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Posts Tagged ‘build muscle’

P90X Reviews – Weight Loss For Women

By Tim Pannell On July 23, 2009 No Comments
P90X for Women © Tim Pannell Photography

P90X for Women © Tim Pannell Photography

We talk about P90X as though it’s only for big ‘ole tough guys.  That sells the workout program a little short.

Will P90X work for women? For anyone who has ever done or followed a P90X Workout DVD you already know that there’s always a woman on the program, and they all kick butt.

I know that for many women there is a fear of bulking up too much and looking un-feminine from lifting weights.  As with all things in life, it really depends on what your goal is.  There are women out there that have created enormous physiques for themselves, to the point where most people find it gross.

P90X is not designed with that in mind.  It’s purpose isn’t just about losing weight.

It’s goal is for people to get fit and lean.  By building muscle, the body naturally uses more energy, aka calories.  As your body adjusts to the workouts and the healthier diet you’ll see your body fat % shrink and your lean muscle mass increase.  Your arms  and shoulders will have greater definition, legs will get more toned and tummy muscles will tighten.

Take a look at the women on the DVD, they actually represent a variety of different sizes and shapes, but they’re all fit.

My wife usually works out at the gym, but we were on a family trip recently and while we were gone she did some of the P90X workouts with me and really enjoyed them.  I really enjoyed working out with her.

We did P90X Shoulders and Arms first, followed by plyometrics.  She kicked my butt at plyometrics.  I still struggle with this set of exercises because of my knees, but I am getting better and better at it.

We had such a good time doing them together that we’re continuing the mutual workouts at home.  She keeps me focused and on track on the days that my attitude isn’t as good as it could be.

P90X training can benefit just about anyone that is trying to get back into shape.  I realize that it’s marketed for people that are already in fair to moderate shape, but speaking as a guy that’s still 55 lbs. overweight, it’s been great for me as well.

You can go at your own pace, from moderate to really intense and the DVDs always have someone doing lighter weights and more reps.  So, for any women that are considering P90X and unsure about whether or not it’ll be too intense for you, I wouldn’t waste my time worrying about it.

My wife says that the workouts she’s done with me seem to be a bit easier than what she does at the gym.  I guess that sounds like P90X heresy, but that’s her experience.

She does however like the workouts and it is nice to be doing them together instead of by myself.  So whether your a guy or a girl or a couple, P90X will work for you.  Just be sure to check with your doctor before you start if you have any questionable health risks or concerns.


Jack LaLanne – Fitness GURU Can Still Kick My Butt

By Tim Pannell On June 30, 2009 1 Comment

Jack LaLanne – Be Happy!
Do any of  you remember Jack LaLane? He’s gotta be about 112 years old by now, but he’s still kicking butt and taking names.

I remember when I was a little kid seeing my mom watch him on tv and do workouts to lose weight.  For crying out loud, I think I remember him pulling a semi or something ridiculous.

He was fabulous in his stereotypical 60’s fitness jumpsuit.  I am amazed he’s still going strong.  It just shows what hard work and a great attitude can accomplish.

I can’t help but compare him to Michael Jackson, with his oxygen chamber, clean air mask to avoid germs at all costs and claims of being able to live to be 150.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bagging on Michael……his life story and struggles with personal demons is truly a tragedy.

I’m just trying to make a point …..taking a passive interest as opposed to an active interest in our own personal health.  The old school, tried and true methods of days gone by sometimes outperform the latest, greatest miracle breakthroughs that are on the cutting edge.

Thank God for men and women like Jack LaLanne that are willing to defy the convention of their time and push forward for the benefit of the rest of us.

I’m all for the latest technologies, they’re a blast.  I love the latest scientific breakthroughs and the dreams they allow us to have.  I just don’t want to be guilty of tossing aside something that’s been proven to work for almost a century just because it’s not “hip” at the moment.

If you’re overweight, obese or even borderline obese and are wanting to burn fat and lose inches while you build muscle, nothing beats old school principles.

There are no quick fixes, it takes hard work and dedication.  You have to embrace the right kind of fitness training exercises, but most importantly, you need a little Jack LaLanne attitude in you.   

I’ve worked out before with little or no results and it wasn’t until I changed my workout attitude that my fitness level started turning around.

I give credit to P90X training DVD’s for reducing my body fat, but in all fairness I have to give some props to Jack LaLanne and my early childhood memories of him amazing all of us with his feats of strength.