Here’s the deal: I don’t think P90X has quite the reputation it deserves.
Say what?!
As most of my regular readers know, I am doing Beachbody’s P90X program right now. I’d venture to say it’s probably the biggest fitness infomercial ever, since most people seem to know about it. It’s an effective infomercial too, with just about anyone getting inspired by the 90 day before and after pictures.
Here’s what the website had to say about P90X:
P90X® is a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. You’ll also receive a comprehensive 3-phase nutrition plan, specially designed supplement options, a detailed fitness guide, a calendar to track your progress, online peer support, and much more. Your personal trainer, Tony Horton, will keep you engaged every step of the way, and you won’t believe your results!
The secret behind the P90X system is an advanced training technique 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! Whether you want to get lean, bulk up, or just plain get ripped, there’s an endless variety of ways to mix and match the routines to keep you motivated the full 90 days and beyond!
I agree with their claims (well I don’t personally know about regular to ripped yet), and it really does provide all the information you need. However, I’ve noticed lately that there seems to be a bit of a bad rap for P90X amongst some readers, infomercial viewers, and other bloggers. I think many people have this preconceived notion that P90X is “dangerous” and sure to be injury inducing. People seem to think that P90X is a crazy mess of (excuse me) balls to the wall every single time, 90 days of non-stop action, and as soon as the 90 days are over, you’ll go back to being your lazy, flabby, previous self.
Not true!
First of all, the program does not encourage someone who’s inactive and not doing anything to pick right up with P90X. In fact, it says first thing that there are other programs out there for you!
Within the actual program and DVDs, there are SO many ways to customize this for yourself! The time breakdown of the DVDs is as follows:
1: Chest & Back – 52:50
2: Plyometrics – 58:36
3: Shoulders & Arms – 59:53
4: Yoga X – 92:24
5: Legs & Back – 58:56
6: Kenpo X – 58:46
7: X Stretch – 57:32
8: Core Synergistics – 57:27
9: Chest, Shoulders & Triceps – 55:44
10: Back & Biceps – 51:36
11: Cardio X – 43:18
12: Ab Ripper X – 16:07
The thing you should know about these times is that every workout includes a warm up and cool down AND stretch and water breaks! That doesn’t sound over the top and too extreme, does it? Just (on average) an hour a day, including the warm up and cool down? That’s nothing! (And yes, Yoga X is longer, but many yoga workouts are 90 minutes, so this really isn’t that different from the time commitments of a “normal” yoga workout).
You also have one rest day a week (which you can also do the Stretch X on if you feel the need to loosen up some more) and after every third week there’s a recovery week where cardio intensity drops and you do zero strength training (i.e. all Yoga, Core Synergistics, X Stretch and a Kenpo).
Another thing that makes P90X more accessible is that they show you ways to do modifications. Example:
- If you have knee problems, they show you how to modify virtually everything in Plyometrics.
- They give you alternatives to pull ups so you can build yourself up (i.e. using a chair for assisted pull ups, using a resistance band, etc.)
- You can do push ups on your knees and build yourself up (like I’m currently doing part “real” push ups and part “girly pushups” as I build myself up to no knee at all).
- Tony will actually say in some instances not to do something if you can’t, or take a break if you need it – they don’t want you getting hurt anymorethan you do. (examples of this are any variety of instances when he shows that you can rest for a few seconds during an exercise, or when in Yoga X he tells you to basically chill on the crane pose if you can’t hold it safely yet).
For your strength workouts, it includes time between each move where you can write down what and how you did. If your number of reps is lower than what they’re doing on the DVD, you’ll even have an additional 10-20 seconds per move, on top of the 30-60 second water and stretch breaks (I believe in the Shoulders and Arms DVD, for example, these breaks are after every fourth exercise).
To continue the personalization even more, by no means do the P90Xers tell you how much you have to lift and how many reps to do. It’s YOUR choice made by knowing YOUR body and what you can do. You keep track of what you’re doing and how much you’re growing. If you’re doing it smartly, you’ll be able to see yourself grow and improve every week!
I feel like in the healthy living blog community there is, for some reason, a bit of a bad rap for P90X. There’s nothing wrong with it! It’s essentially three days of strength training, two days of cardio and one day of yoga. Plus a rest day. I truly believe that P90X is a MUCH more balanced workout program than the majority of average fitness fanatics can do on their own. And how is it balanced just to go running most days of the week and do a few minutes of strength training once or twice a week if you feel like it? (There’s nothing wrong with running, I’m just personally a big fan of balance and variety. As well as a huge fan of strength training – I feel it’s invaluable!)
My final thing is this: if you’re looking for a quick fix, a fast diet, a way to drop the pounds immediately, P90X is not for you. It is hard work, like every work out should be! If you make it through P90X, or you can stay committed to any workout over a period of time, I do not believe you are naive enough to think that you can then all of a sudden gorge on cake, soda, and do nothing. You WON’T stop being active.
That’s just my two cents. What do you think of P90X?
Thanks for this review! I have seen the commercials and have heard (only good things) about P90X from many friends but I have not yet tried it myself. Maybe someday. I just don’t know that I could do a workout video every day, even if there is a variety.
I thought the same thing (I could never even sit through silly 20-30 minute pilates dvds and things – I always got distracted after the second or third time). I really can’t believe how much the P90X workouts have captured my attention. I think it’s good on several levels: it’s easier to workout for an hour (or longer) when you just have to press play. Also, it’s so challenging that it’s easy to get caught up in it.
The only dvd I’ve had my standard “eh I’m tired of doing this home dvd” feelings with is the yoga.
I have to say that I was a bit skeptical when I first tried P90X. My husband was even more so, especially because all he had seen of home workout dvds was yoga and Tae-Bo. Not exactly the kind of ting he thought would give him a great workout. Well, we are now 7 weeks in and we feel amazing. My husband has always been extremely fit, but these workouts are kicking his a**. The crazy thing is, with my significantly lower fitness level, I can do most of the moves as well. These workouts keep challenging you to lift more, work harder, and there is definitely NO boredom. I can now do 5 chin-ups, no chair required. I’d say that’s pretty good for being only halfway through the program.
I agree with your entire post about P90X!
And if Sara@seesaraeat is reading this…I felt the same way before I started P90X…let’s just say…these workout vids are awesome…I couldn’t and still can’t wait to push play everyday! I mean it is really different than any other video program I have tried. And it has a 90 day money back guarantee…so that by itself should be a good sign. 
Great post, Lindsey…and I agree!
My husband and I are on Week 4 of our second round of P90X, and I think the best thing the program does is force you into a consistent exercise routine. The workouts are hard, but adaptable, and while I didn’t see a ton of weight loss, I did see an enormous change in my strength.
And now that we’re doing it a second time, I’m experimenting with adaptations, which is cool. Totally worth the investment, especially with two of us doing it.
Yes, the strength improvement is the biggest (and best) thing! I felt stronger immediately.
Ross and I are already planning on doing multiple rounds – we both love it, and it’s so great that we have something that challenges both of us equally. Love it!
Too bad we aren’t in Orlando, we could do P90X double dates, because we’re in Week 4, too!
I completely agree with you in that it is a great workout that DEFINITELY provides multiple option for most ‘moves’ to accommodate injuries and such. I think some people fail to ‘get ripped’ because they don’t see a fast enough change or feel they’re bulking up- A big part of this, LIKE ANY WORKOUT PLAN, is your diet- you’ve got to eat healthy to see results. Just because you’re doing the P90X doesn’t mean you can still eat lots of pizza and fast food and see results, that just won’t happen!
Thanks for sharing all this info for those that have may have a negative preconceived notion.
~Christie
http://rollerkoesterrun.wordpress.com/
I have been watching their infomercials for years (well it seems like it). I have yet to make the leap and purchase it for a couple of reasons. 1) I already get up at 4am to workout 45 minutes every day. I don’t have a full hour that I can devote to it. 2) I have no where to put the pull up bar. My doorways don’t have trim so the bar doesn’t attach. I have done a couple of their other workouts and I do like them a lot. It looks like a very well rounded 90 day program. I’m glad you are enjoying it.
hey kelly–
i actually don’t use the pull up bar for the same reason. what i did was buy a very sturdy “over the door hook” -stainless steel from target (it was like 10 bucks) and use the bands.they show modifications for the pull up bar using the bands in all of the videos. i don’t feel quite as hardcore using the bands in place of the pull up bar–but hey it works!
thanks for the helpful reply, Andrea!
Kelly – wow, I really have to commend you for getting up at 4AM to workout! You are one awesome and inspiring lady!
Also – I totally feel ya on the pull up bar. We have a similar rigged up system for resistance bands that Andrea uses, and it works. However, if we want to use the actual pull up bar, we have to take off one of the doors to our bedroom to use it. It’s literally the ONLY place it could fit, and obviously it doesn’t fit that well.
It isn’t a P90X pull up bar though, I don’t know how those compare.
Thanks for the suggestions. I may have to give that a try.
4am is great until you can’t keep your eyes open past 9pm. But it works for me. Thanks again Ladies.
I ordered a set of resistance bands and a pull-up bar on ebay and the bar came with mountable brackets to hold it up instead of the trim. I know a guy who’s trim came off and he busted tail. Ours is still removable so you can still use the door to the room when not working out. you still need to rig it with some towels to protect the drywall or molding.
hey, i borrowed the p90x from a friend that isn’t using it anymore. I just have the dvds. Is there someway I can buy the directions and paperwork or download them.
Thanks,
Hi Lindsey!
Thanks for the review from the perspective of someone actually doing the program. It’s refreshing. I have to say though, I’m just not that big a fan of P90X. From a standpoint of a physical therapist, I just see some things in these workouts that isn’t really safe…and especially not when you weigh the benefits. The biggest issue is that I feel most people are limiting their results by working out too often! In an effort to look good fast, people most often overdo it, and that’s what the P90X program does. It will leave you with less than optimal results AND one tired person at the end of the 90 days. I knew there had to be something better. That’s why I created my AthLEAN-X Training System. I know that most people want to get the body of a pro athlete (athletic, long, lean muscles) instead of a bulked up bodybuilder. I took what I learned as a physical therapist and strength coach for the New York Mets, and created a 90 day system that doesn’t require you to workout for marathon 60-90 minute workouts to produce results. Instead, just 3-5 days…20-40 minutes! I think a lot of your readers would love the alternative, and even more so…the results! Keep up the great work. You are an inspiration for many!
Best,
Jeff Cavaliere
The AthLEAN-X Training System
http://athleanx.com
oh i was a little confused by your post, at first i thought you were saying it didn’t work..but I don’t know if that’s what you are saying…
I guess I hadn’t heard anything negative so I’m probably just missing what’s going on out there, everyone I know has loved it.
No, it definitely works (or at least you get out of it what you put into it!).
I’ve just seen some other bloggers and people who have never tried P90X before have some pre-conceived negative opinions about the intensity and such, and I just wanted to share that as someone (who’s definitely average physically) who is doing it now, I think it’s great and definitely not too much!
Hi, my name is Nathan McCabe and I am an Independent Beachbody Coach. I was cruising through some blogs and came across yours. I am really glad to read that you have been experiencing a level of success with the P90X. Before completing a round myself, I was a non-believer in any home workout system. The P90X has me hooked and I have since moved onto the Insanity workout system. The Insanity workout is all cardio based and the workouts are really intense.
Being a Beachbody Coach has opened up new doors for me. It has allowed me to access support groups for my workout, get a 25% discount on all Beachbody products, and also make money at home. If you have a couple of minutes I would like to encourage you to watch a video from Beachbody’s founder and CEO, Carl Daikeler. If you don’t have time right now, you should at least sign-up for a free Beachbody account. Take some time, play around in the Beachbody site, and get back with me about what you think about the coaching option. Either way I would like to hear from you.
I look forward to hearing from you and good luck with your P90X experience. There is nothing else like it.
My Beachbody Website:
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/mccabe21
Carl Daikeler Video:
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/mccabe21?bctid=41582716001
Sign-Up For a FREE Beachbody account:
https://teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free?referringRepId=29889
Nathan McCabe
Independent Beachbody Coach
RippedBody.org
224-627-6194
I’ve been doing P90X for a little while now and have seen AWESOME results. 15 lbs, 16 inches GONE, and an amazing burst of energy I haven’t had since I was a teenager.
If anyone is contemplating doing it, I say go for it. You have nothing to lose except weight and inches.
congrats on the results! I agree – why not go for it? You only live once, may as well give it your all, including your personal fitness!
Well said. I will echo the fact that this program is NOT for the people that are looking for a quick fix. You must be ready to work, and work hard to achieve the honor of being a “P90X graduate”. I’m happy to say that P90X has changed my life and has helped me say goodbye to over 50lbs and 20 inches from all over my body. To me, P90X is a lifestyle, not just some 90 day program. Oh, I’ve been through the program twice and never once did I feel like I was in “danger”. Thanks again for your post and thanks for reading mine!
Thank YOU Matt!
I agree – I never feel like I’m getting hurt, and I know my body well enough that if something feels off or like I can’t do it safely, I won’t do it (i.e. why I haven’t fully gotten up into crane in yoga yet!).
I LOVE P90X! I completely agree with you on the ‘bad rap’ it gets too. I’m hesitant to even say that I’m doing it sometimes, for fear of the bad looks I get from people. I had the program for over a year before I even cracked the dvds open. That’s how intimidated I was of it. Now, I’ve been doing it for about 45-50 days now (took some breaks while Olympics were in town) and I’ve lost 16lbs, 2 inches on thighs, waist, hips and other measurements, AND…I’ve brought my blood pressure down from high, to normal. It’s done amazing stuff for me. I’ve also signed up on their forums, been talking with several beach body coaches and others who are doing the same program.
The BIGGEST thing that I love most about the program, is how motivated it’s made me. I’ve seen progress just in the 2nd time I did one of the videos, and it really pushes me to be good to my body. To feed it well and cleanly, and to take pride in myself. It’s been one of the largest motivating factors in my recent ‘life clean up’ and I feel that it has spread to other areas of my life. i’m now a Vegetarian, incorporating more raw foods, walking, taking stairs…every little bit. SURE, it’s daunting and some days I have to drag myself to do it. But I love the “Just keep pressing play” and “Do your best and forget the rest”. We all have our up days and down days! Thanks for such an honest review!
ahh you live in Vancouver?! Jealous!! Wanna house my husband and I? We want to go to Vancouver so badly. We can do P90X together!
I’m so happy you got over your intimidation and are doing it and loving it! I can’t agree more – I am more and more motivated each and every time I do one of the workouts!
“Do your best and forget the rest” is my new favorite mantra – it is applicable to EVERYTHING!
I’m on day three! I’m excited to share my experiences with my readers as well! Namaste!
To SoundEats, I felt the same way about Yoga X.. this time around for Yoga X I do a rotation of DVDs.. I’ll do Yoga X, Rodney Yee’s Power Yoga Total Body or Tony Horton’s One on One – Fountain of Youth Yoga. Every week, I’ll switch it up to keep it interesting. Keep up the good work and BRING IT!
Thanks – That’s a really great idea. I’ve been thinking it would be nice to switch up the Yoga DVD too but feeling a bit guilty about wanting to do that. But hearing that you’ve been through the DVD’s before and think it’s a good way to keep it interesting might just give me the courage to try it
Love it! I was actually thinking of doing this too. This Saturday (which is a Yoga day for me) I have plans to join some friends for a studio yoga class – I hear it’s quite the workout and I’m quite excited to change it up for a day! (Plus it’ll be my first studio class!)
Well Said!
I absolutely love P90X and the results…the nice part is you get right to the workout, no drive time taken up going to the gym. No gym fees either. You get to go at your own pace, and if you keep pushing play, the results will come….no doubt about it. People who lack motivation, always look for a cheap way out. If something works and is good for you, then there must be a negative side to it. Well with P90x there isn’t a down side….just bring it and you WILL get the results you want….It’s worth every penny that you spend, and then some. It’s not just a workout routine, it’s a life changing system….Like I said I love it and I’m only in my 7th week…..Great stuff!
I think the biggest stumbling block for P90X is that workout videos in general, have a bad rap. As a few have mentioned, other workout videos get dull and boring and you dread having to do them again, so you quit. That’s where P90X is so different. I’ve been doing the program for almost a year and I wake up looking forward to doing the next workout – even though I’ve done each one dozens of times. And as you mentioned in your blog post, you control how fast you go, how much weight you use, how many reps you do – but you’re always pushing yourself to do a little better and the results are truly amazing. For me, it’s more than just the physical fitness. The way I feel, my overall attitude throughout the day, my energy level have all improved as a result of P90X. It’s a great program and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to feel better, look better, lose weight and have more energy.
I could not agree more! I just finished Kenpo X and my energy levels are SOARING now! P90X just makes you feel great.
I think P90X is just so much more than a “follow me” workout that most videos usually are. They’re engaging, you think for yourself and learn as you go, and in order to give it your all you truly have to “forget the rest”.
I love the program. I’ve done it twice with a round of P90X+. It is a commitment that most cannot do. By the time you get to the third month, it is more mental than anything and, like I said, a lot of people don’t have it.
Bring it!
I think all people can do it in their own moderation. Only they need desire to do it!
Loved your article! I am on week 8 currently. I also have not seen much weight loss but feel so much better running around playing with my four kids. I love that my back isn’t in so much pain when I hold my 1 yr old for hours while shopping. No more back pain for me. My husband and I are doing the program together and plan on going another round after a couple weeks of rest when we are done. I have never used a workout video series that is so easy to use. It keeps my attention and I sweat! I don’t think I have ever felt so great. I agree with you on the yoga video too, its the only one that takes more work for me. It is a little long.
My husband and I are planning the same thing – we definitely will be doing multiple rounds of P90X. I just can’t see us getting burnt out on it anytime soon, esp. because we’ll soon be adding Tony’s One on One workouts (Vol. 1) to the mix!
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!
I I <3 P90X(period) Im on day 32 and it has already changed my life
I am on day 30 and have lost 14 lbs and couldn’t be happier with the program. My wife has lost 10 lbs and we both just do what we can in the videos and each time we can do a little more. Making time can be difficult but I would say that for any exercise.
congrats on the weight loss! It’s so true – any exercise is a time commitment, so (in my opinion) why not just kick up the intensity (and fun!) during the time you’re spending on it?
I haven’t heard anything negative either! I have been doing it since the end of August and I LOVE it. I have gotten several other people doing the workout, they love it too. I am a 57 yr old mother/grandmother and I am stronger than I have ever been….improved everything! I can do almost all the pushups without going to my knees and 6 pullups before using the chair…adding P90X plus has been wonderful too…..I have as much energy than my 4 yr old grand daughter
you are AWESOME Joanne!! Wow, love the energy and stamina you have!
P90X is fantastic! I finished round 1 and haven’t felt so good since i was in my early 20’s. I am now doing different combinations of the workouts that are tailored to my specific needs. Once you start the programs, the workouts become habitual and it doesn’t seem hard to self-motivate for them. I encourage every person to give it a shot.
i think its funny that people will see the infomercial, buy P90X then either give up after the first or second day because it’s too hard or push it to much and end up hurting themselves and then giving the product a bad rap.. personally I will be re-starting the program soon.I had to stop at the beginning of the new year due to my father having a stroke and everything got put on hold in my life so i could help him.I’m actually looking forward to pushing myself once again and seeing if i can “bring it”
Also comparing beachbody’s P90X to Insanity .. P90X doesnt look so impossible ;D
so I’ve heard! I’d love to try Insanity one day!
I absolutely love p90x and rave about it to anyone who will listen. I was skeptical at 1st when my husband told me about it and wanted us to do it, but 1 week in and I’m hooked! I have so far lost 7 pounds since last Monday. We are getting our butts kicked during the work outs and following the diet plan for the fat buster phase, level 2. When I say we are following the diet, I do mean loosely. We are following the requirements for servings and only eating within the suggested foods. My husband is a picky eater so I won’t even bother with the plan and recipes that they lay out in the book. We also don’t use the Recovery drink or other supplements, but I’m not sure they are necessary. We are both already losing, feeling stronger and looking forward to finishing the program and starting it again.
wow Jenny, 7 lbs since last Monday! Whoa girl!!
I follow the nutrition plan loosely, too. I’m a vegan and am studying (going back to school again!) to become a Registered Dietitian. Because of my vegan needs, I have to be a little more flexible. I obviously keep it healthy and care about what I put into my body, but (for example) you’ll see me using more things like brown rice protein powder, high protein grains like quinoa, tofu, beans and more.
Hi Jenny,
Just read your post about the recovery drink/supplements. It’s not necessary to have the P90X recovery drink (though I do hear it is fantastic tasting!), it is an excellent idea to have a recovery drink. Now what I mean by that is either the p90x recovery drink or chocolate milk. Your body is craving carbohydrates and protein that it can quickly metabolize. There’s actually a ratio of 4 carbs to 1 protein that will give the body what it needs to actually begin rebuilding your body. Trust me, it will make a big difference.
As for supplements, I’d suggest taking a good multivitamin that’s specific for sports and overall health. As well, protein powder is nearly a must, though it depends on what your nutrition plan is looking like. Oh, and I found that once I jumped on the nutrition plan (after doing a month without the nutrition plan (I reset p90x then)), I found that I was getting results quicker, and my body was reshaping itself as I wanted it to.
Just some helpful suggestions
I am on the downhill side of week 10…And I love it. For something that has been around for years I think it is really becoming trendy and “cool”.
I love the structure (but yet not boring) it gives me in my 6:00 am workouts. I have a friend who just started getting into regular exercise. She walks for 1 hour every morning..I can only imagine that sooner or later she will get bored and stop. To me P90X is like having a personal trainer in my room telling me what I am going to work on each day.
I do enjoy walking, as it can be very soothing and clearing for my mind (plus walking actually is optimal for fat-burning cardio), but I also enjoy working out with intensity like with P90X and the satisfaction I get with a heart-pumping, sweat-inducing workout. Plus I think I’ll always be a strength/ weights girl at heart.
This program absolutely changed my life! I’ve lost 50 lbs and kept it off for the last 2+ years! I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with Tony Horton about a month ago and learned even more about fitness and nutrition that actually allowed me to take my workouts and health to an even higher level. If you want to change your lifestyle (and that’s really what it is) then get on this program. Find like minded people and surround yourself with people who eat healthy and love to workout. Do something that “scares” you but won’t kill you! Yeah, it says P90X, and yes it’s a 90 day program…but at the end of 90 days you keep going. They couldn’t call it P-Forever-X, but that’s really what it is. It’s a lifestyle and you can graduate up to P90X+ and Tony has One on One’s you can mix into it. It’ll also introduce you to a fit lifestyle where you’ll venture into things like Karate and Basketball leagues (did for me anyway) and you’ll find a whole new you. Bring it!
you will find a whole new you! I’m discovering that person now, and every time I workout I envision that smokin’ hot, strong woman I’m becoming!
Congrats on losing and keeping off the weight!
PS…Jenny, I would highly recommend the recovery drink and the vitamins. I’ve used them for last 2 years and don’t see how people do w/o them. They help pick up the slack in your diet. It’s impossible to eat a perfect diet and get everything you need into your body everyday. Those help ensure that you do. Just sayin’. If you need any help with the program let me know. Very proud of you and your husband. Way to go!
The one thing that I think too many people overlook is the eating aspect of getting ripped. If you don’t follow a food regiment comparable to the level of your workout and your build/calorie & macro-nutrient requirements, then you are never going to get ripped no matter how hard you workout.
I have been doing P90X/P90X+/Tony’s One-On-One for 2 yrs now, and I love the workouts. I customize them myself and I have created a hybrid of the P90X and One-On-One Yoga workouts and shortened it to one hour.
The truth is, that if you work yourself hard and you eat right (according to your required calorie intake) then you can’t help but look like a Greek God/Goddess.
So to anyone wondering if it works the answer is: if you follow the food as well as the physical exertion then, yes. Otherwise, you won’t see the results that they claim. Period. No matter how hard you try.
Yes! What we look like is 80% nutrition, 10% fitness and 10% genetics.
It makes sense. If you eat lean and light foods, you’ll be lean and light. If you eat greasy and doughy foods, you’ll probably feel greasy and a little “doughy” around the middle!
Thanks for the post! I started Insanity this week but will do P90X after this.
You’re one tough girl, Andrea! First Insanity THEN P90X? You’re crazy awesome!
I have been doing P90X for 1 1/2 years and am not bored with it. You have to use common sense with any workout program in order to avoid injury. It is a tough workout, but you get results. I also have Turbo Jam from the Beachbody collection and will throw in some of those workouts after I finish a 90 day P90X session. We have also purchased P90X plus to add variety and a One on One with Tony for a shorter yoga workout. The people bashing P90X haven’t done it or at least haven’t stuck with it.
I agree with everything you’ve said. I became a coach so i could get discounts on Shakeology, but lots of people have asked me about this and some of the other beachbody programs. I try to explain it to them the exact way you have above. And what Matt says about the diet is massively important. I’m living proof of how not following it correctly limits your results in the Greek God area. But, outside of a current injury, i’m still in much better shape than I’ve been and believe in the program for sure.
This is a solid review of P90X. I started this program almost a year ago after being in active for six years because of a hip injury in the Marines. I started it because I was tired of sitting on my butt and getting heavier and heavier.
Is the program intense? YES! Is it hard work? YES! Can you injure yourself? Only if you don’t pace yourself and try to do more that what your body is capable of! How did I get through the workouts without re-injuring my hip? It’s called take Tony’s advice on the DVD and modify the moves. If there was an exercise that seemed to much (such as in plyo) I backed off a little, and did what I could.
Basically, I simply listened to what my body was telling me and went from ther. Now I am able to all the exercises without modifications and even some advanced moves! Why? because over time my body grew stronger and my hip injury no longer became a factor – in fact the program allowed me to progress to other kinds of training such as kettlebells. I have zero pain in my hip and it is ten times stronger than it was a year ago!
After 90 days of the program, I dropped 30lbs and my muscles were more developed than they ever had been; after almost a year, not only have I kept the weight off, but I am stronger, more muscular and have complete freedom from my injury!
Simply put: It’s called USE YOUR BRAIN, PEOPLE! STOP WHINING AND START MOVING! IF YOU CAN’T HANDLE IT, THEN WHY ARE YOU COMPLAINING?
All the Best on your P90X journey! I was a “fat Kid” my whole life I started P90X after seeing the results that my Uncle got from 60 days of P90X. It is hard but now I am 120 days after and I am down to 185lbs and am in the best shape of my life by FAR! It is the real deal and worth everyones time to BRING IT!!!
:-^) Good luck!
thanks! way to go Kirk!
Yes. I agree as well. I’m in my month 2 week 2 and I will never like To go back to bad eating habits. I love what I’m doing and I’m also getting more attention from my family n friends and now they wanna be healthy. the only reason I chose to do a DVD program was that it was Real workouts. An hour a day. P90X great stuff.
Hello, you have done a fabulous job with your review. Exactly how I would have put it. I have seen the informercial for years…I finally ordered it and am now on Day 3. I am by no means in shape. I always played sports as a kid, but had my hip replaced 10 years ago. What made me finally order the program was the guy on the infomercial who was over 300lbs, and he is now on his 5th round, and is down to 180lbs. His story sealed it for me. This is by far the most comprehensive DVD package I’ve ever seen, hundreds of options and ways to do it, and like Tony says…”Do your best, forget the rest!” I have already lost 6 lbs in the 1st 3 days, and while I’m quite sore, I have no plans to stop this program. The program pushes you, encourages you, and when you understand that and get it, it’s easy to BRING IT! DO YOUR BEST, FORGET THE REST! JUST PUSH PLAY!!
I have been raving about the program on my facebook, joined the P90X page, which is where I found your link, and get so many comments from friends who either have the program and are encouraged by my progress, or ask questions about it!! I’m a believer, and can’t wait to post my 1st set of 90 day photos.
keep going strong, Tim! I’m with you -I can’t wait to see the results of my first 90 days!
Thanks for the great review. I am on my second round of P90X and have lost 54lbs since November. I have 46 more pounds to go. At first the program was painfully good (muscle soreness), but now I have some soreness the next day related to the effort I have put out.
My wife started the program 4 weeks ago. She is a runner (half-marathon) and thought this might be a ‘fun’ diversion for winter. After 3 days I was helping her up the stairs she was so sore. But now she is totally into it.
A reminder though the the program works best WITH the diet plan!
I love this! Running is great, but there is SO much more to fitness than running! That’s what I’ve discovered!
The reason it gets a bad rep and that people make negative comments about it saying it is dangerous is because people who don’t know what they are doing, buy it on TV and then try to jump into it gung-ho in the privacy of their homes. They don’t prepare themselves for it with graded exercises, they don’t know how to modify, and they work out alone so they never get any feedback on ability and form. It would be like someone who never drove before entering a race and complaining that the car was at fault when really it was their lack of experience.
Exactly. You wouldn’t run a marathon,heck, even a 5k without any training!
Awesome post. Can I copy and paste it into my blog? JK. I’m doing P90X now too, not because I want to get super ripped or “in good shape” because I am already in good athletic shape and I’m pretty toned but I’m doing this workout because I got sick of my regular strength training routine. You’re right though, it’s definitely not balls to wall sweating or anything like that, in fact P90X is probably easier than what I used to do but I do like that it breaks up the body parts to work out over 3 different days. I used to do a full body strength training every other day, now with P90X, it’s broken up so my workouts are shorter. I dont seem to be getting any LESS results even though my workouts are shorter so I do think it’s effective. But ya, after 90 days if you’re not still working out, you definitely will go back to where you started. A lot of ppl have asked me about this lately. Glad you are perceptive and have a realistic view of this program. It’s as hard as you want to make it but can be super easy too (ie. 2 lbs dumb bells – haha). Again, love this post! And I like your blog overall too!
Thanks so much, Jessica! P90X is like everything else in life – you get out of it what you put into it!
Great assessment. Perhaps I should write a blog but I’d like to mention a couple of things that are noteworthy:
1. The rest period is every 4th week, not 3 as Jessica states.
2. I am one of those really big guys that is using this program to bring my weight down. I did not follow the eating plan initially. My fitness level has dramatically improved (and I wasn’t a couch spud at the beginning). I am really focusing on the eating plan this time around and hope to see noticeable fat/weight loss.
3. Most of the people on the infomercials are NOT tremendously overweight as I am. (I’ve got to lose between 40 and 60 pounds to attain peak health.) Thus, a 90-day program can make noticeable differences with the intense, but time effective use of this program. (I am also a registered personal trainer.)
I am a lifelong weight training advocate. I love this system and am looking forward to some major improvements over the next 90 days!
Great article, last fall I wrote a 4 part series for my University Newspaper when i did P90X. It really is an amazing program. The sad part if I know more people who have started it and quit then seen it through.
Steven
Greg I am down 46lbs now and have gone from a 3X to L shirts and from 46 to 36 pants.
Steven
You can see my results from first 90 days here P90X.
P90x completely changed my life I dropped about 50 pounds probably turned about 30 pounds of fat into muscle
dropped from a 5x shirt to 2x and dropped a 50 waist to about 44ish
all it takes is work because it is by no means easy
but stick with it and reap the benefits
I am in love with P90X….This is my first round and I am on day 12…I started on Feb. 22nd and have already lost 12 inches total…I am trying not to weigh because I find that it is very frustrating because I am not dropping the weight but I am getting smaller and that is all that matters!!! I have gotten some looks too when I tell people about p90x but anyone can do it, its mind over matter and you will have to adjust the workouts to fit your fitness level. Just focus and BRING IT!!!!
Nice review! We just started our 10th week of P90X and are enjoying it. Before that we did another Beachbody program — Power 90, the precursor to P90X.
Combined, I’ve lost 16 pounds, shrunk my waist by 4 inches, and dropped my blood pressure 15-20 points.
You can’t argue with the workouts — they are challenging but not extreme “balls to the wall” unless you’re a total couch potatoe. If that’s the case, then start with something like Power 90.
The key to P90X is to push play 6 days a week for 13 weeks AND follow the nutritional guidance/plan that comes with it. We learned that about half way through and our results have increased since.
Just Bring It!
I’ve enjoyed reading all of these reviews. I’ve been thinking about buying this for over a year now but wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it. I live in a apartment (on the top floor) and was afraid I would bother the people that live downstairs. I’m looking forward to the workouts.
I live in an apartment, too. I’ve often wondered if our downstairs neighbors can hear me when I’m doing workouts like Plyometrics, but I’m honestly not too concerned (and they’ve never said anything). The goal is to be light on your feet as well, which is less pounding around.
Enjoy the workouts!
THE HONEST TRUTH… I am in the best shape of my life -Yet, I am still 30 punds over weight. I thought that the work outs would kill me!!! I even had my box right on top of the tv, in case I needed to send it back. I am on day four and I have made it through all of the workout thus far. I am not working through them with ease but, I don’t feel stupid either. I feel like in 90 day’s I will have a lot of control in this program. I feel like I should be able to do most of the things I can’t do now. Until now, I hated yoga!!! Only because I am loud mouth, I mean what’s a workout if Beyonce isn’t blaring in the background…lol! However, I enjoyed the Yoga X, Tony was only completely quite for one whole minute…It felt so good… It was long and I wanted to check my facebook but I just kept on going…
If you think you can push play everyday…Do your best and forget the rest… I say try this…
If you are worried about the diet… It is a lot of eating..too much. This is coming from someone who loves to eat!!!!
This is a great article…with a title that made me think I was going to have to argue with you, but you are so right!
I probably watched the P90X infomercial 10 times before getting it. I wanted it for a long time and then my husband got it for me as a gift. The first two weeks were hard for me to get up early and workout, but two friends and I kept eachother accountable by emailing each day and making sure we had done our workouts. After that I saw a great increase in my strength and wanted to get up each day. I have completed two 90 day rounds and will be starting a new round with my sister on Monday. I have purposefully taken breaks in between the rounds to make sure that I wouldn’t get burnt out but I still maintained a very active program and eat for my health.
Like others I did not see a big difference on the scale (only 8 lbs) but my shape changed and my muscle tone changed and I feel GREAT! I want everyone to feel this good!
PS. 90 days of no injuries, no sickness and no visits to my chiropractor…they really should stress the health benefits on the infomercial. But I guess it is looks that sells.
I think I wanted P90X for years before I finally got it (and I got it for my husband as a birthday gift, lol!).
I agree that P90X is rather self-motivating, as how you feel will motivate you to come back time and time again, but it helps to have a community to keep you accountable, too.
Thanks for reading!
I absolutely love the P90x workout. I did the workout about a year ago, and there is still no workout that I have done since that gave me the challenge P90x did.