P90X -- First three weeks

I have been trying the maximum contraction training workout routine for about 8 months. It takes very short time (usually 20 mins in the gym) and it stimulates muscle growth to some extend. However, I cannot tell that I really saw a huge muscle gain. My static strength increased a lot, but this did not translate to a visible muscle growth.

As a result, I decided to try something new. I heard from some of my friends that P90X really worked. Well, why not give it a try? Last week, I started the P90X classic workout routine. Let me summarize what I think after three weeks: Oh my God! This is crazy!

First of all, I would like to mention that I am no stranger to strength exercises. I have been working out for the past 8 years. I do a lot of cardio. Two times a week, weight lifting; and three times a week cardio: Running 10k @ 8.5mph, or playing soccer for 90mins, or running speed intervals: Alternating speed between 6mph and 10mph, each for .25 miles, for a total of 3 miles. As a result, I can tell that I am fit, with about 10% body fat, 159 lbs weight, and 5' 10" height.

WEEK 1
Day 1 -- Back and chest
Tony (the instructor) told that we should to as many as reps as we can, until we "bring it". I guess, that means until it starts burning. OK, fair enough. I was watching the video on my iPhone and I had no idea what was next. It started with a regular push up. I did about 40. Then, wide grip pull-ups. I did about 18. Then, push ups again. Then, pull-ups again. Every time a different kind of pull up or push up. And every time I tried to do as much as I can. By the end of the exercise (24 sets later), I was barely doing 2-3 push ups and couple of pull-ups! My arms were hurting a lot! But that was not all. There was an ab-ripper exercise right after that. I could not do almost any of those exercises, I was extremely tired...

Day 2 -- Plyometrics
Tony probably made up this name. It is hard core leg exercise, lots of jumping. At the end of the exercise, I was barely walking. I better get used to it!

Day 3 -- Arms and shoulders
I realized that I need to improve my shoulder strength. Biceps are doing fine, triceps are killed. They were already dead from day 1. It was very painful to use triceps for anything, I still cannot completely bend my arms! (because of day 1). Ab-ripper exercises follows... It is very difficult, the first couple of exercises hurt my back. I must be doing something wrong. I still cannot do some of the exercises.

Day 4 -- Yoga
I had no idea how difficult yoga can be. Well, if it is P90X style, it is very difficult. Especially, if you still cannot bend your arms!

Day 5 -- Legs and back
I can bend my arms, at last! Today was relatively easy for me. Probably I have strong leg muscles. We did less pull-ups than day 1, but since my arms could not completely recover yet, it is still relatively painful. Ab-ripper exercises follows... It is getting better. I can now do all of them (but not as many as Tony) except the scissors.

Day 6 -- Kenpo
Another made-up name. It is actually kick-boxing. This is by far the easiest of all P90X exercises until now, because it was a normal exercise :)

Day 7 -- Rest
I think I recovered. I am ready for the next week!

WEEK 2
Day 1 was much easier. My body probably got used to it. There are still couple of exercises that I cannot do well. Most of them are ab-ripper exercises. 


WEEK 3
It is now much easier, but still extreme. I can now do 50 push-ups and 15-20 pull-ups in the first couple of sets. The number drops significantly in subsequent sets. Ab-ripper is still a problem: I still cannot do all exercises at the max repetition. There is plenty of room for improvement. I started seeing the first results. I lost a little bit of weight, but nothing significant. I did not need to lose much weight anyway. The main improvement is in what I see in the mirror.

I need to give a break to P90X, I will be on vacation for couple of weeks! I may try to continue during the vacation, but no promises.