Struggling with certain exercises

[shdowflare]

Hi Dave/Monica and team,

I am preparing to start the full P90X program next Monday, January 10th. Until then, I've been cycling through the DVD's to get familiarized with the movements, and get my starting weights nailed down.

I've noticed on several of the workouts that I can hardly do even one rep on some of the exercises. For example, the one-arm pushups - by the time I hit those in the workout, my pecs were toast and I couldn't even do one, even on my knees! Also, I can do a few pullups when starting the back workout, but after 15 minutes I'm using the chair the whole time.

What must I do to ensure I'm still building enough strength for these particular exercises, even though I can't do them yet? Also, is this normal and expected? I suspect it is, since most people who are not in great shape probably struggle with pullups and one-armed pushups!

Anyway, just reaching out for some support! I don't want my motivation to be derailed before I officially start the program, just because I'm not fit enough to do some of the exercises!

Thanks in advance for any help!

-B

[bigg]

:eek: WHERE are the one armed push ups? Now I'm askeered!

Ab Ripper X - when I started just a few weeks ago I thought I'd never be able to do ANY of the wide legged cross over sit ups, or the V sit up ones. BUT, now I can do ALL 25 of the wide legged cross over ones and about half of the V sit up ones. I am amazed at the improvement. I think you've just got to trust the program.

[txgolfpro]

Hey Guys (or Gals?)

Just what Bigg said - trust the program. I'm definitely not the expert on these boards, but here's my 2-cents. As long as you try to improve each time you perform the workout (hence keeping workout logs!), you will succeed. I just finished my fourth round of X, and I still can only do 2 limited one-arm pushups on each side from my knees (it's in CST, by the way). But, I could knock out a lot of the moves after the first few weeks that I couldn't even attempt in the first week.

Something I do that helps with fatigue: incorporate ARX moves into the workout. For example, during Chest & Back, after 2 or 3 C&B moves, do an ARX move. By doing that, I was able to complete more quality reps in the main workout, as well as complete all the ab stuff. I know it's probably not the original intent of the two separate workouts, but I feel like I accomplish more.

Hope that helps.

Miki

[demaak]

Hello! One thing you can do that might help is not push yourself to the point of collapse on all the previous moves. You know, kind of hold back a tiny bit, just so you have enough strength to carry you through the whole routine. Kind of like how Tony says on ...is it Arms and Shoulders? Something like "don't go too crazy because there are 2 rounds and you want to be able to make it through the second round."

[KyFitClub]

I had the same problem in the beginning with both the 1-armed push-ups and the pull-ups. I dropped to my knees on the 1-armed push-ups and simply tried to do a few more each time through. Similarly, with the pull-ups I tried to do an additional pull-up than I did the previous week. I couldn't always do it with every set and still use the chair to finish out, but in some cases I've tripled the number that I could do in the first few weeks. Hang in there, set your goal each time, and bring it! You'll get better. good luck!

[bigg]

so, really, WHERE are these one armed pushups?

[txgolfpro]

so, really, WHERE are these one armed pushups?

Chest, Shoulders & Triceps (CST) - Phase II

[arizonafitclub]

No scaring the newbies ;)

If they don't know it is coming they won't fear anything.

Anyhow, everything gets easier. You will look back on each 30 days with amazement and appreciation for the things that your body can do. I remember not being able to do ONE pull up and then finished P90X doing 6! For a girl, those are some good numbers

Bring it.
Monica

[shdowflare]

Thanks for the oodles of tips! It seems I put in a Phase II DVD, and my body was nowhere near ready for it! So I got what I deserved, I suppose, lol.

Something bigger concerns me though. I've got a torn labrum in the rear of both shoulders. Certain exercises are not good for me as I have structural damage to my shoulder joints from wear and tear over the years.

Anyway, I've noticed the pain radiating from my shoulder the past few days (I've done about 8-9 workouts now)... this is not muscle/joint/ligament soreness, this is focused, sharp pain coming from specific muscle fibers in my rear shoulder and back muscles attaching to it.

I wanted to start P90X full bore on Monday, but I don't want go in with grade 1 or 2 muscle strain, only to have to stop working out after two weeks. Is there a way to figure out which of the intense exercises is aggravating my injured shoulders so I can modify them and still get with the program?

I'm losing confidence/motivation and that's the last thing I want... :(

Thanks,
B

[Dave]

shdowflare Just modify the program. None of this is rocket science or set in stone. If you look at P90X from a big picture point of view, here's the basic change that is made from Phase I to Phase II. In Phase I you do push/pull sets. Chest and Back is a great example. You push (chest), then pull (back). In Phase II you do all push or all pull sets. Back & Biceps is an all pull set. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps is an all push set.

So, if you are going to modify and do exercises that work with your injuries just make sure you are doing them in accordance with what Phase you are in.

Do you see a massage therapist or chiropractor? I'd consult someone about that pain. I'd also recommend you modify the program to the extent you can. If you have to back off and move to only two strength days per week, then I'd do that. Just don't quit. Modify the moves and modify the program if you need to, but don't quit. That's not going to get you where you want to go.

"Pain is temporary, quitting is forever." Lance Armstrong

[shdowflare]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I've seen both chiros and orthos. That's how I found out about the injuries. I was diagnosed two years ago, because I had shoulder pain for years, especially when training with weights. The MRI's revealed the source of my pain.

I suppose I will need to rest it up for now. Or it'll get worse. I may delay starting the program by a week or two, to let it heal up a bit more, and just do lower body work during that time. There are a lot of pullups and I'd like to be able to do my fair share of them - so I hope I heal up nicely...

Thanks again,
B

[InnerStrength]

Hi all!

Glad this thread is up, I've just begun my P90X (Lean version, Day 4) and noticing my wrists aren't liking all of the action they're already seeing, anyone have advice on how to strengthen so plank or push ups (just an example) can be more intimidating for the muscles they're meant to work instead of for my wrists? :) (I remember going thru similar adjustments when I started yoga back in the day, but I had days inbetween to adjust, doesn't seem to be the case with this). Any feedback is appreciated!

[bigg]

Hi all!

Glad this thread is up, I've just begun my P90X (Lean version, Day 4) and noticing my wrists aren't liking all of the action they're already seeing, anyone have advice on how to strengthen so plank or push ups (just an example) can be more intimidating for the muscles they're meant to work instead of for my wrists? :) (I remember going thru similar adjustments when I started yoga back in the day, but I had days inbetween to adjust, doesn't seem to be the case with this). Any feedback is appreciated!

I have wrist issues too, they are puny and weak, but they've gotten a lot stronger just by sticking with and doing the workouts. My thinking is that your wrists are part of the group of body parts and muscles that are meant to be worked and strengthened by planks and push ups. I'm putting my trust in the plan and so far it's working for me.

[Dave]

If you have wrist issues, check out the Power Stands. I type...A LOT...and I have wrist problems. The power stands are the best. Check out this video describing them and how they are better than push up stands. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USI8Ql5FrR4

[InnerStrength]

Thanks so much for the info Dave! I'll hit up Monica about ordering! have another (food related) question, which I'll post over on the nutrition board! Thank you again for being such a great source of info!:D

Have a great weekend!

[bigg]

I did CST today. It wasn't as bad as I had feared, though I couldn't do the one armed pushups, which I expected. I'm really feeling my triceps and shoulders right now though! oy.

[arizonafitclub]

B I hope you heal up soon. You can always get started on your clean eating. There is no time like the present to learn how to plan the portion approach and get yourself set up for success on the what is the money maker (results maker) THE NUTRITION

Bigg I love to feel that burn after a great workout. The hardest part is believing the soreness will actually subside with a nice warm up. It actually helps to ease the soreness. Great job!

Cel Power stands you say? Designed by our mighty leader himself, Tony Horton!
I'll get back to you on the nutrition as soon as I find it :)

You guys keep bringing it!
Hugs
Monica