p90x? CHX huh? Wha...?

A few days ago, on Aug 24, it hit me: I'm going be 40 years old in exactly three months, on November 24. I certainly don't feel 40 -- and I don't think I look it -- but I could certainly look better. I'm a little squishy around the middle... my arms remind me a bit of my Grandma Millie's with the flappiness... and my butt could be tighter. This, despite semi-regular time spent on rollerblades or my bike. Emphasis on the "semi".

I thought in passing, "hm, I should really amp up my workouts NOW -- that would be the best birthday present I could give to myself, to look and feel the best I possibly can at 40!" Then that night I met co-workers for karaoke, beer, pizza and french fries.

The next day, I was having a drink with a friend, and he mentioned the P90X workout, an intense workout program that has challenged him into getting into some of the best shape he's ever been in (and yes, he looked good). Apparently, this program works on a premise called muscle confusion, "which accelerates the results process by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus, and you never get bored!"

Sounds like just the kickstart I needed -- something with a finite timeline. And I took it as a sign that I had just about 90 days until my birthday, and suddenly, here's this 90-day program, fallen into my lap!

After doing a bit of research online and asking other friends, I opted for the ChaLEAN Extreme workout -- it's in the same family as the P90X, but sounds a bit more manageable. (read about the comparisons here) A friend told me that his boyfriend (who was already in good shape) started the P90X and found it to be way too intense.

So -- I placed the order yesterday, and am very impatiently waiting for it to arrive! I hope it gets here sooner than the 5 - 7 business days that was promised to me. After all, only 89 more days until I turn 40! Will wake up early tomorrow to do an hour of iTrain yoga to get started, and will do some biking, rollerblading and / or running this weekend to keep it going.

My biggest question to myself: how will I find the time for this?? Once I wrapped my head around it, I realized I had no excuse NOT to do this. I don't have to be at work until about 10 am -- I can easily wake up at about 7:30 or 8 am, get in a great workout and still get to work on time. All I need to do is make sure I get to bed by midnight or so -- that could be a challenge, as I'm fond of my late-night internet faffing -- but what's more valuable to me: yet another adorable bunny on CuteOverload.com, or fabulous abs and increased self-confidence? It's a no-brainer.

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This blog started as my Weight Watchers page, and while WW remains a fabulous program, I needed something new to renew my excitement in getting in shape. I'm hoping the ChaLEAN Extreme program (which I'll refer to as CHX from this point on) will do just that.

When I last blogged here in March, my weight was 138 -- these days, it's been fluctuating anywhere between 136 and 140. My birthday goal is going to be 125 lbs, or about a pound a week. Totally do-able.