Puregroove and Garage Zero

…completed. I’ve not been keeping the suggested timeline of the program, but I’ve been steady on it. I completed Chest/Back and Ab Ripper earlier this week. I’m starting to notice some definition. It’s really cool seeing your body change and transform. The muscles start to grow. Your skin begins to stretch and you see what you’ve been working so hard for. But the slightest vacation in working out can change all that.

As Tony says, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was your body.

One thing I want to mention, I did skip KenpoX from week 2. I did this ’cause I wanted to focus more on the major days of the program [Chest/Back, Shoulders/Arms, Legs/Back]. I’m probably going to change things up a bit since I get cardio playing soccer on the weekends.

–til next time!!

So, my brother and I are still on course. He’s missed a few days of Plyometrics and Yoga X but the important days [Chest/Back, Shoulder/Arms, Legs/Back], he’s been right there with me.

Plyometrics – I can’t remember if I mentioned it in previous posts, but plyometrics is really going to help me out with my soccer. It helps with pretty much every sport which requires a quick change of direction, agility, and explosive bursts of motion [tennis, basketball, football, etc].

Yoga X – Now, I have my reservations about it because of its spiritual roots but the poses and stretches are so good. The strength and flexibility developed are astounding. Having this in between the workouts, I’m sure, aid in the recovery of the muscles that have been broken and beaten in previous days.

I, still, find Ab Ripper X so challenging. I’m waiting for the day when I can do 25 reps of each exercise without straining.

I’ve been wanting to post this video for some time now, but haven’t gotten around to it. I, usually, don’t like to make a post without some sort of picture or video, so here’s one. If you’ve been through week one, this will have you on the floor LOL.

–’til next update guys!

Day 2 – Plyometrics – 8/7/09 – great cardio workout. There were a lot of explosive movements. As described in the beginning stages of the workout, think soccer and football and how they change direction so quickly. Plyometrics enhances that. I was trying to pace myself and the workout ended before I knew it. I would have pushed myself harder.
This guy gives you a good idea of the workout:

P90X – Plyometrics from Erik Luchauer on Vimeo.

Day 3 – 8/9/09 – Legs and Back [We had to do this 'cause I couldn't find the Arms and Shoulders "folder."]
This one was pretty draining, but so worth it. It included the different pull-ups and then, the leg exercises [lunges and squats] that you’ll see in the video below. So far, I am thoroughly satisfied with what I’ve experienced. This was a great workout. I know I said that earlier, but emphasis is necessary.

Legs and Back was followed by the Ab Ripper X. It was easier this time around. It was my 2nd time doing it. I am so excited about continuing the program.

Ab Ripper X from Gonzague Philippe on Vimeo.

My brother and I hit the video last night. I enjoyed Tony’s enthusiasm and how encouraging he was throughout the workout. He provides alternate versions of each exercise for even beginners. “Try your best, forget the rest.” [If that's not exact, I'll correct it later.]

There are two rounds to the first day–followed by the Ab RipperX [more about that later]. There are varying push-ups and pull-ups that target your chest and back from different angles. It’s a great combination. They saved the dive-bomber push-up for last. It is the most challenging, I think. To keep your form and continue to do them is pretty grueling after having done all the previous exercises. I like these kinds of exercises, though, because of all the little muscles you have to use to keep your form. I’m sure you’ve heard it said before–muscle confusion.

Wow, guess what? P90x is on youtube. Get it while you still can:

Here’s a short clip of the dive-bomber push-up:

Then, we finished with the Ab Ripper X. It had been a while since we had even done sit-up or crunches. It’s even advised that the Ab Ripper X has the X at the end of it, for a reason. We couldn’t keep up with them, but we did as many as we could. You can tell that everyone in the video had been doing the program for a while. Regardless, we’ll eventually work our way to where they are.

I don’t how long this will be on youtube but I wasn’t surprised to find it. lol:

We finished! –gave each other daps and were so encouraged. –’til next time!

So, I decided to add a little more to the blog. I have too much to share and it’s more than just automotive stuff. I’ve seen this infomercial way too many times on TV and I already know that it works. Commitment and consistency is a big challenge, for me, when it comes to physical fitness. The other thing is eating right, eating healthy and eating a lot [fast metabolism]. I play soccer once a week, which just is not going to cut it.

I just acquired the P90x stuff from my coworker and went through the initial guide. I’m taking it on. –read the fit test. They say you have to be able to meet at least the minimums if P90x is right for you.

-skipped taking the resting heart rate.
-Palm facing out pull-ups, males, at least 3. females, at least 1. Check.
-Vertical leap – skipped. I know it’s just an initial measurement.
-Push-ups – at least 15 for males, 3 for females [or 15 push-ups off your knees]. Check.
-Toe touch – I can reach my toes sitting down, knees straight. Check.
-Wall squat – held for at least one minute. My quads were already killing me. Check.
-Bicep-curls – 20lbs. for males, 10-15 reps. Skipped, but check. No problemo.
-In & Outs – I had never done these before, but knocked them out. –started feeling the burn, too. Check.