P90X - I'm about to embark on insanity

[stoney321]

I like being fit. I used to be fit. I had a six pack, I could do pull ups, military-style push ups, and then I had babies. Well, I want to get fit again. I want Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2 arms. I don't want to be scary like Madonna is now, I just want strength, some good muscle tone, and to be able to knock out a few dozen pull ups. I have some friends that have done P90X and it's astounding, if you really do it. This isn't a program you can half-ass, this is not for couch potatoes (although it would certainly help) this is a hard core program that promises massive changes in 90 days. You have to eat the foods they tell you, push yourself when they tell you, and the guy on the cover is 50 and he does a pull up, HANGS UP THERE, and goes side to side. Dude. I wanna be that 50 year old. ;D Check out this girl doing pull ups!!

Anyway, there are some great bits of info that come with the booklets that I thought y'all could benefit from, for those of you who are into healthy living, fitness, etc.

Okay, number one is the body fat target chart. I like that they're REASONABLE here. When I tried working out with a trainer last summer and he made me feel like shit for having 22% body fat and wanted me down to 15? Eff you, dude, I like having boobs. I also have no dreams of being an "elite athlete." I'm no Flo-jo, and don't want to be THAT cut. I like being a lady. so here's the chart:

****** Fit Range / Athlete Range / Elite Athlete Range
MALES 14 - 17% / 10 - 13% / 4 - 9%
FEMALES 21 - 24% / 16 - 20% / 12 - 15%


Next is your resting metabolic rate (RMR). This is the number of calories you need to breathe, pump blood, blink, etc. The bare amount to stay alive and barely function. :)

YOUR BODY WEIGHT x 10 = RMR (remember when I told you this? This is how much you can eat and NOT CHANGE.)

Calculate your daily activity burn, how many calories are needed for daily movement in exercise. (This is a ballpark estimate depending on the KIND of exercise, life you lead.)

YOUR RMR x 20% = DAILY ACTIVITY BURN

The calories required for your exercise needs, and in the P90X program, they figure 600 calories a day. You have to eat for this program to work. (I love how that sounds.)

YOUR RMR + DAILY ACTIVITY BURN + 600 = ENERGY AMOUNT

In the program, they want you to take that number and figure out where in the program you should start, which one of the three levels. They're also big proponents of improving your metabolic rates (turnonmyheels knows all about this - *cries for booze avoidance*) by interval eating. This means grazing throughout the day to keep your pistons fired. You HAVE to have breakfast. No questions asked. You're also supposed to have a healthy snack three hours before bedtime, and if you don't, you should consume a SMALL protein shake before you go to bed to help digest those leftover carbs.

Normally I hate this kind of regimented lifestyle. I mean, it's like we're trying to recreate Sparta. (I. AIN'T. SPARTAAAAAA!) but I want to get hard core, I'm gonna have to be hard core. SIGH.

And no more junk food in my house. We don't have a lot, but we do have crackers and other "boxed" foods like that. Here's their list of no nos:

Anything high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugar.
cookies, pastries, candy, processed meats (waah, I love salami) chips, soda, high sodium frozen foods, canned soups. If you think it's junk food, it probably is.

They say that the number one problem with people attempting a diet plan and it not working is because they underestimate portion size. I have a scale, and that's something I've been working on as it is, so this will be a good reminder of how to properly portion out stuff. Other problems include: skipping meals, eating off schedule, over emphasizing certain food groups (I'm looking at you, Atkins diet of awfulness) not planning food choices ahead, skimping on fruits and veggies.

HYDRATION SCHEDULE:
6 - 8 12 oz. glasses of water every day. (And WATER water, not Vitamin water, carbonated water, etc.)

12 oz. water 2 hours before exercise
8 - 12 oz. water 15 - 30 minutes before exercise
4 - 8 oz. water every 15 minutes DURING exercise.

(I foresee lots of potty breaks - I'm a camel when I work out...)

Another thing I think is cool about this workout is that they have a meal plan for Vegans/Vegetarians, too.

Okay. I'm going in. I've had my water, I've had some fruit and oats, and it's time to put Disc 1 in the DVD and laugh at how little I'm able to do. :D I did the yoga disc a few weeks ago (my husband bought this program a few months ago. It's been collecting dust in the closet ever since. Harrumph.) and it absolutely kicked my butt. YOGA. I know, I know, you yoga aficionados out there know it can be tough, but I'm talking TOUGH. There was nothing Om about this workout, it was meant to make you sweat and moan in agony. \o/

If I say this stuff publicly, I'm more inclined to stick with it and not be a wiener. LET'S DO THIS. If you don't hear from me in a few days, that's because I had a heart attack and died. I'd like to be cremated and everyone to have a rip roaring party in my honor, thx. Maybe play "Think of Laura" and have a karaoke jam, or something. ;)

Comments

[kurukami.livejournal.com]

I'm totally going to check this out. I long for that kind of solid, strong fitness, and I've only rarely even come close to that kind of lean wiry muscle that I so want to approach. (I think I came kind of close on my bike trek last year, but that didn't give me anywhere near the core strength or upper arm strength that the demonstrators in that video are clearly displaying.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

I just finished the first workout and it's a KILLER but in a good way. It's paced well, it's randomized so you never get completely fatigued, and you feel like a badass when you're done. I HIGHLY recommend this, whoa.

*shakes out arms*

[harmonyfb.livejournal.com]

Dude, I couldn't do pull-ups. Ever. I harbor no illusions about my upper body strength. I just want to find my waist again.

::screws determination to the sticking place::

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

They allow you a chair to rest a foot on for pull ups - I had to resort to that (just finished the chest/arms workout.) Holy crap. I thought I was pretty fit, and now I just feel like a worn out slug. BUT! I'm totally stoked to do this tomorrow, too.

[sealwhiskers.livejournal.com]

During the pull-ups..I think it kinda helps that the trainer looks a lot like Michael T. Weiss from the Pretender!

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

I don't know who that is!

But the pull ups were total killers. YAY!

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

I was total fail for The President's Fitness Challenge because I couldn't do 3 pull ups! Man, I really wanted that patch for my gym shirt...

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Dude. I just finished the "chest and arms" portion and I'm shaking. Holy crap, even with a cheater chair for the pull ups, I'm worn the hell out.

AWESOME.

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Ahahaha! I bet you can find that patch on EBay!

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

That is totally cheating *already looked*

[beadattitude.livejournal.com]

I will sing "Rapper's Delight" for you, either way. Fit and buff or burnt up and stuff. You go, baby.

Now if I can just find something like this for the partially disabled. GRAR.

Did you know I was banned from yoga? I'm too flexible. I did not know that was possible. Also, apparently too competitive, because I'll go, "Oh yeah, you want my legs to go where? Bring it, beyotch." And I'd do it, but then suddenly my legs would go numb.

So, yeah, banned from yoga for being too competitive.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

o_0

I'm thinking they banned you because if you're going numb from trying to prove a point, that's not the goal of yoga and they could get sued from you hurting yourself. There are workout programs for people with disabilities, actually! If I can find the link, I'll pass it on. (My FiL's brother has some.)

[beadattitude.livejournal.com]

Actually, it was my doctor that banned me. "You're more flexible than your muscles and joints can handle, Suz."

If I can get the rest up to snuff, I might be able to go back.

I'd LOVE the links.

[viciouswishes.livejournal.com]

Obviously, you need to come to my work and do yoga. (We have a teacher who comes in once a week.) We are competitive bitches when it comes to flexibility and strength poses.

[beadattitude.livejournal.com]

::snort:: Good to know it's not just me!

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

It sounds like hell, but sometimes we need a little hell to get heavenly results. I'm glad the program includes flexibility, and ecstatic to hear about the vegan/vegetarian meal plans.

Getting rid of junk food helped me tremendously. I still eat "bad" foods occasionally, and love them when I do, but finding a cookie in my hand because I just need a bite doesn't happen. I'm a big fan of skim milk and peanut butter as a pick-me up.

I think I need more coffee before attempting metaphors.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

I don't eat a lot of junk, honestly. I make our own bread, we eat home cooked meals every day, and maybe the only really bad thing is the boxed cereals or crackers. BUT. I ain't ripped, that's for sure.

It's a really good program - I'm not into fad diets/plans at all, and their approach to overall health is what got me intrigued,

[beadattitude.livejournal.com]

Also, actually, the eating sounds a lot like the eating I've been doing since I got diagnosed with diabetes, and I've lost about 35 lbs.

Oh, and I don't feel deprived AT ALL.

[beanbeans.livejournal.com]

Woot! Go, you! I've been doing P90X for the last year or so, and YES. It works, and it's hard. But in the first 2-3 weeks, sometimes even sooner, you'll see and feel the difference. I am not in love with the chest and arms DVD, not because it's badly done, but because it's the hardest one for me. But I adore the rest of the DVDs. Especially the Abs DVD and the Cardio X one! So. Awesome.

Hee, I wish I had a dollah for every time someone came to my class thinking that yoga was all easy-breezy, and then approached me after class saying, "That was harder than I thought it would be!" Your comment about that DVD reminded me of that. :)

You're gonna do it, girl, I just know it. I do hope that you keep posting about this, because I've been far too sporadic about doing the workouts, and I think seeing your posts will be really inspirational. Not that I'm relying on you to inspire me! I don't mean that. I'm just excited to hear what you think and how you motivate, you know?

<333

ETA: This post has already inspired me- I just finished a HARD workout and I feel great. Thanks you for the kick in the ass- I needed that! :D

[fiveandfour.livejournal.com]

This is one of the few programs I've seen on infomercials that I've been very curious about. I think I'm at the stage where that kind of thing can take me the last bit I need to go to reach my fitness goals. I'm recovering from an ankle sprain (worse one EVER - it's been 6 weeks and still not healed), so am kind of on hold at the moment, not really able to go for it 100% like I think a program like this demands. I like how it sounds a lot like New Rules of Lifting for Women (http://www.thenewrulesoflifting.com/) as respects the reasonableness of needing to eat, needing to keep some body fat, etc.

So anyway, I'll be interested in your thoughts on the program as you go through it.

[a2zmom.livejournal.com]

Good for you. You are way more hard core that I could ever dream of.

[bitchygrrl.livejournal.com]

You rock. P90X is an ass kicker from what I've heard, but I know you can do it. I actually want to give a try when I have reached my next weight loss goal.

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

Stoney, never let it be said that you do anything by halves!

*cheers you on*

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

*doesn't!*

Hahahaha, woot! oh my gosh, I tried digging a hole this afternoon for a new rose and my arms were quivering. QUIVERING. It's a good hurt, Clem. ;)

(Oh, and I'm so sorry for the delay in your package. I felt the need to slip a little something extra in just for you. <3) Should be there very soon!

[xochitl42.livejournal.com]

GOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOIBELIEVEINYOUANDYOUTOTALLYKICKASSWOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[anelith.livejournal.com]

Whoo-hoo!! Go Laura go!! *cheers you on from way up North*

Sounds like a very tough program but if anyone can do it you can. I'm impressed by your description.

Catching up on your posts, did you have a fun time snuggling in during the thunderstorms with Dune? It's been a long time since I've had a good movie afternoon/evening. For a really excellent movie, that is.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Hey!!

You know, I didn't, but that's on schedule for the next part of the day. Just got back from brunch with Sue and Caza and I got to hold onto baby Jonah for a good hour. :) he's SO SWEET.

[anelith.livejournal.com]

You are so LUCKY! I would love to have a chance to hold Jonah! He is such a cutie. And I'm not one of those who say that about any baby.

And how great that you all had brunch together. I bet that was really fun. <3

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

hahaha, me too! The most liberating moment as a grown woman was realizing that I didn't HAVE to like other people's children. :D

I'm STUFFED, though. Blurp. (We went to the same place for a buffet that you, Sue and I went to when you visited, in fact! You were with us in spirit...)

[turnonmyheels.livejournal.com]

I would love to do this, but with my Y schedule I honest to god don't have the time to do my regular work outs + these. I'm looking forward to reading about your experience with it!

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Hahahaha, B, i think you get a pass on adding MORE physical exercise to your schedule.

Today was Plyometrics - all manner of squats with jumping. holy sheep shit. I loved it, and it totally kicked my ass. I'll report more on it tomorrow, if you want to know some of the routines. (They're each 30 seconds long. A few are 1 min, but you're constantly changing the range of motion, and I'm already seeing some definition around my knees. Woot!)

[turnonmyheels.livejournal.com]

plyometrics are HARD YO. ::Nods::

yay knee definition.

If you're up to reporting I'd totally love to hear about it.

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

Click the next button, because I did earlier! (I did arms and chest today - I need heavier weights. Not much of a burn all over. But the, I got through the plyo workout and thought, "Huh." And today I'm staggering when trying to squat into a chair. :D)

[domenowtrent.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to get fit, too, but I'm doing it through SparkPeople.com. I've already lost 14lb in less than a month. :) It gives you a food plan and does all of your math and stuffs for you, haha. I like that. I think it's a good idea to tell people- at least for me it helps me commit more. I've got my first 5K in seven weeks and I I really need to crack down on my training.

[nemesisstar.livejournal.com]

Beachbody makes some great fitness programs and I absolutely love Tony Horton. Good luck to you! My husband wants to do this program at some point - maybe after I have the baby and go through one of the other programs we have from them we can go for this one. Keep us all posted!

[swmbo.livejournal.com]

GO GO YOU!

I am scared, but when the Apocalypse comes, you can be my bodyguard!

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

One hand free to push the glasses up my nose, the other hand to wield a homemade spear made of car parts, bound with pantyhose!

[swmbo.livejournal.com]

Hahaha, exactly! And then I will survive.

(I will never be YOUR kind of fit, but I've been working out 4-6 days a week every morning for THREE WEEKS! That's amazing for me.)

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

(That is awesome!! And really, I'm doing this because of the stupid acting career. I have a potential show wherein I play a leather-clad SUPERHERO. I mean, I ASK YOU. it's not for certain, but I want to be ready, in case.)

Insanity

[65532142.livejournal.com]

hi, came across your post when researching this product. Just wondering if you did it and if so how did it work for you?

Re: Insanity

[stoney321.livejournal.com]

I don't know how familiar with LJ you are, but there are "tags" on posts - hyperlinks - and this one has a "P90X" tag that you can click and read all of my posts regarding this topic, if you're interested.

Short story: loved it, continue to use it daily.