Keeping it up . . . . : )

It has been a long while since I posted and I apologize for that.  Sometimes, as you all know, life just gets in the way.

I actually finished my 2nd round of P90X and had moved on to my 3rd round, when I struck my head and ended up suffering from vertigo.   That was over 2 months ago and it is just starting to resolve now, so I'm now getting back into my workouts w/ P90X.

This is really where the work begins, as I have found out.  It is after the initial success where you get tested and the work to maintain needs to be there.   I just can't (I have found out) go back to eating the way I always did and expect the weight to stay off.   It truly needs to be a lifestyle.

I promise to try and post more and update how things are going!  Hope everyone is doing well.

Chris

Round #2 --- P90X Part II

Ok, so I completed the first 90 days and had pretty good results.  

I then did a couple weeks of "Doubles" in which I was doing additional cardio 3 x's per week.   For anyone considering this, it was not easy.   Your diet has to be spot on or you're just spinning your wheels.

I then  had a week off of working out.  I went to Myrtle Beach with my Dad to play some golf.  It was good to have a week off and let my body recover.

But I was eager to get back and start again.  I simply started over - Day 1.  I am not doing the Phase I diet yet, but I may start it back up to continue the fat loss.

But getting back into it was easy - as far as motivation.   I just could not believe how sore I was with just taking a week off the workouts.  My goodness my legs and back were sore!!  But it was great to be back in the swing.

I am now pushing toward my new goals and hope there are some people out there who would like to join me.  

Have a great week everyone!!

Chris

P90X GRADUATE!!!

Wow, 90 days have flown by!  I am sorry I have not posted in a while.  There are times where life gets in the way.  But, as of today I am a P90X graduate.   I have completed the 90 days.  It was a wonderful ride.  

I will be posting my 90 day pics within the next couple days and will post a video on youtube for anyone interested in seeing my progress.

What happens now?  Well, it's not over.   I actually started "doubles" today for several weeks before a week of vacation.  I want to push myself as hard as I can before I have a full week off.  

When I return I am going to start a NEW round of P90X.  That's right - it's not just for 90 days people.  It is a new life style and I want to complete several rounds of P90X and see just where I can push my body.

It was great the first 90 days.   Hope you join me in future rounds!!

Chris

GETTING STARTED WITH P90X!!!

Bookmark This Page!

This will be an incredible asset to you during your P90X journey. It will be continuously updated with new information as it becomes available.

Do you have friends or family that will be starting P90X, be sure to give them a link to this page!
Be sure to write down my email address: ctm050969@yahoo.com . When you have questions, I'll give you answers. I'm only an email away throughout your p90x journey.

So you've either recently started P90X, or you've ordered the program and waiting for it to arrive. You've seen the infomercials on TV and are totally "JACKED UP" about the possibilities. You're anxious, but excited at the same time. Believe me, I know how you feel. I was in your shoes in January 2008. I had no idea that P90X was about to dramatically change my life forever!

When I started P90X, I had no idea where to go, I found the forums and found a great coach to guide me on my way.  My goal is to help you shorten the learning curve and obtain results with this program that exceed your own goals such as mine were.

So Who am I?

Ok, a little about me. My name is Chris and I'm an Independent Team Beachbody Fitness Coach. Team Beachbody is a branch of Beachbody, the company that produced P90X. It was created to give people a network of support for all of the Beachbody. Beachbody has quite a line of workouts, supplements, and equipment. You've probably seen their infomercials all over TV: P90X, Hip Hop Abs, Yoga Booty Ballet, Turbo Jam, Power 90, Slim In 6, etc. Because of my 'extreme' results with P90X, I decided to become an Independent Team Beachbody Coach and share my success with others.

Here is my 'Team Performance" P90X messageboard.
Be sure to bookmark the Team Performance board. This is where you can come to ask me & other P90X users any questions about P90X. 
You got questions, we've got answers!

Now, let's get started!...
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If you'd like to take advantage of my FREE personal coaching, use this link to sign up for a free account at Team Beachbody. The link is coded with my coach ID and Team Beachbody will immediately assign me as your coach. You'll be listed in my coach's dashboard as a client. Again, this costs you nothing except about 20 seconds. Be sure to make note of your username and password. Besides my coaching, you'll also receive free access to Team Beachbody's online gym (WOWY) and be able to win up to $1,000 each day just for working out, plus you can login and shop for official Beachbody products from the Team Beachbody store..



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"What Do I Need To Do This Right?":

1) P90X Extreme Training System
The first thing you'll need is the P90X 12 DVD workout program. You can purchase it in the Team Beachbody store by clicking here. It will be listed under "video". When shopping the Team Beachbody store, be sure to login with the Beachbody username and password you registered with just now.

2) A Place To Do Pull Ups
Beachbody has a pull up/chin up bar designed especially for the P90X program. It mounts to any standard size interior doorway. I believe it's approximately $49 plus shipping. It's really nice and a good deal for the money. You can check it out in the Team Beachbody store by clicking here. When shopping the Team Beachbody store, be sure to login with the Team Beachbody username and password you just registered with.

3) A Good Yoga Mat
I can't stress enough how important a good yoga mat is. You'll be using this for yoga, "Ab Ripper X", and some of the other workouts. A poor mat can leave your tailbone exposed to a hard floor. Speaking of tailbones, some people will even want MORE padding when doing Ab Ripper X. I know some folks that fold a towel a few times and lay it under their tailbone.  Check out the Manduka Mat that Team Beachbody carries. You can see it in the Team Beachbody by clicking here. It will be listed under "accessories". When shopping the Team Beachbody store, be sure to login with the Beachbody username and password you registered with earlier.
This mat is also made to take the pounding from the Plyometrics workout.

4)Dumbells and/or Resistance Bands
People ask me all of the time, which is better, dumbbells or resistance bands. I tell them both. Each has advantages.

Bowflex Selecttechs . These dumbbells are selectable/interchangeable. You can turn a dial and instantly be lifting a different amount of weight.

These dumbbells are the ones recommended and approved by Beachbody. They are also the dumbbells used in the latest P90X+ workout videos.

Resistance bands can be used throughout P90X in place of the dumbbells. In fact, one of Tony's "kids" (as he calls them...his workout buddies in the P90X workouts) will be demonstrating the exercise using a band. Beachbody carries "B Lines" resistance bands. I use them and like them a lot. 

You can check out the B-Lines resistance bands in the Team Beachbody store by clicking here.
They will be listed under "accessories". When shopping the Team Beachbody store, be sure to login with the username and password you registered with earlier.

5)Heart Rate Monitor
Beachbody recommends that you use a heart rate monitor to gauge your intensity and progress during workouts.  They have a nice monitor made by Reebok in the Team Beachbody store.

6)Yoga Blocks
These are also recommended by Beachbody to use during Yoga. The blocks offer added support to assist with balance while holding certain poses. The Team Beachbody store carries them.

7)Body Fat Tester
This will give you an accurate reading on your body fat throughout the program. These are available in the Team Beachbody store.

8)Push Up Stands
I love push up stands.  The stands take all of the pressure off of my wrists.
My favorites are called "Tony's Powerstands". The Team Beachbody store carries them.

Supplements I Recommend:

1)Beachbody Peak Recovery Formula: Very Important! Don't Miss!
I'm yet to find another product on the market comparable to the Beachbody Peak Recovery Formula. We know from extensive scientific research that there is an approximate 60 minute window of opportunity following exercise when muscle cells are primed to repair, rebuild, and adapt from a hard workout. The P90X recovery drink was designed to provide the precise nutrients you'll need to achieve maximum results from your p90X workout. Proper post workout nutrition is a KEY FACTOR in your success with P90X! Folks, these workouts are WAY too hard to be skipping here!

I'm yet to find another product on the market that is better suited to provide maximum glycogen replenishment and muscle re-synthesis. And this stuff tastes unbelievably good!
Ingredients include protein, creatine, L-Glutamine, and L-Argenine. Ladies, don't worry about the creatine making you "bulky' either. It's only about 500 mg...about 10% of a normal serving of creatine. It's there to enhance performance without adding bulk.

I know some people who are trying to mix up their own concoctions using whey protein powder, Gatorade, creatine, L-Glutamine, etc. Well, #1...these concoctions PROBABLY don't taste that great. #2, they probably take a little time to mix up. #3.. Why try to re-invent the wheel? We're talking $39.95 for a month's supply. Actually...since you only need the recovery formula after HARD workouts (I don't take it after Yoga or StretchX) it lasts longer than a month. When you add up the prices of ingredients for the homemade drinks, the Beachbody Peak Recovery Formula really is a no brainer. I love it. I could drink it all day out of a barrel if I could!

You will find the Peak Recovery Formula in the Team Beachbody store by clicking here. Click on the "Nutrition tab". When shopping the store, be sure to login with the username and password you registered with earlier.

2) Juice Plus+ Whole Food supplement:

17 Fruits, Veggies & Whole Grains organically grown, picked at peak ripeness, juiced and dried at low temps to retain the essential nutrients until it is in powder form (all the sugar & salt is taken out) and put in capsule form.  Click HERE for more information. 

3) Whey Protein Powder: Very Important!
P90X demands A LOT from your body. You have to fuel it with enough protein. Protein is a key component in your first 30 days of p90X. Protein is harder for the body to break down. As your body is working harder to break the protein down, it has to burn more calories. There's a novel idea...Have the body burn calories while you're doing nothing! Brilliant!
One of the cleanest and best sources of protein is Whey Protein Powder. Beachbody sells a great tasting chocolate and vanilla flavor. 
You will find the Beachbody Whey Protein Powder in the Team Beachbody store by clicking here. Click on the "Nutrition tab". When shopping the store, be sure to login with the username and password you registered with earlier.

4)P90X Peak Performance Protein Bars
The P90X Nutrition Guide calls for performance bars during your first 60 of the 90 days. They are phased out in the last 30 days. The main thing with an energy protein bar is to find something you like.  I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the mocha bars. They tasted great and I actually looked forward to them each day.
You will find the Peak Performance Protein Bars in the Team Beachbody store by clicking here. Click on the "Nutrition tab". When shopping the store, be sure to login with the username and password you registered with earlier.

Other Supplements
Above, I've listed all of the supplements I've used with P90X. Other highly praised supplements include their Activit Fat Burning/Toning Formulas, Meal Replacement Shakes, and Slimming Formula. I know others that use and love all of these. Shop the store and see if these may be for you. You will find all of these in the Team Beachbody store.

What To Expect During Your 90 Days
DAY 1 - 30 (PHASE 1 - APPROXIMATELY)
1.) This is the adjustment period. Your body is getting into the schedule and tempo of your workouts. It is adjusting to your new nutrition habits. Expect some differences, perhaps not the drastic visual differences you crave, but your clothes, and maybe even your skin, will become baggier.2.) Stay the course during this period. I have had a lot of people say to me "Something is not right, I'm not getting as lean as I should be." This is normal; during Phase 1 you are priming the body and stoking your metabolic fire. Remember, your body will not 'spot reduce fat'. Your body will take body fat off in "sheets". What I mean is that it will reduce your overall body fat evenly. Where we hold the largest amount of body fat largely depends on genetics and gender. Women tend to hold their body fat in their behind, leg, & hip region. Men generally hold their body fat in their waistlines. This is what to watch for in this Phase: loosening of your clothes. Stay off of the scale and above all, remain patient and continue to work hard.

DAYS 31-60 (PHASE 2 - APPROXIMATELY)1.) This phase is where your body kicks into high gear. You are getting stronger and leaner. Expect dramatic results during this Phase as long as you remain disciplined and workout hard.2.) You will start to see that your outer extremities, (Forearms, calves, upper back, shoulders) generally where people hold the least amount of fat, will start to get leaner.3.) Where you hold the most fat will improve but not to your impatient satisfaction. Why? Because as your body removes the fat in "sheets" naturally the leaner sections of your body will show definition the quickest. 4.) REMAIN PATIENT AND STAY THE COURSE!

DAYS 61 - 90 (PHASE 3 - APPROXIMATELY)1.) This is the Phase to let it all hang out. It's an all out assault on body fat. Your metabolism is in high gear, you have noticed a drastic improvement in definition throughout your entire body and your most stubborn pockets of fat are carving away. 2.) This is the time to do some extra workout sessions. Walk after dinner, take an extra bike ride. Skip rope, box, and do something extra to burn more calories and more fat.3.) At the end of this Phase you want to be standing tall on Day 90, proudly take your after pictures and be able to say, "I worked as hard as I possibly could have during the past 90 days, I BROUGHT IT!"
So there it is, what to expect during a Phase of P90X.

Team Beachbody "Club" Memberships... (click here)
You can get 10% off of all your supplements and Beachbody products by having a Team Beachbody club membership. Details are here. You'll also get live access Tony Horton (his live chats are great!), personalized meal plans, interactive diet and fitness tools, and the chance to win up to win a $10,000 monthly prize or a $250,000 grand prize for submitting your transformation story. A friend of mine, Mike French, just won 10,000 last year for submitting his transformation story.

*The "Club" membership is an upgrade to the "basic" Team Beachbody membership*.
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Becoming A Coach...
Last year, Beachbody started it's independent coaching program, a program that I participate in. Beachbody will compensate you for living a healthy lifestyle, and helping others to do the same.

A few benefits of the coaching program include:
Qualify for eight ways to earn including payouts on team and company-wide production.
Earn 25% retail profit on all products and 50% retail profit on "Club" memberships that you sell.
Make money with our breakthrough health and fitness products right from your own web store.
This is only the beginning though, believe me! Shoot me over an email, and I'll talk to you more about this program. I can show you how to build a thriving home based fitness business. There is nothing better in this world then having a business that you absolutely love!

I look forward to hearing from you!

That's it for now. BOOKMARK THIS PAGE! More P90x information is coming soon! My door is ALWAYS open to anyone with questions. I hope P90X becomes as big a part of your life as it is in mine. As I said...It's no longer just an exercise program to me, but a new way of life. I'll never go back to the person I used to be.

Chris McCarty
Independent Team Beachbody Fitness Coach
ctm050969@yahoo.com
www.teambeachbody.com/ctm050969
www.chris4fitness.com

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about HIIT, or P90X. These can both be intense workouts. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider.

Post-Workout Recovery Drink . . . Is it really necessary??

Well . . . the long and short of it is YES.    I want to be as transparent here as possible.   This is NOT a ploy to get you to buy the P90X Recovery Drink.   If you have your own recipe (possibly orange juice & whey protein powder in the right ratio) and it works, that is great - just as long as you do it and it has the proper "simple" carb to protein ratio.   Many people believe they should have a "protein shake" after a workout.  This is not true.  You need a blend of simple carbs & protein in a ratio that is about 4:1.   Why do I use the P90X Recovery Drink?  I happen to think that the P90X recovery drink, when blended with ice tastes exactly like an orange push-up from when we were kids.  Or an orange dreamcycle.  It tastes GREAT!  Believe me, if it did not taste as good as it does, I would not use it.  (perfect example - Team Beachbody also has P90X meal replacement bars and while I think they are good, I think Clif Builder bars taste better, so that is what I use)   Ok, on to the WHY it is important: (This is taken from the P90X drink as an example)

Recover faster and see better results!
This great-tasting shake is specially designed to provide the precise nutrients you need to recover quickly after intense workouts. P90X Results and Recovery Formula offers a unique mix of:

Simple and complex carbohydrates for optimum glycogen replenishment*
A high Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) blend to provide the critical building blocks for rapid muscle resynthesis*
Vitamins, including antioxidants, to help reduce muscle soreness and assist in repair and growth*
Studies show that with proper nutrition during the first hour following a workout you can increase your body's ability to recover more than 100%. The key component to maximizing this "window of opportunity" is a formulation of approximately 4 parts carbohydrates to 1 part protein.

So I believe a recovery drink AFTER the extreme workouts is necessary.   I would be happy to answer any further questions about it.  Again, if you can come up with your own creation that is great.  Just make sure you do it to maximize your results and speed up recovery!

Have a great day!

Chris

Make sure to check PREVIOUS posts!!

If you are new to my site, then WELCOME!  

I have a complete review of the P90X program in the March posts.  It goes through each DVD and I give an explanation of each and my opinion about it. 

Please let me know if there are any questions. 

Thanks for stopping by!!

Chris

"I'm eating LESS but not losing any more weight . . . What gives??"

I had a great discussion this evening with a friend of mine.  He has lost some weight and we were talking about what I was doing as far as fitness & nutrition.   We talked a bit about P90X as well and what the program involves.

He was saying that he lost a certain amount of weight, but even though he is eating less and less, he is not losing any more weight.    I am sure that many people have this same situation and ask "Why"?  

The body is an amazing machine.   It was designed to survive, first and foremost.   It knows when it is not getting enough fuel.    While calorie cutting will work for a while, most likely you will plateau and stop losing weight.  The body will  hold onto the fat in response to what it perceives as starvation.  The metabolism will drop and weight loss will stop.  It is really a rather amazing function of the body and was necessary to survive way back when during food shortages.  

The key is to feed your body the proper amount of food so that it will RELEASE the fat and not hold on to it.   I have heard so many people, who start P90X, say they cannot eat all the food they are suppose to eat on the program.  "How can I eat this much food and lose weight?", they ask.   I know it seems backwards, but it is not, I assure you.    I am taking in what seems like a ton of food and STILL losing weight on the program.  

Now don't get me wrong,  you cannot eat whatever you want, whenever you want.  I would never make such a promise, although I know we have all seen programs that do.   You'll be eating healthy "clean" food and the nutrition guide spells it all out in detail.   If you follow it, you will succeed.   Period.   If there are ANY questions on this, please let me know.  

Have a great weekend!

Chris

 

My thoughts on Over-training . . .

I am now on Day 67 of P90X.  It is a VERY intense program in it's own right.  However, in order to attempt to achieve extreme results there are times when more extreme measures are needed.  

But NOT right from the start.  

I just started what we call HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) three times a week.   It is a cardio process of going easy for a couple minutes and then going as hard as you can for 30 to 90 seconds.  Then going easy for another 4 minutes, then hard for a minute, etc.   This process "can" burn up to 9x as much fat.  I am doing this in addition to my P90X workouts and I would suggest you reserve this type of activity until your past the 60 day mark or when you feel  you are becoming very fit.  

I have gotten a chance to know a lot of good people during this process, but some of them are simply over-training, and therefore not seeing great results.  Seems like a paradox doesn't it?  Well not really.  The human body knows how far it will go and if you push it too hard and do not get enough rest, it will hold onto the fat and burn the muscle you are trying to build.   Don't try and out think the program.  When you come to the 7th day and it calls for X Stretch or simply a day off of rest - just do that.  Take the day of rest.  Your body will need it.   No need to feel guilty on your day off or if you're just stretching.   Rest is very important to the whole process. 

P90X actually has a program called "Doubles" in which you do a cardio routine in the morning and the regular workout at night.  Again, I would not suggest this UNLESS you are already in great shape and are looking to see how far you can push yourself.  But, again this process of doing Doubles would also take the strictest of nutrition standards to make sure your body is getting everything it needs to perform correctly.  

First time through, just do the regular "Classic" program.  You'll see great results.  If you want to do some HIIT in the final 30 days, that is fine.  You'll be ready for it by then.   

If you are the least bit out of shape you can STILL do P90X, but don't kill yourself trying to get results too fast or it will lead to over-training and you'll burn yourself out.   Absolutely no problem easing into the program either.   Listen to what your body is telling you. 

To your health,

Chris

BY REQUEST - Exact P90X workout times!!!

Again, remember what I said.  There is warm up, stretching, cool down & stretching w/ every workout, so these times include all that.   However PLEASE do not ever skip the warm up or cool down - they are very important.   Anyway, by request, here are the exact times: 

Chest & Back   52:50

Plyometrics     58:36

Shoulders & Arms 59:53

Yoga X 1:32:24 

Legs & Back 58:56

Kenpo X 55:46

X Stretch 57:32

Core Synergistics 57:27

Chest/Shoulders/Tri's 55:44

Back & Biceps 51:36

Cardio X 43:18

Ab Ripper X 16:07

Now before you get worried about how LONG Yoga X is, it can be shortened.   I would prefer you do the entire workout.   But the middle is pretty much stretching, so if you must shorten it, then the stretching after the pose moves can be skipped.   Let me know if there are any questions about that.

To your health!

Chris

P90X - This week . . .

I am currently in week 10 of my 1st of what I hope is many rounds of P90X.   That is the great thing about it, in my opinion, in that it is NOT just a 90 day thing.   It can become a way of life and a program that you can continue to incorporate into your future health regimen.  

The past 9 weeks have flown by.  Don't get me wrong, there were times when it was hard and a few times where I didn't want to workout.  But most days I am full of energy and you get to a point where your body expects exercise.  That is a great point to get to. 

This week I've done Chest/Shoulder & Tri's, Ploymetrics, Back & Bicep & Yoga X.  Tomorrow I have Legs & Back and KenpoX on Saturday.    Today was a great Yoga X workout.  It has become my favorite workout.   It did not start out that way.   My body just didn't want to bend like a pretzel, but I have become much stronger, much more flexible and the workout becomes much more enjoyable. 

I am down a couple more pounds and am currently at 190.  That is 21 pounds in 9 1/2 weeks.   I suppose some people might say "that's it?".  Well, it is actually right where it should be.  It is only possible to lose 2 - 2 1/2 pounds of fat per week.   The people on Biggest Loser are not losing that much weight in fat.  They are losing some fat, some water and lots of protein out of their muscles.    Which is exactly why they look sort of "skinny-fat" if that makes sense.  

It has been a good week.  I feel good.  Probably not getting enough sleep, so I need to work on that.  Hope everyone out there is having a great week.

Chris

What we see in the mirror . . .

I have thought a lot about this recently, as I have now lost 21 pounds in 67 days on  P90X.  

Are we able to fool ourselves when we look in the mirror?  I was 50 pounds overweight for the past 10 years.  I would still like to get down in the 160's, but I'm pleased with my progress so far.

However, for the past 10 years I would look in the mirror and convince myself that what I saw wasn't too bad.  But let me assure you I'm not talking about accepting myself or feeling comfortable in my own skin type of thing here. 

I KNEW I was over what i should weigh and I have wanted to lose weight for a long time.   It's just that I would stand in front of the mirror and say "that doesn't look too bad".   Every once and a while I would catch a glimpse from the side and that is where reality would set in.  I was very round in the middle.  I have broad shoulders, which is why from the front it looked "ok" and everyone always said "you don't need to lose weight".  Well I did. 

Why do I bring this up?  Well, technically I am still 25 to 30 pounds over my ideal weight.  Things look a whole lot better in the mirror, but it still fools me, which is why I don't want to rely on what I see in the mirror.   I want to keep pushing forward with the program and for life in attaining that healthy weight.   So it is not just a question of "do I think I look good" but "do I feel good" as well. 

We all want to be pleased with what we see in the mirror.  We do.  I also want to make sure that I see health.   

Wishing you all a great week.

Chris

Correcting myself

I just wanted to add a quick post about the article I posted about "Gaining Muscle while losing Fat".   

While the article certainly says it CAN be done, I did not want to make it appear that it was common place or that P90X was the exact same thing.  If you read the article, it is clear that it is a VERY intense process and very strict.   I really only posted it because the topic came up in our Team Performance thread.

The key with P90X is muscle confusion.  You can certainly use the program to attain whatever your goal is.   Want to shred fat?  You can do that.  Want to increase your size?  You can do that too.  

But I want to agree with what someone told me - either way it is HARD work.  No magic pill or quick fix here and that is the way it should be.   Nothing worthwhile is easy.    I know that very well from years of trying the quick fixes, fads, pills, etc.  

The only thing that P90X promises and I'll promise the same thing - if  you follow the program and do the work - you will get results.    

To your health,

Chris

What the heck is Juice Plus+???

If you have noticed my links to the left there, you may have noticed one of the links is Juice Plus+.   What the heck is that you may ask?  

The quick answer is that it is 17 Fruits, Veggies & Grains picked at peak ripeness, juiced and dried at very low temps to maintain the nutrients and then the powder is put into capsule form.

It carries a nutrition label.   It is NOT a supplement.  It is food.  Whole food.   The water, sugar & salt are taken out during the drying process, but the nutrients remain intact.  Let's face it, we are not vitamin deficient - we ARE whole food deficient.    Juice Plus+ is also the most researched health/nutrition product on the market.   If you are interested in the studies that have been done on and with Juice Plus+, let me know. 

Do you get your 9-13 servings of raw Fruits & Veggies each day?  Heck, who does?  While Juice Plus+ does NOT replace eating fruits & vegetables (and I suggest you do so as much as possible) it IS the next best thing.  

To your health!

Chris

Can you Build Muscle & Lose Fat at the same time???

It does not seem possible does it?  But check out this interesting article and see what  you think:

Click here

I'll tell you what . . . after reading the article, I realized that the structure of P90x is VERY similar to what this program is talking about.   Not exact, but the same idea.

Kudos,

Chris

Nutrition - A Vital Cog in the Wheel

I had my family members reviewing my blog to make sure that they felt it looked "ok" and to make sure all the buttons worked and everything made sense.   You know, just to check myself.

My younger brother questioned me on the absence of information about nutrition.  I have assured him that it was not on purpose.  I am in the process of getting this blog going and am working hard to get vital information on the site.  BUT - he was right.  Nutrition is a vital cog in the wheel of P90X.  

In fact, in researching P90X before I got the program, I came across a quote saying that "if a person is not going to commit to the nutrition part of the program, then it is NOT the program for them".   I found that a very bold statement.   It showed me the commitment that Team Beachbody has to its customers. 

With the P90X system you will receive a very detailed nutritional guide.   It has several different approaches to it, but all lead to the same place.  You start with Phase I - Fat Shredder in which you'll take in lower complex carbs to get your metabolism ramped up and burning fat.  At the end of 30 days you'll enter Phase II - Energy Boost - in which you decrease your protein slightly and increase your complex carbs.  Once you start to become more fit your body will NEED the complex carbs so that you don't crash.  The final 30 days is Phase III - Endurance Maximizer - in which you really increase your complex carbs for that final push to excellent results.  

It is all clearly laid out in the guide and easy to follow.  As always, I am more than willing to answer any questions you may have on this topic.  

As I will get into in another post, my wife and I are really into nutrition and I will highlight those different areas later.  Until then, have a great evening.

Chris

A thought on "Cheat Meals" . . . .

Ok, I am going to work on a post that talks more about the nutrition portion of P90X because it is just as important as the workouts.  In fact, if you decide to do P90X, as part of package you received is a very detailed nutrition guide.  It is VERY easy to follow.  

If you are someone who was like I was, then junk food is a regular part of your diet.   If you commit to P90X (there is that word again) then you must commit to getting rid of the junk food from your life.   A good friend of mine says "Abs are made in the kitchen" . . . 

However, I AM an advocate of a "cheat" meal per week.  If  you love pizza, then have a couple slices once per week.   If you like a rich dessert, then HAVE it once a week.  That is the key - only once a week.  

Don't worry about feeling hungry.  I can almost guarantee that you have never eaten as much food as you will while doing P90X - but it is what we call "clean" food.   Proteins, complex carbs, fruits, veggies, healthy snacks, etc.   But take that ONE meal a week to have whatever you want.  What ever you crave - then have it once a week.

The reason is two fold:

1.  Your metabolism will be ramped up while doing  P90X.  You'll get that fire burning hot and every once and a while it is good to throw a big log on it to make it burn hotter.   In fact, the opposite is true when we gain weight.  Most of us who have struggled with weight have had our metabolisms in almost a cool ember state.  So when you throw a large log (high fat meal) on a cooling ember fire, what does it do?   It just sits there and NEVER burns.   Well, that is why I advocate one cheat meal a week - because your metabolism will be burning very hot.  I call it "diet confusion" - just like the workouts are muscle confusion.  

2.  It will actually help insure that you DO NOT binge.  If you know you can have it "in a couple days", then you will be able to keep the rest of your nutrition good and clean and healthy.  "I get to have my pizza Friday" will allow you to focus on the task at hand.  

Now, the key is to make sure that a cheat meal does not turn into a cheat week and so forth.  

Look at it as a reward to yourself once a week.   Enjoy it and then keep working hard!!  

Chris

P90X - Time commitment???

One of the main questions I get about P90X is:  "How much time does it take each day?".

We have all seen workout programs that promise great results in only 20 minutes, 3x per week.  Is that realistic if you are really wanting to see AMAZING results?  Probably not.  

Look at the folks on Biggest Loser.   While I may not completely agree with the method, the bottom line is that they are working out 4-6 hours a day.  

The majority of the P90X DVD workouts are 52 to 58 minutes.   There is always a block of stretching time at the beginning and end, so the actual hard workout is 40 to 48 minutes.   

The only one that is longer is Yoga X.   You will need a bit of extra time for this workout, but it IS worth it.   

The Ab Ripper X is 16 minutes long and you would do that on Days 1,3 & 5.  I would suggest that you do this workout at a later time than the regular workout for that day.   It would be, of course, up to you how you want to work this.  

The word commitment will be a familiar theme because that is what this is.   If you can spare an hour a day to commit to yourself, your body and your health - then you CAN do P90X!

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. 

Chris

P90X Review - Detailed!!

Here is a full P90X Review:

If you look at my photos posted to the left you can see that I have made BIG changes in just 60 days.  So you can only imagine that I have had many friends & family asking me "What are you doing?".  Well, I say I'm doing a home-based workout program called P90X!   They say "what is that?".  Well, if you were wondering What you get? . . . . Here is a breakdown and review of the DVD's you get in the program:

1.  Chest & Back:

This is the DVD that introduces you to what will be P90X.   I happened to watch a youtube video called "Average Dad Starts P90X" BEFORE I got my copy of the program and he was doing this DVD.  It scared me to death.  He could not do it.   He just couldn't.  I started thinking "I made a mistake".    However, that turned out not to be the case.  In fact, it was the best thing I ever could have done.   This is a great workout.  It is 12 different moves.  6 chest/6 back.  Lots and lots of pushups & pull-ups.   THEN you repeat the process.   But let me tell you - it is fun.  It is hard - but in a good way.  You know you are working out.   You will feel pumped up.  Great, great burn.  

2.  Plyometrics

What is what I call "Plyo"?  It is jump training . . . and lots of it.   I will tell you, as I have told many people, that this DVD made me curse under my strained breath the first couple times.   Tony says it himself - it is the "mother of all P90X workouts".   It's true.   It puts the "X" in P90X.  But, here is the thing - as your lungs get stronger this will become one of your favorites as it is now one of mine.   It is perfectly laid out, in my opinion.  Just when you feel your legs and lungs cannot take anymore, you do a move that is less strenuous and you can keep going.  Love it, love it!

3.  Shoulders & Arms

Well, after Plyo, this might feel "easy".  Not easy, but just not as extreme, if that makes sense.  Honestly, this is one of those workouts that you will decide how tough it is by the amount of weight you lift.  But let's face it - these are the glamour muscles, so why not work the heck out of them???  Right?   It is a great workout and it will pump you up.

4.  Yoga X

This is a hard workout.   Not like Plyometrics hard, but patience hard.  But you know what?  It is suppose to be.  You, like many others, may not like this workout at first.  I didn't.  BUT . . . it will grow on you.  Trust me.  I now love this workout.  It is one of the most important of the bunch, I believe.   This workout is a great gauge of where you are in your fitness.   Are you holding the poses the entire time and doing them correctly?   Once this one grows on you, you will look forward to it.  No doubt. 

5.   Legs & Back

Do you have stairs in your house or apartment?  Hmmm . . . that may be a problem the day after you do this workout the first time!!  (kidding . . . sort of)  This is another one that will convince you when you think "how can I get a good workout at home??".    But again, it is perfectly laid out.  Just when you think "I cannot do another squat move",  they move you on to pull-ups for a set.  Then you're ready to get back to the legs.   Talk about great burn.  Wow.  Bring it!

6.  Kenpo X

Anyone else have Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris as childhood heroes?  Well, I did and it makes this DVD that much more fun.  This one is FUN.   It will get your heart rate up,  you'll sweat buckets, but all while having a great time.   Punch and kick your heart out here.   This is another one that you'll look forward to after some of the really tough ones.   

7.  X Stretch

An optional workout on your 7th day of the week.  You can do this or Rest.   It is a very valuable workout.  I agree with Tony that stretching is VERY important and this one does it.  It is very relaxing and gets you all limber.   

8.  Ab Ripper X

Abs, Abs, Abs!!!  Want ripped Abs??  This will do it.   Let me tell you right now.  I am over 60 days into the program and I still cannot do the entire routine.  It is that hard.   Again, a great hard.  In fact, Tony says in the "intro" to the DVD " I hate it . . . but I love it".    While you're doing it you will hate it, but check my photos again - it is working and the ABS are coming. 

9.  Core Synergistics 

You will do this workout during your "Recovery Weeks", which are week 4, week 8 & week 13.  I believe it to be a very accurate gauge of where you are in your fitness.  The first time I did it, it seemed like a test.   A "let's see where you are in the program" test.   I just did it again last week, and I did much better, so my fitness is better.   But the first time - the lungs were a burnin'.  It is all core work and a great workout.  

10.  Chest, Shoulders & Tri's

You will start this workout week 5 instead of Chest & Back.  (Chest & Back then comes back in week 9 & 11)  It will make sense once you have the program.   When I did this workout the Monday of week 5 I felt like I had started over.  But that is the whole point - muscle confusion.  Different types of push-ups, great shoulder work and triceps work - that pushes you that much further in your strength and development.  GREAT workout. 

11.  Back & Biceps

Again, you will do this workout in weeks 5,6 & 7 instead of Shoulders & Arms.  This is a great DVD workout.   Talk about pumping up the show-off muscles.   You might want to have your friends reserve tickets.   Tickets to what you ask?  Tickets to the GUN show you are going to be putting on after doing this workout for a couple weeks.   If you push your biceps in this workout, you will notice rapid development.   

12.  Cardio X

Now, I have not done this one.  This is for people who either 1.) cannot do Plyometrics yet or; 2.) are doing what is called "Doubles" or "Lean" versions of the program.  That's right there are different ways you can do P90X.    Bottom line is it's a cardio workout but not as extreme as Plyo.  

Please let me know if you have any additional questions about any of the specific workouts.  It is a GREAT program.   Stick to it and the nutrition guide and you WILL see results.  

To great health,

Chris

Why Me and Why P90X???

My name is Chris McCarty.  I am 38 years old and in January 2008, I decided to finally take control of my health, and thus, my life.  Look at my Day 1 photo.  I am a regular guy.  I'm an average Dad of 3 kids.   I was just someone who was fed up with feeling horrible and looking at "that" in the mirror.    I was just like many of you.  I was looking for an answer.  A real answer.

After years of trying quick fixes and magic pills (and trust me I tried it ALL) I finally decided to commit myself to P90X.   

I had done Power 90 (P90) in the past, but while doing so had never really committed to the program.  So, while I became more fit, I did not see great results.   But, don't get me wrong, P90 is a great program and definately one to start with if you feel you are really out of shape and not ready for P90X.  

Honestly, I was afraid to start P90X.  But isn't that true for many of us on many subjects.  I don't know about you, but I was afraid to succeed.  That is what I have figured out thus far in my journey.   I finally realized that it was not about a quick fix, but it was a lifestyle change that I only recently was ready for.   I knew if I started to see results that I would have to continue on the program and that would mean giving up some of my worst habits - forever.   (well at least 95% of the time)

I am just over 60 days into the program at the writing of this post.   I started P90X at 211 pounds and a waist over 40 inches - Yuck.   Well, check my pictures and see for yourself.  If you follow the program, you get results.  Plain and simple.  I am currently 192 pounds and have gained muscle mass.  I am fitting into jeans that I have not worn in 10 years.   CRAZY!

I am still heading toward my goals, so it continues to be a journey for me.   But I would love to help you attain your goals.   I will write another post as to why I wanted to become a coach for Team Beachbody.    

Here is wishing you all GREAT health!

Chris

Getting Started w/ P90X!

Now, let's get started! . . . . 

If you would like to take advantage of my FREE Personal Coaching, use this link to sign up for your free account with Team Beachbody.   The link is coded with my coach ID and Team Beachbody will immediately assign me as your coach.  You'll be listed on my coach's dashboard as a client.   Again, this costs you nothing except about 20 seconds.  Please be sure to make note of your username and password.   Besides my coaching, you will also receive free access to Team Beachbody's online gym (WOWY) and be able to win up to $1,000 each day just for working out, plus you can log in and shop for official Team Beachbody products from the Team Beachbody store.  

Welcome!!

I am busy trying to get my site together, so this is more or less a test post to make sure everything looks o.k. I am excited to get rolling w/ everything here and starting getting people to my site.

Again, Welcome.

Chris