May 28
Progress Not Perfection–P90X Style!
Hi gang. I know it’s been a while since I posted a blog and it is all my fault. Not that I couldn’t have done a blog, and not that I haven’t had time to do a blog, just that I didn’t really have anything worthy of blogging about. But, now I do–an update on my P90X experiment.
I bought the DVDs and official P90X kit in April, but actually just officially started the 90 day challenge on May 17 2010. It started out as an experiment, a way of reviewing a popular fitness package and seeing how it measured up against other training programs. The results of a friend, and his good advice, made me decide to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to P90X instead of just trying it out in order to write a review.
Having been at it nearly two weeks, there are two things I can tell you for sure:
1. My username on the P90X website should be “Pause Button King!” And,
2. It is an excellent program that focuses on exactly the things I need to focus on at this point in my life.
After ten years of progressive resistance training with body for life and with the similar and also very excellent program of Lee Labrada called the Lean Body Challenge, I am fit and muscular. But, what I need more of right now is the type of conditioning that will develop a really good core, excellent balance, endurance, better range of motion, pain free joints, and still will retain the symmetry and leanness that I have developed over the years. P90X, I am convinced, will do just that.
One caveat. When they say it is “extreme,” they mean it! It is not for those who are tremendously overweight or who are just beginning to regain the physical fitness they once had. Body for Life or the Lean Body Challenge are perfect programs that are easily adaptable to beginners or severe obesity but P90X honestly is just too demanding to make it even worthwhile under those circumstances.
I have followed it as closely as I can, and I hit the pause button a lot, as I get winded, but even after just two weeks, I’m seeing significant and good results in the mirror, on the scales, and in how my clothes fit. The lady who sees me at the Red Cross every two weeks and sets me up for my platelets donation looked at me today and asked if I still weighed what they show on their records. She explained that I looked like I had gotten really lean really quick, and she also said that the muscles and veins in my arms really look different. She wasn’t trying to give me compliments–she was just doing her job, but it just shows me that what I think I see is also what others are seeing, too! I am also reasonably sure the changes are due solely to the exercise regimen, because I have NOT changed my classic 6 small meals a day, with the usual array of protein and carbs, except that I have begun eating just a bit more carbs since both the time and intensity of the exercise require more endurance than progressive resistance training does.
Well, I plan on doing the whole 90 days and I’ll take some progress photos in 3 or 4 weeks from the beginning and bring you up to date then. If you’re wondering whether it would work for you, drop me a note and I’ll be glad to try to answer any questions you might have. If you’re in the middle of a body for life or similar challenge now, by all means stick with it. P90X IS NOT a replacement for those programs–it’s the next thing you ought to think about doing!
God Bless! It’s a wonderful time of the year to be getting fit. No excuses! Decide, Commit and Succeed!
May 29th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Mike,
Glad to hear your feedback. I’ve been wanting to try it for quite some time, and a friend of mine just happens to be bringing me the set of DVD’s this week. I’m excited to try it out….if I can handle working out at home and not feeding off the energy of other people at the gym! I’ll be tuning in to your progress!
Em
June 1st, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I am missing you tonight, my friend. Thank-you for all you have taught me–about fitness, and about my journey with Christ. It is in your honor, that I will not continue on with the Body for LIFE lifestyle.
In Love and Gratitude~
Amy Sayers
June 1st, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Ok, so-I mistyped above, what I meant to say was that I WILL continue on with Body for LIFE in Mike’s honor—good grief…like I could do anything else!
June 2nd, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Dearest Mike, I am so disappointed that I could not meet with you when I was in Michigan last year. So our ‘meeting’ will have to wait a while longer. I am so sad you are gone, but rejoice that you are seeing Jesus face to face. We will see you in heaven. Enjoy the peace. I know you are hearing the words: ‘Well done good and faithful servant.’ You will be sorely missed.
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:21 pm
My heart is broken for the loss of such a wonderful, encouraging soul—-your presence will be missed terribly. I can only send my gratitude to the man who held my hand through my first BFL challenge and answered my “newbie” questions with such detail, I was overwhelmed by his kindness. Mike and Mille the Wonder Dog together again! See you when we meet the Lord face to face! xo
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:51 pm
To the Harris family.
My heart is broken tonight and my prayers are with you. Mike made such a difference in so many, many lives. I will always remember his wit, wisdom and kindness to me and my family.
June 3rd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
My thoughts at prayers are with the family. Mike was instrumental in my
BFL challange and always gave the best advice and encouragement.
May God bless each of you and hold you tightly in his arms during this time.
June 3rd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
I wish to offer my deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Mike. I had the pleasure of meeting him on the cruise two years ago. He delivered a very moving, funny, witty, inspiring and heartful lecture. I will not forget his ten commandments! His memory will live on through everyone he touched.
Debbie Condren (nee Sawatzky)
June 5th, 2010 at 9:53 am
I thankful to have known Mike. I am even more thankful to know he now has his body for everlasting life!
June 5th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I had the great pleasure of meeting Mike at the BFL TN weekend last year. I am very saddened to learn of his passing. He had so much insight, passion and energy for life. He will be dearly missed by many
June 8th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
To The Harris Family:
Know beyond doubt that the legacy of Michael T. Harris will live on each day in the gift of his knowledge, experience and wisdom that he so willingly shared with all of us. May the Lord bless you and keep you during this loss.
June 10th, 2010 at 9:03 am
We were blessed when Keith Carey asked our daughter to marry him. Then we were blessed again when Keith introduced us to Uncle Mike. What an amazing man. Although our friendship was short we knew quickly his amazing love for life, family and God. His smile will live in our hearts forever. Thank you Mike for the love you showed our daughter and grandchildren. Cam showed us the dance you taught him at the campfire. He loved you dearly. We are so happy to have known you. Our prayers are with your family. See you in Heaven Mike. xxxooo
July 5th, 2010 at 9:29 am
I have just come in from my back porch where I was telling my husband about the most amazing mentor and coach, BFL Mike. I will never forget the man or his heart. My prayers are with his family and everyone who’s life he touched.
Mike you among angels now……Maybe now you will know just how instrumental you were and still are…in changing people’s lives for the better. Thank you thank you thank you for your service. You have lived your life well.
August 4th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Miss you Mike, I was just thinking about you today. It is nice your blogs are still available here for us to read.
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:06 pm
The P90X can be bought dirt cheap at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150484202112&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:30 am
Mike,
I miss your humor, knowledge, and your integrity. God does fine work and the BFL community was blessed!
Thank you to your family for leaving Mike’s website up so that his legacy remains!
October 7th, 2010 at 11:39 am
I’m wondering today…wondering…just a little…are Mike and Millie out taking a walk…or maybe they are hanging out for just a sec while Julie is lacing up her red runners so that they can all go out together.
I wonder…
LOTS of valuable, and even more important, heartfelt messages in this word factory here, folks. Take advantage of it.
Mike’s family – we’re thinking of you and praying for you! Do the same for us, deal?
With love-
October 7th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Make that “Milly.” I would have received a ribbing for that one…
October 14th, 2010 at 1:08 am
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