Intensity Question (P90X3)

Marchmallow

I'm doing the P90x3 programme, which I'm enjoying quite a lot, but as my upper body is quite weak compared to the lower, when it comes to The Challenge (which is just pull ups and press ups for 30 minutes) I find I have to work at a lower intensity because I'm physically not strong enough to do what they're doing onscreen. For the pull ups, I do what Alice does on the dvd, which is hook a resistance band over the door jamb and kneel down at a distance, mimicking the pull-up motions. I do exactly what she does, which gets tough between 12 and 20 reps (20 is my number for this, if you're familiar with the workout). With the press ups, I can do a measly 6 standard press ups but with poor form and not a great range of motion. My form is much better if I have my knees on the floor rather than my toes, and I can go to ten press-ups then.

The thing is though, I am pretty beat after the thirty minutes but I'm not 'destroyed' to use Tony Horton's terminology, and ten minutes later I feel fine. Is this ok, or should I be completely steam-rollered? I feel like if I up the intensity I'll lose good form, and I know that's important. I'm a beginner with both push up and pull up routines, and I can't even do one military press up with my toes on the floor, haha. Maybe I'm just feeling like a bit of a weak noob.

dancindoc508

Just keep going. You are working out and you are burning calories. Prioritize form over number and eventually you'll build up to the higher intensity.

TavistockToad

It's fine. By the end of the programme you'll be a lot stronger, just aim for an extra rep or 2 next time you do the challenge.

akhilc

Marchmallow wrote: »

The thing is though, I am pretty beat after the thirty minutes but I'm not 'destroyed' to use Tony Horton's terminology, and ten minutes later I feel fine. Is this ok, or should I be completely steam-rollered?

I started p90x3 two weeks back myself .
It's fine to be not completely steam-rollered as long as you are seeing results (decrease in body fat %).
Give each exercise your 100%, try to keep pace with tony and follow your nutrition to the book. That's the mantra i am trying to follow

Marchmallow

Thanks guys! I feel more encouraged

Yisrael1981

I competed p90x3 recently and I would echo what everyone else is saying . form comes first.
You may want to lower your reps and up the intensity like doing a pressup from the toes instead of knees . if that is too difficult Tony says better don't go all the way down than doing them from your knees.
Either way Good luck and keep pushing!