Postpartum P90X – Phase 2 Results

Home stretch ahead! We’ve officially started Phase 3 of P90X, the final 5 weeks. I’m now 16 weeks postpartum and I couldn’t be happier with the way my body is changing and how I’m feeling. I saw some great results during the four weeks of Phase 2 and I’m hopeful that the final five weeks turn out even better!

I’m not doing P90X exactly as mapped out again this time. Because I have a running race on February 7th (and because I love to run), I’m trying to run 3 times a week, with at least one run of 5 miles and usually two 3 mile runs with the stroller. My friend Allison and I have made a standing Saturday morning “long run” date and we also run with the strollers on Tuesdays. Sometimes I just end up running twice, but I’ve been able to get that 5 mile run in. I don’t do P90X Kenpo (although I did do it during recovery week this time) and I also attended two 45 minute Dailey Baby classes (which is mostly body weight strength training). Instead of P90X yoga, I went to hot yoga classes at Yoga 6 every week (which although is sweatier, is actually an easier yoga class. P90X yoga is one of the hardest yoga classes I’ve ever taken!).

My P90X Fitness Routine (not all of these workouts happen every single week): 

• Monday – Rest day/walk.
• Tuesday – Chest and Back or Shoulders and Arms & Ab Ripper. 3 mile run with Allison.
• Wednesday – Plyometrics and possibly Dailey Baby class
• Thursday – Shoulders and Arms or Biceps and Back and Ab Ripper
• Friday – 3-4 mile run.
• Saturday – 5 mile run with Allison & Hot Yoga.
• Sunday – P90X Legs and Back & Ab Ripper.

I’m well aware that this kind of fitness commitment would probably not be possible if I were working full time and I’m taking advantage of my maternity leave while I have it. Mike also understands and appreciates my enthusiasm for working out and watches Siena on Saturdays so I can do my hot yoga and run with Allison. My plan was to get back in shape before I go back to work so that I can maintain my strength and focus on running races for the rest of the year (the marathon itch is getting strong). Luckily Siena sleeps and naps pretty well and enjoys the stroller so I’m able to get in all of these workouts while she’s sleeping and I’m getting enough sleep to have energy to do them! There has definitely been times when she wakes up early from a nap and I have to cut my workout short, but usually I’m able to time it pretty well.

Nutrition: 

While I’ve continued to use the 100 days of real food plan (explained in this post), there were more exceptions made this month as we had a pretty packed social schedule and lots of parties.  I don’t think it impacted results significantly and the occasional treat keeps me happy and motivated!

P90X Phase 2 Results: 

• Weight Lost: 5 pounds (Total weight loss in 8 weeks: 8 pounds)
• Inches Lost Off Waist: 3/4 inch (Total: 1.75 inches)
• Inches Lost off Hips: 1 inch (Total 1.5 inches)
• Inches Lost of Legs (measured thickest part): 1 inch (Total 1.25 inches)

I’ve continued to see strength gains. I’m now able to do 30 push-ups in a row (on my feet) and I can do the Ab Ripper without taking any breaks at all (with mostly the advanced moves!). I can tell that my legs and glutes are much stronger and the wall squats aren’t nearly as hard as they were in the beginning. I still am not even close to an unassisted pull-up but I’m consistently doing more and more assisted ones. I’m using 12 pound weights for bicep curls (started with 10s), 10 or even 12s for most tricep work and 10-12s for shoulders and 20s for all back exercises.  I’m still writing down my reps and weights every week and trying to beat the previous week each time, ensuring that I’m not half-assing any workout.

Do you like to work out at home?