Thanks for the advice on gaining weight the other day. I have a new question so am starting a new thread.

Today was day 8 for me and I did Chest & Back for the 2nd time. I noticed that I was WEAKER than the first time, I could barely do the exercises at all in round 2. I had more energy my first day! I couldn't even finish the workout this time and last time I at least got through it. Am I doing something wrong? Honestly it feels like it.

I am very out of shape and have a weak chest, which was one of my main reasons for wanting to do P90X.

Any advice on this would help.

Are you sure you are eating enough and at the right time? Also Tony says that some people have to increase their carb intake if they aren't able to do the routines effectively on the phase 1 diet. Try adding 1 portion of carbs. Also, I make sure I eat protein/carb about 1-2 hrs (5-6pm) before my routine (7-7:30pm). I eat a 1/2 a protein bar (10g protein, 15g carb) and another higher carb bar (5g protein, 25g carb), total 15g prot, 40g carb. I also drink at least 8oz water 15-30 min before I work out. This has been working well for me. The only time I "bonked" was when I started my routine later than planned (8pm).

Adam,

I agree with Veerukka...sounds like you may be bonking.

What is "bonking"? Funny sounding term, but what it means is that you've consumed all the carbohydrate stores in your muscles (known as glycogen) for aerobic work and your muscles now have to resort to anaerobic metabolism...this is where the lactic acid comes in that makes your muscles sore. The problem is that P90X and most other exercises push the muscles beyond what anaerobic metabolism can accomplish. Think of putting a Model-T engine in a locomotive and you get an idea of what's going on. The engine is way underpowered for the job.

This is the part where very low-carbohydrate diets can be problematic. They're great for getting your body into a fat-burning mode, but they won't let you walk across the room without feeling as weak as a wet noodle. And that's bonking.

The best plan is to increase the carbohydrates in your diet. Don't increase the fat, and make sure you're getting enough protein. But get some carbs in your diet and you'll do a lot better. The diet plan booklet is a great help in seeing what you can use. Essentially, you want more complex carbs like those found in fruits and vegetables and less of the simple carbs. The nice thing about many bars aimed at the health-conscious is that there's an effort to include some simple carbs along with complex carbs.

Also, remember that this is a journey. Keep track of what you're eating and how you feel. Only you know for sure, and in time you'll discover things that work for you. And remember that we're all here to help you as well.

Hope this helps...remember that this is fixable so don't throw in the towel!!

Kevin