P90X Questions

MFPfriend
MFPfriend Posts: 1,121 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Okay, first, I'm really sorry. This probably comes up on the boards all the time, but I have some questions about P90X.

What equipment do you need to do it? I have a budget of 70 dollars- that's enough to buy P90X and the nutrition book on Craigslist. If I need to buy more stuff, I can't do. 70 dollars is pushing it. Can I modify anything so I don't need to buy more equipment?

What will happen if I don't finish the program? I leave August 8th to go to Germany... for an entire year. I will not do the program over there. If I can get the program in the next week or so... that gives me about 30 days to try it out. If I can't get any results in 30 days, then I'm not going to waste 70 bucks. (Though I saw someone's post about their first 15 days- it was AMAZING).

I have a TINY apartment. How much space do I need? I'm in an upstairs apartment too (but the downstairs neighbors just moved out- I'm not sure when the new ones will come in).

I weigh 185 right now. I'm in slightly-below-average shape. Could I still do it if I modify?

Thanks for all your answers! I haven't exercised yet, so I'm looking for something to kick my butt.

Replies

  • lilchino4af
    lilchino4af Posts: 1,292 Member
    It calls for pullup bar, but there's options to use resistance bands. You can get a pullup car at Walmart for $20. Or, do what a friend of mine does and do pushups instead of pullups in the absense of a pullup bar/bands.

    It also calls for free weights (3 lbs weights are less than $2 ea at Walmart, and price goes up with the weight), but you can do without.

    I just completed P90X last week and I did the whole 90 days without the nutritional guide, I just made sure I ate healthy and gave myself more protein on the days I did weights, and it worked out ok. So if you can find just the DVDs you could save more money.

    Hope this helps.
  • biggphatdaddy
    biggphatdaddy Posts: 50
    I've seen all the videos, and recently started using them, I think mostly what you need is a chinup bar, resistance bands, and a good set of dumbells...They show you how to modify the exercises for what you have also. If you dont have the chinup bar, they have a guy using resistance bands instead...from there it is basic stuff like a mat (I use a towel) and water...drink plenty of water...

    And I know some people get kinda psycho about these videos, but dont be afraid to modify what they do to your style...You dont have to do it all, and you dont have to go their speed...I would recommend watching each video all the way through before doing the workouts....
  • DelawareGal
    DelawareGal Posts: 9
    I just started P90X the end of May. It is doable with a small amount of equipment-resistance bands can get you through if you don't have a pull-up bar (I don't, so I use the bands) and a yoga mat + blocks. You can probably pick them up at a yard sale, in the paper (amazing how much exercise equipment you can get for cheap in the paper). You can modify any of the exercises. If you can't do the jumping etc you can step. Eventually, you will build strength and be able to do more. If you are moving overseas and are worried about not being able to work out, what are you going to do when you are over there? You might be able to use the videos if you can pick up a dual-format dvd player (that will work for American and European formatted dvds).

    The P90X program works best when you commit to the daily workouts (which run about an hour each) for the full 90 days. It is possible to do the program using just the book, but you lose a lot of motivation without the video interaction. Another program I did recently was the TRX Suspension system. Basically a strap-based system that utilizes your body weight as resistance. It was just as intense as the P90X but the only equipment needed was the strap setup.

    I saw a lot of improvement in my muscle tone & growth since I started the program. I've gained a few pounds of muscle and lost some fat % (although my total weight went up my body fat decreased). It would be more drastic if I actually followed the eating plan LOL!
  • 4KidFather
    4KidFather Posts: 134
    I started P90x with a craigslist find too. I got an inframe pullup bar at WM for $7 and plastic adjustable dumbbells for $22 (20lbmax). Try Garage sales but that is all you need. Heck, my first weights were cinder blocks and milk gallons $of water/sand (HEAVY) . I got amazing results in the first 3 weeks with less than $30 equipment between my couch and TV - when kids slept. I know folks with bowflex and all that stuff that don't get NEAR the muscle gain and fat loss I did EVER!!! You can also take those routines with you in your head - I pop them out at the playground with my kids - for free.
    I'm on round 4 and invest more money on my workouts BUT I also don't go to the Chiro for my lower back issue- $300-400 per year at least. Don't undervalue your precious time and personal fitness.
    If you bring it you can make big gains in a couple weeks for sure.
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