p90X advice for scared beginner?

MOBOGAL30
MOBOGAL30 Posts: 3
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all,

My SO and I have decided to embark on a new exercise initiative. He is interested in P90X and wants me to do it with him. I am a beginner/intermediate exerciser, who tends to fall of the wagon. I have lifted weights and do cardio etc, but would not consider myself to be in good shape. I have watched videos, and p90X seems intense. I am wondering if it is OK for beginners who aren't already in peak shape to start with. Can any one-time p90X beginners provide any success stories or advice so I can be convinced I'm not crazy to attempt this? We both want to lose 10-15 lbs and tone up, and I've seen so many people succeeding with p90X! Thanks in advance for any input you might have!

Replies

  • lilchino4af
    lilchino4af Posts: 1,292 Member
    Having done P90X, I can attest to what a great workout program it is! And don't worry about being a beginner as they have people who demonstrate different levels of difficultly for you to follow. The biggest advice I can give you is to do what you can and don't sacrifice form for numbers. Take breaks when needed, but keep at it - it will get easier. Good luck and enjoy!
  • Captain_Mal
    Captain_Mal Posts: 945 Member
    When I started it, I wasn't in peak shape. In fact, it took me about 2 weeks before I could do the majority of each dvd without killing myself. The great part about the program is that it allows you to do what you can. You can alter almost every move to something you're comfortable with. If you can't do pull ups on a bar then use the bands. We have a pull up bar but I fail at that so I stick to the bands. Like you'll hear a gazillion times, just keep pushing play everyday. I suggest just easing into it, if it takes a few extra weeks so be it.
  • msmayor
    msmayor Posts: 362 Member
    bump

    I had to bump this because I'm scard of the px90 - I have it but tried only a few i was going to do my own thing - but I really want to do the ab ripper - can't wait for the responses...... GL if you give it a go!!!
  • horndave
    horndave Posts: 565
    YOu can do it. Just do your best. Push yourself harder as you get in better shape and you will reap the rewards.
  • Josee76
    Josee76 Posts: 533 Member
    I am in week 9 (phase 3) of P90X... I had not worked out in over 1 year. I have lost 20 lbs (FOLLOW THE DIET!!!! It's important!) and 15 inches total. I have days were I have no desire to do it... just press play and do what you can... the results will be enough motivation to make you continue.
  • deblc6836
    deblc6836 Posts: 59
    It's very motivating, because each week you'll realize that you're doing things you couldn't do the week before. Just do what you can each workout. Do take starting measurements, as you may not see the scale move much -- I didn't lose any weight the first 60 days, but lost 4 inches from my hips, 2 from my waist, etc...
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    I just started Phase 3 of my first time doing P90X on Monday. I absolutely love it. I can tell a big difference in the way I feel and the amount of energy I have. I wasn't in great shape when I started (I'm still not in great shape but I'm a sh*tton better off than I was 8 weeks ago). It's definitely not easy and I'm dripping wet after every workout. The only thing I can say is just keep on keeping on with it. You'll get out of it what you put into it. When I watched a couple of the videos before I started to get an idea of what was in store for me I kind of thought Tony was a dork. When I was actually doing the workout he seemed much less dorky and a lot more motivating.
  • smpreston
    smpreston Posts: 262 Member
    P90X can be intimidating. I tried and failed three times at it. I finally completed my first round in August and it felt great. The hardest part I found was trying to not be insulted if I couldn't keep up with the people on the screen. Do what you can and take breaks when needed. Pretty soon, you'll be doing more and taking less breaks. By the end, you'll be keeping up nicely and even surpassing some.

    I'm finishing off a round of P90X/TurboFire Hybrid next week and starting a full P90X round on November 28th. I'd love to have you guys join me in a thread when that happens. Having other people to lean on and share your experiences is very helpful. I know that was the single biggest factor that kept me going and motivated.
  • kcaldaba
    kcaldaba Posts: 3
    I'll be 65 the end of this month. Started my first round of P90X on October 3 and have followed the plan each and every day. As everyone says, it gets easier as you go along. so don't worry about the things you can't do. Like they say, "Do your best and forget the rest." Push pause when you need to. Also, it really helps to have a heart rate monitor that will count calories as well. I got a Polar FT7 at ****'s. When you see how many calories you've burned at the end of an hour, it helps you stay motivated and feel like you're making progress. Finally, use this website and count calories. First time in my life I've ever counted them, but after I didn't lose any weight the first week, I signed up here, set my goal weight and followed the daily calories targets this site sets for me. I enter all the P90 workouts as cardio and just put in the calories burned so that I can track daily net calorie consumption.
    It works--started at 3 chinups and can now do 10. I only wanted to lose 10 pounds and I've already lost 8. And most days I even look forward to the workouts. Good luck!
  • tangal88
    tangal88 Posts: 689
    Have done it a number of times - great program. Its challenging - but it IS doable, if you do the best you can do, everyday, and just keep coming back. Each day gets a tiny bit easier.

    My DH has fake started one time, and is about to finally complete a round this time. :) He is a beginner.

    I agree get a HRM - that motivated me much more then anything! And log food and calories eaten on MFP. I amd encouraged EVERY DAY to exercise, and log my calories burned on my workout - so I can eat more. :)
    I do not follow P90x meal guide, as calorie level is to high for me.

    But I do track calories based on MFP recommendation, and use my own food choices. I do up my protein to a higher level, asa you work hard with P90x. And I do watch my calories. At first I was to low at 1200, and stalling on loss. I have upped my calories to 1400-1500 range, and thats MUCH better. Still losing inches, and lbs, and getting tight muscle definition all over.

    Don't be afraid to push yourself hard, and lift heavier on the weights, as you are reasonably able to do so. That has helped me cut fat faster then anything else.

    I think that you can adapt the program to your needs. Just don't get frustrated, if you cannot get through an entire workout for a few weeks - thats normal for everyone.

    We have a number of friends - all at beginner level, who have now started it after seeing our results. Some found the warm up a challenge. :) But they keep coming back each day, and slowly get better and better.

    Just take your time, do what YOU can do, at the level YOU can do it. Don't stress if you are slower, lift lighter, can't finish the whole DVD etc. You will get better with time. And it make take 90 days to fully complete a DVD - that OKAY!

    Just do what YOU can do, at your speed, and modification level.
  • MOBOGAL30
    MOBOGAL30 Posts: 3
    Wow! Thank you guys so much for the speedy responses. Clearly people are very passionate about this program! You've convinced me :) I'll go ahead and order it and just do my best! And having a workout buddy at home can only help right? Thanks again for the encouragement!
  • smpreston
    smpreston Posts: 262 Member
    You'll be losing weight by Christmas and in a better shape and mind to handle the holiday eating and craziness!
  • kandy221
    kandy221 Posts: 79
    bump-want to try P90X
This discussion has been closed.

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