P90X Classic or Lean?

ralevin

Hi Everyone,
I recently got P90X (borrowed the dvds from a family member), and did Day 1 of the classic program last night. I'm wondering, though, if lean would be better for me (at least for the first time through the program). I'm 6'0", 280 pounds, and weight loss is far more important to me than muscle building (I think I'm actually somehat strong underneath all my "insulation" - I broke a (new, strongest of the set) resistance band because I was stretching it more than it was designed to). That said, I'm definitely not strong enough to do do the body weight things (pushups, pullups, etc.) with any success, so despite trying to modify as much as I could and stick with it, I didn't feel I got the greatest workout (not what I expected from the first day of P90X, at least).

So I'm wondering if it might not be a bad idea to do 90 days of the lean program, then try the classic. I've heard that the lean program is more geared to women who don't want to bulk up. I see bulking up as a very long term goal, but beginning to lose my 100+ pounds of extra weight is the center of my focus right now.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

AmyP619

I'm a woman, so I'm doing the Lean program. I don't really find much of a difference between the programs. A lot of the workouts are the same, but I think instead of Cardio X it's Plyo, and I think there might be a different lifting workout. Because the workouts are mostly the same, I still have to make a few modifications on the lean program, so either one is going to be difficult just starting out. In the beginning, you're not going to become a body builder anyway.... you need to gain muscle to burn fat, and you need to burn a lot of your fat off before you start bulking up.. so I really think you'd be fine doing either workout. Sometimes I get bored with the same weekly routine, so I'll throw in Plyo instead of Cardio or I'll do a different workout than what it calls for one day just to switch it up. Start slow, make modifications, do what you can, and you'll eventually work up to doing it 100%!

xxthoroughbred

I see the lean version as being one for people who want to drop their BF% but already have a relatively low BF%.

Don't give up on Classic. I thought the first day was easy, too...and then I got to the rest of the workouts. I'm not overweight but had an overweight friend working through the program along with me and she always did enough to make sure she was pushing herself. You'll gradually get the strength to do the body weight exercises. Even if you think you're not doing enough in the beginning, it will eventually transform you.

mirthfuldragon

Mix it up and do what feels right. I'm on day 70ish of the Classic program, and I'm enjoying it.

At 280lbs, Plyo may give you trouble. Certainly try it, but watch your knees for the tweak and stop if you need to. For pullups, use the door+resistance band setup. Doing pushups on your knees is a solid way to build strength, so long as you keep pushing your torso forward and put the resistance there.

There really isn't a huge difference between the workout systems, other than a more cardio-emphasis in the Lean program, and honestly, if you have the time, doing a light or moderate cardio set on the resistance days is not going to wipe you out.

Core Synergistics is a great, novel workout. Cardio X always seemed like a bit of a joke to me, but I also started the program when I was at 205lbs, from 296.

The cardio exercise routines are fun and keep things fresh, but they are not as efficient as a pure cardio burn on a machine at the gym or hitting the bike or running trail. That being said, I certainly did not have the gumption to try P90x when I was at 280lbs, so more power to you.

Ultimately, figure out what works for you and feel free to modify the schedule as you see fit.