P90x-Cross training that's worked for me

I just joined the SS cult just 4 days ago and your comment was one of the inspirations! I am curious though. How does your stronger upperbody help SS riding? I know I stand up to pedal and use my core more, but I am not sure if I use my upper body strength more.

 

On Week 7 of P90X, and my pullup count is now at 7. The initial count was about 1/2, if that.

Are there doubters out there? This thing really works. Well, you may have seen me, but don't let that deter you. Imagine now bad I must have looked 7 weeks ago .

 

the program really works. ive done one round, into my second right now. if you eat correctly, or at least healthier and get a good routine going you will notice results, its almost impossible not to.

 

Well if you get a good rhythm going you can use your arms , shoulders and upper back to pull on the handle bars to aid in power stroke, kinda like rowing with each arm ...but a little different.

 

Just started Week 8.

My pull up count is now up to 8. That is from barely 1 before the program started.

So glad to have started P90X during this uncharacteristically rainy stretch here in Southern California. I would have been sitting around watching my ass and belly grow like the national debt had it not been for P90X.

 

Push down with pedal right, pull up on handlebars right

 

Here is a little development on my P90X workout program.

It's all fine and dandy. My pull up count is at 12 now after 10 weeks. It went up by 3 in a week. I am in the "extreme muscle confusion" phase, and it is not uncommon to see some numbers shot up by leaps and bounds. I will take it as it comes. No, I don't expect to go up to 20's in the final two weeks, but any improvement to me is gravy.

One disappointing aspect of the workout...

Despite the awesome results seen the pull up count and other categories, I noticed that I was not feeling any stronger in the upper body while riding the single speed. As soon as I used the handle bars to pull up while climbing a moderate hill, my arms would be tired. Finally discovered why.

I've been using resistance bands for weights. Resistance bands work well as long as you stand up erect with one of both feet firmly on the bands. Anything that involves stooping down (heavy pants, lawn mower, backflys, etc.) gets awkward and ineffective. Well, when riding the single speed, you do bend down and work your arms. So the resistance bands very little for the muscle group needed for SS riding. Went out and bought the Powerblock dumbbells, and I love it. Well, better late than never.

 

month 10 doing the X and my riding has seen substantial improvements. My cardio, core, & breathing have significantly improved thus so has my climbing. The real test will come on the day of the VQ

 

Well, I finally gave in and bough the CD's (very cheap)from this guy, but he had no guides or paper work to actually do it. Can any one out there hook me up with a copy? Thanks in advance.

 

look here
http://teambeachbody.com/get-fit/fitness-tools/workout-sheets

 

My brother gave me the plyometrics (?) work out a couple of weeks ago and I've notice that my sprints while riding road feel much smoother and more powerful. Has anyone experienced this or is it just a placebo effect?

 

Plyo and Ab Ripper X are great additions for most training programs. I haven't been doing the Plyo this season, but I definitely do Ab Ripper. I've noticed less back aches, & a lot more control on the bike. Best part about it tho, I've done it enough, that I memorize the moves, so I don't have to listen to all of Tony's ridiculous phrases.

 

How funny, those are the two my brother gave me. I like how my core has gotten stronger also but I do a lot of other core work at the gym too.

 

Seen this P90X parody yet? These kids are hilarious.

[video=youtube;SZ-jhsOFCdY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ-jhsOFCdY[/video]

 

I may be the only one whose benefits from P90X have not translated to biking.

My pull up count is up from barely 1 to 16. The Yoga session is not as painful. I can whiz through the Ab X workout. I can lift much heavier weights. I am a success story, but yet I just don't feel the benefits when biking. Not only that, I supplanted the Plyo and Kenpo DVDs with Insanity workouts.

Much of it may have to do with taking nearly a month off from biking due to the last storm, and not being able to ride much during the week because the days are short. To make up for it, I have done the Insanity workouts, but every ride in recent weeks has been somewhat of an ordeal. Now we are looking at another round of rain

 

The "modified moves" rock!

 

Got myself this heart rate monitor which measures not just the heart rate at any given moment, but also calories burned. Thought it would be interesting to see how many calories P90X workouts burn.

- Plyometrics : 586
- Shoulders and arms: 580

- Fullerton Loop: 1086!

I thought it was very interesting that shoulders and arms burned almost as many calories as Plyo, but neither holds a candle to a ride on the Loop which is a moderate ride at best. This goes to show you there is nothing like mountain biking.

 

I did the program twice and I'm working on starting another round Friday. It has made not only riding easier but life in general. I was able to shed 35 lbs. If I could do it, I think anyone could.

I've got before and after photos if anyone wants to check them out, pm me.

 

just finished week 4 and have already lost 13 pounds. Considering that I was already in dicent shape it is a win-win for me. Finding the time with a 6 month old baby is hard (starting my workout at 9 or 10 at night sucks) but worth it. 186lbs to 173 with a goal of 165lbs (race weight).