What is P90X?

What It Is

          P90X is exactly what you think it is- a really intense, 90 day program that will get you in the best shape of your life, if you follow it correctly.  But it is more than just a get big or your money back type of program- it is the first 90 days of a healthy lifestyle that you can continue indefinitely.  You do not just stop working out or eating good after completing this program, or you would be back to how you were before in no time.  This program was created by Tony Horton and is marketed by Beach Body.  Beach Body has been around for years, and is a legitimate organization that markets products whose aim is to help mold a healthier you.  After doing a couple of their programs myself, I would recommend them to anybody, whether your in good shape, or not in shape.  If you have always been healthy, this is a great way to mix things up and keep the trend going, and if not it is a great way to start.  The program comes with 12 cd workouts, along with a comprehensive meal plan that is easy to follow.  Getting started is really as easy as ordering the program and following the instructions it gives you. 

What It Is Not

          This is not a “get fit with little or no effort” type plan.  Buying the program does not guarantee that you will get in great shape- you need to put the work in.  You need to dedicate about an hour and a half a day to working out, and dedicate yourself to following the meal plan.  This is not an easy button.  That being said, this program is not a scam either.  If you follow it, you will see results.  In 3 months, I gained about 7 pounds of muscle, while losing about double that in fat.  I can personal say that it works, and that you should try it!  One more note though- P90X is not a way for you to get “jacked or huge”.  You will gain a good amount of muscle, and lose a lot of weight, but if you really want to pack on a ton of muscle you should look into a structured weight lifting routine, or Beach Bodies new “Body Beast” program.  What you will get from P90X is weight loss, toned muscles, and great general health. 

Who is Tony Horton

            If you’re thinking about trying P90X out, you will want to know about its creator for sure.  Tony Horton is a very experienced fitness guru who started off his career by training at the world gym in Venice California.  He has created P90X, P90X+, and P90X one on one training with Tony Horton.  He also has a book out titled “Bring It”, his famous P90X catch phrase.  He also has a list of celebrity clients, including Bruce Springsteen.  Basically, he knows what he is talking about.  He will keep you super motivated throughout P90X, and if you do everything he says you really can’t go wrong. Listen to him. 

What Results Can I Expect

          Expect to slim down tremendously while gaining a little muscle.  As I said earlier, I only gained maybe seven pounds of muscle- but lost about twenty pounds in fat.  After completing two cycles of P90X, I was ready to hit the beach! My arms look incredible, legs were slim, toned and muscular, and even though I did not exactly have abs, they are getting there.  Truthfully I did not follow the diet plan to a T.  I ate a lot more calories than was recommended throughout the whole program, and I still had great results.  So I know anyone who follows the diet plan will see even better results (aka probably have abs… unlike me).  Physical appearance was only half the benefit I achieved though, my heightened energy level was probably worth even more than my appearance. I have ten times more energy than I did when I started.  This could be attributed to more muscle, less fat, a healthier diet, etc but the bottom line is this program does wonders for your energy level and mindset.  You will find yourself thinking “if I can do P90X, what else can I do?” a lot.  I know I do.  It really helps you to stay on the positive side of life.  Essentially if you do this program you will be able to run faster, lift more, jump higher, and look great while doing it. 

Ease of Use

            Let me clarify what I mean by this- P90X is not easy by any stretch of the word, but it is very easy to start doing.  It only cost $120- while this may seem like a fair amount, when you compare it to the cost of going to a gym for 3 months it is quite a bargain.  You do not need that much equipment either, just basic free weights, a pull up bar, and a yoga mat.  A good pair of running shoes would also be recommended for the cardio routines, to avoid injury.  Once you have the Cds, and all the equipment set up, all you have to do is pop in whichever workout you are doing that day and follow Tony.  Another great thing about this program is that anyone, from a beginner to someone who avidly works out, can do it.  You just go at your own pace. 

How It Is Set Up

          Basically you stick to one schedule for three weeks, have a rest week, then switch to the alternate schedule after the rest week.  For example the first week is

Day 1: Chest and Back

Day 2: Plyometrics

Day 3: Arms and Shoulders

Day 4: Yoga X

Day 5: Legs and Back

Day 6: Kenpo X

Day 7: Rest or Stretch

Followed by the rest week, which is core synergistics and yoga twice, x stretch once, and kenpo once.  After that weeks 5-7 goes:

Day 1: Chest Shoulders and Triceps

Day 2: Plyometrics

Day 3: Back and Biceps

Day 4: Yoga X

Day 5: Legs and Back

Day 6: Kenpo X

Day 7: Rest or Stretch

Every week is three weight lifting days with 2 cardio days, yoga, and a rest day.  You also do the ab routine, Ab Ripper X, after each weight training routine.  There is a calendar included with the program, and if you lose it or get confused you can look up a schedule online. 

Conclusion

             This program is the way to go if you want to get in great shape and feel great about yourself. Give it a try-you have nothing to lose except weight!