There's something about P90x that's addictive. Tony Horton and Beach Body created an extreme home workout DVD program that takes me from fit to extremely fit in 90 days. This Monday, I'm embarking on a third round in a year and a half, and you'd think I'd be dreading it, but I'm actually looking forward to the grunting, sweat and pain.(P90x is intended to take fit people to a higher level of fitness. Do not embark on the program if you are injured or ill. Seek a doctor's opinion if you are not sure this program is right for you.)
P90x has this effect on me because it shakes up my workout routine, and, about a month into the program, I start to feel solid to the core. In between rounds of P90x, I alternate running 45 minutes every other day with working out with push-up bars, a door-mounted pull-up bar, dumbbells, resistance bands, a dip station and a kettlebell. You'd think that would keep me in good condition, and it does. But P90x, as advertised, takes me to the next level.
The cool thing about P90x is that I even though I don't have the time or money to spend on a personal trainer, it gives me access to a trainer. Even if I did have the time and money, I've never seen a trainer at a gym as motivational as Tony Horton. He and his workout buddies -- they change out every DVD -- keep me moving so fast I don't have time to get bored or distracted.
Each workout focuses on a different body area -- Chest & Back, Plyometrics (lunges and leaping), Shoulders & Arms, Yoga X, Legs & Back, Kenpo X (kick boxing), Core Synergistics, Chest Shoulders & Triceps, Back & Biceps, Cardio X and AB Ripper X. The variety of exercises is enormous and they're switched out about every minute or so. The total workouts require about an hour to an hour and a half of your time.
The equipment requirement is very basic, which is perfect for a home workout. All you need is push-up bars, a door mounted pull-up bar, dumbbells and/or resistance bands. Click HERE to see my RuggedReviews.com review of P90x that includes a list of recommended equipment and purchasing options.
Despite my enthusiasm, the program isn't perfect. There are a few exercises that I won't do, including a pull-up that involves throwing a towel over the pull-up bar. You have to grip onto the bar with one hand and the towel with the other and perform pull-ups. The awkward move is murder on my shoulders and the point of working out isn't to injure your body. I also don't like the pounding impact of push-ups with a clap in the middle. The whole kickboxing DVD doesn't get me winded, so I go for a long run instead. To his credit, Tony Horton shows a few ways to perform most exercises. You can even use a chair assist until you build up strength for pull-ups.
Over the next three months, I'll dedicate a portion or all of the weekly blog to P90x. If you're fit, give it a try and let me know what you think.
