P90X2 FINAL Review and Results with Pictures! - Read this before starting P90X2!
P90X2 FINAL Review and Results with Pictures! - Read this before starting P90X2!
By Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson
Wow, I can't believe the last 90 days have flown by! It is time for my highly anticipated review of Tony Horton's NEW P90X2. Since 2004 thousands of people, including myself, have had their lives completely changed from doing the original P90X.
My wife and I did our first round of P90X in 2004 before it started to dominate TV infomercials and YouTube videos. It played a huge role, not only in my 100 pound weight loss, but in completely transforming my body's composition. So when I heard that Tony and the Beachbody team were developing a sequel, I again wanted to be one of the first to try it.
Since that first round of P90X in 2004, I have had the privilege of getting to know Tony Horton as a friend and workout with him personally on numerous occasions. If Tony has an exercise, secret or technique I've done it. So I wanted to share an 'insider's' perspective with my P90X review.
I started P90X2 in January of 2012 right after a holiday season where I indulged more than usual. I like to try to keep myself in pretty good shape year round, but that holiday season, I over did it. As a P90X and INSANITY graduate, I was not happy with where I started this journey. As you can see...
Keep reading to see my P90X2 Results Photos!
I will tell you right off the bat. P90X2 IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS! This program was designed for people who have already done a program like P90X, INSANITY, ASYLUM, or that are in pretty good shape to start with.
P90X2 is a 90-day program, just like P90X. It uses the same philosophy of muscle confusion where you are constantly mixing and matching the exercises you do for ultimate results. P90X2 is also broken into 3 Phases just like the original.
P90X2 Phase 1 - Foundation Phase
The first thing that was very apparent in the Foundation Phase is the focus on your core strength and balance. Almost every exercise incorporated some kind of medicine ball or balance ball. The first week can be a bit frustrating. Spending all your time trying to find your balance, falling off the ball, and learning these unique moves you can feel like you aren't getting in your usual sweat-inducing workout. But I encourage you to stick with it. What it showed me very quickly is that my chest, arms, and back were strong but I seriously lacked strength and stability in my core!
Right about the time you master some of the 'circus tricks' of Phase 1, it's time to get back to old school strength work with Phase 2. Tony brings back many of the P90X moves we all loved so much, but now you are able to incorporate your new found core strength with the use of the balance and medicine balls.
This by far was my FAVORITE phase! As you heard Tony describe in the video at the top of the page, this phase incorporates a new type of training called Post-Activation Potentiation. I'm not a scientist, and I'm still not totally clear on what it is and how it works. All I know is - I LOVE P.A.P WORKOUTS! Phase 3 has two of them: P.A.P Upper and P.A.P Lower. They are challenging, fun, and totally bring out your inner athlete!
All reviews should have a few pros and cons - so let's start with the negative.
P90X2 Review Cons
No Cardio. As an INSANITY Cast Member, I love my cardio. P90X2 does not have a true 'cardio workout'. Now that doesn't mean you won't work up quite a sweat as you get your heart rate up. While not a pure cardio routine, the new Plyocide workout will have you reaching for your P90X Results & Recovery Formula
Requires Patience. You have to be willing to try, fail, and show back up the next day - especially in Phase 1. With the incorporation of medicine and balance balls, the first few days can be quite frustrating. I encourage you to stick with it. You will surprise yourself with what you are capable of by Week 4.
Not for Everyone. As I stated before P90X2 is NOT for beginners. If you haven't worked out in some time, swallow your pride and start with a program like Power 90, RevAbs, or even the original P90X.
P90X2 Review Pros
No 90 Minute Yoga! The #1 complaint most people have with the original P90X is 90 long minutes of yoga. P90X2 is an hour long, faster paced, and moves along much quicker than the original. No crazy balance postures.
Foam Rolling. P90X2 introduces you to the concept of the Foam Roller. Each workout starts with a slow progressive stretch and foam roll. It really allows your body to wake up and feel awesome. Plus it makes the actual workouts much shorter!
Only workouts 5 Days a Week with P90X2. Even though the actual workouts are shorter, they are very intense. Because of the added intensity the importance for recovery time is crucial. Plus the second rest day P90X2 encourages you to get 'Active Rest' like going for a walk or a leisurely bike ride.
OK OK - the part you have all waited for. Did it work? What were your results, Jimmy??
I had three goals with P90X2. To gain muscle mass, drop body fat and improve my athletic performance. I've said a lot in this post, but pictures speak a thousand words. Do you think P90X2 Works?
All I know is that I am thrilled with my results. My weight actually went up but my body fat percentage dropped. I was able to take two days off a week and shortened the time I spent working out. The meal plan is simplified and even has options for vegan, vegetarian, and paleo diets!
Now its your turn to TAKE ACTION!!!
Are you ready to take your fitness to the NEXT LEVEL? Then your next step is to CLICK HERE and get your copy of P90X2. By ordering thru Nelsongy Fitness you will get TWO BONUS WORKOUTS FREE, plus I will use my expertise and experience to Coach you through the program. Your level of success and ultimate results just doubled by teaming with me and my team. So click the following link and get your P90X2 today ...
I hope you enjoyed reading my P90X2 review and found my experience helpful. I look forward to partnering with you so we get you the results YOU DESERVE! By sharing this posts with all your friends via social media we can team up to End the Trend of obesity!
Good News - Diets and Workouts are a Waste of Your Time!
By Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson
Yep, you read that title correctly. More and more studies have come out that say over half of the people who start diets or workouts quit. Think about how many people made the New Year's resolution to lose weight. Maybe you are one of those people. Well it's only been 4 months since the first of the year, how many of those people are still on their weight loss plan? I would bet my money that the majority of them have quit.
The saddest part of this scenario is the wasted money and time that was invested initially. Maybe you joined a gym, bought a program like P90X or INSANITY, or spent money on a food plan like Jenny Craig.
You know what? I have to interrupt this blog post. I have too much to say about this to capture it via print. This needs a video so we can just TALK .... Click the image below.
REAL PEOPLE WITH REAL RESULTS FROM OUR CHALLENGE GROUPS
"Thanks to working with Jimmy and his team my Triglycerides went from 650 to less than 200 & my Cholesterol dropped from 350 to 100!!! Thank You" - Jim H.
"It's been 12 years since I've been at this weight! I never thought I would ever see the day! I hardly ever wear jeans, but on Friday, I wore my only pair that fit and they were sagging! Talk about pants on the ground." - Sylvia Ramirez
"Thanks to your Challenge Group I went from a size 12 to a size 6. From 23.5% body fat to 19%. Lost 15 pounds. My goal of having a 6 pack by my baby's first birthday is definitely within reach!" - Tiffany W.
"Since working with Coach Jimmy I have lost weight but the biggest difference to me is my tendonitis in my knees isn't noticeable at all! Even with doing Insanity, a high impact workout, my knees didn't hurt at all which has made exercising A LOT more pleasurable...what a relief!" - Christina F.
"Laid out in a bikini for the first time in 15 years!!! Thanks Coach Jimmy!" - Melonie J.
"Just hit under 200 pounds for the first time in over 3 years!" - Scott R.
"It is official! I am sitting here in a brand new, unworn (before now), pair of size 32 jean shorts! I haven't worn this size since I was in...jeesh I don't know maybe junior high! Absolutely loving my experience with Coach Jimmy's team! Come join in the fun!" - Larry D.
"Being part of Jimmy's challenge group has been huge for me! The accountability is huge but that is only part of it! Having people see changes in me when I don't see them yet in myself, walking through this journey at the same time as others. One week I felt like a total loser when I gained 3 lbs... turns out several people had experienced the same thing that week! It was just our bodies adjusting to our new lifestyle. While that might have been enough to make me quit before, knowing that others were experiencing the same thing kept me going!" - Megan B
Are you ready to get support with your diets and workouts? Complete the form on this page.
Exercise Your Mind, Body, and Spirit By Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson
If you have been visiting this blog for any amount of time, it should be obvious how important physical exercise is for you. Not just for those wanting to squeeze into a smaller pair of jeans, but for your over all health and well being. Many studies have been done showing how physical exercise can impact mindset, confidence, and stress levels.
So where does that leave your spiritual life in all this?
Don't worry, this isn't going to become a preachy post that I write from behind my pulpit. All I know is that there have been times in my life when I was at my physical peak, listening to all the positive affirmation audios, and was still a wreck of a person at my core. There was no peace in my life even though I thought I was doing everything 'right'.
Again, this has nothing to do with your particular 'religious affiliation'. In fact, I am probably the least traditionally religious person I know. But I recognized something wasn't right. As a proactive person, if I see a problem; I look for a solution. When I was 100 pounds heavier and reached the 'enough is enough' moment, I was introduced to Beachbody products and a support community who didn't judge me. They embraced me and helped me to transform my body. So naturally I would seek out help in not feeling at peace in my business, personal life, and spirit.
Which leads me to an amazing event I attended here in Dallas last week. For the past year, I have been working with two Coaches to help me with my business and my mindset (I told you I am proactive!). Sandi Krakowski and PJ McClure have been huge assets in the growth of Nelsongy Fitness. When they announced they were teaming up with Rabbi Daniel Lapin to do a business event I didn't hesitate in getting my ticket. Then I saw the title of the event...
The Divine Call of God on Business
Huh? What the heck does God have to do with my business? Was this going to be an event that pulled the guilt string to get me to give to a certain charity? But I trusted Sandi and PJ, so I assembled a team of fellow Beachbody Coaches, grabbed my notebook, and grabbed a seat up front with an open mind.
It was only a matter of minutes before I knew this wasn't going to be like any event I had ever attended. PJ McClure took the stage to welcome us. What he said next floored me,
"You may be called to do something amazing for God........THROUGH BUSINESS!"
I always figured if I was called to do something for God it would require me to sell all my things and go live in a hut in Africa while eating bugs and twigs. You mean it's not a greedy thing to want to build a big business? Isn't the 'love of money the root of all evil'?
I quickly learned that yes, some people are called to give up their earthly possessions and go into foreign missions. But what if God called you to build a BILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS that could touch and impact millions of lives, and fund worthwhile efforts like those of the missionary in the hut. Wow!
When Sandi took the stage there was electricity that ran thru my body. I wasn't sure what was in store, but I knew I was ready for it. She reiterated what PJ opened with by saying, "God has never said 'shame on you' for asking for something too big."
The coolest part of this event is that there were people there of different spiritual backgrounds, belief systems and businesses. What was taught wasn't a specific dogma, but universal truths of ways people in business could be just as noble as an iconic figure like Mother Theresa.
I was also reminded: "When there is opposition - it is a confirming sign!" What a revelation! Remember that next time you are struggling with staying motivated to workout, faced with a difficult food choice or enduring criticism of close friends and family for your new healthy lifestyle. If you have resistance that comes against you, that means you have a big worthy cause! How reassuring is that?
One of the most entertaining portions of the whole weekend was getting to listen to 'America's Rabbi', Daniel Lapin. Through a series of jokes and witty antidotes he reminded us that great things happen when God touches someone's effort that by faith took action first! The theme of the entire weekend can be summed up in this quote from Rabbi Lapin:
"God wants us obsessively preoccupied with the wants and needs of others!"
And that is why I decided to write this post today on a fitness blog, to let you know that I truly am obsessively preoccupied with YOUR success! I know what it feels like to think success and real results are for 'other people'. I understand the belief system that you don't have the money, time, motivation, or know how to truly live the healthy and abundant life you were called for. I have been exactly where you are. Taking that first step of faith towards change can be scary. Fear, resistance, and negative thoughts scream in your ear to stay where you are because you might fail, lose money, waste time, and be disappointed. I get it! But I also cling to a bible verse I was introduced to as a child. "For where two or more are gathered together in my name, I am there with them"- Matthew 18:20
I invite you to take a very simple, non-scary step with me. Visit the comments section on my blog and let me know what fear keeps you from pursuing that healthy abundant life you deserve.
I look forward to sharing fears and insecurities with you in hopes that we can overcome them together! - Coach Jimmy
It Seems Great, But Shakeology is Too Expensive! What Else Can I Use?
By Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson
If you have been visiting my blog for any length of time, it is no secret that I love my Shakeology! But that hasn't always been the case. When Shakeology came on the market, I already had success with P90X and was a cast member in Shaun T's INSANITY DVD series. I initially thought Shakeology was just another protein meal replacement shake, and an expensive one at that!
$120 for a bag? Are these people nuts??? As a struggling actor living in NYC, it just didn't seem like an expense I could take on.
That was before I educated myself on what makes Shakeology different than the $19 tub of whey protein I can get at the grocery store.
Fortunately, Beachbody CEO Carl Daikeler is a friend of mine.
His wife, Isabel Daikeler, is the co-creator of Shakeology. Carl did a brilliant blog post where he answers the following question:
"How Do I Really Know If This is Worth the Money When Everything Else Costs Less?"
There are many "protein shakes" and meal replacements that are less expensive than Shakeology. But comparisons - based on the simple "protein shake" or even "health shake" are usually off the mark because of intangibles like quality of sourcing, efficacy, and the delicate balance of incredible health benefits and delicious flavor that is unique to Shakeology. When we developed Shakeology, our goal was to fill a void in the marketplace where the benefits of the shake would live up to the promise of the line "The Healthiest Meal of the Day." Shakeology was designed for people who want more than protein, and for people who really expect the health benefits being represented by the ingredients on the label. With Shakeology not only do you get what you pay for, but because it tastes so good and the attention to every detail is so complete, you get more than you pay for.
As I continued to do my research I discovered that if you add in all of the separate vitamins and flavoring agents the other companies ask you to buy to (try and) match the benefits and nutritional content of Shakeology, you would easily spend over $300 every month - that's 2 ½ times the cost of Shakeology!
At the retail price, Shakeology breaks down to about $4 a day. I started looking at what I spent on food while I was running around NYC from audition to audition. Most places I went into, I grabbed quick food choices on-the-go that would cost me around $8 a meal with little-to-no nutritional value. (That doesn't include the 2-3 Starbucks stops I would make spending at least $3 a pop during each visit!)
I also took a look in my own cabinets and the money I was spending at health food stores on vitamins, powders, joint support, digestive enzymes etc. All that stuff adds up fast, and became completely unnecessary with Shakeology.
But let's be honest, at the end of the day all you, or I really care about is two things:
1. How does it taste?
2. Does it work?
First, the taste was surprisingly awesome! I tasted just about every shake on the market, and had grown accustom to 'tolerating' that chalky fake chocolate flavor of most. But Shakeology really did taste like I was cheating on my diet. I was getting to drink a milk shake every day and not feel bad about it!
Second, what were the results? Like I said before, I was already well on my weight loss journey when I started drinking Shakeology. I felt I was pretty fit on the outside, but I had a lot of internal issues no one could see. Within the first month of using Shakeology consistently each day, my digestion issues were better, my skin cleared up, and my thinning hair was noticeably thicker to my stylist.
But the thing that sealed the deal for me was the effect it had on my family. In the video on my blog, I share how Shakeology literally saved my Dad's life, and has allowed him to be around to be an awesome Grandfather to my son.
HOW DO I GET SHAKEOLOGY AT THE BEST PRICE?
As I stated in the video above, by ordering Shakeology on Auto Ship Home Direct, you'll get Shakeology at the best retail price. That means that you will automatically get your Shakeology every month, so you NEVER run out! Our clients who are on Home Direct see over twice the results than those that just place a one time order.
Don't let the thought of Auto Ship scare you. You are not locked into any type of long term contract and it is VERY easy to cancel or postpone your order anytime by writing customerservice@beachbody.com. One of the biggest advantages of getting Auto Ship is that you receive FREE shipping and you will also receive TWO FREE WORKOUTS!
Lastly, the absolute best part, if you order Shakeology Home Direct, try it for 30 days and you aren't 100% satisfied with any part of your experience - NO PROBLEM - you can return an EMPTY BAG and still get your money back. I call it the Coach Jimmy Guarantee!
So what do you have to lose? Check it out for yourself. Order Your Shakeology Here. And let me know how your Shakeology experience compares to mine!
Do You Dream Big or Is Your Weight Keeping You From Chasing Your Dreams?
By Coach Jimmy Hays Nelson
Do you still have dreams, goals, aspirations that you would like to achieve? It may seem like an odd question, but I find that the older people get, the more likely they are to have given up or significantly altered the dreams they once had.
When you were 10 years old it was easy! People would ask you what you wanted to be, and you would blurt out proudly the dream God had placed in your gut without any hesitation.
"I want to travel the world!" "I want to be a doctor!" "I want to work with exotic animals!" "I want to be an astronaut!" "I want to start a band!"
For a 10 year old, nothing is off limits or seems too hard! So when did that change? When did we start to dumb down our dreams? People in your life: parents, teachers and friends encourage you to settle for lesser goals because they "don't want you to get your hopes up and be disappointed".
Have you ever thought about what other outside circumstances led to you giving up on your dreams? Have you ever considered your health and fitness to be one of those variables? I know it was a huge part of why I was scared to pursue my dreams.
In high school I got bit by the acting bug my senior year. With the encouragement of some friends who heard me sing at church, I auditioned for the musical at my school that year in hopes to get a bit part. It would be something fun to do with my friends. Performing always intrigued me while I was growing up. I did some little performances at my church as a kid but nothing like this.
By my senior year of high school I ballooned up to the heaviest I had ever been up to that point, so getting up in front of people wasn't the greatest experience. I knew God had given me a talent for singing and entertaining, but not being comfortable in my own skin really hindered my ability to enjoy using those talents.
I ended up going to college to continue to pursue my dream of acting and singing. But my nerves would get so intense before I got onstage that I sometimes literally couldn't control a leg twitch, shakes or my breathing. I know it all stemmed from not being comfortable in my own body.
Have you ever felt like that? Maybe it isn't acting. Maybe you want to interview for a better job. Perhaps you have a real desire to start a family but don't have the self-confidence to go out and meet new people, much less go on a date.
Or maybe you never really pursued your dream in the first place, and now you think it is too late because your current confidence level tells you, "Why bother? Look at you! You have already failed at everything else. You can't even stick to your diet, what makes you think you can achieve that goal!"
Does that voice sound familiar? I know it does to me. I used to know it all too well.
So how did I go from that nervous, shaky, uncertain whiner to the point where I was being featured in world premiere musicals, starting a modeling career, touring the country performing in front of thousands of people, and finding the confidence to move my wife and I to NYC to pursue my acting career full time?
I will tell you it didn't happen overnight, but it DID happen with a decision. I had to realize that God put this dream in my heart for a reason. He gave me the talents and skills to be showcased. And more than anything else the biggest shift in my mind was telling myself "YES I DESERVE TO LIVE MY DREAM!"
I talked myself into thinking I didn't deserve more than the status quo. I thought I wasn't good enough to achieve great things. My dreams were 'too big' for an awkward fat kid to have.
Maybe you are in that same situation now. Without realizing it, you speak to yourself in that same voice. "You're too dumb!" "You're too fat!" "Who would listen to you?"
If that is you, I'm telling you, as someone who has been there, you MUST change what you are putting into your head. Sometimes its not easy because more often than not we have surrounded ourselves with friends, family, and co-workers that just reiterate the negative things we have been telling ourselves. A lot of times they think they are trying to help. They think they are protecting you by not telling you dream 'too big' or they don't want to see you 'get your hopes up'.
I have a question. Have you dumbed down your dreams in order to not get your hopes up? Are you disappointed with your life anyway? YES? Then giving up on your dreams didn't prevent you from disappointment did it? I would much rather dream HUGE and maybe be disappointed, than have no dreams at all and still be disappointed anyway! Wouldn't you agree?
Changing the way we think is a process much like dropping a few pants sizes is. I started by not filling my mind with as much mindless junk. I didn't realize I was doing it, but once I became aware of what I was putting into my mind watching too much TV, the news, and mindless radio gab. I used that wasted time to be more productive. I started listening, reading, watching things that grew my mindset, my outlook, and my self-confidence.
That is just my short list. You may have other favorites of you own. The important thing is to do it. Maybe you listen in the morning while you are getting ready to set your mindset for the day. Turn off the radio on the way to work and pop in a CD. Play one of these audios from your smartphone while you workout. There are hidden minutes and hours every day that we can be passively investing into and growing our mind.
Do you find that lack of motivation is a problem when it comes to exercise and nutrition? Start working on your mind first and watch how much easier it is to get started. You will also find that you start to attract more positive, supportive people into your life that will help you take action to change whatever it is that is holding you back from your goals.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU TO DREAM BIG! YOU DESERVE IT AND YOU ARE WORTH IT!
I want us all to start to dream big again. I invite you to stop by my Facebook page and share your big dream with me. It doesn't matter if you are actively pursuing it right now or not. Just share what God has put in your gut to do. I can't wait to hear from you!
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