My P90X Transformation

Last week I finished my second time through the P90X® program, commonly referred to as a “second round.” People are always astonished when they ask me “how much time did you take off in between?” and my reply is “just one day.”

To be honest, I to a complete degree intended to take a full two weeks off after finishing the initial time. It was an intense program and it tested my limits, both physically and mentally. That said, there I was on Day 91, sitting there on the couch observing TV, playing a little PS3 and just in general doing the things that got me into the circumstance I had been in back in March.

I said to myself: “Self, you may do 13 more days of this and be that much further away from where you want to be, or, you may just get busy getting there right away.” I got busy.

I’ll tell you all something that I with resolute determination believe is true. If you commit to any exercise or lifestyle-changing program, after a comparatively short amount of time of time, it becomes the norm, rather than the exception. Your body acclimates to the routine, and dare I say, even starts to look forward to it.

Those second and third weeks were punishing. The firstborn week was a breeze because I was all charged up when it comes to being on a new program – each day I was like “Roarrrrrrrrrr – it’s time to Bring It!” By the second week, the “newness” had worn off, and it was too early to see any visible changes in my appearance. Truth be told, those second and third weeks, I wanted to quit each and everyday (and closely did assorted times). I was sore in places I didn’t even recognise I had muscles and the simplest of things like lifting a fork up to my mouth were “ouch!”

The fourth week is when I “turned the corner.” I looked into the mirror, and nevertheless slight, noticed that I looked a little different. It was motivating – it was cool! From that point forward, I knew the program was working, and I knew my results would be determined solely by the venture I put in.

I finished Round 1 strongly, and then, you bet, I dove right into Round 2. For 180 days straight, with (1) day off in amidst rounds, I pressed “Play” and gave it EVERYTHING I had. I did the videos when I was tired, I did the videos when I was sick and I did the videos when I didn’t want to after a long day (sometimes at midnight). I ate stuff when I wasn’t hungry, I ate stuff that I didn’t like and I ate stuff just because I knew it was good for me.

I adjusted rather a bit of the Classic program the second time through, in order to better achieve my goals. I integrated more weightlifting routines (4 per week) and more High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) type cardio sessions. I wanted to focus on my faster-twitch muscles and in truth try to formulate “explosive power.” The result was leaner, denser muscles that became more effective at sudden, athletic movements. In just one example using a bestloved hobby, golf, my swing speed went from 105 miles per hour to 114 miles per hour – in 90 days!

I left it all in the program – in pools of sweat, drops of blood, occasional tears and I did it the second time through with encouragement from all of my teammates! So, as sincerely as I may tell them, “thanks!”

Was it worth it? Were the sacrifices made worth the returns I in the end obtained? Well, I suppose that’s a matter of perspective, but, look at the grin on my face – ear to ear baby!

Some of you reading this are friends from (gulp) grade school, high school or college. Some are peers (and friends) from work. And, others are humans I’ve not long ago met through Beachbody, who already know what commitment to fitness programs may do for you.

For those of you who know me personally, you recognise I’m not an extraordinary person. But, for the past 180 days I’ve had extraordinary resolve. Anyone may do the same thing I have, I promise. Look into the mirror and determine if you’re satisfied with what you see. On March 3, 2010 I did just that and decisive I had to do something – something to gain my family, something to gain myself. If you feel the same way, Just Do It!

Here are my results (visit my internet site for photos):

Day 1: 220.5 pounds, 31.5% body fat, 38.25″ waist

Day 91: 185.0 pounds, 11.0% body fat, 30.75″ waist

Day 181: 171.5 pounds, 8.3% body fat, 30.00″ waist

My P90x Transformation Pic

My P90x Transformation Pic

My P90x Transformation Photo

My P90x Transformation Photo