P90X - Don't Do It

I would recommend Turbo Fire to anyone, for the fact that you can modify the moves, you do NOT have to jump, you can grow with it. Although, I can see some people being a little scared of it, and I would tell them to start with Turbo Jam, and move up to Turbo Fire. And yes, men do it to, I have my husband doing it now, and he gets sore from it, and doesn't feel it to be too girly. ( I thought the same thing) Turbo Fire has short HIIT work outs, where you do a "Fire Drill" for about ONE minute, then you recover for one minute!

OK, I'm sure you saw it coming, but I couldn't let this post go by without a response. I couldn't agree less with you. I gotta tell you, I think your post might be useful for only the most naive & under-motivated individuals here. There are SO many people on this site that have had great success with P90X, I can't keep track of em (myself included). There are endless threads of people getting great results. Many of whom swear that they've saved money in the long run by foregoing gym fees & expensive personal trainers.

Too hard? It's supposed to be hard! How many times in their pitch do they make it clear that this is for those who "want to get REALLY fit"??? It 's not just to lose a few pounds. They also offer plenty of ways to adjust the exercises. Tony constantly tells you that you don't need to keep up with them - just work towards that goal eventually. By your logic I think we should also let people know they shouldn't have kids - because we parents know that it wasn't til after that we realized how hard & complicated it is! And how about marriage or getting a college degree? You don't really see how much is involved until after you're in it. So should we altogether bail on those things too? The point is it's worth it if you're willing to work hard. And you'll get out of it what you put into it. Only the very naive think it'll be a breeze going into it.

Too long? Really? I admit it's not a quick workout, but it's not supposed to be. I'm surprised to hear a personal trainer say that the 60 minutes is too long (only 1 is 90). Anything that incorporates some cardio should at least be 35-40 minutes to start getting any bang for your buck.

You also seem to be trying to warn people that they shouldn't expect to just plunk down $140 & hit play and expect the infomercial-type results. Isn't that just common sense? Of course you have to pay attention to nutrition as well. That's why there are so many P90X users here on this site - because they know they have to watch it closely. In fact, you said that 50% of it is nutrition. Actually I think it's more like 70-80%. Who actually believes that getting great results is no further away than buying some DVD program & not watching your diet carefully? I say only the most naive.

I admit that your post will probably be helpful to some, probably to those who are still looking for that quick fix. They've already tried magic pills & 10 minute workouts to no avail. Your head's up post should deflect their interest. But most regular users of this site are here because they know that good diet and exercise are the only real way to go to get fit and stay that way. And if you want to get really fit, it'll take more of that simple equation.

I don't mean to be barking at you personally. I just don't see the value of your coming down so hard on a great workout program that does exactly what it advertises - nothing more, nothing less. I've done the program successfully and now continue to do so with my own variations which include going "outside doing things I enjoy".

There was a time when I was still debating whether or not to get P90X & dedicate that much time & effort to it. I'm just glad I didn't run across your opinion then - it might've kept me from what I've accomplished now.

I toned up and lost 20 pounds when I did it. Was it tuff, sure. Is it for everyone, def not. But I wouldnt come out and say not to use it for anyone, but I do tell people that it is tuff and an extreme workout. I do agree on the nuitrition plan - for the most part. I did not follow it at all. Mostly because I am a picky eater and I dont like most of the food they mentioned in their plan. So I practice portion control and eat what I know I like. I wont try Zumba, but I wont tell anyone not to. Its all on what you know you can or want to do.

And yes, I stopped doing it - well exercising all together over the fall and holiday. It was not a smart move on my part, and I gained most of the weight back. I know I really have to mentally get into it otherwise I just wont do it.

P90X is an "Extreme" Home Fitness Program that may not be for everyone, Agreed!. However there is a fitness test at the beginning of the proram to allow you to gauge.

I think the point of P90X it's not about doing every exercise perfectly or keeping up with the program. For myself I found the first phase (3 weeks) challenging and just as I got use to the exercises another phase would start and I found that next phase as challenging, if not more than the first.

So I agree that the workouts are chellenging but I do not think they are overly complex or difficult and often times for me it's about getting my cordination up to snuff. I do agree the workouts could be a bit shorter but at the end of the day, if you push play 5 or 6 days a week and work hard you will see measurable results in short order even if you don't do every exercise perfectly. Depending on your starting point you may not look like Tony Horton at the end of 90 Days but you will clearly see results.

If you are self motivated and don't want to drop ridiculous money to have some guy at the gym show you how to use the equipment, and pay for a nutrionist P90X may be perfect for you. For the one time investments of $150, you get a personal trainer, nutritional plan and gym in your DVD Player. I have found the investment well worth it.

Indy,

Thank you so much for being honest about it. I think most people hate to speak out against programs that claim to be so awesome. I'm thankful to see that there are some people willing to tell the honest truth, in their professional opinion, about the workouts.

*Thankful*

Jean

I agree partially- I've started p90x multiple times but only made it to the 5th week. I love the workouts- but I TOTALLY agree about the meal plans- they're very difficult to follow. I'm running now, but next week will try p90x again, only replacing my meal plan with tracking my meals here. They need to simplify their meals- and, I did try many of the recipes - and most of them are TERRIBLE. I like the body for life guy's recipe book- they're wonderful - almost all of them I've tried and I like them all. AND, they're really easy. I am going to use this site to track everything.

I thought P90X was awesome! (that was before I gained 20lbs so I might think differently now lol)
He does talk too much though...but other than that I thought it was just tough enough to keep me interested and if I don't want to do the whole thing I just stop or skip ahead ....I didn't like the meal plans at all, but I do think the DVDs are a good boost once or twice a week...I didn't actually pay for it though, a friend burned it for me so for free it was pretty good lol....the ab ripper dvd is my favorite...

P90X is an "Extreme" Home Fitness Program that may not be for everyone, Agreed!. However there is a fitness test at the beginning of the proram to allow you to gauge.

just a thought..in order to DO the fitness test you'd have to have already spent the money and purchased the product.

Not true. I found the fitness test for free online and printed it out

the only problem I have with Jillian Michaels- and I love her workouts- is the repetition- I want to do one move and then go on to the next move...I don't want to repeat the moves again 3 minutes later- I find myself getting bored in that respect...that's my only criticism of her though....

I agree with you! She does circuit workouts, I get SO bored with the repetition! BUT, staring at her rock hard body while working out keeps me going in hopes to look like her someday!

That being said, I like P90x. It was what really kick-started my weight loss, and I always felt amazing. I can't afford to go the gym, and I think this definitely pays for itself. I just ordered Insanity, and I am SO psyched to begin! To each his own, I guess!!

I agree partially- I've started p90x multiple times but only made it to the 5th week. I love the workouts- but I TOTALLY agree about the meal plans- they're very difficult to follow. I'm running now, but next week will try p90x again, only replacing my meal plan with tracking my meals here. They need to simplify their meals- and, I did try many of the recipes - and most of them are TERRIBLE. I like the body for life guy's recipe book- they're wonderful - almost all of them I've tried and I like them all. AND, they're really easy. I am going to use this site to track everything.

When we did our 1st round of p90x, we hadn't yet found MFP. We followed the portion approach & really found it to be pretty easy once we got it down. The benefit to that approach was realizing exactly what an actual serving looks like! :laugh: and also eating more balanced choices. But about halfway through, we found MFP & then switched to just matching up the carb/protein/fat ratios with p90x. MFP makes the nutrition part soooo easy, I agree w/you 100%. WHen we finished our 1st round, we then started really perfecting our nutrition....eating even more clean, decreasing sodium, etc. But I credit P90x with starting us on that path.

I am a total P90X fan but I totally agree with everything you said. This system is not for people that will get discouraged easily.

To those that are seriously going to try this system. Find someone that does use the system successfully and have them help you revise it for your needs. (OMG I don't want to do 30 minutes of downward dog every again)

I haven't read completely through Tony's new book yet but supposedly he has a "beginners" section. Has anyone read through this yet to see if it changes anything?

I'm in my 4th round of P90X. When I got it, I was VERY out of shape. I chose to follow the Lean version which, IMO, is more like P90X Lite. It made me realize how much I love exercise and made me realize how strong and powerful I am to get through it once, let alone another two times! Plus, I found the nutrition guide very helpful. FINALLY, a fitness program that helped with the nutrition aspect, too.

I have also done Insanity, ChaLean Extreme (LOVE THIS ONE as a strength program), and Turbo Fire. Insanity isn't my thing...I'll never do another full 60 days of it. You know what, though? Other people love it.

The key is to find that one workout/program that is your SOUL workout. One that you enjoy doing every single day. For me, I despise the gym. It's not my thing. I find it boring as hell. For whatever reason, I don't feel that way about P90X, CLX or my soul workout, Turbo Fire.

So, can we discredit it because it's hard, or difficult? I don't think so...many people have had tremendous success using the program and have found their way to a fit lifestyle.

Great topic....I've been thinking about buying it, but pause each time I think about the money. It's a huge amount of money to just try a program!

I do use the Jillian Michaels DVD and power walk and weight train on my own. Pretty cheap investments! I am wondering though if I should move "on to" the P90X or another Beach Body program (Turbo Fire, or Insanity, etc.)? I have been on a plateau for 4 months and have recently started to gain weight....Not inches. Just pounds. I am frustrated and concerned.....

My question is: How do you know if you're ready to move on to P90X? What sorts of questions should I be asking myself? I'm getting HR up using JM DVDs....

Judging from what you've said, and taking a look at your profile, it looks to me like you're an ideal candidate for P90X. You seem to be in pretty good shape, although you want to lose those last few pounds, right (or recent few pounds)? Or maybe you're wanting to tone up more, or just get stronger & fitter? That's what it'll do for you. You're gonna have no problem with the YogaX based on your pics.

I guess I'd be asking if you are wanting to be challenged. You sound like you've been exercising for quite a while but are in need of a new challenge. That's what P90X will do for you, I think. If you're in decent shape I would not be scared of it. It's challenging but it's not over the top if you're in reasonably good shape. Heck, I've seen overweight people do it - with the adjustments that he offers of course.

I say go for it.

P90X is an "Extreme" Home Fitness Program that may not be for everyone, Agreed!. However there is a fitness test at the beginning of the proram to allow you to gauge.

just a thought..in order to DO the fitness test you'd have to have already spent the money and purchased the product.

No you can go online a do the fit test before you purchase!!!