P90X Does it work? Day 45 review (mid-phase 2)

In the summer of 2007, if I was ever asked to go for a walk with the kids, my answer would have been: let’s stay indoors because I didn’t want to sweat. Fast forward to today when I completed my 4thMarathon last January 2011. Again, I must have seen Tony Horton and the P90X infomercial hundreds of times, and now my wife and I are halfway there! I am so in awe of the results we are seeing, and I smile when I look and see my wife sweating and exercising. She might encourage me to come down or say, “Bring it on!”

We are in the middle of the Phase 2 routine that begins with Weeks 5-7. The program begins with Day 1: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps, and Ab Ripper X Day 2: Plyometrics, Day 3: Back and Biceps and Ab Ripper X, Day 4-Yoga X, Day 5-Legs and back, and Ab Ripper X Day 6-Kempo X, Day 7-Rest or we like to do X Stretch.

Of course, you can start Day 1 any day, you just need to determine which day you want to have off, and for Irene and me, Monday seems to be the busiest of the week with work and children’s things.

Some of you might have made less than impressive effort or were still learning the moves. For others, some may have caught the flu this season. Like most people, you may just be busy. You may be wondering if it’s okay to extend a phase. You can definitely extend a phase, however the phase extension should not be longer than 6 weeks because you will see better results if you change things on a regular basis. Remember Muscle Confusion is where you will see results.

Overall, I’m still getting stronger, adding a bit of weights or heavier reps to each program. In fact, I was able to do some pull-ups without a chair. After 6 weeks of repeating the movements. I’m mastering how to do the moves, which has helped us complete each section with limited pauses. I’m basically trying my best and forgetting about the rest!

Then at week 8 for recovery and Ab Focus where the focus will be on the midsection as if Ab Ripper X wasn’t enough. After 53 days on the P90X, you should feel comfortable with the exercises and you are ready to continue with the rest of the program in the next phase.

The week 8 routine begins with Day 1-Yoga X; Central synergies of day 2; Day 3 Kempo X; Stretch day 4-X; Central synergies of day 5; Day 6-Yoga X; Day 7-Rest of X Stretch

Nutrition in this phase is called Energy Booster adding more carbohydrates to provide enough energy based on workouts. Meals now include oatmeal, bagels, muffins, waffles, and pancakes. Just remember, everything is modifiable and remember that nutrition is a key component of the program.