Bring It: P90X Day 51

P90X is one tough workout. Even on recovery week, I feel like I have worked harder than I ever have on any other workout. What can I say - Tony Horton is mean. But, he does get the job done. In the last 51 days I can see my body transforming before my eyes. Almost to the point that I barely recognize myself. The reason this is happening is because of muscle confusion. I have pushed myself and changed it up for just shy of two months. That has made all the differrence. And believe me, I have done so many different workout programs, I can tell which ones work and which ones don't work!

If you would like to start from the beginning of this series, please click here. If you want to read about my previous day with P90X, click here.

With the holidays right around the corner - what are you waiting for? Join me before you make the New Year's Resolution and get in the habit before the holidays. Feel free to leave your comments below. Together we can keep each other motivated!

Today is recovery week but I can say that I haven't even come close to recovering. Not only have the workouts been tough, but I am also getting ready for the holidays. That means I am spring cleaning in the fall.

Today's workout to dread was Core Synergistics. This focuses on the band of muscles that comprise the middle of your body. This is where everybody's trouble spots seem to be. If you want to get rid of the gut... this is a must! However, anybody who knows me, knows I have a difficult time with core exercises. More than 10 years ago, I had surgery on my abdomen. Some days are better than others. Today was not one of my good days. I blame myself for overdoing it yesterday with the cleaning.

So, I hate to say it, but today was not a day that I could happily say I brought it. In fact, I fell out of the majority of the exercises. Because of the pain (not the good burn intended when you exercise!), I really couldn't do this workout at all. However, I still got somewhat of a workout in. I had to finish cleaning the house. Mopping and sweeping also work those core muscles if you focus hard enough. So, I guess not all is lost.

I figure after this I have two options: Shrug off the bad workout as just having a rough day and overdoing it the day before - or - find something to replace the workout with that I know I can do and really get a good workout in. Eventually, when my core muscles get stronger, I can move back to Core Synergistics. Unfortunately, while there are other workouts in the P90X system, none of them are even remotely close to Core Synergistics. Since I have a second round during Recovery Week, I will make my decision Friday on whether I will just substitute another workout or try to push through this one once more.

Dear Core,

You have always been there for me, so I feel bad telling you this, but you are weak! Right now, I need you more than ever and you keep falling out. I already know the excuse... you have been hurt in the past. Well, I was hurt too. But it is time that you moved on and get over it!

We need to work together, because without you, I am not whole. No - really - I would look really funny just being a head with legs attached. But you have a job to do. Frankly, you probably have one of the hardest jobs out of every single area on my body. Sure, my arms have complained about those pull-ups, but I told them to man up - after all, I was doing the chair assisted version anyway. And the legs - well, they have been complaining for 2 weeks straight about those wall sits! I think the other night one of them tried to run away.

But then we come to you. Today you disappointed me. You just didn't show up at all. You barely even tried. Without you, I failed the entire workout. That can't happen again. I know you were tired from yesterday, but sometimes when you are tired, that just means you have to push it even harder.

This will be the last time we talk about this. From now on, I expect you to be able to keep up. And just because you don't agree with me, doesn't mean you should stab me with pain. It is time you healed. I hope by the time we encounter Core Synergistics again - we are on the same page.

Sincerely, Stacy

P.S. I haven't decided whether or not you are grounded.

Note: This letter is meant in good fun. After having surgery on my stomach, I am already well aware the Core Synergistics workout could do potentially more harm than good. That means I have to modify and change the workout. However, for those who have had no major surgeries on their abdominal area, this is a great workout to get that area tight. The core is a major part of your body and it is involved with everything. Isn't it about time you treated it right?

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but I am not letting it hurt my workout schedule. Click here to read about Day 52 and my pledge for a healthy holiday!