P90X or weight lifting?

raelynnjordan

Okay so I have a dilemma. I am wanting to start a 12 week program. Problem is, I don't know whether I should do P90X, or serious weight lifting. I am really wanting to gain some muscle, but I need to burn fat too. I know I can do both by weight lifting. But what about P90X? I mean I see before and after pictures all the time. Some people look like they gain a lot of muscle, but some people don't. I don't have heavy dumb-bells at home. I have 3's, 5's, and 8's. With weight lifting, I can do heavy weights at the gym and a smaller amount of reps but on the P90X DVD's, they are doing more reps than I could do with heavy weights, so I think I would probably feel inadequate. If that makes sense... Suggestions are totally welcomed, because I just really don't know which one I should do. Another thing- I have P90X, but I don't have a gym membership. BUT, I don't own any weights bigger than 8. So I'm probably going to have to spend money, either way I go.

HELP!!!

Jonesie1984

BUMP! I'm contemplating the same thing!

kasmir8199

Maybe you can look into ChaLEAN Extreme by Beachbody. Or try Tony Horton's Power 90 instead of P90X.

mrmarius

i'm on my 2nd round of p90x and i dont have heavy dumbells that i can interchange so i just use some heavy duty resistance bands. its really gonna boil down to your schedule and if you like going t o gym better or working out at home, since both are all about resistance training.

tgh1914

If you already own P90X I def start there.

Of course if you feel confident in being able to design your own custom weight routine that accomplishes everything you want, then you wouldn't need the pre-packaged solution in P90X. But it's nice to have the thinking & planning done for you. And if you already own it - bonus.

It sounds like you're wanting to gain muscle and lose fat. Although P90X isn't designed to truly help someone bulk up in muscle, I'm betting you're not going for the bodybuilder look. P90X will help you lose fat and appear much more toned because you'll be strengthening (and adding some) muscle. As far as other people's success, I think the biggest reason for lack of results is not adhering to the diet plan. Diet is most it when you're talking about toning & 'getting ripped'.

As far as the weight, Tony explains how to adjust if you're going for gains vs. muscle tone. It's in the weight selection & number of reps. I'm not sure if you're able to go above say 8 or 9 reps with your current weights. If so, I'd buy something bigger (still cheaper than a gym membership). But don't worry about keeping up with the folks on the DVDs - they show you ways to modify the exercises if needed.

I totally like the convenience of doing it right in my home with no need to drive somewhere or pay gym fees. Just my .02

Good luck!