The difference between Power 90 and Power 90X is pretty significant. Although the Power 90X series (P90X) is developed with the original Power 90 at its core, it is a seriously more intense workout regimen created for people who have finished the Power 90 series and want more, or for those people looking to ramp up their fat burning and muscle building results, to a new extreme level!
The original Power 90 is centered on 6 weekly workouts that are 30 minutes in length. The system is made up of 3 different DVDs designed to sculpt your body over a 90 day period. The DVD’s include a variety of exercise techniques like Kenpo, Cardio, and Plyometric moves. Tony Horton guides you through each workout ensuring you are getting the moves right and motivating you with his captivating enthusiasm.
The Power 90 DVDs walk you through Sculpt Cardio, Sweat Cardio, and Ab Ripper workouts to get your body tight and transformed. Power 90 is a great starting point for people who may be just starting out on their fitness quest, or wanting to ease their way into things.
Power 90X, however, is for the more advanced. The P90X series ramps up the workouts to 60 minutes a piece, 6 days a week with the 7th day being a rest or stretch day. These 60 minute workouts push your body to its edge and then push some more. The 90 day program can drastically transform a body.
Unlike the original Power 90, Power 90X has 12 unique DVD’s and entire workouts dedicated to Plyometrics, Kenpo, Core Synergistics, and even Yoga. These heart pumping, muscle building workouts will have your body shaping up in no time. This program is not for the faint of heart or anyone simply looking to add a little exercise to their life. This is for people who are serious about the hard work involved in making a true body transformation.
Power 90 comes with a Fat Burner Food Plan created to jump start your body through nutrition. It allows you to burn fat while not giving up your favorite foods. Power 90X, however, includes a 3 Phase Nutrition Plan designed specifically to fuel your body while it is challenged through the P90X workouts.
The Power 90X 3 Phase Nutrition Plan starts you out with the Fat Shredder stage which is focused on high protein intake and a rapid decrease in body fat percentage. Phase 2 is the Energy Booster which slightly increases carb intake, creating a balance with the protein to maximize your energy. The final phase is the Endurance Maximizer which is an athlete’s diet. This stage is for those people who are continually pushing their bodies and can afford the extra carbohydrates.
Both of the diet plans are created to fit their respective fitness regimen. The Power 90 Fat Burner Food Plan paired with the Power 90 workout is a great starting point for people who really want to transform their bodies and their overall physical health. The P90X 3 Phase Nutritional Plan along with the 12 DVDs is for those people who may have already graduated from the original Power 90 or for those who are ready to take their bodies to the next level.
Apr 05, 2011 @ 09:42:24
Someone recommended PX90 to me and now that I’ve read through it.. I don’t think it’s for. Honestly, I’m very overweight and I was looking for something that would focus on burning fat as well as toning and tightening muscles. The Power 90 doesn’t look too bad but I’m really not sure what to go for. I’d really like to get one of these but I have no idea which to get. Do you have any programs that are suitable for someone who’s really overweight? Or are they just designed mainly for people who are out of shape?
Hello Tracy,
I would start out with Power 90. This program is well rounded and will help you in many areas. You will burn fat, tone muscle and improve your health and fitness. P90X is a little more advanced and if you are new to working out or haven’t done it in a while, you might be intimidated by a program like this and quit. Power 90 is a great place to start.
-Mike
Apr 28, 2011 @ 18:14:34
will p90x have me looking like a man i am a female and i don’t want big bulky arms and back are pull ups and pull ups good for women to do
Hello Tina b,
chin-ups and pull-ups aren’t bad for women to do if you do them right. If you can easily do chin-ups, you should try and do as many as you can, maybe using a chair to reduce the resistance. As a general rule when it comes to resistance and muscle mass, heavier weights with fewer reps equals bulk. Lighter weights with more reps equals lean. So when you do a chin-up, you are using your body weight as resistance. Resting your foot on a chair will help reduce the resistance and will allow you to do more reps which will help keep you lean.
Another good way to stay lean for those types of exercises is to use the resistance bands along with the door attachment kit. You can do the same chin-up and pull-up moves with the bands while sitting or standing but with much less resistance.
That goes for all of the resistance exercises. If you aren’t looking for size, keep your weights light and do more reps.
-Mike
May 04, 2011 @ 20:51:44
I purchased my Power 90 some 4 years ago. I never gave it the full 90 days. Today I am ready to follow through with the reuired committment. I have all my CDs but can’t find the calendar and workout chart. Is there a way to reorder those?
Thanks,
Hello Karyn,
if you contact our customer service, they can tell you how to re-order a guide. I’m pretty sure you will have to call Beachbody directly, as we can’t sell the guides separately, and they can send you one.
Here is the link to our customer service page:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/customer-service.php
-Mike
May 07, 2011 @ 18:41:31
This is tough to type but here goes. I’m 6′ 4″ and weigh around 430 pounds. Is Power 90 something that an extreamly over weight person could do (I do realize it will take more than 90 days and I am up fo the challenge)? Or would you recomend something else first?
Thank You
John
Hello John,
if you are up for the challenge, go for it! Power 90 is more for beginners and you can modify things and take your time if you need to. If you want to start out with a shorter workout, there is the 10 Minute Trainer or Power Half Hour. Both of these programs are also from Tony Horton if you like his way of exercising.
-Mike
May 12, 2011 @ 08:18:00
I to am wondering Power 90 or P90x. I am currently 5’11 and 239 age49. I have been working out one day weights , one day aerobic. I can run a mile without walking or several if I run walk. Wieghts have been all dumbells. I cannot do a pull up. Never could ( except in college) I used to be atheletic and tend to overdo it when I start back up. Will the x allow me to work into the program ( less reps not less time), and in your opinion am I fit enough to start it.
Thanks,
John
Hello John,
you can start out with P90X doing fewer reps or lighter weights to ease your way into it. You can modify moves where you need to and take breaks when you need them. Power 90 and P90X are similar, but P90X is more intense and more complex. If you want to see if you are up to the X, try the fitness test:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/pdf/p90x-fit-test.pdf
If you can pass this test, you should be ready to start with P90X. If not, try starting with Power 90 and work your way up to the P90X.
-Mike
May 14, 2011 @ 06:35:42
hi,
I am 18 years old,a 5’9” male and i am 200lbs.i am out of shape and looking for weight loss rather than building muscle.i am some what active,i dont go to the gym but cycle(half hour) and run(20 min) 6 days a week.i am not able to do even one pullup and can do only 1 to 2 pushups.could u please suggest which program to do p90x or p90 or p90 master series or any other program that I should do before p90x?
As I want to become slim do I have to buy weights for various routines in p90x as I don’t feel like using them.i feel they tend to reduce height. Is there any alternative for that in the p90x program?
In the fit test do I really need to pass the bicep curl test or can it be done away with some other exercise?
I prefer vegetarian food and eggs over non veg so could u suggest alternatives for chicken and other non veg foods in the nutrition plan which has to strictly followed during p90x?is there any alternative for supplements that we have to buy from beachbody.com or any other shop?.i have bought some of the equipments and have to buy 1 of the beach body program(p90x) so buying supplements would make things less cost effective?
Please help,
Thanks.
May 14, 2011 @ 06:59:02
sorry i didnt put one point in my previous post.
should i do lean or classic if i do p90x?
thanks
Hello Raghav,
since you already workout 6 times a week, you seem pretty committed to working out. I would go with P90X and do the lean approach. The lean approach focuses on weight loss and less on resistance training. You will need either dumbbells and a chin-up bar or the bands and the door attachment. You wont be using them as much, but they are needed. I know you don’t want to build muscle, but doing some resistance with lighter weights can help you to lose weight faster. This is why some people who do nothing but cardio all of the time lose weight, then hit a plateau and don’t lose any more. You have to give your body something different for a dramatic change. The supplements aren’t 100% necessary, but I would strongly recommend getting the recovery formula. This helps with soreness and also feeds your muscles the protein they need to develop.
As far as the food, there is a section in the nutrition plan that gives you some vegetarian options.
-Mike
May 16, 2011 @ 15:28:23
Hi,
I have heard tons about the power 90 programs and know they have great results. My dad has the old P90 VHS (I know, old school) and swears by these. He is willing to give these to me and don’t mind the fact it is a video. As for my currenty physical state… my bmi is just slightly over normal and I am currenlty doing 40 mins of treadmill, abs on an exercise ball and the occasaional few mile bike ride on the weekends. First question is if the P90 dvds are the same as the videos? Second how intense are the workouts? I have asthma that keeps me from running like I would love to do. Jillian Michaels 30 day shred is great and I don’t have to stop to catch my breath. What do you recommend?
Thanks!
Ashley,
the power 90 vhs tapes should be the same as the dvd’s. I don’t think they updated it in any way besides the packaging. The workouts can get a little intense, but power 90 is ok for even beginners to use. It’s more about your own goals and how you approach the exercises. If you need to take a break and catch your breath or slow down the pace, that’s perfectly fine. It’s better to stop for a minute and collect yourself rather than have an attack and have to stop the workout.
-Mike
May 21, 2011 @ 16:37:15
Thanks Mike,
Another question… got the tapes from my dad, but noticed that I don’t have the diet plan. Is there a way I can get a copy of that somewhere?
Thanks for the tips!
Hello Ashley,
please contact our customer service department:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/customer-service.php
-Mike
May 29, 2011 @ 14:02:00
Hey guys. I’m a pretty skinny guy and I bought P90X to start out with but couldn’t do it. I bought P90 but fell ill while 2 weeks into the program. I was wondering will I get any stronger or just in shape? My main goal is to actually build muscle, not just look great.
Hello Chase,
you can get a number of different results from this program depending on how you approach it. If you not only want to get into great shape and fell better, but also build muscle, your focus will have to be on the the resistance training. Don’t skip out o anything else, but really keep record of how much weight you are using and how many reps you are doing. As a general rule, heavier weights with fewer reps, 8-10, will give you more bulk rather than lean muscle. So be sure to use weights that will make that last rep really tough. If you can do 11 reps, you need a heavier weight. Protein is essential to building muscle so be sure you are eating the correct amounts and using some sort of extra protein supplement, wether it be a whey protein or protein bars.
-Mike
Jun 09, 2011 @ 14:32:17
I am so excited to start my transformation! I have decided to start out with the Power 90. I haven’t done any sort of real, push yourself to the limit, excerise since I was in high school (10 years). Although I have many questions, my most pressing is what time of day is best? I work banker’s hours, 7:30am-5pm and have two young children who go to bed around 8pm. My plan is to do the video workouts after the kids go down. What are your thoughts on this? Is there anything you can suggest regarding eating? Should I be sure to have a small meal after my workout or will I be okay going right to bed (within 30 minutes to an hour)?
Hello Amber,
I think that an evening workout will work best for you. In general, it is a little better to work out in the morning, but if you attempt that, you might be setting yourself up for failure! For a working mother of two, that is way to early to work out!
If you need a snack after your workout, try and make it something really light, no carbs or sugar. A dairy or vegetable snack would be good. Taking the recovery formula is ideal for an after workout re-charge, but you probably don’t want to recharge at that time. It could even keep you awake longer that you would like.
We all have different schedules and life styles, so don’t feel like you have to workout out first thing in the morning. It much better to fit in you workout when it most convenient for you so you are more likely to continue with it every day.
-Mike
Jun 10, 2011 @ 17:41:07
Hi,
I am a woman and have been doing P90x with 2 other women for 1 week. We are all somewhat active but haven’t been doing much but occasional cardio and our muscles are not so strong.
We are able to get through the lean version program with A LOT of modification and we have very sore muscles (the soreness is fine, but we also feel perhaps overly fatigued?). There are many of the exercises, sometimes half of them, that we really can’t do, we have to just make something up different to do.
None of passed the original fitness test but we thought we’d try it out anyway as some of our friends have had really good luck with it.
We are starting to wonder if it wouldn’t be better to start with P90, if that would be a program we would have more success at and then work our way up to p90x. Some of the days there are so few of the exercises we can do, like the abs we can only do a 5-10 reps or sometimes not at all, and we are starting to feel that it might be more effective to do something we actually can get all the way through.
I also see you recommending the CheLean a lot on this page, how would you decide between that at P90, if you were to recommend for us to do a different program first?
We definitely want to get to P90x eventually.
Our goals are health, strength, and weight loss. Not building bulky muscle.
I have difficulty jumping so I modify there because of short term spine/knee injuries that I am working on correcting. Is one of the other programs better for this as well?
We are all 3 quite dedicated to this and disciplined, we just want to make sure to go about this properly.
Thank you!
Hello Ashley,
if are really having a hard time with P90X, the best thing to do would be to switch to the Power 90, especially if you would like to continue with P90X after. Some people do struggle in the beginning with P90X but eventually get better at it and are able to complete the workouts. If you feel you can get to that point soon, then I would say keep going with P90X. If you don’t see that happening before phase 2, I would start using the Power 90.
It would be better to use a workout that you can complete rather than struggling to do a fraction of a more difficult program.
-Mike
Jun 13, 2011 @ 16:48:29
Hi Mike,
Thank you!
We decided for now to keep going with the P90x and lucky enough I have found the last two workouts (Kenpo and Cardio Syn.) to actually be quite doable. Of course I need to get better at everything, more rep, more weights, but can feel my body getting stronger and more accustomed to the workouts already. We’re going to keep going this week and see how it goes.
Thank you!
Ashley
Hi Ashley, I’m glad to hear it!
Jun 14, 2011 @ 16:08:06
Hi Mike,
Just starting Power 90. Quick question… do you have any recommendations for the meal plans that are vegetarian friendly? I do the occassional cheese, yogurt etc. No regular milk though.
Thanks!
Hello Nicole,
to be honest, answering questions about vegetarian options are not my strong point!! My brother is a vegetarian and eats a huge variety of foods I have never heard of! I should bring him in on this blog! The meal plan might be difficult for a vegetarian, especially those who tend to omit dairy as well. I would recommend trying the portions approach. There is more flexibility for vegetarians. There are more foods on the approved foods list that would be considered vegetarian. That way you don’t have to adjust meals that are already made, you can just come up with your own with the foods you know you will eat.
-Mike
Jul 02, 2011 @ 01:04:17
Hi,
I am 20 years old and looking to get into better shape. I don’t work out often so I was wondering what you think I should do. I wanted to know if there is a big difference between the P90 Master Series and the P90x?
Hello Kevin,
P90X is a step up from Power 90 and the Power 90 Master Series. They have similar ideas and similar approaches but P90X is a little more difficult. If you completed either Power 90 program, you are most likely ready for the P90X.
-Mike
Jul 06, 2011 @ 15:54:19
The P90x bar does not fit on my doors. I have 36″ doors. Is there a pull up bar that you recommend that would fit those size doors?
Hello Kevin,
there isn’t a specific brand that I can think of to recommend, but I would strongly advise to get a bar that can be fastened to the wall above your door frame with screws and brackets. Some of the bars that just use tension to stay in place can be dangerous if the person using it rocks back and fourth too much.
-Mike
Jul 12, 2011 @ 15:07:39
Hey Mike,
I’m nearly 30 days into Power 90 and and hesitant to “step up” to Phase 3-4 Curcuit. I put in the video and the first thing I saw was the inverted push-up. I’m not yet at that point, but Phase 1-2 Curcuit doesn’t feel as though it’s enough of a workout. Do you have any suggestions? Do you think if I still do a push up with my knees on the ground it is good enough to “step up”?
Thanks for your help!
Amber
Hello Amber,
if you feel Phase 1-2 just isn’t challenging you enough, move on. You want to be challenged. If you can’t exactly to the inverted push-up right away, try and at lease get into the position and see if you can unbend your arms. If you can, see if you can go down a little. If not, just holding that position will engage your muscles. Take small steps into things that might be difficult. You will eventually get to the point where you will be able to go all the way down and back up again. From there, just try and increase your reps each time.
-Mike
Sep 09, 2011 @ 13:30:43
I am trying to decide between Power 90 and P90x. I am 28 years old and totally out of shape. I am a hard gainer, I only weigh 125 pounds. I want to get into shape and bulk up. I am starting to have back and neck pain from sitting behind a desk for 11 hours a day. I know the Power 90 is for beginners, but I don’t want it to be to easy that I get no benefit from it. And I really want a bulked, ripped up body. Thanks for your help.
Hello Paul,
go for the P90X. If you have trouble in the beginning, take it slow and work you way up. If you find it’s too hard, don’t quit, just keep trying to do better every day. If you want to bulk up, use heavier weights and keep your reps between 8 and 10. If you can do 11 reps, you might need a heavier weight.
-Mike
Sep 24, 2011 @ 02:06:23
I just saw the ad for P90x and like the concept, but know that it would be too intense and advanced for me. I saw that you have a Power 90 and Power 90 Master workout as well.
My husband and I are in our 50′s, and had been working out at home with hand weights for the past 3 months. We joined the gym 2 weeks ago and have had a personal trainer for 4 sessions. The cost however to continue is more than we would like to invest.
Which program would you recommend? My husband and I are in our 50′s, he has had a neck injury, we would both like to get lean and strong ( both have weak backs). develop more stamina/endurance and I would also like to lose 5-10 pounds and firm up those trouble spots.
Hello Ricci,
If you aren’t looking to do a really intense workout, I would start with the Power 90. It has some of the same ideas as the P90X, but isn’t as difficult. Also, because you have a neck injury and both have weak backs, I wouldn’t start out with a program so hard.
Go with the Power 90.
-Mike
Oct 20, 2011 @ 12:21:13
I am looking for a program that will help me lose fat – slim down and also develop some muscle. I have been exercising for some year but fell off the wagon. I am 190 lbs hoping get down to 150 lbs. I’ve heard great thinks about P90X but did not want to get it because I have bad knees and would not be able to do the plyo exercises. In addition, I do not have the time to do a 1 hour + workout 6 times a week. I also heard that Extreme CharLEAN is a great program that can get great results too.
My level of Fitness is Intermediate so I think Power 90 might not be appropriate since it’s more of a beginner level. Kindly suggest a few programs I can do that will get great results, are not too long and are do not require a lot of equipment.
Thanks
Wendy
Oct 20, 2011 @ 13:00:28
I’m trying to decide between Turbo Fire and Charlean Extreme. I Which one will get me the best results with 40 lbs to lose. I bad knees but can improvise. I also don’t want any workout longer than 45 min per day. My level is intermediate.
Thanks
Wendy
Hello Wendy,
for both programs, each workout is 45 minutes or less. Turbo Fire and Chalean Extreme are two very different programs. Turbo Fire is like Turbo Jam, but more intense. Turbo Fire is all about heart pumping moves that will keep you sweating the entire time. Turbo Fire is cardio based. The Chalean Extreme is centered around weight lifting. You will need a set of dumbbells or resistance bands for this program. They will both help you to burn fat and build muscle, Chalean Extreme can help a little more in the muscle department, while Turbo Fire is more about toning. You will be doing a lot of jumping around during Turbo Fire which is something you might not want to do with your knee issues.
-Mike
Oct 24, 2011 @ 23:06:04
I have been working out with my bf with Power 90 level 1/2 for the past 5 weeks. Because I am in better shape and ready to move on already I have been just increasing my weights and sometimes adding more repetitions or more kicks/punches, etc. and I’ve found it to be a great program for us both! He gets to take his time, but I’m still getting something out of it.
We are hoping to move to the Master Series after the 90 days is up, and then on to P90X but he is very out of shape and we will just have to see how things progress. My question is where (as far as intensity) does the Power Half Hour fit in?? Would this fit between the Master Series and P90X in case he isn’t there yet but wants a change from the same old videos? Or would the Power Half Hour fit better between Power 90 and the Master Series, or is it equivilant to any particular one?
Thanks!
Nov 03, 2011 @ 01:10:02
Power 90x the original name of the P90X before their abbreviated names. P90X Power 90 was the next level, and was introduced in 2004, but is not widely accepted. It ‘definitely has since become more widespread and 2007. It is a fitness program, so you can start and kept the best for those of you that is curently suitable in decent condition. You will find 12 training programs include resistance training, core training, yoga, plyometrics , Kenpo karate, and stretching. This is a program of 90 days. The stations are designed for six days a week about sixty minutes on a daily basis.
Jan 12, 2012 @ 20:37:36
I just had a baby and now I need to tone up and lose the extra weight. What would be best for me?
Thanks!