Alright, so it’s finally starting to feel like I’m on the home stretch! After my second “recovery” week I started Phase 3 (Week 9) with a much higher level of intensity. Luckily this time around I didn’t have the same problem with Core Synergistics as during Week 4. The first day of Week 9 was Chest and Back, and with my new found pull-up strength I was able to work up a major sweat during this workout which is something I’ve never done before.
I reached a major milestone on Day 60. During Yoga X I was able to grab my fingers during the Extended Right Angle Pose on my right side. The next week I was able to do it on my left side. However, this move is still anything but easy!
I noticed during the past couple weeks that I’m able to pay better attention to what muscle groups each exercise is targeting. Early on in the program I think most people just focus on trying to make it through the workout in one piece. But as you go along you start to focus more on your form and adjust accordingly when something doesn’t feel quite right. I’ve figured out that for most of the exercises (especially those that involve the legs) if it’s not uncomfortable I’m probably not doing something right.
One thing I wish Tony would do more frequently in the videos is mention briefly where we should be feeling the “burn.” He does this every once in a while but not as often as I’d like. Sometimes it’s obvious, but other times if your form is not completely right you could be totally missing the boat.
Now that I’m this far into the program I’ve figured out which workouts are my least favorite. I really hate Chest, Shoulders and Triceps. You get completely toasted doing the slow motion push-ups at the very beginning and feel like a total gumby for the rest of the workout. For some reason I find this entire workout very uninspiring and totally unmotivating (probably because I suck at push-ups).
The same goes for Back and Biceps. YAWN. My least favorite part of this workout doesn’t involve an exercise, but when Katie squeals, “I did TEN!” after her half-hearted attempt at Corn Cobs. I’m also not a huge fan of Kenpo X. I could take it or leave it. I like all the kicking exercises because they’ve really do a number on your glutes, but the punches just seem kinda lame. Perhaps I’m just not a natural when it comes to jabs, hooks, and whatever but it doesn’t seem to be a serious calorie burner. During my second round of P90X I’ll probably swap out Kenpo X for Core Synergistics.
I’m feeling pretty good about myself right now. Some people have mentioned that I seem to be shrinking. I’m definitely getting some shape to my legs. They’re starting to look muscley. I also had my yearly doctor visit this week and she mentioned that I was “nice and skinny.” Not a fan of the scale at the doctor’s office though!
I’m still in a fight with the mini-muffin top that won’t go away. This may indicate a problem with my diet but it might be a little too early in the game to know for sure. I’m thinking about pulling out all stops and doing full Doubles for the last two weeks. This would involve adding Cardio X to the schedule four days a week. I just might be able to pull it off.
You can read through my entire P90X journey here: My P90X Experience
Do you have more questions about P90X? Check out my archived list of P90X Articles as well as P90X Questions. If your question isn’t answered there, please submit it using the comments form below or use my contact page.
Amanda is a wife, toddler mom, PMAD survivor, certified nutrition and running coach, recovering perfectionist, and minimalist-in-training. Her mission in life is to help others get off the pity potty, embrace their own brand of weirdness, and get after their dreams. Proverbs 3:5-6