P90X: It’s No Joke!

So I decided that it was time to sculpt my body and shock myself into shape. While I work out 5 days a week and follow a balanced, plant based diet, it had been a while since I felt any sort of challenge from my exercise routine. Like a seasonal cleanse, your body gets the most out of physical activity when it’s new and ever changing.

I had been hearing about the program and was always enthralled by the late night infomercials so I got it in my head to get started on P90X.  Knowing that Tony Horton, fitness guru and plant based work out king, means business, I decided to get started last week. And hubby joined in the fun too!

After having completed the 1st 12 days of the 90 day program, I am happy to report that it does the job! Each workout is challenging however not impossible and knowing that you will be transforming your physique in only 90 days is enough to keep you grunting in fabulous pain. I can already see improvements in my work outs from the first work out to now and have also shed some pounds.

Since the program is a set of dvds that the order in which you do them is always changing, muscle confusion is the name of this game. Your body, as well as your mind, doesn’t get bored and you are constantly encouraged by the improvement in your strength from day to day. The variety is great too from circuit type training for all your body parts to yoga, kenpo and crazy plyometrics. The ability to get a hard core, personal trainer type workout in the privacy of your own home, and on your own time, makes this even better.

My sleep is deeper, my food cravings have subsided and I only crave pure, clean foods. I am so focused on how much stronger and fit I will be in just a few short months that even when I may feel a little to tired to pop in the dvd, I get my gear on and get moving.

At the end of my 90 days, I will be posting before and after shots as well as video sharing my experience. And maybe my hubby, who hates working out, will join in to tell you how he made it through as well!

Another tip if you’re thinking about any sort of workout is to have a healthy version of an electrolyte replacement drink on hand. It’s key to replace electrolytes that you lose from sweating wiht a good recovery drink. And I don’t mean gatorade! Here is my simple drink to whip up after your serious sweat session:

add 1/8 tsp. of light salt and 1/8 tsp. of regular salt to 4 cups of water. Then add 4 tablespoons of lemon or orange juice and 4 tablespoons of agave.  Stevia can be used instead of agave, just use about 1 tablespoon of stevia to replace 4 tablespoons of turbinado sugar or agave.

I love a challenge and I really do enjoy working hard because I know the benefits outweigh any discomfort. But for those who think they can’t, I can tell you that you sure can if you put your mind to it.

If you are thinking of trying it out, be sure to visit the P90X website and also check out their online community to connect with other folks that are P90X’ing it!

Bring It!