Starting P90x and needing advice

You should really get this type of advice from your doctor.

It would be very important for you to modify the moves, I would stay away from the plyometrics DVD. And yes, if you insist and trying this out then you should start with the lean version.

I agree with edorice....
I would like to add, I am doing the Lean version and continued to remain sore for the entire first 3 weeks+, so I don't think it's just the Classic that will do it to you. Good luck with it...and enjoy!

I'll throw in my .02 cents....

For background, I started P90X 90 days prior to my big 4-0 bday. I completed two rounds of the Classic level 90 days, one right after the other. I started with a good knowledge of how to work out and what to do, but needed some motivation to do it. I also have back problems with a herniated disc. Although its not a constant problem, it does get extremely painful for weeks at a time, then I'll be fine for a few months.

I'll say right off that mid-way through my first 90 days, I found the yoga session to be long, boring, and by far the worst of the workouts. I would usually complete half of the yoga workout then move on to abs. The second time around, I skipped yoga altogether and substituted jogging that day.

Some say P90X is just too unbearable and not a good system. I think you just have to keep in mind that the point is to build on each session; you don't have to complete every rep of every set of every exercise in order to get benefit. Even at the end of the second session, there were still several exercises that i couldn't keep up with Tony.

Here's the main benefit to P90X in my mind....If you give your best effort each session, even if you don't complete it, you will end up stronger, faster, more fit and more flexible. The fittest I've ever been was in my college soccer days. At 40, after the first round, I would say my core was stronger, abs were very nice, and I had just as much spring in my legs as in college. And....no back pain, probably due to core exercises and ab work. Now...unlike in college, I couldn't sprint 4 miles from training with P90X, but I don't think that's what it's meant for.

So the short answer to your question, in my opinion, is that the Lean program will still have the ab work and core work, but adds more cardio. Back strength comes from your core, abs, and hamstrings, so I think if you start it knowing you'll have to build up to more reps and more exercises, you will like it. I might also suggest substituting jogging or other cardio for one or two workouts if weight loss is your priority.

I would also double check with your doctor with regards to your back. Also, you may feel you need to REALLY modify (or even eliminate) some of the Ab Ripper moves...they may put entirely too much stress on your weak back at first.