I bought P90X a few months ago but after reading the booklet, I was really intimidated and thought I’d wait to start when I was in better shape. For those of you who don’t really know P90X, it’s really meant for people who’ve completed Power90 and are at a certain base of fitness (which I don’t consider myself to be at). There are 12 different DVDs to keep from getting bored and your body from catching on and hitting a plateau. Well, I put the program away, until today. I’ve been stuck at 180 for the past 2 years after losing 50 and I know that while a lot of it is mental/emotional for me, it would help to try some things that I’ve never tried before. I told myself I would do a DVD from start to finish no matter if I only do one rep for every set they do and if I have to modify every move. I would get through it and I did!

I started with Core Synergistics (for those of you who know the program, I’m following the “Lean” program). It’s basically an all over workout with focus on the core. The DVDs are all long (1-1.5 hours) so that’s a little intimidating too but right now I have a couple hours when the kids are napping that I used to use to catch up on Tivo’d shows. I feel really great after completely the DVD and I’m happy to report that I was able to do at least 1 rep for every 2-3 they did and make it through with good form. I modified a couple moves when I wasn’t even sure how their bodies got into a position! I’m really proud of myself and while I feel drained, I do feel mentally and physically stronger from it!

Alison
stuckat180.blogspot.com

I did the same thing. I had no idea how intense it was. All the things I read online seemed to warn of it, but I didn't realize the amount of shape you really needed to be in.

I still can't do an unassited chin up.

If I ever plateau I might give it a try, but that would mean skipping the gym. I've really come to look forward to it now (not cardio, thats still a pain).

I keep meaning to do the stretching DvD, but I stretch for 5 minutes everday, I'm not sure I really need any more.

I agree, I totally thought they had to be kidding but it really is tough! I just did the cardio X DVD and you might wanna check it out if you're not liking other traditional gym cardio options. It's not your typical cardio DVD. He does kicks, punches, power yoga, some plyometrics, etc. It wasn't too bad but still tough.

Good luck to you,
Alison
stuckat180.blogspot.com

You know I intended to try that and never did. will see how it goes sunday.

I was thinking of buying P90X because of all the segments. If it's that intense though, I'll hold off til I'm in better shape. No sense in me getting frustrated this early in the game, which is what I tend to do. It kills me that I can't do half the things I did 4 yrs ago

I know it seems really intimidating, I bought it and then put it away which made me so mad because that's a huge waste of cash to do that! I think if I was trying to go 100% effort at the workouts, I would quit but since my expectation is to just make it through, I'm feeling good about it. I really feel sore today but not so much that I can't walk so it's a good sore. I love that there are so many different DVDs because I've done some other DVDs and I get really annoyed with the stupid comments they just happen to make. This is more like taking a live group class, oh and they change up the people working out with Tony so that's cool too. I'm on day 3 and still liking it

Alison
stuckat180.blogspot.com

p90x is a great DVD especially if you are looking for that beach type of body.

Its recommended by a lot of hockey instructors, it seems to be the best DVD to get for a full body work out. I found a lot of Core and Plyo exercises I still use today from that dvd.

I just did the shoulder & arms DVD. I usually use 15-25 pounds when it comes to this area but I knew there would be a ton of moves and if I wanted to make it through I'd need to lower the weight so I did 5lbs on every move. I made it through and I know I could have done more but still got a great shoulder and arm workout. My kids are napping and they love doing crunches so I'm saving the Ab ripper X DVD for when they get up. Haha, family activity time is getting an ab workout! Oh well, I'm home alone with the kids for a few days so what can ya do, right!

Ill post the minimum recommended stuffs when I get a chance (at work now, and class after work but I may be able to, if not I will friday night.)

If you follow the program how it is, you have to devote about 1 hour a day 6 days a week for 3 months. Its 3 weeks pushing 1 week recovery (not as intense on the body.) Theres also the option to do the stretching video the 7th day if you just want to do something.

There are subsitute exercises if you cant do the main ones. Like using bands instead of weights, or using bands on a pull-up bar instead of doing pull ups.

It includes a diet program and all too.

You could also just do a maintanence type deal, there are some recommendations, if you are just looking for something lighter that completely works your whole body.

I just did the Yoga DVD as was on schedule for the day and holy crap! Yoga is a lot harder than you'd think if you never tried. One of the hardest parts is if you're like me, it's really difficult to just slow down and breathe. I'm so used to running through my days doing twenty things at once. My brain wouldn't stop! I ended up doing 35 of the 90some minutes. I didn't think that'd be my tough DVD to work up to but damn!

Alison

hmmm im thinking i should try this p90x.. i've heard about it and seen the commercials.. and it seems great for people who cant make it to the gym..

Ok, so I just started week 3 of P90X and I'm totally addicted! After the first week my weight was up a little but now my body is figuring it all out and today I'm at 179.0 from 184.8 on December 1st. I know if I just dieted I could have been down more weight but I'm also down to a size 10 from a 12 on Dec. 1st. The last time I was at a size 10 I was 168lbs.

I love P90X!

Alison

I think its a bit too pricey!

Its not really all that pricey, just DO NOT BUY THE SUPPLEMENTS/BANDS (way overpriced -- can get teh same bands at walmart -- i didnt get the bands from them but I read online about this.) You can also get a cheaper offer on the pull-up bar. Just keep saying no till its like 30 something, thats a fair price. Refuse the free month to the website. I found the website generally useless (the forum was only good part and its setup was aweful, practically unreadable. You can get all the support for free at places like this.)

I ended up forgetting about the free month and ended up getting charged for it -- which is exactely why places do free months, not because people will try and decides it worth it (mostly I have found this to be true).

Also make sure you know the full price they will be charging to your card. They are very shadey on the phone. Very shadey. I was lead to believe shipping was free on the commercial -- said that it was upgrading to expediated shipping for free -- what they actually mean is they will ship it out fast. NOT that shipping is free.

The company chooses to use very shitty business practices, but the product is sound.

Now why its not actually pricey. Its cheaper than 3 months at a gym. It can be used forever. You can do it in cycles and there are recommend programs for maintainence periods. Its not just one or two DvDs its a booklet full of them. The eating plan and all are very detailed.

If you can afford it, go for it. If not, try ebay or craigslist.

When I add up all the stupid things I've bought over the years and compare the price to this, P90X is pretty cheap! I just wrapped up my 3rd week and I'm still loving it because I'm doing something different every day. I get bored easily and tend to find myself in ruts all the time when I go to the gym but this has me on my toes. Regardless of the product, I think all diets, workout programs, etc., can work if you stick to them. It's more a matter of finding the right one for you so you can actually stick to it. I knew that I needed lots of variety to stick to it so that's why I see P90X's price worth it for me. I don't follow their eating program becasue counting calories is bad for me, I tend to get obsessive and start cutting more and more so I like to keep my eating plan simple with lean protein, veggies, fruit and low-fat dairy. But that's me.

Alison