Weight Loss Struggle with P90X

Losing weight requires time and effort if you want to succeed. You need to take control of your lifestyle, the food you eat and you need to exercise constantly. However, as someone who weighed more than 250 pounds, I know how hard it is to perform those exercise routines. About 8 years ago, I was at my peak weight of around 265 pounds or so. It was a struggle to do aerobics because frankly, at that time, I wasn't used to exercising. As time passed by, I gradually got used to working out and I started to do more strenuous cardio exercises and lifting heavier weights.

Lately, I've been trying to lose a few extra pounds to reach my ideal weight. I'm now at 180 pounds and I need to push myself harder to lose that stubborn excess weight. I've been through a lot of exercise programs and one of those is Tony Horton's P90X. P90X is a 90-day (hence, the name) workout plan that focuses on muscle-building and basically toning your body. This comes along with weight loss because as you sweat it out, you'll definitely burn a lot of calories.

It has a 90-day schedule that you should follow in order to maximize the program. You'll be working out different muscle groups in a day and you also have rest days and even recovery weeks. You really do not need to go into a gym. All you need is a DVD player, TV, Fitness bands, dumbbells and you'll be able to work out in the comfort of your own home at your own time and at your own pace. It also comes along with a nutrition guide to assist you in planning your diet.

It's quite expensive but the training is organized and well-planned. You get enough rest and the workouts vary as you progress through the program thus, eliminating or at least minimizing boredom. I can tell you now that 3 weeks into the program, I've gained muscles and even though I still have excess weight, I can see them grow bigger. However, if you think it was easy, it really isn't. You have to put in enough effort and if you do, you'll see positive results.

I remember when I tried this program around 2 years ago. I was at 220 pounds or so at that time. Doing 3 push-ups is a struggle and because I'm heavy and I can't maintain good form even on the first one. Even with Kenpo X and Cardio X, I was having a really hard time because of my weight. I even had a few instances when my knees were in pain during the workout and I had to stop for a few days so I could recover.

Another thing that I always consider is that I am working and my schedule at the office is a full 8-hour shift. Sometimes, I'm already too tired to workout. But with sufficient motivation and drive, I try my best to follow through. I've actually made it to the 2^nd phase but it took its toll on my body and I feel tired throughout the day. The workouts usually last around 1 hour or so.

One time, I even thought that this program isn't right for me. I told him that I have this particular workout but it's quite strenuous and it can push me to my limits. He said that it's perfectly fine. He then told me that I can always do it at my own pace. I do not have to follow exactly what they're doing in the video. If they can do 30, I do not have to do the same number of repetitions. If I'm struggling at 10, then that's fine.

Just like what Tony Horton says in the videos. Pace yourself and if you need to rest, hit the pause button. When you're ready, go back. Set a realistic goal in your head but do not hurt yourself. If you can do only 8 or 9 then that's fine but again, maintain good form. After a few weeks you'll get used to it and you'll be able to do much more. Today, I'm doing the program once again and I have a much better action plan. With enough sleep, proper diet and good time management, I'll be able to finally complete the P90X program. I can't wait to feel really good about my health. And as an added motivation, I want to experience how good it feels to complete the program.

Source:

P90X Workout
www.p90x.com

Dr. Johnny Shia - Cardiologist
St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City