Day 45 - Rubberband Man

Back and Biceps was today. It was just me, my green band, and my hotel room. I was skeptical at first on if I could use only my green band and get a full Bicep and Back workout.


Since I didn't have a door attachment for my bands I followed one of my MDB (Million Dollar Body) forum buddies advice about putting the band in a open door hinge. I wrapped my band w/ a hand towel so that the hinge or door wouldn't cut or pinch my band. I knew that the band would/can either be too much or too little. In this weird and awkward door hinge time. It was just enough. I did the ISO hold move on every rep, and just did as many in the time alloted for the pull ups. So instead of doing 8-10 or 12-15. I did 16-20. I'm impressed. Got the burn that I'll definitely feel tomorrow.

I have to say that with only one band and a door I got quite a good workout. While I still fancy the chin-up bar, the band is a great alternative. However, after using it during the first part of Phase I and now exclusively during this week, I would highly recommend if a person were going to strictly use just the band to get a complete set. Sometimes the green band wasn't enough, sometimes it was WAY TOO MUCH! So the B-line package of bands would do the trick. Especially if one was to travel alot. Also, get the door attachment. Right now, I've had to use the "door hinge" method to do my exercises.

I, however, would rather use DB's over the bands. Since the "weight"/tension on the bands are never constant, I don't know exactly what I'm lifting. And with me having an engineer mind, I like concrete numbers. I like it when I see one week, I lifted 20#, the next week 25#. W/ the bands, all I can go off of is the # of reps or the size of the loop in the band.Don't get me wrong, I still get a great workout w/ the bands, but I'm a DB man. If you need to get more weights, depending on how much more weight you need, you might want to look into some "Selectable" weights. You know.. those dial-o-matic DB's. Of course there are the SelecTech by bowflex, which are the 5-25, 5-52, and the 10-90. $$$$$, but there are some cheaper ones around town. I know Rebook makes some that 5-25# for about $50/DB. I saw some at Target that went from 5-25 but they were around $60/DB.

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I would like to also add that I've had to eat out for lunch and dinner and I've done really well. While everyone is getting steak, loaded mashed potatoes, sugar and fat loaded desserts, hamburgers and fries... I'm getting grilled chicken, salmon, rice pilaf, sweet potatoes, vegetables, grilled chicken salad. I'm not saying I'm been a saint, a few indulgences like lobster tail, or ordering raspberry lemonade instead of water.

So even though if someone is away from the P90X meal plan, or out with their friends, etc.. You CAN stick to your guns and eat healthy. It's not a matter of "Oh, I'll just eat unhealthy this once." Because that once will turn into twice, then thrice.. Then, your off your diet and the whole world falls apart (joking).

It's a choice. If you can't change the little things like holding out on dessert, getting the right size portions, feeding your body the right fuel. Don't expect any type of gains or losses that you want.
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 44 - Plyo Power

Another day of plyo done, finished, in the books, el fin......

In addition to completing "The X in P90X", it was done in my hotel room. So even plyometrics CAN BE DONE when on the road!! No excuses everyone. I'm putting this one to rest.

Even though I was still huffing and puffing through the entire workout. I was able to reach my goal. After 6 weeks of plyometics, on this 7th week. This Grand, Glorious, Golden Week I have finally been able to keep up with Dominique. YES!! HOORAY!! KUDOS TO ME!!!

Don't get me wrong, this workout still kicks my tail each and every time, but if you've been keeping up with me, you should know that it's been my goal to mirror Domi. Each workout, I get a little closer, and a little closer. Finally, today I was able to creep up right next to him.

I'm writing this done as a MILESTONE DAY!!! The first time I did plyo, my goal was not to throw up or pass out. Seriously!!!!!

Slowly, but surely, "The Mother of All Workouts" is becoming "The Mommy".

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I've been trying to keep my nutritional intake at it's best. However, without my normal kitchen and having to eat out for lunch and dinner, it's a little harder than I thought. I stay to the restaurants that have "healthy" menus. Smaller Portions, Better selection of vegetables, chicken, fish. No mexican food, no heavy italian food, no pizza, no burgers, no bbq. Healthy all the way.

I'm doing pretty good (~8 on 1-10 scale) on making healthier food choices and portion sizes. I also have a folded up copy of Michi's ladder so I know what foods to pick and which ones to not.

I don't expect to eat 100% perfect or healthy all the time in these 90 days. But it's the journey of changing my mindset to make the choices. Small choices today will become habits tomorrow. Throw a bunch of habits together and you have a pretty nice lifestyle which will stick with you forever.
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 43 - Hard Rock Hotel

Today is the first day that I am taking P90X on the road. I'm going to see how well I can take the P90X DVDs, workout book, and the green workout band that came w/ P90X, and put to rest the excuse of not being able to stay true to the a workout program and skipping workouts just because you have to go out of town for whatever reason: work or pleasure.
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When I checked in last night, the first place I went to was what they considered their "workout gym". I was highly displeased that it was nothing more than a small room with 2 treadmills and a StairMaster. So problem #1 is: What am I going to about chin-ups. There was nothing that I could use to attach my band since I did not have the door attachment for the bands. But I will try to fix the problem by the time I have to do Back& Biceps.

The first workout of Chest, Shoulder, and Triceps went fairly well. I had to rearrange some furniture inside my room, but after that I had just an adequate amount of space to do all the exercises. However, Problem #2 showed it's ugly face: The green band is pretty stout and pose a problem of doing most of the shoulder exercises.

To fix this problem, I had to do a "Karate Kid" pose, by placing the band on a chair and then stepping on it with one foot to minimize the distance between my shoulders and the band under my foot. This not only worked my shoulders, but turned out to be a Core balance posture as well. The exercises that needed this Karate Pose were: Scarecrow, Weighted Circles, Fly-Row Press, and Cross Body Blows. All the other moves my feet were placed firmly on the ground.

I'll said it for the past three weeks: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps is my FAVORITE workout. Coupled w/ Back and Biceps. It's the ulimate WHAM-BLAM-THANK YOU-MA'AM upper body workout. I like it better than the mix in Phase I.

Ab Ripper X isn't getting any easier either, but I'm able to go farther into the reps before having to take a few seconds of break time before finishing the 25. Today I was able to get through ALL of the moves WITHOUT stopping. That was my goal. No matter how much it burned, how much it hurt, I would keep going. Alittle mind over matter.
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TIP: COUNT BACKWARDS!!!!!

It was ALOT easier for me to focus on how many reps

I had left than how many more I had to do. I dunno, I like it when

I had 5 left, 4 left, 3, 2, 1. Than saying 19,20, 21.

More like "Backwards Mentality" BUT IT WORKS!!!

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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 42 - Kenpo X

Woke up this morning and my legs are still alittle bit stiff. Making the decision to switch Kenpo and Stretch was a very smart idea. Stretching yesterday gave my legs and body the needed down time for all my muscle tissue to rebuild themselves, while allowing me to stretch them out to get rid of all that built up lactic acid.

Kenpo today was just as good as any other day. While my kicks weren't as high and as powerful as they usually are. I still gave each move 100% effort.

The hand weights that I added to my Kenpo X arsenal worked GREAT again today. I highly recommend someone who needs that little extra in this workout to buy/borrow a pair of weighted gloves.

Wish me luck tomorrow as I leave out of town for an entire week. I'll try my hardest to bring it every day with P90X and post on how each day went. I'll only be using the green band that came with my P90X package for weight resistance. Also, being that I do not have a door attachment to take along, I hope that the hotel will have a workout gym and if they do, a chin up apparatus.

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My nutritional plan (a.k.a- Man's Diet) is coming along nicely. After talking to my friends on the MDB message boards, I have some new recipes that taste great, fit into my meal plan, and have the right amount of protein/carb/fat ratios that are in line with my program to getting to my goal of losing body fat % and body weight. So, while staying true to the provide P90X nutritional plan for Phase II. I might switch out one dinner on the plan w/ a MDB recipe.
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 41 - Stretching Out Frankenstein

OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! Yesterday I jokingly commented on me walking like Frankenstein. Well, today, I rolled out of bed and my joke that was so funny yesterday was SO NOT FUNNY NOW!! I felt muscles in my legs hurt that I didn't even knew could hurt. When I say hurt, I mean really sore from working out.

I felt it in my calves, my thighs, my hamstrings AND ESPECIALLY in my Gluteus Maximus!!!! Each step was like someone taking a dull stick and poking me in each cheek. Going up and Down the stairs at my office was a workout in itself. There was NO WAY that I was going to be able to have the workout I did yesterday and have enough leg power to do Kenpo today.

So I switched up the flow of things. I swapped out doing X stretch tomorrow for Kenpo X today. I definitely needed to get these hardwork muscles stretched out before doing any other exercise that needed my legs. I knew that I didn't, it would be only hurting me in the long run. The phrase: "Take one step forward, and two steps back" comes to mind in this situation.

After Stretch, I fell alot better in my legs and especially my Glut. Max. With seeing all this new definition start showing up and my weight going down and spare tire going away, I guess I over did it alittle bit yesterday during legs.

I found out yesterday that I'm going to have to go out-of-town for work. So I'll be taking my DVD's and green band with me. This is a great test of the P90X system to see how easy it is to use P90X and eating "healthy" while traveling. Since I cannot bring my chin-up bar and I do not have the door attachment, I hope (pray) that the hotel that I stay at has a chin-up bar/machine. I'll keep you posted.

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Steps Taken Today: 8,200 "Pain is Good" steps
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 40 - The Frankenstein Walk

Today I tried the "Doubles" regimen of P90X by working out at the gym at work. Once again, I'm really liking it. I'm able to use a wide assortment of weights, mirrors, and benches. I can believe that I didn't think of doing this while I was in Phase I. But, the flip side to working out all the time at the gym is that I would not have gotten the use of the DVD's.--> I'll speak more on that later.

With my printouts in hand, I started bringing it to my legs. MAN, did I work them out. On all the exercises I used 20# DB's that 1)weren't pullups and 2)Had the "Add more weight" under the Intensify note. This weight gave me that burn that Tony wants us to have on the last 3 reps.

I can feel a huge difference in the way my muscles reacts and feels when I switch through exercises without having to waist 20-30 seconds using my old twist lock DB's. Since it's more of a circuit training, they feel like they are always "engaged" since they do not have time to "rest and relax". I felt like I was able to be a better workout on my legs by constantly blasting them through the different exercises. I was feeling the burn alot earlier in my reps that I did during week 4. Also, maybe because I didn't do Legs & Back in week 5, they had alittle TOO much rest time.

Cardio tonight was great! I HATE (and hate is a strong word) to do cardio. Jumping on a treadmill and just run for 20-30-40 minutes is not what I call a fun time. But throw me some basketball, martial arts, couple hours at the dance club. YEAH!! That's what I'm talking about. With all that in mind, CARDIO X is fun, fun, fun!!! I get the cardio that I need to speed up the fat shredding, the sweat that makes it feel oh-so-good all while doing something that I enjoy doing. Mixing up some plyo, kenpo, core, and yoga.

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About working/not working out with the DVD's. I feel that even though one could workout w/ the DVD's, I am so so so glad that BeachBody decided to add in a workout book that is basically a written duplicate of the DVD's. This is great for ANYONE who is traveling alot, or working out at different places other than their home. Even though I have a portable DVD player and a player on my laptop. I'm not going to set it up in a workout gym. Beachbody gives me the option of photocopying the workout descriptions, and my weight/rep sheet so that I can work out when and WHERE I want. But of course, there is always a evil for every good. The drawback is that it's solely up to you to push yourself, to motivate yourself, to keep "Bringing It!". That's the hard part. I try to keep my pace to where I have about 10-15 seconds between exercises to keep my workout under an hour.
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 39 - Yoga w/ my son

Nothing like a good day of Yoga. Unless it's a good day of Yoga w/ my son. He has become obsessed with Yoga. Every night he wants to do yoga, he carries around his Yoga block. Before bed he says: "I have to do Yoga Daddy." It's a riot. He's learned to 1)Turn on the TV, 2)Turn on the DVD player, 3)Push play.

Sometimes I'll be in the other room and all of a sudden hear Tony in the back ground. (I leave my DVD's in the dvd player.) I walk in and my son says "He HAS to do Yoga." Even though, the Yoga DVD isn't even in the player.


Here are two pictures while doing Yoga. He lasted about 15 minutes this time before having to go to bed.

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I'm getting better and better with this thing called Yoga. I'm able to hold some of positions that I couldn't get before.

One positive about this workout, is that I was able to go from downward dog to runner's pose every time on each leg with my foot hitting the ground early and I have to grab it and pull it up into place. (If that makes sense.)

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Steps Taken Today: 8, 125
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 38 - The Gun Show II

WHAM-BLAM-THANK YOU-MA'AM!! That's all I'm gonna say about today's Back & Bicep workout.

I was able to workout at my work's gym today. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having a full set of free weights. 15# to light: BAM-> Go to 20#.. 35# to heavy: BAM-> Pick up some 30#. I didn't have the fumbling around screwing/unscrewing my DB's trying to find the right weight. I was able to go from excersice to excersice with no problems.

Another great thing that the gym has are MIRRORS... No, No, of course I don't use them to eww and ahh over my bulging biceps. No way. I use them strictly and only to allow me to see my form. HAHAHAHAHA Whatever.. OH yeah, and don't forget the sleeveless T-Shirt.

I went up in my weights on some moves and stayed where I was on others. I paced myself to were I was in-and-out in about an hour (which is about the same time on the DVD's). I got a really good pump in my biceps and especially my forearms. P90X kicks some major butt!!

I do have to say that I miss watching and working along with Tony on the DVD's. Feels like I'm missing out working with my friends, even though I know it's just a DVD. But I still get the workout that my body needs to transform.

Since there was no repeats, I tried to go to my max Pull ups each and every time I had to do them. On weights, I tried to pick a weight than made my max around 12-13. Not 8-10. My main focus is to tone, hone, and shred the muscles I do have so that when I get this layer of fat off of me, I'll be ahead of the game. Then I'll go for mass.

I do have a comment to make:
There are 3-4 guys that workout at the gym the same time I do... All they have going for them is mass, No Definition at all.... Sure they're chest and arms are pretty big, but that's about it. It's muscle definition that drives women crazy. The ripples, the lines, the grooves. That's what get the ladies. Not a body so big and stiff you have to walk sideways through doorways to get into places.

So why'll they spend 30-40 minutes on bench press trying to see who can outlift who. I'll be over doing my P90X thing, getting ripped. Even though I'm happily married and in no way of looking for any women.
**I know what makes my wife tick and what gets her all riled up--> And that's ALL that matters.


As for cardio. Completed. Done. Check. I've noticed that I start to get alittle bit of that "bonk" near the end of the workout. I'll probably have to eat a half of a protein bar or something so that I have some quick carbs in me to keep me going.

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Steps Taken Today: 14, 183 (not including any workouts)
**Even if I take out an aggressive # like 1000 steps for the bumps
taken when driving to an from work (~1 hr total) that still leaves

13,183 steps today!! WOW!!! I was a walking fiend.
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 37 - My feet are on fire.. Literally!

Well, not literally on fire, but they sure do feel like it.

Plyo today was fun. Had my #1 fan jumping along with me. It's so funny to see my 2 yr old trying to mimic Tony. The funny thing is that my son can almost do it as good as I can. AND I'VE BEEN AT THIS FOR ~6 WEEKS! I'm going to try to see up a video camera next time to video tape it. If not video, I'll have my wife snap a bunch of pictures of me and him working out. But he only lasts about 5-10 minutes, after that he either becomes bored, tired, or hungry.

Plyo today has been like it's been for the past few weeks. My endurance has upped because I can stay with the pack more and more each time. Actually, today was the first time, I've gone through plyo COMPLETELY without quitting early on some jumps and without taking longer than the given water break time.

The only thing that is getting me is that during some of the constant jumping (A.K.A. Hot Feet) my arches start to get pains in them like they're cramping almost. It hurts to the point to where I have to stop. This is the FIRE I'm talking about. It's like I'm being stabbed in the middle of my foot. I have NO clue on what it could be. I'll look into getting some of those neoprene arch support sleeves, maybe that will help.

All-in-all, Great workout. Sweated like shaggy dog on a hot humid Houston day.

Tomorrow, I'm going to try to keep to my goal of transitioning over to the "Doubles" version of P90X by working out at my work's gym and doing cardio when I get home. Wish me luck!

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Steps Taken Today: 7853 (not including plyo)
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 36 - The Gun Show

Today I thought I'd spice it up and try a new way of working out in Phase II. I've been complaining about having to waste time and energy switching out my twist lock DB's, and how I need to do more cardio but no time in the world. Well, today it changes.

At my place of work, they have a "full" workout gym area: Free weights, benches, smith machines, weight machines, treadmills, etc..... Since they have two full sets of sold DB's: WHY NOT WORKOUT THERE during my lunch break, and do cardio at night. BRILLIANT!! But would it work??

Well, reporting back: It WORKS!!! I copied the worksheet and exercise descriptions from my book and brought it in. I was able to go at my own pace, keep it under an hour, and get a great workout in!!! I was able to switch to a different weight if it was too heavy or to light. I had a greater assortment of weights so I was able to go find out what weight ACTUALLY worked for me. I got a great workout in, sweated just as much and feel SUPER ENERGIZED to finish out the day. AND!!!!! I now have time to do Cardio when I get home. YEEEAAAHHH!!

Funny thing is that today, two people came up to me, they were watching me and they saw all the different pushups and tricep exercises I was doing, and asked if I was doing P90X! I told them that I was and how'd they know?? This is how they answered:

We've seen you around work the past couple of months and notice that you have
(in the past month) looked like you've really lost weight and see the muscle definition increase through my shirt.

They told me that they were doing P90X as well, but were only in Phase I. I told them it's the best thing ever done. I've lost 10lbs, and dropped ~5% body fat in just 5 weeks. They were all smiles. Looks like I have some P90X friends and workout buddies closer than I thought. What a small world.

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So far, the nutritional plan is going fairly well. While, the meals are ALL different, the dinners have been alittle bit more time consuming since they call more mostly different ingredients than Phase I. The ingredients that I bought in Week 1 of Phase II (Week 5) of what I thought was enough to last me two weeks didn't. Either I didn't buy enough, or the stuff I did buy went bad (bean sprouts, lettuce, etc.)

So when that happens, I just cook up a Phase I dinner and add some Carbs like from bananas or slice of whole wheat toast, or something off the Carb list on the Michi's Ladder.

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Steps Taken Today: 10,138 (including Cardio X)

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 35 - I can touch my toes!!!

Can't say enough about the need of this day. Stretch X.

"A longer muscles is a strong muscle." That's what I've heard and that's what I'm sticking too.

This week took it's toll on me. It was the first week of a new Phase and my muscles feel as if it was the end of week 1 all over again. I know that by confusing them they're going to get stronger, bigger, and more toned. However, I needed today to just "relax" and let them take a breather by strecthing them out.

I have to say that I can not only touch my toes (Fit Test: Day 1 = -1), I can now grab around my feet and on a good day even grab my heels. I'm not gonna throw out any concrete numbers, but I think I'm now around +2 or +3. I'm more flexible now that I've been probably most of my life.

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Steps Taken Today: 8,423 --> Driving back from the parents
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 34 - Kenpo Kid II

Judo Chop!!! --> (My impression of Austin Powers Skills)

Ah, another round of Kenpo. This week, I was cleaning up around the house and I found 3lb weights that can be velcro'ed around your wrists or ankles. Also, it just so happened to be Kenpo day.

I've wanted to spice up the blocking section of this workout since the first time I did Kenpo X in Phase I. Usually, I'm sitting in a deep horsestance and going 2x faster than the group during the blocking phase. Not really getting anything out of it. Believe me when I say that I'm using good form and trying to hit each and every move. I'm not just flailing my arms around. These 3lb weights might give me that difference I need.

It makes a BIG difference. I just used the 3lbs, and I was feeling it in my shoulders and triceps. Nothing like Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps workout, but enought to give Kenpo that extra needed "KICK" so that I get every ounce of workout from the DVD. While I still went faster than the group on the blocks, I got one heck of a burn!!!!!! These weights are now part of my MUST HAVE list of equipment when doing P90X.

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Today, I visted my Mom & Dad. My dad got a new grill and wanted to try it out. There is nothing better to break in a grill than STEAK!!!! So while I didn't have the P90X meal of the day, I still stuck true to eating healthy by making it Lean Steak (Michi's Tier3), sweet potatoe (Yams) (T1), a whole wheat roll(T1), and a salad w/ Fat Free Ranch. YUM! YUM! YUM!
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Steps Taken Today: 7,985 --> Driving half the day took alot of my steps away

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play

Day 33 - Black Friday

Today WAS suppose to be Legs and Back. However, this day I was unable to workout.

No, not because I was sick; or hurt; or dying; or in the hospital; or out saving the world.

I didn't workout today because I just didn't have time. And that still is NO EXCUSE!

I could say that I didn't get much sleep last night, and add that I had to stay late at work. I could even say that when I got home I had to do some "Honey-Do" chores around the house, then put my son to bed. But I'm not going to.

In addition to all that, I would then add that I after putting my son down, my body was just too exhausted from the lack of sleep and the poor eating I did today due to not eating because projects run into each other and I have to be in two places at once.

But then again, it's all excuses.

It was the "shoulda, coulda, woulda" syndrome, and it's my fault for not pushing play today.

I'm just gonna cut my losses now, and just call today "Black Friday"

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However.....
Steps Taken Today: 10,004
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play. NO EXCUSES THIS TIME!!!

Day 32 - Me and My Yoga Belly

Before I go into today's Yoga workout, I wanted to show everyone my son yesterday trying to keep up w/ Dad during Back and Biceps. My wife got a shot up him doing this while I was on the chin-up bar.

He has the form almost perfect ;) He gives them back to me, saying that it's my turn. So I do a few. He looks at me, and says "You did good Dad." HAHAHA.. Well, Thanks Son.

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Almost through the first week of Phase II. Today was a much, much needed yoga day. My biceps, triceps, forearms, chest, and back were all crying for yoga to come save them and to be stretched out.

I was able to get off alittle early today, so I rushed home and threw in a round of Cardio X. My work schedule 7am - 430pm makes it impossible for me to get a workout in the morning. So this was a treat to have some time to get a round in.

The reason for this extra push for Cardio is that I want to get this tire off my stomach ASAP. I'm not seeing it go away as fast as I would like. So I'm trying to kick it into overdrive.

I know that Yoga is making my inner-self stronger. I'm able to hold my positions longer, my lunges are deeper. And what makes me the happiest of all is that my flexibility is getting better and better each day.

For the first time EVER, I've been able to grab AROUND my feet during the sitting straight leg stretches. I've NEVER been able to do that.

I highly recommend getting a yoga block. Either go buy one, borrow one, or make one (that's what I did - 4"x6"x9"). It has helped me get that "controlled" stretch.

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Another day added to the books of sticking to the meal plan. The food this phase is easier to make and better tasting. They say that the first step to weight loss is the food you eat. Well, I can contest to that. I'm down 10lbs since day 1. AMAZING!!! But I think p90X had alot to do with it also. However, I'm not seeing as fast of results in week 4 and week 5 like I did in the first three weeks. Hopefully, the change in diet and adding Cardio X will change that.
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I did 11,583 steps today. That counted Cardio X too.

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 31 - Back & Bicep

Did Back & Biceps for the first time last night.. This workout has the potential to give me amazing results on the "Guns". But at the end of it I was alittle bummed and disappointed w/ myself.

I was doing the WOWY thing, which gives you a time limit. A specific amount of time for each workout. You click Start, there's a timer that ticks down, and you click Done when your done with your workout.

I wasted so much time switching out weights, since I have those spin lock DB's, trying to figure out what weight to curl. One exercise I need 20# to get that burn around rep 12, the next is 10#, the next 16# (I have 3#'s not 2.5). With switching out weights, unspinning the lock, switching out plats, spinning back on the lock and trying to get it all done in time, I guess my mind was more into finding the weight instead of doing the exercise. So even though I got a really good pump, I didn't get that feeling that I worked out to my full potential.

I expected this to happen since the same thing happened on the first workout of Shoulders and Arms trying to find the right weight. But, on the flip side, NOW I KNOW what weights I need. So next time, I'll be able to give it my all and do the right weights.

I definitely need to save up some money (which will take forever w/ wife and 2 kids) or start up a "Nicks D.B. Fund" to get me some solid DB's or some of those sweet selectable DB's.

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HOWEVER, on the plus side. I'm LOVING the new meal plan!!!! The new foods, recipes, and finally CARBS!!!!! I brought back the Beef&Broccoli recipe from Phase I cause it was my favorite. It's going to be alot easier staying focused to the plan being that the assortment of food is more inline to what I already eat.

PLUS! My wife (being the pregnant finicky eater that she is) said that the food looks and smells good and that she'll probably eat the food along w/ me. So that'll cut down on having to buy MY food and HER food.
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In addition to Phase II, I am carrying around a pedometer. They say that the normal "office" worker only gets in around 2,000 steps in a day. The recommend amount is 10,000. WOW!! So I'm going to also keep track of how many steps I take a day, and do what I have to do to get at or around 10,000 steps. If that's going for a ten minute walk w/ my son: GREAT!! If that's walking my overweight dog: GREAT! If that's adding Cardio X (since I hate running) that day: AWESOME!!!! I'll keep you guys up-to-date on the step-o-meter.

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play

Day 30 - Plyo all the time!

Day 2 of Phase 2.....

I'm still feeling it all over my arms and chest today, but I guess I'll probably still be feeling the after affects of Chest, Shoulders, Biceps until the end of the week.

They should really change it to Chest, Shoulders, and TRICEPS because Tony said that your pushing the entire time.. Well, if my memory is correct, isn't the TRICEP a pushing muscle and the BICEP is a pulling muscle?? Hmmmm... Seems some one feel asleep in Health Class. But either way, it doesn't matter what it's called.

Had to postpone my usual 9:00 PM scheduled time for all my workouts till around 10 tonight due to my son not wanting to fall asleep. He wanted to play trains, read book after book, go to the bathroom. Just about every excuse in the book. Finally, we had alittle talk and he went to sleep just fine. Unbelievable how kids as young as two understand and comprehend. Amazing. Or maybe my son is just brilliant ;)

Now done to business. PLYO! "The mother", "The X in P90X"..... Once again, this routine lives up to it's name. I was a jumping and a movin and a twisting and a whole lotta sweatin. Had to pull out my "Bigger, Faster, Stronger, Better" chant to keep me going.

I know that the P90X conditioning is helping.. Each time I do Plyo, I'm able to keep up w/ Dominique alittle better each time, which has been my goal since the first time Plyo came into my life. I can see it in my legs that I'm getting more definition and less fat. I can feel it in my body when I'm able to keep up w/ Dom.

This round, I focused on getting deep in all my lunges, stances and hops. OOOOOHHH The burn!!!!

The Phase II meal plan is GREAT!! Of course, I'm sure it'll get monotonous at week three, but the foods and recipes are delicious. Yesterday's meals were great! The chicken burrito (which I had to use turkey cause I was out of chicken)----Awesome. The dinner of grilled chicken, wild rice, and the mushroom, zucchini, onion saute---Couldn't get enough. So far so good on sticking w/ the nutrition plan. I wonder if it would be ok to bring back some dinners from Phase I, I really liked the beef & broccoli dinner.

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 29 - It has BEGUN!! Phase II

Today is the Start of Phase II. This phase throws in the mix of muscle confusion by changing up the routine. Instead of Chest & Back, now is Chest, Shoulders, & Biceps. Unlike the previous workouts that have repeats or sequences, this one doesn't. It runs through 24 Non-Stop Chest Pumping-Bicep Bulging-Tricep Tapping Exercises. Also, we can't forget the infamous Ab-Ripper X!!! Not one repeats, so there is no need to "Pace Yourself," like Tony use to say.

It's balls-to-the-wall pushing until your body just doesn't go any more. That's right, going until failure or at least until you hit that magic number that make the last three tough.

After last week's Recovery Week, I was ready to get back into the groove. I have to admit that I didn't adhere to the P90X rules. I added a round or two of Cardio X on my Yoga Days. Sorry, I couldn't help it. I just felt like I was slacking (I don't know how or why, I just did). Plus w/ my progress report coming out at the end of the week, I wanted to try to get those extra few inches, lbs, or whatever out. No Pain... No Gain....

On this routine, right out of the gate, on the first exercise I knew it was going to be a long, hard, great workout. The Slo-Mo Pushups... PHEW!! If this is just #1 of 24............

I know I've said it in the past about some of the other exercises, but THIS!! THIS workout is now my Favorite. It pushes you to the extreme edge of mental and physical limits. There were times where I knew my mind wanted to go on to hit that magic number in my head, but my body just didn't want to follow. And it's times like that when you have to, you must, make the two hit the same goal. Throughout Phase I, I found where my limits were so I had an idea of what numbers worked for me.

When it came time to doing the pushups or any exercise w/out weights, Tony stressed "MAXIMUM REPS", which to me meant: Keep pushing it your body physically won't let you. And that's exact what I did. There were many times, where my face ate the floor (padded), and each time, I got right back up and try to push one more out.

My arms felt like they did back in the day of workout out hardcore in the gym. Biceps and triceps "pumped" so much that you could barely wash your face or brush your teeth. LOVE IT!!

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However, I'd just like to say that there was a exercise that I would like to stress caution on doing. One in particular was the Pour Flyes. The one where you do a straight arm flye, then twist your wrists as if you were pouring water. SUPER SUPER tough on the wrists if you are using to large of a weight. You have to use a weight to were you get the burn in the shoulders, but not to much to were it puts tons of stress on your wrists.
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 28 - Today is the Day!

DAY 28!! 1/3 THE WAY THROUGH THE TOUGHEST AT-HOME WORKOUT PROGRAM ON THE PLANET!!

Well Everyone today is Progress Report Day! It's finally come. Today marks the end of the first of three Phases to the P90X program.

HERE ARE THE RESULTS:

Day 27 - Yoga Belly

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Yoga X is steadily growing to be my #1 (without weights) workout.

Working on my inner strength, is just as important on working on my outer strength. I impressed myself today. For the first time, I was able to hit and hold EVERY position!! Usually, I have to come out early because of the pain, or I fall over due to my inability to balance. This marks a new mind barrier that I've had through this program.

On the stability/balance positions, I've had a hard time clearing my mind. So my "chi" is off and I'm wobbling all over the place. Not Today! I focused on my breathing, had some different music playing instead of the provided music, and I did it while there was no wife, son, or dogs in the house.

Nothing and no one but P90X and me. It was great. This recovery week has surpassed my expectations. I was first afraid that I'd digress from the progress I've made in the three prior weeks. That I'd start to slack. However, the exact opposite occurred. I stayed focused to the nutritional requirements even when I ate out w/ friends and family. Core, Kenpo, and Yoga kept me mentally connected to the End Goal. And the MDB community and especially the WOWY workout schedule and buddy system kept me focused and dedicated to pushing play every night.

PHASE II... LOOK OUT, CAUSE I'M COMING FOR YOU!!

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Countdown till Progress Reports (& Pics): 1 DAY
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I'll be back tommorow pushing play.

Day 26 - Core Synergistics

Another WHAM-BLAM-PLEASE DON'T THROWUP! WORKOUT

This Core program has me sweating every time! This time I was ready for what was to come since I did this same workout just a few days ago.

While I was working out, my son, who is my #1 fan and shadow, decided that he'd join me during Core. I had my pushup bars over in the corner, and he just HAD to do pushups. He started huffin and puffin, and grunting. I had no clue what he was doing. So I looked over and there he was on the bars. He told me he was "Doing Daddy Pushups."

Fortunately, I had my camera around so I paused Core and took some pictures. You should see him try to do Plyo. It's a riot.

It's times like this that make everything worth it. Getting up, going to work, coming home, being a loving husband and father. Putting all your needs second to family. Then, when you just have barely enough time to rest, you push play for another round of P90X. The interaction between my son and I. Spending time together. It's about the quality of the time spent, not the quantity.

Refreshed from my little break, alittle happier and alittle energized from picture time. Finishing up strong with Core. Couldn't have had a better workout.

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2 DAYS TILL PROGRESS REPORTS COME OUT!!!! HOPEFULLY, I'M GOING TO HAVE A PASSING GRADE! I'VE STUCK TO THE NUTRITION PLAN (~90%) AND TO "BRINGING IT" EVERY WORKOUT (~100%)
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I'll be back tommorow pushing play.

Day 25 - Stetching Out

This is the first time, where P90X has required me to stretch. Usually, I do X Stretch on Sundays or what I'm suppose to consider my OFF day. But after Kenpo AND Core Synergistics back to back, I definetly need this. It couldn't have come at a better time.

"They think of everything." --> or so Tony says.

My flexibility (along w/ pullups) has always been my weak point. I was in gymnastics in high school and used my tumbling skills all throughout college. I even have 4-5 years of martial arts under my belt, but even with all this, I'm on un-flexible person. I use to be able to put my knuckles on the ground during standing straight leg stretching, however, that was 2 years ago.

X Stretch, being the only stretching video I've used, has greatly increased my flexibility in my legs and hips. This workout is just long enough to get the maximum results, but short enough not to OVER stretch.

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Countdown till Progress Reports (& Pics): 3 DAYS
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I'll be back tommorow pushing play

Day 24 - Kenpo Kid

Ah, another day of Kenpo.

While the last time I did this workout, I was a freakin Kenpo Master. Kicking, Punching, and Blocking that Jet Li, Bruce Lee, and Chuck Norris couldn't defend. (Yeah, I'm that good... Just kidding). But today was another story.

For the past two days, I've had some sick bug that I got from my son who's been sick the past couple of days. I've got the congestion, runny nose, stuffy head. In addition to all of this, I was blind-sided tackled by Core Synergistics yesterday. So putting together yesterday, and me being sick, instead of Kenpo Master, I was Kenpo Kid. I still gave it my all, and sweated outrageously like I always do. Just this time, I just stuck to the "normal" kicks and punches. I still had to 2x during the blocking section, but that's nothing un-usual.

Also, along w/ doing P90X on my own, I've started to find some workout buddies on WOWY on the Beach Body website. It's nice to give each other some words of advice and motivation, workout, then chat with each other on how we did. Great Motivation to keep coming back tomorrow and pushing play. While some are states away, we're all striving for the same goal. It's fun.

It's almost Day 28 PICTURE DAY!!!!!! I can't wait! I've forgone putting up Week 4 pics that are taking at the beginning of the week. I'm going to wait till the end of the week my body shows the results of completing Phase I.

I'm going to switch up the pictures to be taken at the end of the week instead of the beginning so that they are in sync w/ the picture taking times of the P90X program

I'll be back tommorow pushing play.

Day 23 - Core Synergistics

Core synergistics was an workout that I have been looking forward to doing since the start. As I've mentioned yesterday, being that this is a recovery week, I was kinda worried about letting go of the resistance training. I thought that I might lose my momentum. I actually started thinking of just continuing the resistance training. But I HAVE to, I MUST stick w/ the program to the T.

I quickly, and I stress quickly, found out that Core Synergistics is no walk in the park. What you think you might miss out by not doing resistance training, Tony fills in the gaps with "persistance" training (doing lots of excersices using your own body weight with multiple reps). Tony put me through the paces, constantly reminding me to "ENGAGE" my core. We went through exercises I've never seen or heard of before that put a whole new style of "good pain" in me. I actually felt like I was back on Day 1, Week 1. I was uncoordinated, I fumbled, and tumbled w/ some of the moves. Sometimes, on the new moves, I had to let Tony do one or two before I jumped in.

This is NOW my new FAVORITE workout. It's great. It's Fun, rough, tough, wham-blam-thank you-ma'am type of workout. This workout made each exercises hit all of my muscle groups AT THE SAME TIME! Each exercises had my stomach stinging, my legs aching, my shoulders burning, my chest throbbing, my heart rate pounding, my back flexing. And when you weren't doing that, you were giving high knees, or jumping rope. Core to the EXTREME!!

WHAM-BLAM-THANK YOU MA'AM!

I can't believe that I'm almost 1/3 the way through this program. Think about it.. I've been going strong for 23 days straight with one of the hardest workout programs out there. I've stuck as close to the nutrition plan as I could financially. I've given every single workout my all, as well as keeping up this blog and it's starting to pay off. I've lost weight (fat), my body fat % has lowered, my belt buster is leaving. My flexibility is increasing, my arms, legs, and back are getting toned. In addition to eating healthier, I've become quite a chef in the kitchen (which my wife likes.)

This has been one wide ride and amazing experience. Instead of complaining about my body and my weight,etc... So far, P90X has done more for me than just be a workout program that will eventually get stowed away in the closet. It's becoming more of a lifestyle: Eating Healthy, Staying Healthy, Getting Fit, Staying Fit. I've gotten my wife to join in on the nutritional side of it. (Being 5 months pregnant, I don't see her doing any pullups any time soon). And I have my workout buddy, my 2yr old son.

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Countdown till Progress Reports (& Pics): 5 DAYS
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 22 - Recovery Week (Yoga)

Today is the start of the recovery (last) week of Phase I.

I'm excited about having a "new" workout week having yoga, kenpo, and core synergistic. I still want to have all the pushing and pulling of weights that I've had the prior three weeks. But just like everything else in life: "Too much anything, good or bad, can kill you." While I know that P90X will not kill me, I know that I need to take this week to let my body recover from last week and get ready for the NEXT level of workouts in the coming week.

Today, was Yoga. Which, I might add, is starting to become on of my top workouts to do. I feel it making me stronger on the inside. My flexibility has increased; my stamina has increased; my balance has increased. Tony adds this phrase: "A longer body is a stronger body." Most people just want to push/pull and get "big", but in doing so they also get stiff.

After you have used weights (or other means) to overload and fatigue your muscles, your muscles retain a "pump" and are shortened somewhat. This"shortening" is due mostly to the repetition of intense muscle activity that often only takes the muscle through part of its full range of motion. This "pump" makes the muscle appear bigger. The "pumped" muscle is also full of lactic acid and other by-products from exhaustive exercise. If the muscle is not stretched afterward, it will retain this decreased range of motion (it sort of "forgets" how to make itself as long as it could) and the buildup of lactic acid will cause post-exercise soreness. Also, strenuous workouts will often cause damage to the muscle's connective tissue. The tissue heals in 1 to 2 days but it is believed that the tissues heal at a shorter length (decreasing muscular development as well as flexibility).

This is exactly why I look forward to Yoga. It clears my mind, and it helps my body grow by stretching and strengthening every muscle, tendon, and fiber in my body.

Yoga X is another great addition to the P90X program. Before P90X, I thought only women and old people did yoga. But now I know different, Yoga has/will help me in every part of my daily life from my posture, detox my body, improve my flexibility, and tone my muscles.

Can it get any better than that???

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 21 - Day of Rest

On the Seventh Day, God rested. So, I guess I will too.

As a review of the last three weeks, I think I've done phenomenal, in terms of "keeping up the good fight". I stayed away from all the junk food, random snacking, fatty foods, soda's, fast food, and sweet indulgences.

I am proud that I stuck to my guns and even though there were alot of temptations this month, I stayed w/ the P90X plan. They say nutrition is just as important (probably even more) than working out. No sense on taking one step forward by working out hard EVERY DAY, just to take two steps back by eating junk food that does not do my body any good.

I can see and feel my progress in just these few three weeks.
Without throwing a pity party, I wasn't happy w/ my body at all. One of those "I'm eat because I'm unhappy w/ my body, I'm unhappy w/ my body because I eat." I'd come home from a full day of work, then I'd have to make dinner (sometimes), then play with my son (which is always the highlight of my day), then give him and bath, then put him to bed, then at the end of the day, it's around 8:30pm. I'm tired, drained, hungry, and ready to just sit and do nothing and go to bed. Just to repeat the same process the next day.

Since getting P90X, I've had a "second wind". It's the perfect answer for someone who has limited time and/or cannot make it to the gym every night. P90X has given me something to look forward to each and every night. It's like having a workout buddy who is always ready to workout no matter what time it is. Keeping me going / pushing me to the next level. I can workout in the comforts of my house, while my son sleeps in the next room.

It's gotten to the point to where I "need to", I "have to" push play every night. Each night, I push my self to new limits, I sweat & swear due to all the pushing, pulling, and "good" pain I go through. I know deep down that I the only way to change my life (health, weight, etc) I have to change my thoughts. Pushing play every night, and looking at my Before Pictures push me to keeping up the "good fight" of getting back in shape.

p90X has started carving me into a new man. I'm eating healthier, losing fat and gaining muscle. I've have more energy throughout the day, my daily outlook has become brighter, I've become more "cheerful". No more "unhappy->eat, eat->unhappy". NO MORE!! P90X has taken me far in these three short weeks. I can't wait for the next 10 more.

p90X is worth every single penny that I spent on the program. I've always been skeptical about workout programs that you see on TV. But there was/is something about this program, the P90X program that had me hooked from the first time I saw it. And after the first day of pushing play I was hooked. P90X is going to take me to a whole new level, and all I have to do is push play and enjoy the ride.

Day 20 - Jet Li has nothing on me!!

What a great way to end week 3.

I think that I took it to a whole new level today w/ Kenpo X. I never stopped moving. If I wasn't kicking I was busting out the highest running knees. If I was kicking I was using all the technique and skills from my prior M.A. experience to , instead of regular front kicks and side kicks, I did round house kicks, hook kicks, jump switch kicks. I think that I sweated more on this one day than all this week combined. I DEFINITELY feel it in my glutes, especially my butt. I will also surely need X stretch tomorrow to limber me up some.

The end of week 3 came with a BANG! I brought my "A" game tonight and completed ripped Kenpo X a new one.

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I would like to comment that while the beginning of kenpo X w/ the kicks is great, and the punching sequence is awesome, the workout lacks when it gets into the arm blocks. My heart rate goes way down out of the "zone". I think they could take some moves out (i.e. The elbow up-down-left-right throws) because they do nothing for me. To try to get the most out of the block sequence, I focused on maintaining a low low horse stance and go for MAX reps during the time instead of keeping w/ Tony's 20-25 throw pace. I was almost tempted to hit the replay button to go through the punching/kicking sequence again

I'm going to go out and get me some hand or wrist weights to see if it makes any difference.
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I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 19 - Legs of Fire!

Three weeks almost up!

Today was a really solid workout. Week 1 & 2 I struggled to get through the different versions of wall squats, but today I was able to burn through them without having to stand-up. Of course the wall squats made my legs fire hot, and there was alittle shaking in the last few seconds of each. But all-in-all, I'm proud of myself making this milestone.

I can "SEE" a huge difference in my thighs. Before it was just one mass, now I can see some major definition between the inner and outer thigh muscles (Vastus Medialis & Lateralis). I'll contribute this to the extra cardio, plyometrics, kenpo x, & of course Leg&Back.

Also with this workout, I used 20# D.B.'s on all the leg exercises, unless Tony specified not to. I wanted to make sure my Phase I went out w/ a BANG!

While I still have to use the chair for 90% of all my pullups, I was able to do +1 pullup unassisted on each of the pull up exercises. ANOTHER MILESTONE HIT! My back has taken a new form. Comparing my Muscle pose of my back of Week 3 and Week 1. HUGE difference, at least in my eyes. My "love-handles" are slowly going away and the ridge down my spine is become more pronounced.
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My nutrition plan has been coming along quite nicely. I've enjoyed the fact that P90X gives me the meal plan option with my entire week layed out infront of me. I know what groceries I need to get for the month/week and buy in bulk. I've stuck to the plan as close as possible, but due to my families taste buds, I've only made the vegetable soup and red pepper soup. Both are really great, but since they serve 12 and my family is only 2.5, I cut the recipe in half and that lasts about a week.


Another great thing I like about the nutrition plan is that they also give you the portion option where you pick what you want (I use Michi's Ladder) to mix-and-match your own meals. This came in handy the past couple days w/ the weather and my son getting sick, we weren't able to get out to the store. I was able to use the ladder and make meals from the groceries I did have and still have a complete "nutritional" day.

Goals/Milestones for Today:
Stick w/ Nutrition Plan: Done
+1 Unassisted Pullup PER exercise: ACHIEVED!! Kudos to me
Get through wall-squats (not matter what): BOOO YAAA!!! You can't stop me.

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 18 - Oooooommm! Yoga

I can't believe I'm saying this: I needed to do Yoga X. The last three days I've pushed my body to it's limits and I needed a good stretch and inner peace stimulation.

Being the 3rd time of Yoga X, I didn't need to see the TV at all. All I needed was Tony's que's on the next pose. I focused on staying completely relaxed and deep breathing. WOW! WOW! WOW! My body feels completely "un-kinked" and stretched out.

There are still some poses that I just cannot do (Runners Triangle pose) where you grab underneath your leg and over around you back.. Not gonna happen. But I at least help a "sorta" pose.

My flexibility, stability and core have increased in these three sort weeks. Week 1, I couldn't hold one pose for more than 3 seconds, couldn't get through all the vanyasas to downward dog, and I struggled at -1 on touching my toes during the leg stretches. This week, I was in control, of both my mind and body. AND!!!! now I'm about +2/+3 on my leg stretches.

At the end, I really got into the ooooms w/ Tony. I feel energized, relaxed, stretched out, and pumped up to BUST IT in Legs & Back tomorrow.

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 17 - Boulders for Arms

Shoulders and Arms today was another challenge for me to BUST last weeks numbers. Tony says Bulk8-10, Tone:12-15. Well, I'm been, for the past two weeks, hitting 16 reps with my weights, besides the excercises that Tony says do 16. So this week, "No Pain, No Gain" made me try to up the anty by going up in weights to get where 12-15 is the max.

This workout was INTENSE!! I think this is the best workout I've done since the start of P90X. I brought everything I had to the table. I pushed myself to the limits on reps/weights while keeping good form. I was getting that muscle pump that I use to get in the gyms those years ago that I've been lacking these past two weeks. It's a great workout, hands down. After reviewing my performance of the day, I don't think I could have brought anything more to Shoulders and Arms today. I gave it my all.

Shoulders, Bi's, Tri's, REPEAT! --> Can't get any easier, better than that. When I was doing my shoulder exercises (i.e. Deep Swimmers Press, Two-Angle Shoulder Flyes) my left shoulder, which I hurt a week ago, was twinging (if that's even a word). So I went as hard as I could, with the correct form, and doing the best that my shoulder would let me do.

I don't let it try to hold me back. I think that the more I work it out correctly, the stronger it will get, and the less likely it will give me problems in the future.
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I don't know about anyone else, but I'm craving desserts!! With Thanksgiving around the corner, all the stores have Pumpkin Pies & Pumpkin pie cheesecake. MY FAVORITE!! Then of course, there is acouple of steak houses on the way home from work. The smells are intoxicating.

BUT!!! I'm staying strong, I'm staying true. I took my week 3 pictures the other day and it's almost night and day of what I looked like a 17 days ago. So I'm using them as my motivation to get to day 90.

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 16 - Call me "Grasshopper"

Well, I had Plyo today and even though I was able to jump higher, and press harder.

This workout seemed to "drain" me alot more than usual. I know that I'm getting more in shape because I can tell my tire is going away. My goal for today during plyo was "HIGH KNEES." No matter what exercise I did, I focused on getting my knees up. The Double Air Heisman was tough getting my knees up and down while keeping tempo w/ tony.

But I stuck with it 100%. I was able to go through the whole workout and "stop" cause of the pain or fatigue in my legs. Even though I still haven't caught Dominique yet on the high knee jumps, I'm able to keep up with Tony when they go double time. I impressed myself.

I stepped on the scale this morning, and it says that I'm 3lbs lighter than I was 2 weeks ago. I don't really care about the weight loss on a scale. I care more about the pants scale. If my pants are getting looser, then I know I'm on the right track. And as of this morning, my "tight" pair of pants felt looser around the stomach area. So I'm on the right track.

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.

Day 15 - Pull-up Power - Week 3 pics up!!

CHECK OUT WEEK 3 PICS!! LOOK AT THE BACK MUSCLE POSE!

OOOOOOH YEAH!!!

I love this workout. Even though my pull-ups aren't the greatest, I'm getting better and better each week. Last week, I had to use the chair on all of them. NOW!, I can pump out 1-2 by myself before using the chair. I think I've been doing the pull ups wrong this entire time until today. Usually I'd do a pull up until my forehead/eyes were level with the bar. WRONG! It wasn't until my wife mentioned how mine look different than Tony on the TV (my pullup bar is where I can't see the TV when I do them). So I looked and sure enough they went to chin or neck level.

MAN-O-MAN-A-CHEVY!! HUGE Difference. Obviously it was harder, but it's the correct way and I sure did feel it. I thought I stumbled onto gold, but it was just doing it w/ correct form.

Today's workout was a GREAT way to start out week 3. Once again, I busted last weeks numbers. Some by 5+, some only by 1+. But slow and steady wins the race. I focused all my energy and strength when doing the pull ups, and pulled a few w/ no chair. YEESSS!!!! I found a D.B. weight that makes it rough and tough on rep 12-15. And when I thought I couldn't do anymore diamond or divebombers. I took a small break, and pumped 1 or 1/2 more. I was going to continue till my muscles wouldn't let me. Tony says people stop way to early. I wasn't going to let that statement apply to me

I have that afterwork out pump!!! I feel it all along my chest and upper back. This is my favorite workout and I can see (rep/weight) that I'm getting stronger.

The meal plan is getting old, and the wife has commented on the $$$ spent each week on the food. Hopefully, I've boughten everything I need to last me 2 more weeks. I want to stick to this meal plan 100%, but when $$ is tight, what can you do?? If push comes to shove I'll try to incorporate Michi's Ladder.

I'll be back tomorrow pushing play.