P90X3 starts tomorrow!
My first workout program of the new year is P90X3: Tony Horton’s latest brainstorm which features 30 minute workouts. As I am before any new project, I am nervous. I don’t know what to expect. But I have a track record of this: P90X (January of 2011), Les Mills Pump (January of 2012 – for which I landed in the infomercial due to my results), and Les Mills Combat (January of 2013). Heck, every program was NEW at one point. Probably, the most eye-opening experience was the Ultimate Reset.
And, here I am again. Ready to hit the pavement, er, the carpet, with P90X3. I have a group of 30 starting with me. Another group starting up on January 13th (CLOSED – sorry, Charlie), a second mixed BB group beginning that same day, and ongoing 5 and 21-Day nutritional support groups.
Yes, this is what I do. All from home.
While my groups get to see how I prepare for a new program, I’ve never shared my prep-steps here. So, for your benefit, here’s how I prepare in order that my START is strong . . . leading to a great FINISH:
- Decide on a start date: Sounds elementary, but many don’t have a solid date on the calendar for DAY 1. Schedule DAY 1. Like a first date. That hopefully leads to a second.
- Find friends: Don’t be a lone ranger. Find a group – whether that be online, in the neighborhood, or at a gym. Birds of a feather . . . that whole thing.
- Take a before picture: The scariest part of your adventure. But really, you may not be able to SEE your changes unless you put the “before” and “after” side by side. So, do it. And for goodness sake, don’t crop your head off in the picture. (We need to confirm it’s really you.) Just take a deep breath, have someone shoot the photo, and then save it somewhere as future proof that you have indeed worked your tukus off.
- Organize the “gym”: If working out at home. Set it up. Heck, my guy is up fixing the pull-up bar as I type. Have the equipment you need ready. Don’t leave inventory-check to the morning. If you are headed to a gym make sure the car is gassed up. Get this stuff done BEFORE Day 1. (That’s assuming you’ve scheduled Day 1. If not, please return to #1 of this list. You are not ready to move on.)
- Step on the scale and take measurements: Write all of this information down and then immediately take the scale to a neighbor’s house and leave it there. The scale is not the end-all-be-all of getting into shape and we give it way more street cred than we should. It can make or break our day – even if we’re losing inches and fitting into smaller clothes. Leave with a friend. Or a distant relative.
- Set out your clothes: Just like we tell our children to set out their clothes the night before, please do the same. If you are like me, and workout at home, matching is optional. Ah, heck. Just sleep in your workout gear. Why leave anything to chance. And a word about footwear. RUNNING SHOES are not a friend to the in-home workout, (if that’s what you are doing). You need a court shoe to assist with lateral movement. Consider this a PSA for those of you who get foot pain and shin splits from rockin’ Insanity in running shoes. Just don’t.
- Prepare your meal-plan: Yep, if you wanna workout and have results like the big dogs, you will have to plan your meals and then shop accordingly. There is no shooting from the hip. Nutrition is a part of the program. It’s not a suggestion. Period. And until you accept the fact that changes will have to be made in the kitchen, your #3 will continue to look like a #3. (Go for the “after” picture! You can do it!)
- Schedule a week of dates: Assume that #1 will go well, but schedule your workouts for the rest of the week. Don’t get all cocky after your first workout, and strut around spreading those peacock feathers because you rocked the first date so well. You my think the other workouts will just naturally be as good. No. Schedule them. Trust me.
- Announce it: You heard me. Share with a few others what you are doing. There is debate whether publicly sharing goals strengthens or serves as a detriment to meeting a goal. I have ALWAYS found that when I share it, I do it. Note: people may give you some obnoxious feedback when you announce your program and goal. This is why you need #2. Who are your #2s?
- Get some sleep: As in right now. Go to bed. Stop reading this and go to bed. DO NOT HIT SNOOZE IN THE MORNING. (It’s a trap.)
See you tomorrow!
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are considering starting with PA Cyber School for the next school year for my then 1st grader and kindergartener. Thanks for the warnings about the curriculum. Its the little things like that that are nice to know ahead of time.
Stephanie, thanks for commenting!
We did get into a rhythm. And for my son, doing 5 days of ONE subject each day, is the way to go. Rather than hopping from one subject to another.
There is a LOT of work, but once we figured out our system, we were good to go!! Keep me posted!
This looks so amazing! What is the release date for the public?
Corinn, I don’t have exact release date yet, but if you click the link in the post, and enter your information, you will be on the list to receive email updates on the release date.