P90X

My advice is 1) Don't be afraid! 2) Just modify to fit your ability. Do what you can and gradually increase intensity or push harder when you are ready. Don't feel like you have to keep up with them!

I did a full 90 days last year. Modify, modify. Stick with it. If you can't do as much as they do then don't. Lesson your weight. DRINK A RECOVERY DRINK afterwards - you won't be as sore. The hardest part is finding the time to push play every day. Block out the times you'll work out for the next month. If you miss a day because of "life" etc. don't beat yourself up and keep going the next day. When I did it I think I took 110 days:) ( I work full-time, have 4 kids, got the flu a few days, etc.) Keep up the great work!

Also - I definitely recommend trying Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred first. It's only like $10 at Target. It's a 20 minute commitment a day so it's not as intense. It's a good place to start to work your way up to P90X

You can do it! Don't let it scare you. You don't have to keep up with the people in the dvds yet. Just do what you can and next time add a little more. It's really not as bad as it looks. Promise!

P90X is great. I am currently on week 7. It was very difficult at first, but I hung in there, and boy am I glad I did. If you can make it through week 1 you will be good to go. Make sure you do the diet along with it. Eating right goes hand in hand with the workouts if you want optimal results. I was able to drop 13lbs in my first 7 weeks, and now I am to the point where I am putting on weight some days, almost all muscle. Just put it in and hit play. You will be so glad you did.

Exactly!!! I have done it twice through (the lean version, which some will say is the sissy way to do it, LOL).

How did you like the lean version? My sister is about to do her 2nd round of classic P90X and I tried it (classic version) but I didn't care for it. I like strength training but I don't like it as much as she likes it. She even said she thinks I'd prefer the lean version.

Great response from jamie1888.

Yes, approach it with the right attitude. It IS tough - so be prepared for that. If you want an easy workout do something else.

Also, while you do want to work hard, remember to modify, modify, modify. On the weight discs don't be afraid to put down some weights that are too heavy (or add some weights, if they're too light). And don't be afraid to use the pause button, if you find yourself gasping!! With things like chin-ups you can use a chair to help you and just lower yourself from the top position, if that's all you can do. Or maybe, buy some resistance bands to use until you're stronger.

You may also find it useful to gradually work your way through the discs for a couple of weeks before you start the actual program. I did this and I was so glad I did. After Plyometrics my glutes and legs were so sore I could barely climb the stairs! And after Ab-Ripper X my hip flexors were sore for days afterwards (and I only did the first 3 exercises!). If I had stuck with the schedule for that first "try-out" period, I don't know if I would have completed it as I was so sore I couldn't contemplate doing anything else for days afterwards! But honestly, P90X is a tough routine but you see your fitness improve week on week. When I first did Plyo I only did the first four rounds of exercise before giving up and the second time I was determined to do all of it, even if I had to pause after every move and it took me 2 hours! However, within 6 weeks I was doing the whole thing, without pausing, something I thought was an unimaginable feat of fitness when I started.

Apart from that, just remember the usual stuff - get plenty of sleep and eat well.

And remember if Plyometrics is too much for you, they have included a disc called "Cardio X" to use, until you think you're up to it.

One last thing - a few people have problems with the Yoga X - not only is it hard but it can be a bit boring till you get to know it. Don't skip the Yoga - I now have several Yoga DVDs because I love it, and I would never have tried it without P90X. And again, you'll notice it gets easier, very, very quickly. If you do find it tedious, however, there are several other alternative DVDs on the market you can use, or you can do what some people do and just split the workout in half - do the first 50 minutes one day (all the vinyasas), then do the rest on another day (the balance moves, stretches and ab work). But give it a fair crack of the whip - its worth it.

Good luck - it's definitely a shock to the system but a lot easier once you're a few weeks in. I no longer stick to the schedule, but I rotate over half of the workouts into my weekly routine, even now. Ab-Ripper X is gold-dust and Plyometrics is a great way of burning the flab at home.

I was a bit disappointed with P90X+ although I do throw them in occasionally - good weight-based cardio, though.

The exception is Interval X+. I love that workout! Do it every week, if I can. It's about as hard as I want to go without doing Insanity - I'm nowhere near fit enough to think about that yet (although it is sat next to my TV goading me to try....).

Im on my 5th week of P90X! it is very difficult, but also very rewarding! at first i couldn't do the yoga and now it's one of my favorites...and I'm not flexible at all! You don't need a bar to start with...Use the bands then progress to the bar...I also agree with doing Jillian michaels first...she really got me ready to do the moves...I'm doing the Lean session...and anyone who wants to call it the sissy one can kiss my size 8 1/2 shoe because they are all challenging! lol good luck!

What is a recovery drink?

A recovery drink is a drink that is made specifically to help your body recover from the workout. It's typically 4 parts carb to 1 part protein. That helps shuttle the nutrients in the drink directly into your cells to help begin the recovery process.

I use the recovery drink after strenuous workouts and after heavy weight training days. It really helps to reduce soreness and helps with my energy level for the day.

Mel

I got P90X and Insanity and plan to do them together in a hybrid system. (Found here: http://www.extremely-fit.com/fitness-tips/2010/11/p90x-insanity-hybrid/ ) I finally got everything in the mail yesterday, which means I can start today. I'm excited but scared. I tried 30DS a few times over the summer, but never made it out of Level 1. I would get 3 or 4 days in and quit because the repetition bored me.

I know I'm not really fit or strong, so starting the P90X/Insanity hybrid makes me nervous. But I'm going to do it. Even if I can't do every single move as quickly as they do on the TV, I can do what I can. I will get stronger and more fit as the days go by.

Good luck to us both!