P90X Review

What is a P90X Review Doing on a Running Website?

You might wonder why I have written a P90X review for my running website. I know, I know, as runners we generally aren’t concerned with working out to x-training DVD’s. Firstly, it means that we are not running and secondly, it means that we are exercising indoors. Pardon me and congrats to those runners who are more diligent in their x-training efforts. But for those runners that aren’t, please listen when I say that every runner can benefit from these DVD workout routines.

Let me explain how I became hooked.

Seven months ago I developed plantar fasciitis after running injury-free for 26 years – I am totally serious – 26 years injury free. Coincidentally, at the same time, I was also feeling that my upper body was really starting to “sag”, for lack of a better word and I thought that I really needed to incorporate some upper body exercise. I had heard glowing reviews about the variety of workouts involved and the results those that followed the workout routines were achieving. And since I had to take a break from running while I attempted to recover from Plantar Fasciitis, this could be the perfect time to start working on my upper body. My birthday request was the P90X Program.

When I started the program, I was sure relieved that I had the running background that I did. The fitness level that I had achieved through running sure helped in some areas of the workouts. For those no fitness background might want to start with Tony Horton’s Power Half Hour to bring your body up to speed. As runners I feel that we are a very committed bunch of athletes, and that’s a good thing because these daily workout routines are also a commitment – they are long (1 – 1-1/2 hours) and for the most part, difficult. Even after I completed the first week, I went back and repeated it because I didn’t feel like I had successfully mastered all the moves as it was a bit of a learning curve for me.

Let’s take a Look in More Detail

P90X is a 90 day workout routine or 13 weeks, which is really 91 days, but somehow they missed out on that last day. The 90 (or 91) days consists of 3 phases and a summary of the workout week consists of a variation of strength training with weights/resistance bands, pull-up’s, pushups with various other exercises, cardio and a yoga workout. Each strength training routine challenges different muscle groups.

The final week of each phase is free of any weights or strength training. During this week the exercise routines target mostly core, with some cardio and lots of stretches.

The workouts are led by personal trainer Tony Horton and a group of men and women of varying degrees of fitness. Tony is upbeat, positive and keeps the students (or kids as he likes to refer to us) motivated.

What I Like About P90X

Tony does a great job of explaining the different variations of each exercise and how they should be performed. Between Tony and his workout team, they demonstrate all levels of each exercise – from basic to advanced. This helps you to jump in at whatever level you are at and then advance as your conditioning improves. Tony is also thorough in explaining the proper form to be used during exercise and will quite often show you the right way and the wrong way.

I also like the timer that runs at the bottom of the TV screen on each workout, so you always know how much time is left in the workout which helps you to gauge the intensity of your moves accordingly.

Tony gives an adequate warm-up and cool down period with great stretches. You will always be fully warmed up by the time you start into the workout.

It’s nothing short of an excellent home fitness workout program and, if followed, you WILL see results.

My lower body was and is in good shape from my years of running, and now, after following the DVD workouts, my upper body is also toned and muscular. I could see the initial results in about a week and it has continued from there. I am an avid skier and I have also noticed improvements in my strength and balance while skiing. I believe this is from my improved flexibility and balance that the workouts have provided. The Yoga DVD, in particular, really works on balance and coordination.

Do You need to Train Every Day?

The Program is structured to be a daily routine, however, the reality for me is that I travel a lot and, hard as I try, I never have 90 days in a row to commit to an hour plus every day for the workout. But the bigger problem is that, while travelling, I don’t have access to the proper fitness equipment needed to complete the workouts.

Regardless, I still decided that I could benefit from this program. I follow the schedule while I am at home and while away I try to get some other type of exercise in. Some of the DVD’s, such as Yoga, Kenpo and Ab Ripper X need no equipment and, if you have a DVD player and a TV, they would be fairly easy to workout to while away from home. However, as a result of my travelling, it has taken me much longer to get through the entire 90 Day Program, but, regardless, I still see the results.

If you can’t commit to a daily workout but are interested in following the P90X Workout Schedule, don’t let this be a showstopper.

In addition, because some of the workouts are quite extreme and would often render my muscles into a state of shock, I find that having a day off here and there has given my muscles a chance to recover and, as a result, I get more out of the next workout.

What’s in The Box

	12 Workout DVDs plus 1 Overview DVD The workout DVD’s include Chest & Back, Plyometrics, Shoulders & Arms, Yoga X, Legs & Back, Kenpo X, X Stretch, Core Synergistics, Check, Shoulders & Triceps, Back & Biceps, Cardio X & Ab Ripper X
	Fitness Guide This manual contains everything you need to get started with the workouts, how to follow the program, descriptions of every workout and each exercise within the workout, plus how to perform each move. The manual also provide different variations of how to get more out of the Program and Life after P90X.
	Nutrition Guide This manual provides 3 separate nutritional plans – the Fat Shredder, the Energy Booster and the Endurance Maximizer. I personally never followed any individual plan, but a good portion of the manual is filled with delicious, nutritional recipes that compliment the each plan. I have cooked from the recipes and will vouch that they are delicious and healthy.

What Equipment is Needed for P90X?

• Pull Up Bar – with the capability of being able to perform regular to wide chin-ups;
• Weights or Resistance Bands: I tried both and I prefer weights. I can get a really good workout from 3 sets of weight variation that challenge my strength;
• Exercise or Yoga Mat;
• Pushup Stands (optional): These will help to perform deeper pushups and they are gentler on your wrists; and
• Yoga Blocks (optional): These will assist you in performing a larger range of movement during some yoga moves.

One More Thing to Mention in this P90X Review

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Workout to the best of your ability and you are guaranteed to see results. I am currently in Week 10 (almost there) and I still struggle with some moves (especially pull-ups), but have advanced so far beyond where I was in Week 1.

Where Can You Find the Best Price?

The DVD’s are available at so many outlets that it was difficult to price compare. However, we found the price for the P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program to be very consistent throughout, so we recommend that you buy it straight from the manufacturers at Beachbody.com, or through our favorite online store – Amazon. Both Beachbody.com and Amazon offer the entire workout DVD’s and books at the same price, but if purchased at Beachbody.com, your payments get spread out over 3 months making it a bit easier on the wallet today. To pick it up cheaper, consider a used version from Amazon.