Day 36: Chest, Shoulders, &Triceps, and Ab Ripper X

I still hate push-ups. I want to try to upgrade to normal push-ups rather than do them on my knees, but these push-up exercises are tough. I'm awful at the One Arm Balance Push-Ups, even on my knees. It's frustrating, but the shoulder and triceps exercises make up for it. I like those exercises.

I had said in a previous blog that I wanted to try a different Ab Ripper, however the one in P90X Plus is a Ab Ripper/total Core workout and seems more like a Core Synergistics type thing. But I'm so sick of Ab Ripper!

Day 29: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, and Ab Ripper X

Okay, wow. I wasn't expecting for my arms to feel like Jell-O again, but they certainly did. Muscle confusion to the max! I was expecting similar exercises to what we did in phase 1, and looking to go up in weights. WRONG. I didn't realize how many different ways you could do a push-up.

For starters, that Slow-Motion 3-in-1 push-up was killer. What a way to start off! Pike Press? Oh, my. Actually, all the various push-ups were intense and made me want to cry. Ugliness all around!

I was expecting a change-up in Ab Ripper, considering it's the start of a new phase. Although, I still haven't mastered it yet, so I guess there's no point in switching it up then, huh?

Plyo tomorrow! Yay!!

Day 15: Chest & Back, and Ab Ripper X

Yay! It's week 3 already! Time is just flying by. I took some measurements this morning, along with my weight. I've gained exactly 3 pounds since I started, and lost 0.5% body fat. My measurement haven't changed that drastically. The only changes were in my waist (lost 1 inch) and my hips (lost 0.5 inch). I was hoping I'd see at least a 0.25 inch lost in my arms and legs, but no such luck. The time will come. I must be patient.

I didn't watch the DVD today. Instead, I went by the book and did the exercises in front of the TV to change things up a bit. More fun that way! I also bought 30 lbs resistance bands (that was the highest they had at Dick's, or at least from what I saw) and used them in addition to my pull-up bar. I would do what I could on the pull-up bar (with the assistance of a chair, of course), then head to my resistance bands and do more. I can feel it in arms and back, and I think it'll supplement the workout nicely. Military and diamond push-ups are getting easier, but my dive bombers are still ugly. I can't wait until I can do 1 nice dive bomber!

Plyo tomorrow! Yesss!!!

Start of Week 2, Day 8: Chest & Back, and Ab Ripper X

Chest & Back went by so quickly! Last week, I remember it seemed to take FOREVER to get through the workout. What a huge turnaround! I don't feel nearly as exhausted, and my arms don't feel like Jell-O (although, I can feel something in my arms...it's not like I didn't work them out!). Maybe it's psychological, maybe my neuromuscular system is adapting. Either way, this created a huge surge in my confidence. I will be able to get through the 90 days! Woo!

I can say the same for Ab Ripper X. It went by in no time. I can't help but smile when we're about to do the Mason Twist when Tony says that we may do some extra and he licks his lips. His little quirks and phrases are growing on me.

I looked on Ebay for yoga blocks. I didn't realize how expensive they are for what they are. $20 for 2 blocks? Really? It's just foam. So, I think I'm going to wait a bit until I get my Dick's Sporting Goods rewards certificate and go that route. Free is good.

Day 1: Chest & Back, and Ab Ripper X

CHEST & BACK
I started this DVD knowing that this wasn't going to be good. Push-ups and pull-ups are my weaknesses. I modified the exercises by doing all push-ups on my knees and used a chair to assist with my pull-ups. I used 15 lbs weights for the exercises that involved free weights. I also took longer breaks between each move, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do any reps for the next exercise. I felt like Jell-o after the first run-through. I decided to take an extended break to recover, so I could come back strong for the 2nd time. Still, I crapped out during the second run-through despite my break. Now that it's said and done, I can really feel it in my arms, and I'm afraid of how they're going to feel tomorrow...

AB RIPPER X
I couldn't do 25 reps for most of the moves. In fact, I couldn't do any of the feifer scissors. Overall, this was a hard workout. It was one move to the next. It'll be nice when I can finally keep up with the video!