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 (p90) 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.
Feb 20, 2010 @ 07:16:31
Hi,
I am a 31 yr/o woman who is severely overweight (5ft and 176lbs) and not fit at all. I am looking for a way to whip myself into shape. I want to do the work and am committed to not wimping out. I want to lose weight obviously and become fitter & more muscular, but lean muscles, not bulky. A friend of mine (female) has P90, is in week 3 I think, and is very happy with it, however she wasn’t nearly as fat as I am starting out. I saw a little bit of the sculpt video and there was a woman on there that didn’t look like she was bulky, but reading the advice given to other woman the prevalent advice seems to be ChaLean. So my question, is P90 for me, or should I go with another program?
Feb 20, 2010 @ 07:29:38
Oh, I should probably also add that I have never been an athletic or sporty person, which is another thing i’d like to change from now on.
HI Michelle,
Power 90 is a great starter program for those who might not be in great shape to begin with. This program will help you to lose weight and gain lean muscle. Just choose lighter weights and do 12-15 reps per exercise.
There is a good amount of weight lifting in the ChaLEAN extreme, and the idea is to use heavier weights to push yourself until failure. Chalene Johnson will tell you that her program will not make women bulky. The technique and the combination of exercises were created to make you lean, not bulky.
The thing to think about is do you like to lift weights? There is much more resistance training in the ChaLEAN Extreme. Both programs are great and have given people great results. Although In my opinion, I think starting with the Power 90 would be a better choice for you.
-Mike
HI Liz,
ChaLEAN Extreme is perfect if you like weights. It’s not too advanced because you can set your own goals and use the weights that you are comfortable with.
-Mike
Feb 22, 2010 @ 01:46:13
I am planning on ordering the Power 90 but I want to know if its going to make me bulk up. Im a female 31 yrs. 5’1″ 122. I am not overweight but am very out of shape and have a big tummy bulge. Im ready to get into a workout and get into shape. Is the Power 90 right for me? will it help me slim down or just bulk up?
Feb 23, 2010 @ 14:59:55
See above
Feb 23, 2010 @ 15:02:25
Hi Wendy,
Power 90 will not make you bulky. This program will slim you down, shed some body fat, and create lean muscle mass. As I told Michelle, choose lighter weights and go for 12-15 reps per exercise. This will prevent bulky looking muscles. It takes a lot of time and training to actually get bulky with really heavy weights, so you have nothing to worry about except looking and feeling better!
-Mike
Feb 24, 2010 @ 01:28:49
Hi!! I’m 39, 5’8 and 170 lbs. Not happy. I worked out about a year and a half ago with a trainer before my wedding…with great results in a short time…he kicked my butt! I was 145 lbs on my wedding day. Bought a house, don’t want to spend that money again. I was always thin. Never more than 135 lbs up until about 4 years ago. I think my metabolism has just stopped! I want to lose weight and tone. I recently purchased P90X, but after reading these posts, am left wondering if I should start with another program. My main goal right now is to lose weight. Thanks!
Feb 24, 2010 @ 05:02:51
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the respose!
I’ll definitely be looking at that test.
Feb 26, 2010 @ 16:48:04
Hi Mike,
My Wife is really wanting to get serious about getting in shape. Her work schedual really doesn’t allow her time to go to a gym before or after work for a 30-60 minute workout. I on the other hand work nights and after work go straight to the gym pretty much 5 days a week. We would really like to start saving money and start a training program that we can do from home. My wife is hesitant to start out with the P90X becuase she is afraid it would be a little to much for her and she would end up quitting so she ordered the ChaLean dvd set. Is this a good program for the both of us or should we consider returning it for the Power 90? We plan on starting the P90X right after we finish the set we end up going with.
Mar 01, 2010 @ 13:54:44
Hi Jill,
try the fitness test. If you can pass, I would start with the lean approach if your main goal is weight loss. If you can’t pass the fitness test, I would start with Power 90.
fit test:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/pdf/p90x-fit-test.pdf
-Mike
Mar 01, 2010 @ 23:20:59
I am currently 40-50 lbs overweight but I am some what athletic. I am having a hard time deciding between power 90 and p90x? If I am looking to shed body weight which program would be best fit for me ? Is it possible to lose that much weight on these programs?
Mar 02, 2010 @ 15:06:16
Hi Andrew,
the ChaLEAN Extreme would be a good program for you both to do. This program focuses on weight lifting, but you can choose your weights to make the program work best for you. Stick with the ChaLEAN Extreme, it will get you into better shape and get you ready for the P90X.
-Mike
Sorry. There are lots of posts to answer. See above.
Mar 02, 2010 @ 15:09:54
Hi Tammy,
it might be possible, but you really have to work hard and follow the diet. The diet plays a huge role with the weight loss. The heavier you start out, the more pounds you will shed compared to someone starting off at a litter weight. I would say 30 pounds is a more reasonable weight loss goal, but that can vary because of your weight. Take the fit test for the P90X first. If you can pass, go for it. If not, try the Power 90 first. This is a little less intense and will get you ready for the P90X.
P90X Fitness Test:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/pdf/p90x-fit-test.pdf
Good luck!!
-Mike
Mar 04, 2010 @ 23:57:58
Well, I have a bit of an issue here. I have REALLY let my weight get away from me, and I need to fix it. A little background: I am 19 years old, 6′ 5″ and around 40-60 lbs overweight (not really sure what my target weight should be because I come from a large [not overweight] family). I play 4.0 level tennis regularly, and I can do most sports, including rock climbing, with slight extra challenge due to my size. I took the P90X fit test and had no problems with anything besides upper body stuff. My shoulder are weak muscularly, and my core is lacking. My concern is that if I get Power 90 it may not be challenging enough, which to me is just as bad as being too much. Thoughts
Mar 08, 2010 @ 17:53:50
Okay so I’m basically sold on p90x but I have 2 things holding me back.
#1. I used to be in really great shape, my muscle mass and body fat percentages have never been a problem, but I switched to being a vegetarian exactly a year ago and my body has changed drastically, its gotten softer probably because my protein intake has gone down. I still eat fish and seafood but I’m worried the diet protion of p90x won’t work for me because of the meat content. Lol…I know my weight loss has now become an exact science…ugh!
#2. Being a female who’s looking to loss fat and lean out, do I need the pullup bar and ALL of the additional add ons? I want to make sure I have all the equipment neccessary to achieve my personal goal and not have equipment I won’t ever use.
I’m a former year round athlete that definitly has the drive and I’m really excited to start, I just want to make sure I have all the neccessary information about p90x in order to get where I want to be.
Thanks,
Shaunie
Mar 08, 2010 @ 18:56:33
I’m starting my Power90 journey today. I’m fat right now so I plan on evaluating after 30 days to see if I think I’m ready to start P90X. If not, I will re-evaluate at 60 days. If not, then at the end of 90 days I will start P90X.
Mar 10, 2010 @ 15:47:22
Hi Cody,
The Power 90 might not be enough of a challenge if you can handle that test. Although, the P90X is not recommended if you are overweight, so it’s a matter of what you feel like you can handle.
Do you want a program that you can get through with no problem that will still benefit you, or a program that you might struggle through but will give you results?
My concern is if the P90X is too much, you might quit. I know you can stick it out with the Power 90. If you think you can dedicate an hour to an hour and a half to the P90X, even if it’s tough at times, go with that program. If you aren’t sure if you can, go with Power 90.
-Mike
Mar 10, 2010 @ 15:56:21
Hi Shaunie,
you’re in luck……the P90X Nutirtion plan meal approach calls for tons of fish! You can always substitute fish in for any of the other meats. There is also a section of the plan that gives you more ideas on where to get protein.
You don’t need the bar, but you will need the bands and the upgrade kit to do modified versions of the pull-up exercises. You will also need either bands or dumbbells and a yoga mat. For the least amount of equipment, you can get the bands complete kit and the upgrade kit….maybe with a few extra sets of handles.
Good luck!
-Mike
Mar 11, 2010 @ 08:24:35
I’m 29 years old 5’9″ and about 271lbs but I’m no slouch by any means. I know I’m over weight but I carry it very well. I think I’m pretty fit for my weight. I get around better than people half my weight and I have a good energy level as well. I’ve read the differences between the Power 90 program and the P90X program. Being a former athele I opted for the P90X program because of its intensity, but I wanted to know what is your thought on this.
Mar 12, 2010 @ 10:09:42
Hello Brandon. I think P90X classic approach would be perfect for you. As a former athlete, you probably have the drive to get up and do these workouts everyday. That’s actually the hardest part of the program!! I think you might feel a little under challenged with Power 90 just because it’s more for people who have very little athletic ability or a low fitness level.
As someone who holds his weight well, you will probably come out of this 90 days looking amazing!
-Mike
Mar 12, 2010 @ 14:14:28
I’m 60 and have not been active until the first of Jan. 2010 when my doctor told me I was close to the Diabetes magic number. Over the last 10 weeks I have been exercising daily and have lost 22 pounds with that and more to go. I am currently walking three days (45 Minutes) and using my Total Gym three days a week. I have established an entire new eating regime.
My question is which system would you recommend for someone in my position to take my reshaping to the next level. At this point my major problem is still my GUT.
Mar 15, 2010 @ 13:44:41
Hello Jim,
of course I would run this by your doctor before you begin, but you might want to try the 10 Minute Trainer. This a great program if you want to get into better shape, without going to the extreme with a program like P90X. You can choose to work out for 10, 20, or 30 minutes per day. For someone who hasn’t worked out much for so long, 10 minutes a day should be a reasonable task. It’s always a possibility to graduate from the 10 Minute Trainer and move on to a program like Power Half Hour or Power 90, but at this point, I think you should ease your way into it and work your way up!
Good Luck!
-Mike
Mar 15, 2010 @ 16:26:52
I am getting married in 3 months and I have last 15 pounds so far. I need to lose 20 more pounds. I lost the 15 pounds by doing cardio. I wouldnt say im in really bad shape but then again not in the best shape. My question is do i go for p90 or p90x?
Mar 16, 2010 @ 13:43:17
Hi Jen,
congratulations on losing 15 pounds! A wedding can be great motivation!!
Take the P90X fitness test. If you can pass, the P90X will certainly help you reach your goals. If not, start out with a less intense version, Power 90:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/pdf/p90x-fit-test.pdf
-Mike
Mar 17, 2010 @ 19:24:34
I’m about 5’0 210lbs; most people think I weigh about 185…so my weight is pretty evenly distributed on me. I understand how to workout, what foods to eat and I’m pretty athletic. Also,I’ve lost a significant amount weight on my own in the past; when I start something, I’m pretty committed to it. What I don’t want to do is burn myself out or get discouraged if I can’t keep up with this particular program. With that said, should I start with P90 or P90X?
Mar 18, 2010 @ 11:58:27
I am 5’7 and 270 pounds. I work out 3-4 days a week. It hasn’t always been that consistent. I really need to loose weight and I want lean muscle. My stomach, arms and hips seem to be my problem areas. I think the P90X maybe too much for me. I work two jobs, married with kids so time is a factor as well. I hit the gym on those 3-4 days a week. I would like this to be a family program for me, husband and 11yr old son. I wanted to know which program you would recommend.
Mar 18, 2010 @ 14:27:36
Hello B,
I have the perfect solution. Take the P90X fitness test. If you can pass this test, you are physically ready for this program. If you can’t pass the test, you should start with the Power 90.
fit test:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/pdf/p90x-fit-test.pdf
Good luck!
-Mike
Mar 18, 2010 @ 14:29:01
Hello Yvette,
I would start with the Power 90 since you whole family will be involved. Then maybe you can all move on to the p90X!
-Mike
Mar 25, 2010 @ 06:56:31
I’m 24 years old and have had a six pack and been skin and bones my whole life until i had a baby 2 years ago. i have only gained about 15 pounds but it is all in my belly area. boney everywhere else. I’m on day 31 of P90x and havent lost or gained an inch or pound. the workouts kick my butt so why aren’t i seeing results? my husband says the belly is the last thing to go… i’m just getting dicouraged! please help!
Mar 29, 2010 @ 13:22:17
Hey jennifer,
This it can be frustrating trying to get back to where you were prior to having a child. Believe me we get a ton of comments from women in your same position. My suggestion is take a good hard look at what you are eating each day and do an A-B comparison to what you should be consuming calorie wise in the Nutrition Guide. Are you getting the right amount of calories and the right type of calories?
Next, you may want to take a look at our Slimming Formula. We get a lot of great feedback and can be a great compliment to the program itself if you are really looking to shed more weight. Here is a link:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/p90x-products/slimming-formula.php
Mar 29, 2010 @ 20:03:20
Hi-
I’ve been looking at both Power 90 and P90X. I’m leaning more towards Power 90, just for the fact that i haven’t done much since high school. I’m 5’10′ and 180 lbs. Mostly in my mid section, and it has shown up in the last 2-3 from college and work. My main question is about the eating plans. I can’t find much info on them. I like to eat so i don’t want some crazy plan thats going to not make me happy and or satisfied. I really want to get back into a good shape to be happy with myself.
Mar 30, 2010 @ 09:33:09
Hi Steve,
It seems as though you are not extremely overweight and you’re young. I’d say give P90X a chance! We often recommend Power 90 first to those who simply cannot start with P90X but I’m pretty confident you can hack it.
Now, in regard to the Nutrition Plan. A few things to remember is that this is NOT a “starve yourself” diet. You will not feel hungry whatsoever.
The first reason is, not eating enough sends your body into survival mode where your metabolism will actually slow down having the reverse affect that most people assume. The second reason is you need to have energy to perform the workouts and that energy comes from eating enough and eating the right kind of food.
There is a lot of flexibility in the P90X nutrition plan, but the fact remains is that it’s not going to have pizza, and chips on the menu. It’s about healthy food choices and eating well balanced nutritious meals.
Hope this helps, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Apr 04, 2010 @ 09:56:53
So I am undecided on p90 and p90x, currently right now I do Bikram Yoga, Thai Kickboxing and Cardio kickboxing which one would be a good fit for me?
What I am really looking for is to tone my body and get better looking abs, I don’t want to look bulky and look like a block of muscle.
Apr 06, 2010 @ 16:18:17
My husband and I purchased the P90X, but so far we have only done the bonus workouts from Power 90, and quite frankly, it is extremely hard for both of us. Can we still follow the diet from the P90X program while we work up to that?
Apr 12, 2010 @ 16:06:34
I am on Week 5 of the P90 program. I love the program and feel great doing it. Problem is that I have put on 6lbs of weight since I started the program. I know that some weight gain in the initial weeks is normal, but should I not have started the downward trend after 4-5 weeks of doing the routines?
Apr 13, 2010 @ 15:29:11
Hello Suzy, either program will help you achieve your goals. You wont get bulky unless you really try to by using heavy weights. Power 90 is less intense than P90X, but the ideas are similar. If you want a program that is better for beginners, go for Power 90.
-Mike
Apr 13, 2010 @ 15:30:37
Yes Michelle. The nutrition plan is not just a diet, it’s a better way of eating.
-Mike
Apr 13, 2010 @ 15:34:48
Hello K,
weight gain could be brought on by the addition of muscle mass. Did you have a lot of fat to lose on day 1? This program allows you to burn fat and build muscle at the same time, so it can be a balancing thing between loss of fat and gain of muscle if you don’t have much fat to burn from the beginning.
Keep at it and just follow the diet and workout schedule as closely as you can. You will be happy in the end!
-Mike
Apr 14, 2010 @ 00:02:39
Hi,
I am 24, am 6 feet tall and weigh about 200 pounds. I had planned on starting the p90x program until I heard and read about the p90 program. I am only looking to cut weight! I completely understand the key to achieving this goal is to stay on a strict diet. I am being honest with myself in believing that the p90x may be too extreme right now for me and believe I should go with the p90 program. I was wondering if you thought this too be a good idea and also if I would need to purchase any other materials for the p90 program other than what comes with the package on your website. (dumbbells, a mat??)
Thanks!!
Apr 14, 2010 @ 13:25:06
Hello Karl,
I like the way you think. Power 90 is still a great program, although less intense than P90X. Many people see P90X and think that it will work for them, even if they are way out of shape. Of course it will work, but many of those people give up because it’s too hard for them. You need some sort of physical fitness to start P90X. It’s not a program for beginners.
A yoga mat could be useful for floor and ab work, and resistance bands or dumbbells are necessary. Other than that, you just need the DVD’s and the drive to get into great shape!
-Mike
Apr 18, 2010 @ 19:42:07
I’m nearly 19 and after graduating i put on some unwanted pounds. I was used to going eating basically what i wanted and burning it off in Football practice. I seen the P90x on tv along with Insanity with Shaun T. I’m still in shape but i want to take my body up and beyond; so i was wonder which of these would benefit me the most since they are pretty different from eachother? Any feedback would be a godsent!
Apr 19, 2010 @ 21:00:36
I’m 18 years old, 5’10″ and wiegh about 160 pounds, in decent shape but not very strong, and am currently trying to start p90x to get into better shape. But I’ve tried to start it 4 times and each time I give up after the 1st week or 2 due to a combination of soreness, and lack of time. Also I couldn’t completely finish the workouts, I’d always stop with 15 or twenty minutes left, so now I’m wondering should I just push through these problems and still go with p90x, or should I start out with Power 90 instead?
Apr 19, 2010 @ 22:00:50
I am 37 years old, 5’4 and weigh 210 lbs. I want to shed fat all over. I just started walking three miles, three times a week. When I DO workout, I am not lazy at all. I will give it 110%. My main focus is to control my eating and to get healthly. I am looking for something that is challenging (but not too challenging). I am a female so I don’t want bulk. I was debating on the P90 or the 10 minute trainer. What do you recommend?
Apr 21, 2010 @ 15:43:33
Hi-
I Just got my Power 90 DVD’s. I decided to go with them for the time and money savings compared to P90X.
Couple of Questions: When is the best time to work out? Right when i get up, then eat? And after that answer what would be the best thing to Eat after a work out? I haven’t yet looked into these supplements i keep reading about, but what are they and why do i need them? I’ve done the cardio work out today, now what should i do tommrrow? And by the way it felt great to do that first work out!!!
Thanks!
89 more days to go!
Apr 27, 2010 @ 16:47:40
I recently started the power 90 program and had a question about the snacks. I really am not too interested in any of the ones in the meal plan and love eating apples and bananas, so I was wondering if eating one of these a day for my snacks is alright as far as keeping up with the meal plan!
Thanks!
May 01, 2010 @ 08:45:15
My wife bought P90X when it 1st came out…I am wanting to start is but all we have are the dvds and no nutrition book..how c@an I get a new one?
May 02, 2010 @ 22:36:53
I’m a highschool student and currently run long distance. Is it recomended for me to start right with p90x? I’m fairly familiar with working out, and I’m used to pushing myself to the extreme. Is power 90 just a “get into shape” kinda thing?
May 04, 2010 @ 14:52:54
Not sure if P90X is right for you? Take the P90X fitness test to find out! If you can pass this test, you are ready. If not, you might want to start with something less intense like the Power 90 or Power Half Hour.
P90X fitness test:
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/pdf/p90x-fit-test.pdf
Good luck everyone!
-Mike
May 07, 2010 @ 01:21:14
Hi, I ordered the p90x workout about a month ago and I haven’t been doing it constantly. As a matter of fact, I “started over” 2 times already. Both times I did the work out for a week then I stopped. And now I want to start for real this time. So do I “start over” again and do a month of phase one or do 2 weeks of phase 1 then move to phase two? Also, I need to loose about 60lbs, should I do p90x or something else? I already have Turbo Jam and it really hurt my knees. Please help!!
May 17, 2010 @ 15:03:19
Hello Elizabeth,
I would start again from the beginning. Try and prepare yourself by going over the diet and coming up with a plan head of time. I think P90X is the best program if you can handle the schedule and stick to it.
-Mike
May 19, 2010 @ 20:54:07
Hello I am a female 5’7 and 240lbs. I am completely out of shape I recently started the abs diet and I lost 23lbs in a month. I go to gym a couple times a week but since I have kids sometimes I am not able to go so I would like workouts to do at home I am not sure which dvds will be right for me. Any suggestions?
Hy Mayra,
I think you should start with Power 90. P90X is an intense program and the Power 90 is the perfect program to help you work your way up to P90X.
-Mike