We all know that eating healthily and exercising regularly can have a hugely beneficial impact on your overall quality of life.
Back when I was running 30-40 miles per week, I practically jumped out of bed in the morning and had tonnes of energy. I ran early each morning and felt fantastic for the rest of the day. While my hardcore running days are behind me (for the time being at least), I still appreciate the effect that a regular exercise regime can have on every aspect of my life.
One of the biggest things I struggle with on a daily basis are my energy levels and motivation. I know that the problem is in part down to the fact that I eat terrible food and don’t get enough regular exercise. I’m certainly not unhealthy, but I could definitely be far more healthy.
And that leads me to today’s announcement: on Monday 29th April, I am starting P90X. And I am going to log every single step of my journey in detail for you to see.
What is P90X?
For those of you who don’t know, P90X is an intensive at-home 90 day fitness and nutrition program.
It requires you to work out for approximately one hour per day, six days per week. In addition to that you are advised to stick to a regimented eating program that incorporates healthy ingredients and supplements and eliminates junk food altogether.
In short, it’s pretty intense. It also happens to be perfect for me. Why? Because every single time I have embarked upon such a program, I have always been crippled (mentally!) by doubt. Doubt as to whether or not what I am doing will work. But P90X is tried and tested by thousands of people who have experienced great results from the program. I know that if I apply myself, I will see results.
If you want to read more about P90X then click here.
Is This Just Another Faddy Exercise Program?
I suppose I cannot really answer that question definitively until I’ve experienced it myself, but I have taken a long hard look at the P90X program and am convinced it is for real.
Consider it from a logical perspective — if you eat really healthily and exercise regularly for 90 days, are you likely to see a positive change in your fitness levels? The answer has to be yes. The only questions remaining then are how dramatic the changes will be, and what they will cost (both financially and in terms of my willpower and determination!).
And that’s where my new blog comes in.
P90X Journal
I know that the key to me succeeding with P90X will be how effectively I hold myself accountable. And that is where I need help from you guys.
My thinking is simple: I tell the world that I intend to complete P90X and I look like an idiot if I don’t. I am very publicly pledging to complete the program, and if at any point I falter or fail you have my express permission to kick my ass and tell me to buck my ideas up.
That is why I am launching P90X Journal. This new blog will act as a (you guessed it) journal for the first 90 days of my P90X journey. I will log every single session and publish updates on my progress, including all the trials and tribulations that I face along the way. I’ll tell you about all the supplements I use and the food that I eat. It’s going to be a no holds barred exposé on the P90X challenge, and as always you can expect me to be totally open and honest about the entire process. Think of it as a Leaving Work Behind for the exercise world.
If you are in any way intrigued by the P90X program or are simply curious to see how I get on, just head on over to P90X Journal now and subscribe for regular updates. You can also follow my Twitter and Facebook accounts where I will be posting regular updates on my progress.
What Next?
I am starting the program in just a few days, so right now I’m getting prepped.
I’ve got all the gear and supplements I need — now it’s just a case of doing the P90X fitness test to measure my current fitness levels. This involves a bunch of different exercises that will demonstrate my strength and flexibility in various different manners.
I’ll be posting my fitness test results on P90X Journal in preparation for the beginning of this pretty drastic undertaking, and then from Monday onwards the real fun will start.
If you want to support me by sharing my new blog with your friends and followers, just share via your social network of choice or just click to tweet below:
Check it out: @tomewer is starting @P90X and has launched a blog to journal his progress! (tweet this)
Thank you in advance for your support — you guys are awesome.
Good luck Tom – the P90X is hardcore training. Similar to the Insanity workout – both from Beachbody.
I’d like to do it myself but but I don’t kid myself that I could fit it in with 4 kids, full time job and starting up an online business.
Even if you get halfway you’ll be pretty ripped!
Best of luck!
Jamie
Hi Jamie,
I understand — it’s definitely a huge time commitment. The reason I can do it is because of my online business and I’m extremely thankful for that.
No talk of halfway — I’m fully committed! You can’t tell this many people you’re going to do something then pull out…
Cheers,
Tom
Good luck! I’m like you, not unhealthy or obese, but could do much better.
I only made it through the 1st month but still experienced some pretty remarkable results. I found the time commitment to be too much for me. If I remember correctly, you have a workout 6 days a week for about 1 – 1.5 hours each day?
I’m now a regular at a crossfit gym and I love it. I’m really sold on the high intensity workouts like P90X.
Take care.
That’s right Spencer — it’s a huge time commitment. The way I rationalise it is that it’s not much more time than when I was running 35 miles per week, but I’ll get much better all-round results!
“Leaving Fat Behind” should have been the blog’s name 🙂
Ha! You’re more imaginative than me Mike 😉
Good Luck,
Do your best and forget the rest. Even if you only make it part way through the workout, keep going. I did P90X two years ago and went from 225 to 195 and was in the best shape of my life. I’m almost 50. But a divorce and depression after, got me back to 225 and the worst shape of my life. I tried P90X two months ago and could not do it, I had to step back to Tony’s Power 90 workout. Last Saturday I started P90X and now a week and a half later, I already feel better. It is an incredible workout. Plyo is killer, and you will do more pull-ups and pushup then you ever thought possible.
Fantastic William! I hope we can both stick with it and see great long term results. Please keep me updated!
Hello Tom!
I tried Insanity Workout and it was killer..I even tried to blog about it and stopped! Recently, a friend of mine has been keeping me up on HIS workout with it and he is SOLID!
I will say, when i WAS doing it, my metabolism was off the chain.Even when I stopped I had energy and high metabolism for at least an additional month.
Thanks for doing p90x..I might hafta get back to Insanity (I’ll admit, I STILL get unique views for that post AND was invited by a female from Beachbody to accept HER challenge through Twitter)
Do it, TOM!
Hey Inky,
I’ve just found out that my sister is starting Insanity so we’ll have to compare notes 😉
Get back on the horse!
Cheers,
Tom
Me too!!! After being the heaviest I have ever been I decided to do it again. I lost 30lbs the first time and was able to run 3-4 miles with no problem and I am not a runner. Just one day decided to go for a run and it was so easy.
Some things to keep in mind.
1. The diet is just as (if not more so) important. Doing the diet and exercise will get you the most benefit.
2. You will notice very little improvement body wise the first month. When I did it last time I was expecting the weight to drop off almost immediately and when it didn’t I was a little discouraged. However after checking forums I found that this was normal and some people even gained a little weight. Once I hit 30 days the weight started falling off and you could start to see the muscle bulk. That gave me the extra boost to go the extra way.
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the tips, appreciate it. I’m going to be following the diet to a tee and supplementing too so I’m hoping that will help. I’ll bear the lack improvements in mind and keen my chin up!
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Tom
Good to see you’ve decided to take the challenge of P90X!
I have the programme too and have attempted it twice but never finished it (sigh)
However, I’ve lost 2 stones since last August and am now working with a personal trainer, so I’m in much better shape to attempt and hopefully complete the full 90 days, which I plan to later this year.
Good luck and I look forward to the updates.
Bring it!
Adrian
Thanks Adrian — congrats on the two stone loss; that’s huge!
Best of luck Tom!! I’ve recently made the commitment to get back into 1/2 marathon shape and really jack up my strength training at the same time. P90X and ratcheting back up to a 1/2 marathon is probably a tad too much or I would join you! Can’t wait to hear the progress.
Yeah I think you’re right Joe, just stick with the running for now 😉 Cheers!
Ha haaaaaa! you have to take care of the human man.
I tell people all the time to focus on their priorities.
Giving yourself a good body is the best gift you can ever give yourself it will give you a reason to feel good about yourself no matter how crappy your day is.
Damn right Darnell — I’ll have to remember those words when I’m pushing it to the limit 😉
Hey Tom,
I’m starting P90x on Monday, too! It’s a great program; I always feel better and start seeing results within the first week. Good luck to you!
Oh, and I highly recommend yoga gloves/socks for the yoga video. Form is the most important there, and it’s hard to keep good form if you’re slipping all over the place!
Thanks Shana! Best of luck to you too 🙂
My friend Brian started with this, now works to help others take their health to another level. I know you will succeed, its just part of who you are.
Rock on
Tim
That is a very kind thing to say Tim. I hope I prove you right. Thanks!
Hey Tom,
Crazy timing – I have been debating trying out one of these beachbody programs for a little while now, and just took the plunge myself a couple of weeks ago! It will be fun to keep up on your progress as I continue along myself, even if we are doing different programs (I opted for Insanity).
Looking forward to the first updates later this week!
Ryan
Hey Ryan,
My sister’s just started Insanity (by sheer coincidence) too — it looks seriously intense! Best of luck with it and I hope to hear from you again!
Cheers,
Tom
Hey Tom,
Good luck with the journal – you prompted me to finally start one, more just for motivation than anything else.
Can I ask why you chose the domain you did?
I understand why it’s good to have a keyword in a domain but surely once your 90 days is up, if you have loads of juicy links and coverage then you may want to then try other courses/workouts/supplements without appearing biassed to one product?
Also I can’t find any other domain with p90x in – maybe down to trademark issues and if you do write anything negative/don’t tow the line then there is always the chance the trademark holder will take the domain from you forcefully.
Hi Ian,
Thanks! To be honest, this journal is more for my personal development than for the development of my business. Obviously I can see the potential if I happen to get great results from following the program, but my main focus is on the next 90 days.
There are other domains out there with P90X in it (I just did a quick Google search) but you may have a point. Maybe if I do decide to branch out into other courses/etc it’ll be the perfect opportunity to change domains 😉
Cheers,
Tom
Just do a search for p90x domain dispute – some are for selling counterfeit DVDs but most are just for promoting the affiliate aspect with p90x in the domain, as you will be doing.
Actually, I won’t be promoting affiliate links, at least for the time being. No agenda!
Hats off to you Sir!
Keeping us logged is smart — it’s interesting content and will serve as the perfect accountability tool!
I started P90X — not gonna lie, only lasted a week. My real issue was the time. With warming up, working, showering, etc. — I had to give a good solid 2 hours per day — that was just more than I was willing to give.
It’s a true commitment — and commendable!
Hey Brooks,
I know what you mean about time — that’s been as much of a shock to the system as anything. It’s certainly going to take some adjusting and I may even have to spend a little less time on my business, but I think it will be worth it!
Cheers,
Tom
P90X is no joke, I have used it several times myself. It’s like having a part-time job, though, with the time commitment. 😀
The diet is a HUGE part of the program. It’s not just exercise like most people think. Even if you can’t keep up your first time through, you’ll still feel and see a big difference at the end of the 90 days if you keep at it.
If you can make it through, they also have a P90X2 now. 😉 Best of luck to you. I think you’ll like it a lot.
Tell me about it Bradley! I’ve been blown away by the time commitment and have really had to shift my schedule around.
I’m sticking pretty close to the the diet plan so feeling pretty good about that. Not eating 12oz of cottage cheese though — I’ll take an alternative option thank you very much 🙂
Good for you Tom! I’m all for anything that helps one get active and in motion – I mean this beyond people that opt to just get into ‘running’. I know first hand the true importance that comes with strength training as a foundation for transformation.
I’m not into the P90X as I enjoy going to the gym and working out with my personal trainer or as part of my way to get out of the house. I hope that P90X is a catalyst for you to build on go far beyond 90 days 🙂
I’m soon to relaunch nuwomb.com and it is much more focused – FINALLY – on the topic of transformation. Perhaps we can collaborate to do an interview or something one day!
I’ll be following along with your transformation man! GET IT!!!!
Hey Scott,
Long time no speak! I hope you’re doing well 🙂
Let me know about the relaunch when it comes about — I’d love to help.
Cheers,
Tom
P90X is awesome! You’ll do great! =)
I am a Beachbody Coach as well. It’s one of the reasons I was able to “leave work behind” and work from home.
I’m currently doing Insanity. Another great program…
Nutrition is key. I think it’s 60% of the results you want. If you ever have any questions about the program, or the Coaching opportunity, let me know.
BRING IT! =)
Thanks John, appreciate it!
Nutrition is huge. I’ve heard it said many times that you can’t exercise off a bad diet. I do Crossfit and eat paleo, and I’ve lost over 40 pounds.
Congrats Denny!
Great decision, Tom. I started my weight loss challenge 3 weeks and it definitely helped me boost up my energy level. Now I feel like a new person. Keep up your hard work and keep me updated.
I probably won’t be doing much in the way of updates here but I’ll be covering my progress exhaustively at P90XJournal.net 🙂
Good luck! I did P90X a few years ago and blogged about it as well. It was a GREAT experience. I still do some of the workouts from time to time. I did Insanity last year and…um… not so much. All the best to you and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help and/or you have any questions about the P90X experience!
I’ve heard a lot of people wax lyrical about P90X and a lot of people not so keen on Insanity…interesting to note. Thanks for your support Charlene!
So I started P90X last night as I mentioned a few days ago. Boy…it sure is hard getting back into it after almost a year of not doing any exercise :o)