POX reps

[ruppie]

I plan to start the POX rotation next week (assuming BB gets me my DVD set to replace the VHS set on time).

I'm getting married end of October. My wedding's less then THREE MONTHS AWAY! Wow. That alone feels crazy, but I really want to spend the last weeks I have getting in TIP TOP WEDDING SHAPE!!

I'm not in bad shape now, but have a long way to go for my dream body. I'd like to be more toned and leaner in my stomach.

So advice needed: When I start POX, do I go more reps- endurance type training (they say this 'leans' you), or less reps higher weight, for max muscle results.

I read everywhere that even heavy weight lifting will not bulk up a woman as many think. So will I get leaner by heavy weight lifting as well as endurance lifting?? I've been endurance lifting and have gotten results, but fear I'm plateauing from it!!

THANKS FOR ADVICE!!!

 

[KathyH]

Hi Ruppie! Its really up to you. It depends upon your schedule; how many hours can you Bring It! I've personally seen results (getting leaner) from lifting heavier b/c I too had reached a plateau. I started w/P90X on June 12th. My waist, for example, was 25" and its now 23 1/2". Mind you I've also been zig zagging my calories between high & low cal days. Five days its low cals eliminating brown rice/pasta/bread/cereal & potatoes from my diet but on my high cal days (2 days) I put them back in. I DO NOT rely on supplements. I only rely on real food. Calories do matter & in order to this program you need to EAT! Get used to eating 5-6 small meals a day; you'll be surprised just how hungry you are every 2 hrs. Heavy weights will not bulk you (muscle is denser than fat) so I would go with the Classic rotation; its very intense especially when you get to the last Phase. Please check over the book & read carefully if you wish to incorporate more cardio into the routine; the Classic only has 2 days of cardio (kickboxing & plyometrics). There are 2 other rotations: Lean & Doubles so check out the DVDs for Lean & see if that's what you want to do. Also check out Beachbody.com & read the P90X forum as well as the photo gallery (if you haven't done so already). There are people that have finished the program & are onto their second round. Their truly incredible! If you have more questions, please ask Mark (md_briggs); he's now a coach. I hope I've helped some. Good luck! Kathy

 

[kathryn]

I usually do 16 reps with heavy weight (I don't like uneven numbers!), but sometimes mix it up and do even heavier weights with fewer reps. Since you are probably getting "heavy weight/low rep" exercises with the pull-ups and push-ups, you could do 12-15 on the other exercises.

Or mix things up. Do the first part of a workout with lighter weights and fewer reps, and the next half with heavier weights and fewer reps. I think that's a nice compromise.

You could also decided to do heavier weights/fewer reps for body parts that are lacking (biceps?) and lighter weights/more reps for body parts that are fine, but need some "tone" (back?).

Since you have three months, you could also do Phase I with lighter weighs/more reps, increase weights and decrease reps for Phase II, and use phase III to either stick with Phase I or Phase II reps, or decrease reps/increase weights even more.

 

[dani21496]

Hey Ruppie!

I just wanted to tell you I am also getting married in October!!!!! :7 I also just started P90X last night and will be doing the Lean Rotation.

Congratulations!!

 

[letswork]

Hi Ruppie! Congratulations on your wedding! I am in my third phase of p90x and at the risk of sounding melodramatic...I am in THE best shape of my life (after two babies no less).

I suggest starting with the Classic Rotation. Try and challenge yourself with some heavy weights (at least heavier than you are used to.) The farther along I get in the program, the more I find myself really pushing the envelope to see what I can do. I set a goal to do a pull up by the end of the three month rotation and I'm already there with a month to spare. This program is inspiring, motivating and real.

I follow a sound nutritional plan with lots of lean protein, complex carbs, fruits, veggies and water, water, water. I eat all NATURAL foods...no processed junk and no fast food. I also eat small meals 5-6 times a day to keep my energy up. Remember, diet plays a HUGE role in results.

Two weeks ago I felt so strong and fit that I started the doubles rotation. I added cardio on my lunch break and I'm in a size 0 and my arms and stomach look ripped. My baby is only 9 months old and I can't tell you how happy I am with the way I look.

Can't wait for Cathe's HARDCORE! Drool.

 

[Kepi]

Hi Ruppie. As long as your diet is sound, you shouldn't have any problems using heavier weights. The so called "bulk" look usually occurs when you're adding muscle and your body is still carrying some extra fat.

Also, try adding some iso-tension exercises during the day. Hold each exercise for about 5-6 seconds. This will help add some really nice definition.

 

[ruppie]

Thanks everyone for the great advice!! I had thought I should push myself with heavier weights, but just wanted to make sure others had good leaning results with them too. I do feel I'm reaching a plateau with endurance lifting, so I think the heavier lifting with lower reps will be more of a shock/ good change.

Dani - Congratualtion on YOUR wedding! We're both October! That's great! For me it's amazing how it's coming so fast! And the closer it gets, the more I realize I still have to do! Hopefully the POX rotation will not only get us in great shape for it, but it will help de-stress too!