Challenge Complete! My P90X2 Journey!

This past Saturday I finished my first 90days of P90X2 and all I can say is, “Wow, what a journey it’s been!” When I first started P90X2 on January 1st, 2012 I had doubts, and fears concerning the new program. After all, I am a three time P90X graduate and when you fall in love with a program that brings great results it’s hard to just put down and start a new one even if it’s your favorite trainer like Tony Horton. Let’s face it, we don’t like change. But as Tony would say, “Change is good!” And if we are to continue to grow and be stretched when it comes to our health and fitness then we need to continue to add variety in our exercise routines. I hear Tony again in the back of my mind saying, “Variety is the spice of life!” As fitness enthusiast, we must constantly find new ways to challenge, stretch and motivate ourselves to get to that next level that for many of us desire. So to get to that next level and overcome those fears and concerns one of the first things I did was to join a challenge group. You might be wondering, “What is a challenge group?” A challenge group is a small group of  people that hold each other accountable to a program like P90X2 along with the nutrition it takes to get great results. The challenge group that I joined was the person that coaches me. You can check out Coach Sean here. Sean is a P90X2 cast member and knows what it takes to get in great shape. Every person in life needs a coach if they want to achieve success.  That is exactly what P90X2 did for me. It pushed me beyond my limits. And trust me, if you are all concerned about the muscle confusion in X2 compared to P90X, don’t be because there is plenty of it. You can check out my first six weeks of the program here that includes the foundation phase and part of the strength phase.

P90X2 builds upon the fitness level that what one has already gained by completing P90X. While it is not recommended that you start P90X2 before completing P90X there are modifications for the routines like in P90X. My advice to one that has never done either would be to check out P90X first. It will give you the foundation you need to go to that next level in X2 land. Let me just say that the medicine ball push up’s and front lever pull ups are no joke in X2. Everything in P90X2 is all about core engagement and connecting the muscles, joints and ligaments in a way that get’s you the body of an athlete.

If you are looking for a new way to press play then I invite you to make me your coach and join one of my P90X or P90X2 challenge groups. I have learned from the best and know what it takes to get in great shape. If you have a question that I cannot answer then “fear not” because you will be joining a team of P90X2 graduates that have been coached by an all star that can assist you.

Let’s Bring it again! The next 90 challenge groups start on Monday April 9th. X2, round 2, here I come! Will you join me?

You Can’t Have It Both Ways!

  My friends have heard me say this a thousand times but I’m going to say it again, “There are no short cuts to real success when it comes to health and fitness.” Yes, you can get quick results with pills, and potions that aren’t probably the healthiest of choices but just as soon as you quit taking them the weight piles back on. On the other hand, there is nothing that can take the place of good ole fashion working out and eating healthy. Yes, the weight comes off slower but it also is a lot harder to put back on. Why? Because when you choose a program like P90X you learn the in’s and out’s of the science behind muscle confusion. You learn the importance of nutrition and how to fuel the body after an intense workout such as chest and back! Which, by the way is one of my personal favorites.It’s hard to believe that I have been doing P90X since April of 2011. That makes me a P90X grad not 1, not 2, but 3 times and now P90X2. I will finish my first round of P90X2 on April 1st, 2012. I think that’s kind of cool.

On March 24th I became P90X qualified and on April 21st, & 22nd I will become a certified P90X instructor. This means I will have the knowledge, coupled with experience to help you achieve the best results possible using P90X.  But I want to warn you that you can’t have it both ways. You have to make up your mind to put down the whopper and pick up the weights. Should you decide to take the P90X challenge then you will have to clean out the pantry and discover the “Why?” in your life. Why do I want to get fit in the first place? Is it because summer will be here soon? Or is it to get fit before it’s too late with high blood pressure, diabetes and all the other preventive diseases? Diseases that can be avoided with proper nutrition and exercise.

Have I said, “You can’t have it both ways?” Well, “You can’t have it both ways!” What I’m offering you is the best affordable healthcare on the market. Join my P90X challenge group and make me your coach and I promise I will do everything to help you accomplish your fitness goals. I can’t sweat for you but I will sweat along side of you. “Bring it!”

Don’t Waste Your Workout! Nutrition Is Necessary!

What many people don’t realize after a workout is there is a one hour window to refuel your body and give it the right nutrients for muscle recovery. Thus, for many who haven’t been educated in this arena hit an early wall with their workouts and give up. Think about it this way in terms of purchasing a new car. Without monthly maintenance and weekly up keep that new engine after a few thousand miles will begin to wear out more quickly. After a couple of years of neglect your car will have aged more rapidly while all along it should have been firing on all cylinders at optimal peak performance.

I always tell people I coach that nutrition is more than half the battle if they want to see a  maximized transformation. Let’s face it, as we get older metabolisms slow down and our bodies breaks down more rapidly. As adults we must be mature and not naive to the fact that if we want to live a full life of meaning and purpose then we must give our bodies the fuel it needs to function properly.

I’m talking about nutrition! One of the best nutrition supplements on the market I believe is Shakeology. It gives your body the full essentials to go full throttle! I have been using Shakeology for about 10 months and it has definitely enhanced my workouts. After my workouts I use the P90X recovery formula. Researchers say that our bodies need a 4:1 ratio of good carbs and protein along with other vital nutrients within an hour after daily exercise, otherwise you are just wasting your workout.

If I had only two supplements to choose from for working out and daily living it would be Shakeology and the P90X recovery drink.

When I was out of shape I wasted my money on all kinds of junk food. I was one of those regulars at Starbucks loading up on the venti mocha extra whips and lived at Burger King. As my pocket shrunk due to all the fast food my gut grew at a rapid pace. Little did I realize how much money I could save by eating right and working out. There is a myth that says, “I can’t afford to eat right!” It took a health scare to cause me to understand that I couldn’t afford not too. Ask yourself this New Year, “What are my goals?” And “What am I doing to achieve them?” Is it to get a 6 pack and look good this summer?  Or is it to get fit and stay fit for life and enjoy watching your kids grow up? I would love to help.

Stayfit4life

Shakeology: The Right Fuel For Your Body

As I write this post it’s almost 10 am and for me this is my favorite time of the day. It’s time for my Shakeology! Shakeo What? Shakeology!

Shakeology is by far one of the best drink replacements for either a healthy snack or even a meal. I prefer the chocolate flavor. Not only does Shakeology taste great but it is packed with proteins and energy providing carbohydrates that will give you the results your looking for in your workouts. Shakeology is also great for your immune system and is also gluten free. So if you have certain food allergies or don’t like gluten then Shakeology just might be right for you. Since last week when my p90X results  on you tube I have had several messages asking me what did you do? What’s your diet like? So here’s my answer plain and simple. Trust the process (P90 X nutrition and Shakeology).

You are what you eat.