My First Two Weeks of P90X2

So two weeks ago I started P90X2. This is Phase 1 or the “Foundation” phase of P90X2. The foundation phase is all about, well…working on your foundation! The P90X Fitness guide says, “The goal of Phase 1 is to help you create a solid attachment to the earth so you can do all other movements without compromising your form. When this happens you’ll look, feel, and perform better.” Sounds easy enough right?

There are A LOT of balance exercises in Phase 1 of X2. But don’t get me wrong, you’ll be doing a lot more than TREE during Phase 1 of P90X2!! There was a lot of tumbling and stumbling when I first starting using the stability balls. But hey…guess what? I’ve never used a stability ball before so this is all new to me and it’s probably going to be new to a lot of other people too.

I’ve heard complaints from people going through Phase 1 that X2 is “too hard”. I’ve also heard that X2 is “too easy”. So what’s the deal? Well the thing is, X2 is just DIFFERENT!

For me the first week of Phase 1 was sort of like practice. There was a lot of fumbling around, trying to figure out what everyone is doing, and reaching for all the different equipment. It was awkward. When you’ve done P90X a million times you fall into a smooth routine. Your first week of P90X2 is going to be hard because you’re not used to it. You’re gonna be lonesome for your good ol’ P90X DVDs.

I think the main reason why some people don’t like X2 is because right off the bat it finds your weaknesses and shoves them in your face. But working on your weaknesses is what makes you better. During one of the exercises in Balance and Power, Tony says he could only do 4 reps and it made him so mad that he kept working on it. That’s the kind of attitude you need to have if you’re gonna make it through X2.

During Phase 1 you’re gonna be working on unstable platforms like medicine balls and stability balls. My advice is, during the first week do the modified versions of all these exercises so you become more familiar with the moves. Then during the second and third week you can start using the medicine and stability balls. Obviously, use your best judgement and don’t push yourself when you’re tired. If you don’t think you’re ready to do plyo push-ups with a medicine ball then you’re probably not. Be smart.

Like a lot of other people I found the first week of P90X2 pretty frustrating. But looking back, I felt the same way the first time I did P90X too. During the second week, a lot of things started to “click” and I felt more engaged, “put together” and connected to what I was doing. And I’m looking forward to making even MORE progress next week!!

Here’s what one of my friends said about her first couple of weeks with P90X2. I thinks she does a great job of summing it up:

“The first week I felt a little frustrated, because according to me the moves were too easy and almost silly, but I decided to press on! Begining with Week 3 and especially Week 3 and now Week 4 I felt really challenged! Now I am pushing myself even more, my coordination and balance are getting better, and I can already see and feel the results! Now I am 100% motivated and looking forward to the next level of P90X2!!”

So if you’re afraid to give P90X2 a try, don’t let all the naysayers scare you! I have a really good feeling about how all this is going to turn out! If you’d like a little extra support, you can purchase P90X2 though my link and I’ll add you to our private support and accountability group on Facebook. It’s just for us folks doing P90X2! We’re all pushing through P90X2 right now, and we’d love to help you get through it.

My Favorite Recipe of the Week is….

Better Than a BLT!

This recipe is based on one I found in Chalene Johnson’s new book PUSH. I love recipes that are quick and easy and ultilize ingredients that I always have hanging around! The one ingredient you may not recognize is Ezekiel bread. I love this stuff!! You’ll probably only find it in the freezer section of your grocery store because it doesn’t have any preservatives. So if you don’t expect to eat the entire loaf within a few days, be sure to keep it in the frig or freezer. I just keep mine in the freezer and pull out a slice whenever I need it. So far I’ve only been eating Ezekiel bread toasted because it can be pretty dry otherwise! But the toast is super yummy, crunchy, hearty, and high in fiber!

So here’s what you’ll need, I’ve been making this for lunch the past couple days:

1 slice Ezekiel bread, toasted
2 TBSP hummus (I’ve been using a local brand “Steve’s Backroom” which is really good!)
2-3 slices lean turkey meat (I typically use a little more for extra protein)
1 slice tomato
1/4 avocado, sliced or spread

The avocadoes I have on hand are usually pretty ripe, so I’ll mash it up and mix it in with the hummus and spread that on the toast. Top with turkey and tomatoes. YUM!! If your avocado isn’t mashable yet, place the slices on top of the tomatoes instead. I’ve been buying smoked turkey breast, which makes this open-faced sandwich taste just like a BLT! SERIOUSLY!!

If you’re looking for extra carbs, you can add another slice of bread on top and turn it into a sandwich.

So How Are Things Going With You?

Did your 2012 get off to a good start? Make sure to leave us a comment below and let us know what you struggled with, what you did AWESOME with, and anything else you’d like to share.

I have a FREE support and accountability group on Facebook and run a general health and fitness challenge (no matter what workout you’re doing) every month with prizes to help keep you motivated! If you’d like to be added please request me to be your coach and then contact me as soon as possible so I can send you a friend request and get you added to our group.

There’s still time to enter our workout challenge for the month of January. But you better hurry because the deadline is Jan. 15th!!

So leave a comment below, and make sure to subscribe to my Fitness Success Boot Camp if you haven’t already done so. I’ll talk to you soon!