Branson90X

Shoulder Surgery

2010-01-28T17:23:00.003-06:00

Well....shoulder surgery was a success...for the Doctor. He told Christina that "I would be happy I did it.".....Well, I'm still waiting for that joy to overtake me....LOL! It's now been 4 1/2 weeks since the surgery and I'm just now able to do any type of strength exercises. Now don't get too excited for me. The band that I'm using is almost like trying to stretch a small rubber band. It was very depressing to see the difference in my arms when doing rows in front of the mirror. I'm very ansy to get back onto a strict routine, but in the same sense, I want to remain as patient as possible so I don't re-damage my shoulder.

I have set some fitness goals this year and they include a lot of cycling. I will be doing the Hotter Than Hell 100 Ride in Wichita Falls, TX in August which I feel is a good goal for me with the timing of being able to hit training at the right time. And then after it, I want to do a Sprint Triathlon and possibly a half marathon. The latter two will require me to learn to run distance. I grew up a sprinter and never had to run further than 600 meters other than pre-season which really didn't count. But...that's just part of meeting the goals.

I will be doing a lot of easy upper body and honestly look forward to hitting the One on One Fountain of Youth Yoga.

Christina is hitting P90X hard again which is awesome and I love that she's pressing forward....she's amazing. She has been asked to speak to a group at our church on fitness and P90X/Beachbody products so all is good!

Hope everyone's goals this year are lofty and full of fitness! Please let me know what I can do to help.

Its been a while

2009-12-31T14:39:00.002-06:00

Well it has been a long time and I need to get myself back on here and do some updating. Nothing fitness related to add to other than goals for 2010. I can't believe that the new year is upon us, but it is and with it comes resolutions. I hope you set resolutions or at least some goals for yourself. Both spiritual and in health. And with that, I am here to help. P90X and Beachbody products have been such a life changer for me and Christina that we just find it hard to believe where we are at sometimes. Its amazing the conversations that we get to have with people who are just trying to get on top of fitness. Awesome!

With that, my goals at the beginning of this year are a bit different. I had shoulder surgery on December 28th so I'm stuck now rehabilitating my shoulder back to where I can hit the workouts harder than ever. My biggest hurdle will be to be patient and fight through the pain of rehab. Please keep me in your prayers as its going to be interesting. But....after that, IT IS ON! I have 2 goals for sure I want to accomplish this year. In no order, I want to do a Sprint Triathlon, consisting of 750M Swim, 20K Bike, and a 5K Run...I'm not a runner, but I'm going to become one. :-) I also want to do the Hotter Than Hell 100 on Aug 28th....it is a 100 Mile Bike Race in Wichita Falls, TX. Those will be done. And who knows, in the back of my mind I have either a 1/2 or full marathon floating in my thoughts too.

Most of all my goals include drawing closer and closer in my walk with God. Christina and I have an awesome church and an awesome LifeGroup that God has grown in our home and I am just excited to see what God has in store for 2010.

May God bless you and your new year.....

A New Fitness Love

2009-09-22T14:14:00.007-05:00

OK, I'm a slacker...I just noticed that it has been 2 months since my last post. Believe me, I haven't been slacking off on my fitness and nutrition. But.....After my last post about the Mini-Triathlon, I bought something I've long needed, but definitely had never been in the shape to have. And this purchased changed up my weekly routine....big time. I bought a 2009 Specialized Allez Sport Compact Double.....Oh YEAH!!! And talk about calorie burn! I've been riding on a 3 day per week workout schedule doing about 15-20 miles on day 1, 20-25 miles on day 2, and then 30 miles on day 3. Now that I'm 5 weeks and 1 rest week into it....I'm ready to push on up to 50 miles. On the 30 mile rides I've been burning about 1,800 calories, but these have been, to my calculations, Carb and Glycogen calories not the Fat Calories I'm after.....so I need to work on the longer rides being not so....gear grinding.

On my non-riding days, I've been sticking to a mix of One On One w/ Tony Horton, P90X and P90X+.....stuff like 30/15, Just Arms, Upper +, Fountain of Youth Yoga, and Ab Ripper and Abs Core+. These are great workouts to keep the upper body in shape! But I can tell you if I jumped in and did any Plyo now, I'd be jello.

Christina is now doing Insanity and is 2 weeks in....with that I've committed to going Insane once its too cold to ride, so I'm kinda torn with the weather right now. I'm loving Cycling, but looking forward to another program like Insanity.

As always, I'm here for anyone looking for a dedicated Beachbody Coach. I'd love to help you meet your fitness and nutrition goals.

God Bless!

P90X+O Week 2

2009-07-22T16:19:00.002-05:00

WOW....week 2 in the books feeling great. This new schedule is a great change yet still familiar enough to keep the flow going. Christina and I finished week 2 of the new workout, however, we skipped Legs & Back and "why"....we teamed up Saturday and did a Mini-Sprint Triathlon. How much fun was that!!! I did the swim and the bike and Christina did the run. The distances weren't much, but neither of us had ever done any sort of Triathlon and didn't want to overdo it the first time out. I had not swam any type of lap in about 10 years and had only biked the couple of times I mentioned here in my blog in probably the same time frame. My adrenaline was flying and my heart was pounding just do to the unknown and my competitive nature. Grant it, it wasn't a competitive race, but it was for me.

I hit the pool for the 175 yard swim and forgot to start my timer on my heart rate monitor only to remember after a couple of lengths of the pool. My heart rate was already in the 170's....so much it was hard to get a breath swimming. I was more focused on the bike ride ahead of me anyway. So...out of the pool and to the transition area, I threw on some socks and shoes and jumped onto my borrowed bicycle and hit the 6.5 mile route. Let me tell ya, I tore it up! I passed at least 20 to 25 people keeping the same pedaling rhythm throughout the race. I hit 25 mph on the flat spots only dropping to 16 mph once climbing a pretty good sized hill. Once I finished, I handed the timing strap to Christina and she finished us off running 1.5 miles. I am so hooked and its time to find my own bicycle....any suggestions? I'm currently looking at a Giant or a Specialized. Anyway....here come the shocking numbers....in 27 minutes, my heart rate averaged 184 BPM and I peaked at 191!!! But...I did burn 705 calories! Awesome. And yes, I'm hooked. Next Triathlon here is open water (I think I'll team up again with a buddy and just to the bicycling...12.1 miles)

Well, got this week of with a freaking, sweet workout....30/15! This is from the One on One series with Tony Horton...for $20 you can't beat this one. It is Push Ups and Pull Ups! That is it! I started doing 20/10 for the 1st half and then backed off to 15/8. Wow, what a pump. 200 push ups and 108 pull ups in 1 hour. And talk about CORE!!!

Hope all is well! If you have any questions about Beachbody Products or Nutrition, please let me know.

God Bless.

P90X+O

2009-07-13T16:33:00.003-05:00

OK....week one done on the P90X+O schedule. Feeling awesome! I finally figured out my new Timex Ironman Road Trainer Heart Rate Monitor and WOW....I have been slinging some calories. Example....PLYO Day....52 Minutes, Max Heart Rate 180, Total Calories Burned - 980!!! Today we finished up the week with Kenpo Cardio+ from P90X+....41 Minutes, Max Heart Rate 181 - Calories Burned - 832!!! I'm loving these numbers. In staying with the schedule posted, I'm ready to hit week 3 so I can test out the Interval workout from P90X+ for calories roasted!

I'm gonna love this new schedule!

Anyone hit Insanity yet? In looking at the video material, it definitely looks insane. I'll be checking it out after this round. I'm also considering some mini-triathlons. Gotta get a bike first though. We shall see...if anyone wants to donate to the Branson Bicycle Fund or knows someone who wants to trade out some clothes that are too big, let me know....HA!

Hope all is well with everyone....please let me know you are still out there.

God Bless!

P90H - H for Hybrid....Here we go!

2009-07-06T17:31:00.004-05:00

OK...my back is starting to feel better and I'm going for it. Christina and I are officially starting a new 90 Days of P90X, One-on-One, P90X+ - Hybrid style workouts.....I have created a nice schedule which today we started with good ole Chest and Back and Ab RipperX. I'm also going to try some new supplements to see what kind of gains I can have from them. Today's workout at lunch was awesome and it was so good to have Christina back as my 90 day workout buddy again! Yes! What a pump today. Man I missed that one.

So what's different? OK....I'm going to use the Power Stands throughout....If you don't have em, get em! These are the best push up stands you can get. Especially if you have wrist issues or big hands. Bands? Yes....I have recently purchased the 50 lb, black band from Beachbody and it works great for Heavy Pants, Lawnmowers and is really nice for Pull ups! Supplements??? Yes...Pre-resistance workouts - BSN NO-Xplode, Post Workout - P90X Recovery Formula and BB's Strength Muscle Men's Formula. I'm also going to add a mid afternoon snack of Muscle Milk or another blend. Time to up the ante! HeHeHe!

If you are interested in any of Beachbody products or are looking for a real person who has real answers for your fitness needs, please visit Branson90X or BransonFit....either Christina or myself would be happy to help.

OK...now time for the schedule. (keep me accountable here!)

Phase I
Weeks 1 & 2: (OOO = One on One w/Tony Horton)
Day 1 - P90X - Chest & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 2 - P90X - Plyometrics
Day 3 - P90X/P90X+ - Shoulders & Arms and Abs Core+
Day 4 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 5 - P90X - Legs & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 6 - P90X+ - Kenpo Cardio+
Day 7 - P90X - X Stretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Week 3
Day 1 - OOO - 30/15 and Ab RipperX
Day 2 - P90X+ - IntervalX+
Day 3 - P90X/P90X+ - Shoulders & Arms and Abs Core+
Day 4 - Day 4 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 5 - P90X - Legs & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 6 - P90X+ - Kenpo Cardio+
Day 7 - P90X - X Stretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Week 4
Day 1 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 2 - P90X - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - OOO - Plyo Legs
Day 4 - P90X - XStretch
Day 5 - P90X - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - OOO - Bun Shaper
Day 7 - P90X - XStretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Phase II
Week 5 & 6
Day 1 - P90X/P90X+ - Chest, Shoulders & Tri's and Abs Core+
Day 2 - P90X - Plyometrics
Day 3 - P90X - Back & Biceps and Ab RipperX
Day 4 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 5 - P90X - Legs & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 6 - P90X+ - Kenpo Cardio+
Day 7 - P90X - X Stretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Week 7
Day 1 - OOO - 30/15 and Ab RipperX
Day 2 - P90X+ - IntervalX+
Day 3 - P90X/P90X+ - Shoulders & Arms and Abs Core+
Day 4 - Day 4 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 5 - P90X - Legs & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 6 - P90X+ - Kenpo Cardio+
Day 7 - P90X - X Stretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Week 8
Day 1 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 2 - P90X - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - OOO - Plyo Legs
Day 4 - P90X - XStretch
Day 5 - P90X - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - OOO - Bun Shaper
Day 7 - P90X - XStretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Phase III
Week 9
Day 1 - P90X - Chest & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 2 - P90X - Plyometrics
Day 3 - P90X/P90X+ - Shoulders & Arms and Abs Core+
Day 4 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 5 - P90X - Legs & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 6 - P90X+ - Kenpo Cardio+
Day 7 - P90X - X Stretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Weeks 10 & 12
Day 1 - OOO - 30/15 and Ab RipperX
Day 2 - P90X+ - IntervalX+
Day 3 - P90X/P90X+ - Shoulders & Arms and Abs Core+
Day 4 - Day 4 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 5 - P90X - Legs & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 6 - P90X+ - Kenpo Cardio+
Day 7 - P90X - X Stretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Week 11
Day 1 - P90X/P90X+ - Chest, Shoulders & Tri's and Abs Core+
Day 2 - P90X - Plyometrics
Day 3 - P90X - Back & Biceps and Ab RipperX
Day 4 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 5 - P90X - Legs & Back and Ab RipperX
Day 6 - P90X+ - Kenpo Cardio+
Day 7 - P90X - X Stretch and Ice on the Back :-)

Week 13
Day 1 - OOO - Fountain of Youth Yoga
Day 2 - P90X - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - OOO - Plyo Legs
Day 4 - P90X - XStretch
Day 5 - P90X - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - OOO - Bun Shaper
Day 7 - P90X - XStretch and Ice on the Back and on the drink!

Who else is in on this one???? Demi? Kenewayne? anyone, anyone...Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

I'm really looking forward to the next 90 Days!

P90X Again - Update

2009-07-01T22:49:00.004-05:00

OK...I'm a slacker! No posts for a while, but I have to be honest....I have been trying to rest and heal my back, but to no avail....yet. Looks like it is a ligament sprain in the transition from Lumbar to Thoracic...that's my understanding. I'm no Chiropractor, but I'm glad I have one. So....I will be doing a lot of X-Stretch and Ice.....I also just ordered One on One Fountain of Youth Yoga....a bit shorter than YogaX, so I'm looking forward to some deep relaxation and healing. Although I'm going to keep up some biking as I want to keep the fitness level up at the same time. GRRRRR!

Now...on to some coaching! I am so pumped and would like to welcome Keith "Chuba Bubba" Caswell as a new Beachbody Coach. Keith and I met a few years back from Geezer Gamers, before Xbox Live and have been close friends since....He and his wife Dory are doing P90X together and have stepped out to be coaches at Day 55 in the program after already seeing great results! Way to go!

Well...a bit short tonight, we had an amazing discussion tonight at LifeGroup on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We discussed why we have been given the gifts and how most importantly how all of our callings are common in that they all have to do with building God's kingdom. Plus tonight we focused on the gift of Healing....seemed timely.

Anyway....hope everyone has a safe and Happy Independence Day, the Branson's are headed to the mountains to do some Tent Camping!!!! Pray for us, and please pray for the healing of my back.

God Bless

P90X Again - More Biking X

2009-06-20T09:49:00.002-05:00

OH yeah....I'm loving this little mountain bike sprint that I've been hitting. Over the last few days, I've been trying not to tweak my back yet still grabbing the P90X Resistance Bands for a few curls here and there. But last night grabbed the old mountain bike and hit the 4.5 mile course through the neighborhood, down and around our church (that's the 1/2 mile) and back home. 17 Minutes, Max HR 180 bpm, 381 Calories Burned. My butt was on fiyah!

Funny, yet sad thing about my mountain bike is that I had a road bike back in 1998 or so but didn't ride it much, Christina then won a Fuji mountain bike, so I traded mine in on a Schwinn Frontier (back when Schwinn was good) and then.....they both sat, and got moved, and moved again, and moved again, and....So here we are 10 years later and our bikes still have the little rubber nobbies hanging off the tread. Terrible. But....I'm changing that now.

My back is feeling better, but I still need a bit more rest. After that, I think I'll start over again on something....P90X, P90X+, Hybrid 90X, maybe Yoga Booty Ballet, or even Tony and the Kids....ummmmm.

God Bless.

P90X Again - Cycling X

2009-06-16T20:53:00.002-05:00

OK....went to see my buddy and P90X'er, Dr. Eric Gomez, Chiropractor today...I have done a number on my lower Trap muscle....lots of pain, but with rest and prayer, I will heal. I really have to get out of the door jam for pull ups! So today in my high need for a workout, I pulled the ole mountain bike out and went for a high paced, 6 mile ride. That was definitely a fun little cardio workout. And with my new Father's Day gift from my boys (a Timex Ironman Heartrate Monitor) I was able to see that I max'd out at 175 BPM on my ride. And my back feels fine. Not too much to type tonight, my 4 year old is wanting me to play a little Halo before he goes to bed, so I'm going to!

Hope all is well....God Bless!

P90X Again - CardioX

2009-06-15T23:51:00.003-05:00

OK...my back is killing me. I thought tonight I'd hit CardioX and take a little of the upper body stress of my back, but OH MY!!! I'm hurting. Time to get a bit of Chiropracticalistic tomorrow. UGH city!

Well....I did sweat my butt of tonight. After taking a few days off to let my back rest, we hit CardioX pretty hard tonight. Was trying to get as much stretching in as possible on the up/down dogs, but it didn't pay off.

On a cool note, I received my Tony Horton autographed P90X Shirt in the mail today along with my autographed copy of One on One 30/15. OK....that looks hard! I think I tweaked my back again doing a few of the "lever pull ups"....hard to explain, but they really require a lot of tension through the core to pull em off. I even did pretty well on the door jam bar. (hate it at my height) I'm so ready to build a pull up bar in my garage. I need something at about 8.5 - 9' off the ground. I'm eyeballing the design in Tony Horton's gym on the One on One series. Check em out.

Pray for my back, please!

P90X Again - Hybrid

2009-06-11T20:47:00.002-05:00

Great workout today....wanted to get a full arm and back workout today so I hit Back & Biceps and rolled in some Triceps into it as well. Bands and Pull Up Bar! Great stuff. Then hit good ole Ab Ripper X finished off with 8 pound dumbbell Mason Twists! Love it.

OK...word of advice...if you do deep, Plyometrics....do not go on a 200 mile drive unless you like sore butt being more sore! UGH. Today I had to go on some sales calls out of Amarillo and had to drive...my butt cheeks were hurting. I could use some good ole X Stretch tonight.

Hope everyone is doing well....comments are slim these days. Hope the nutrition is going well for everyone and you are fueling your bodies!

God Bless.

P90X Again - Abs Core+

2009-06-10T10:20:00.003-05:00

Short window last night, so Christina and I hit Abs Core+ out of P90X+. A great Ab and really, a great Upper Body Workout. The Abs from the Pull Up bar rock when you really engage your core and lats! If you are in Phase III of P90X you need to jump on and get P90X+ it'll really add to the muscle confusion and allow you to change it up.

Wanna say that there is a P90X explosion happening in Amarillo right now. So many people jumping in and making huge lifestyle changes! Awesome! Christina and I love to see this as it is so important, and we just love helping people with their fitness and nutrition goals. Its never too late to get going....You can do anything for 90 Days!!!

BTW....Have you seen the back on this chick?!?!?!

God Bless!

P90X Again - Plyometrics!!!

2009-06-08T19:47:00.003-05:00

OK...I officially love P90X+ Interval X.....No we didn't do Intervals tonight, we did good ole Plyometrics and it just reminded me how much I love Intervals! Plyo hurts and burns, hurts....and...burns! My calf muscles feel like rocks....not little baby Horton rocks....big rocks. HAHA!!!

Everyone keep your eyes on the Demi Bean page....good stuff about to roll! Congrats Demi. That's all I'm sayin.

OK....its like day 125-130...somewhere in there...I'm off to buy a heart rate monitor. Tired of checking it manually and ready to see how many calories I'm really burning.

Out....

God Bless!

P90X Again - Interval X - Back & Biceps and Ab RipperX

2009-06-06T13:50:00.003-05:00

OK....distractions of tornado's? No chance today. What a beautiful Saturday in Amarillo! Today I woke up late, **YES** with a desire to hit a serious P90X Hybrid workout, so....I got up, did the ole Saturday tradition for the boys...ran to Donut Stop and tested the old man again. WIN! Came home and hit half of Interval X again, Back & Biceps with the Bands and then the tightest Ab Ripper to date (I think)....good stuff.

This afternoon, is....well a day that I've looked forward to, yet haven't. 1st day at the pool for me. Honestly, this is a day I think a lot about the old me and how I know I looked. There is a part of me that still sees that old man in the mirror and thinks...."keep your shirt on." I know, I know...after this many days of working my arse off, I have nothing to be ashamed of, but this is new territory again. No, I'm not 100% where I want to be physically, but I have to just use this as motivation to continue. But hey, I'm real just like anyone else and like with the new spiritual me, I just have to let the new man out and remember....if anyone (including myself) wants to dwell on the old man, I just have to let the new man shine through.....So I think I'll walk around the pool FLEXING!!! HAHA!!!! I'm just so thankful that we (me and P90X) were introduced! What an amazing way to feel new again.

Anyway...off to a fun day with the boys!

God Bless!

P90X Again - IntervalX

2009-06-04T21:07:00.004-05:00

Well...as you read in the last post SHIN SPLINT....took a couple of days rest to recover and also discovered a rotated vertebrae after visiting my good friend and chiropractor. (Also a P90X'er)....goodness....Couldn't do resistance because of the back, couldn't do any good hard cardio because of the stinkin shin. I guess I needed to rest.

Tonight Christina and I hit IntervalX....still gimpy I figured we'd get something short in. Well....as the storm sirens blew, we had to pause and watch the weather a few times, but eventually we got through it....great workout...one of my favorites.

Oh...I won today!!! Autographed copy of One on One Bun Shaper. Not the One on One I would hope for, but...I WON!!!! So, I guess if I shape my buns with the help of the DVD, I could say that they are Tony Horton Signature Buns!!! HA!!!

Had a great LifeGroup last night....deep open discussion on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit with focus on Tounges and a personal prayer language. Awesome discussion, which just opens us up for the rest of the summer session. And leaves us with a question...."Do you believe what you read, or read what you believe?"

God Bless!

P90X Again - Chest & Back and Ab RipperX

2009-06-01T22:10:00.005-05:00

Crush....Crushed that workout tonight! What a pump! Who can beat good ole Push Ups and Pull Ups? And to top it off using the P9oX Power Stands invented by Tony Horton himself! Speaking of Tony Horton, Christina and I yanked out both the PC's tonight and did a bit of chatting with Tony in the Beachbody Chat Room tonight....I bet you'll never guess what the majority of the questions to Tony were about.....give up? NUTRITION! Folks, if nutrition is got you stumped contact Christina and I and we will be more than happy to help you on your way. We know what has worked for us and its isn't difficult. You will get it. And the great thing about a good nutrition plan tailored to your workout is that it is good food! Good tasting and good for you! You don't have to loose flavor and eat boxed crap with a numbering plan to eat healthy.

Anyway...I love Ab RipperX!

Looking forward to a good cardio day tomorrow. Plyometrics or IntervalX....hmmmmmm. I'll leave that to pre-workout.

BTW...want to give a shout to Marcos and Jordan Arriaga, two guys who I am DARING to do P90X! Can you Bring It?

Eat Right....Eat Plenty!

P90X Again - Kenpo CardioX +

2009-05-31T22:20:00.004-05:00

Kenpo CardioX + from P90X+ is a great, great workout. 40 Minutes of solid Cardio using everything you've gotten out of KenpoX with a whole lot of Cardio....even in the breaks. Today we reunited with our LifeGroup at the park and enjoyed a couple of hours getting ready to kick of our summer semester of LifeGroup...then, some much needed rain rolled in. During our time at the park, I tweaked an old condition of a nasty shin splint....This nasty thing all started when I wrecked a 1949 Dodge Pickup in highschool and was pinned underneath it as it laid on my lower legs for an hour. Permanant dent in my leg and a nagging issue with one shin....hate the feeling, but gave it a good stretch and rolled through the workout tonight. It felt great until we quit but now I'm giving it a good ole ice down.

Getting a lot of calls and interest from people again in getting into the Beachbody workout programs. Amazing the waves this business goes in. I think that is true, historically with Beachbody. What an awesome company to get involved with as they keep pushing forward with a drive for fitness and to change our country from being so FAT. If you'd like to get involved in one of the programs or in being a coach, please contact me.

I'm really looking forward to a summer of LifeGroup this year. We usually take the summer off, but with the growth of our church this year, we know how successful LifeGroup is in building God's kingdom from a ministry standpoint. And that is why we are here. Looking forward also to sharing more on here. God is....

P90X Again - Chest, Shoulders & Tris and Abs Core+

2009-05-28T13:49:00.002-05:00

Grrrr. Anyone else just love Phil in this video? He reminds me so much of a grumpy ole fisherman from the Northwest. How can he be an attorney? Funny!

Great workout today, again came home for lunch so Christina could do lunch with a friend. Hopefully selling lots of the "X"!!!! Chest, Shoulders & Tris....always good. I pushed hard hard hard today and got to the Airborne Push ups and was way pooped....so I clapped only. Yep, pooped. Abs Core+ is a great workout to finish with, a blend of Abs and Core, but a lot of Total Body. Part of the P90X+.

I hate to keep ranting about nutrition, but again today I had someone who is working out hard at a gym (Cardio and now Resistance) tell me, "I'm hungry all the time." So...I asked what he was eating....Do you think it was enough? NO! But...he argued with me that because of his age (50's) that its not as easy as it is for younger people to shed weight. Dang the excuses! People are so afraid to eat. Eating good, whole foods is not going to make you fat if you are on a good exercise regiment. Eating an 8 oz chicken breast, is no where near the same as eating 8 oz of chicken fried steak!!! Don't fear the food! If you feel hungry, that means you are...FUEL YOUR BODY! As I started this post..."GRRRRR!"

P90X Again - IntervalX+

2009-05-27T19:39:00.005-05:00

Sweat Dump....can I get a towel please?!? If you are done or close to being done with P90X, seriously consider P90X+...Its workouts like IntervalX+ that get you realizing that there is more that you can push your body into doing and it feels great! Short workout, but super packed full of cardio burn! Awesome.

OK....I have to do a little nutrition talk here. Folks, if you don't think you are loosing enough weight while dedicating yourself to P90X or any other Beachbody workout....do not, DO NOT, drop your calories! It's all about muscle confusion not calorie confusion! 1200-1400 calories is not going to cut it on these programs. If you want to burn fat, kick up the proteins and simply eat good for you food! If you modify a car to get better gas mileage and performance, you don't empty the fuel out of it.....do you? When you try to drop calories and do these workouts, you are doing exactly the same thing....robbing your body of fuel. Did anyone else read the P90X Nutrition Guide? (Weight x 10) x 1.2 = Caloric Need just to live....now add 600. This is for real and it works. To think you are going to burn at least 800 calories doing Plyometrics....imagine why you feel bonked if your intake for the day is 1200....sheesh. Christina and I have talked to so many people who are getting into these silly "Cardio Boot Camps" at the gym who are simply not eating enough good food. These boot camps are pushing 1200 calories and having people do hard cardio 6 times per week!!!! Stupid! And to think they are making money this way. Not to say they won't lose weight and inches, but they are losing muscle in the process and will not keep off the weight. OK ramble over! Eat Right and Eat Plenty!

P90X Again - Back & Biceps and ABRipperX

2009-05-26T19:38:00.008-05:00

I really like that workout....and with the pull ups getting better and better I'm really liking the results I'm seeing. What I don't like right now was the "3 Day Weekend" that we just came out of. I spent a late night Friday at a customer site only to have to return Saturday to get pooped big time. But...I did come home and knock out Upper+ from the P90X+ Series....these are a great addition to P90X as there are some great workouts to checkout!

Sunday, we headed to an old friend of Christina's in Wichita Falls, TX....a 3 1/2 hour drive, but worth it knowing that when we left, they were well on track to P90X success. They're going to do great! I did however, while we where there, discover that having a pull up bar on a normal 7 foot door sucks! Kevin had his pull up bar in about an 8 1/2 foot door which I had to reach up to....OH I've been missing that!!!??? I was yanking out pull ups on that thing like you wouldn't believe! Even a couple of one handed chin ups! DOH!

Well after today's Back & Biceps and Abs I had Christina take some pics of the back results....(seems like the popular pic these days)....I'm pretty happy with the results.

P90X Again - Upper Body+ and Ab RipperX

2009-05-23T19:50:00.004-05:00

WOWY! (don't forget to WOWY)....That was a great workout pre-UFC fight! Now I'm gonna feel like I can beat Evans....HA! Great upper body workout. I was hittin the pullups hard tonight, thanks to the BeachBody P90X Pullup Bar! Lots of core work in that one. If you are getting close to the end of P90X.....I do encourage you to check into P90X+. It is an awesome way to continue the muscle confusion.....Remember, that is what got you to where you are!

Ab Ripper was great again. After getting my rear handed to me by Upper+ what better way to top it off than with my favorite....Ab RipperX!?!? No 70 Mason Twists tonight, but thanks to Demi's challenge I put a dumbbell in my hands.....8 pounder to be exact and ripped out 40 with that. Ugh City!

Hope everyone has a great and safe Memorial Day weekend. Mine just started today at 5:00PM as I had a big customer install that I had to watch over to make sure it went OK....its in and I'm out!

This weekend is dedicated to my Dad and my Mother-in-Law...Miss 'em both very much!

God Bless!

P90X - Mid Day Update

2009-05-21T11:52:00.005-05:00

OK Kenewayne....not to quote movies or anything...but.

"You called down the thunder, well now you got it!" :-D

Here's a little result pic from last night. The ole Tricep! Been working hard on these now for over 120 days, so....there you have it.

I finally took a pic to change my pofile over there on the right ---> That pic of me sitting down in the sweater was the old, fat man from 2007. Glad to see him go.

Take care all!

P90X Again - Shoulders & Arms and AB RipperX

2009-05-20T19:58:00.003-05:00

Oh yeah....Green Band is the stuff! If you haven't tried the P90X workouts with the bands you need to. The Isometric Burn is for real. Pick the right band, make the correct loop and don't forget to squeeze and breathe! All that and you will love the pump.

Tonight was a huge milestone in Ab RipperX....the most Mason Twists to date have been 50. But....tonight ------Ladies and Gentlemen.....70!!!! 70 Mason Twists! Oh yeah. And, I have to be real honest. I think right now, Ab RipperX is my favorite P90X workout! Yep...it is! Why wouldn't it be? I get to do it 3 times in 1 week. Yyyyyyes!

Well off to stuff some supper. Need some calories bad. Speaking of....that is one thing Christina and I are going to have to evaluate again heavily is the caloric intake. We have been slacking....time to up it and get back on a steady meal schedule. Don't let your nutrition slip....WAY TOO IMPORTANT!

P90X Again - Brutality

2009-05-18T23:53:00.003-05:00

Can someone help me off the floor? OH CRAP! Tonight we went insane and it all started with a bit of IntervalX from P90X+.....OK, if that wasn't bad enough, Christina and I did Chest & Back as well. And....if that wasn't enough, we ripped out Ab RipperX to top it off. OK....it wasn't as bad as it sounds. We did the 1st half of Intervals and half of Chest & Back and all of Ab Ripper, but let me tell you....that was TOUGH! I don't know where I feel it the most, but I can tell you that was a cardio burn and the money of all Ab Rippers.

Tony Horton....why is it so easy to stack these workouts if it sucks so bad afterward? These combo's I've been dreaming up are just pure self torture. But as you say...."I hate it, but I love it!"

I'm off to do one last workout move......8 hours of YogaX's Corpse Pose!!!! GOOD NIGHT!

P90X Again - Still Here

2009-05-17T22:18:00.003-05:00

OK....I'm pooped. Flew from Amarillo to Austin, Austin to OK City....Christina picked me up there after driving from Amarillo and then we drove 2 hours to NW Oklahoma. Drove back to OK City today and then back to Amarillo. UGH X2!!! POOPED!

One positive note, I think I talked the Mgr. at GNC in OK City to buy P90X!!! He said he is "bored at the gym." Are you "bored at the gym?".....Consider P90X...it will not bore you!

Didn't get a lot of working out in other than a few breaks to work some biceps and triceps with the bands. Had to get the pump on to work on the sales!!!! HA!

Glad we're home, ready to bring some doubles this week and rip some carb's arse!

BRINGING IT - BIG TIME this week!

OUT.

P90X Again - Hotel Workouts

2009-05-14T22:56:00.008-05:00

Rest X was neeeeeeded. After virtually no sleep Monday night, then Styx concert Tuesday night, up at 5 Wednesday to catch a 6:30 flight to Austin and then spending the day in Austin on multiple sales calls, I needed some SLEEP! And......SLEEP I got! I'm kinda glad I was so tired, because honestly the first night in a hotel is always a bit restless for me......but, I slept well.

Tonight though, I brought a quick round of Chest Shoulders & Triceps and Ab RipperX. Oh wait...No Gym! No worries....I'm doing P90X and have some awesome resistance bands!!!! Oh wait, no trainer! Again...I'm doing P90X...my trainer is right here on my laptop on my DVD!

You gym rats out there who like to travel really should consider P90X. This is a great way to get your workout on the road, and with a good set of resistance bands, they will fit right in your suitcase! I know you're not getting a P90X workout in any "fitness room!" And can you imagine the left over sweat you get to deal with in on that equipment??? EW!

Yes, I'm a Beachbody coach and YES...I can help you meet and break your fitness goals.

Looking forward to seeing the family tomorrow!

P90X Again - IntervalX+

2009-05-13T22:46:00.004-05:00

Forgot to post this one, but Christina and I after a virtually, no sleep night on Monday, hit IntervalX when I came home for lunch....Oh my. Sweatfest. Being tired, and I do mean tired, and pushing through Intervals will wear you smooth out. My heart rate was getting way high....even for me. And I can't believe how much I was sweating. Now then....Christina was pounding through Intervals with her weighted gloves on. She is bringing it big time lately....and she...looks....HOT!

If you are interested in Intervals....check out P90X+

P90X Again - Week 2 Begins

2009-05-11T23:42:00.002-05:00

Today, we flipped a couple of the resistance workouts and did Back & Biceps and Ab RipperX.....I looked at the bands again and discovered old Mr. Green Band is heavier than the Pink one, so I hit it and oh the burn. Big time! If you don't have the P90X Bands....get em! I was able to go to complete bicep failure. Man....that burns and is still burning.

A lot going on this week with work...I'm traveling again, so will be taking some of the DVD's with me on the road. Then flying to Oklahoma for Christina's cousin's High school Graduation....a great opportunity to do some selling. No one in her extended family has seen us since prior to doing P90X, so I'm looking forward to doing some motivating. Let me tell ya....small town Oklahoma is hip on eating good ole Southern Comfort Food! That is about to change! I'm telling you, people are looking for someone to discuss nutrition with them....get them into the conversation and get them motivated about LIFE! Fat eating just doesn't cut it any longer. People are hungry to get fit and those of us who have been there should help motivate them and hold them accountable. Some of these folks just need a coach!

P90X Again - Day 5 - Abs Core Plus

2009-05-10T14:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was quite a busy day....a lot to do around the house, then Christina hosted a girly party at our house, so I took our 3 boys to eat and then to some friends afterward. Didn't get home until late and then hit Abs Core Plus at 12:30 last night. What a great sweaty workout!

This morning....HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to ALL!!!! This morning...I hit Ab RipperX to wake up. Oh yeah!

Going to bust out the Kenpo Cardio from P90X+ a bit later.

Hope all you mums are having a great day!

P90X Again - Day 4 - CardioX

2009-05-08T23:24:00.005-05:00

Its Friday...the end of a week that needed to end. With the new schedule this was a good day for a good burn day....CardioX. There is a lot to do still from this week at work and it'll be done tonight and tomorrow. Crap! That workout was good. Actually a bit short, but the burn was good, the sweat was plenty. I feel great, but I need a vacation!

Short post, but I have some online training to get to tonight....BTW...anyone ready to be a Beachbody Coach....Shall I call out names, o followers? You know who you are! We have an awesome team of coaches and really do well keeping each other motivated. Lets get the FAT ole US leaned down. Imagine, we could replenish the ocean water with all that sweat.....EW!

P90X Again - Day 3 - Back & Biceps and ABRX

2009-05-07T10:44:00.005-05:00

Whoooooo......bands = burn!!! This morning, Christina and I busted out Back & Biceps but today on most of the Bicep exercises I chose to use the Pink Band that came in my super discounted Coach's Starter Pack! That band creates serious tension, serious burn. I was able to go to complete failure....NO MORE....PLEASE!!! That was goooood. Oh, and yes....there are perks for being a Beachbody Coach. If people have been approaching you about what you are doing to look so darn good, you really should consider being a Coach! What better way to stay in shape, then to get your stuff at a discount and also make a commission when the folks that approach you buy their P90X, supplements, or other Beachbody stuff from YOU! Ask yourself how many people have approached you when they see the results. Christina and I can't go anywhere without talking about P90X or nutrition. People are really starting to figure out that we live in a FAT nation....F A T. "Obese" is such an eloquent word....we are FAT!

If you are interested in being a BeachBody coach, please contact me....or visit my Beachbody site and select "Become a Coach"

Well....Christina taught a great lesson last night to close out our LifeGroup for the semester....It was on LOVE. When it gets down to it, God is Love...and without God we are nothing. So without Love, we are nothing. And....to know God is to Love Him, which is to love Love.

1 CORINTHIANS 13 (The Message) - 1 If I speak with human eloquence and
angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making
everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump,"
and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to
the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love,
I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do,
I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day;
praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a
portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when
the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and
cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog,
peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the
sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us,
knowing him directly just as he knows us!

13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three
things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope
unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

It is so awesome to see 1 JOHN 4:18 come to life through our group...

1 JOHN 4:18 (NKJV) - There is no fear in love; but perfect
love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not
been made perfect in love.

When you approach someone in Love, you have nothing to fear. Remember Psalm 23 - "...I will fear no evil; For You are with me...." Could we substitute "Love"...."....I will fear no evil, For Love is with me...."?

Know you are loved!

P90X Again - Day 2 - IntervalX

2009-05-05T19:48:00.005-05:00

Can you say "CARDIO?" Interval X, which is part of the "+" program is awesome! This is a must....If you are doing P90X again, I highly recommend getting "+" even if its just to do Intervals....this is proven to be a must for Cardio work out as your heart rate is up and down over and over throughout the workout. In the long run, will help you recover faster while during your workouts. Money.

After reading Christina's blog, I started thinking about when the beginning of being "unfit" was upon me. And I can confidently say that it hits us all at the same time....right after highschool graduation. As an athelete in highschool, I was an intense Basketball player and was a State Track Champion in Oklahoma....but after highschool, even after going into the Air Force, my fitness was no where close to what it was. We can help change that. If any of you know kids who are ready to graduate and hit the "real world"....don't let em get into the same rut we all did. That "freshman 15" can be avoided. And all it takes is a little mentoring. We all grew up looking up to our coaches...now you can become a coach to someone and be a real motivator.

Speaking of "ruts"....I heard a good definition for that....A "RUT" is simply a grave with the ends knocked out.

By the way....have you tried Shakeology. This is a great plan of attack for those kids who don't seem to get enough nutrition through the day....also who can't use a little boost of nutrients??? Try it.

P90X Again - Day 1 - Chest Shoulders Tris - AbRX

2009-05-04T19:31:00.002-05:00

OK....gut check and time to be honest with myself. Its not working on my own schedule. Its time to jump back into a hard core routine. I am starting P90X again, but this time in reverse (kinda)...I'm starting PhaseII of the program, but am going to run through the 90 day schedule again. Only difference.....I have the "+"....so instead of KenpoX, it'll be Kenpo Cardio+ for me. And then there will be Intervals thrown into the mix as well. But...BUT, I'm following the "X" schedule to get in the resistance that I want.

Tonight just proved my point. I want more and I need more of the schedule to stick to it again. CS&T's and Abs was the answer I needed. My Triceps feel like rocks, my shoulders are achy and my chest is tight....money. And to top it off on the Ab Ripper, tonight I did 10 extra on each move. And thanks to the "+" program, I again took from Abs Core+ and did the Banana Mason's instead of the Wide Leg Sit ups. Banana Mason is simple....start in Banana, sit up, do 5 Mason Twists...back to Banana and do it again, until (this time) you get to 35 Mason Twists. UGH! Feels good to be officially back into a schedule.

Hope all is well. As Christina mentioned in her blog...if you have or know someone with middle school, or high school aged athletes....get these kids to do P90X over the summer. I only wish I would have had this before playing High School Basketball! I would have dunked it anyway I wanted to! If you do it with them it'll also show them a bit of added discipline. And I know there isn't a kid alive that doesn't need more discipline! This is also a good time to consider being a Beachbody Coach...if you are interested or have any questions, please contact me.

P90X+ Day 15 - Kenpo Cardio X+ and Ab Ripper X

2009-04-30T22:54:00.004-05:00

That was a sweatfest! Punching, kicking, jumping, bouncing, lunging! What a fun fun cardio workout. And it flat wears you out. Even the breaks are full of action! And again...noooooooo Wesley Idol. There is no way to dog it on this one. Good workout. And yes, I busted out the Ab RipperX+ right after....can't loose out on that workout!

Last nights LifeGroup was amazing. As mentioned in my last post, the title of the lesson was:
"Is the Old Man Dead? Or.....does He Just Smell Bad?"

God gives new revelation, and with this it is a break from a lot of traditional teaching that many of us grew up with. Not only has the world shown us that we will deal with our issues and always deal with them, but so too have many churches taught the same. That we must deal with our sins, deal with who we were before we were saved...fight that battle of sin. ----What a load to carry!

Jesus was crucified 2009 years ago....Galations 2:20 says we were crucified with him. That means the dead spirit we were born into was exactly that....dead. The gift of salvation is available because of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus....He doesn't die again to give us another gift! Its up to us when we choose it....but we are choosing a gift that has always been available to us.

Romans 6:5-9 (NKJV) - For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, ⁶ knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. ⁷ For he who has died has been freed from sin. ⁸ Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, ⁹ knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. ¹⁰ For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

"our old man was crucified with Him"!!! - If we were crucified with Christ and through crucifixion he died, our old man can't die anymore either....LET HIM STAY DEAD!!!

Compare that to the weight you've lost during this lifestyle change of getting fit. In one year I've lost 45 pounds! I can tell you...when I pick up a 45 pound weight and am reminded of the amount I was carrying around, I guarantee that I am not going back to that....that is something that is dead to me. But....I can't, through my own will, succeed. I need help. ---- To simplify, We can not live righteously through the flesh....it is a guarantee that if we try, we will fail. Only through our new spirit can we live a righteous life. We will find that drive through our FAITH! And faith is not based on "feeling"....its not an emotion! It is based on a RECKONING!

ROMANS 6:11 (NKJV) - Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

RECKON means - To account for. Actively believing what you know. To substantiate by faith what is reality.

The key to RECKONING is REVELATION.....First you "KNOW" - Then you "RECKON"

So...when we RECKON our death, we RECKON our LIFE!

We come back to the question...."Are we sinners saved by grace, or saints who sometimes sin?"

If we still see our identity (WHO WE REALLY ARE) as a sinner, then we will be as we think we are.

BUT....if we see ourselves as a new creation, our life EXCHANGED at the cross, with a new nature, genetically new, with a new inner drive toward holiness, we will be as we RECKON we are. Stop carrying around that stinky old carcass and LIVE......Live the Exchanged Life!

P90X+ Day 14 - Shoulders & Arms and Ab RipperX

2009-04-28T19:36:00.002-05:00

Tonight....Good ole Shoulders & Arms with Ab RipperX. A great resistance workout. We are on such a busy schedule lately that we've been having to squeeze in working out whenever we can. That has to change. Yesterday we had Tommy's birthday party from which we didn't get home until pretty late in the evening. Tonight....workout, go eat, then gonna work out the new lesson for tomorrow's LifeGroup....Good stuff.

Teaser...the title of the lesson is:

"Is the Old Man Dead or Does He Just Smell Bad!"

Galations 2:20 (NKJV) - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Note the passage in Galations says...."have been crucified"...."no longer I who live"....These are past tense statements. So why have we always been taught to crucifiy ourselves to sin over and over and over....why do we fight the battle with sin constantly? The battle has been won....Jesus became sin so we would no longer be a slave to it.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

"the old has gone".....let the old stay gone!

P90X+ Day 13 - PLYO

2009-04-26T20:15:00.003-05:00

Wow....my legs feel like lead weights.....and they did right after I started! It has been too long since doing PLYO that I'm ripping myself for waiting. Demi...I'm still torn between which is harder...Plyo or Intervals. Maybe someone can do them back to back and see which is harder....ugh.

For anyone out there looking to join in on the fun and would consider having a not so random coach, please sign up under myself, Christina or KENEWAYNE. Its something that I can tell you we all believe in and would love to assist you guys or your friends in any way we can. We've all been through it and with that know what it takes to stay motivated and on track. If you consider, once you go to our site, hit "JOIN" at the top and simply join the Beachbody Community....its free and allows you to purchase the supplements and any of the Beachbody workouts through us. This is a program through Beachbody that we have committed to. Also, if you are interested in becoming a Beachbody Coach, you can also sign up under one of us. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Had an awesome, awesome day at church today....wow what a sermon on defeating our giants and seeing the world in 4 dimensional thinking. When we are facing strife, we need to first remember what God's word says and remember His promises. Remember, Goliath and the Philistines did not and because of that he was defeated by David through the strength of God!

Very awesome!

P90X+ Day 12 - Chest & Back and Ab RipperX

2009-04-25T17:58:00.004-05:00

OK....that was needed...back to good ole Day 1 of P90X...Chest & Back. Wow, after being sick for a few days that was tough. I am feeling a bit spend and weak. Lying around is hard on ya for strenght. I am now zapped! Glad I have my RECOVERY DRINK!!! I did change up the workout as I incorporated my P90X PowerStands....Nice, full range of motion with these. On the Wide Fly Pushups it really puts the stretch across the chest.

Ab Ripper was tough as well. Today on the Wide Leg Situps, I through in the Banana Mason's from Abs Core+.....from while always in "banana" you do one situp with 5 mason twists at the top of each one. I did 25 twists worth and then threw in 10 Wide Leg Situps.....then to finish off ARX, I twisted out 55 Mason Twists at the end. I could've puked at the end of that.

UGH!

Sick Days

2009-04-24T10:20:00.002-05:00

Well this really sucks! I woke up Thursday with a horrible sore throat and some fun body aches....just what I need! So fought it all day yesterday and hit some antibiotics and pain meds, but its on. Today, more of the same, so needless to say.....I'm gonna be feeling it big time on the next workout. I hate being sick and I know that Christina hates when I'm sick. Yes, I'm a husband and become very needy when I'm sick.....(what husband doesn't?)

Short post, but I'm gonna go get some rest.

Rest Day

2009-04-22T21:35:00.005-05:00

OK...I'm going to stop arguing with myself....Today is officially called REST! What an amazing LifeGroup tonight we had 38 people in our home for an amazing night of testimony. Out of the 38 people we had testimony from 15 who went to Trinity Fellowship's Women's Retreat! Amazing....just the love of God that they were able to experience! And with that it is so important to pour that out to those who didn't get to go.

In Genesis 28, the author writes about when Jacob deceived Isaac into thinking he was Esau to receive the blessing meant for the oldest son. Once this happened he fled. During this time Jacob had an encounter with God who told him:

Genesis 28:15 (NKJV) - Behold, I [am] with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.

As we read...it was as if Jacob only heard "Behold, I am with you." Because once Jacob awoke he marked that one spot as the "house of God."

Genesis 28:22 (NKJV) - And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God's house...

But...what we need to remember, is that Jesus came and died for us and when he did the veil was torn on the "house of stone".....Jesus came and died so that God's House is now in us. And that means He is with us where ever we are....

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) - "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) - lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age.

Whenever we have that retreat or mountain top experience, whenever that fire is lit in our hearts we need to remember that God is always with us....on the way to the mountain...on the way home from the mountain...God is with us NOW. We don't have to go to a place declared as the "House of God"....once we come to the cross and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior the House of God is us!!! He is with us!!!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) - Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Where there is light, there is no darkness....inside the House of God there can be no darkness...it is His new house...Let His light shine!

Whoooooo!!!!

P90X+ Day 11 - Abs Core+ and Ab RipperX

2009-04-22T09:20:00.002-05:00

This week has been busy busy busy! Oh my.....work is really hectic right now as it is coming on the end of our Sales period and everyone is nuts. My brain hurts worse than my abs right now. Last night was gonna be a cardio/ab day, but as you can see from the title...I got a little psycho and did abs and more abs. Yes....it hurt. But...I was still able to get out all of my leg shaking mason twists at the end. WOW! Abs Core+ is very cool as it digs into your core and brings it right out to the upper and lower ab muscles! Standing Crunches to Hanging Knee Circles....its money. Then to throw in good ole Ab RipperX....craaaaaap. Right about "Reverse Bicycles" I was starting to question my decision, but I pushed through...

Tonight at LifeGroup will be amazing...each year after our Women's Retreat and then our Men's Retreat in the Fall, we have a night of testimony...tonight will be awesome as just from what I have heard so far the experience was amazing. Our LifeGroup is also growing each week. Tonight we're expecting 30-40 people. I pray that God gives us direction as to what will happen when we outgrow our home. Christina and I just love to serve and in that love to love.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 (NKJV) - And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these [is] love.

This love is AGAPE love....the unconditional love that God has for us. This is the love that we should have for one another.

Know you are loved. - God Bless!

P90X+ Day 10 - Chest Shoulders & Tri's - Abs Core+

2009-04-20T23:36:00.002-05:00

Today...Monday - Wow what a day. As the title states, the schedule held a round of CST's and Abs..but, in the wake of a Monday, Christina and I are going to hit this day in the morning. After Christina's long, wonderful weekend, she hit a wall and needs some rest, so rest we shall have together. Wow....did you read her blog. The outpouring has been amazing....I can't wait until Wednesday at LifeGroup when the ladies share their testimonies...we're even having another group as guests who will also bring theirs. I can't wait. God is moving in amazing ways right now, but in His movement, He is also doing some heavy pruning. Now more that ever we have to decide what we will do for His kingdom. We have to ask ourselves....are we seeking God for what we want for us...or seeking God for what He has for us?

Hebrews 12:28 (NKJV) - Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

Note that doesn't say "grace so we can be covered"!!! It says...Grace, by which we may serve Him!!! And when its His Grace, that mean's He is with us. Grace is an empowerment!

P90X+ Day 9 - IntervalX+

2009-04-19T23:35:00.002-05:00

Yes....35 minutes of kick arse cardio! Intervals really get your heart pumping! And it is FUN! Still not sure if its harder than Plyo, as they both are pretty intense, but Intervals really brings it for the entire workout. I tried like mad to make it to the water break, but my throat was begging for moisture. Anyway.....most importantly....I had my workout partner back. Christina came home today and even though she was worn out, she jumped right in and brought it....thanks a lot!

I tell ya....I have been so blessed by all of the positive comments from the stories so far from the Women's Retreat that Christina just returned from....I encourage you to read her blog for the details...awesome, awesome stuff. Always good to get away with God. But....don't forget....it doesn't take "The Mountain" to experience God. We are that mountain....He lives in us. We are that "HOLY PLACE"...Jesus died and the veil was torn on the stone temple....so now that temple is us. If we want to feel that "mountain top" fire....we just need to press in and come boldly to Him.

Christina's Women's Retreat Workshop

2009-04-18T20:32:00.003-05:00

Thanks everyone for the prayers. Got a call from Christina she couldn't remember much, which tells me there was a lot of Holy Spirit in that room! I spoke with one of her dear friends and she said there were a lot of comments like "Life Changing!" I am so proud of her especially for the fact that she has such a servant heart and most importantly she did it for the Kingdom of God!!!! That is what it is all about!

P90X+ Day 8 - Back & Biceps & Ab RipperX

2009-04-18T18:07:00.003-05:00

Well...today was a day to go back to classic for me. I know, I know, I'm starting the mix up of the schedule early, but I've been feeling the need for this workout all day. And...it was really worth doing. I've missed that one. I'm thinking that one will be worked in more often. I also hit Ab RipperX.....I had to get a couple of little ones out of the tub between B&B and Ab's and almost called it quits, but I have a goal and that goal is to get rid of the gut....and that is going to take work from the inside out and back again. Every day! Core, Abs, Cardio...burn, burn and more burn!

Its now 6:15 which means Christina's workshop has ran long by 45 minutes so far...praise God! She was ready and confident and nervous at the same time. I just know the nervousness was the Holy Spirit stirring. I can't wait to hear how it was!

Well...back to the "+" and Intervals tomorrow! Looking forward to that one.

P90X+ Day 7 - XStretch

2009-04-17T21:46:00.003-05:00

Ahhhhh.....a good end to a hectic day. Hectic only from those from work. Amazing how I can get so much done with a 3 and 4 year old around, but I can only give credit to the prayers from my friends! My boys are so awesome and more importantly Christina is. I love the time I've been spending with our sons....tonight I took them out to eat, which at a busy restaurant can always be an adventure....they were great!

I've talked with Christina and she is having a great time. Amazing confirmations already. Wednesday night at LifeGroup she gave a word to one of the ladies who comes to our group...

Psalm 45:11 - So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He [is] your Lord, worship Him.

By worshiping God, He and everyone will not only see your outer beauty, but the beauty that floods your soul and spirit!

Thursday night when our Women's Director spoke, she addressed the women and shared with them a scripture that was on her heart....it was Psalm 45:11!!!!

Awesome!

P90X+ Day 6 - Kenpo Cardio+

2009-04-16T18:19:00.002-05:00

Wow! Even Mr Wesley Idol could burn some goo on that one! Kenpo Cardio+ is awesome! Lots of moving, lots of burn....So important to have experienced P90X's KenpoX as it takes a lot of the punches, kicks, knees & blocks and throws them into new combos using a lot of cardio movement to keep you sweating and sweating a lot and next thing you know, you've just busted your butt for 40 minutes and it leaves you wanting more! That was absolutely fun.

Well Christina left today for Women's Retreat in New Mexico's Pecos Mountains....She is going to have an amazing time and an amazing opportunity to minister to a lot of women of how God raised her up to be an amazing child of His! Through being the oldest of 5 children and loosing her mother at the age of 16, she had every opportunity in the world to turn to the ways of the world, but God had mighty plans for her life. With the conference being sold to capacity, I know that God is going to place women with her that as a result will draw closer to Him as our father and our comforter. Please keep her in your prayers Saturday afternoon!

God Bless!

P90X+ Day 5 - Upper + and Ab RipperX

2009-04-15T23:14:00.004-05:00

OK....the unknown is over. Upper+ is in the books, in the memory and tonight it was time to bring it and bring on some new burn. If you are doing P90X or P90X+ do yourself a favor and buy some Power Stands....They are awesome for getting an absolute full range of motion in your pushups. What a pull! Right now I'm feeling some serious chest & shoulder burn, unlike that of Pre-Power Stand pushups. Great workout tonight.

Then, at the last minute, I decided for some "old school" ab burn....through in Ab Ripper X and got the good Ab Rip going again and again, gained 5 more Mason Twists...that's 50. I can say now, that having the flexibility to mix and match the Classic with the + is going to be awesome. Money!

Tonight LifeGroup was amazing. We discussed Having Faith in the Promise of God. And how we must meet God half way when He sets our path before us, but how we must walk in Faith to achieve all that He has. Also how often our faith is tested and then tested again.

Have you ever found yourself after many tests thinking that you could return your "old ways" because you were "in control" then? Ask yourself....Were you "in control?" There was once a group of Israelites in the desert that thought they had it easier where they came from, but did they? When we begin to think like the Israelites did, we take our eyes off of what they did....God's Promise. How can we think anything is worth more? Being Christian is not easy...but through the tests we go through, if we focus on God, we always come out stronger.

Kenpo CardioX+ Tomorrow....can't wait!

P90X+ Day 4 - Not Yoga

2009-04-14T23:56:00.002-05:00

Well....today was supposed to be a YogaX day...but...we took today at a Rest Day. Christina is getting ready for Women's Retreat so we took tonight as an opportunity to grab a sitter and go out for dinner and run a few errands. A great evening with an amazingly beautiful woman!

Looking forward to a busy day tomorrow....I guess having such a full schedule presses me. Conference call....big customer meeting...finalizing a lesson for our LifeGroup to teach on....oh what else....oh yeah, P90X+!!! "Bring It" on!

P90X+ Day 3 - Total Body+ and Ab Ripper X

2009-04-14T00:08:00.002-05:00

OK....I had to pull back to some old. I guess officially my focus is my abs and core! Tonight was a great workout....Christina wasn't feeling well and it was getting very late, so I hit the Play Button at 11:15 Tonight....ugh! Total body does a great job of pushing a lot of strength and balance in a lot of mixed moves. It steps up some cardio through the moves as there is a lot of changing during and between each exercise. Pretty enjoyable, and of course in P90X fashion....LOTS of sweat! Great workout as my back today was very tight and very sore. I love some good soreness, but with a history of lower back tweaks, I'm always careful when my back starts to disagree.....and so it was over and time to make a decision....I couldn't help it. Ab RipperX hit the DVD player once again, and IT....WAS.....GOOOOOD!!!! Something I hated is now something I just love, love, love, love! Awesome! I even pumped out some bonus reps on the Mason Twists!

Well...two more days with Christina at home before she heads to the mountains for Women's Retreat with 5-600 other women, leaving us men to fend for ourselves. Good thing I have boys as its sooo much easier getting them ready for the day. I'm so proud of Christina for the awesome workshop she'll be teaching. Its hard enough to loose a parent at a young age, but to teach on her experiences and how God has built her into the woman she is today is just amazing. Please keep her in your prayers this weekend.

Yoga or something tomorrow...maybe a little XStretch!

P90X+ Day 2 - Interval X+

2009-04-12T19:56:00.003-05:00

That was definetly a lung burner! Sweat, sweat, sweat, burn, burn, burn! All the way in and all they way out with one break and a lot of heart pounding cardio! That was awesome! Its been really interesting to see how I would feel now that P90X is over and we are faced with our new lifestyle....would I continue? I have my answer....oh yeah! I'm so ready to 'Bring It' again, I almost want to push in more workouts in the day....After doing yesterday and today, I feel new soreness in new places.

With that, I'm going to modify the "+" schedule a bit. Like P90X, it goes in 3 week/1 week intervals....I'm going to incorporate more of the P90X into it to create more of a variance. Either way, it gonna be good!

Today, Resurrection Day, at church was amazing. I had the honor in praying with a man who prayed for Salvation. He was Sudanese and his story was amazing. He had been forced into the Sudanese Army at a very young age and all he knew his whole life until coming to the U.S. was "death, hate, killing and no family life to speak of." Today, by the Grace of God, he became a member of a new family! It was so awesome! I then took him to our bookstore as he didn't have a Bible to see if he could order one in a language easier for him to read. While he waits he decided to find one in English which, thanks to our bookstore manager, was given to him. Wow! What a Blessing and Honor for God to facilitate this encounter! Praise God!

P90X+ Day 1 - Upper Body and Abs Core Plus

2009-04-11T19:28:00.004-05:00

First things first....CONGRATULATIONS to Ken and Alana Price for today, completing Round 1 of P90X!!!! Awesome work guys, you've fought through winter illness and even restarted one week, but pushed through until finality! What a great weekend to finish on too! You guys have a blessed weekend!

OK.....two words....Over Optimistic! After doing a 2 day fast with the "2 Day Fast Formula" from BB and only getting a total of about 1,000 Colories (maybe) in those 2 days, I guess I was a bit overly optimistic in expecting to have the same ability to "Bring It" as I've had. But, I did my best and pushed through and I can tell you....well, I'll repeat what Christina said..."If my arms could puke, they would!".....Wow! I didn't think I had that many fluids left to sweat that much, but I sweat like an ice cube in a furnace! All I can say is you definitely have to watch your form on most of these exercises as some of them are right on the line of crossing into potential injury....mostly shoulder or back. I tell you, I am so pleased with the amount of pull ups I've graduated to from P90X! Awesome.

Now Abs Core Plus....wow. Again, I'm still on the fence between it and Ab RipperX, but I guess its due to the amount of increased Core that makes it so much different.

In looking at the program, I'm not sure I'm going to stick to the "+" schedule, as I'd like to incorporate more of the P90X DVD's into it....so instead of 3 weeks of the same, maybe going 2 weeks of "+", 1 Week of P90X (P1 or P2) and then the scheduled "+" Recovery week which also incorporates some of the P90X. I think that is going to jack the "Muscle Confusion" to the roof! I am so ready to feel the additional burn and drop the rest of the gooo in the gut!

BTW...the 2 Day fast was amazing. I can tell you if you are considering a fast, the 2 Day Fast Formula is a great way to do it. I lost 4 more pounds in the 2 days I did it, and was very suprised by the great Chocolate taste and smoothness of the drink. Of course the most important thing is to use the opportunity to draw closer and closer to God.....With that God will take care of the hunger. I can tell you I got pretty hungry last night at about 10:00, but pushed through and also encouraged Christina to push through until BreakFAST.....Today I've really been trying to push the calories, but did not get enough....Tonight for dinner, I'm going to push some extra carbs in getting some extra brown rice in me. Right now after pushing so hard, I'm defining "BONK."

Not sure what we have tomorrow, but rest assured, it'll be goooooood.

Hope everyone has an awesome Resurrection Sunday! What an awesome time to enjoy what God has blessed us all with equally!

JOHN 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life!

We all have been given free will by God....that leads to a choice that is as simple as Black or White, On or Off, 1 or 0.....Heaven or Hell. ABC would lead you to believe that Satan and Hell don't exist....explore your heart.

John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Quite simply, you can't believe only portions of the Word. If you reject part of the Word, you reject God. Test your heart....dig deep in His Word as He is the Truth...

John 8:31 - Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Experience the FREEDOM in Him!

God Bless and again...Have an awesome Resurrection Sunday!

Teleo - GK - "It is finished"

2009-04-10T19:50:00.003-05:00

That says it all. It is finished. The pain and suffering that Jesus went through for us... beaten, bruised, ridiculed....only to become sin for us and declare....."teleo" - "it is finished."

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jesus didn't "take on our sin" as many teach....He became sin. Through the cross, we can make a choice to become and heir and shed the very spirit of sin we are born into. Through Him, we are no longer sinners, but saints. We are no longer bound to sin as we were when we lived through the flesh.

Romans 8:15-17 - For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with [Him], that we may also be glorified together.

As in the Roman society, when we are "adopted"...all debts are cancelled, we are now equal to the natural sons as an heir to the estate....and in the eyes of the law, we are no longer who we were. We have a new identity.

As I reflect on many friendships how strong bonds can become between friends how we grow to where we will sacrifice and lay down a lot to help them out.

Jesus said....(John 15:13 (ESV)) Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.

He calls us friends and he did lay down his life for us. Jesus hung on a cross reserved for a robber named 'Barrabas' - "Barrabas" means in Greek - "son of the father" .....Jesus hung on a cross reserved for the son of the father.

"Teleo" - It is finished.

All In One Glass!!!

2009-04-09T22:29:00.001-05:00

Wow! This says it all for the benefits of Shakeology! http://www.branson90x.com

SHAKEOLOGY!!!

2009-04-08T21:44:00.004-05:00

Wow....what a great flavor! Today waiting on my porch were 3 boxes and one of em had our Shakeology in it. As Christina and I are going to start doing our 2 Day Fast Formula, we quickly decided to hit the Shakeology!!!! All I can say is, that tasted awesome. We bought the "Chocolate" flavor and it was very rich in taste! To think of all of the nutrients packed into that one shake and to actually taste like real chocolate!

I've had your typical "Chocolate" flavored health shakes before and they taste like.....well....a big glass of vitamins masked with a hit of chocolate....Not this one! Good stuff!

Take a look, you'll be amazed at the nutrients packed into this thing! For $4 per shake thats is sooooo inexpensive compared to what we might spend on a typical meal and way more nutritious!

P90X+ Maintenance

2009-04-07T21:19:00.002-05:00

Well...tonight we went out to eat with some friends and I just wanted to add to the joy of our P90X results Fit Test, so tonight when I got home, I knocked out Ab RipperX.....although...I threw in a change!!!! Instead of the traditional Mason Twists, I did the Banana Mason Twists from Abs Core+. Still 40 twists, but throw a Banana and a situp in between every 5 twists....money!

That's it for now! God Bless!

P90X - Post Test - The Results!

2009-04-07T16:21:00.003-05:00

Wow.....wow!

OK...the results are in, today I went home for lunch and Christina and I did our P90X Post Fit Test and took our 90x Day Measurements.....very good!

I'll give you a shot at mine, and let Christina post her results up....on her blog!

Measurements:

Day 0 - Weight - 213.6 lb
Day 90 - Weight - 191 lb -----Difference 10.6% loss

Day 0 - Chest - 45.5"
Day 90 - Chest - 40.5"------Difference 11% loss

Day 0 - Waist (Belly) - 40"
Day 90 - Waist (Belly) - 37"-----Difference 7.5% loss

Day 0 - Hips - 43.5"
Day 90 - Hips - 39" -----Difference 10.3% loss

Fit Test:

Day 0 - Chin ups - 3
Day 90 - Chin ups - 13 -----Difference 333% Increase

Day 0 - Vertical Leap - 18"
Day 90 - Vertical Leap - 24"!!!! -----Difference 33.3% Increase!

Day 0 - Pushups - 15
Day 90 - Pushups - 50 -----Difference 233% Increase

Day 0 - Toe Touch Stretch - 0
Day 90 - Toe Touch Stretch - +5

Day 0 - Wall Squat - 40 Sec
Day 90 - Wall Squat - 3:26! ----- Difference 415% Increase!!!

Day 0 - In & Outs - 31
Day 90 - In & Outs - 150! ----- Difference 387% Increase!!!

Wow....I think this P90X thing just might work! HAHA! Of course it does. And I'm here to tell you that there is a whole host of excuses that I could have given to NOT have done P90X, but I didn't....I pushed through and it works. If there is someone on the fence, tell them to get off of it and get to work! If you'd like to read my transformation story, please visit my Team Beachbody Website....

Those are the numbers that will keep you going....and yes, they are real numbers, gained through lots of sweat and lots of work. But nothing comes for free and you sure not going to get that in any little pill!

Christina shared a great scripture with me last night that hit the nail on the head...and "The Message" reads sweetly:

1 CORINTHIANS 9:26-27 (The Message) - I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Emerald Coaches

2009-04-07T09:40:00.003-05:00

Well....as Christina has been working hard to get her Beachbody stuff up and running, it is now going. And with that she and Demi Bean are now "Emerald Coaches"....Super Job.

Congratulations to both! Now from the far right of the left leg...sell, sell, sell!

P90X+ WarmUp - Abs Core+

2009-04-05T19:45:00.003-05:00

Yes, Yes, Yes....that was an awesome workout!!!! OK...so my new attitude isn't wanting to let my body rest too much longer. Over the last couple of days, I've been burning to get back into it. So today to curb the appetite, Christina and I threw in one of the new P90X+ DVD's and checked out "Abs Core+" and let me tell you...this one is awesome! A lot of sweat, a lot of strain on the core...especially the abs. Not sure if its as difficult as Ab RipperX, but it sure engages in a different manner. The hanging Ab workouts are money. I now wish my door frame was about 2 feet higher as being 6' 2" it makes it pretty interesting starting in a hanging position. My legs all of the sudden get a bit heavier in a bent position. Oh well....heavier just means more resistance!

Over the last couple of day's I've been checking out the workouts and I can tell you...no matter what phase of P90x your in, start preparing yourself to take it to the next level with P90X+.....There's nothing wrong with maintaining, but after a few weeks, you're just going to plateau again and you'll need to start mixing it up again. One thing you'll need to invest in for "+" are some PowerStands...There are a few exercises where you'll be moving between them....from plank to dips!!! Sound exciting???

I'm getting pumped now! Ready to start...my PowerStands will be here in a couple of days and then its time for "X+"!!!! Oh yeah!
I've also ordered Shakeology...after reading the benefits of this, I'm really impressed with how many nutrients are packed into these shakes. I also want to see the benefits from this as, although I like fruits & veggies, I have a lot of friends who are picky eaters who don't like to eat vegetables....well if this can be their solution then I'll highly recommend it. If you know anyone who fits this category....check it out at my Beachbody site.

Hope all is well during this week! Its as good of time as any to remember the promise fulfilled by Jesus Christ that has given us all the hope of eternal life! Jesus died on a Friday and rose again on a Sunday. He endured beatings, ridicule, torture and endured because he knew the promise of God from Psalm 16:10-11:
"For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In your presence [is] fullness of joy; At Your right hand [are] pleasures forevermore.

Jesus endured through because he new this promise...He endured Friday because he knew Sunday was coming! While we endure the tough times, we should stand on the promise that our Sunday is coming! God's word is our promise!

P90X+ Still in a Holding Pattern But...

2009-04-04T13:24:00.003-05:00

Well over the last couple of days I've committed myself and to others that I would get out today and take a little run, just to see how I felt. And today even though it is a little windy, I did it. I put in the ole' CardioX DVD to do the warm up portion and then hit the road. Wow....I guess I didn't realize just how windy it was. It felt OK, but my lungs were on fire after pressing into that driving wind. I didn't stay out too long....came home, hit a recovery drink (see below)...and then decided to check the wind....This picture is a shot of WeatherBug from my IPhone! Yes....45MPH Sustained Winds! 61 MPH Gusts! What a moron I am! I then jumped in the Jeep and drove the route....1 Mile, just under 10 minutes. I don't know if that is good or not, wasn't really going for time, just to see how I felt. Not sure anyone would feel good in that wind!

Oh, the recovery drink! If you haven't tasted the P90X Recovery Drink, it is amazing! Smooth and very flavorful. Wow! This thing is a MUST for post workout Recovery. Many people are used to recovering the "old fashioned" way and just waiting for your next meal, but I can tell you, you are robbing your body of essential nutrients....something is going to win....muscles & joints, or tired body. The Recovery drink really helps in reducing soreness and helps rebuild those torn muscles and tired joints! Check it out @ http://www.branson90x.com. Oh, don't forget to order your P90X+!!!

Hope all is well....I do want to congratulate Demi for completing a 10K run this morning. Glad you didn't see the wind we are having here. Great job!

P90X+ Ground 0 and Holding!

2009-04-04T00:17:00.003-05:00

Had a great day today, just remembering the last 90 Days....wow. Conversation after conversation today revolved around the X....and then, as I arrived home from work, there on the porch sat 2 new Beachbody boxes! I didn't even pull in the garage so I could go through the front door to pick up the boxes....it was like Christmas! And what did we get....Recovery Formula, Slimming Formula, "Tony & the Kids DVD"....and P90X+!!!! I quickly opened everything, tried Recovery Drink...YUMMY!!! Dreamsicle!!! Read a bit of the slimming formula bottle, handed the Kid workout to my oldest and then through in Upper + to check it out....Crap that looks like an awesome workout. More more more! I'm so ready to get going again, I was telling Christina at lunch today how much I felt like working out....To look back 95 days ago, I'd have never said that! In taking P90X one day at a time, I kept saying that this was a life changing choice and just how I felt today was proof in that!

Tomorrow, I'm going to take my progress outside and go for a run. And again on that, after telling Christina that I want to go for a run, she said, "I never thought I'd ever hear you say that!" I love it!

This week has been a week that God has really placed on my heart the fact that many people we are in contact with are with heavy heart. We had a great time of ministry Wednesday in LifeGroup to pray over this. Today I was brought to a scripture to add.

John 10:10 (NIV) - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

As we deal with situations in our lives when sin trying to wrestle us away from the life that Jesus brought to us, we have to take the authority given to us and rule over that sin. God has shown us through his word that we have this authority!

Genesis 4:6-7 (NKJV) - So the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire [is] for you, but you should rule over it."

So...if there is a issue of strife or worry, we must remember that God's word is our best weapon against it. I encourage you to pick it up and read it, aloud if you have to, shout it joyfully!

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV) - For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things [are] naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we [must give] account.

That doesn't say that "some" things are naked...."ALL THINGS ARE NAKED"....Remember, Satan is not omniscient...but whatever evil is on you once you start swinging the "sword" is "naked"....I love to picture that strife, or that worry, or whatever is oppressing us standing there naked and ready to run...especially when we get into Gods word and begin to read it over ourselves. No creature can hide! God is so awesome!

God Bless!

P90X - Day 90 - CardioX and ABRIPPERX

2009-04-02T19:37:00.004-05:00

We are done!!!! Done! Done! Done! Post later, we're going to EAT!

Yes...I finished with AB RipperX....What a freak!

-------

OK...we're back...tonight was amazing. What a way to end the 90 Days....what a great feeling to finish and finish strong doing CardioX and Ab RipperX....Very happy! Wow!

OK...tonight we celebrated by going to the Outback. My 8 year old has really missed that place and tonight that was his choice. Yes, we ordered the worst appetizer known to man....Cheese Fries! Yes, I had a few....but honestly, just didn't really care for the taste. I used to love those things....so much so that I could eat a plate for a meal. NO MORE! I really couldn't even go hog wild either...went with a slow roasted pork sandwich and only ate half the bread. I do highly recommend that everyone have a meal like this when they are done, just to show your body that you are now on the same page...........................I feel kinda crappy now.

OK....back to the good stuff! Graduation day is here and its sooooo awesome that Christina and I did this together. Love it!

Now...if anyone reads this or any of your friends are on the fence about P90X....GET OFF THE FENCE and do it!!!! There is no excuse that works! NONE! This program is amazing and very do-able. All you gotta do is push "PLAY" on the 3rd day and your in for the 90! Christina and I had all of the excuses that anyone can use and we did it. And I thank God for the strength to get through this! Good stuff!

Time for a short rest. My body needs it.

P90X - Day 89 - Core Synergistics

2009-04-01T16:57:00.002-05:00

Day 89 is in the books!!! This brings me back to my best round of golf ever....It was hole 18, we were finishing in the dark, I had about a 15' putt for even par....I took the putt.....missed it by 6". Why you ask....I can just see some weird crap happening tomorrow that would prevent me from saying...."I'm finished!" That would suck. But I won't let that happen. I can't believe we've begun the hour countdown to the Day 90 workout!

Today we pushed hard as we had only enough time to get everything in with no water breaks or ballistic stretches....wow what a sweat fest! Core is really a great workout when you "engage!" From the beginning we went for broke. Had to push pause on them as they were done with their stacked foot pushups at the beginning....we were still pushing em out. 45 for me, 40 for Christina! And so the burn started!

Tonight we start our LifeGroup back up after a couple of weeks off due to Spring Break and a special Prayer Night at Church....So excited to get back into the word as a LifeGroup Family! We will continue our series called "I'm Not Who I Was - Our Identity in Christ" What a great and necessary study. Next lessons that have been laid on my heart are studies on Our Death - Killing the Old Man For Good and "The Authority In Me". I love the challenge of preparing lessons around titles!

Hope all is well with everyone. Hope your spiritual and fitness goals are being met....If not, I know of some great coaches! :~)

I DARE YOU!

2009-04-01T11:53:00.001-05:00

I took the dare....will you? This week Christina and I will complete P90X - Round 1. This has been amazing, and to be honest....I want more! With that, we took the dare and ordered P90X+! Are you ready to bring it again? I Dare You!

P90X - Day 88 - X Stretch

2009-04-01T00:06:00.002-05:00

Oh am I going to sleep gooooood now! Nothing like a good long relaxing stretch right before bed. Its actually been awhile since Christina and I have been able to get the XStretch in. We've had to opt into RestX too many times. I was so glad to get that in tonight! It is soooo important to stretch.

Kenewayne, great to talk to you tonight. I guess we have two more goals....1 - make you a nerd. 2 - convert you to a Jeeper! Ha! You and Alana are doing great and I know you guys are going to make great coach's in your area. Congrats on the domain name addition! I tested the forward and its working! http://www.pricefamilyfitness.com Great choice in domains...that's one you could take a long way!

Well Day 88 is in the books. I think I can hear Pomp and Circumstance playing now! Core Synergistics tomorrow and for Day 90 I think we'll end it right with a little CardioX....or maybe we'll take all day and do all the DVD's back to back. NOOOOOOO! Can you imagine?!?! CardioX it is. And after much discussion it looks like we'll wait a week to hit the Fast Formula as we'll be taking a few days to re-aclimate to the world of rest. And then back at it until "+" hits the porch. Can't wait!

New Site Addresses

2009-03-31T14:25:00.002-05:00

Well...to make it easier for all to remember I've gone out and, well....made it easier on everyone.

Christina and I have new domain names to get to our BeachBody Coach Sites...they are:

Christina - http://www.bransonfit.com/

Me - http://www.branson90x.com/

These forward you directly to our BB sites.

For anyone interested in having either myself or Christina as your personal Beachbody Coach, please note that it is at no cost to sign up. Simply visit one of our websites listed above, select "Join" and you'll see the link to "Join Our Community for Free." That is it!

Thanks to all!

P90X - Day 87 - KenpoX

2009-03-30T19:35:00.002-05:00

Well...last time for KenpoX....the air in my room is officially beat to a pulp. We've punched and kicked and blocked and kneed and I can tell you. My body is ready for a rest. It'll be a short rest, but I'm ready for some healing. Hips, shoulders, knees all need a bit of recovery. This has been awesome! I've enjoyed Kenpo very much other than watching Mr. Wesley Idol in the back dogging it....man what he could look like if he would step it up. He'd be a freaking muscle monster. Oh well.

Tonight I'm going to grill some Pepper Steaks and enjoy them. The a little 24 and off hitting the sack early tonight!

Out.

P90X - Branson Coaches

2009-03-30T16:40:00.007-05:00

Well...since we had to get some pics up for our Beachbody coach sites, we had our oldest son take some pics of us together. See if we still look ok together....HA.

The first pic was taken while we still enjoyed each other's chunk and heft! This was at about 12,000 feet along the trail to Imogene Pass above Teluride, CO. I was about 230-235 in this pic...and thick! Almost needed the "bro"...you know, the "manzier."
And Christina....(not from me)

The second picture was taken last night after our Core workout. Man she is hot! What a beautiful woman! Wow....wow! I'm now sitting at 193 and a lot leaner. And Christina ... (not from me) :-)

I'll let Christina post up her before and after shots, but here's me on the same trip to Colorado where the before pic was taken above.....and then one of me last night.

Not quite ready to blind you with my lilly white skin, so we'll stick to the P90X Tank for now! ;-D

P90X - Day 86 - Core SynergistiX

2009-03-29T19:35:00.003-05:00

Mercy....I think that was the longest its ever taken us to do Core....I almost wanted to start over after all of the interruptions. Phone, kids, dog, cramps.....yes I was doing the Plank to Chaturanga Run and while in the Chaturanga got the absolute worst cramp in the side of my neck....ahhhhh. But we pushed through and we have success! 4 more workout days left...4 more!!!! Then we EAT LIKE KINGS!!!! Naaaaah. I can't believe we are this close to the next phase. Although, Christina was a bit frustrated today as I think she's tired of listening to Tony's voice over and over each day....hahaha. Although I think now I've memorized each of his corny jokes! Almost like quoting Top Gun over and over. Funny.

Well as today is Sunday, we enjoyed a great day at Church and then lunch with some friends. Today was very confirming for me as over the last week or so, God had really placed a lesson on my heart to teach in our LifeGroup. As it has been over the last 6 months, it always starts with the lesson's title....this time it is "The Authority In Me".....the lesson will have to do with the authority that Jesus left us with before and after his death and resurrection and how we need to recognize and accept that authority and not just believe that we can only pray for God's will. As given in Matthew 16:18-19:

"And I also say to you to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Peter used this authority, which is a great example for all of us, when he approached the temple at the hour of prayer. When he and John approached the lame man....Acts 3:6-7:

Then Peter said, "silver and gold I do not have but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

God's authority given to us through Jesus Christ is amazing and powerful...its time to take up our arms and use that authority!

God Bless

Blog Status

2009-03-29T14:28:00.003-05:00

OK....I think I have the Blog set now...I just discovered last night that the Comment section was broken...I think it is now fixed, but for some reason I can't get the comments inline like they were. But...I have the work around working. I sure hope that I got it right now. Hope the change is bueno..

P90X - Day 85 - YogaX

2009-03-28T22:23:00.002-05:00

Yes...I read that too....YogaX....Tonight after a long, hard, last week of P90X, we really needed a long, deep, muscle burning hour plus of Yoga. Although it was obvious we had not done YogaX in a while due to the lack of balance, I was still surprised with the improvements. Boy did that help the ole cheeks.

I can't believe this is the final week. I'm torn in my feelings as I still know I have a lot of improvements to go. But, my mindset is definetly way improved and I'm so into a better lifestyle. Christina and I have pushed and pushed hard. We are both ready for a short break, but also ready to keep pushing play. And this time.....the + !!!!

90 Days until the real heat of Summer....enough time to press on and bust out the rest of the goo-rid.

Core week begins!

P90X - Day 84 - KenpoX

2009-03-27T20:24:00.008-05:00

Well after restarting KenpoX about 3 times, we were finally able to roll on through it. Oh my boys....oh my boys. I think this snow is having a weird effect on all 3 of them....even Buddy our dog is acting a bit strange. Kenpo was a great refresh tonight....It had been getting a bit boring, but tonight it was good. I was soooo sore after Legs & Back on Wednesday...was really looking forward to heating up the Hammys and the Buns....oh my buns were feeling like someone was kneeing them over and over. But they feel good now. Aren't you glad you're thinking of them? HAHA!!!

OK...as of this afternoon, I ordered it.....I ordered P90X+!!!!!! Pretty cool. I've also been researching the supplements a bit and have ordered the Slimming Formula as well as the P90X Recovery Formula. Once I get them, I'll be doing some reporting on em.

If you are interested in these products please visit mine or Christina's Team Beachbody Website.

http://www.branson90x.com - Me
http://www.bransonfit.com - Christina

We'd love to offer any assistance we can and please tell your friends.

P90X - Day 83 - RestX

2009-03-27T12:48:00.002-05:00

Well last night Christina and I had a great opportunity to have dinner with one of our favorite pastors and his wife from church and our LifeGroup. So we flipped days with today and went for a RestX day....with that in lieu of the upcoming last week of P90X, we are going to hit KenpoX and XStretch tonight....Can't do anything else as we are under a huge blizzard.

Getting excited about the upcoming extension of our P90X journey as we have become coaches and are going to push hard to assist others in their journey as well.

With that, I want let everyone know that Christina is back on Blogger!!!! christinabranson.blogspot.com....Please check out her blog (don't foget to become a follower!)

Thanks again for all of the support and kind comments.

Bring on the +!!!!

P90X - New Coaches

2009-03-25T21:42:00.005-05:00

OK...after some thoughts about it, Christina and I have both signed up to be Beach Body Coaches. We have put P90X to the test as it has put us to the test and it works and works well. This is a great opportunity for us to continue to assist, motivate, pray for and help folks research and maintain their fitness goals and hopefully their spiritual goals.

I'd also like to welcome a brother in Christ, Kenewayne as a Beach Body Coach as well. In seeing some of Ken's pics, I know he's a walking billboard for the successes of P90X....its amazing how many people ask!

Our website are coming, but they are:

http://www.bransonfit.com(Christina)
http://www.branson90x.com (me)

P90X - Day 82 - Legs & Back and Ab RipperX'd

2009-03-25T21:27:00.002-05:00

Today was the last Ab RipperX of our 90 Days of the "X"....and it felt goooood. Today I came home for lunch a bit frustrated with work. But....in taking a bit of a long lunch Christina and I pushed out a fast paced Legs & Back....skipping all of the breaks and yapping in between exercises. What a sweat fest that made it. Today was a great day of pushing hard, squatting hard, and lunging even harder....I love sneaky lunges and oh how I love the calf raises. (you have to jump on the last 10 burners....its awesome!) I am so proud of Christina for sticking with this with me...she is very motivating and always keeps me going. I can't tell you what has happened, but this last week to week 1/2 I have been busting out the pullups more than ever. Christina as well. Although neither one of us reached our "Pull Up Goal"...we still have seen major improvements.

Then we hit the Ab Ripper for the last time (not ever)...and again sweat fest....the sweat was pooling on top of my bald head!!! As Mason Twists have always been a bear for me, I pushed myself to try for 45 and well....I hit 44 and colapsed. Grrrrrr. Then Christina went for broke and twisted out 70 of them....Wow!!! Great stuff.

Tonight we had an awesome praise and prayer meeting at church to pray for rain for the area and for God to reveal a new reigning in our lives....What an awesome time. One of my great passions over the last 15 or so years was confirmed by our Sr Pastor....That is to begin a reconcilliation of churches and to begin to come together as we should as the Body of Christ. The question that has always weighed heavy on my heart is....Why is it we can call each other "friends" and "neighbors" 6 days during the week, but separate ourselves on Sundays and even to some extent talk down about each other??? Walls of a church building or denominational separation does not build the Body of Christ...we are all the "Church"...we all need to begin to pray and focus our efforts toward the common goal of building God's kingdom together as one. So with that as you get amongst your co-workers or even your pastors please begin to pray how God would move on your church and begin to bring christians together under God's roof.

God Bless! And thank you all for your prayers for Rain!

P90X - Day 81 - CardioX and Yoga Belly 7

2009-03-24T13:19:00.002-05:00

I have to say...that is my favorite workout. I can't believe I pick a cardio over the money bicep workout, but CardioX followed up by some Belly burn is great. CardioX throws just enough of each workout in that the next thing you know you're sweating your rear end off and then switching to the next. I think my heart rate bangs harder during the short Plyo workout than it does in Plyo itself. And I am sweating my ashtanga off right from the ashtanga's! Then to roll into Yoga Belly 7 at the end is just self-torture! That portion burrrrns. I think I'd rather do ABRX.

Well Christina and I are really considering being BB Coaches....we made this thing prove itself to us and now we know....it works and works well. The diet has been a breeze, the workouts have not. :-D...The responses from friends and family have been amazing. And overall we both feel great. I feel younger and full of energy. Kinda spunky!!!! HAHA!

Well Legs & Back & Abs tomorrow....it'll be early again as we have a huge prayer meeting at church with a number of area churches joining us to pray for Rain!!!! We need it. So if all of you during your evening tomorrow will just say a little prayer for God to send his rain on Amarillo, it would be greatly appreciated!

God Bless you all!

P90X - Day 80 - Back & Biceps and ABRX

2009-03-23T20:02:00.002-05:00

Count down...10...9...8...7...here we go. That workout is worth all the money! I love that one sooooo much. My biceps feel like they could break the skin. Wow. I'm really gonna miss that one....oh wait, no I won't....I'll keep doing it.

Tonight Christina really pushed it hard as well....she was nailing 15 and 20 pound curls....wow.

I still haven't decided on the P90x+ yet...I'm waiting on some answers in doing some research. Its in my nature...

Tomorrow...CardioX and Yoga Belly 7. We'll be doing it during the day though as Randy Travis is performing tomorrow night at our church!!!! What a classic. I know, I know....diversity in music....first wowing over our Depeche Mode tickets and now talking about Randy Travis...I love it all!

Concert Tickets

2009-03-22T21:04:00.002-05:00

Well...in my love for the workout, I forgot to mention some exciting news.

Are you ready for this?

I landed 2 tickets for Aug 29 in Dallas.....DEPECHE MODE!

Christina and I are long time fans and have not missed a tour since the "Songs of Faith & Devotion Tour" back in the mid 90's!

Can't wait!

P90X - Day 79 - Plyometrix Fin

2009-03-22T19:27:00.002-05:00

That my friends is it....IT....ITTTTT. Last Plyometrics of the 90! Only way we are doing Plyometrics again is if it is by choice. Well all of that was by choice, but you know what I mean! :-D Honestly I had to look at the recovery week as I, for some reason, was thinking that Plyo was part of the Recovery week....oh how I was happy to be proven wrong.

Right now as I sit and pour sweat all I can imagine is throwing a bunch of fatty bacon in a skillet and watching that fat melt! And as I sit here on Day 79, I have to remain very positive as I look down on still a gut....a gut that needs to come off. Which only means one thing....I have to keep bringing it. I just have to remember that it took 20 years to make that gut, it should take longer than 90 days to get rid of it.

Time to make a decision on P90X+....we'll have to get it shipping, so Christina and I will have to discuss our Post 90X plans of maintenance. Hmmmm....more Plyo....Ahhhhhhh!

P90X - Day 78 - Chest Shoulders & Tri's + AbRipX

2009-03-21T21:50:00.002-05:00

Arrrrrgh! Now that is some burn. Tonight, as this is the last time we push CS&T's out, we upped the weight and did our best to up the reps. Christina is coming down with a nasty chest cold, but she pushed through it and survived....what a trooper! That workout is pain from the start....what a psycho to go with slow-mo push ups from the start....crazy burn.

Kenewayne....15 Airbornes! 15! They hurt, but I did it. Last I checked I usually only clap for something good.....why am I clapping while I'm throwing my heavy body into the air only to do it 14 more times?

Anyway...Abs hurt, hurt, hurt tonight....I guess after 4 1/2 hours of driving today I wasn't as ready as I thought I was to push it the whole way...With that, we returned from Oklahoma today and after no one seeing us since Christmas the looks we got....well made us feel good. I got Christina to show her brother her guns and the look on his face was priceless!

Well...home stretch....I will admit, I'm ready for a short break. I did order the Fast Formula last night, so thanks to Demi for her write up on it. Christina and I will take the 2 days to also make it an official fast and get just a bit closer to God. He is the only one that can make me survive 2 days without eating!

P90X - Day 77 - Rest or Stretch

2009-03-20T18:18:00.002-05:00

Well we have been resting all day today, and who knows...by nights end I might have to press play on the ole StretchX DVD....my legs are needing it. We took some time and walked around the mall for a few hours...that might help. But I sure like that stretch.

Anyway...driving home tomorrow and gonna hit the CST&Abs! Oh yes!

P90X - Day 76 - KenpoX

2009-03-20T18:11:00.003-05:00

Ouch! OK...after legs and back my left hammy and butt cheek are killing me. Now that did not help. We headed over to Christina's dad's after Legs & Back on Wed and had to do KenpoX via Laptop....just like hoteling it. We pushed it hard, sweated our rears off and luckily had enough privacy to last the 1 hour session. But....those kicks really hurt. Oh well, I'll live. And don't worry...this aint stopping me from pressing on. Just glad we have a rest day to recover and then on to the money week!

I tell you what...(okie term)...trying to eat healthy in small town Oklahoma is hard. Those folks like their comfort food. We took our protein powder, skim milk and fruit with us so we could at least make some protein shakes in the mornings. But for dinner on Thursday we had to kind of offend and went out to eat to eat a bit of a healthy dinner. But we survived!!!

I can't believe the last week of the stuff is upon us...then 1 more recovery week and we're on to maintenance or "+" mode!!! Argh!

P90X - Day 75 - Legs & Back and ABRX

2009-03-18T14:46:00.002-05:00

OK...that's going to be felt later! After pushing hard on Plyo last night, right when we started Legs & Back, I started thinking..."this is gonna hurt." And it did. Wow. And of course, trying not to turn on the air conditioner in March, our room heats up pretty quick....but I love the sweat and I love the burn. Something got into me today though....I somehow started busting out Chin up/Pull ups one after another....hmmmm. Really great workout today. We did try something new on the "Groucho Walk"....after BB messed up one of my T-Shirt orders, they sent me a copy "One on One with Tony Horton....It is his Plyo/Legs DVD....on that, he modifies the "Groucho Walk" into what looks more like a Sumo Walk....(you know when Sumo wrestlers get into the ring and lift their legs side to side....with that he throws in a squat with a floor touch in between.....wow, you really feel it in your hips and butt.

Anyway...abs were abs....same thing. I felt like I had done that before... :-D

Well its Spring Break, so we'll be doing Kenpo tomorrow at the folks...not sure if I'll get a post in or not, but I'll sure try.

P90X - Day 74 - PlyometriX

2009-03-17T20:48:00.002-05:00

Wow...today was a sweat fest....big time! Tonight Christina and I pushed it hard....it didn't help that it was 77 degrees in our bedroom...craaaaap. My knee is really hurting now...I guess I went deeper than ever. My heart rate was banging the top and there was a point about 3/4 the way through that Christina and I looked at each other with the "oh my I'm feeling it" look...

This week is spring break for most of Texas, so we are taking a break from LifeGroup....I forgot all about it and was totally prepared to bring a lesson. But...it'll have to wait. And it'll have to wait another 2 weeks as next week there is a large corporate prayer at church which will include many other churches in the region as we are in need of rain....big time!

Well its time for supper! I'm hungry. Grilled chicken and veggies tonight!

out.

P90X - Day 73 - Shoulders & Arms & Abs oh my

2009-03-16T19:59:00.002-05:00

Now that'll motivate you. That workout is so awesome. It gets the muscles and veins bulging from the start...who wouldn't like that? Today we hit this baby hard and pushed the arms & shoulders to full tilt. Then we hit good ole abs...and today I'm feeling it. Please forgive me if you find any typos that I didn't...my forearms are jelly. Sweet!

Thanks everyone for the kind comments. You all are really appreciated. I'm so glad that we were all drawn together for motivation during our common goals. And so great to find fellow Christians out there!

As we strive to be more and more Christ like, it is only natural that we all keep each other going in such a positive way.

God Bless.

P90X - Day 72 - CardioX

2009-03-15T21:46:00.002-05:00

Well as today is the Sabbath, we are (I am) getting real used to Sabbath Naps in the afternoon....so again we played a litte flip flop today.....What was supposed to be Plyo today turned again into a 9PM session of CardioX....but you know, I'm not griping...CardioX is really a sweat factory and it is good.

I do appreciate all of the great comments...as P90X has been a real positive life change, it is something that many, many people need to pick up on. As all will agree, it is no cake walk diet and exercise plan, but it works and works well. I ran into 2 more people at church today who have ordered it....amazing.

Thats it for now.

God Bless!

P90X - Day 71 - Chest & Back and ABRipX

2009-03-14T15:12:00.004-05:00

Argh....today Christina and I decided as this was the last time before Day 90 that we will do Chest & Back that we would push extra extra extra hard today....and we did. We got half way through and I could feel my heart beating through my ears. I hate that feeling, like you go from 0 to 15,000 feet in about 10 seconds.....ears pop and your eyes start to play tricks on you. Anyway....with that being said, I've been comparing Day 1 to now Day 71....and again as this is the last time we do this exercise before we get our Cap & Gown (ha ha)...I wanted to see the difference....

Regular Pushups -
Christina
- Day 1 - 12 Knee Pushups
- Day 71 - 35 Regular Pushups!!!!
Jeremy
- Day 1 - 12 Regular Pushups
- Day 71 - 40 Regular Pushups

Military Pushups
Christina
- Day 1 - 5 Knees
- Day 71 - 15 Regular
Jeremy
- Day 1 - 9 Regular
- Day 71 - 20 Regular

Wide Fly Pushups
Christina
- Day 1 - 13 Knees
- Day 71 - 35 Regular
Jeremy
- Day 1 - 15 Regular
- Day 71 - 30 With Leg Raises

That my friends feels great. And as we have 2 weeks before the last "Core Week" we have to push it harder than ever. Maybe even to pukeage or dare I say passing out....Naaaaah.

Today during our Ab Ripping it seemed a bit easier...not sure why and then afterward I felt it in places I haven't yet....hmmmmmm could my abs be getting stronger??? That would be great!

I'm out for now...time to eat.

P90X - Day 70 - Rest X

2009-03-13T13:50:00.003-05:00

OK...here I sit at work thinking about how I would love to do an hours worth of Xtreme Stretching, but here I sit at work. I do get to travel home tonight to see my family and that is good! I couldn't wait to post up as with this being Day 70 it is another milestone....20 more days and Christina and I are P90X Grads! Motivating.

Today as I met a great friend for lunch but before I met him I stood in Barnes & Noble thumbing through some books where I ran across a scripture that rolls right into the current lesson discussing our identity in Christ. Who we are, who we were which rolls into who we are not. When you came to the cross did you then realize the Love that God has for us?

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV) - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

The "love" that this passage speaks of from the Greek is Agape love....this is God's unconditional love he has for all of us. As v.5 states..."it keeps no record of wrongs." - Why should we?

P90X - Day 69 - KenpoX

2009-03-12T23:02:00.002-05:00

Check your heart rate...that one is over! Well.....tonight after a hard day's work (long)....me and a coworker went and had a small steak with steamed carrots and a small salad....(I'm not going to cheat!!!) Came back to the hotel and after letting the food digest (NO PUKE KENEWAYNE)...I hit KenpoX and punched ole Tony in the face! Not really, that would've hurt my Laptop!

I can say that after doing CardioX last night and KenpoX tonight, I really think that CardioX draws more sweat!

Anyway...not too much to say, but hope all is well!

P90X - Day 68 - Cardio X - Pushups - Ab RipperX

2009-03-11T22:27:00.004-05:00

OK...I know that title isn't one of the DVD's, but as this day for Christina and I is the first that we haven't been able to work out together....I left her with the Legs & Back DVD (and to my understanding she brought it big time!)....I took the CardioX and AbRipper DVD with me on a business trip and I too just brought it big time! I am pouring...POURING sweat out the pores right now. It was a busy day and I knew I wouldn't have much time to work out, so I took the CardioX knowing that it was intense and wouldn't take too much time. And it was intense tonight. I hit the Yoga portion right from the beginning with all of the optional push ups and then between the Yoga, Kenpo, Plyo and Core, I threw in a different Push up exercise to bring up the intensity a bit.....then after the last Core piece, I threw in the Ab Ripper X DVD and ripped up the ole Ab muscles....My oh My.....Goooood workout!

Today I was a bit worried in figuring my co-workers would want to go to a bunch of greasy spoons to eat, but I was able to eat pretty healthy....Although my breakfast was a bit thrown off, i did find a parfait to eat (a little too sugary)...then for lunch ate a Grilled Chicken Salad....I did miss my afternoon snack, but ate a nice Cedar Plank Gilled Salmon with Steamed Asparagus....not too bad, huh?

Anyway...Christina not only brought it during the workout, but she stepped up in an awesome way and led LifeGroup tonight, using the gifting that God had given her....and that is exactly what she taught on.....About praying for our calling and hearing the voice of God thoughout the process.....NOT laughing to ourselves like Sarah did when she and Abraham found out they were going to have a child...

GENESIS 18:14 (AMP) - Is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord?

NOTHING is too hard or too wonderful for God!!!

JOB 42:2 (NIV) - I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.

Have you ever laughed to yourself when you've heard from God for what he has for you? We all have...but we have to remember, if its His plan for us He will be right there with us to see His plan completed....Remember, its not up to us if we want to complete our piece of building His kingdom....if we choose not to, He will find someone who will complete His plan.

God Bless!

P90X - Day 67 - Plyometrix

2009-03-10T19:54:00.002-05:00

"The Mother"....wholly crap I dread that every time! Tonight though seemed a bit different, although I got home from work late and was hungry...I think I brought it harder tonight than I have in a while with Plyo. Christina and I got a wild hair and did some measuring pre-workout....very positive. I can't believe how much fat we carry in our upper back and shoulders....I'm down almost 4 1/2" in my chest, and I can tell you that it has come off my back and lats. 3 1/2" in my hips and 2 1/2" in the waist....Christina has dropped 3 1/2 around her waist!!!! Maybe this thing does work. Ha! DUH!

Anyway...tomorrow will be the first of 2 days that Christina and I won't get to work out together as I'll be traveling on business. We have Legs & Back & Abs tomorrow so I'll leave the DVD's with her....I am going to try doing CardioX with Pushups and Ab RipperX and then I have a co-worker bringing KenpoX....so I'm covered. It'll be hard not Bringing It together, but we'll survive. I think the double up on the cardio is going to help me on the traveling and to burn some more of the gush.

But...I will be blogging!!!

P90X - Day 66 - Back & Biceps and Biceps and Abs

2009-03-09T19:38:00.002-05:00

MONEY!!! I love that workout! Biceps, Biceps, Biceps....and then when your biceps are tired....MORE BICEPS! Tonight Christina and I both increased the weight on several exercises by 5 pounds....oh my! We'll both be whining later! My forearms are burning as I type.....feels like part of the strip down curls!

Abs were awesome tonight and I'm feeling it...with only 24 more days, I'm not sure that the gush will be gone, but I'm pretty happy with the results thus far. Just more motivation to keep bringing it post 90.

Feelin great!

P90X - Day 65 - Cardio X

2009-03-08T21:12:00.002-05:00

Anyone know what time it is??? I didn't....I love daylight savings time, but it sure throws you off until you get used to it....Today was Plyometrics, but next thing you now we look at the clock, its after 8PM so we decide to trade out Tuesday with today and do CardioX minus the YogaB7. I love CardioX....it is so intense from start to finish...of course you have to make it intense cuz the kids on the DVD are in about 75% mode...I just feel like a million bucks after sweating my rear off at the end.

Today was a great day as we visited a small TFAC ( http://www.tfac.com ) church with our TFAC Pastor. (he and his wife also attend our LifeGroup)....it was so awesome to hear him speak and the topic is so on schedule with our Identity in Christ.

Colossians 2:5 (NKJV) - For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit...

We are all the hope of the world...as it is the spirit of Jesus in us, we can't sit and let our Pastors do all the work....we are all called!

This evening Christina and I put ourselves to the test....we took our boys out for ice cream....oh the will power! Not a taste!!!!

P90X - Day 64 - Chest, Shoulders, Triceps & ABRX

2009-03-07T21:16:00.003-06:00

Oh my.....my hurt hurts after that one. I can't even type my forearms are so tight. Whoa....I guess I forgot how intense Chest Shoulders & Tri's workout is....man. Christina and I pushed that one as hard as we could from the start, although those slow-mo's at the beginning really aren't a big motivator for the rest of the workout. My shoulders were killing me tonight, but I pushed on through....and then....I went airborn!!! 10 Airborn pushups....yyyyes! That is intense!

Ab Ripper X was....well....ABRX. Felt a lot more intense tonight though for sure!

Ran into some folks at church tonight that have been doing P90X and they too are loving the results. I'm sure BeachBody is making a killing this year!

P90X - Day 63 - REST X

2009-03-06T23:08:00.003-06:00

Tonight was a great night to do our best and not forget to rest. :-D....Busy busy week and it didn't end early with a non-eventful Friday....so tonight we got a sitter and joined some friends for dinner! Always nice to get a chance to get out and just relax....we both enjoyed a small Filet Mignon with veggies...Good stuff.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

P90X - Day 62 - KenpoX

2009-03-05T21:30:00.003-06:00

Tonight we hit it hard on KenpoX....I went to town on those TV waves coming at me...they didn't hit back once! That is such a great workout....I can't believe for a while today I kinda didn't feel like doing Kenpo....well glad that feeling changed!!!

As of this morning I've lost a total of 20...yes 20 pounds....Awesome. And..........Christina has hit her goal weight!!!! Great job and that only means it'll get better with 28 days to go! Whooohooo!

Well after burning at least 9000 calories tonight, we had a great meal of grilled Salmon, Brown Rice, and Grilled Asparagus!

Last night's LifeGroup was awesome....we began with a simple question to ponder..."Are we sinners saved by grace, or are we saints who sometimes sin?" Think about that! Actually first forget what you've always been taught and then think about that with your heart.

Do you realize how much God loves us??? And how much we were loved even before we chose to become one of his children?

ROMANS 5:8 - But God deomonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God Bless!

P90X - Day 61 - Legs Backs and ABRX

2009-03-04T22:33:00.003-06:00

Oh my...for some reason I was not ready for that today. I was up late last night preparing the lesson for tonights LifeGroup so was pretty worn out by the time I got home from work....but, we hit it hard and I sweat my fat off....man. I still love the ole calf raises and again had to go airborn on the burners. Abs were great.

I've gotta get the pics off the camera and do the comparisons to see if they are show worthy. :-)

Not much to say other than I'm ready to hit the sack!

P90X - Day 60 - Cardio X and Yoga Belly 7

2009-03-03T23:11:00.002-06:00

Day 60 is here!!!!! And gone!!!! Yes....this is an awesome day. And to celebrate Christina and I went out this morning ate a dozen cream filled donuts each and then met for lunch for the greasiest cheeseburger in town....and I can't forget the side of Cheese Fies with Bacon!!! And tonight...Cheese Enchilada made with flour tortillas and mateca lard!!! OH....I'm so KIDDING!!!!! HA!!! HA!!!!

Actually today was busy...back to a quick Protein Shake for Breakfast, a bar for a snack...late lunch of a sandwich with whole grain bread. Bar for a snack....Grilled Chicken Salad for dinner and then we hit Cardio X and Yoga Belly 7 tonight!!! Following it up with a great Recovery Drink.

I honestly think that CardioX / YB7 is becoming my favorite cardio workout.....(it sure isn't Plyo!!! :D)....Just the right mixture of each of the disciplines....And to finish off with the YB7 is pretty sweet.

Well...30 more days...30 MORE DAYS!!!!!

Yes!

P90X - Day 59 - Shoulders & Arms & ABRX

2009-03-02T20:08:00.003-06:00

Man...I really missed that workout...that was goooood. Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps...over and over. Good workout. I had to do some work going back to week 3 to really estimate how much weight to increase. I pretty much went up 5 pounds on each exercise and dialed it in 8-10 reps each. Great. Christina jumped up a few pounds as well and hit it hard...even jumped up to 15 lbs on one of em...(couldn't tell you which one.)....

We did take pics, post workout, but have to analyze em before we do any showing. Over all we are both happy....I did a bit of measuring last night and found that I've dropped 3 1/2 inches around my hips and 2 1/2 around my waist! Pretty good!

Ab Ripper was....well Ab Ripper and it hurt (of course).

Cardio X and Yoga Belly 7 tomorrow!!! Gotta go work on my lesson for Wednesday night...starting to explore Our Identity in Christ....who we are, and more importantly who we no longer are!

P90X - Day 58 - PLYO!

2009-03-01T23:19:00.003-06:00

OK....we save Bacon Grease and reuse it....there has to be a use for these gallons of sweat I'm getting rid of....lets face it, its the same as burning the fat off of bacon....here I am sweating layer upon layer of fat and sweating my tail off....there has to be a way to sell this stuff. Maybe thats my solution to buying more clothing. Anyway....Wow...Plyo was exceptionally tough today! UGH! Maybe it has something to do with my Lats, Chest and everything else hurting today from yesterday's Chest & Back! Hmmm. Tried to keep up with Frog Boy today on the knee ups...only got 20 seconds into the double time's and had to go back to the singles. How does he do that every week....Is he doing that every week on your DVD too? :-) Anyway...was ready for the ole Recovery Drink today....big time!

On a more positive note....today marked the first official service from our new Worship Center...the numbers were awesome as we had just under 3,400 present, which means with volunteers and kids we were probably close to 4,200-4,500!!! And that was just today, Sunday! Saturday night there were 2,000 in attendance!!!!! Yyyyes! So awesome to see the fruits of the labor! Thanks for all of the prayers!

Arms & Shoulders & Abs & Pics tomorrow!!! Have to get the pics in post workout!

P90X - Day 57 - Chest & Back and ABRX

2009-02-28T17:08:00.004-06:00

So it begins....Phase III. Jumping back to Chest & Back it mentally felt like we were starting Day 1 all over again....and....then....we brought it. Wow! What a difference 56 days makes. I am more amazed now then I have been....and of course more motivated. The push ups were great (hurt though)....Christina was jamming out 25 regular push ups...WOW! Most impressive. Now its on...we are seriously going to push each other through this last phase. Monday is picture day...and although I don't have a six pack showing, I can tell some big differences.

Now the part that is going to hit harder than ever....we have nothing to wear! I'm thinking about starting a new Charity for P90X'ers who have to replace their closets....so if anyone wants to give, you can start with the Branson90X Clothing Fund! Ha!!!!

This week Christina and I confirmed there are 3 more people who have bought P90X that we know...this thing is catchy. One lady has seen the results that we have had and all she needed was the name and the website....she ordered it today. Maybe this thing does work!!! HAHAHA.

Oh...Christina killed her blog due to a lot of work she has to do toward a speaking engagement at our Church's Women's Retreat....please keep her in your prayers as this could be the beginning of something special. She is an awesome teacher and minister with a huge heart for people...God has blessed her in many many ways with an awesome calling.....Plus...her progress will sound better coming from me as I can brag on her more than she'll brag on herself!