This was my first time doing X2 Base + Back. During the warm-up, I heard Tony say “It’s Plyo and Pull-ups, what’s better?” I knew I was in trouble lol good lord. Two of the things I’m the worst at. I JUST finally got my chin-up bar last week; today is the first time I incorporated it. What has two thumbs, two aching shoulder sockets and can’t do one real pull-up? THIS GIRL! … yet, yet yet yet! I WILL do one full pull up from a dead hang. It is my new goal, and I WILL reach it! Today was not that day lol all of my pull-ups were chair assisted, and they were still tough.
This was a HELLOVA routine, from start to finish. My entire body is shaking like jello, head to toe… crazy intense.
Today’s Biggest Improvement:
Superman Banana X - I was able to flip from Superman (on your stomach) to Banana (on your back) three whole times without any toe or hand assistance! This probably seems like a small accomplishment but it is not as easy as you might think. Back to tummy, not hard, tummy to back…. quite a bit harder.
Superman Banana X
Today’s “Not so spectacular” Move :
Chair Jumps - This is really a very simple move, and individually they are not hard to do. The quick repetitions is what makes it tough for me. I’m only able to do 10 in a row with perfect form before having to stop and breathe (ok pant heavily & shake my quads, semantics). I’m able to do more, just need a break in between. My goal next week will be to do 13 without a break.
Chair Jumps
Popularity: 69%
My wrists have almost fully recovered because I’ve taken care of them and modified when necessary. I made it through today’s Yoga session with barely any discomfort at all, so I was excited! I even got to try Crane again this week since my wrists were feeling strong and flexible. I made it through all the Vinyasas and Chaturangas without flopping down onto the floor. I was strong, fluid, and focused through the entire workout. I enjoyed every sweaty minute. 
Biggest Improvement Today:
Crane – I held Crane for a full 6 seconds the first time, and 11 seconds the second time! I know it doesn’t seem like very long, but when you’re up there with the full weight of your body on your two little hands, it’s an eternity. When I ended my first round of P90X (the original), I was able to hold Crane for 20-25 seconds. After my lazy 3 month break, in the beginning of P90X2m I wasn’t able to do Crane at ALL anymore. I was extremely disappointed by that because I worked so hard to be able to do it the first time around. I’m happy to report I found my balance point and my upper body strength is improving rapidly…. so my Crane ability reappeared woot!
X2 Yoga's Crane ... Try it!
Still Need Some Work:
The Dreaded Wrap – I still can’t make contact with my hands, but I know my fingers are sooo close! I can feel their little fingertip auras right next to each other lol is that a real thing? I’m not sure, but I know I’ll make contact soon. Next week or the week after, my fingers will collide.
Popularity: 55%
This was my first time doing X2 Shoulders + Arms. I thought I would love it, and I DID! My favorite part of P90X and Asylum were the resistance workouts, and this one did not disappoint. Nothing makes you feel like a strong, sexy woman quite like lifting weights. And don’t get me wrong… this isn’t weight lifting for bulk. This is weight lifting for lean, sexy, strong muscle. The kind of muscle that helps you burn fat, kicks up your metabolism… we could all use a little more of that!
Day 31 was Recovery + Mobility. I won’t be posting on those days as it would be boring to hear about my rolling around on the Rumble Roller for a couple of hours.
Favorite Move of the Day:
Six Direction Shoulder Fly - Aaaaah this is such a beautiful move!! I wanted to do more than 8, but that’s all I could manage. I did my best to give you a good example of this move below. Just imagine moving through those stances, in a fluid motion… gorgeous muscle burn!
Six Direction Shoulder Fly
Today’s “Need Improvement” :
I actually do not have one - I really did kill this workout. My arms are strong, and I knew I’d do well. It’s so exciting when I can live up to the expectations I have for myself, and I did today! I of course will work on upping weight throughout this phase. Today I mostly used my 7 lb & 5 lb weights. Had to use my 3 lbs a few times as well for the really tough kickbacks, but overall I did very well. 12-15 reps for every exercise, and as much weight as I could possibly handle the first time around. Feeling great today! Can’t wait for this workout next week.
By the way, X2 Ab Ripper is a BEAST of an ab workout. I have never worked my midsection so hard in such a short amount of time as I have with this and the original Ab Ripper X. If you need a phenomenal ab routine, do it… period. It’s bananas.
Popularity: 95%
Plyocide - Yes... it really feels like this.
Let me just start by saying, I HATE Plyometrics training!! Arggggggggggggg so hard, BUT let me also say, I LOVE what it does for my calves, thighs, booty, and abs. So, even though I loathe it, I don’t skip it… ever, ever ever ever!
Today was still rough. I keep waiting for it to get easier, but it’s equally rough every week. This is my 5th time doing this workout, and I have yet to find it less than punishing. It’s hard to provide pictures of my favorite moves from this workout, because it’s ALL about movement. There are no standing poses in this beast of a routine.
I was so proud of myself this week! Even though I still had to take many breaks (and I do mean many or my lungs would explode), I improved on so many moves! I was able to do 12 full Spartan Lunges, perfect Flying Kicks, I lasted through the entire sequence of Set Sprint Plank Plyo Jump (say that 5 times fast). I can feel myself jumping higher, have much better form, lasting longer and doing more reps in the tough sequences. By NO means is this getting easier, but I’m definitely improving!
Popularity: 65%
