Day 05

P90X Legs and Back

Wow. What a workout. Wall squats? Uh yeah. Freaking hard! One-leg wall squats? Just ridiculous!! Come on Tony, you're killing me here. A really interesting aspect of this workout is the leg portion doesn't repeat, while the back portion does
 

I am still using a chair for my pull-ups so I can get 10-12 reps. I'm making myself pull really hard to get the last few reps (almost to failure.) I wonder when I will make the transition from chair to no chair. Good news is the P90X Legs and Back routine is every week except the recovery weeks, so I should improve throughout the 90 days of P90X.

Couple of quick hints:

• The goal for P90X Legs and Back is QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!
• When doing pull-ups, set a goal and use a chair if you need one. But, make yourself struggle to get the goal you set. It isn't about getting 10, 15, 20 reps, it's about improving yourself. So if you aren't struggling, make it harder on yourself BEFORE you do more reps.
• The leg exercises are killer. Take your time. Do it right. Take breaks when you need them.
• I drank too much water and worked out BEFORE eating dinner today. Not a good idea. I didn't feel the pump like I usually do. I usually try to eat dinner first, wait an hour, workout, then do the recovery drink. I'll stick to that plan from now on.
• Remember to BRING IT!!!

P90X Ab Ripper X

I am definitely improving my core with this workout. The first few times I did P90X Ab Ripper X, my lower back was KILLING me and I didn't feel much in my abdominals. The weakest muscles feel the pain first, and my lower back was the weakest link in my core (goodbye? kinda outdated, I know.) Well now that my lower back is getting stronger, I am starting to feel the burn in my abs. It feels great!!

So if you are having the same problem I am and your lower back hurts WAY more than you abs, keep going. Your back will get stronger and soon the Ab Ripper routine will start working your abs more.

Meals for the day:

• Breakfast: Protein shake.
  • 1 cup liquid (milk or water), 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder, tbsp UNSWEETENED cocoa powder, tbsp low-fat peanut butter. Blend until smooth.
  • 2 protein, 1 dairy, 1 fat (low-fat peanut butter is fattening apparently)

• Snack1: Chewy Granola Bar
  • Single Snack

• Lunch: Grilled chicken, grilled veggies, 1 cup homemade vegetable soup, couscous, orange
  • 2 Protein, 2 veg, 1 carb, 1 condiment, 1 fruit

• Snack2: Homemade PROTEIN BAR!!  - See recipe below
  • Double Snack
    
• Dinner: Grilled Chicken and green beans
  • 2 Protein, 2 veg., 1 condiment

• P90X!! Bring it!!
  • Legs and Back / Ab Ripper X

• Recovery Drink: Chocolate Soy milk and a scoop of protein powder
  • 1 Dairy, 1 Protein

HOMEMADE PROTEIN BAR RECIPE:

I got the idea from this guy, but I changed the recipe a little bit. I wanted more oats in mine and used almonds instead of peanuts (slightly healthier). I also used vanilla protein powder and added some UNSWEETENED cocoa. Instead of the banana and apple, I used all natural apple sauce and low fat peanut butter. It is REALLY good!! Try it!

My first batch came out a little bit sticky. I am going to try and come up with a way to dry out the recipe so it'll be a little bit harder. More oats, some sort of flour, less applesauce, I don't know. I'll update on it when i make a new batch.

...keep pressing play. Day 06 - Kenpo X is next.