P90X: Day 25: X-Stretch

Just what the doctor ordered: a glorious hour of stretching. It amazes me how many sore muscles I have that I didn't know about. The many different stretches dealt nicely with my calves, ankles, spine, glutes and shoulders. I should pay more attention to stretching; it's something I don't particularly focus on and I should spend more time doing them., seeing as it makes me feel so good. I'll try to be more diligent about this in the future.

P90X: Day 24: Kenpo / Cardio Plus

Kenpo was a most welcome break from the rigors of Core Synergistics. I've been feeling a bit stressed lately and the constant movement of the workout was a nice way to address the built-up tension that the stress causes. It feels like a Recovery Week, as this workout, arriving mid- week, is usually a lighter cardio exercise reserved for the end of a typical week. At mid-week, this is a most welcome reward.

P90X: Day 23: Core Synergistics

I'm always under the impression that Recovery Week is to help you throttle back a bit on the intensity of the program. It's to give you a bit of a breather from pushing your mind and body past what you ever thought you were capable of. Apparently, these notions are wrong. Core Synergistics is one of the most difficult routines in this program. I'd rate it more challenging than Plyometrics, when done with vigour, focus and intensity. I completed the workout, drenched in sweat, wishing that I had done Plyometrics instead. In a strange, masochistic way, I'm looking forward to repeating this workout a few days from now, when I can really attack the moves and show this workout who's boss.

P90X: Day 22: Yoga

Recovery Week starts with Yoga. It's always a pleasant (yet tough) routine. Today's focus was on breath. I somehow managed to empty my mind, because it flew by and before I knew it, I was done. I felt great afterwards, like having had a full body massage. There's not much body pain to deal with right now, just a little tightness in my calves (thank-you, downward dog), and in my neck, probably due to lifting weights. Either I'm in pretty good shape, or I'm not pushing hard enough. Time will tell.

P90X: Day 20: Kenpo / Cardio Plus

It felt great to complete the week on a high note, plowing reasonably efficiently through Kenpo/Cardio Plus. Jab, cross, hook, uppercut, all done with vigor and intensity. My weakness is side-kicks (no pun intended), but I'm trying to focus on form, foot position, hand position and how much I'm bending over. My confidence is improving, as is my overall fitness. I'm excited about changing pace during Recovery Week.