There is a GOOD reason for the prerequisites they have set before attempting this workout program. It turns out that their minimum requirements really are the minimum. I suggest that if you are unable to perform the minimum requirements do not attempt this program. I think it would be discouraging and you would be unable to yield the results that you may expect. Before I go into detail on how my first workout went I'll go ahead and list the minimum requirements here, since I have already had some questions about it.
Minimum Requirements Before Starting P90X
Pull-ups: Male, 3 Female, 1
Vertical Leap: M, 5" F, 3"
Push-ups: M, 15 F, 3
Toe Touch: M & F, no more than 6" from toes
Wall Squat: M & F, hold squat for at least 1 min.
Bicep Curls: M, 10 reps @ 20lbs. F, 10 reps @8lbs.
In & Outs(seated on floor with hands at sides, knees bent with feet off the floor, bring knees toward chest, straighten legs and repeat): M&F, at least 25
Heart Rate Max(jumping jacks as fast as you can for 2 minutes sprinting during the final 30 seconds): M&F, finish standing and breathing without problems
Alrighty, now that everyone is caught up on the minimum requirements I'll go ahead with today's workout. It started out with a warm up, a little bit of cardio and some stretches. After that we went right into pull-ups. Normally I can do 3 pull-ups without assisting in anyway. I was able to do my three pull-ups before I started struggling. I continued with assisted pull-ups for a total of 15. At this point I was feeling pretty good, though each person on the video successfully completed at least 15 REAL pull-ups. Push-ups were next, I was able to pump out 5 good ones before they started getting sloppy. Normally I can do 11 before they start to get sloppy, but after the pull-ups I wasn't able to bring my 'A-game'. Even though my abilities are no where near comprable to the super-lean and very energetic personalities on the video, I still felt that I was doing well. As the video went on for the entire 60 minutes I performed each exercise until I could not possibly do anymore, this is what they call muscle failure. As each new variation of a push-up was revealed to me I found myself time and time again with a face full of carpet as my entire upper body hit the floor. For heaven's sake I had no idea there were so many kinds of push-ups, and how each one works your body different is still puzzling to me. Along with the vast variations of push-ups, the pull-ups were sure not going to disappoint! I did my best and often found myself dangling from the bar trying my hardest to pull my chin over, but most of the time without success.
This video also involved some weight training and/or weight training using a resistance band rather than hand weights. I gave it my best and have found that I need some heavier weights. I switched to the resistance band in hopes that I could control how much resistance I was pulling back on and in turn be lifting more weight. Unfortunately a resistance band will no longer work for me, being that I 'hulked' my way right out of the nine bucks I spent on it and ripped it apart. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how well I did with bicep exercises. As it turns out, lifting a one year old everyday several times a day, is a good way to build upper-body strength. After this grueling workout seemed to drain every bit of strength in my chest, back, and arms, I was ready to move on to another muscle group, or better yet to lay down with my face flat on the floor, where I had been finding myself over and over again anyway. Though the thought was nice, it was not what P90X had ordered. Instead I proceeded to perform the same workout in reverse order, obviously with far less impressive results, and that is to say that my results were impressive to start.
Phew! I am glad the first workout is complete. I think I am ready to rest this muscle group and I am excited to see what is in store for tomorrow. Thanks for sticking it out with me, I'll keep you updated.
When are you gonna make a new post?
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