Rumble Roller Day - Closing out week 3

Foam rolling is fantastic way to loosen up those tight spots. I woke up a little early today so I could post about yesterday and finish up my recovery day before work. There isn't a huge amount to say about the moves in this workout, but the rumble roller did its job today.

On another note, considering the food aspect of my P90X2 Journey is the most difficult, I have listed my "fuel" below.

Breakfast - egg whites, OJ, wheat toast
Snack - Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Raspberries
Lunch - Grilled Chicken salad with fat free italian dressing
Dinner - Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Snack (I caved, but I won't ignore it) - Fat Free Ritz Crackers and Iced Tea

I know I need some more variety, but besides that last snack, I did fairly well today. Goodnight and happy new year everybody.

Also, to anybody starting off the new year with P90X, P90X2, Insanity, etc...BRING IT and keep pushing play. Don't stop pushing yourself. When you think you're "toast" do another rep.

Steven.V.L

X2 Total Body + X2 Ab Ripper - Week 3

So far, this has been my favorite workout for the third straight week because it gives me a chance to do all of the moves that I enjoy doing. I am still working on increasing the reps on the Crunchy Lever Pull Ups. I duplicated last weeks reps with slight pauses in between.

I still need to perfect my diet so I can get the most out of my workouts. I am asking anybody who reads this  and has a good amount of knowledge on what foods to eat to post some ideas on what to eat after a workout. 

Currently I am eating a lot of grilled chicken, PB/J, and egg whites. It works to some extent, but I need some variety in my diet.

Here is a clip from my workout yesterday.

Well, I am going to be doing Recovery and Mobility right after this post so I'll be back with another update shortly. 

Day 16 Plyocide

Now that Christmas is over, it's time to get back on track. Plyocide is getting a little bit easier in the sense that the moves are not as foreign anymore. That being said, it was still a challenge and I was in a "flop sweat" by the end of it. Day 17 is a rest day and it's back to work on Day 18 (Thursday for X2 Total Body and X2 Ab Ripper). Nothing to crazy to explain today, but I am still 110% committed to the program and can't wait to finish up phase one in 12 more days and move into the next set of new workouts.

Steven.V.L.

Day 15 X2 Core / Xmas Eve / Xmas

Week 3 of P90X2

Yesterday was the beginning of my third week of P90X2. I can feel that my core, as well as the rest of my body, is getting stronger with every workout. I am getting a lot more comfortable with the new series of moves too. That being said, X2 Core was still a challenge and I look forward to taking Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (potentially) off to enjoy some not so healthy holiday food.

15 days in and I am not even half way done my first phase. I feel as though I have already increased my strength and am excited to see what the rest of the program will bring my way.

BRING IT

Steven.V.L.

Day 12/13 X2 Yoga/X2 Balance + Power

X2 Yoga - Definitely the least exciting day of the week for me but it has to be done and I know the benefits. I love lifting the weights, doing the pull ups, push ups, etc., but I know that I can't not do X2 Yoga. Bottom line was that I did it, and moved on to the rest of my day. It was a little frustrating to be honest, but I did 'BRING IT' to the best of my ability. 

As far as X2 Balance + Power goes, WOW. The core engagement was absolutely incredible. My core is getting the best workout in this first phase of P90X2. My favorite move of the workout was the Row/Lolasana combo. That move was also the one I struggled most on, but I did improve from last week. Below is what the result of X2 Balance + Power was. Shedding fat all everywhere possible.

BRING IT 

Steven.V.L.

Day 11 - X2 Total Body and X2 Ab Ripper

Total Body and Ab Ripper went as expected. It was a tremendous challenge and I increased or duplicated my numbers in every single exercise. The crunchy pull ups were definitely my favorite move given that they incorporate an in and out with a pull up. Take a look at the photo/video below to get a look at what the move looks like.

This workout lives up to its name. TOTAL BODY. Try to take the P90X, P90X+, P90X2 challenge or maybe start a different program. Bring it every day. If you want to 'BRING IT' with me to try to see if you can keep up, let me know. 

Steven.V.L.

P90X2 - Day 11 delayed until Monday

This has been my first "push back" of the series. I had seven of those days when I first did P90X, but they were when I went on a week long vacation. The reason I missed todays workout is because the Philadelphia Eagles are still in the playoff hunt. I was at the game from 8:00AM until 9:00PM. I am pretty exhausted and I got some nice wind burn from being outside all day. That being said, I am not going to be doing P90X2 X2 Total Body and X2 Ab Ripper tonight because I already know that it would be a half-hearted workout. I would love to stay on track, but I would rather get an extra rest day and have a better workout tomorrow morning.

BRING IT

Steven.V.L.

P90X2 - Day 10 Rest Day

I'm just very happy to have a rest day to allow my body to catch up on some rest. The holiday season is busy in all of our lives. Working, exercising, preparing Christmas, etc takes a toll on your body. I will be ready to go tomorrow for X2 Total Body and X2 Ab Ripper. Keeping it short and sweet on the rest day.

Enjoy

Steven.V.L.

Week 2 - X2 Core

HUGE DIFFERENCE between week one and two. Now that I have a week of the new moves under my belt, it was more actual working out instead of just learning the moves. I could focus a lot more considering I knew what the next moves were going to look like.

My numbers increased slightly from week one. Not as many "taps" in between reps on certain exercises. I'll included a picture of my week 1 - 2 progress in terms of my log sheet. My core is tightening up greatly due to constant flexing and stabilization moves. The stability ball and medicine ball work wonders in X2 Core.

The only move that really completely destroyed me was the 1 leg medicine ball burpees. HO-LY MO-LY were they tough. My foot/hand tapped on all but 4 of the 24 total reps.

On another note, this is how I fueled my body today.

Breakfast - 3 egg whites with skim mozzarella cheese, 1 piece of wheat toast with vegetable oil spread
Snack - Banana, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries (2 handfuls)
Lunch - 1 1/2 PB and J on wheat with a banana
Dinner - 2 grilled lemon pepper chicken breasts w/ V8 Berry Blend juice and water
Snack - Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries (1 handful)
Snack - 750 calorie balsamic grilled chicken salad

I will be completing P90X2 Plyocide tomorrow morning so I took in more calories at night to have fuel for tomorrow morning.

Want to challenge me to a workout? Let me know.

Steven.V.L.

Fueling my body on day 7

Breakfast - spinach and egg white omlet (4 egg whites)
Lunch - grilled chicken and mixed berrys
Dinner - grilled chicken and mixed berrys

Snacks - protein in between breakfast/lunch and lunch/dinner

Any ideas for a great post-workout meal? Let me know.

Steven.V.L.

Week 1 Done X2 Recovery + Mobility

The rumble roller was my best friend today. Those little "spikes" help release a lot of pressure inside my muscles. The key to the workout today was holding my body on the foam roller on my "hot spots" when I felt them being hit. Myofascial release is the technical term for it.

Instead of going out and spending money on a deep tissue massage, I will just use my rumble roller whenever I want. I know where my tight spots are so I can simply target them using the roller.

I didn't have a favorite move today, but I sure am ready to start week two tomorrow. BRING IT!


Steven.V.L.

Day 6 - How I fueled my body

Breakfast - 4 Egg white omelet with skim mozzarella, 20oz of OJ, 2 pieces of wheat toast with vegetable oil spread.

Lunch - 2 Shrimp tempora rolls, 1 spicy tuna roll, 1 california roll

Dinner - 2 grilled chicken breasts with mixed veggies

I am still working on the right diet. My metabolism is incredible, (about 2,400 - 2,500 calories a day is my resting metabolic rate) but I know that I need to eat better to make the best of my workouts. Do you have any ideas on a great meal pre-workout or post-workout?

Don't waste your workout by eating junk food and trying to justify it by saying you workout. Eat healthy and BRING IT and your results will show.

Steven.V.L.

Day 6 - X2 Balance + Power

Finished day six earlier today. This was by far the hardest workout I've ever done. Every single move involved holding a firm core. The stability came to be my new best friend/worst enemy today. Some of the moves were just insane and not doable for the first time through the workout. The side to side stability ball press was by far the hardest move.

I thought I was in great shape prior to starting this program. Every single move in every workout (so far) has been a true challenge. My entire body is in workout shock but I couldn't be more excited to see what the next few months look like. I cannot wait to try to tackle this workout next week.

The only other thing I really have to say is THANK GOD TOMORROW IS A STRETCH DAY. I just got my new "rumble roller" in the mail today and can't wait to use it for an hour tomorrow morning after Physical Therapy.

For those of you who are still thinking this is a joke, or that the programs don't work, try them and then get back to me. Challenge yourself everyday to improve and get better. Never settle for what you are capable of today.

Don't just follow my P90X2 Journey, start your own, or simply join in on mine. If you have any questions on different moves or comments on anything mentioned on here, just leave a comment!

If you are up to the challenge, let me know if you want a one-on-one (plus P90X2) workout experience and I'll work with you to see what we are both made of! The more the merrier.

BRING IT...EVERY...SINGLE...DAY

Steven.V.L.

Day 5 - X2 Yoga

X2 Yoga

Where can I begin? I'll start off by saying that every single time I do yoga, it's a serious gut check. I find it to be my biggest weakness. The moves are effective and very involved. This is a semi-advanced yoga and I definitely need some improvement here. I got through all the moves, but I need to work on it.

I am looking forward to see how my body responds to the new X2 Yoga. The pace is faster than Yoga X in P90X and it isn't nearly as long. We'll revisit this one next week for a more in depth look at how I manage week two of X2 Yoa.

Steven.V.L.

Favorite Exercise of the Day Explanations

Want to see what my "favorite exercise of the day" looks like? Let me know and I'll post instructions and pictures on how its really done!

Steven.V.L.

X2 Total Body + X2 Ab Ripper

Cant. Feel. My. Body.

The pump that I just got (and still have) from doing the X2 Total Body/X2 Ab Ripper is unlike any P90X workout. Nothing against what that program has created, but this is a whole new level of intensity. The breaks are shorter. The moves are harder. Engaging the core is the focus of the entire workout.

I am in a total flop sweat and look like I just jumped into the ocean. Completely dripping sweat. For anybody who thinks they just want to "try it out", just turn the other way because you have to be in great shape to complete this workout, as well as the other workouts in P90X2.

This program requires strength, focus, and the ability to push through your so called "breaking point" My favorite move in this workout has to be the crunchy lever pull up. You are literally in a crunch position the whole time and entend your legs at the top of the pull up while engaging the core.

I am very excited to see what happens with this workout. Here is a quick photo of what I looked like after this workout. Keep in mind that this is only day 4. Any questions or comments? Feel free to let me know if you are also taking part in P90X2 or any other workout.

Want to workout one-on-one? We'll see if you have what it takes to BRING IT!

Steven.V.L.

Rest Day

Well, not to much to say today, considering it's my first "rest day". I decided to opt out of Recovery + Mobility and take the rest day earlier rather than later. I know that I have a big workout tomorrow with Total Body and the new Ab Ripper. We'll see tomorrow.

Just taking it easy today, doing some stretching, and staying fresh. Nothing too exciting on the rest day. More to come tomorrow.

Steven.V.L.

DOMS - Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Hello world,

So I'm not sure if you all know what DOMS means. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. The short of it means that your body hurts 24-48 hours post workout, usually once you start a new program, or just any program in general. 

I can already tell that P90X2 will be introducing some intense DOMS at a pretty frequent rate. (And I'm only on day two) That's a good thing if you're expecting it, which I was. That doesn't mean that I like feeling like I have cement legs for two days.

Bottom line is that if you never have experienced DOMS, then you have never worked out hard enough for your body to change. If you want a change, start a new program. It doesn't have to be P90X, P90X2, Insanity, etc., but it has to challenge your muscles, and change often. 

If you "like" how this little bit of information helped you understand a current or past workout, then leave a comment or question about something that you have experienced. I have a vast knowledge of exercise science that I would love to let you all in on. 

Steven.V.L.

Day 2 Update post workout.

What a great way to start off the day! Early morning Plyocide followed by 3 egg whites, 15 grain toast, and a big glass of water. Fruits and veggies for lunch. Time for a change. I made it through P90X not really eating right, but got great results. If this is what day 2 looks like, lets see what happens over the course of the next 90+ days. 

P90X2 - Day 2 - "Plyocide"

HOLY MOLY!!!

Tony definitely took the "plyo x" to the next level with this one. With advanced foam rolling in the beginning, to added balance and kicks to already learned moves created a workout that flies by and leaves plenty of DNA behind to let anybody in the room know an incredibly intense workout was done. Can't wait to eat some egg whites and some fruit for breakfast now! See you all tomorrow!

Super Skater with a kick was one of my favorites for today!!!

Don't forget to push play or get your workout in today everybody! Lets go!!!

BRING IT

Want to work out with me One-on-One, just let me know! 

Steven.V.L.

P90X2 - Day 1 - X2 Core

December 8, 2011

Day 1

Round 1

P90X2

Bring It!!

Hello all!!

Just finished my first P90X2 workout, X2 Core. I am in a "flop sweat" and loving it. I can't wait to get to do this workout again now that I know the moves. I am definitely going to get a foam roller, stability ball, and medicine balls for the future. 

This workout was 100% different than P90X, but just as effective. The balance and stability moves trigger muscles that I didn't even know I had...well, I knew they were there since going through P90X quite a few times. Once I get the hang of the style of the workouts, I'm sure the results will be incredible. I'll try to update as often as possible. My favorite move was the Slow-Motion Balance Climber. I can't wait to have my second crack at that one. Well, that's all I have for today. For those of you who already worked out, keep it up. For those of you in a workout, or about to workout, BRING IT!

Steven.V.L.

Want to work out with me One-on-One, just let me know!