When I first started my research of P90X, I was relieved to see that they built in a one week recovery week at the end of each phase. Not that I’m lazy, but after three straight weeks of working out, it makes sense to take a break to let your muscles recover and build up. P90X does not tell you to sit idle, but has you do Stretch X, Yoga X, Cardio X, Kenpo X and Core Synergistics.

A funny thing happened to me mentally. I was so into P90X and motivated to workout, that I was a little disappointed to come to the recovery week. I wanted to keep working out so I didn’t lose motivation or the desire to continue with the routine. So I worked out on the elliptical machine everyday in addition to the P90X exercises listed above.

I know there is probably a very good reason why the program wants you to take a recovery, but I really wanted to stay in the groove. I had to keep working out since my recovery week was during Thanksgiving week; I couldn’t let myself slip into a holiday coma without fighting!

There are very compelling scientific reasons why a recovery phase is important. Instead of me trying to explain it all here, please check out this article that details the importance of recovery.

I started Week 5 / Phase 2 this week and feel incredibly strong, both physically and mentally. I am motivated and feeling better than ever. I didn’t expect to feel this good in such a short amount of time….I know that if you stick with it, you’ll feel great as well