P90X - Anyone try this? (1 Viewer)

[ex-ghost]

Just finished Plyo for the third time. Man oh man oshevits! It was harder this time than it was the previous two times combined. I know I am working harder, but I found myself hitting pause every three minutes or so. Heart rate was in the high 160's.

 

[trout]

Know what I'm getting sick of hearing..."If you need a break- take a break." "Look at me, I'm taking a break. When you're ready, then jump back in." He says stuff like that constantly in Ab Ripper. It's like he can't believe anyone can actually finish the routine so he's giving us an out to stop. The more he encourages taking a break, the more I want to push on.

You can do anything for 30 seconds!!!!

Between sets of the Oblique V-up, "they're working hard, I know you are!" Ugh...pi$es me off every time.

Have you tried using the silence and cues or music and cues?

Nope. Those comments actually motivate me. "You know what Big Tony...I think I'll skip that break for now".

 

[Disco Stu]

After suffering through some slow downloads and a week of feeling under the weather, I'm finally going to give this a try.

I did the fit test to make sure I wasn't crazy to take this on. As expected knowing my past inconsistent and unbalanced exercise habits, some of the tests were easy to get well past the minimum (push-ups, vertical) while others were a struggle to reach the minimum (pull-ups, wall squat). With the wall squat I wasn't clear what to do with my hands... assumed that putting them anywhere on my legs would be cheating.

Currently 6'3" 177 so weight loss isn't a goal. Just hoping to add some lean muscle and improve cardio.

 

[Disco Stu]

Newbie questions...

1. With no yoga experience, should I buy blocks?

2. Is using the "Perfect Push-up" things a good or bad idea with this?

3. Do I need a heart rate monitor?

4. Are the supplements and protein/creatine recommendations important? I currently take a daily multi-vitamin and when exercising make a shake with this and this (along with banana, berries, milk, and V8 Fusion).

5. If you miss a day do you push everything back one? Or skip it and move on?

 

[Ned]

Newbie questions...

1. With no yoga experience, should I buy blocks?

Can you touch your toes during hammy stretches? In general, if you can you probably don't need the blocks. if no, it'd help to have them.

2. Is using the "Perfect Push-up" things a good or bad idea with this?

I use dumbbells instead since regular pushups destroy my wrists.

3. Do I need a heart rate monitor?

No you don't have to have one, but it's nice. I haven't used one, even though I have one buried in my basement somewhere. I hate the stupid chest band.

4. Are the supplements and protein/creatine recommendations important? I currently take a daily multi-vitamin and when exercising make a shake with thisthis (along with banana, berries, milk, and V8 Fusion).

I was a little skeptical about the recovery drink, but now that I've done the no recovery drink vs. recovery drink tests, I can definitely tell the difference when I don't get a recovery drink in. I don't use their specific recovery drink, though. I usually eat a piece of fruit and use Muscle Milk as my protein source. I keep contemplating a multi-vitamin, but haven't taken the plunge yet. I don't take any creatine at all.

5. If you miss a day do you push everything back one? Or skip it and move on?

I push everything back a day. Here's my take on it a page back or so.

 

[Ned]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

 

[trout]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

Nice work. Now you gotta start putting your arms up during In and Outs, and bicycles. The pace for Leg Climbs is so slow, so you could add an extra rep or two for each leg. Then do extra mason twists at the end.haha...never ends.

 

[Ned]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

Nice work. Now you gotta start putting your arms up during In and Outs, and bicycles. The pace for Leg Climbs is so slow, so you could add an extra rep or two for each leg. Then do extra mason twists at the end.haha...never ends.

Mason twists still kill me. That was one of my last ones to match them on. I still feel almost complete muscle failure at the end of mason twists. There's no other feeling like your abs completely shot and falling backwards helpless.

 

[zander_s]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

 

[Disco Stu]

Day 1 was yesterday. Holy ####.

I had to pause it for five minutes or so during the second pass through. Thought I was going to puke.

 

[Ned]

Day 1 was yesterday. Holy ####. I had to pause it for five minutes or so during the second pass through. Thought I was going to puke.

Nowhere to go but up from here. Chest/Back is arguably the hardest workout.

 

[Disco Stu]

Day 1 was yesterday. Holy ####. :XI had to pause it for five minutes or so during the second pass through. Thought I was going to puke.

Nowhere to go but up from here. Chest/Back is arguably the hardest workout.

Plyometrics wasn't bad... though I kinda eased into it with very low jumps. I was worried during the warm-up.

 

[Random]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

 

[Ned]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

How ya been? Did you end up moving back to your other routines?Day 80 today. Only 2 more resistance days left. I can taste it....

 

[Random]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

How ya been? Did you end up moving back to your other routines?Day 80 today. Only 2 more resistance days left. I can taste it....

I did. Then I came back to P90X. Felt like I was leaving too much out. So what I ended up with was a 4 day/week slightly modified P90X routine.Monday Chest, Sho & Triceps (substitute all pushups for bench press and dumbbell flys. This absolutely kills my chest) Tuesday PlyometricsThursday Back & BicepsSaturday Legs & BackAb ripper X 3-4 times/week on its own (I highly recommend this).I don't feel overwhelmed by this schedule like I was starting to feel with the 6x week program. Congrats on completing the program! What are your plans for post P90X?

 

[Ned]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

How ya been? Did you end up moving back to your other routines?Day 80 today. Only 2 more resistance days left. I can taste it....

I did. Then I came back to P90X. Felt like I was leaving too much out. So what I ended up with was a 4 day/week slightly modified P90X routine.Monday Chest, Sho & Triceps (substitute all pushups for bench press and dumbbell flys. This absolutely kills my chest) Tuesday PlyometricsThursday Back & BicepsSaturday Legs & BackAb ripper X 3-4 times/week on its own (I highly recommend this).I don't feel overwhelmed by this schedule like I was starting to feel with the 6x week program. Congrats on completing the program! What are your plans for post P90X?

Thanks! I can't wait to get that notch in my belt. Looking back at the beginning, I can't believe how far I've come since February.That looks like a nice routine. I could definitely use a really good Chest routine (my biggest weakness), so I'm going to keep what you did in mind (bench in lieu of push-ups). I have seen a few guys now say that Ab ripper is really good on it's own. It'll definitely be part of my own routine.Post P90x - I'm jumping in to Insanity. I really want to improve on my cardio even more, and would love to cut down a good chunk of flab. So Insanity it is. I have a feeling once I'm done with Insanity, I'll probably create my own hybrid of P90x, Insanity, and running. But, I want to get through Insanity before I get too ahead of myself.

 

[jb1020]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

How ya been? Did you end up moving back to your other routines?Day 80 today. Only 2 more resistance days left. I can taste it....

I did. Then I came back to P90X. Felt like I was leaving too much out. So what I ended up with was a 4 day/week slightly modified P90X routine.Monday Chest, Sho & Triceps (substitute all pushups for bench press and dumbbell flys. This absolutely kills my chest) Tuesday PlyometricsThursday Back & BicepsSaturday Legs & BackAb ripper X 3-4 times/week on its own (I highly recommend this).I don't feel overwhelmed by this schedule like I was starting to feel with the 6x week program. Congrats on completing the program! What are your plans for post P90X?

Thanks! I can't wait to get that notch in my belt. Looking back at the beginning, I can't believe how far I've come since February.That looks like a nice routine. I could definitely use a really good Chest routine (my biggest weakness), so I'm going to keep what you did in mind (bench in lieu of push-ups). I have seen a few guys now say that Ab ripper is really good on it's own. It'll definitely be part of my own routine.Post P90x - I'm jumping in to Insanity. I really want to improve on my cardio even more, and would love to cut down a good chunk of flab. So Insanity it is. I have a feeling once I'm done with Insanity, I'll probably create my own hybrid of P90x, Insanity, and running. But, I want to get through Insanity before I get too ahead of myself.

badass...seriously, congrats. pretty much there.

 

[Ned]

How ya been? Did you end up moving back to your other routines?Day 80 today. Only 2 more resistance days left. I can taste it....

I did. Then I came back to P90X. Felt like I was leaving too much out. So what I ended up with was a 4 day/week slightly modified P90X routine.Monday Chest, Sho & Triceps (substitute all pushups for bench press and dumbbell flys. This absolutely kills my chest) Tuesday PlyometricsThursday Back & BicepsSaturday Legs & BackAb ripper X 3-4 times/week on its own (I highly recommend this).I don't feel overwhelmed by this schedule like I was starting to feel with the 6x week program. Congrats on completing the program! What are your plans for post P90X?

Thanks! I can't wait to get that notch in my belt. Looking back at the beginning, I can't believe how far I've come since February.That looks like a nice routine. I could definitely use a really good Chest routine (my biggest weakness), so I'm going to keep what you did in mind (bench in lieu of push-ups). I have seen a few guys now say that Ab ripper is really good on it's own. It'll definitely be part of my own routine.Post P90x - I'm jumping in to Insanity. I really want to improve on my cardio even more, and would love to cut down a good chunk of flab. So Insanity it is. I have a feeling once I'm done with Insanity, I'll probably create my own hybrid of P90x, Insanity, and running. But, I want to get through Insanity before I get too ahead of myself.

badass...seriously, congrats. pretty much there.

Far from badass, but thanks! I'm just a guy who was/is skinny-fat and finally woke up. I have a looooooooong way to go.

 

[Ned]

I know this is dumb, but.... What's the secret to having a good workout vs. a bad one? This has really bothered me since I've seemed to vary week in/out on this. I'll have a few days where I feel very 'bleh' and have to really push through to the end. Then I'll have a day or 2 where I totally crush the workout and feel like I need to go for a run afterwards because I feel so good (like yesterday).

Is it a fuel thing? A sleep thing? A combo of both? I really wish I knew the secret (and realize this is like chasing the fountain of youth).

 

[trout]

Finally!!! I made it to the 339 club for Ab Ripper (I did 341). It took 75 days to get here, but it feels oh so good.

How ya been? Did you end up moving back to your other routines?Day 80 today. Only 2 more resistance days left. I can taste it....

I did. Then I came back to P90X. Felt like I was leaving too much out. So what I ended up with was a 4 day/week slightly modified P90X routine.Monday Chest, Sho & Triceps (substitute all pushups for bench press and dumbbell flys. This absolutely kills my chest) Tuesday PlyometricsThursday Back & BicepsSaturday Legs & BackAb ripper X 3-4 times/week on its own (I highly recommend this).I don't feel overwhelmed by this schedule like I was starting to feel with the 6x week program. Congrats on completing the program! What are your plans for post P90X?

Thanks! I can't wait to get that notch in my belt. Looking back at the beginning, I can't believe how far I've come since February.That looks like a nice routine. I could definitely use a really good Chest routine (my biggest weakness), so I'm going to keep what you did in mind (bench in lieu of push-ups). I have seen a few guys now say that Ab ripper is really good on it's own. It'll definitely be part of my own routine.Post P90x - I'm jumping in to Insanity. I really want to improve on my cardio even more, and would love to cut down a good chunk of flab. So Insanity it is. I have a feeling once I'm done with Insanity, I'll probably create my own hybrid of P90x, Insanity, and running. But, I want to get through Insanity before I get too ahead of myself.

My brother in law and I are swapping disks. He's taking my P90X and I'll try his Insanity. I'm worried though that the strength/muscle gains of P90X will be lost when doing Insanity. I understand that Insanity is a tough workout, etc, but how do you even excercise muscle in your bicep without weights? How do you really workout back or shoulders without pullup bars or weights? I'd rather keep the muscle (both size and strength)...will Insanity not do that for me? thoughts on this?

 

[Disco Stu]

Almost through the first week (day 6 tonight) and just feel good about not missing any days. I timed it to make Thursday my off day, since I know that will usually be a tough day to squeeze in a workout.

So far I'm pretty impressed by the way this is organized. Just when the leg soreness from Plyometrics was subsiding, they get hit with the Leg & Shoulder workout. My legs were pretty shot by the end of that, which made the Ab Ripper even more difficult. Fifer Scissor was damn near impossible.

I have zero Yoga experience, so that's a learning experience to say the least. I started to get the hang of the repeated moves but spent a decent amount of time just trying to figure out what they were doing. You can't see the tv while doing the moves, which is kinda frustrating. And my balance and flexibility are pretty laughable. I also just wasn't expecting ninety minutes of yoga and started it too late in the night. Need to figure out a way to get more sleep.

 

[Ned]

How ya been? Did you end up moving back to your other routines?Day 80 today. Only 2 more resistance days left. I can taste it....

I did. Then I came back to P90X. Felt like I was leaving too much out. So what I ended up with was a 4 day/week slightly modified P90X routine.Monday Chest, Sho & Triceps (substitute all pushups for bench press and dumbbell flys. This absolutely kills my chest) Tuesday PlyometricsThursday Back & BicepsSaturday Legs & BackAb ripper X 3-4 times/week on its own (I highly recommend this).I don't feel overwhelmed by this schedule like I was starting to feel with the 6x week program. Congrats on completing the program! What are your plans for post P90X?

Thanks! I can't wait to get that notch in my belt. Looking back at the beginning, I can't believe how far I've come since February.That looks like a nice routine. I could definitely use a really good Chest routine (my biggest weakness), so I'm going to keep what you did in mind (bench in lieu of push-ups). I have seen a few guys now say that Ab ripper is really good on it's own. It'll definitely be part of my own routine.Post P90x - I'm jumping in to Insanity. I really want to improve on my cardio even more, and would love to cut down a good chunk of flab. So Insanity it is. I have a feeling once I'm done with Insanity, I'll probably create my own hybrid of P90x, Insanity, and running. But, I want to get through Insanity before I get too ahead of myself.

My brother in law and I are swapping disks. He's taking my P90X and I'll try his Insanity. I'm worried though that the strength/muscle gains of P90X will be lost when doing Insanity. I understand that Insanity is a tough workout, etc, but how do you even excercise muscle in your bicep without weights? How do you really workout back or shoulders without pullup bars or weights? I'd rather keep the muscle (both size and strength)...will Insanity not do that for me? thoughts on this?

Funny, that thought has crossed my mind several times. Personally, I am more concerned with cutting so Insanity sounds right up my alley. I do however want to keep the strength gains I made during P90x, but I so badly want to cut the flab that I'm willing to sacrifice a step back in strength at the expense of getting nice and lean.I don't think it'll be as bad as we think (strength loss), but it's definitely been in the back of my mind as I look forward to Insanity.When are you going to start up? I'll probably venture over to the Insanity thread here when I start in the beginning of June.

 

[Ned]

Almost through the first week (day 6 tonight) and just feel good about not missing any days. I timed it to make Thursday my off day, since I know that will usually be a tough day to squeeze in a workout.

So far I'm pretty impressed by the way this is organized. Just when the leg soreness from Plyometrics was subsiding, they get hit with the Leg & Shoulder workout. My legs were pretty shot by the end of that, which made the Ab Ripper even more difficult. Fifer Scissor was damn near impossible.

I have zero Yoga experience, so that's a learning experience to say the least. I started to get the hang of the repeated moves but spent a decent amount of time just trying to figure out what they were doing. You can't see the tv while doing the moves, which is kinda frustrating. And my balance and flexibility are pretty laughable. I also just wasn't expecting ninety minutes of yoga and started it too late in the night. Need to figure out a way to get more sleep.

The bolded part is what really got me hooked. It is so well planned that all you really have to do is plop in the DVD and suck it up for an hour or so. It's nearly foolproof.I felt the same exact way in Yoga. It gets better as you remember all the moves and see improvements, but its still my least favorite. I've skipped a few to go on a 3-5 mile run instead just because I couldn't stomach the 90 minutes.

 

[Disco Stu]

Currently 6'3" 177 so weight loss isn't a goal. Just hoping to add some lean muscle and improve cardio.

Weighed myself last night... 182. :( I'm wondering if the original weigh-in was a little low.

 

[trout]

Thanks! I can't wait to get that notch in my belt. Looking back at the beginning, I can't believe how far I've come since February.

That looks like a nice routine. I could definitely use a really good Chest routine (my biggest weakness), so I'm going to keep what you did in mind (bench in lieu of push-ups). I have seen a few guys now say that Ab ripper is really good on it's own. It'll definitely be part of my own routine.

Post P90x - I'm jumping in to Insanity. I really want to improve on my cardio even more, and would love to cut down a good chunk of flab. So Insanity it is. I have a feeling once I'm done with Insanity, I'll probably create my own hybrid of P90x, Insanity, and running. But, I want to get through Insanity before I get too ahead of myself.

My brother in law and I are swapping disks. He's taking my P90X and I'll try his Insanity. I'm worried though that the strength/muscle gains of P90X will be lost when doing Insanity. I understand that Insanity is a tough workout, etc, but how do you even excercise muscle in your bicep without weights? How do you really workout back or shoulders without pullup bars or weights? I'd rather keep the muscle (both size and strength)...will Insanity not do that for me?

thoughts on this?

Funny, that thought has crossed my mind several times. Personally, I am more concerned with cutting so Insanity sounds right up my alley. I do however want to keep the strength gains I made during P90x, but I so badly want to cut the flab that I'm willing to sacrifice a step back in strength at the expense of getting nice and lean.

I don't think it'll be as bad as we think (strength loss), but it's definitely been in the back of my mind as I look forward to Insanity.

When are you going to start up? I'll probably venture over to the Insanity thread here when I start in the beginning of June.

I asked the very same question in the Insanity thread to see what people had to say. I have real life friends that say I won't loose much if anything at all. there are some power moves, ect.

I'm 165lbs and I was at 12% body fat when I started P90X. I'm still at 165lbs, but heck of a lot stronger. So i know i'm more cut, etc, but the 6-pack isn't quite there yet and the definition in some areas could be better. That's why I'd like to do Insanity. I just don't want to lose tons of muscle and weight in order to make those areas show more.

My bro-in-law mentioned that because the Insanity workouts are shorter he'll do weight training a couple times per week right after the Insanity workout. I might do that. I'm used to the hour long workouts from 5:15-6:15 am. With Insanity I'll be able to add 15-20 minutes of weight lifting right after 40min Insanity workout.. I'm just not sure if I could accomplish that.

I'm on week 11 of P90X. Next week is my last resistance training week. Week after that is the final recovery, then I'll be done. My bro-in-law is ready for my disks whenever I'm done with them. I'll jump right into Insanity...week of June 7th.

You're a little ahead of me in P90X....when are you starting Insanity?

 

[trout]

Currently 6'3" 177 so weight loss isn't a goal. Just hoping to add some lean muscle and improve cardio.

Weighed myself last night... 182. I'm wondering if the original weigh-in was a little low.

Nice work on adding 5 lbs of lean muscle!

 

[Ned]

Thanks! I can't wait to get that notch in my belt. Looking back at the beginning, I can't believe how far I've come since February.That looks like a nice routine. I could definitely use a really good Chest routine (my biggest weakness), so I'm going to keep what you did in mind (bench in lieu of push-ups). I have seen a few guys now say that Ab ripper is really good on it's own. It'll definitely be part of my own routine.Post P90x - I'm jumping in to Insanity. I really want to improve on my cardio even more, and would love to cut down a good chunk of flab. So Insanity it is. I have a feeling once I'm done with Insanity, I'll probably create my own hybrid of P90x, Insanity, and running. But, I want to get through Insanity before I get too ahead of myself.

My brother in law and I are swapping disks. He's taking my P90X and I'll try his Insanity. I'm worried though that the strength/muscle gains of P90X will be lost when doing Insanity. I understand that Insanity is a tough workout, etc, but how do you even excercise muscle in your bicep without weights? How do you really workout back or shoulders without pullup bars or weights? I'd rather keep the muscle (both size and strength)...will Insanity not do that for me? thoughts on this?

Funny, that thought has crossed my mind several times. Personally, I am more concerned with cutting so Insanity sounds right up my alley. I do however want to keep the strength gains I made during P90x, but I so badly want to cut the flab that I'm willing to sacrifice a step back in strength at the expense of getting nice and lean.I don't think it'll be as bad as we think (strength loss), but it's definitely been in the back of my mind as I look forward to Insanity.When are you going to start up? I'll probably venture over to the Insanity thread here when I start in the beginning of June.

I asked the very same question in the Insanity thread to see what people had to say. I have real life friends that say I won't loose much if anything at all. there are some power moves, ect. I'm 165lbs and I was at 12% body fat when I started P90X. I'm still at 165lbs, but heck of a lot stronger. So i know i'm more cut, etc, but the 6-pack isn't quite there yet and the definition in some areas could be better. That's why I'd like to do Insanity. I just don't want to lose tons of muscle and weight in order to make those areas show more.My bro-in-law mentioned that because the Insanity workouts are shorter he'll do weight training a couple times per week right after the Insanity workout. I might do that. I'm used to the hour long workouts from 5:15-6:15 am. With Insanity I'll be able to add 15-20 minutes of weight lifting right after 40min Insanity workout.. I'm just not sure if I could accomplish that. I'm on week 11 of P90X. Next week is my last resistance training week. Week after that is the final recovery, then I'll be done. My bro-in-law is ready for my disks whenever I'm done with them. I'll jump right into Insanity...week of June 7th.You're a little ahead of me in P90X....when are you starting Insanity?

Nice. Sounds like everyone's saying the same thing with regards to the loss of strength. I'm slated to finish on May 27th and then go on a long weekend camping trip with the family over Memorial Day weekend. I'll probably run once or twice during that trip, and then dive into Insanity on June 1st.Kinda bummed to see it go since it's become such a routine to listen to that goofball motivate me every day, but I'm really looking forward to the next step to getting really fit.

 

[Ned]

I don't really know what to say except I am STOKED!!

I think I noted here when I started that I could barely do 1 legit pull-up. So throughout the entire program I did the chair assisted pull-ups. I've never been a pull-up guy even when I considered myself to be in shape when I was younger. So, I was scared to take the next step and just kept plugging along with the chair assisted pull-ups. Well, today was my last Legs/Back workout so something told me to go for it (pull-ups). So I left the chair where it was and did the full workout doing regular pull-ups. Admittingly, I expected to peter out quick and go back to the chair. BUT...........I just finished a little bit ago and I was able to knock out 26 pull-ups (total workout)!!! I don't think I've done 26 pull-ups my entire life, let alone in 1 workout.

 

[zander_s]

I don't really know what to say except I am STOKED!!I think I noted here when I started that I could barely do 1 legit pull-up. So throughout the entire program I did the chair assisted pull-ups. I've never been a pull-up guy even when I considered myself to be in shape when I was younger. So, I was scared to take the next step and just kept plugging along with the chair assisted pull-ups. Well, today was my last Legs/Back workout so something told me to go for it (pull-ups). So I left the chair where it was and did the full workout doing regular pull-ups. Admittingly, I expected to peter out quick and go back to the chair. BUT...........I just finished a little bit ago and I was able to knock out 26 pull-ups (total workout)!!! I don't think I've done 26 pull-ups my entire life, let alone in 1 workout.

Out freakin standing!!!

 

[trout]

I don't really know what to say except I am STOKED!!I think I noted here when I started that I could barely do 1 legit pull-up. So throughout the entire program I did the chair assisted pull-ups. I've never been a pull-up guy even when I considered myself to be in shape when I was younger. So, I was scared to take the next step and just kept plugging along with the chair assisted pull-ups. Well, today was my last Legs/Back workout so something told me to go for it (pull-ups). So I left the chair where it was and did the full workout doing regular pull-ups. Admittingly, I expected to peter out quick and go back to the chair. BUT...........I just finished a little bit ago and I was able to knock out 26 pull-ups (total workout)!!! I don't think I've done 26 pull-ups my entire life, let alone in 1 workout.

Nice job. Personally, the number of pullups I'm able to do now in one workout have more than doubled from when I started. Wether it's the legs/back disk or the back/bicep disk...pullups was my biggest gainer.

 

[Random]

I don't really know what to say except I am STOKED!!I think I noted here when I started that I could barely do 1 legit pull-up. So throughout the entire program I did the chair assisted pull-ups. I've never been a pull-up guy even when I considered myself to be in shape when I was younger. So, I was scared to take the next step and just kept plugging along with the chair assisted pull-ups. Well, today was my last Legs/Back workout so something told me to go for it (pull-ups). So I left the chair where it was and did the full workout doing regular pull-ups. Admittingly, I expected to peter out quick and go back to the chair. BUT...........I just finished a little bit ago and I was able to knock out 26 pull-ups (total workout)!!! I don't think I've done 26 pull-ups my entire life, let alone in 1 workout.

 

[Ned]

I don't really know what to say except I am STOKED!!I think I noted here when I started that I could barely do 1 legit pull-up. So throughout the entire program I did the chair assisted pull-ups. I've never been a pull-up guy even when I considered myself to be in shape when I was younger. So, I was scared to take the next step and just kept plugging along with the chair assisted pull-ups. Well, today was my last Legs/Back workout so something told me to go for it (pull-ups). So I left the chair where it was and did the full workout doing regular pull-ups. Admittingly, I expected to peter out quick and go back to the chair. BUT...........I just finished a little bit ago and I was able to knock out 26 pull-ups (total workout)!!! I don't think I've done 26 pull-ups my entire life, let alone in 1 workout.

Nice job. Personally, the number of pullups I'm able to do now in one workout have more than doubled from when I started. Wether it's the legs/back disk or the back/bicep disk...pullups was my biggest gainer.

Nice! I had wondered last night how much different it'd be during Back/Bi or Chest/Back since pull-ups are the only thing you do (arms/back wise) during Legs/Back. My only regret is I didn't decide to make the switch sooner.

 

[Disco Stu]

Is it better to do a few unassisted pull-ups or a bunch with a chair?

 

[Snotbubbles]

There's a guy in the INSANITY thread that is PMing people an INSANITY/P90x hybrid calendar where you can do both workouts.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Is it better to do a few unassisted pull-ups or a bunch with a chair?

I would say use a chair to start.

 

[trout]

Is it better to do a few unassisted pull-ups or a bunch with a chair?

I would say use a chair to start.

do as many unassisted as you can. take a mid-set break if you need to then do more unassisted. when you're totally wasted, then do a couple more with a chair. think of the chair as a spotter...something you rely on only when you need to.

 

[Ned]

Is it better to do a few unassisted pull-ups or a bunch with a chair?

I would say use a chair to start.

do as many unassisted as you can. take a mid-set break if you need to then do more unassisted. when you're totally wasted, then do a couple more with a chair. think of the chair as a spotter...something you rely on only when you need to.

 

[trout]

Is it better to do a few unassisted pull-ups or a bunch with a chair?

I would say use a chair to start.

do as many unassisted as you can. take a mid-set break if you need to then do more unassisted. when you're totally wasted, then do a couple more with a chair. think of the chair as a spotter...something you rely on only when you need to.

Oh, and when I get up to doing 4 with a chair, I'll know to do 1 more unassisted next time. So lets say I do 10 pullups then at the very end I do 2 with a chair. next time I might to 10 then 4 with a chair. Because 4 chairs=1 regular, the next time I do pullups I'll definitely try for 11 regular. does that make any sense?

 

[Ned]

Is it better to do a few unassisted pull-ups or a bunch with a chair?

I would say use a chair to start.

do as many unassisted as you can. take a mid-set break if you need to then do more unassisted. when you're totally wasted, then do a couple more with a chair. think of the chair as a spotter...something you rely on only when you need to.

Oh, and when I get up to doing 4 with a chair, I'll know to do 1 more unassisted next time. So lets say I do 10 pullups then at the very end I do 2 with a chair. next time I might to 10 then 4 with a chair. Because 4 chairs=1 regular, the next time I do pullups I'll definitely try for 11 regular. does that make any sense?

Yup, makes sense. I also think the distance away from the pull-up bar makes a big difference.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am seriously considering starting this. I am fairly out of shape so I had a couple questions for the guys doing this:

1. First off, should this be avoided if you are out of shape?

2. Is this something that can be tailored if you are starting at zero - ie, skipping days, doing less reps/weight, doing 1/2 the workout, etc.. If so - how would you approach easing into it?

3. How bad is it on the knees, and how could I avoid straining them too much if I started this? (no injuries, but they are weak and creak a lot)

Thanks for any info - been looking into something to get me into shape at home before I start my midlife crisis

 

[Disco Stu]

I am seriously considering starting this. I am fairly out of shape so I had a couple questions for the guys doing this:

1. First off, should this be avoided if you are out of shape?

2. Is this something that can be tailored if you are starting at zero - ie, skipping days, doing less reps/weight, doing 1/2 the workout, etc.. If so - how would you approach easing into it?

3. How bad is it on the knees, and how could I avoid straining them too much if I started this? (no injuries, but they are weak and creak a lot)

Thanks for any info - been looking into something to get me into shape at home before I start my midlife crisis

1. Try the Fit Test.2. Yes. Fewer reps in some cases, less weight in others. Plus as Tony reminds us frequently, feel free to use the pause button if you need a break. Don't skip days or do half workouts though.

3. They show some modifications for people with knee issues.

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am seriously considering starting this. I am fairly out of shape so I had a couple questions for the guys doing this:

1. First off, should this be avoided if you are out of shape?

2. Is this something that can be tailored if you are starting at zero - ie, skipping days, doing less reps/weight, doing 1/2 the workout, etc.. If so - how would you approach easing into it?

3. How bad is it on the knees, and how could I avoid straining them too much if I started this? (no injuries, but they are weak and creak a lot)

Thanks for any info - been looking into something to get me into shape at home before I start my midlife crisis

1. Try the Fit Test.2. Yes. Fewer reps in some cases, less weight in others. Plus as Tony reminds us frequently, feel free to use the pause button if you need a break. Don't skip days or do half workouts though.

3. They show some modifications for people with knee issues.

So, if there is any concerns about the fitness level, would the Power 90 program be a little better for starters? Anybody try that program?

 

[Disco Stu]

I am seriously considering starting this. I am fairly out of shape so I had a couple questions for the guys doing this:

1. First off, should this be avoided if you are out of shape?

2. Is this something that can be tailored if you are starting at zero - ie, skipping days, doing less reps/weight, doing 1/2 the workout, etc.. If so - how would you approach easing into it?

3. How bad is it on the knees, and how could I avoid straining them too much if I started this? (no injuries, but they are weak and creak a lot)

Thanks for any info - been looking into something to get me into shape at home before I start my midlife crisis

1. Try the Fit Test.2. Yes. Fewer reps in some cases, less weight in others. Plus as Tony reminds us frequently, feel free to use the pause button if you need a break. Don't skip days or do half workouts though.

3. They show some modifications for people with knee issues.

So, if there is any concerns about the fitness level, would the Power 90 program be a little better for starters? Anybody try that program?

Sounds like it...

Tony Horton's Power 90 is the precursor to P90X. If you're ready to get into great shape, but not quite ready for the high intensity of P90X, this is the program for you. You're guaranteed to go from the body you've got to the body you've always wanted in just 90 days!

Maybe take the fit test first and see where you stand. Maybe you're in good enough shape already. If not, do the Power 90 and take the fit test again. At that point you should definitely be ready for P90X.A bonus to doing the Power 90 first is you could be set for the next 180 days if you stick with it. It looks like there's a bit of "now what?" for most people finishing the 90 days of P90X.

 

[Ned]

I am seriously considering starting this. I am fairly out of shape so I had a couple questions for the guys doing this:

1. First off, should this be avoided if you are out of shape?

2. Is this something that can be tailored if you are starting at zero - ie, skipping days, doing less reps/weight, doing 1/2 the workout, etc.. If so - how would you approach easing into it?

3. How bad is it on the knees, and how could I avoid straining them too much if I started this? (no injuries, but they are weak and creak a lot)

Thanks for any info - been looking into something to get me into shape at home before I start my midlife crisis

1. Try the Fit Test.2. Yes. Fewer reps in some cases, less weight in others. Plus as Tony reminds us frequently, feel free to use the pause button if you need a break. Don't skip days or do half workouts though.

3. They show some modifications for people with knee issues.

So, if there is any concerns about the fitness level, would the Power 90 program be a little better for starters? Anybody try that program?

Sounds like it...

Tony Horton's Power 90 is the precursor to P90X. If you're ready to get into great shape, but not quite ready for the high intensity of P90X, this is the program for you. You're guaranteed to go from the body you've got to the body you've always wanted in just 90 days!

Maybe take the fit test first and see where you stand. Maybe you're in good enough shape already. If not, do the Power 90 and take the fit test again. At that point you should definitely be ready for P90X.A bonus to doing the Power 90 first is you could be set for the next 180 days if you stick with it. It looks like there's a bit of "now what?" for most people finishing the 90 days of P90X.

 

[Disco Stu]

Any move that has the word "chair" but doesn't involve an actual chair... SUCKS!!1

And anything with the word scissors can also lick my balls.

 

[trout]

Any move that has the word "chair" but doesn't involve an actual chair... SUCKS!!1 And anything with the word scissors can also lick my balls.

someone just had a great workout!

 

[Ned]

Any move that has the word "chair" but doesn't involve an actual chair... SUCKS!!1 And anything with the word scissors can also lick my balls.

someone just had a great workout!

 

[Disco Stu]

Any move that has the word "chair" but doesn't involve an actual chair... SUCKS!!1

And anything with the word scissors can also lick my balls.

someone just had a great workout!

I hate it... but I love it!

 

[Ned]

Any move that has the word "chair" but doesn't involve an actual chair... SUCKS!!1

And anything with the word scissors can also lick my balls.

someone just had a great workout!

I hate it... but I love it!

The one Tonyism that still gets me every time is when he goes 'AHHHH' and bites his hand as he's telling you it's time for single leg wall squats.

 

[Random]

Any move that has the word "chair" but doesn't involve an actual chair... SUCKS!!1

And anything with the word scissors can also lick my balls.

someone just had a great workout!

I hate it... but I love it!

The one Tonyism that still gets me every time is when he goes 'AHHHH' and bites his hand as he's telling you it's time for single leg wall squats.

Somehow I always seem to find myself doing the exact same thing.