P90X – Round 2, Day 80!

First lift with new stretch bands and rockin’!

P90X – Shoulders and Arms
Total Time = 64 Minutes

The other day we picked up some new resistance bands.  I had just burned through another one and it was time to step up.  We found a pretty cool band system that actually comes with 3 equal bands at 30lbs of resistance each.  You can attach 1, 2, or all 3… 30, 60, or 90 lbs. of resistance options.  I put on all 3… and didn’t look back.  🙂

I powered hard through this workout.  The new bands definitely made a difference as it felt like I was lifting heavier.  So I really got to feel the extreme of this workout.  Even with the heavier bands though, I still could have used even more on some of the exercises.  But this was definitely an improvement and the gym workouts will allow the true heavy lifting, as I am striving to do more and more of that these days.

I left out AB Ripper X today because I did it yesterday instead.  I feel quite good right now.  My arms and shoulders definitely got worked today.  And if you’re keeping score, today was officially workout 80 of 90 of this 2nd round of P90X!  Whoo hoo!  Although on this 2nd round, I not only have been swapping in gym days which has caused the official count to take longer on P90 workouts, but at this point, I’ve completely gone AWOL from the exact program breakdown.  I’m still doing the workouts in similar orders and groupings, but I have really changed it up a lot as I feel that right now my body needs more focus on heavier weight training.  I will knock out 10 more P90 workouts… not sure which ones yet.  It will probably take more than 10 days as I am sure to hit the gym a few times as well.  But, I will finish what I have started and then re-asses how my workout structure will go.  Stay tuned!  And have a great night!

P90X – Round 2, Day 77!

In a strange twist of the day, I got this workout in after all.

P90X – Shoulders and Arms
P90X – Ab Ripper X
Total Time = 81 Minutes

We started the morning with a headshot client here at the studio.  And then I was getting ready to head to set as I was going to be in the show “The New Normal” today.  At the last second, production called and had to cancel the shoot and reschedule for next week.  Bad news… no shoot.  Good news… I still get paid and still get to shoot!  Plus I got to take care of things today as well as get in a much needed nap.

When it cooled down a bit, I kicked into gear and locked into the Shoulders and Arms workout.  Today I tried something new.  I started with the warmup and stretch but then skipped ahead and actually did Ab Ripper X first.  This proved to be a pretty cool thing.  Since I wasn’t totally spent from an hour of lifting, I had more in the tank to power through the ab workout and was able to hit em harder.  The other great thing was that after I finished the weight workout, I was done!  What a relief! haha.  It was nice being able to just finish up at that point.  Especially today as I really dug in and pushed myself on all of the shoulders, biceps, and triceps moves.  I am trying to increase the weight and my bands are starting to fail me, but I found a way to increase the intensity with them today.  But since I am switching in gym workouts, I will find more time to lift heavier throughout.

We had to split right after the workout to hit Trader Joes and Whole Foods before they closed.  We needed to stock up on healthy eats.  And I’m gonna go make a mad salad now with all kinds of good stuff in it.  Hope y’all had a great day and are staying cool out there.

P90X – Round 2, Day 51!

A little cardio to wrap up the weekend!

P90X – Cardio X
Total Time = 49 Minutes

It’s actually been a productive weekend and today has been no exception with much still to do tonight.  So, I took a little break and knocked out the Cardio X class!  After yesterday’s intense shoulders, biceps, triceps workout, I was expecting to wake up in a world of soreness this morning.  But to my surprise, I actually really didn’t feel much.  Hmmm… did I not work out as hard as I thought?  Well… a few hours into the day, my questions were answered.  Out of nowhere, I suddenly felt it… oh yes… the soreness is here.  Better late than never. lol.  My arms and shoulders are thanking me now for yesterday’s work.  🙂

On to Cardio X… I like this class.  It is not crazy long and it mixes up a little of everything.  I got into it and got a good sweat going.  After a week that focused on weight training, it was the perfect way to wrap it up.  And now I must get back to work and finish up because tomorrow is a big day with a very early start.  Happy Father’s Day!  🙂

P90X – Round 2, Day 50!

Feelin’ PUMPED!

P90X – Shoulders and Arms
P90X – Ab Ripper X
Total Time = 81 Minutes

At the beginning of the week, I stated 2 things… 1. I was going to switch things up to focus on more weight training and 2. That it was going to be a crazy, all-over the place week.  Well… both were true.  I actually ended up taking a few rest days this week with my schedule.  It worked out well though, because I did 4 weight lifting workouts over the week.  I also pushed myself harder, used heavier weights/more band resistance, and overall expended myself to the extreme.  I found my muscles to be quite sore this week and overall, my body reacted well to this.  I had slimmed down and lost a little bit of weight already.  My body also had been detoxing as I was working out intensely as well as eating an all-plant based diet.  I did lose a little bit of muscle, but it was probably necessary as my body was going through transition.  Now, I am seeing it come back on and I have yet to go back to the gym to hit the heavy weights.  I am going to continue working in more of the weight workouts and a little less of the cardio workouts.  I will not eliminate cardio, just lift more.  Plus, let’s face it… the P90X weight workouts burn a hell of a lot of calories as they are non-stop action.

Today I actually had trouble getting started.  I was feeling a bit tired and shaky.  I had my standard morning pre-workout meal… a plant-based protein shake with some frozen banana in it and a mug of organic black coffee.  But as I was getting ready to start working out, I found myself procrastinating.  I wasn’t feeling it.  I felt like I was hungry and a little weak.  So, I decided to wander into the kitchen and throw back a few spoons of organic peanut butter and wash it down with a little organic rice milk.  I let that sit for about 20 mins and I was ready!  I jumped in and to my surprise, found myself energized and feeling really strong!  From the first set, I was using more weight and more band intensity.  I was pushing out more reps and overall achieving more than ever before during this particular workout.  I was swelling up… and feeling like an animal.  I stayed strong throughout and then hit ab ripper x with a full head of steam.  By the time I finished that, I had nothing left.  I had expended myself to the fullest.  It took me a few minutes to even get up.  Wow… now THAT’S the way a workout should feel!

As I’ve been typing, I have been enjoying my plant-based protein, fruit and veggie smoothie and I’m now ready to enjoy the rest of this beautiful afternoon.  Have a great day!

P90X – Round 2, Day 49!

Now I’ve just gone AWOL from the program. haha.

P90X – Chest and Back Biceps
P90X – Ab Ripper X
Total time = 65 minutes

I’m continuing to do what feels good here in the 2nd half of Round 2.  And that… is more weights.  For starters, I went harder on Legs and Back 2 days ago then I ever have so far.  So much so, that my legs and back are STILL sore today!  I had a very full day yesterday and was so sore that I let my body rest and recover.  That way, I was able to hit the weights again today.  This program is great, but now that I’ve gotten this far, I need to do what will give my body the most gains, and this is already showing faster results.

Today I went back to the top to the Chest and Back workout, however, since I worked my back twice in the last week and it is still sore, I switched it up.  This workout I did biceps and Abs during the back exercises.  This was a nice change.  I got to pump my arms a bit for a little bicep bonus and also keep things moving with some hard ab exercises in-between.  I pushed my chest til failure, collapse on my face. lol.  At the end of the program workout, I continued for another 5 mins to push out some more arms and abs and I clipped it there.  Therefore I did not do the ab ripper x today, but that is ok.  I got my abs in, I focused on my chest, I burned my biceps, and did not overwork my back.  Solid overall workout and feeling great.  Gotta run now as we have a photo shoot here in an hour.  Have a beautiful day!

P90X – Round 2, Day 47!

Keeping the weights going!

P90X – Shoulders and Arms
P90X – Ab Ripper X
Total Time = 81 Minutes

Yesterday, I ended up without an official workout.  However, yesterday was definitely far from a rest day.  I acted in a short film called “Tuning in Tuning Out” and we shot at our studio to the tune of a 16 hour day!  It was an amazing, but very long day.  We certainly worked hard and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product.  Check it out here:  https://www.facebook.com/TuningInTuningOut

After winding down from the shoot and getting to bed around 3:30am, there was no chance for an early morning today.  However, I still got up early enough and got to my workout before noon.  We had some time pressing errands to run, therefore I am just blogging now.  Yesterday’s workout was supposed to be Plyometrics.  However, instead of pushing that and doing Plyo today, I just continued on with the weights and hit the Shoulders, Arms, and Abs workout.  I need more of that anyway… I’m losing too much weight! lol

So I dug in deep today and pushed it hard!  My Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps, and Abs all got quite a workout.  I used the stretch band at maximum resistance for most of the sets.  I went to fatigue each time and really got a good pump.  I feel like I need to continue to do more weights.  I will of course still see the P90X program through til the end, but since I am on round 2 and already doing some modifications, I will continue that way and work in more weight workouts.   My body is asking for it and I must oblige.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  I am total spent but very happy and blessed for the weekend I have had.  Tomorrow morning is an early start to what is going to be a very busy week.  I will be working out of course, but the times will be all over the place.  Stay tuned!

P90X – Round 2, Day 28!

Finally wrapping up the day.

P90X – Back and Biceps
P90X – Ab Ripper X
Total Time = 73 Minutes

Well, I didn’t just finish my workout, but I did have to flip-flop my day a bit today. I got my workout in this evening and then had to immediately head to a late night band rehearsal as we have a show tomorrow night.  More on that later.

The important thing is that I still managed to fit in this powerhouse of a workout.  I like this one because there is a lot of focus on the biceps.  That is one of the muscles I would like to improve the most.  And this workout hits it hard.  I felt strong today and was able to push myself hard on both the back and biceps exercises.  Finished up with some abs and then it was off to play drums for an hour as we ran through our set for tomorrow night.

On that note… if you’re in the Hollywood area tomorrow night… or tonight depending on when you’re reading this… let’s just call it Tuesday, May 15th… my band DropDead L.A. is playing at Boardners.  Only $5 to get in and 2-for1 drinks all night.  Should be a blast.  We go on at 10pm.  Check the flier below or hit up our event page for details:  http://www.facebook.com/events/406345766066020/?ref=ts

Have a great night!

P90X – Round 2, Day 26!

That was a tough one today.

P90X – Chest, Shoulders & Triceps
P90X – Ab Ripper X
Total Time = 77 Minutes

I just wrapped the ‘off-week’ and today it was back to the weights.  Yesterday was supposed to be the final X Stretch in the off-week, but I had a day full of meetings and then an evening band rehearsal.  By the time I got home last night it was 11pm and I was done.  So, I made that stretch day a rest day instead.  Then again, playing drums for 2 hours ain’t exactly resting. lol.

I do appreciate the off-week in this program, however, even after just a week with no weights, it always seems hard on the first day back in.  Today was no exception.  I had to get up early today and head down to Hollywood for an audition.  I got home and had things to do and then found myself needing a nap.  It was a busy week with not a lot of sleep and it just kinda caught up to me.  Today my morning workout ended up being an evening workout instead.  I used to prefer the late afternoon/early evening workouts.  Now that I have gotten on a morning schedule, I kind of dread them.  I had a hard time starting today.  And even after I did, I just wasn’t feeling it at the beginning.  I guess I was being resistant for some reason.  About 15 minutes in, I started feeling a bit shaky.  So I ate a half of a banana mid-workout.  That helped as I think my blood sugar was low.  So far this story sounds pretty grim, huh?  Haha… well, there is a reason that I am sharing this.  And that is because it was my reality tonight.  And there is no benefit for me to sugar coat that here.  This blog is meant to inspire, and the fact is, that everyone has days like this.  Days where it just seems hard or you just don’t feel like working out.  I have those days too and I share that so you will see you are not alone.  And know that when you DO have a day where you just can’t motivate, you just need to go for it.  And it may be hard and it may not be your best workout.  Sometimes, you may find that you have an amazing workout once you get going.  Either way, if you can just power through it, you will feel incredible afterwards.  And that my friends, is what will separate you from the crowd.  Mental fatigue can be a very persuasive thing, but physically, you can beat it.  And the best gains and results come from pushing yourself when you just don’t want to do it.  Keep rocking it and keep pushing yourself.  You will thank yourself in the end, as I am thanking myself now.  I didn’t have the strength and stamina that I have had during previous workouts, but I still pushed myself to failure every time tonight.  I kept pushing myself until I had nothing left.  And now, I am totally worked out.  But I feel great physically and I also feel more positive mentally.  That is the beauty of working out.  And I bet that I wake up sore as hell tomorrow.

Well that’s it folks… my Saturday night will continue now as I stay home and get my creative juices flowing tonight.  I hope you are enjoying your weekend and here is a little more weekend inspiration.

I posted this quote yesterday… “Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.” -John Updike

And then happened to see this last night.  Enjoy!

The 16 Reasons Why It Is So Important To Follow Your Dreams

1. The secret of living is giving, if you follow your dreams then you will have something worth sharing with others, hope, inspiration and a meaning to live, and that to me, is a great contribution.

2. Chasing your dreams will develop your courage. Courage is your fuel to achieve amazing success in life, follow your dreams and exercise courage. In sure enough time you will be unstoppable.

3. There is a reason why as kids we loved magic and dreams. Stop chasing your dreams and you will forget how it feels to live hopeful and young.

4. Great dreamers grow to be independent, learning that they can make a difference all by themselves.

5. Dreams can distract you from the negative events in life. You will weigh up what is more important, your dreams or the drama. Drama seems obsolete when you are passionate about following your dreams.

6. It gives you something to share and inspire your kids with, you have led by example that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

7. Through accomplishing your dreams you will come to appreciate the experience of failure and know that failure is just part of success and that it wasn’t really all that bad as it was all worth it in the end.

8. Regret is a terrible thing, and a dream is powerful enough to bring you regret if you don’t take the chance to at least follow it.

9. Because you are never too old to dream. Age means nothing when we know what we want.

10. You become an interesting person, you show others you have meaning, direction and purpose.

11. The unknown of following your dreams may spark a little fear, this is okay though because a little fear is known to make you feel more alive.

12. It is fun proving the world wrong, so why would you follow the status quo?

13. The more you chase and accomplish your dreams the more the lines of the boundaries that the world puts in front of us fade, as we learn that any and everything is possible.

14. When you accomplish your dream, you are the first to see it happen. You can share your accomplishments with the rest of the world but you where there in the front row on a single chair to experience the magic that unfolded.

15. Your dreams have no limits, you are the creator of your dreams, big or small. When this is understood, you are able to design a way to favour you plan and accomplish your end goal.

16. A dream is strong enough to define you, once accomplished you prove to others they have no say in who you can and can’t be.

Never Give Up on Your Dreams

P90X – Round 2, Day 16!

Starting the week strong!

P90X – Shoulders and Arms
P90X – Ab Ripper X
Total Time = 81 Minutes

After a beautiful, productive, and action packed weekend of work and inspiration, we came out of the gates strong this morning and ready to work.  I had to get a little work done first and then took a break to hit the workout.  I swear it is so much better for me to get my workout done in the morning.  I would like to hit it even earlier, but as long as I get it in at the start of the day, my day is always better.  It is out of the way plus I feel energized and pumped up for the rest of the day.  There is lots to do today as I plan to be working well into the night.  Therefore, hitting this big shoulders, biceps, triceps, and abs workout has given me the physical and mental drive to kick it into high gear.  See… that’s the great side effect of working out for me.  It doesn’t just do my body good, but it also gives me a better mental and spiritual place from which to exist.  That is why working out is so important to me.  Plus my body is feeling great.  And for those of you reading this who may not be working out on a regular basis yet, this is why I encourage people to get on a workout program.  It strengthens your body, mind, and spirit and I hope my experiences will continue to inspire others to do so as well.

So real quick on today… I pushed it hard.  I am outgrowing our dumbbells and stretch bands on certain exercises.  On the others I am pushing to failure and burning hard.  Overall, I am improving and I can tell.  Abs are still good, but I am enjoying mixing up the Ab Ripper X workout with some of my own moves.  So, I use the cadence of the workout and some of the exercises and then I also add in some of my own to keep it fresh.

I have to run and get back to it.  I wish you all a beautiful day and leave you with today’s quote…

“Confidence is the result of hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication.” -Roger Staubach

P90X – Round 2, Day 10!

Happy Monday!

P90X – Shoulders and Arms
P90X – Ab Ripper X
Total Time = 81 Minutes

Big time workout this morning and I am toast!  I love the shoulders and arms… great stuff.  And my chest is still sore from my workout on Saturday, so I guess Round 2 is still effective.  I am pushing myself harder on this round and going to failure on almost every exercise.  My shoulders, biceps, and triceps are swelled up.  I did Abs as well, but I mixed in a few of my own exercises along with some of the ones in Ab Ripper X.  Since I’ve done this particular ab workout so many times, it is nice to mix it up a bit and keep it fresh.  I also find that I can hit some other parts of my abs by doing other moves.  I used the bosu ball today for a few exercises and I also did a few planks held for a minute each.  Overall my body is worked out and feeling great.  I am back to work now and then tonight I have a 2 hour rehearsal with my band DropDead LA.  That’s 2 hours of drumming to cap off my physical activity for the day.  I wish you all a beautiful start to the week.  And before I go… my inspirational quote of the day…

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau