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p90x questions

kodaks
kodaks Posts: 132 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone,
I will be purchasing P90X in the next couple of days and am excited to start it in about 2 months.

I've read that I can use either dumbbells or resistance bands, but I'm wondering if anyone can recommend which of these I should purchase. Resistance bands seem to be a lot cheaper and easier to store but I'm not sure if they are best for this type of program. Can anyone shed some light on this for me please? I want to be able to follow the program as closely as possible so I'm not sure which is the best solution for me.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • classic_1
    classic_1 Posts: 147
    Bands are great. You just have to learn the right tension. It tough to do some of the Shoulder routines depending on the type of bands u have. with mines the lowest resistance is 30lbs...so in phase 2 chest, shoulder and triceps my shoulders would get pretty tuckered out but other than that they are great and they always have a person on screen to show you how to do the move w/ bands...I hope that helps.
  • kodaks
    kodaks Posts: 132 Member
    That was my biggest worry, if they were just going to say how much I should be lifting I wouldn't know what the conversion would be for resistance bands. Knowing that they go over how to use bands for each workout is great.

    Thanks for your help!
  • JeahCee
    JeahCee Posts: 1
    I am also doing P90X. I would recommend bar bells because you get a better range of motion therefor getting a harder workout. Resistance bands are decent, (if you can find some that provide enough resistance,) but they limit your range of motion and they tend to get in the way a lot in my opinion.
  • classic_1
    classic_1 Posts: 147
    your welcome and if you have any other questions feel free to ask me. I bought brand of bands that carried 3 bands in it and goes up to 90 lbs of resistance. w/ trying to figure out conversion just write down the band or number of bands u used...everything else is figuring out the right tension u need. u might need to make a big loop...a small loop to increase or decrease tension and take notes so u know what you did.
  • kodaks
    kodaks Posts: 132 Member
    Another question: If I were to consider using weights instead of bands, what size weights should I purchase? I found one set that are adjustable for 4-24 pounds per weight. Would that be enough for a male?
  • joehempel
    joehempel Posts: 1,543 Member
    Resistance bands are decent, (if you can find some that provide enough resistance,) but they limit your range of motion and they tend to get in the way a lot in my opinion.

    Then you aren't using them right. I have NO problem with range of motion. I use resistance bands exclusively with P90X and I get a fantastic workout. The only problem I have is finding the right form for the pullups. I don't have a way to put a pull up bar in a doorway so have to use the bands.
  • hongruss
    hongruss Posts: 389 Member
    OP I have used bands & weights.

    Bands are difficult to get right & this can become frustrating & lose you time/intensity!

    Weights are dear & what you need now you will quickly surpass.

    I would suggest weights, they are a lot easier to use, they are more natural to "understand" & although somebody posted, ref tracking band/colour/number, this can be difficult as you can't realistically note BIG or small loop. Yes that can be noted BUT a small difference in loop can make a big difference in tension!

    Weights & pull up bar are preferable BUT if needs must bands are manageable.

    Russ
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