P90X Day #9 - Plyometrics

Man I love that workout! I did this last night and was gassed at the end, mainly from a small dinner that didn't give me enough calories for the workout, but I pushed through and did my best. I haven't been updating this blog nearly as much as I'd like and I'll try to do better but I'll be honest, it might not be updated everyday. But I'll keep pushing play and try to update the numbers when I can so keep checking back if you're curious on how I'm improving. Tonight is Shoulders & Arms and I need to update both last weeks and tonight's number. Until then.

P90X Day #3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X

This was one of the workouts that I couldn't wait to get back to. Building muscle is what I want this off-season and this helps me get there. My numbers matched where I originally started and I see them only going higher!

Ab Ripper X was much easier this time even though the last few days my abs were very sore. I'm still having trouble with the sit-ups but I'll keep working on that and in no time I'll be able to knock them out in no time!

I'll be posting my numbers tomorrow.

P90X Day #2 - Plyometrics

Man do I love this workout! I had a hard time getting through this but a month and a half off of exercising will do that to an individual. At times I think that I should be breathing harder through that workout but I know I'm getting after it when my legs are burning like they were. The funny thing about P90X is that I'm fine the next morning but as the day goes on the muscles start really screaming at me. But by the time I need to work them again they calm down just enough for me to abuse them, suckers!

My chest and shoulders are still sore from last night but I remember that from last time and they should be ready to go by tomorrow night. Well, I've finished my recovery drink and now relaxing and calming down before heading to bed. Since the Rays aren't playing tonight I can go to bed earlier that last night.

P90X Day #1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X

Well tonight was my first night back in P90X and it was great to be back into it. It was rough but I pushed myself through it. As Tony says "Do you best and forget the rest." There were times the second time through that I wanted to do more, but just physically couldn't do anymore. I'm surprised that most of these numbers are the same as week 1 the first time I did this.

Well after pushing and pulling my chest, shoulders, arms and back to fatigue it was time to work on the abs with Ab Ripper X. I forgot how much it works the entire core and not just the abs. My hip muscles were getting a great workout! I finally got through it, there was some pausing to get a break, but I made sure to get all 25 reps in! Just finished my recovery drink and ready to relax before going to bed.

Throughout this journey of transforming myself I will post my numbers so that you can see my improvement. Here are my numbers for tonight.

Exercise	Round 1		Round 2
	Reps	Weight	Reps	Weight
Standard Push-ups	25	--	20	--
Wide Front Pull-ups	8	--	8	--
Military Push-ups	15	--	7	--
Reverse Grip Chip-ups	10	--	7	--
Wide Fly Push-ups	15	--	12	--
Closed Grip Overhand Pull-ups	6	--	4	--
Decline Push-ups	10	--	8	--
Heavy Pants	12	20	12	23
Diamond Push-ups	10	--	5	--
Lawnmowers	12	23	10	26
Dive-Bomber Push-ups	10	--	10	--
Back Flys	10	7	10	7

Tomorrow is Plyometrics which was one of my favorite workouts so until then keep pushing play and do your best!

49 Days Is Way Too Long

Well as the title suggests it has been 49 days since I have posted and it has been way too long. But fear not you haven't missed anything since it has also been 49 days since I've done any real working out, which is way too long. My diet has also been bad and I'm tired of that tired feeling. Well there is no better time to fix that then tonight.

With softball over and only two more base ball games left, the off season begins tonight as I start back up with P90X. I really liked Insanity (all two weeks that I did it) but I want to add more muscle and enjoy the lifting that I was getting with P90X. I got great results back in January when I first started P90X and my plan is to get both P90X and P90X2 in this off-season. This plan will take me from singles hitter with some pop to power hitter and take six months which will finish up at the end of March, just in time for next base ball season!

My overall goal is to weigh in at ~150 pounds, which as I currently sit is a gain of 5-10 pounds. I think that this is entirely possible and even if I don't get that much gain then I will have still have added more muscle than I start with and that really is my ultimate goal.

I will post my results after my workout tonight.

Day #15 - Fit Test #2

I was excited to see what numerical improvement I had made through the first two weeks. I started the test and improved on the switch kicks but during the power jacks I started feeling my right knee have some pain. So I had to stop so as not to hurt myself and have to take a break from this as well as to save myself for the final Wednesday night softball game I have in a little more than an hour.

Depending on how I feel after the game I might try it then as to stay on schedule or if it still bothers me than I'll delay it until tomorrow. The last thing I want to do is to get hurt and be on the shelf for a week or so. One thing I hate is to be hurt and less than 100%. But as long as I can move I'll give everything I have.

Here's hoping for a positive update later tonight with updated fit test results.

Well the knee didn't bother me at all during the game, however I wasn't able to get the fit test in after the game like I was hoping. I got home from the game and I go to open my garage, in order to unlock it I have to turn off the car since the keys are on the same ring, I go to pull the truck into the garage and it wouldn't start. My first thought was that it was a dead battery, nut after my dad came up to help he gave me a jump but it still wouldn't start.

I did get a workout in, not including running around playing softball, because I needed to het my truck onto the other side of the alley. We pushed the truck up a slight incline and I could tell that had I not been doing Insanity to build up the legs it might not have gotten done. So that was my eventful evening. And my reason that I didn't get the fit test in.

I will try again tomorrow and hope that my knee doesn't cause any problems. I will start with a knee brace just to make sure.
So off to bed I go so I can be really tired tomorrow. Good night and I hope your day isn't nearly as eventful.

Day #14 - Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs

Whew, what a great workout! It's a rough one but it keeps getting better. I'm not all the way through it yet, but getting much closer. The cardio is there and the muscles are almost there but the calves are what are holding me back right now.

Something tells me that when I'm ready to go straight through that they switch me to the Max stuff. I'm half ready for the challenge and half nervous about it. Fortunately, I don't have to think about that just yet.

Tonight was the first time I was introduced to Cardio Abs. That also is a great workout. I was expecting to get thrashed, but I was able to keep up with almost all of it except the last few exercises. My abs were burning and still are but no other way to get the washboard abs without working them hard. It didn't seem as bad as P90X Ab Ripper X, but still a very good workout.

Well, tomorrow is my second fit test and I'm excited to see how I've improved from an empirical standpoint. I've seen the results on the field and they are amazing, so regardless the numbers I know this is working.

Day #13 - Off Day

It was one of my scheduled off days, which I've moved the schedule a little to work with my life schedule. I have softball games Monday nights in Cincinnati so by the time I get home I don't have the time to workout but all other nights I can fit the workouts in so it works for me to have Mondays as my off days.

Well, I was playing my usual leftcenter field and I was able to notice a drastic difference in my speed, legs and conditioning. I was able to get to balls that I'm not positive I could get to before. Also by the time the game was finished my let's didn't feel tired and neither did I. I felt like I could play a couple more games. So after the last two days and two games,the change in my conditioning I'm sold on Insanity. I'm now not expecting to gain overall size but to improve my lower body and core strength and my conditioning. So far it has done that and I'm confident that it will continue to do so.

I'm now looking forward to my next fit test (Wednesday) to see my numerical improvements. I'm also excited to see how well I improve throughout the next six weeks. If two weeks has made this much difference what will another six.weeks make?

Well, it is time for bed so I will report back tomorrow.

Day #12 - Cardio Power & Resistance

This was an another rough workout. Not so much because of the workout itself, but for the fact I played a base ball game earlier today. I was in centerfield and did a lot of running. Although I did notice that I seemed to have an extra step of speed and more importantly I was in much better shape and wasn't out of breath like I usually am after some of the long runs. I also had one person tell me that my nickname should be changed to "Wheels", so I took that as a great compliment even though they haven't see me play before. I also had the leftfielder mention that he didn't think is get to one ball that I did, so this stuff is working!

As for the workout, I just didn't have the strength to get through a lot of the workout. I did my best though, and that is all I can expect. Tomorrow is my scheduled off day and I have a softball game to play. So it'll be a day I'm looking forward to. I haven't had an off day since day 2, so it'll be a great break. Until tomorrow, keep pushing yourself just a little more each time and you will eventually reach your goal.

Updated: I need to make a correction, my last off day was on day #7, it seems like it was much longer than that...

Day #11 - Cardio Recovery

Shaun was killing my legs! Some of that is planned, some I think was the fact that I played a round of golf this morning. And instead of riding in a cart I decided to walk, up and down all the hills. It took a lot out of me, add on the humidity and I was one worn out puppy.

But I knew I had to keep on the schedule and not be a slacker. I also knew that it was Cardio Recovery tonight, so that was a relief since a full workout might have been too much. I'm not really looking forward to tomorrow night since I have a base ball game in the afternoon, and then Cardio Power & Resistance. It could be rough, but will be knocked out, I will do it!

So far I'm still liking the program, I still think I'm a bigger fan of P90X, but I'm trying not to let that keep me from getting all I can out of Insanity. Each program has it purpose and this is much more cardio than I originally thought it would be, but that's fine. I can always use the cardio work. Often I'm in good shape but after this I will be in great shape. Anyway, I need to get ready for bed so I can let the muscles fully recover for tomorrow.

Day #10 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit

I started late, mainly because I didn't really want to workout, but I knew I needed to so out I went. I could have used any of the following excuses, tired, not feeling good, hungry, don't want to. But I've said before no excuses just do it. Shut off the mind and it'll be over before you know it.

I got through it better than I thought I would. I had to fight myself to get there though. My shoulders and calves are on fire. I did notice that I didn't have nearly as much energy as I usually do but I'm sure that was due to my diet not being the greatest today. It wasn't that I ate bad foods but not enough of it to provide the body with the nutrition that it was going to need tonight.

That is one thing that I have learned going through both this and P90X. Nutrition is almost more important than the workouts. If your body doesn't have the proper fuel than it won't run very smooth.

Tomorrow I'm playing golf in the morning then Cardio Recovery in the afternoon. Until then keep pressing through.

Day #9 - Pure Cardio

Whew! This is such an intense workout! My improvement from last time through it was great. I was able to power through at least 2/3 of it. There were times that I wanted to stop but when I shut off my mind and work, I can get through it. There will be more times that I will need to do that, I'm sure of it.

I'm so exhausted right now I can't even think, so I'll take a break and might come back later.

Well, I'm still tired and ready for bed but feel a good type of sore. I figured is put some more thoughts on here before my day is finished. After feeling the results last night at softball, it makes the workouts a little more tolerable. Just think what kind of machine I'll be after two months. I've got a baseball game on Sunday and then a softball game on Monday. I can't wait to see how I play especially on Sunday. Anyway, I need to get some sleep to let my muscles regenerate. Goodnight all.

Day #9 - Morning After

Well I am definitely sore from Cardio Power Resistance and then a softball game after that. However, given the choice, I probably wouldn't change much since it is only one day. However, I might reconsider since tonight is Pure Cardio which is Pure Insanity! I'll post again tonight after my workout to let you know how it went.

Day #8 - Softball Game

Well, I got another running workout in! I was playing left field and the were hitting my way quite a bit. Was doing well for 2/3rds of the game had 3 errors that shouldn't have happened. Legs were fine, tired right now though. Unfortunately, the wind was Wrigley Field-esque (blowing straight out and hard) so they had 5 HRs, the short fences didn't help us either, nor did our lack of hitting and fielding. The game ended 22-2 after 3 innings. Oh well, it's just fun to get with the guys and play softball.

Tomorrow will be rough with Pure Cardio, but I want to get in better shape and that will get me to my goal.

Day #8 - Cardio Power & Resistance

Today I got my workout in earlier then usual but that is because I have a softball game in a little over an hour from now. We'll see if it was a stupid move for me to workout before the game.

The workout itself wasn't nearly as bad as the first, I was able to get through it physically much better than last time. However, my problem is getting over the mental hurdle. My mind still doesn't think I have enough to do it, but I'll get through that hurdle as well. (Man am I sweating!)

As for the mental part, I can feel the muscles wanting to go on but the mind thinks that I need more air or just doesn't have the energy. But I know that the muscles can do it. I wonder if some of the problem is that I'm the type that needs to see results along the way no matter hoe small they are. The fact that I'm getting further on the workouts should be enough but it isn't always the case.  Anyway, off to get the recovery drink in then off to the softball game. Hopefully I still have enough energy to play well.

Day #7 - Day Off

Tonight went as thought, but not as I was hoping. I ended up not working out since I didn't get home from the Dayton Dragons game until 10:30pm. And had I worked out I wouldn't have had enough time to cool down and unwind before I go to bed so I will pick up day #7 tomorrow.

Day #6 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Usually I would take Mondays off from the Insanity workouts since I'm usually playing softball, however this week we had a bye week and I was a slacker last week and need to make up that off day.

So today was Plyo Cardio Circuit, as if you couldn't tell by the post title, and it was the second time through. It was still rough, but I was able to go a lot longer than the first time. Still a lot longer that I want to go, but if I can improve this much in a few days than I will definitely get to where I want, which is to get all the way through each workout with only the water breaks. Quite an ambitious goal since most of the people have to take breaks. We'll see how it goes.

I'm also looking forward to see how just 7 days improves my Cardio for my Wednesday night softball team. Although I have to get through tomorrow night first. Well, until then. Keep pushing play and yourself further.

Day #5 - Pure Cardio

This is the workout that must have given this program it's name, because that was just absolute insanity! 30 minutes of straight up, all out, no water break, cardio! I was able to do a lot more than I was thinking I could do, but not as much as I want... yet. I know it will come, as it's only day 5.

As for the exercises, there was more running and jumping. Many of the fit test exercises were included, as well.

Personally, I was able to keep up for about the first seven minutes and then I was needing to take a break as my calves were on fire. Moat of the other breaks I had to take were do to lack of oxygen. I'm looking forward to when my cardio level is higher and I can get through the entire workout. Is that even possible? Well, that is one of my goals. I've also noticed that I haven't needed my knee brace on my left knee yet. Although, as of late I've only needed if I was exercising for long periods of time, like three base ball games.

Anyway, off to get my recovery drink. Tomorrow is the day I would usually schedule an off day, but since I don't have a softball game I'll workout to makeup for the day I missed last Wednesday.

Day #4 - Cardio Recovery

Finished cardio recovery, and it seemed to go real fast. This was either because I'm enjoying this program or the fact that it was in fact a few minutes shorter.

In this workout there isn't the running and jumping that the others have but a lot more stretching, hence the name recovery. A great workout to let the muscles recover from the other workouts. Some of the exercises were deep squats, lunges, and even some yoga stretches and balance moves.

I was able to do most of the moves for the entire time, but there were times that I had to come out of the positions. That will change as the muscles get built up and get stronger.

Until tomorrows workout.

Day #3 - Cardio Power & Resistance

About ready to jump into today's workout. I'm hoping that these workouts not only get me on better shape, which they will, but also help out my left knee that at time gives me problems. Don't expect me to use it as an excuse though, since I give everything I have for as long as I can. Im also smart about it and if it starts giving me too much trouble I'll back it down or rest it. Anyway, off I go.

Overall a good workout. I'm still trying to learn all the moves and get the form right so I'm not getting as good of a workout from them just yet, but I'll get there. I am however getting a great sweat going, so much so I had to buy a headband to keep it out my face, I really hate sweat in my eyes! I am also getting the heart rate up! I saw 170+ at one point.

Well, back to the workout itself. I can see where they get the resistance, since there were many more push-ups. Working the shoulders and the chest. There was of course more running and jumping. By the end of this my legs will be like steel! I should also have a nice six pack!

Day #2 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Tonight is the first real workout in the program: Plyometric Cardio Circuit.

Plyo was one of my favorite workouts in P90X so I'm excited to see how this compares and what exercises are in it. Well, just finished up and boy is it intense! I wanted to go through but my body wouldn't let me! Some of it might just be in my head and I'll work that out. I was sweating up a storm, no really I think I saw clouds forming along my ceiling.

I can now see how this is a full body workout. Even though there is a lot of running and jumping, Shawn T. keeps telling you to keep the core tight. There are also times you are on the ground doing push-ups or runs and ab work while in the plank position. The warmup was about fifteen minutes long, which includes cardio warmup and then streching. Once the exercises start they were about three minutes apiece, but seemed a lot shorter, followed by a thirty second water break. Finally, after Shawn T. gets done running you into the ground and there is enough sweat on the ground to create a small fishing pond, there is about a four minute cool down period.

After seeing this one I'm definately excited to see the rest of the workouts and see how this transforms me into a machine. Well, off to finish my recovery drink and grab some more water then off to bed.

I'm A Slacker

Today was one of the days that I was concerned about being able to find the time to fit in the workout, as I had tickets to watch the Dayton Dragons. By the time I got home it was 11pm and I was extremely sore from the fit test! The fit test! If I'm that sore after the test then how bad will I feel after the real workouts!??! Believe it or not, I'm kinda excited and looking forward to the pain that will be brought upon me throughout this program though.

Day #1 - Fit Test

I went through the fit test and the following are my numbers to compare back to:

	Switch Kicks	Power Jacks	Power Knees	Power Jumps	Globe Jumps	Suicide Jumps	Push-up Jacks	Low Plank Oblique
Day 1	67	50	75	30	7	10	19	25

I wasn't pleased with some of the numbers but at the same time this just shows where I currently am and a basis to show how much I will improve.

Am I Insane?

I have started a new workout program, Beachbody's Insanity. It is created by Shawn T. and looks to be based mainly in cardio and plyometrics, but I think it might also have bodyweight weight training as well. Most of the infomercials showed the people running and jumping in place. The program states that it is a 60-day program, but it will actually take place over 9 weeks, or 63 days. One of the things that I have done is place the schedule on my calendar and with my previously scheduled events it should take me 66 days to get through. The following is the schedule:
 

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Phase 1	Fit Test	Plyometric Cardio Circuit	Cardio Power & Resistance	Cardio Recovery	Pure Cardio	Plyometric Cardio Circuit	Off
	Cardio Power & Resistance	Pure Cardio	Plyometric Cardio Circuit	Cardio Recovery	Cardio Power & Resistance	Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs	Off
	Fit Test	Plyometric Cardio Circuit	Pure Cardio	Cardio Recovery	Cardio Power & Resistance	Plyometric Cardio Circuit	Off
	Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs	Cardio Power & Resistance	Plyometric Cardio Circuit	Cardio Recovery	Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs	Plyometric Cardio Circuit	Off
	Core Cardio & Balance	Core Cardio & Balance	Core Cardio & Balance	Core Cardio & Balance	Core Cardio & Balance	Core Cardio & Balance	Off
Phase 2	Fit Test & Max Interval Circuit	Max Interval Plyo	Max Cardio Conditioning	Max Recovery	Max Interval Circuit	Max Interval Plyo	Off
	Max Cardio Conditioning	Max Interval Circuit	Max Interval Plyo	Max Recovery	Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs	Core Cardio & Balance	Off
	Fit Test & Max Interval Circuit	Max Interval Plyo	Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs	Max Recovery	Max Interval Circuit	Core Cardio & Balance	Off
	Max Interval Plyo	Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs	Max Interval Circuit	Core Cardio & Balance	Max Interval Plyo	Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs	Fit Test

Of course you can start the program on any day that fits your needs. I, for example, started on a Tuesday as I play softball on Mondays, and that makes for a great day to have an "Off Day."

Some of the things that I hope to accomplish after putting myself through this pain is not just better cardio conditioning but hopefully a little bit more mass and definition as well. At the beginning of the year I started Tony Horton's P90X and got through two of the three months and was greatly enjoying that, however oral surgery and pure laziness afterwards knocked me off my training. After Insanity I will probably go back to that and try to actually finish that before trying Insanity: The Asylam and P90X2.