P90X+: Round 3: Day 62: Kenpo / Cardio Plus

Well, the water increase is certainly working. I pretty well breezed through Kenpo/Cardio Plus today, completing week 9 of this round. I'm really improving in form now. I still had to refer to the TV to check out form and punching/kicking sequences for three exercises. Sometimes, I find myself using the wrong arm for punches, or the wrong leg for kicks. Today, I got into a good rhythm during the claw/lunge/kick sequence, only to find that I was a klutz during the repeat portion. Today's favourite exercise was Shoulder/Knee Burnout. I love the flow of this exercise, alternating which knee is raised first, really pushing my arms upward and trying to crunch my knees up into my chest as high as possible. Throughout the workout, I was very conscious of engaging my core section whenever possible, to maximize the benefit of receiving a strong core workout at the same time as pushing my cardio button.

The sweat that I work up during this workout is tremendous. Today, following my shower, the sweat just continued to flow. Slightly gross, but also a nice indication that I worked really hard.

End of week 9. Looking forward to week 10.

P90X+: Round 3: Day 61: Upper Plus

I've increased my water intake recently (trying to consume 4 litres per day), and I've noticed a corresponding increase in my energy level, as well as a slight decrease in my appetite. The flip side is that I'm racing to the washroom an unprecedented number of times each day. Well, it's all for the best, I suppose.

I felt really energized this morning and, for the first time, raced through Upper Plus without taking an extended break before Spiderman push-ups. I just played the entire disk right through. It made a bit of a difference , although I was able to crank out 26 Spidermen, as in previous workouts. I also improved in curls (lean back and pumper) and in combat push-ups. Yessir, energy was just oozing out of me this morning. What a difference hydration makes.

P90X+: Round 3: Day 60: Yoga

I haven't had the opportunity to post in this blog for a few days, but I've been busy with week 9 at home. Sunday started the regular schedule with Upper Plus, followed by Interval X Plus on Monday (ouch!) and Total Body Plus on Tuesday. All were good workouts. Monday's workout was also accompanied by some hole-digging, as I spent Labour Day (so that's the meaning of the word!) transplanting a couple of trees on my property. Normally back-breaking work, I managed to accomplish the task feeling well, albeit with a ton of sweat dripping off my body. I like to think that I looked like one of those sweaty firemen from the promotional calendars sold for fundraising. Hey, one can still dream.

I had a horrible sleep last night, logging only about 5 hours or so. It took a tremendous effort just to drag myself out of bed. I had too much on my mind: a commitment for this weekend for which I'm still not prepared, and a building to design. Design issues can dog the mind for days, making it almost impossible to relax. Hence, yoga was most welcome today. The deep breathing, the innumerable vinyasas, the upward and downward dogs, the wonderful stretching (especially Warrior 3, where I got a tremendous boost along my sides), the gentle rocking back and forth, the engagement of the abs: it's all wonderful.

Now, my design issues are working themselves out, my body is comfortable and relaxed, and my mind is clear. Namaste.

Hey, it also just crossed my mind that today is Day 60! 30 days to go until completion of Round 3.