Good afternoon everyone, especially to those people who are along for my journey.  To those of you who are starting out, I think if memory serves me correctly a young woman by the name of Cassandra will be starting out with us.  Then to Corey, I just have to say thank you, I’ve managed to bring a whole new attitude to my work outs.  I guess that was all that I really needed, just some tough words. 

I will be honest with everyone, I did the Arms & Shoulders today, and Oh My Gawd !  I was hurting but in a good way, I made it all the way until Tony said you can shut it off or you can keep going, my body said that I had enough, but I worked it hard.  Once again, I hit back track quite a bit since in my opinion they could’ve done a better job at showing how to do the correct form in some of the exercises, especially that Chair Dip – that one took me a few back tracks to get the understanding form narrowed down, and then to attempt.  I managed to get one out of myself, but then I just couldn’t so I watched taking careful mental notes.  I started out with the yellow P90X Resistance Band which is a 35 lbs. pull, then I had to bring it back down to the pink P90X Resistance Band which is a 15 lbs. pull to do the ones behind the head, extending the arms upwards.  I have tissue damage to the muscle fibers in my arms, so this was a really tricky exercise, but when I got the hang of it, I found myself just ‘zoning’ out and going with the flow of things.  I particularly like that exercise, and I can see myself doing a few sets each day, to help rebuild and build up the muscle.  I think thats something I am starting to enjoy, that I am finding exercises that can be done daily, that can bring some sense of happiness, and not so much feel like a chore but more of a routine. 

Like today, I started the day by stretching myself out, to be honest, my chest is still aching from the burn from the first day, but damn baby I like it – I love it – I want some more of it !    Bring that attitude to your work outs, and you’ll start to really enjoy the ache that Tony gives you.  I actually had an easier time today keeping up with Tony’s count, there were times when I did have to hit that pause button, but like I said one day, Tony’s going to be having to hit the fast forward button to keep up with me.  Hey, it can happen ! 

I experimented today with the P90X Resistance Bands like Daniel in the Dvd, big loops add more resistance to it, while the little loops make little resistance but if you’re just starting out do like I do for most of the exercises just don’t use any loops.  I do reccommend though that when you find an exercise that you particularly enjoy, experiment with it, have fun with it, make it challenging, push yourself, and I’m coming from a mindset where exercise was a chore, one that I detested but if I can kind a few exercises that I enjoy chances are you will too.  I do reccommend that if you do not have dumbells get the P90X Resistance Bands Upgrade Kit, and experiment with the bands, find one band that is really difficult for you to stretch then place the handles on that, and then work your way down a bit to another band that is lighter but still challenging and finally settle on a third resistance band so that you can follow through with the motions, while keeping a proper form.  Right now, weight isn’t so important, form is vital, and thats what I’ve been keeping in mind.  So to give an idea, I use the Yellow Resistance Band which is a 35 lbs. stretch, then I have the Orange Resistance Band which is 25 lbs. stretch, and finally the Pink Resistance Band which is a 15 lbs. stretch.  To do the overhead extensions I have to use the Pink Resistance Band 15 lbs. but, for me I find some enjoyment out of it, so I did four sets of ten with finally on the fourth set pushing it just that little bit to thirteen reps. 

Mat, once again thank you brother, and Corey, thank you for everything, Amanda and Colin, drop me a line let me know how things are working out for the two of you.  Cassandra, welcome to the remarkable world of P90X, and congrats on your eight month child.  Elisha, I know you’re going to be reading these words, the baby can wait for a bit darlin’ – I love you, and thank you for being the wonderful woman, that I love and soon will be married too.  September 20th, is fast approaching.  For those of you wondering, September 20th is the wedding day, I keep forgetting to post one of our engagement photos for you all to see.  Soon !

Now, like tradition we need some quotes.  Thats something else, if anyone would like to put some quotes on here that they feel may give some motivation, inspiration, or even some thought – please by all means.  This is not just my home for the next 90 days but yours as well, if you want to make use of it – that is.

This quote in particular I think may strike a chord with Corey,

You can’t fly a kite unless you go against the wind and have a weight to keep it from turning a somersault. The same with man. No man will succeed unless he is ready to face and overcome difficulties and is prepared to assume responsibilities.     Quote From William J. H. Boetcker

Undertake something that is difficult; it will do you good. Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.     Quote From Ronald E. Osborn.

If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity, it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, “I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.     Quote From Ann Landers.

If you view all the things that happen to you, both good and bad, as opportunities, then you operate out of a higher level of consciousness.     Quote From Les Brown.

The sad truth is that opportunity doesn’t knock twice. You can put things off until tomorrow but tomorrow may never come. Where will you be a few years down the line. Will it be everything you dreamed of. We seal our fate with the choices we take, but don’t give a second thought to the chances we take.     Quote From Gloria Estefan. 

To be completely honest with everyone, P90X, is difficult, its a challenge, its hard, its not just physically demanding but its mentally demanding.  Its not for just anyone – its for everyone who is looking for a change in their life, who want a change in the way they look at themselves, in the way that everyone else looks at them, and most of all its for those people who are tired of making excuses [like I was] who just could never find the time to go to the Gym, now the Gym is your home, you have no excuses, you have no reasons, the only thing you have is a chance to reclaim your life, you have 90 days to take back your life, to put your life back in your hands.  Changes will come when the outer part of your body starts to feel better, and stronger, there is no doubt that the inner part of your body will start to align with that outer body of yours.  Give yourself a chance, give yourself the opportunity, and most of all give yourself – P90X.

Be well, Be well to others, and you’ll be Great !

James