The Need for Repetition

Over the weekend, Ben and I officially fizzled our way into some sort of lackluster conclusion to the Beachbody P90x3 workout program. I wish I could insert this post into my "We Did It" category, but unfortunately we ended with both accomplishments and a few regrets.

I asked Ben to get me the P90x3 system for Christmas, and we started doing it together right away after getting engaged. [Side note: It was so cool to see an old classmate and cheerleading teammate appear in two of the workouts! Holla at ya, Lauren McNiel/ Murray, you rocked it!] Having been the type of person that didn't like to grunt or even breath too loud while doing 30 Day Shred workouts in the kitchen while Ben played video games in another room, I would say that P90x3 brought us muchhhh closer together. ;-) For 90 days, we did the workouts together in the garage or living room immediately after work; in total, we only missed about 5 of them. For me, getting on this type of regimen was a huge step forward and something I can be proud of. I can definitely do more push ups than I have ever done in my life and I can't believe how long I can hold a side-arm balance. I still can't do a pull up, but Ben can do way more that when he started. Although I only lost around 5 pounds, I know that I have gained muscle and toned up in many areas.

The eating plan was our downfall, although we did make many positive chances such as swapping out white tortillas/english muffins/breads for whole-grains and exchanging trail mixes and nuts for chips. Ben eats a sandwich for lunch on most days and he has completely replaced mayo with avocado. In the end, we both realized that following the meal plan more strictly is essential to seeing the type of results that are advertised. I admit that I utilized very little self-control when it came to things like eating out on the weekends and drinking beer or sugary mixed drinks. Personally, my goal will never be to eradicate social dinner and drinks completely; life is too short not to enjoy it with your friends now and then! Rather, I am hoping to better plan for and eat the proper proportions (according to the P90x3 meal plan), add a protein powder-based shake to my breakfast options, drink more water, and lift heavier weights for the second iteration of this program. There is an off-day built into the schedule with an optional workout, and I think I will begin running on that day while the weather is still pleasant.

For now, my biggest goal is to act on these improvements before Ben and I travel to Cleveland for our engagement photos (where we will undoubtedly smother ourselves in Great Lakes beer and Melt grilled cheese sandwich monstrosities).