Power 90 - Starting October 29 - November 5
Hey there! Welcome to the group!
Power 90 was the very first program that introduced me to Beachbody so I'm excited to be able to help you with your journey. If this is your first program as well, congrats on taking the first step to making a better you and getting in the best shape of your life!
If this is your first time doing the program, I STRONGLY recommend you read all of my notes below before you begin.
Alright, let's get down to business!
First Things First
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Take Before Photos AND Measurements - I've seen so many people regret not doing this before starting a program. It's also my experience that people that do this have a higher success rate in completing the program with great results! You don't want to miss out on showcasing just how far you've come! Take a look at
Beach Body's Photo Taking Tips for excellent info on how to take your pictures!
Get Your Tools In Order - To be the most successful, you'll want to make sure you're prepared to track everything you do in this program. Make sure you set up an account with MyFitnessPal (if you don't already have one). MFP has mobile apps for Android, iPhone and Blackberry too! Also use the tools that Team Beachbody provides; fill out your profile and track your measurements and weight online. Upload your before pictures so everyone can see where you're starting! If you need help, let me know!
Super Gym - Setup your workout schedule in the Super Gym and log your workouts every single day. This helps keep you accountable, and it lets other see what you're doing! You can even post straight to Facebook and Twitter from the Super Gym to let your friends and family know what you're up to. It's a great motivator!
Your First Week Is Tough! - As with any new program you start, your body will be in pain due to all of the new muscle fibers you're tearing and rebuilding. Even after repeating a program, you'll still be sore as your body has to re-adapt to the routines again. DON'T GIVE UP!!! If you can make it past the first week, you can finish the program! And I'll be here every step of the way to help. If you're able to, do the Cardio 1-2 workout a few days before you start to get your body accustomed to working out.
Post Your Accountability Daily - Let us know how you're doing. These message boards are a great way to stay motivated and accountable.
The Program
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Abs - When I originally did this program, I skimped a bit on Abs. I felt it was hard and sometimes I just didn't feel good doing it. This was a huge mistake. If there is one thing you SHOULD do in this program, it's the ab routine. A good core is essential to anything else you do when working out. Without a strong core, you're more apt to have poor form or hurt yourself.
Nutrition Is Key - If you want to lose weight and get toned, you need to eat enough that your body doesn't go into starvation mode, yet not quite enough to maintain your weight. The only way to lose weight is to put your caloric intake into a deficit mode, so your body is forced to use fat for energy. You've already dropped the cash on this program and workout equipment, don't skimp on food and supplements. They're the most important part! Sign up with MyFitnessPal and track your calories daily. Plan your meals so you don't get caught off guard. Buy a food scale to measure food with.
Nutrition
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Water, Water, Water - Drink plenty of water. It helps remove toxins from your body and keeps you from feeling hungry as your diet may be adjusting.
Calorie Goals - Make sure your daily calorie goal meets your overall fitness goals. A lot of people miss this key point (I did when I first started with Beachbody Programs too!). With a little help, I was able to nail down my goals and eat right. If you're unsure or need help, I'm more than happy. My goal is to make you succeed, whatever it takes! The Power 90 book doesn't really go into much detail about macronutrient ratios, and these can be tailored on an individual basis. Be sure to add me as a buddy so I can work with you one on one to make sure you're eating the right kind of foods for the best possible results.
Shakeology - I can't say enough about this product. I drink this stuff daily (Chocolate is my favorite, mixed with a tad of Almond Butter), even when bulking with Body Beast. When trying to change your body, you want to have all of the available nutrients you can so your body can respond how you want it to. Getting on Shakeology Home Direct is an easy way to make sure you always have your drink available (not to mention free shipping). If you want more information about this, let me know!
Preworkout Fuel - If you consume a large meal before working out, you risk failure on your workouts, or worse, bent over the porcelain princess. Your body needs the energy that is being used for digestion to fuel your workout. If you must have a snack prior to working out, make it a light one (half a banana or a handful of raisins, for example). Beachbody's
Energy and Endurance supplement is also great for preworkout. My wife and I love it!
Postworkout Fuel - Recovery after the workout is a must! While this is Power 90, the
P90X Recovery Drink is a great post workout shake. Soreness will eventually go away on its own as the body adapts to the routines, but your recovery drink will speed up the process. This drink will help replenish your glycogen (energy) levels immediately after your workout; a vital part of intense training.
Your body has energy reserves that are depleted during the workouts, and while your body can fill them back up over time, the recovery drink kick starts this process and aides in recovery. Depending on your food intake, your body could actually break down muscle to help refill those stores, rather than use the carbs you're taking in; something you definitely do not want!
Are You Ready!?
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I'd love to help along in your adventure of getting in the best shape of your life! So if you're ready to get started, reply to this topic and introduce yourself to the team. Don't forget to add me as a buddy and I'll work with you one on one and help you succeed. Let's do it!
-- Matt "Coach Z" Zuba
Here are my Power 90 results...