Chest & Back and Ab Ripper

I'm beginning the third round of the P90X 1st round workouts.  I should be moving on to the "resting" phase next week, but will probably give this one another full week because of all the breaks I've taken :)

I have to say that I thought because of the breaks I wouldn't really be seeing much improvement.  But just the other day I was demontrating how I have progressed to using a chair for my pullups (a step up from using the bands) and actually did two full, no-chair-supported pull-ups!  I was so proud of myself.  Now certainly I couldn't have continued, but it's two more than I could do when I started this.

This round I am really focusing on form vs. quantity.  This meant that for the push-ups I only did 8 and for the pull-ups I only did 5.  They were slow, but I was fully focused on going low, keeping my elbows in (when appropriate) and getting the most out of each move.  Even at that low quantity, I was tired at the end.

I am taking the same focus on the Ab Ripper.  This continues to be a struggle for me, but knowing that I was only going to do 10 (to the DVDs 25) was a huge mental help.  Again, I concentrated on form.  My lower back is very stiff and instead of getting a nice smooth roll-down my spine, I tend to flop the lower 6 inches.  While "they" finished their 25 reps, I would make the move much smaller, just working on that last portion and making the move smoother.

I know I'm going to feel this tomorrow, especially in my abs ... but that's a good thing.

I recently saw a t-shirt that said "Marines" on the front and "Pain is just weakness leaving your body." on the back.  I LOVE THAT!  It is my new mantra for this workout program.  Hopefully it will get me through in one piece.

Have a great day!