What is P90X?

P90X, short for Power 90 Extreme, is a training system developed by fitness guru Tony Horton. It’s an intense series of exercises designed to improve your strength, endurance, coordination and flexibility that can be done in your own home. The P90X schedule includes a combination of resistance training, cardiovascular workouts, flexibility work, yoga and plyometrics. It also comes with a nutritional and supplement plan to help you lose weight and build muscle.

The program comes with a DVD series, workout plans and a nutrition plan. Those that purchase the program will then need to also purchase a chin up bar, resistance bands or dumbbells. You don’t have to travel to a gym to get your workouts in which is a major advantage in terms of expense and convenience.

P90X Workouts

The 12 DVD workout routines that come with the program are listed below:

1. Chest and back
2. Plyometrics
3. Shoulders and Arms
4. Yoga X
5. Legs and Back
6. Kenpo X
7. X Stretch
8. Core Synergistic.
9. Chest, Shoulders and Triceps
10. 10. Back and Biceps
11. Cardio X
12. Ab Ripper X

Each routine contains a series of exercises targeted to specific muscle groups. P90x is an intense routine that requires a lot of toughness and dedication. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

P90X and Muscle Confusion

P90X is based on the concept of muscle confusion. As you follow any workout routine, your muscles gradually adapt to the stress and over time, your results tend to plateau. To avoid this plateau effect, the P90X system cycles through the various strength and cardio routines to keep your muscles guessing and keep the adaptation effect at the highest level possible.

P90X Nutritional Programs

The P90X nutritional program comes in three separate phases:

1. Fat Shredder. This is a high protein diet that helps you burn fat as well as building muscle.
2. Energy Booster. This phase gives you added energy to help cope with the physical demands of the P90X program.
3. Endurance Maximizer. This adds more complex carbohydrates as well as lean protein and allows you to maintain performance without putting the weight back on.

Results

Most people do notice significant results over the course of the program. Among people who have used and reviewed the course, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The biggest complaint seems to be the time required to complete the program as the individual workout DVDs range from 60-90 minutes in length.

If you’re new to exercise, the P90X may not be for you as it’s very intense and even some seasoned athletes found it very tough in the beginning. Some of the moves can be modified if they’re too difficult and as Tony says, you can simply “Do your best and forget the rest.”

That said, for people looking for an all around fitness program, the P90X offers a full body exercise and nutrition program that shows proven results. It’s also considerably cheaper than signing up for a gym membership and by all accounts, Tony Horton is a master motivator when it comes to fitness and exercise.

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