Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Day 22 - Yoga X

Ahh... the beginning of recovery week. I love Yoga! My entire body gets a great workout, then we get to stretch and meditate! Although, what is Tony talking about when he says, "You can do a push up (between plank and downward dog) if you have to." Who HAS to do a pushup? :)

We're going to watch Core Synergistics tonight so Nikki can get an idea of what to expect. I watched it late last week, but can always use a refresher.

After seeing Jeremy and Christina's after pictures, I'm ready to bring it!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Day 21 - Rest X

Last night, we found out that a dear friend's father passed away earlier this week. It was really unexpected, and the funeral is today. Needless to say, we decided to skip the stretching to be there for them. We'll be starting on our recovery week tomorrow, as planned.

Please keep the Cherry family in your prayers.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Day 20 - Kenpo X

Week 3 is almost over! I'm looking forward to next week with excitement and a bit of trepidation. I've grown accustomed to the usual routine, and I'm a little nervous about switching it up. Not because I'm afraid it won't work; I'm nervous we'll be as sore as we were the first few days of week 1. It hurt to even roll over in bed... :)

All joking aside, I'm ready for the next step. I watched Core Synergistics yesterday to get an idea of what we're in for. It looks like a wild ride... I can't wait!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Day 19 - Legs & Back, AR X

First thing first, Nikki started a blog. I'm not too good with these type of things, but I believe it can be found at:

www.ourp90xchallenge-nikki.blogspot.com

More sweating, more grunting, and (hopefully) more results. Typical workout today, except I managed 44 mason twists today! I was shooting for my average - 35. When I got there, I thought, forget the pain... Let's see what my body will do. After I cleared 40, I was thinking, "I'm going to make it to 45!" My mind was willing, but my body completely gave out at 44. Even so, I felt it was a GREAT accomplishment!

Nikki is absolutely thrilled with her results. So far, she's lost over seven pounds... Which is really exciting. Nonetheless, her really, really exciting accomplishments include losing an inch and a half from her waist, nearly two inches from her chest, and a half inch from each of her thighs! I am so proud of her; I cannot put it into words. I am seeing results also, but not as much as her. I've lost an inch from my waist, which I'm hoping is the first of more to come.

Tomorrow is Kenpo. Ready to bring it!

Oh, and the movie last night was pretty good. Not as good as The Incredibles, which is one of my favorites, but still worth seeing at the theater.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Day 18 - Yoga X

Another day down... I know I've said this before, but I sweat more every day we do this! I LOVE all the stretching with Yoga, but it is also a serious workout.

Nutrition is going well, but I'm still looking for ideas to vary us from our typical meals.

Headed to see Monsters vs. Aliens later. For two people who don't have kids yet, we sure love the kids' movies... :) Hope it's good.

Bring on Legs & Back tomorrow!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Day 17 - Shoulders & Arms, AR X

Nikki says that one is her favorite. I think it's because time flies during it - one minute we're starting; the next thing we know, it's over!

Each of us increased our numbers today. It's such a great feeling to know that our bodies are changing, even if it's not as fast as we'd like. :)

A big congratulations to Jeremy and Christina for becoming coaches! I know how inspiring your story has been to us and how instrumental you have been in our married life. We wish you much success!

Can't wait for Yoga tomorrow! I LOVE the stretch it gives...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Day 16 - Plyometrics

We sweated buckets today! Plyo has got to be the toughest of these workouts. My legs (especially my quads) were still tight from last week. Guess I should have done the Stretch a few days ago... We made it through it though!

This has to be one of the greatest things to have happened in our newly married life. What a wonderful gift we can give to ourselves and our future children! I look forward to the day when I can be like Tony - keeping up with a 15 year old when I'm nearly 50...

I took Jeremy's suggestion from quite a few weeks ago... I made some low-fat, grilled chicken fajitas (with grilled bell peppers and onions) on a low-carb whole wheat tortilla for dinner last night. Wow! What a welcome change from what we had been eating. (We follow the portion approach of the nutrition plan.)

Pushing through week 3 like never before... Bring on Shoulders & Arms!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Day 15 - Chest & Back, AR X

Week 3!

We were both at it today, and I managed to increase my numbers again this week.

I am also seeing some results on the scale, body fat percentage, the way my clothes fit, and tape measurements. I've got a long way to go, but it's a start. Nikki still managed to lose some weight last week, even though she didn't work out every day. I think it's mostly because she's watching what she's eating for the first time in her life.

To Jeremy and Christina, thank you both so much. You are THE inspiration for us!

Plyometrics tomorrow!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Day 14 - Rest X

I decided to opt for the rest (instead of stretch) this week, and I know I'll probably end up regretting it tomorrow.

Nikki says she'll be back with me tomorrow. I hope so. She seems to be feeling better, and I'm ready to really push myself this upcoming week.

I've been more hungry than usual this week. I hope it starts to subside, as I'm typically counting the hours until our next meal. Guess it's a good sign though. Ready for Chest & Back!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Day 13 - Kenpo

Number 13... A lucky number for me, as I was born on a Friday 13th.

Another day of sweating buckets alone... I think Nikki did too much before she was well, and now she's still feeling crummy. I keep pushing play, but it's not the same without her there. Knock on wood, but I haven't caught whatever she has.

I can't believe two weeks are almost over! We saw some minor improvements after the first week. Each of us lost about 5 pounds! I can't wait to see what the numbers are after 90 days.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Day 12 - Legs & Back, AR X

Man-o-man, I'm tired. Nikki didn't sleep well last night, which meant (once again) I didn't sleep well. ...and with her unable to breathe out of her nose, I was on my own for the day. But, I know Nikki will join me when she's feeling better. Until then, I know that Jeremy and Christina will keep me accountable.

The nutrition plan is going well. More spinach salads for us while Nikki's parents ate barbecued ribs last night... It's getting easier to pass on the unhealthy foods, which is great because our families aren't making any concessions for our new eating habits.

Bring on Kenpo! I can't believe two weeks are almost over.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Day 11 - Yoga X

I got my partner back today! Yoga felt great again. Such a welcome break from the midweek stiffness. I still can't do crane or plough, but I'm hoping that will change with time.

We're going to dinner with Nikki's parents again tonight. Nikki has been doing so good with the nutrition plan; I hope the chicken noodle soup she ate the past couple days (with her head cold) doesn't bring back her cravings.

Ready for Legs & Back tomorrow!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Day 10 - Shoulders & Arms, AR X

Another day down... My arms are like Jello after today's workout. Feels so good!

Nikki is feeling somewhat better, but I was still by myself today. She hopes to be back tomorrow for Yoga. I'll be glad to have her back.

I think I'll grill up some fish for dinner. Nikki has been eating pretty good for having a head cold / sore throat. She had a little chicken noodle soup last night, but no other carbs.

I hope everyone is doing well. I know it's hard to do this at someone else's house.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Day 9 - Plyometrics

Last night was a long night... Nikki came down with a really bad head cold and didn't sleep much, which meant I didn't sleep much either.

I did Plyo alone today, and it was definitely harder without her beside me. I made it through it though, and was satisfied that I had the willpower to push through the burn while she was sleeping in. I hope she feels better soon.

Looking forward to Shoulders & Arms tomorrow... and getting my partner back.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Day 8 - Chest & Back, AR X

What a difference it makes when you know what to expect...

Our numbers were up on almost everything this week. I know I've said it before, but it seems like we push harder every day - especially after reading the comments from Jeremy and Christina. We can't thank you enough! Nikki and I were talking about how much better we feel - physically and mentally. Once you start exercising regularly, you begin to realize how much the human body was built for this.

We used to be such couch potatoes! Coming home from a long day at work left us feeling so lousy... not to mention the extra pounds that slowly accumulated. The last thing (we thought) we wanted to do was exercise, but it really is true that exercise gives you more energy AND makes the stress from the day melt away! I can barely lift my arms above my head after today's workout, but (even after the soreness Plyo brought last week) I can't wait for tomorrow!

As for the nutrition plan: we're still going strong. Nikki is having very few (if any) cravings during the day. Our appetites are beginning to increase as we bring it harder during the workouts. Last week, I didn't want the mid-afternoon snack. Now, I'm eating it AND still hungry at dinner time.

Lookout Plyo!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Day 7 - X Stretch

I cannot believe our first week is already over. The stretching felt really good.

The nutrition plan is going really well now. Both of us have been completely faithful to it. Nikki's cravings have almost stopped. We went to dinner with her parents last night, and we had spinach salads with a light balsamic vinaigrette while her dad ate a greasy cheeseburger and her mom had fried chicken tenders. I was SO proud of her!

Lookout week 2! We're going to bring it!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Day 6 - Kenpo X

What a workout! Although our coordination wasn't the best, we gave it our all. Maybe it's because our bodies feel more comfortable with physical activity, but we seem to sweat more with every passing day of workouts. I can tell my muscles are dog-tired, but neither of us is nearly as sore as we used to be. The night after Plyo, it even hurt to turn over in bed.

And we try harder every day, knowing Jeremy and Christina read this. You guys are so inspirational! Thank you so much for your tips, wisdom, and encouragement!

I can't believe a week is almost over... The stretching in Yoga felt so good this week; we are definitely stretching tomorrow.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Day 5 - Legs & Back, AR X

Day 5 is in the bag!

It seems like we push harder every day of this. My quads made it through, but are really tired now. ...and those hand switch pull ups! They take every ounce of my energy. Both of us couldn't wait until AR X was over so we could get to the recovery drink. I cannot imagine how sore we would be/have been if we didn't use it.

I'm having some problems with cramping in my hips. I think it might be dehydration, so I'm really pushing the water today. Nikki seems to be doing better with her cravings today. (Thanks for the tip on the banana chips, Jeremy.)

Tomorrow is Kenpo! We've been waiting for that one for days. Hope it doesn't disappoint.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Day 4 - Yoga X

We didn't know what to expect with Yoga X..., but we loved it! There were only a couple of moves we couldn't do (Crane and the one move where Tony put his feet over his head). I can't wait until that one comes around again in our schedule. I cannot believe the amount of sweat that poured off of me, but the stretching felt SO good.

As a side story, I don't have a very low voice. I don't have a high voice either, but I digress... I guess I was in such a zen state of mind near the end, my voice dropped two octaves during the first "ohm" chant. Nikki laughed and said I was channelling Johnny Cash. It broke my concentration, but we had a good laugh.

Thanks to Jeremy for the support and great tips about the nutrition plan. The coffee rub was outstanding! We're going to get some banana chips tomorrow. Nikki is ready for the cravings to stop. That said, I'm really proud of her. I know it's a lot harder for her to eat right because she's NEVER had to watch what she eats. She said she now understands more about my long-time struggles with food.

Tomorrow brings another weight training day - Legs & Back, AR X. I hope my quads are feeling more lively than they are today. (They're still tired from Plyo, two days ago.) As Tony says, "Man-o-manishevitz!" Can't wait to push through tomorrow!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, AR X

That one is MONEY! The soreness is still there, but we were able to keep up with most of what Tony did (reps, but not all of the weight). We are absolutely loving it! As for the nutrition plan, I'm breezing through it. Nikki is having some struggles with cravings, but has been completely faithful to it. I'm really proud of her, as she's never had to watch what she ate before now. I'm trying to follow Jeremy's lead and grill something yummy for each dinner meal. I can't wait to try the coffee rub on tonight's pork loin!

Also, a big THANK YOU to Christina for the kind words and encouragement. You and Jeremy are the reason we decided to finally make the commitment, and we owe a great deal to both of you. I hope you're each doing well without the other one there to workout for the next couple of days. It's only been three days for us, but I know I'd really miss my workout partner. We keep pushing each other to do our best.

Although we're both Yoga newbies, we're going into tomorrow (Yoga X) with the best frame of mind. BTW, I didn't get the job; we were disappointed at first, but realized we must be meant for something/somewhere else. All part of a greater plan...

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Day 2 - Plyometrics

That was tough. Nikki made it through about half of the program, but I stuck with it through the entire way. I took Tony's tip and put the recovery drink in my water bottle. I hope it helps because I'm already starting to feel the soreness.

The nutrition plan is going well. We had a sirloin steak / spinach salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette for lunch. Very yummy!

The arms and shoulders are still a little sore from the past couple of days. I really hope it doesn't affect my numbers tomorrow. Even so, I'm going to push through it and do my best. Look out Chest & Shoulders and AR X!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Day 1 - Chest & Back, AR X

Day one is over! We made the mistake of doing the fit test yesterday, so the arms were a little tired today and the numbers felt lower than they should have been. Still, we gave it our best.

We are doing great with the nutrition plan, although Nikki is having a tough time with chocolate cravings. We got some Zone brand chocolate protein bars to help her with that.

I am so excited to finally be doing the program! Goodbye all the bad habits of the past; hello to feeling sore again. It's been way too long since I last felt this way, and my fitness level shows it. We're doing the classic version the first time through and plan to do the lean version for days 91-180 (if Nikki decides to stick with me at that point).

I can't wait for day 2. Plyometrics? Bring it!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Getting ready to start: the good, the bad, and the ugly

A bit about myself...

The good: I am a newlywed. I was lucky enough to marry the most wonderful woman (and my best friend) this past Valentines Day. I had seen the commercials for P90X and decided to do a little more research on the program from real people who had used it. I cannot thank Jeremy enough! After reading his blog daily, for about 3 weeks, I was sold. I ordered the program the day after our wedding and proceeded to get psyched!

The bad: on the next day (our second day being married), we both came down with one of the nastiest stomach viruses we've ever had. Not one, but two, trips to the ER (without health insurance) drained our savings and wedding gift cash. It took us over a week before we were eating regular foods again and regaining some of our strength.

The ugly: with both of us feeling better, we decided to start the program this week. After a welcome surprise job interview with a new company (offering health insurance), we decided to put off starting until next week. I know it will be easier to start next week, but I was bummed at the prospect of another week waiting. I guess it gives me another week to plan though!

I have the most to prove with the program. I have to admit, I am yet another 30 year old guy who has made too many excuses when it comes to my fitness. My beautiful wife seems perfect in my eyes. She is a four years younger than I am, so her metabolism hasn't reached the crawl mine has, but she has agreed to do 90 days with me. I'm so grateful she's agreed to help me with this journey! I'm committed to 90 days, but I'm really hoping to turn this into a new lifestyle for us. We want to start trying for kids soon, and I don't want to be one of those dads who can't keep up!