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Sunday, January 4, 2009

P90X...What to expect.


I have to say, I DID NOT write the following. It has been sent around the P90X world and I've received it from a few folks. If you are the original author, or know who is, please let me know so I may give them credit.


RESOLVE TO EVOLVE

Clarity, like the fine edge of a newly sharpened blade. You have a plan, a goal, a schedule; you have your nutrition down to a point. Your workouts are intense, you suffer daily. You are making sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night to ensure adequate recovery from your brutal regimen. You are even doing your own version of "Doubles" whether its
20 minutes of HIIT, running, swimming or any other form of cardio three days a week to burn even more fat. You have a clear mental picture of what you want to accomplish during your round of the X, you have your "mind right". So what should you expect? I'll give you some insight so there are no surprises.

DAY 1 - 30 (PHASE 1 - APPROXIMATELY)
1.) This is the adjustment period. Your body is getting into the schedule and tempo of your workouts. It is adjusting to your new nutrition habits. Expect some differences, perhaps not the drastic visual differences you crave but your clothes will become baggier.

2.)
Stay the course during this period. I have had allot of people say to me "Something is not right, I'm not getting as lean as I should be."

This is normal; during Phase 1 you are priming the body and stoking your metabolic fire. **YOUR BODY DOES NOT SPOT REDUCE FAT! I REPEAT, YOUR BODY DOES NOT SPOT REDUCE FAT! **

Your body will take body fat off in "sheets". What I mean is that it will reduce your overall body fat evenly. Where we hold the largest amount of body fat largely depends on genetics and gender. Women tend to hold their body fat in their butt, leg, hip region. Men generally hold their body fat in their waistlines. This is what to watch for in this Phase: loosening of your clothes, stay off of the scale and above all, remain patient and continue to work hard.

DAYS 31-60 (PHASE 2 - APPROXIMATELY)

1.) This phase is where your body kicks into high gear. You are getting stronger and leaner. Expect dramatic results during this Phase as long as you remain disciplined and suffer daily.

2.) WHAT TO EXPECT: You will start to see that your outer extremities, (Forearms, calves, upper back, shoulders) generally where people hold the least amount of fat, will start to get leaner.

3.) Where you hold the most fat will improve but not to your impatient satisfaction. Why? Because as your body removes the fat in "sheets" naturally the leaner sections of your body will show definition the quickest.

4.)
REMAIN PATIENT AND STAY THE COURSE!

DAYS 61 - 90 (PHASE 3 - APPROXIMATELY)

1.) This is the Phase to let it all hang out. It's an all out assault on body fat. Your metabolism is in high gear, you have noticed a drastic improvement in definition throughout your entire body and your most stubborn pockets of fat are carving away.

2.) This is the time to do some extra workout sessions. Walk after dinner, take an extra bike ride. Skip rope, box, and do something extra to burn more calories and more fat.

3.) At the end of this Phase you want to be standing tall on Day 90, proudly take your after pictures and be able to say, "I worked as hard as I possibly could have during the past 90 days, I BROUGHT IT!"

So there it is, what to expect during a Phase of P90X. If you have any questions and would like to discuss some of the finer points of what I have described above, please don't hesitate to ask.


10 comments:

  1. Great words of encouragement John. I just finished Chest/Back for the 2nd time and was a little disturbed that it seemed HARDER than the first time. But I'll keep kicking my own ass if for no other reason than to entertain you. Thanks dude. I WILL call you sometime soon!

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  2. I don't get the entertainment value until I get to hear you whine about it personally. Oh well...Good to hear you're keeping strong.

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  3. what a great description-so true..to what I've experienced anyways.

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  4. I love this post. I wish that they would include it in P90X packet. I was so thankful when you e-mailed it to me at the very beginning of my journey. Great words of encouragement!!!

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  5. Great article. Thanks John very insightful.

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  6. Mike French was the author as far as I know. ts an awesome piece.

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  7. Great outline of what to expect. I am concerned of becoming discouraged too early into my P90X schedule. I plan on printing this out and posting it in plain view when I feel that way:)

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  8. great encouragement as i am only on day 2 pushing up 2 day 3 :) i am already feeling my self being pushed to the limit and plan on doing it throughout the 90 days this has really appealed to me and should clear many things for me while i go throughout my 90 days :) fisnik

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  9. So accurate! In phase I, DO NOT LOOK AT THE SCALES! You may not see the reduction in pounds that you are expecting, but your clothes are definitely getting bigger! Stay on the nutrition plan and "Bring It" to every workout.
    According to statistics, most first-timers quit after 30 days. Don't be a statistic -- stay off the scales and you will feel great about your progress!

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  10. Thank you so much for this post. I now feel much better about getting my ass kicked and the results in the first 30 days, as I am now starting week 4 ;)

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