P90X Lean is for those who want more cardio and a slightly less intense program with regard to strength training. Make no mistake, this is the real deal and no picnic!
The P90X workouts are approximately 1hr (1 DVD) each day, 6 days a week, with the 7th day being a day or rest or optionally X Stretch. Please see the breakdown below. Feel free to preview the video descriptions of each workout on the P90X product page here:
P90X Extreme Home Fitness System
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/p90x-products/p90x.php
P90X LEAN PHASE 1:
Your aim should be to finish each workout and perfect each movement, as opposed to focusing on weight or resistance.
P90X LEAN PHASE 2:
Your body should have adapted quite well by this phase, and it will be time to start upping the weight you use for each exercise. Shoot for 12-20 reps and be at or near failure at the end of each set.
P90X LEAN PHASE 3:
“No pain, no gain” is what this phase is all about. At this stage you should be ready to give it all you got! This is the time to push it to exhaustion on each exercise. Drop the reps a little and try to fail at 10-12 reps with more weight. It’s time to put the X in “extreme”
Feb 20, 2010 @ 09:59:04
Another ? I usually do 2 workouts a day for 6 days a week (before breakfast a 45 min cardio after 2 hours I do a weight workout). The first 4 weeks of P90X is just one workout I included 3 times cardio because I want to lose the fat. Can I continue doing this?
I know the first 90 days should be lean or classic but I want to do doubles because of the pattern I have of doing 2 workouts a day. Is this approach acceptable for the first 90 days. I would like faster results because it is not easy for me to lose weight even though I eat right and drink a gallon of H2O. I want to lose 8 pounds (goal 105 lbs) I manage to lose 1 this week 7 lbs to go. Thanks for your promt input…
Feb 23, 2010 @ 15:15:24
Hello Edda,
I know using the bands can make it seem like you aren’t getting much of a burn. Especially if you don’t have a real heavy one, like 50 pounds. If you want to pause the DVD and hit the bench, that would be totally fine. That’s what’s great about this program. It’s easy to make your own! Tony wont yell at you if you deviate from his plan a little!
-Mike
Feb 23, 2010 @ 15:16:14
You can do doubles for the first round, absolutely.
Feb 27, 2010 @ 00:32:22
I just started P90X Classic today (love it) and am confused as to whether I am doing the right version. I gained a lot of weight with my pregnancy and am trying to get rid of it. I am at 205 / size 16 now and would like to be 160-170/ size 8-10. I have been doing the diet for about a week now and it’s going great (NO cheating). I did competitive gymnastics in high school and was curvy but had lots of muscle and could basically eat whatever I wanted. I loved the physicality and “Bring It” nature of that. SO, being that I want to build lean muscle AND lose weight, which way should I go? I don’t want to be skinny… I want to still be curvy but TONED curves. I could care less about being ripped. I just want to be jiggle-free and about 40-lbs lighter.
Mar 10, 2010 @ 14:17:25
Hi! Today will be my 3rd workout, and I am LOVING it so far!Considering I went through the chest/back workout on night one, and then did the Plyometrics last night and woke up with sore arms as well, it’s working!!
I was wondering though…. I have read LOTS on here about the differences between lean and classic, but I just want to make sure the classic is the best for me. I am really wanting to tone, and of course lose some lbs along the way, but I am definitely not wanting to “bulk” up! Will the classic have that effect? If so, I’m assuming doing more reps at a lower weight would help that?? I’m really wanting the toned/defined/lean look, minus 10 lbs! Thank you!!
Mar 11, 2010 @ 14:17:17
Hello Hally!
I would go with lean if you don’t particularly want to build muscle or better your athletic performance. Lean will allow you to focus on the weight loss, all while toning and firming.
-Mike
Mar 11, 2010 @ 14:19:40
Hello Summer,
you can stick with classic and like you said, choose lighter weights and do more reps. You won’t bulk up unless you really try to! If you want definition, stick with the classic approach.
-mike
Mar 23, 2010 @ 01:18:31
Should I go with Classic or lean? I would like to slim down about 5-10 lbs My biggest goal is to really firm and tone my whole body especially my legs and butt! Im looking for the long, lean and toned muscles. Nothing masculine! Just slender and very toned!
Apr 04, 2010 @ 13:08:57
I’m 22 and am at 5’4 120 lbs… I’m about to order the videos and my goals are really to just lose about 5 or 10 lbs… prob more like 5 and tone up… Would you recommend classic or lean??
Apr 11, 2010 @ 21:05:20
Hey im just wondering what is the p90x lean routine or im not sure if i just go in and do all 12 dvds because my grandparents bougt it for me and im trying to loose weight and my freind lossed alot of weight and she is in shape looking better than ever and she told me that she did the p90x lean but im not sure wich dvds im supposed to do.
Apr 13, 2010 @ 15:43:18
Hello Yadi,
I would go with the lean approach which is for those who’s main focus is weight loss and toning. Slender and toned is what the lean approach will get you!
-Mike
Apr 13, 2010 @ 15:44:43
I would recommend the LEAN appraoch Allie. Definitely. Classic is for those who would like to lose fat, but also increase muscle mass and improve athletic abilities as well.
Good luck with LEAN!
-Mike
Apr 13, 2010 @ 15:46:15
Hi Eric,
If you want to lose fat, gain muscle and improve overall athletic ability, go with the classic approach.
If you want to lose weigh, tone, and get a lean look, go with the lean approach.
-Mike
Apr 20, 2010 @ 09:24:23
I am finishing up my 90 days of P90x. I have gotten results and feel fitter but I have not lost that much weight. I want to know how can I continue with my P90x workout regime when the 90 days are up? I need a schedule. Do I just start again from day 1? Thanks
E
Hi Eric,
you can start from day 1 if you want to do another round. There is a section in the fitness guide that tells you how to do maintenance workouts. It’s a little less time consuming, but you do use the same workouts.
-Mike
May 04, 2010 @ 10:03:00
I’m looking to gain weight via building muscle, will p90x work for me? Thanks.
Hello Michelle,
you would have to use heavier weights and be sure to eat enough protein. Follow the workout scehdule as laid out, but go for 8-10 reps with heavier resistance.
-Mike
May 20, 2010 @ 04:38:26
I am 5’2 weighing 146lbs, I am doing the lean routine and Im really feeling my muscles getting back into the groove of working out. By the end of my 90 days can I expect to get back to my 120lbs?
Hello Rav,
you are really going to have to follow the nutrition plan and stick to the workout schedule. Be sure to push yourself and give 100% everyday and you can reach your goal.
-Mike
Jun 08, 2010 @ 10:52:57
Thanks for all of this great information!
My question – I am on day 2 of week 3 doing the lean plan. (did cardio this morning). Everything is going great and I can tell I am getting stronger and more flexible. BUT – why am I not losing any weight? I’m frustrated! I have been following the eating plan and I don’t cheat. I have done every single workout, no misses.
I know I have about 10-12 lbs to lose, maybe more. I’m trying to be patient, but it is hard!
Hello Tara,
some people don’t start to see results until about week 8. Also, in my opinion, the classic approach shows results faster because you are doing more resistance training. Building muscle help your body to burn fat. You are still working your muscles with the lean approach, but not as much, so your results may take longer to start showing. You will see a difference soon, don’t worry about that!!!
-Mike
Jun 20, 2010 @ 22:33:05
I’m about to start the p90x program and im not entirely sure which one is best for me. I’m an 18 year old male who isn’t horribly out of shape but it a little chubby and is ‘bigger-boned’ and im wondering which program would be best for muscle definition and weight loss without ‘bulking up’ – I definitely don’t want to get any bigger (even if it is muscle)! -Thanks in advance
Hello Jake,
if you want to lose weight and tone you muscles, you should do the lean approach. This approach really focuses on weight loss and gives you extra cardio routines to help you burn more fat and calories.
-Mike
Jun 21, 2010 @ 23:47:10
I just got p90x from a buddy, I am a big guy I have been lifting for about 5 years and I can not get rid of my stomach. I heard that p90x really works so what I want to know is what dvds do I do to accomplish my goal? I am 290 at the moment and I want to atleast loose 30-35 pounds in these 90 days so can you please help, to let me know what dvds I need to do? So i can get to the weight I want. thanks
Hello Francisco,
I think you should go with the classic approach to give yourself a more all around program. This way you can lose weight, shed body fat, add muscle and gain strength. Check the guide for the classic approach workout schedule.
-Mike
Jun 21, 2010 @ 23:52:06
I’ve ordered the P90xPlus and am just waiting for it to arrive. I believe it will have 13 disks and all associated documents and schedules. After reading all the comments and suggestions above I’m still a little confused (sometimes it takes a sledge hammer to get things through my thick skull). Anyway, I’m 50, 5’9″, and 280. I’m thinking I should do the lean first and then possibly switch to the classid. Or would you suggest doing the lean a couple times before switching to the classic?
BTW, my mother will be coming over every day to do the workout too. She’s 69, 5’3″, and 245. She may not stay up with me because she also has had knee replacement surgery a couple years ago and now has arthritis in her hip and ankles. Her doctor said she is ok to do the exercise program but she should stop if it starts hurting too much. I know her… she will push herself beyond the point she should stop (guess I inherited that from her too).
I want to make sure we do this correctly to maximize losing weight, gaining strength, and getting more fit so we can live long enough to be a really big pain to as many folks as possible.
Thanks for your help and guidance.
Hi Jim,
if you want to do lean and classic, I would start with lean then go to classic. Do each approach all the way through once and see where you are at by the end of 180 days. If you want to lose more weight, I would continue on with the classic approach.
-Mike
Jun 25, 2010 @ 11:30:39
MIke, the only problem is that I don not have any of the manuals that came with it. My buddy just gave me the DVD’s so I would not know where to start.
Hey Francisco,
if you contact customer service, they will be able to help you get a replacement guide:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/customer-service.php
-Mike
Jun 26, 2010 @ 03:26:26
Can I do the lean program and than the classic?
Hello Sheree,
yes you can. The lean approach will help you to get ready for the tougher classic approach.
-Mike
Jul 06, 2010 @ 10:19:48
I ordered the P90x program about a month ago and have been doing the workouts off and on with my other workout routine since I received it. I’ve already lost 45 lbs. over the last 8 months by eating right and working out but I have 25 more pounds to go before getting down to my goal weight. I’m ready to “officially” start the program (doing it every day for 90 days and following the food guide like it was designed) but I’m trying to decide which program to do–classic, lean, or doubles. I don’t want to bulk up because my frame is pretty small but I still have some weight to lose. Any suggestions?
Hello LJ,
If you are looking to loose weight and are not concerned with gaining strength and speed, the Lean approach is the right choice. Lean will allow you to focus on the weight loss, all while toning and firming without giving you that bulk frame.
~Tacha
Jul 10, 2010 @ 08:51:22
I’m a 39 year old woman who just bought the P90x. I somewhat fit (I was going to the gym 4-6 days a week taking kickboxing and cycling classes and running 3-5 miles 1 or 2 a week) and started the P90 Lean routine. But I think I was in the “Plateu” and I still have about 10 lbs to lose. After 3 weeks of the Lean routine (with no weight loss) I feel as though I should have picked the Classic. Any suggestions on whether or not I should switch to the Classic routine at this phase? Or should I just start over with Classic? I feel like I’ve wasted 3 weeks.
Aug 03, 2010 @ 20:38:13
I’ve started Phase 3 of the Lean routine and would prefer to focus less on the upper body and get more balance with lower body workouts. Can I substitute the 3rd day of weeks 9-12 with Legs & Back? This is what I was thinking of doing:
Week 9:
1-Chest & Back, Abs
2-Cardio X
3-Legs & Back, Abs
4-7-same
Week 10:
1-Chest, Shoulders & Triceps, Abs
2-Cardio
3-Legs & Back, Abs
4-7-same
Week 11:
1-Shoulders & Arms, Abs
2-Cardio
3-Legs & Back, Abs
4-7-same
Week 12:
1-Back & Biceps, Abs
2-Cardio
3-Legs & Back, Abs
4-7-same
Also, is it better to keep Legs & Back in the 3rd day slot or to switch it with Yoga X in the 4th day?
Thanks
Sep 02, 2010 @ 12:39:41
Any suggestions one what to use instead of pull up bar? I am renting and cant attach the bands to anything with screws and I am not ready for the pull up bar yet.
Any advice woud be appreciated.
Thanks!
Hello Maria,
If you’re not quite ready for the intensity of the Chin-Up Bar and want to work your way up to it, the Resistance Bands Upgrade Kit is a great stepping stone.
The Resistance Bands Upgrade Kit contains a special door attachment that you loop your bands through allowing you to perform modified chin-ups with resistance bands instead. Don’t worry, the P90X workout routines that require you to do chin-ups, pull-ups, etc., show you exactly how to perform this resistance band alternative.
Please visit our website:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/p90x-products/resistancebandugkit.php
Should you have further questions please feel free to contact our customer service reps.
~Tacha
Sep 02, 2010 @ 15:06:00
I have read here in several answers that “lean” is the way to go if you are looking to slim rather than get bulk. On another forum they said that this is a common misconception and that you should do the classic if you arent in great shape.
I am 5’4″ 135 lbs, Im in average shape, rarely work out and not particularly strong. What is the best system for me?
Hello Maria,
What exactly are your workout goals?
~Tacha
Sep 14, 2010 @ 13:45:42
I just started P90X – lean. For some reason I can’t do the Kenpo X workouts.
Is there one of the other workouts that I can replace Kenpo with?? I was thinking Plyometrics maybe??
Sep 15, 2010 @ 11:32:36
Scratch that last question…. I found my answer in someone elses question. Thanks anyways
Sep 22, 2010 @ 13:42:59
My sister gave me her P90X DVD but she lost the program book…I want to do the lean and wanted to know should I do the cardio x first then Phase 1 (ex. Chest& Back, Ab Ripper) all in one day or how do I do it. Should I do the cardio x everyday or what? Thank you.
Hello Wanda,
If you are in need of a fitness guide, please contact customer service and they will be happy to assist you:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/customer-service.php#supportform
~Tacha
Oct 25, 2010 @ 12:56:42
My wife and I want to try p90x lean. We were give the dvd’s as a gift. we are in pretty good shape, but just want to lose about 5 lbs and stay lean and fit. The problem is we only have about 45 minutes a day and dont want to buy weights or pull up bar cause of our budget. Is there a way to still do the program effectivly or something else you woud recommend. thank you
Hello Josh,
you can stay in good shape by doing 45 minutes of the workouts. You might not get that dramatic result that P90X can deliver if you are into it fully, but 45 minutes a day of P90X will keep you in shape for sure.
Do you have any resistance bands? You can use these instead of dumbbells and also in place of the chin-up bar. If you have the bands, get the band door attachment kit and you can do the chin-up exercises with the bands. They will actually show you in each video how to use the bands in place of the chin-up bar.
Here is a link to some of the equipment that you can use with the P90X, but the minimum would be the bands with the door attachment kit. For Yoga, you might also want to get a mat and yoga blocks, but that’s up to you. If you have a carpet, you can get away with not using a mat, but not if you have hard floors.
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/p90x-products.php#P90X%20EQUIPMENT
-Mike
Nov 09, 2010 @ 11:29:47
Hi, I have P90X already, my husband has done it several times actually and loves it. I was looking at possibly purchasing slim in 6 when he mentioned that maybe I should do the P90X lean version instead. I was just wondering how they would compare to one another. I would like to lose about 20 pounds and definitely tone up but definitely not bulk up. I used to exercise but have not in several months so I’m not in the best shape right now. I am just looking for a recommendation….I definitely would like to see some quick results!! (as everyone would). Thanks!!
Hello Nicole,
P90X is certainly a little more difficult than Slim in 6 and will help you to lose weight and tone your muscles rather than bulk them up. Slim n 6 is great for weight loss and and toning but is less intense and complex as P90X. In my opinion, if you follow the program correctly and follow the diet, P90X can most likely deliver faster results. Just because the workouts are a little more difficult and you will be burning more calories per workout.
-Mike
Nov 20, 2010 @ 19:26:33
I have just recieved the p90x program today and I want to start tomorrow but am confused as to which program to follow i am a stocky muscular guy but also over wieght I’m more interested in fat loss i want to know if the p90x Lean is the program I want to follow and then move on to the other ones after I lose the wieght I want which program will benefit me the most for the loss of fat i never had a problem building muscle in the past I’m pretty built just FAT can you help me.
Mike
Hello Mike,
here is a question:
do you just want to lose weight and tone muscle you already have or do you want to lose weight, build muscle and improve overall athletic abilities?
Both the classic and lean approach will deliver fat and weight loss, but if gaining muscle and improving you athletic ability isn’t important, go for the lean approach.
-Mike
Dec 13, 2010 @ 02:36:46
I am going to be starting P90X in a few days and I was wondering, if you do the Lean approach will you still be able to tone your muscles? My legs and stomach are the two areas I really want to focus on. I know you can lose weight with the lean approach, but I want to make sure that I can still tone my legs as well. Can you help me?
Jan 25, 2011 @ 09:48:37
I’m doing the Lean workout and I enjoy doing Kenpo X and Cardio X, so I don’t want to sacrifice them, but I love Plyometrics and would like to incorporate it into my schedule. What would be the best way?
Feb 25, 2011 @ 16:21:27
I am doing p90x Lean approach. I am 23 yrs 5’3 162 lbs..It took me a year to go from 243lb to what i am now, just running. I eat right and exercise daily… Now this is my 1st week doing p90x and i gained 4 pounds???? Is this normal?
Apr 10, 2011 @ 22:11:41
My husband and I have started the P90X Lean workout schedule. In Phase 1, day 2 (Cardio x), Tony makes a comment about this being the second workout of the day for people doing the Lean version…I am confused. What does he mean about second workout of the day? Should we be doing something else, too?
Hi Kim,
I actually think he messed up there. I think he was thinking about the Doubles approach and the word lean came out for some reason. You only have to do one workout per day for this approach. Cardio X is the second workout for people doing doubles.
-Mike
Apr 19, 2011 @ 10:20:32
I bought the PX90 program, I am 30 years old, weigh 167lbs 5’3. I am on day two (first week) of the Lean program. I went into the Beachbody website and saw they suggested other workout videos such as Turbo Jam to loose weight… My question to you is, would this be an appropriate program if I want to loose about 30lbs? Or should I have started with the other Workout videos first?
Hello Carolina,
your concern with P90X would be not losing as much on the scale because there will be some muscle gain. You will still lose a fair amount of weight, but your body fat percentage should go down significantly…….if you follow the program correctly. If you don’t want to gain muscle and just tone what you have, you can still use P90X since you have it and just do the lean approach. This approach has much less resistance and the classic approach and the main focus is weight loss. You will find the 3 approaches in your fitness guide. Choose the lean approach is all you want is weight loss. The classic approach will help you to lose weight, but you will also gain muscle, strength and improve overall athletic ability.
There is no need to switch programs, just make a little adjustment in your approach!
-Mike
Jul 10, 2011 @ 09:09:39
I am following the P90X Lean plan and was wondering if the diet is different for those using the Lean approach? Using the guidelines outlined in the nutrition book I am in Phase 1. I have been working the program but have hit a plateau with my weight. Any suggestions on how to drop that last 10 pounds and kick things up a bit either in diet and/or workout?
Hello Erika,
The nutrition plan is the same for all three workout approaches. If you have already lost some weight, you can recalculate your nutritional (if you aren’t already a levle 1) and drop down a level. If you are at level one and are sticking to the fat shredder phase, that is probably the lowest you should go in terms of calories for this program.
Most people will drop a good amount of pounds early on all at once, then gradually lose the rest. If you want to kick up your workouts, just bring a little more intensity. Do a few more reps or use a heavier weight here and there.
-Mike
Aug 14, 2011 @ 01:19:51
I’ve just completed 1 week of p90x classic but I’m constantly taking breaks and having trouble keeping up with Tony. I’m 20 years old, 6ft and 240lb my main goal is to lose weight but I also want to gain muscle mass.
I want maximum results. Should I do P90x lean version first and then do the classic version, or should I continue with the classic.
Hello Jesse,
I think you should continue with the Classic version is you want to gain mass. The Lean approach wont give that to you. Just keep going at a pace that is comfortable to you. Eventually, you will be able to keep up if you keep pushing a little harder each day.
-Mike
Sep 06, 2011 @ 11:13:34
Hi there!I’m on my third day of p90x lean programme and I have some questions
1.What should you do if you miss one workout?Should you move on to the next one in line or do the lost workout the next day?
2.Also,I’m already doing a kind of martial arts twice a week so can I skip Kenpo ?
3.Now,about the diet.I’m following the portion plan but I’m a bit confused.There’s a list with foods -portions included- and another one named ”market list”.Could I eat the food mentioned in both of them?And in this case,who you I know the portions god for the second list?
THANKSxxx
Sep 07, 2011 @ 10:24:58
Hello Natu,
If you miss one day, it would be best to continue on with your schedule as normal. If you miss quite a few days, like a week, pick up where you left off.
You can replace Kenpo with Karate.
The foods on the market list are for the meal plan, but you can bring some of those over if you are using the portions approach. Just use the portions of what ever category they fall in, like vegetable or dairy for example.
-Mike
Oct 19, 2011 @ 03:27:58
How can I modidy P90X lean if i am unable to exercise at all on Mondays and Wednesdays? (Thete
There is absolutely no possibility of having any time whatsoever on those days.
I was wondering if it’s possible to have each scheduled week take eight instead of seven days.
Please give options! Thanks for your help.
Nov 25, 2011 @ 14:32:00
Thanks a lot Mike!