Phase III- The Downhill Stretch?

Recently a friend and I were talking about how bored we'd become with Phase II of P90X.  The workouts, especially CardioX and Kenpo, were no longer challenging enough.  I had expressed my lack of motivation with the program lately and how it felt to me like working out was another chore I had to get done.  In the aftermath of moving and trying to get settled into the new house I had gotten into a "funk."  Working out 6 days a week was not something I wanted to add to my load, and to be honest, I was just tired.  My friend and I decided that the only thing keeping us going through this program is that we are seeing results and others are starting to notice too.

So, for her, another 90-day challenge is in her near future.  For me, I'm striving to make it to the end of this challenge.  I know I will not give up though, because I want to see the final end results.  But, after 90 days, I'm not sure that I will keep up such a rigorous exercise routine.  I would much rather find a sport to participate in and reduce  my workouts to 3-4 days a week instead.  I want to keep it fun and exciting, and I want to work out because I like the way I feel afterward; not because I "have to."

So with that all said, I took 2 days off last week in an attempt to get myself out of my "funk."  I woke up today rededicated to starting Phase III and finishing this program in its entirety.  I've come too far to give up now!  I do have to say that the change of routine did seem to help too. I am looking forward to doing new resistance training, ab workouts again, and switching up the cardio routine.  I am also now able to change up the nutrition part of the program as well, allowing myself to eat more fruit and fewer proteins.

Chest and back was new for me today and was just as challenging as the others, but I did notice that I am able to do a lot more push ups than before.  So, I will  have fun challenging myself with this workout, especially with "Dive Bombers."  Wow!  Those are intense!  I only managed 2-3 each time!

I'm not sure how the rest of you out there are feeling about the program thus far, but Tony Horton said something today during the workout that resonated with me again.  He said don't expect your numbers (of reps) to be the same as theirs.  He said in the beginning you will do less than them, giving you more time to shake it out and hydrate, and that is ok.  That's how it will be at first so don't get discouraged.  The important part is that you continue to show up! 

I know I've said this before, but I think we put such high expectations on ourselves, especially when trying to keep up with the video models and Tony.  Remember, we all started at different points in our health and fitness.   Twelve to fifteen military push-ups is huge progress for me, considering I struggled to get through 5 in the beginning.  Fifteen to twenty V-up Roll-ups is also progress when I couldn't even do one during the first week.  No one in those videos got to the point they are at in one day or 45 days, not even Tony.  So, it's important to remember that this program is a journey and not one that will be made overnight.  Keep track of your own progress and be proud of yourself for getting this far.

I hope what I've said has been somewhat motivational to keep you going through this program.  Don't stop!  Keep going with us, keep sharing your stories and we will all get there together, loving it or hating it as we go.  :) 

Damien is out of town this week for work, but is committed to working out while on the road.  I hope he shares his P90X traveling experience with us when he gets a free moment.  I will check back in with everyone on Friday after pictures and measurements.  Good luck this week!