories! :)
Day 3: Shoulders and Arms
When I awoke this morning and climbed out of bed, I was met with legs that were pretty pissed off and wanted to make me very aware of this fact. My quads really were sore and I DO mean sore. I didn't let it bug me, but they are still sore and I'm hoping they feel better in the morning. Working through the doms, I went on with the program for day three - Shoulders and Arms. Thankfully, this was an easier workout, but when I say easier, I mean to say that it didn't fully destroy me! It was a great workout and I felt it a lot. Great exercises, great instructions... just great!
So tomorrow is Yoga day, a full 90 minutes of one of my favorite relaxations activities - though P90X style! :) Suffice to say, my pain level is mostly leg based and while it's somewhat high, I'm just going to work through it. I have Tae Kwon Do in the morning, so I'll use that to stretch and loosen myself up, but it's going to be a rough first few weeks, at least until my body acclimates. :)
I'll report back tomorrow with an update!
Until then.
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