So I often see a lot of questions about what should I be doing to get prepared to start my workout program. What tools, what are some general tips to help me be successful during my workouts!  I didn’t do much research before I started my program initially and I think some of this would of help. Especially for people that haven’t actively trained  for any period of time or just starting out.  So let’s get you properly prepared to do your best and be successful! I’ve done 2 rounds of P90x and 1 round of Insanity. I

  • Nutrition (everyone's arch enemy)
    • Your diet will be vital to your success.  I mean crucial. if you eat crap, you will workout like crap and feel like crap!  Your results will suffer, your motivation will suffer.  This is always the first place to look if you aren’t seeing things going as you expected.  Log it. Track it.  Find ways to make it work.
    • Prepare meals ahead of time for the week or a few days out.
    • Make sure you are keeping it colorful (veggies, fruits), lean meats, fish.  Look for those ‘empty’ calories that are not providing you with any type of benefit
    • Don’t eat at night. After dinner I don’t eat again typically. I will have my recover drink and that is it after my workout.
    • eat 5-6 small meals a day. (keeps your metabolism/energy running in high gear all day long.
    • Eat healthy snack’s (almonds, shakeology, fruits, veggies). items that are high in fiber and will give you a sustained feeling of fullness. so you won’t consider eating something unhealthy.
    • Lots more of this but 100% will make or break your results!  Food is your Fuel and energy to successfully workout and get great results! Follow the food plans or create one that works for you.
  • Time
    • Often you find that you workout better in the mornings or evenings.  each person is different so find what works best for you. Your overall schedule will play a part in this, but you should work towards you strengths.
  • Tools
    • For each workout program there are a ‘base’ level of tools/equipment that you need to get started.  Make sure you have researched this prior to starting.  Contact others that have been through the programs and find out what you need.
      • One example is P90x.  Minimally you need a Chin-up bar and either weights and/or resistance bands.  Without, it can be very difficult to be effective at your training and will not see the results you are looking for. If you have questions on equipment requirements let me know. I can help.
        • Non required tools for P90x include, pushup bars, yoga mat, yoga block
  • Hydration
    • Drink your 8 glasses of water daily.  It is important for the muscles and body to have enough hydration to function and work properly. your muscles thrive on water.
    • Takes sips throughout the day while you are drinking. don’t gulp it all down in one sitting.
  • Workout
    • Do NOT eat within an hour of the workout.  You will feel cramps, vomit, and other not so fun things if you do. 
    • During your workout, take sips of water. don’t gulp it down. 
    • Utilize a recovery drink after your workout.  This is a proven fact that you will be less sore, recover quicker and replenish your energy levels faster if you use some sort of recovery drink after your workout.  Ask questions about your options with this.  You will want to take this within 10 minutes for the best effects and can still be effective up to an hour after.
  • Pictures & Measurements
    • Take your pre workout and after workout measurements
      • waist, hips, neck, thighs, arms/biceps, chest
      • Get a body fat measurement. You can use the values from the above to give you an estimate. There are other options such as Body fat calipers, scales 
    • before and after shots from your workout program
      • Take front shot, side shots, and back shots.  Wear the proper clothing so you can highlight the changes at the end.
      • take the photo’s in the same location from the same angle so you get best shot. Also ensure you have proper lighting.   I myself totally regret not having my initial photos.  Because the motivational boost you get at the end from seeing the results like that are awesome. I know I changed, but its kind of nice seeing it in a picture also.  it’s a mental thing, but it works.

 

  • Log your progress
    • P90x, P90x Plus, and Chalean extreme there are excel sheets for just this suck thing. 
    • No if/ands/butts on this one.  Be accountable.  Log your progress using the tracking devices provided by the workout programs.
    • Insanity, you need to keep track of your fit tests. Really helps to show you how far you’ve progressed every 2 weeks.
    • It is nice for any workout program to get a feel of your progress. Helps motivate you and keep you interested in what is happening.  You can figure out ways to get more out of your workout’s this way.
    • WOWY is another option. Work Out With You.  An online workout tracking, free from TeamBeachBody, virtual workout site that helps create a workout atmosphere with others. You add buddies, decide on a workout time and commit to being there for each other. My BuddyName is KevinPrice.  Great site, chance to win money each day as well. Questions, ask. 
  • Can I substitute and should I follow the program to the Tee?
    • Each program is designed in such a manner to get the best our of you.  But we live in the real world.  We often find some things work better than others for ourselves.  So ‘Yes’ you can substitute out workouts for some days.  Your goal is to get healthy, fit, more energy and have some fun. It is means switching out Plyometrics for a standard cardio x or some other workout, then do it.  The key, is keeping yourself motivated and engaged in your workout program.
    • Modify Modify where necessary. Tony Horton always says ‘do your best and forge the rest’.  It is sound advice.  But this goes for any and all workout programs. 
  • What do I do after the program is finished?
    • First, pat yourself on the back for accomplishing it.  Give yourself props that you made the decision to commitment to a program and you succeeded!.  Nothing more motivating than knowing you reach your goals and milestones and getting yourself healthy and on track
    • Look at some new programs for variety.  Adjust your current program to push yourself further.
    • P90x – You have three versions.  Doubles, Lean, Classic.  each has its own purpose.
    • Look at my page on options. Each program works and will get results while adding new variety and fun to keep you motivated!
  • Anything Else?
    • If you have any questions, any other information you think would be helpful for me to expand on here contact me, or leave a comment.  I love to talk about this stuff and hopefully can get you interested and motivated to workout and get healthy.  One day and person at a time!
    I am a BeachBody Coach and would love to help you in your fitness journey.  Any questions about their products (Insanity, P90x, chalean Extreme, Turbo Jam), contact me straight away!  They are all effective programs that get results. Offseason and winter are approaching.  so it is a great time to start figuring out what you will do. Home fitness works are effective!