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