P90X questions ...

P90X has a "test" to take at the beginning of the program to ensure you are at a minimum fitness level to start. Based on your current workout program, you would likely pass the test.

The 12 different P90X workouts are about an hour long (one is 90 minutes). Just for clarification, the 90 in P90X is in reference to the length of the program for a total body transformation in - 90 days (not a reference to the time each workout takes).

Hello. Yes, I think based on your current schedule, you'd pass the fitness test easily. The only thing in question is the pullups, but not many of us started out being able to do one. The workouts are about an hour, and the yoga routine is 90 minutes. It is a 90-day intense program that will deliver results if you give it your all.

Many of us are Beachbody coaches (myself included) because we have gotten incredible results and truly believe in their products. I'm 37 and have done three rounds (270 days) and am currently doing a P90X+ routine. You can do it! Send me a message, and I can tell you how to get started!

Happy Easter!

I am contemplating starting this program - is it "ok" to also run? I would plan to do this program first thing, and then run over my lunch hour. (I've been working out over my lunch hour since November - basically 5 days a week. I enjoy the lunch hour run at the gym)

Thanks

ghanie... The only individual workout that's longer than 60 minutes is Yoga X which lasts 90 minutes. On the strength days, you'll usually have the strength workout of 60 or so minutes and Ab Ripper X right afterward which is 16 minutes.

My first answer is by the numbers, which is to say P90X has a "fit test" that you can take to see where you are compared to where they think a person "should" be fitenss-wise before they try P90X because it is a serious program. You can find that if you go to beachbody.com and click on P90X near the center of the screen. Scroll down to where it says "3 GUIDES TO GET YOU STARTED!", and to the right, there's a pic of Tony Horton with the caption "Lean more about P90X." This will open up a new small browser window. On the list to the right, click on "IS P90X FOR YOU?" and you'll find a link to download a PDF of the Fit Test. Give that a shot, and you'll have an idea of where you're at as compared to what the program's designers think a person should be.

Now, my personal response. Like any workout program, the success you realize will be directly impacted by your dedication and determination. Having said that, if you personally feel up to the challenge of the workouts, you can decide to go for it. One of the two winners of Beachbody's $250,000 transformation challenge last month started his fitness journey with P90X. When he started, he could barely make it through the warm up! He's since lost 190 lbs and looks nothing like he did when he started. I'd say that as long as you are in-touch with your body and know how to push far enough to challenge yourself but not hard enough to injure, you can do it.

I think that part of the reason they prefer folks to have some level of fitness before they jump into P90X is 1) the workouts are intense and can be intimidating, especially to someone who's just getting started, 2) they want people to succeed, and having a person get intimidated or discouraged doesn't serve that goal, and 3) the person who is trying to do something to improve their health who tries P90X and feels like they're failing may not only quit P90X but may quit trying to find a healthier path for their lives.

Ultimately, it's up to you. That window above where I directed you to the Fit Test also tells you about each of the workouts, so know what you're getting into. Understand that P90X is a diverse program, and you will do lots of yoga and stretching, but you'll do lots of intense cardio and intense weight training. The program's motto is "Bring It", and to me, that means you have to bring your best attitude and best effort to this program so that it can change you. Every week, I see my body changing, and that motivates me to keep pressing on six days a week. It's tough, but it's not insurmountable, and the reward is well worth the work.

Best of luck to you in your fitness journey!

Thanks for the link. I found the fitness test. Wow, 40 minutes .. I think I'll do it instead of my afternoon yoga, hehe. Thanks, I'll let you know how I do.

ghanie... Wonderful! I started a P90X thread on here, and the first post has my fit test results listed there if you're interested. I'll look forward to seeing how you did. Go get 'em.!

So I was just browsing some of these titles and I was wondering .. would you classify Kenpo or Core Synergistics as cardio?

And what exactly is Core Synergistics?

The Kenpo X workout is most definitely cardio in nature. It has that title because the moves during the workout have their origin in Kenpo karate, so you'll be doing lots of punching, kicking, stepping back and forth. It really works up a good sweat (Plyometrics is much more of a beast I think).

Core Synergistics focuses on... the core, from the chest down to the quads and all the way around. If I had to characterize it, I'd say it was part cardio, part bodyweight strength training. It's a tough, tough workout if you're core muscles need work (and challenging even if they are), but it's all good. This one will also get you sweating good and get your heart rate up there; definitely a calorie-burner.

I am going to throw my two cents in - I started a month ago and while very athletic when younger that seems like a long time ago! Anyway, my personal advice would be to not be intimidated by the fit test. When you start getting into it you will see that Tony and his crew offer plenty of alternatives to either lower or increase the intesity of each move. And you may surprise yourself at what you can do when committed - I certainly did.

I will just add that once you get through the first week you will be hooked. It is very cleverly put together to ensure you stay committed each and every day. As for results, after 25 days my friends and family are already commenting on how more solid I look and two work colleagues have just ordered the DVD's as a result!