Friday, 21 Mar 2008
P90X parent company Beachbody must be spamming the heck out of the TV infomercial channels this month, because I keep getting emails from readers asking if P90X is right for them based on my run with the program a few years ago.
To cut down on the amount of copying and pasting I have to do, I’m going to post my responses here for the edification of all future P90X Googlers. 
If you haven’t been working out too much in recent years, particularly with heavy weights, you should definitely try out the P90X fitness test first before you buy the P90X program.
P90X is designed for men and women who are already at goal weight (or at least within a few pounds of it) and in very good physical condition with no major physical limitations or chronic injuries who just want to get leaner and become even more fit. It will increase your strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance and probably decrease your body fat as a byproduct of increasing your fitness, but it was not designed specifically as a fat loss program. In general, it’s not for those who have more than 15 lbs to lose, those who have been completely sedentary for more than 6 months, or those who have only done cardio and yoga and only want to tone up. It’s a hardcore home boot camp system, and while there are a few modified movements shown to decrease difficulty, there is NO beginner ramp up included to get you from 100% sedentary up to the recommended P90X starting state.
The program is pretty strenuous, especially the Chest & Back (almost 100% pullups and pushups), Plyometrics X, and the Legs & Back workouts. If your fitness level — strength *and* endurance — isn’t pretty decent already, you won’t be getting your time or money’s worth out of the program. You also won’t look like one of their 90 day “After” photos in 12 weeks, because if you look closely, most of those guys and gals were already close to goal weight or UNDER it, had decent cardiovascular endurance, and had completed at least one round of Power 90, Beachbody’s beginner/intermediate program, or the equivalent. They weren’t using the program to get into shape from a couch potato starting point; they were using it to build even MORE muscle mass onto already-fit bodies and to burn off the last 5% or so of body fat obscuring their existing muscles.
Don’t believe me? Check out Beachbody president Jon Congdon’s photos and stats here. Notice that he already had decent-sized arms, deltoids, and pectoral muscles in his Before photo, and the beginnings of abdominal definition in his obliques. He was already fit, but slightly soft with a little bit of subcutaneous fat. He was not obese or out of shape, and neither were any of the other success stories used in the infomercials or web site.
P90X refines and improves a fit but still slightly fluffy physique in 90 days into a lean and ripped physique, but if you are carrying more than 10-20 lbs of extra flab, your results will not be as dramatic, especially if you follow the calorie recommendations from their meal plan which is geared more towards maintenance of current body weight than fat loss. As with any workout and nutrition regimen, the results you get will depend completely on your intensity and consistency in your workouts, and in your compliance and consistency in the kitchen.
My husband, for example, completed a round of P90X Classic last fall with about 85% compliance to the workout schedule but without following the meal plan. As a result, he lost about five pounds of scale weight, lost inches in his waist, gained some in his arms, shoulders, and chest, and dropped about 3% body fat, but definitely did not achieve dramatic “After” photo results. He was already at a good scale weight at 155 lbs and 15% body fat (he’s 5′8″) when he started, but he had never lifted weights in his life more than once or twice, and had very little upper body muscle development as a result. This made the upper body days pretty challenging for him. (In other words, I could do more push-ups than he could, and we pressed and curled similar weights.) The program added muscle mass to his physique, but not huge amounts of it. In my objective opinion, all of the males in the P90X infomercial started out with more lean mass than my DH did.
Download and take a look at the workout log sheets and try to do one of the workouts as a sample. I recommend the Chest/Back workout. Each exercise is performed for about 30 seconds. If you can only do 25-33% of the reps (or under 10 full pushups) for each exercise, you should probably look at trying the Power 90 program or something more like Body for Life or Turbulence Training for 12 weeks first to get your weight down and your fitness level up.
You can also get up to speed and drop a few pounds first using some of the free at-home workout plans I posted here:
Fitness on a Budget Part 2: DIY, Nearly Free, No Gym Required Workout Plans
If your fitness level is good despite having more than 20 pounds left to lose - i.e. You could probably run 2 miles in under 18 minutes without walking, you regularly lift some heavy weights at home or at the gym, you can do 30 pushups without pause if you are male or 15 pushups if you are female (The official P90X readiness test posts numbers lower than this, but in my experience, a woman who can only do 3 real push-ups from her toes before face-planting in the carpet will not be able to do enough reps on Chest and Back day to get much of a transformation), and/or you have completed the equivalent of one 12-week Body for Life challenge - then you might still get some good results with P90X even if you have to modify some of the moves. You should also be injury-free.
The only caveats if you are in the “heavier than recommended” category when starting the program are that:
a) Your results may not be as dramatic because you will likely have to modify the moves or do fewer reps until your fitness level and scale weight are more optimal.
b) You will probably have to do more than one round of the program to reach goal.
c) You may get seriously bored doing the same workouts over and over for more than 90 days.
d) If you want to lose weight on the program, you will probably have to reduce the number of calories recommended by the meal plan.
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P90X Ready (Go ahead and start the program) |
Extra Conditioning Needed (Complete 12 weeks of Power 90, Body for Life, or Turbulence Training |
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I won’t discourage you if you are completely gung ho about buying and trying P90X, but please try to be realistic about your current physical condition, your actual fitness level today (NOT how fit you were in your prime as a college athlete 10 years ago), and the very real possibility of injuring yourself performing some of the exercises in the program (Pull-ups and plyometric jumping are rough on your joints) if you have been out of the exercise saddle for a while and are deconditioned. If you have any orthopedic knee, back, or other medical conditions that would make fast-tempo lifting with challenging weights or high-impact jumping questionable, please check with your physician first before starting this program. I know that all workout DVDs say this, but in the case of P90X, this warning should be taken seriously. I was in fantastic shape after almost a year of BFL-style workouts with heavy weights and hard interval cardio when I did P90X, and I still managed to screw up my left elbow and wrist for several months between the (too) fast lifting and the large number of pull ups and chins required in the workouts.
With all that said, I DO like the P90X system and had very good results on it (starting from a pretty high level of fitness and sub-20% body fat, however). It’s physically challenging, not too boring for three months, and comes with a decent nutrition plan complete with recipes to help you succeed. If you are in good shape already and want a home workout system that uses minimal equipment but still kicks your butt daily, you can’t do much better than P90X.
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 am
Again, you are spot on with your recommendation! The P90x system is tough! I find the speed of the lifting (curls mainly ) to be a bit fast. I think anyone buying the system that is not in shape will find the workouts impossible, seriously the workouts are 1 hour in lengthen and if you add on the abs that is an additional 15 minutes. I think the average Canadian/American (who doesn’t already work out at least 5 times a week for more than 30 minutes) should start on another system.
March 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Excellent review! P90X is wonderful to take a fit person to super fit… but it is already tough for someone in the gym 5 - 6X a week…it would probably kill a newbie. You are right - I’ve been seeing infomercials broadcast like crazy. QVC is selling the program now.
March 23rd, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I’ve just started to use P90X, and I really do like it. I was “P90X ready” but that doesn’t mean the workouts are easy. I end plenty of them feeling a little nauseous from pushing so hard, but that push is part of what I love about it.
Even if you’re not “P90X ready” I think you could still work out with the videos, just don’t expect to do all of it. You will still learn some good exercises, and with some time you’ll get yourself P90X ready! Really the very first item up there is the most important: “Self-motivated (can workout consistently alone).” If you can’t do this, none of the other items matter.
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Yes, but who wins in armwrestling? :em19:
March 31st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I have installed the chin-up bar, fit test done last night, photos done today. I am at 30% body fat and 25 lbs over weight. I have done weights for years and cardio for certain periods also…. this is the worst I have been ever. I am sick and tired but smart enough to know that I am going to have to be careful. I personally like to feel sick and know that I pushing my body hard… For me more than anything I need the routine, plug in the dvd and don’t leave until it’s done…everyday for 90 days. I have been in shape before and will do it again.
Thanks for the info and sheets.
April 19th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I can past the fitness test with no problems, but I am about 30lbs of my ideal body weight. I have an athletic body, but my upper body has layers of fat that has caused my scale wirht to increase. My questions are simple … in 1998 I fractured my neck (c-5), fractured both shoulders, broke my left ankle and tore my ACL in my right knee. The only discomfort I have now are my left shoulder and my knee. I am concerned about the high intensity with my knee. My shoulder is tricky … the fracture never healed correctly and for years I had a floating bone chip that has now fused to another bone and it pinches my nerves, so at times when doing pushing exercises, I lose power in that arm … BUT I want so much to start the program, but want someone to tell me if I am dreaming with all of my previous injuries.
June 16th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I think this is a very well written review of the program. I was VERY athletic 10 years ago, and through the p90x process had no idea how fat I had become until I saw the initial photo.
Even thought I had a series of injuries(knee and wrist surgeries) I powered through….but look back wondering how I did it. The workouts are tough 30 lbs lighter, and 4 months later!!!
I am now close to my goal weight(within 3-5 lbs) but have a ways to go on body fat %. The workouts are awesome, I love the program…but it isn’t for beginners.
Start with P90, and move to P90X.
Anyways…great write up.
July 4th, 2008 at 12:07 am
This review hits the nail on the head. P90X is an amazing program to help get you into shape - especially if you’re looking for something simple that will guide you through the process. Just follow the directions and work hard and you can’t mess it up!
Check out my P90X journey at http://www.hardbodygeeks.com.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Excellent review. P90X does work very well, but as you mentioned I think it’s important for people to have realistic expectations going in. It takes a lot of time and hard work to get the results you want, but the program is the real deal. Feel free to stop by my blog at http://www.FatLossBlogger.com where I’m blogging about my experience each day.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I am already pretty fit I work out 5 to 6 times a day lifting and doing cardio. I just have some little extra that I am trying to cut out but am having trouble finding a program that works me hard enough. I am very athletic. I play basketball, 30″ veritcal I can move extremely well. Lifting in the gym and running get boring and want different more practical movements. I am 21 weight 187. Any advice thanks
July 24th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Kudos.. Your review was spot on. I’m sure P90x works. However, with gas prices going up, I find it hard to plunk down $120 bucks.
My alternative to P90x was doing crossfit workout routines. The workouts are just as hard as P90x if not harder. See for yourself.
http://www.crossfit.com/ . There are sample videos of the workouts and they are tough..
Try doing 100 pushups, 100 pulldowns, 100 situps, and 100 air squats in under 10minutes.. I tried it.. Let me just say.. I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
Great review!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Hi! I just started to read your blog and am totally amazed and grateful for all the time you’ve spent on this. The information is invaluable. I am a Body for Life devotee and now looking to work out from home, therefore the interest in P90X. I’m still reading but wanted to say THANKS for creating this insightful material for us!
July 25th, 2008 at 6:21 am
The sites you comes across just search on google, found some great info, thanks. As for P90x, I started in March, I was pathetically out of shape, NOT fit. half way through a friend talked me into doing a triathlon,I laughed, ya right. I couldn’t climb a small hill before I started. But I tried running and it felt good, so I said what the heck, bought a bike, joined a Gym to learn how to swim long distance. Well I enter my first triathlon last week and came in 12th out of 60. Here is real life proof p90x works. Check out my photo gallery
http://forums.teambeachbody.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/17410191/m/4111058331
July 31st, 2008 at 11:34 am
You are exactly right about P90X. I finished P90 on July 12th and lost about 26 pounds on that program. I started P90X on July 21st and have found the workouts to be challenging, but tons of fun. I am not on the ground in a heap after my workouts like I would have been if I had started P90X from a full-stop. P90 was very challenging in the beginning, but the body adapts quickly. I would fully recommend P90 to anybody who can’t pass the P90X fit test. You won’t regret it and I feel that even if you can barely pass the fit test, you will probably be able to get more out of P90X if you put in 90 days ramping up to it. When I started P90 I could do probably 7 pushups. When I finished, I could do 43 (I passed the fit test with flying colors).
You can see me and some of my friends progress through most of P90 (with before and after pictures) on my site at:
http://dogandponyshow.typepad.com/90_day_transformations/
September 1st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I would like to point out that very few women who are very fit can do even a single pull up, unless they are quite thin. In all my years at the gym, I have seen maybe 3 women do an unassited chinup and they all looked like they weighed about 90 pounds. I weigh closer to 150 and after years of weight training, I still need a 30 pound assist to do a chin up and I work with fairly heavy weights for a women. I also think less than 18 minutes for 2 miles would be outstanding for even a regular runner let alone as a general fitness test unless you are talking about someone who is very young and thin. I run 20-30 miles to week at that would race pace for me. I would think anyone who can hold a 10:30 minute pace for 2 miles without stoppint would be in darn good shape.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I purchased P90X without fully realizing how tough it would be. I am 50 years and have had 2 knee surgeries in the last 5 years. However, I have stayed fit, I thought.
This is the hardest fitness program I have ever taken on and I love it. I feel challenged every day. I find the Ab ripper routines to be the absolute toughest part of the program. The first week of the program every area of my body hurt. But, I knew from experience it would pass if I stuck with it.
My goal was not to be sculpted like Tony, but just to kick start my boring workouts and to be healthy on the inside. I modified the diet (1800 caleries) and am doing 75-80% of the workouts. So far so good, I am losing some weight but seeing inches come off the waist.
October 16th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I have been doing P90X for about 9 months now and am still getting results. I actually just set a new personal chin up record. When I started doing P90X I could do 2 chin ups, now I can do 15. I do not know how this program is not right for anybody. I enjoy how its one hour of non stop moving. No more time spent at the gym waiting for machines to open up.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Hi Maggie. I like your P90x review. There’s good information in here, and it’s nice to get someone else’s perspective. I actually just completed the program and wrote my own in-depth review, and I was wondering if you’d mind posting a link on your page, or send me some feedback. It’s listed at http://www.robgetsripped.com/2008/11/P90X-Review.php.
I’m going to continue reviewing other fitness programs now that I’ve finished P90X.
December 18th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Hi, I need some help. I have a lower back injury and is a serious one. I would like to know if there is any exercise I can do that would help me lose some weight but not injure by back. I do play soccer once a week, but I must say that my injury really wears me out with work, I’m in the construction bussiness.
If you could respond with anything that I can do at home. I feel that I’m carring at least 25 pounds more in my body. I’m 32 years old, about 5,7 5,8 and weight 215
thank you.
December 25th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Excellent review. I am 57 years old, and just finsihed my second week of P90X. It is the most difficult workout I have ever done, however, it is excellent! I am able to do about 70 - 90% of each excersise, and am gradulally increasing my reps. I am sore all over but feel great. I was always in decent shape, with about 15 pounds to lose. This program will get me to my goals, and, perhaps, beyond.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
My husband and I are considering P90x. I am wondering, if we do the DVD’s together, will we need 2 pull up bars?
January 26th, 2009 at 12:44 am
I’m a 33 year old female achin’ in new places- moving on to my 2nd week of P90x. Wanted to address Emily’s question because I wondered the same thing. Tony alternates pullups with other exercises so you and your hubby could take turns on the pullup bar. I got the Iron Gym from Target. Pretty nifty.
I’m logging my progress at the end of each week. I’m a vegetarian trying to follow - as best as I can - the nutrition plan. Check me out at http://the greenmuscle.blogspot.com.
Tip: Plyometrics always lands on the same day so choose your day wisely. If anyone gases out, it’s because of this one.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
The work outs are intense. It helps if you are in shape before you start, but most people that choose this probably are not. Can you get amazing results from these videos? My answer would be yes. But…….. There is always a BUT. For the best results you have to be extremely motivated and follow the diet. Without will power and motivation you wont get the results that you are craving. If your obese , it will definitely take more the 90 days to get ripped, but then again it took a lot longer to put in on then it will be to take it off with this program. As long as you do not have any kind of major health issues, and you work at your own pace, these workouts will turn things around for you. My suggestion would be to get a couple of friends or family members to do to. It helps to keep the motivation going. You have to want to make a change in your lifestyle. If you FAT but motivated , do it.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I am here to share my story. I am 46 years old and was out of shape. The fit test was very difficult. However, I pushed forward, pushed play everyday and followed the meal plan to a tee and completed round one with far greater success than I had ever dreamed. If you go to my website leanwithgreen.com I will show you my results. I since then completed my second round and got more fit, but it was not easy. I disagree with if you are not fit you should try another program Beachbody offers. Maybe for some folks, however, Tony Horton repeatedly talks about do your best and forget the rest.
I love the workouts so much that I have become a beachbodjy coach. I must claim that Beachbody products are for real, the workouts are tough and more importantly, the meal plans are the answer to your nutrtional problems. Eating right is 85% of getting lean. Beachbody makes it simple but it is not easy. It is hard work to be fit, it is easier to be fat and out of shape.
March 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
My husband and I just started the P90X. He is fit and I have not worked out in a long time. I am not overweight but need to get fit because of back pain. I use the bands instead of the weights and I do what I feel comfortable with, do my best and forget the rest. The bands are great to start out with and as you get stronger you can move up to the weights.
April 6th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
This is going to sound funny but… my wife and i have been doing P90x for a week. I feel better after that week than I did when I was in my 20s im 32 now but wow they got it with this one.
April 7th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
i would like to know if i run everyday and use p90x will i loose weight faster and if you have to really follow the nutrien book i would like a feedback thank u
April 8th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Hey I was planning to start the p90X program May 12th, because I am still trying to burn off those excess pounds. Now, I don’t know exactly how much weight I still need to lose, but my stats are 5′11, medium to big body structure, and tipping the scales at 210. However, I have been keeping up with a regular cardio and aerobic workout, with heavy weight lifting every other day to every third day depending on soreness and fatigue from other activities. From the BMI calculators that I have used I should be under 180, but I find it hard to believe that I still have over 40 pounds of fat left, though I do estimate it to be over 20. What I am inquiring about though, is should I start out with the power90 and wait three months to go up to the p90x or should I simply use the next 30 odd days to build up and slim down to meet the fit test’s standards? If you have any comments, recommendations, or workouts that will best help me meet the fit test’s requirements, please contact me at reynolds.mason@yahoo.com thanks in advance
April 8th, 2009 at 1:21 am
Another thing, is there anyone who has had success with the p90x that wouldn’t mind sending me a couple of the routines for a sample or at least a list of all the things that will be needed within the first 60 days! Thanks again!
April 8th, 2009 at 1:23 am
Hey I was planning to start the p90X program May 12th, because I am still trying to burn off those excess pounds. Now, I don’t know exactly how much weight I still need to lose, but my stats are 5′11, medium to big body structure, and tipping the scales at 210. However, I have been keeping up with a regular cardio and aerobic workout, with heavy weight lifting every other day to every third day depending on soreness and fatigue from other activities. From the BMI calculators that I have used I should be under 180, but I find it hard to believe that I still have over 40 pounds of fat left, though I do estimate it to be over 20. What I am inquiring about though, is should I start out with the power90 and wait three months to go up to the p90x or should I simply use the next 30 odd days to build up and slim down to meet the fit test’s standards? If you have any comments, recommendations, or workouts that will best help me meet the fit test’s requirements, please contact me at reynolds.mason@yahoo.com thanks in advance
Another thing, is there anyone who has had success with the p90x that wouldn’t mind sending me a couple of the routines for a sample or at least a list of all the things that will be needed within the first 60 days! Thanks again!
I apologize if these were posted several times, if not then never mind
April 14th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Hi, I, like the others, appreciate the review. I started with p90x because I needed something I could do at home that would be more challeging than the kickboxing, weights, and elliptal I was already doing 5 times a week.
I was close to my goal weight when I started, but I have actually gained weight while working with this system. I have definitely packed on muscle in my arms and legs, and would recommend this program for anyone wanting to get toned. If you just want to lose weight, this isn’t the plan for you.
The workouts are varied and give me an opportunity to work on every area of my fitness, just like the review states. If you have injuries, however, I would strongly recommend other lower-impact programs. Tae Bo is a great option and wasn’t too tough on my knees when I was first developing my exercise program.
Good luck to everyone. The fact that you’re here is the first step on your journey to fitness!
April 17th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Hi, I was wondering if you could substitute cycling on the cardio, kempo, yoga, and plyo days????? I am an avid cyclist and ride approx. 100-150 miles/week, 4 days/week. Thanks, Joe
April 24th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I am 53 years old and am two thirds of the way through my second pass at P90X. This review is spot on so congratulations. This program is for real and will kick your butt, but it requires a considerable lifestyle commitment to succeed. This is not only complying with the diet, but giving up 1 to 1 1/2 hours of your day six days a week. This program is not for individuals trying to lose a lot of weight, it’s for people who want to get ripped and are close to target weight. I am 5′-10″ and when I started the program I was 168 pounds and now weigh 155. I will say that the second pass at the program was more difficult for me than the first, I think due to the fact that I knew the routine and really went for each and every move. In another month I try P90X Plus.
April 26th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Hello,
something that i would like to know that i do not see mentionned very often is what amount of time do you have to set aside to do the workouts and what is the best time to do them? E.G. is it one hour once a day or two 1/2H mroning and evening? What are the exercizes length in general 40/45 minutes? thank you for your feedback and a very informative site
April 29th, 2009 at 10:42 am
ok im 40 pounds over weight should i do the classic or the lean orshouldi do lean for 1month den the second month switch 2 double
April 29th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Mason (30) - Download the P90X log sheets and calendar to get an idea of what the program will entail.
Oliver (33) - The workouts are 45-90 minutes long, and designed to be performed in one session each. The average length of each workout is 60 minutes. Yoga X lasts 90 (feels like twice that), and some of the cardio-based DVDs are closer to 45-50 minutes.
John (34) - If you are completely new to the program, I would recommend doing Classic for the full 90 days to the best of your ability. With 40 extra pounds, that will be challenging enough to drop quite a few pounds if you take control of your diet as well. Keep up as much as you can, but listen to your body and know when to give yourself a few seconds of rest.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:59 am
I am a 20 year old male who has been weightlifting/bodybuilding for almost 3 years now. I love exercising and have been a personal trainer for just over a year. I hit the gym 4 days a week, do an hour of cardio twice a week, and follow a strict nutrition plan. I am 6′1” and weigh 193 pounds at around 12-13% bodyfat. For the most part I would consider myself quite muscular and have devoted most of the time spent at the gym on bulking up as much as possible without putting on too much fat.
Im considering buying p90x because I have heard great reviews and would like try a program that would help me achieve my goal of getting down to around 7-8% bodyfat or even lower. My concerns about this program though are that I might lose my size without continuing the usual heavy lifting I do at the gym. Will this be a problem? I would love to get my body super ripped with help from this program, but if that means losing the mass I have worked so hard to gain by choosing this program over the gym for the next 3 months I’m not quite sure I’d be willing to go for that!
Any suggestions/help for my situation? I definitely dont want to be wasting valuable time that could be spent on perfecting my body at the gym : )
May 9th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Thanks for the in-depth review! It’s greatly appreciated.
May 14th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Great review! I was roughly in the “P90X Ready” camp when I started 5 months ago and even though I had to miss a few workouts due to work obligations (however motivated you are, some days there’s just NO way :), I’m in the best shape of my life at 44. We’ll see how the maintenance phase goes.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:27 am
This was the best review I have read for P90X. I have ordered my dvds, bought a freestanding pullup/dip/ab machine, dumbells and a yoga mat. I have found myself to be P90X fitness ready and my fiance is well more than ready. I am at my goal weight and he is over about 10lbs but only due to a muscular torso. However, we both have some small soft spots that we want to tone up. Working out at the gym and running can only get you so far, plus our gym closed unexpectedly. We were considering the P90X system and our gym closing sealed the deal. This is just the thing to mix it up and get us over that last little hump to look hot! We are going to St. John’s for vacation and getting married while we are there so we are both pumped. Funny thing was that less than three years ago I could not run half a mile downhill without having to stop and gasping for air. Now, I am doing pullups (only one or two at a time in sets of three) that I could never do and running distances I never though possible (nothing explosive, but just doing it). I am very psyched about this! Thanks again for the great review. If only everyone could experience the pure joy of being healthy and in shape!
May 23rd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Hey I just started the P90X, and yes it is tough. This is only my second week and I’m sore in many places. I do not have the pull up bars, but I will be buying them late this week. I have not lost any punds but I do feel much stronger. Below is the routine that my friend who master the P90X program and looks great. It worked for him so I’m hoping it does for me.
Weeks 1 - 3
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch
Week 4
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch
Weeks 5-7
Day 1 - Chest Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch
Week 8
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch
Weeks 9 & 11
Day 1 - Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch
Weeks 10 & 12
Day 1 - Chest Shoulders & Triceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 2 - Plyometrics
Day 3 - Back & Biceps, Ab Ripper X
Day 4 - Yoga X
Day 5 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6 - Kenpo X
Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch
Week 13
Day 1 - Yoga X
Day 2 - Core Synergistics
Day 3 - Kenpo X
Day 4 - X Stretch
Day 5 - Core Synergistics
Day 6 - Yoga X
Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch
May 25th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I AM 35 AND WAS 70 POUNDS OVERWEIGHT AND NOT VERY FIT! I HAVE BEEN USING P90X FOR 1 MONTH I HAVE LOST 20 POUNDS AND LOST QUITE A BIT OF BELLY FAT. IVE HAD 2 C SECTIONS AND THIS PROGRAM IS GREAT AND VERY CHALLENGING HOWEVER IM GETTING STRONGER EVERYDAY! EVEN IF YOUR NOT IN THE BEST OF SHAPE I WOULD RECOMMEND IT. I STARTED OUT BY DOING WHAT I COULD AND TRYING EVERY EXERCIZE. ITS GREAT!!! I HOPE IN 3 OR 4 MONTHS I AM AT MY GOAL WEIGHT
May 31st, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Thanks for the review of P90x. It was through and to he point. I see that I am not the target audience based on your honest feedback.
I wish all people were this honest about products and who they are really good for.
Best Regards,
Juliet
June 1st, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Excellent program and excellent review. Two things I’d add:
1. If you’re a woman out of your 20s, odds are the diet plan won’t work so well for you. The calorie burn count is off for women, and the massive protein infusion’s aimed at men who can actually use it to build huge muscles. Many of us find we gain weight on the diet plan. Eat in a way that works for you and keep doing the workouts.
2. That said, the workouts aren’t coming from God, and for all the muscle-confusion talk, there’s really a lot of consistency from week to week. I generally swap out kenpo and yoga for running, but keep all the resistance training and some of the plyo (not particularly friendly to knees, even with good shoes and on a good surface. Nothing terrible will happen if you slow down the pace a little on the resistance exercises and spare yourself some injury. There’s usually time to go slowly and make the reps. The main thing is to do the oldfashioned thing: work hard and in a focused way until a particular set of muscles is crying. Then come back the next day and do it again to another set of muscles. Works good.
June 4th, 2009 at 3:24 am
i just buy a p90x seem so good
June 10th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
It’s good. I’m on my second week and loving it.