Tim's P90X2 Journey

Phase 2 of P90X2

Phase 1 was all about building a foundation. It was crazy hard work on the core. Well, Phase 2 didn’t leave the core alone either. Most every strength move kept you engaged in the midsection as well. Lots of balance postures on a stability ball or medicine balls.

To say that Phase 2 is focused on strength isn’t misleading, it just is a different type of strength than I imagined. I was think I would bulk up. But what I found was that I toned up. Not a bad thing. In fact, part of the toning process was from continuing to lose weight.

I do feel stronger. Based on the comparison photos from Day 1 to Day 60, I think I look stronger as well. But Phase 2 was a more holistic approach to strength. I continue to work toward a stronger core and other areas of my body are showing improvement.

One big thing I noticed is the growth in my triceps. I’ve always focused a bit more on bicep growth (that’s what people see, right?). But all of the balance and plank moves have really gotten my triceps active and engaged. As a result, I am seeing a lot more definition in my triceps. I think this has helped in my overall strength.

Finally, Phase 2 has a lot of pull-ups. I think any time you do a workout with Tony Horton and your focused on strength, he’s gonna make you do pull-ups. My favorite workout from Phase 2 turned out to be V-Sculpt. It’s a combination of plank moves and pull-ups. I really feel “worked out” after that one.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

I mentioned that last week I missed a day. I ended up doing Plyocide on Sunday to make it up. That’s the beauty of this thing.

Sometimes people will start a program or a process with the best of intentions. But when they make their first mistake or miss something, it starts the beginning of the end. So many people think: “If I can’t do it perfect, I won’t do it at all.”

Another thing I’ve caught myself doing is to allow one mistake to lead to another. I miss one workout and then another and then another… Pretty soon, I’ve let a week go by. I allow one mistake to create momentum in the wrong direction.

In the midst of this whole P90X2 journey, I’m finding that I need to take the process/program seriously. But I don’t need to take myself seriously. I mean, I’m going to blow it. There are some moves that I will continue to struggle with. But I won’t let it get me down…or make me quit.

Today is Day 24. Not many people can say that about P90X2 at this point.

Week 3 In The Record Books

Here’s a quick update after 21 days of P90X2.

I’ve lost about six pounds. It fluctuates because I’m also increasing my muscle. I feel the weight difference in my mid-section. My upper abdominals are starting to pull in. Pants are getting a little looser.

I’m able to increase my rep count on most moves by one or two. My stamina is increasing. I’m not hitting the pause button as much as I did on the first time through.

I’m going to go ahead and do one more week in Phase One. I love all of the attention on my core. I’m going to continue to focus on using good form. Slow, methodical movements that will get that burn going in my gut.

This last week, I also experienced my first scheduling bump in the road. I had to modify and ended up doing Plyocide on Sunday instead of last Tuesday. I’m glad I got it in though. While it’s a shorter workout, I am spent when it’s over.

The Second Time Through

This is my second week through P90X2 and I can already see some results and improvements. I’ve lost a few pounds. I feel more energetic. But what’s really nice is that everything is starting to tighten up ( in a toned-muscular sense, not in terms of flexibility).

I’m finding that I’m able to do a focus a little more on completing each move with good form rather than spending most of my energy trying to learn the move. This makes a difference. I cut myself some slack during the first week because there was a lot to learn.

I know I’ll continue to improve as I head into Week 3. But that’s the beauty of P90X…just when I start to get the flow down and comfortable, it switches up the entire routine. Muscle confusion!

Day 10!

Hello Day 10! It’s nice to reach double digits. Yesterday was Day 9, which meant I was 1/10th of the way through the program. Today, I am 1/9th of the way through. Man…this thing is going fast.

Today is a Rest Day with the option to do the Recovery + Mobility (a great option). Recovery + Mobility is a lot more than simple stretching. It’s a chance to get intimate with your foam roller and massage those sore muscles.

After 10 days of P90X2, everything is starting to feel firmer. The muscles in my arms, shoulders, and legs are starting to get more definition. The top of my stomach is drawing in and feels tighter.

I have lost around two pounds. I didn’t expect to lose much weight in the beginning. It’s similar to when I started P90X, I was exchanging fat for muscle. Muscle is heavier than fat. So there’s a period of time where my weight doesn’t go down very quickly (at least it doesn’t go up!). But I can fell my body being reshaped.

This is why it’s important to take the clothes test. How are your clothes fitting? You may not feel like you’re losing weight based on the scale, but something is happening when your pants start to get loose and you need to cinch that belt a little tighter.

Eating right hasn’t been all that difficult. Fortunately, I’m a simple eater. So chicken salads, egg white & spinach wraps, organic peanut butter, and protein bars are my staple diet (with a lot of fruit and raw veggies for snacks).

Looking forward to what the next ten days produces.

Presently Unable To…

In P90X, one of the lines from Tony Horton was, “Don’t say you can’t, say ‘I’m presently unable to…’” That’s a good mindset to have.

With that being said, there are some moves in P90X2 that I am “presently unable to” do. Here they are:

1. Dreya roll (X2 Core)

Even with the help of a medicine ball I am unable to get enough momentum or find the ability to roll up onto my feet. I’ve thought about modifying with one of the bands to help pull me up. I think this move will happen once I lose a little bit more weight.

2. Crunchy Level Pull Up (X2 Total Body)

I still struggle with pull ups. I need the help of a chair every time. This one involves flipping your feet up over your head. I am nervous about ripping my pull up bar off my door frame with this move. I modified the move by hanging from the bar and pulling my knees up to my chest.

3. Over/Under Boat (X2 Balance + Power)

I am unable to do this move because of flexibility. I am “presently unable” to reach the band around my feet. To modify the move, I try and touch my heels in between each boat move. I think decreasing the size of my belly and strengthening my lower back will help me to achieve this move.