That’s right people. I made it. I have completed my first 90 Days of P90X.

People ask me…does it work? I’ll let you be the judge.

I also lost 8.5 inches between my hips, waist and chest, but only 3 lbs. My goal had been 10.

For 2 years, I have been using other exercise DVDs to try and do push ups. Doing them from my knees was even a struggle. By week 3 on P90X, I started doing them off of my toes. I can now do 12 in a row off of my toes, and I did almost 60 of them in the last push up workout. I also have done a few pull ups. That seems like a small miracle to me. The yoga and stretching workouts have helped me gain more flexibility. I couldn’t even touch my toes before. Now, I can almost put my hands flat on the floor. And this fitness had bled over into other exercises. I did my first run in a couple months last week and found that my time for a 5 mile run was actually faster than what I had been running at last summer, when I put in 15-20 miles a week.

This was more than a journey to look better. It was, for me, an opportunity to feel better. Since altering my diet and adding muscle mass, I have had more energy than I have had in years. I do occasionally get that after lunch lull, but most often, I find I have more than enough to get me through. I think I already mentioned that I have stopped drinking coffee at a break neck pace. This too is a result of the program – not having time in the morning (or inclination) for a hot beverage. Instead, I have a recovery drink post workout, and move on with my day.

I am discovering that I am stronger and now can physically do more things. Today I pushed the stroller with one hand and held the over anxious dogs with the other, having no problems with that arrangement. I have moved lots of furniture in the last week (new floors all around here) by myself.

I also have a whole new group of friends that I met on the Beach Body Message boards. As we all go through our workouts together, we encourage one another – celebrating successes, and lifting one another up through failures. I love our group. We are all different ages, body sizes, etc, but yet the workout binds us. If you decide to do P90X, I encourage you to create a “free” membership at teambeachbody.com. Find a group of folks starting out around the same time as you are. Be open and honest, share your story. It’s a blast!

Someone also asked me what you need to get started with P90X. The DVDs, obviously, a yoga mat, yoga block, weights or resistance bands, a place to do pull ups – if that’s your choice, you can also use resistance bands for that option – a chair for a few exercises, and a fan. Yeah, you’re going to sweat a little. I used the bands on my first round of P90X. I plan to use some weights and also start working my way to pull ups.

Exercise, for me, is a foundation of good health. At 42, this is more important to me than ever. P90X has helped me to strengthen that foundation. Are you ready to feel better and change your life???? Then BRING IT!

I have just finished my 3rd week of P90X and I have seen results, I have mentioned them in many a post here, but will put them all together now for clarity.

No of Push ups off my toes on Day 1 – 1/2 (I could almost do it)
No of Push ups off my toes on Day 22 – 8 in a row. If I rest, I can do more….

My last pull up before P90X – 6th physical fitness tests
No. of Pull Ups done – 1, a huge one. I couldn’t even pull my ears to my elbows before

No. of #s on Day 1 – 145
No of #s on Day 22 – 140 – haven’t been here in 7 years

Inches lost on waist, hips, chest (total) – 4.5 (yikes, that was fast)

# of french fries consumed in the last 3 weeks -00, not even a stray from Old McDonalds

Mornings are still early, but mostly I feel better overall. I can’t believe it. Truly I can’t. I have been trying for almost 3 years to get rid of the last of my post pregnancy stuff, and it’s going. What will it be like at day 90?

I’m just shy of the 3 week mark on P90X and already seeing some mild results. I have only lost 3 lbs., but have shaved 1.5 inches off my waist, about an inch off my hips, and 2 inches off of my chest. I didn’t measure anything else, but was happy to see those numbers. I’ve also been able to fit into some clothing a little better. I really don’t have much weight to lose – maybe 10 more lbs., but it’s really the definition I’m after.

I think that much of my success can be traced to the diet. Now, I’m not a calorie counter. I kind of wing it a little. But honestly I am eating so few calories compared to a couple of weeks ago, that it’s really helping. The exercise helps, too, as I can see slight definition in certain areas.

It hasn’t been a cake walk by any means. I think part of doing this program through the first time is just figuring out how to do the exercises correctly to maximize results, so that you don’t cheat. It’s easy to do, especially without someone looking over your shoulder. And sometimes, I just can’t do it right, but I try to get closer every time – looking for the burn. The Ab Ripper workout is one area where this is the case. I had a little meltdown. ALL MENTAL mind you. Just didn’t want to do it. But I’m still persevering.

Next week is a “recovery” week for me. No weight training, just some crazy core work, yoga and cardio.

What can I say that would make this post interesting and intriguing to those who are googling P90X? I finished week 2. Let’s talk about week 2.

The Workouts
I had a great week 2 – especially in the weight training area. I switched to what is called the “Classic” rotation form the “Lean”. (Means I do weights 3x per week instead of 2x.) I went into the Chest and Back Track (push ups and pull ups) and made it through. I’m using the exercise tubes for the pull up option. And you know what? They work – big time. And I love it. I really enjoy this type of weight training as each exercise only lasts roughly 30-60 seconds, and then your off on the next round. It’s as hard as I want to make it, and the more I go, the harder I want to make it. I continue to struggle with Yoga, but I can see progress there. Plyometrics was also really tough and challenging.

The Eating
I relaxed my thinking this week, just shooting for more protein, and keeping my calories low. I still need to work on my breakfasts. I really get behind there and just need more calories. I’m still trying to figure out how to integrate with nightly family meals.

Results
3 lbs. lost so far. I’ve done 5 push-ups on my toes in a row. Number prior to P90X – 0. I feel better. I seem to have a lot of energy and get so much done in a day. I can see some definition starting in my abs and my hubby reports he notices the difference in my back and shoulders. I’m stunned that things are progressing so quickly. It seems I’ve done other workouts for months with nothing to report.

The journey continues. I have an off day tomorrow and am hopping on board for Week 3 starting Monday!

Last week, I wrote a review on Jari Love’s, Get Extremely Ripped workout DVD. Today, I’m just going to give a brief overview of the rest of her Get Ripped Series.

Unless otherwise noted, for all workouts, you will need dumbbells, plates or a barbell and an aerobic step

Get Ripped - (The original)
Time – About 45 Minutes
The Workout – This DVD is the perfect introduction to at-home weight training, and the very foundation of the entire ripped series. It starts with a warm-up and works through all the major muscle groups with basic weight training moves including chest presses, squats, lunges, dead lifts, biceps, triceps, abs and more. Workout is low weight, high reps – meant to tone your body and not build bulk. The “Rippers” demonstrate the exercises using various modifications for all fitness levels. Love leads the workout and provides detailed instructions on how to do each exercise correctly, to avoid injury and maximize results.

Get Ripped Slim and Lean
Time – About an Hour
The Workout – In Slim and Lean, Love takes over where she left off in the original “Ripped”. Again, she presents a low weight, high rep workout that will work all major muscles groups. Many of the exercises include “pulse” options and isometric holds – different from the last dvd. Workout finishes with abs and a stretch.

Get Ripped to the Core
Time – About an Hour
The Workout – This Ripped workout takes the same high rep, low weight approach, but instead uses compound exercises in every segment. What’s a compound exercise? It’s designed to work multiple muscle groups at the same time. For example, one exercise segment has you moving from a deadlift (works legs and back) into a bicep curl. In another, you will do step ups and shoulder raises. Incredibly, it seems like you’re not doing much, but they do work. You will sweat and your heart rate will elevate as you move through this routine. And again, it’s all about modifications, as the rippers demonstrate different weights and variations for all fitness levels.

Get Ripped 1000
Time – About an Hour
The Workout – Aerobic intervals combine with compound exercises, is the concept behind this workout. It’s designed to burn lots of calories. After your warm-up, you’ll do a 2 minute simple aerobic segment that will get your heart rate pumping. Next will be a weight segment, typically with a compound exercise. Then it’s back to aerobics. The workout is similar to previous workouts with a high rep, low weight concept and multiple modifications on the exercises. One ripper demonstrates the various moves and exercises without a step to assist.

Get Ripped and Chiseled
Time – About an Hour
The Workout – Similar to previous workouts, except exercises are grouped according to muscle groups. These groups are worked to exhaustion and you might find yourself lightening up your load by the time your reach the last exercise in a particular group. The rippers again, show you how to get it done, no matter your fitness level.

My Thoughts -
Overall Impression – I have been doing these workouts for more than two years, and have really enjoyed them and seen results by using them. I had never done weight training workouts at home before I picked up my first Ripped workout. I find them challenging, and fun. I enjoy Jari’s personality and seeing the diversity of the “rippers”. Love gives a lot of good information on how to do exercises correctly, which has helped me tremendously. While these workouts are similar, there is some diversity here, really something for everyone. Many of the DVDs include great bonus features about how to do exercise correctly, what’s behind the Ripped workouts and even recipes.

Shelly’s Ripped Tip List
My Favorite - Ripped and Chiseled
My Least Favorite – Ripped 1000 (Mostly because my bunion is irritated by some of the aerobic moves, totally personal)
Best for Beginners – Original “Ripped”
For Functional Exercises – Ripped to the Core
My Usual Workout – Slim and Lean

When using these workouts, you must make sure that you challenge yourself. That has been my downfall here. After a shoulder injury 18 months ago, I have been hesitant to increase my weights and push myself through. Challenge yourself with these and don’t be afraid to take breaks. I made the most strides when I did that type of workout.

One Thing I Wish Was In the Workout - Someone Using Resistance Tubing. I’ve recently done some workouts with resistance tubing instead of dumbells. And it is fantastic. Wow. Many of the exercises could be modified to include a resistance ripper. Bands are an inexpensive alternative to having to invest in weights.

The Last WordLove the workouts. Great alternative to going to the gym for those who prefer at-home exercises.

You can watch previews of all of these workouts on Love’s website.

Note: I was not paid to provide a review of these workouts, and have no affiliation with the Get Ripped program. These are my opinions based on my own experience with the above products.

I’m finishing out my first week of P90X. Gosh, do I feel good! That’s an added benefit of eating right and exercising. Generally, it contributes to your overall well being, and state of mind as well as helping you get in shape. I’ve managed to pull myself from bed every morning and get in 60-90 minutes of exercise. Amazing stuff.

My eating is evolving. I’m struggling with the concept of a high protein diet. Honestly, I just feel like cutting back, eating a little better and eating smaller portions. But I’m going to fight it for one more week to see where it gets me. Previously, I’ve been an all day snacker. Now, my meals are more divided with definitive snacks – primarily protein bars. A few times, I have pulled out 2-3 tortilla chips, just to get me through the rough times. But mostly I’ve been “eating clean” as they say.

The workouts have been fun, too. I like that they are broken down into small segments, which encourages you to push yourself harder, knowing that you’ll be done in 30 seconds. Any one can suffer for 30 seconds. I have realized that I’m not in any kind of shape at this moment. My abs are the worst. I can hardly get through the Ab Ripper X workout. Sad. I used to be able to do sit ups until there was no tomorrow. But I’m going to get those days back. Just wait.

Next week, I’ll be switching to the “Classic” Routine, which includes weight training on M, W, F, a cardio routine on Tues, Yoga on Thursday and Martial Arts on Friday. Fun stuff.

Stay tuned, for more adventures in P90Xland. So far, I have not been disappointed.

Yeah, I caved. I’m in it up to my eyeballs. I’ve been lusting after the P90X program. Knowing more and more participants in it was just pushing at me. Nothings been working on the exercise side. Even having gym access has been a no go with the kiddos ready for summer. I needed something at home for the early morning. And honestly, this was perfect. There are three rotations in P90X, Classic, Doubles and Lean. I started out thinking I’d go lean, but now I’m pushing it all the way. Yeah, that.

This week so far, I’ve completed these workouts:

Monday – Core Synergistics – man this one is tough. But works the whole core.
Tuesday – Cardio X – A mix of 4 different workouts.
Wednesday – Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper – I couldn’t even finish the abs, it was so touch. I lay their on the floor bobbing back and forth.
Thursday – Yoga X – I got a long way to go on my flexibility.

And oh yeah, there’s a diet. I know, I don’t diet. But I am embracing this with enthusiasm, so I’m trying. Phase 1 is a high protein, low carb thing. Yeah, I love carbs. So, I’m in pain here after 4 days. Here’s what I ate today:

Pre Workout (Snack)
Protein Bar

Breakfast (Shake, 1 protein, 1 veggie, 1/2 dairy)
Recovery Shake
Scrambled Egg Whites with 1 c peppers/mushrooms and 1/2 string cheese stick

Lunch (1 protein, 1/2 condiment 1/2 carb)
4 oz Canned Chick mixed with 1 T mayo
1 slice of bread

Dinner (2 protein, 1/2 condiment, 1 veg, 1 fruit, 1 fat)
1 hamburger grilled lean with smattering of ketch/mustard
1/2 cup of rice/beans (1/2 carb)
Smoothie with spinach, fruit, flax, protein

What’s left?
1 protein, 1 1/2 dairy and 1 snack…hmmm. This is supposed to be 1800 calories per day. I’m thinking my previous eating was like 3000 a day.

Crazy stuff, people.

Anyway, I do feel great. I’m even giving up caffeinated coffee.

So, this adventure begins….more to come.

I haven’t posted much about my fitness journey, because I’ve hit some bumps in the road. One week I’ll be on, one off. I have no motivation. My life is fluttering around me, and I’d rather be sitting in a chair than moving. Yeah, that bad…

The good news is, I haven’t been doing nothing – just not the things that I plan to do. I’ve been lowering the bar. (Wow, I feel like the VA schools systems.) And honestly, just getting out there and doing stuff has been enough.

Now, preschool is finishing up for my little guys, and I will have a little more breathing room in the morning. I’m hoping to start getting up before 7 and being on it by 7. This is my last week of fudging it. Next week it all begins new.

And, I’m taking notes, measurements and pictures. By the end of the summer, everyone’s going to know that something is up…stay tuned.

I’ve been an avid exerciser for about the last 15 years of my life. I’ve tried lots of different things – aerobics, biking, weights, running, yoga, kickboxing, yada, yada yada. Never have I started on any workout endeavor in January.

Why? Isn’t that the time to get going? It’s a brand new year? How about that New Year’s Resolution?

In my book, January is the hardest month of the year to exercise. The weather is cold, the sunshine is limited and our family is mostly lower energy at this time. Although I am continuing to pursue physical fitness in both January and February, those are the months I back down a little, work on some household projects and try to come up with a plan for the rest of the year. I might try a new activity or research one during this time to see if it’s something I add to my routine. Once the warm weather starts rolling in and the sun shines more brightly, I’m ready to engage.

And, I don’t beat myself up for my lower energy during this time. Instead, I just focus on my other things and go to it. I make the most of the workouts I do do. I try and create positive mental energy and build motivation.

I think that so many Resolutions go bad because of this very thing. There is too much to battle, and by the time a break comes, the exerciser want-to-be is already frustrated and has lost the motivation.

Are you struggling with your New Year’s workout right now? I encourage you not to lose heart. Don’t beat yourself up. Do what you can now. Walk if nothing else. Wait it out. When the weather starts to break, be prepared to up the anti and push yourself a little harder. Set yourself up for success and go for it!

I’m a runner again, at least for a day. On Sunday, I dusted off my running shoes, pulled on the “official” technical running apparel and set myself in motion. Our beautiful 50 plus degree weather was part of the motivation – having my husband home to watch the kids was the other.

I chose a modest route, kept myself mostly on dirt trails rather than pavement and just ran. After I got over the initial chill of the breeze, I disappeared inside my head to think about the many things that cross my mind. And trust me, I am never bored.

Occasionally, I was rise from my thoughts to avoid another walker/runner/dog/tree route and then push myself harder. Not that I was going super fast at all, but it has been 2 months since the rubber has met the road. And on and on I went through the trail.

And in the end, as I climbed out of the trails and back on the road to my house, I was ready to be done. I wasn’t completely spent, but I could already feel my thigh muscles beginning to throb – they’d forgotten about impact already.

I pushed myself those last 100 yards to the finish mark and stopped. One of my neighbors rode by smiling at my shorts and t-shirt. I waved. Then I walked the half block back to my home smiling.

Smiling, because sometimes a run, any run is the best cure for all that ails your soul.