I always associated Beachbody workouts with losing weight, getting fit, and bringing out the inner athlete in all of us. When I thought about Tai Chi, I thought about those skinny sliver haired women in the park moving slowly together like synchronized swimmers on land. Now, I appreciate the fluidity of movement, strength, balance, flexibility and mental focus. I appreciate Tai Chi’s martial arts and self-defense background. I appreciate Beachbody for introducing me to Dr. Mark Cheng and his Tai Cheng program.
While there are many forms of Tai Chi and several movements, Dr. Cheng brings together 18 basic movements to introduce you to the practice of Tai Chi. Unlike other fitness programs, you won’t have to learn a lot of moves or choreography all at once.
Tai Cheng starts with learning one move per day for six days. In the next week, you learn how to put two moves together each day you work out. In the third week, you practice putting together the six Tai Chi movements you’ve learned into a single sequence.
Then, you begin to learn new moves in subsequent days until you’re moving through all 18 Tai Chi poses with strength and poise. It’s quite amazing how you feel as you start to transition from a learning mind and uncertainty to focused and fluid Tai Chi movement.
I bought the Tai Cheng program because I secretly wanted to try Tai Chi, but you never would’ve found me in a group of other people trying this art…especially if it was outside for everyone to see! I thought maybe Tai Chi would be a good weekend workout for when I just wanted to chill out or a workout to do when I was feeling under the weather. You know what? I got my socks knocked off! I actually look forward to doing Tai Cheng!
I’ve found that during the Tai Chi movements, stress melts away. My mind becomes so focused that I feel incredibly productive once I’ve finished my workout. I feel so relaxed after a workout that I feel like I’ve just spent an hour in my massage chair. I don’t feel any stress in my neck, shoulders, or back.
And you know what else surprised me about Tai Chi? It really does work on your strength and balance. I was totally surprised to have muscle aches in my hip flexors, back, butt, and shoulders. You might react differently, but those were my weaker muscles apparently.
You’ll see me writing more about Dr. Cheng’s program. I’ll get to meet him in June at the Beachbody Summit in Las Vegas. I can hardly wait to do a group workout with him and a few hundred other Tai Chi fans. He made Tai Chi understandable and fun for the new learner like me!
The P90X2 nutrition guide simplifies the P90X nutrition plan and adds more choices to customize it for your needs and philosophies. With three macronutrient mixes, three caloric levels, and meal planning that includes grain-free and vegan options, the P90X 2 nutrition plan helps you “Bring It” to the next level.
According to Steve Edwards, cutting calories works when you want to lose weight but as you get into shape, you have to eat to fuel your performance. You have to eat to match the activity you are doing to continue to improve performance and get results. That’s why it’s important to read and follow the P90X2 Nutrition Guide.
“This is not a weight loss diet. I think it’s important to get that out of the way right up front. This doesn’t mean that you won’t lose weight. If you want to, you will. But this nutrition plan is designed to increase your body’s performance, where weight loss comes as a natural extension of being healthy, because that’s how you’ll get lasting results.” Steve Edwards, Director of Results, Beachbody
The P90X2 nutrition guide is similar to the P90X nutrition plan, but it has more choices. It’s also more flexible and somewhat simplified. If you remember the portion plan from the P90X nutrition guide, you’ll be very comfortable with the P90X2 nutrition plan.
The P90X2 nutrition guide has three plans, three levels, and three different option. It’s not as difficult as it sounds though. Let’s take a quick look at each area.
First, the P90X 2 nutrition guide is broken up into three macronutrient composition plans: Fat Shredder, Engery Booster, and Endurance Maximizer. Half of the calories on the Fat Shredder plan come from protein while 25% come from carbohydrates and 25% from fat. This plan will help you shred fat but shouldn’t be followed more than a few weeks.
You’ll need energy for the P90X 2 workouts, so the P90X2 nutrition guide progresses to the Energy Booster plan. This plan provides a good balance of the macronutrients with 40% of the calories from carbohydrates, 30% from protein and 30% from fat.
The final plan, the Endurance Maximizer, is designed for just that…maximizing your endurance. It’s loaded with a profile containing 50% carbohydrates, 25% protein and 25% fat.
After determining your macronutrient needs, you’ll need to determine your daily caloric needs while working out with the P90X2 program. Don’t stress too much over this calculation. The P90X 2 nutrition guide has a page that simplifies the formula. You’ll work within one of three caloric levels (1800, 2400 or 3000 calories).
The next thing you’ll need to do is decide which of three plan options you want to follow. The P90X2 nutrition guide provides a standard nutritional meal plan as well as a vegan option and a grain-free option.
Once you know what plan, what level and what option fits your goals and philosophies, you’ll just eat the number of portions listed in the P90X2 nutrition guide for proteins, dairy, fruit, vegetables, fats, grains, legumes/tubers, condiments, and snacks. What can you eat and what constitutes a portion size? The P90X2 nutrition guide has that covered, too. It’s all in the guide. You’ll even find over fifty recipes in the P90X2 nutrition guide to simplify your P90X2 nutrition plan!
If you have not joined Team Beachbody, you are most likely not taking advantage of every opportunity to reach your fitness goals. Did I mention that it's FREE? So is browsing in our Online Store!
P90X 2 comes with a very important “How to Bring It Again” dvd from Tony Horton. If you’ve done P90X, you might be tempted to skip over this dvd, but it really is a good introduction, overview and tutorial on what to expect with P90X 2.
P90X 2 Before and After Photos
Tony starts by talking about the importance of taking before and after pictures. He recommends taking pictures on days 1, 30, 60, and 90 so you can see your progress throughout the program. He also recommends journaling throughout your P90X 2 journey. Record reps, weights, and bands or equipment used just like you did with P90X. This allows you to have a starting point for each workout.
The P90X 2 Fit Test
To establish your starting point for the program and ensure you are ready for P90X 2, Tony says to take the “Fit Test” which is in the exercise guide book. I expected the fit test for P90X 2 to be different than the fit test for P90X, but it is the same. If you’ve been doing P90X, you’re ready for the new P90X. Tony likes to say that P90X 2 isn’t harder than P90X…it’s different.
P90X 2 Online Tools
Hopefully, if you are taking on P90X 2, you are not new to the online tools available at Team Beachbody. Tony doesn’t assume anything though and talks about them in the introduction dvd. The online tools allow you schedule and track workouts, find workout buddies for motivation and support, get nutritional information and support as well as tap into a free Team Beachbody coach.
P90X 2 Coach Opportunity
I don’t think I’ve ever heard Tony Horton talk about the Team Beachbody coach opportunity, but he takes the time to talk about it in “How To Bring It Again”. He really makes sense when he talks about coaching being a good opportunity for people who have gone through P90X because it’s really about sharing your results with others and earning a little income from something you’re probably already sharing anyway.
P90X 2 vs P90X
What’s the difference between P90X 2 and P90X? Tony describes how P90X 2 isn’t harder than P90X, but it may feel hard in the beginning until your muscles adapt to the new routines. Ironically, going back to P90X after P90X 2 may bring a new “hard” to P90X!
P90X 2 has three phases. The first phase is a foundation phase to get you ready for the next two phases. The second phase is all about strength and will remind you of P90X. The third and final phase is the performance phase – what Tony calls the secret weapon. (Hint: This is where PAP enters the picture.)
The P90X 2 Nutrition Plan
In Tony’s introduction dvd, he doesn’t go into great detail about the nutrition plan other than to tell us the plan has a lot more options than the original P90X plan. He reminds us that if we want results, we’ve got to follow a good supporting nutrition plan. Even with more options, the P90X2 Nutrition Guide is easy to follow.
Medicine and Stability Balls in P90X 2
In reference to the medicine and stability balls, I think Tony takes his own advise to do his best and forget the rest. He said he struggled initially with moves that involved the balls, but practice makes perfect.
Where’s the cardio in P90X 2…
I think Tony likes to startle everyone with the question of where’s the cardio in P90X 2. There’s not a dedicated cardio program, but Tony emphasizes the cardio work that comes throughout the program and in the Plyocide and PAP Lower in particular.
Supplements for P90X 2
Tony mentions five different Beachbody supplements to support the P90X 2 program: P90X Peak Health Formula, Activit Multi-Vitamins, P90X Peak Performance Bars, P90X Results and Recovery Formula, and Shakeology. I personally like and use the latter three and highly recommend the last two.
Shakeology is hands down the best superfood protein meal replacement shake I’ve found and like. The P90X Results and Recovery Formula is incredible in reducing muscle soreness and getting your energy back following a tough workout.
P90X 2 Equipment
P90X 2 can have a little or a lot of equipment depending on how you choose to do a particular exercise. Tony talks talks about a lot of equipment from the chin up bar to yoga blocks. What come with P90X 2 depends on which package you choose. I got the P90X 2 Deluxe package.
The one piece of equipment that does not come with P90X 2 but that is worthwhile in my opinion is the Pull Up Assist. It helps you modify chin ups if you are not strong enough to do them or continue doing them after a while.
Are You Ready for P90X 2?
I know this is a lot of information. That’s why I highly recommend watching the “How To Bring It Again” dvd and not skipping over it. Tony says P90X 2 will be “the hardest fun you ever had”. Are you reading to bring it again with P90X 2?
What’s in the P90X 2 deluxe package? How about a mental challenge, a total body transformation, and the latest scientific athletic training available? How about your own personal trainer, the creator of P90X, Power 90, and 10 Minute Trainer? Tony Horton’s new program officially made it to my house this week. I’m so excited that I’m going to share with you what’s in the P90X 2 deluxe package because I know you’ll want the nuts and bolts of what’s in the box.
At the heart of the program is a wallet full of workout dvds, 14 workout dvds to be exact. I won’t go into details about the actual workouts in this post, because I’ll be writing more on each workout in later writings and will link them back to this post as they’re written. In the meantime, here’s a brief summary of the workouts:
X2 Core
Plyocide
X2 Recovery and Mobility
X2 Total Body
X2 Yoga
Balance and Power
Check & Back + Balance
X2 Shoulders and Arms
Base and Back
PAP Lower
PAP Upper
X2 Ab Ripper
V Sculpt
X2 Chest + Shoulders + Triceps
The last two workouts are bonus P90X 2 workouts that only come with the deluxe and ultimate packages. They actually come in separate packaging from the dvd wallet, but there are spaces in the back of the wallet to add these two workout dvds and complete the set.
I should also mention a very important dvd that you’ll find in the very first sleeve of the P90X 2 dvd wallet. It’s a “How to Bring It Again” video of Tony Horton introducing the P90X 2 program. After drooling over the rest of the contents of the P90X 2 deluxe package, you’ll want to start by watching this tutorial.
Oh, if you order P90X 2 from a coach like me, you’ll also get two additional bonus workout dvds in your P90X 2 deluxe package. You’ll get the P90X One on One 4 Legs and P90X One on One Upper Body Balance dvds for free.
Ok, so what else is in the P90X 2 deluxe package? How about two eight pound medicine balls, a stability balance ball, and a foam roller to help you challenge your mental and physical capabilities? As you can see in this picture, you’ll have to inflate the ball. It comes with a foot pump to blow it up or you can take it to a gas station and use an air pump to fill it.
The P90X 2 deluxe package will also include a P90X 2 workout calendar, the P90X2 Nutrition Guide and of course, the P90X2 Fitness Guide. The exercise guide even includes a hybrid program for P90X 2 and Insanity The Asylum. I can see these two programs working well together.
What’s not in the P90X 2 deluxe package that FedEx will deliver to your door? What’s not in the box is the online support you’ll get through your free Team Beachbody account or your free coach to help you maximize your results. Once you order P90X 2 and I’m your coach, contact me to join one of my P90X 2 challenge groups.
I know you’ll be excited when your own box arrives. I know you’ll be excited when you pull out your medicine balls, your foam roller and all the other goodies that come in the P90X 2 deluxe package!
I love the holiday season. I love getting together with friends, co-workers, and family. Every gathering involves food, and how I love to eat! With all the tempting sweets from cookies and fudge to candy, cakes, and pies – well, let’s just say it’s hard to be good during the holidays. We eat out. We put more on our plates than usual and go back for seconds. Is it any wonder weight gain brings on guilt and new year’s resolutions to repent, work hard and take it off?
If this sounds like your typical holiday season from Halloween to New Year’s, you are probably a perfect candidate for one of my Beachbody Challenge Groups. Don’t let the holidays keep you from reaching your health and fitness goals.
I want to be the best coach I can and help you work through your program, so you get the results you deserve! I don’t want to just sell you a fitness program or nutritional shake. I want to sell you on yourself and your ability to get results. If you follow the program and don’t get results, rest assured you can get your money back with Beachbody’s 30 day money back guarantee.
My Challenge Groups are based on a simple formula: Fitness + Nutrition + Support = Success. To simplify the formula even more, Beachbody has Challenge Packs which saves you up to $50 off the retail price of a fitness program and Shakeology and gives you a trial month of the Club membership, so you can use the meal planner. You’ll also save $10-15 in shipping – not a bad deal. This video explains it a little more.
On 11/11/11, my first Challenge Group will launch. If you want to be part of this group, contact me immediately. The group is limited to five individuals who are serious about getting into shape and willing to invest in themselves. Participants must be stay dedicated to one of Beachbody’s programs and be on Shakeology home direct.
We will use an exclusive closed Facebook group to get to know one another better. This group gives us a forum to communicate daily, share struggles and successes, motivate each other and help us all reach our goals. I will also stay in touch with you via email, text and a weekly call. If this sounds like the type of support you need, get in one of these Challenge Groups now. Click on this image and then, the Beachbody Challenge banner. Register for the Beachbody Challenge Contest for a chance to win up to $100,000. You will have the opportunity to get your Challenge Pack during this process.
Once you’ve ordered your fitness program and Shakeology home direct, contact me to get into the next Challenge Group. I cannot do the work for you. I can show you a proven formula and hope you decide to apply it. What I’m offering you is the formula for a healthy lifestyle change. As long as you have all of these elements, you will succeed.
Fitness + Nutrition + Support = Success.
Your Results and Success will come by combining Fitness, Nutrition, and Support. My challenge groups are limited to five people who are sick and tired of living out of breath and out of shape, who want vitality, weight loss, and energy. If you are ready to commit to a Beachbody Challenge Pack, commit to yourself, commit to the group, and commit to me, I will work with you through your whole program to maximize your results.
Most Beachbody workouts do not use a stability ball, but stability ball exercises should not be discounted. They help improve balance and flexibility. They enhance stretching, add intensity to cardio exercises, are great for abdominal exercises, and can effectively be used in strength training.
I think a lot of people have a stability ball at home. It is an inexpensive piece of home equipment that is usually purchased for ab exercises. This versatile piece of gym equipment is underutilized if it is only used for abdominal crunches. Most people just don’t realize how many stability ball exercises they can do.
Extreme Interval Stability Ball Exercises
I know I was impressed with the workout in Extreme Intervals which is one of the ChaLean Extreme deluxe upgrade dvds (four workouts, $59.85). Chalene Johnson uses the stability ball to stretch during her warm up and cool down periods. She shows you how to use the ball to do side lunges. My favorite stability ball exercise in this workout though is dead lifts.
As much as I hate deadlifts, I like this exercise. I like it because the stability ball helps me keep my back flat. When I have good form with a flat back, the work is taken off my lower back and put on the muscle group I’m trying to work – the hamstrings! By the way, if you are wondering how deadlifts can be done with a stability ball…think single leg deadlifts with one hand rolling the ball.
Extreme Core Stability Ball Exercises
Extreme Core Circuit is another workout in the deluxe upgrade dvds that uses a stability ball. This workout is less than 12 minutes, but it is one of the best ab workouts in my opinion. My abdominal muscles sure feel it the next day! And, you don’t even realize you’re working your abs so hard. The ball takes the stress off your neck and lower back.
Chalene Johnson’s Get On The Ball! Stability Ball Exercises
This Beachbody workout program is all about the stability ball and targeting your abs and core. These workouts were originally introduced for the Turbo Jam program. It has two dvds: Total Body Blast (60 minutes) and Kickin Core (45 minutes). The program also come with a ball, so you won’t need to go out and get one. Get On the Ball is a great value at $39.90.
Chalene Johnson is not the only trainer to see the merits of stability balls. Tony Horton, creator of P90X, is bringing back the glory of the good old stability ball in the new P90X work at home fitness program called P90X2. If anyone can make you work hard in your home gym, it is Tony Horton. I can hardly wait to see what challenging exercises he throws at us using a stability ball.
On a side note, P90X2 won’t be available until December, 2011. You can pre-order the new P90X 2 for a limited time. Pre-ordering gives you free shipping (a savings of up to $40) and ensures delivery in time for Christmas. Ordering though this website also nets you two bonus DVDs from the P90X One on One series.
So, if you thought a stability ball was only good for crunches and back extensions, think again! Stability balls are great for stretching, cardio, and strenght training, too!
If you have not joined Team Beachbody, you are most likely not taking advantage of every opportunity to reach your fitness goals. Did I mention that it's FREE? So is browsing in our Online Store!
