Is P90 better that P90X for a beginner?

goncalo_PT
goncalo_PT Posts: 14
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has switched from P90X to Power 90. I started P90X this week and while I know that it is normal that I can't keep up with all the exercises in the beginning, I've also stopped because I felt a sharp pain on my back as I was doing an exercise. This has led me to reconsider if I'm P90X ready and wondering if P90 would be a better place to start.

Any Power 90iers that have tried P90X or vice versa out there that can give me some advice on this? Thank you!

Replies

  • simonkurth
    simonkurth Posts: 395 Member
    Do you have any pre existing injuries? What exercise were you doing when you hurt yourself? P90x is a tough program but it is safe if you modify where necessary. I always tell the people I help (I'm a Beachbody Coach) to take it easy the first week. If you haven't worked out for a while it is inmportant to select weights that reflect your current fitness level. Power 90 is a great program for those who don't feel like they are ready. Conversely, I have seen people start at 400 pounds and have success by modifying where necessary. I started in horrible shape (314 pounds), but I persisted and got better each and every week.

    I hope your back feels better soon. Definitely get it checked out if it doesn't improve.

    I know I can't be your official coach because you live overseas, but I'm more than willing to help you:)
  • TRMite
    TRMite Posts: 60 Member
    Did you do the fitness test on p90x? it really walks you through the start. I'd say power through with modifcations on p90x. it is the one you already own after all. just my take.
  • simonkurth
    simonkurth Posts: 395 Member
    Sound advice Lisa
  • cagefan
    cagefan Posts: 194 Member
    I started on power 90 and I still cant do p90x after losing 50 pounds and i'm not going to kill myself over it either !!
  • BSdevon
    BSdevon Posts: 77
    Didnt even know there was a P90! Tony Horton!!!
  • littlelaura
    littlelaura Posts: 1,028 Member
    power 90 is awesome, its not as intense as p90x and it is doable for a beginner but has increased levels to advance to as you feel you are ready for them. Try that first then move into p90x
  • JenaFernwood
    JenaFernwood Posts: 9
    If you mean by being a beginner that you are new to exercising, I would not recommend either program. They are both designed for people that already have a good fitness level and want to take it to the next level. Doing programs like that as a beginner will most likely result in injuries

    Instead, check your local gyms for fitness training programs that are geared for people that are just starting out. That way, you will have a live coach or trainer to make sure you are doing the exercises with proper form, which will cut down the likelihood of injury.

    Then when you have built up enough strength and endurance, you can go back to the DVDs
  • littlelaura
    littlelaura Posts: 1,028 Member
    If you mean by being a beginner that you are new to exercising, I would not recommend either program. They are both designed for people that already have a good fitness level and want to take it to the next level. Doing programs like that as a beginner will most likely result in injuries

    Instead, check your local gyms for fitness training programs that are geared for people that are just starting out. That way, you will have a live coach or trainer to make sure you are doing the exercises with proper form, which will cut down the likelihood of injury.

    Then when you have built up enough strength and endurance, you can go back to the DVDs

    this is not true. I began power 90 as a beginner and with a significant amount of weight to lose, literally anyone can do power 90 with very little modification.
  • JenaFernwood
    JenaFernwood Posts: 9
    You may be able to do power 90 as a beginner.

    BUT -- when you are a beginner, it's much better to be in a live class where there's a coach or trainer to help you with your form.

    Otherwise, most people are not aware if they are doing the exercises with proper form or not.
  • Codename_Duchess
    Codename_Duchess Posts: 2,042 Member
    I'm morbidly obese & have completed Power 90 without any previous training & my activity level was very sedentary. The first time I did it, I had a friend's copy of level 1-2 & the Fat Burning Express, & while I did this for 90 days, I didn't feel I completed the program as it was meant...so the second time around (after gaining more weight because I got lazy again & stopped doing any activities) I got my own copies & completed it two weeks ago. (Yay!)

    Power 90 helped me with my endurance & strength, which I love, but towards the end I wanted variety & you don't get much from that particular set, which sucks since you're going to be doing it for 3 months.

    I just started the P90 Master Series today & it kicked my butt! I didn't want to move on since I was still modifying moves for Power 90 (mostly anything where I have to use my body weight, like chair dips or military pushups), but I can only get stronger, right? The same friend that loaned me her copy of P90 mentioned that the only difference she can tell between the MS & P90X is that you don't do pull-ups. I can wait to do the pull-ups. lol I did not follow the meal plan that came with Power 90, nor do I intend to do so while doing the Master Series.

    TL;DR, Do what program you think would be best for you & your fitness level. Power 90 is great for beginners, the Master Series is for an intermediate level with similar exercises to P90X. Good luck! Hope you didn't pull anything too bad! (:
  • Codename_Duchess
    Codename_Duchess Posts: 2,042 Member
    You may be able to do power 90 as a beginner.

    BUT -- when you are a beginner, it's much better to be in a live class where there's a coach or trainer to help you with your form.

    Otherwise, most people are not aware if they are doing the exercises with proper form or not.

    Tony Horton always stresses what proper form is or how you shouldn't be doing a move, & to pick a weight that's right for you, as well as if at any time you're feeling faint or tired, to press pause & take a break. For a fitness DVD, I didn't feel I put myself in danger from bad form.
  • ssb16
    ssb16 Posts: 38 Member
    I'm doing power 90 right now and anyone who thinks it's for beginners is easily fooled. it is a great exercise and definitely not as intense as p90x. I would recommend starting with it then moving on from there. Tony is wonderful and he eases you into the routines which is very important.
  • goncalo_PT
    goncalo_PT Posts: 14
    Thank you everyone for your sound advice.

    I have no preexisting conditions, fortunately. I was doing the vinyasa/plank/downward dog exercise when I felt a sharp pain on my back. I think it's because my muscles aren't used to such an intense exercise. But all is well. I just have to take it easy I guess.

    I used to go to a gym a year ago, so it's not like I am a total beginner. However I have been lazy so my form went south. I think I am going to see if I can get my hands on Power 90 and do it for one round. Until then I will see if I can come up with some modified moves.

    Thank you again for all your feedback. I'm new to the forum so I'm very positively surprised that everyone is so supportive!

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