What is P90X? It is a 90-day training program created by fitness expert Tony Horton that promises to transform your body. It certainly did that for me. More than that though, it started me on a whole new fitness journey that changed the way I look at taking care of my body.
The Workouts
P90X includes 12 intense workouts that use resistance and
body-weight training, cardio, plyometrics (you're gonna be jumping!), ab work, martial arts and
yoga. Most of the workouts are 50 - 60 minutes for 6 days per week. For a closer look at what each workout consists of, you can go here. These workouts are tough. I was definitely a "beginner" when I started using this program. I had to make a lot of modifications at first. I couldn't do a pushup on my toes, for example. It took weeks for me to get there.
Several of the videos contain pull-ups as well. When I first learned this, I was immediately taken back to my elementary school days when we had to do pull-ups for the President's Fitness Test. I could never do them then, and I certainly didn't expect to be able to do them now. So I modified.
This move is what got me ready for the *real* pull-up bar. Throughout the program, Tony demonstrates modifications for many of the exercises, which is a huge help. As the 90 days progressed, I found that I didn't need many of the modifications I had used in the beginning.
The program is designed around the concept of muscle confusion and is broken down into 3 phases. You'll never "plateau"—which means your body will never get used to the routines because they are changing every few weeks. This is the key to continually transforming your body throughout the entire 90 days.
Equipment
Unlike many of the other Beachbody programs, some equipment is required for P90X. You're going to want some dumbbells and/or a band like the one pictured above. I started out with 3 sets of dumbbells - 5's, 8's and 10's. You'll also need a chair close by. And eventually you're probably going to want a pull-up bar. My husband and I workout in our basement, so he installed pull-up bars in the beams on the ceiling. One of those pressure bars that can be used in a doorway would work just as well.
Final Thoughts
When I started P90X, I honestly did it as a favor to my husband. He was looking for a way to stay accountable, and he needed me to make sure he got up every morning. As I began doing the program, however, I started noticing changes to my body that were really exciting! I also learned a great deal about muscle and how important it is for us to do resistance training as we age.
As adults, we lose 5 - 7 lbs. of muscle every decade if we don't do any form of strength training. This not only slows down our metabolism, but it also puts us at greater risk of injury and can lead to loss of mobility. The good news is it's never to late to start reversing the negative effects of muscle loss!
If you would like more information about P90X or have any questions about my experience, feel free to leave me a comment below or contact me at corvincrew@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!
3 comments:
Girl, you are on fire! Love every post! :)
Thanks for the information. Rusty just bought p90x and we are suppose to start next week. I want to do it but I am nervous about not being able to do it and finding time. We are going to try mornings. It helped encourage me that you did it for Jeff at first. Rusty is at the same place and is our driver. Hopefully we will have the same results you guys did.
Tonya, you can definitely do it!!! Mom did it for awhile last year before Melissa and Garrett got married. She let Melissa and Garrett keep her copy of the program though. :) I think it's fabulous that you guys are going to do it together!!! It has been a fun, bonding thing for Jeff and me. We also workout in the mornings. That has worked out really well for us. Good luck, and keep me updated on your results! Be sure to take some before pictures and measurements!
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