Looking at all of the promotional information for the P90X training system can be somewhat intimidating. There is no doubt that this is an extreme training system that seriously challenges your body. You may be wondering if this system is right for you. The short answer: yes. While the full routines will have most people working harder than they ever have, modifications can be made to make your work out fit your level of readiness. Of course we wouldn’t want you doing something that would hurt you or push your progress back in anyway. If you have doubts about your abilities, start slow or consult your doctor. Although Power 90X can and does help people lose weight, it was not designed as a weight loss program. The P90X training program was designed to get people in shape and build muscle, stamina, and overall agility. What this means is that, yes, even skinny people can benefit from P90X.
Because of the flexible nutrition plan, people trying to avoid weight loss can modify and customize their eating to create a plan that works the way they need it to. By shortening one of the three phases or skipping the Phase 1 Fat Shredder altogether, individuals in this same situation have been able to get the results they want.
The Power 90X training plan is also for women as much as it is men. In every workout routine you will see both men and women “bringing it”. You will see some of the participants doing variations of the moves to help you get an idea of what modifications will work for you. The P90X training system allows you to choose the amount of weight and number of reps you do to help you customize as your ability improves.
Another benefit that is popular with P90X women is the P90X Lean Approach. This program (included with P90X) is slightly more focused on cardio and less intensive. It is focused on developing lean muscles, not on bulking up. Despite how it sounds, however, the Lean Approach is still P90X through and through and will have you working hard!
Although the P90X training system is designed to transform bodies, it is extreme. Possible modifications to each exercise make it easy for people at virtually all fitness levels and ages to customize an appropriate workout session.
By reducing reps or resistance, individuals who aren’t quite ready to ramp it up too much are able to start slow and bring it harder and harder as they progress in ability and fitness. For those who are nervous about beginning an extreme fitness program, the original Power 90 series is an alternative starting point. Many Power 90X participants finished 90 days of the original Power 90 before starting the P90X.
The Power 90X training system (P90X) is a customizable extreme fitness program. It allows you to grow with it and modify your workouts as your needs and your body changes.
Feb 08, 2010 @ 12:29:07
Hi,
I was doing a little research about home excercise techniques. I’m on a gap year, hopefully going to university next year. As all I am doing is working part time and have a lot of free time on my hands I was thinking of joining a gym.
The problem is gym memberships around where I live are pretty pricey and I don’t think I could afford it. I found this website and was wondering if it was for me. I’m 19, 5 ft 11in, 170lb, and am a regular football (soccer) player. I’m a defender and need an increase in upper body strength. I do tend to do cardio excercise regularly, but never been to the gym or stuck to a strict workout routine or diet.
The only two problems are that I do not have space for a chin up bar in my house and not sure I could afford it if there are too many things to buy.
Is it right for me?
Feb 08, 2010 @ 15:16:49
Hello Denise,
this program is actually not recommended for people who have back or knee issues. This workout is particularly hard on those parts of the body.
-Mike
Feb 09, 2010 @ 18:43:30
Hi,
I am 17 years old and weight around 140 pounds. I want to gain muscles and get ripped to improve my overall strength and looks. I was wondering what i should do in the nutrition part of this program. Also was wondering if i should do the Classic. Or whichever one you recommend.
Thank You
Feb 09, 2010 @ 18:51:13
Oh yeah, I am 5’10
had one more question
Is it required that we really have to take the supplements
Feb 10, 2010 @ 14:15:03
Hello Anas,
you should definitely follow the Nutrition Plan, you would probably fall under the Level 1 category. If you are looking for strength and definition, definitely do classic. You do not have to take the supplements. Just be sure your diet is on the right track and be sure to get enough protein.
-Mike
Feb 10, 2010 @ 14:19:10
Hello Muj,
this program will absolutely help your improve your upper body strength. You do not have to use the chin-up bar. You can use the resistance bands with the door attachment to do the same exercises, but a little modified. Keep in mind that you will not get as much resistance as the bar because you will not be pulling up against your own body weight.
If you get the bands and the door attachment kit, the only other things that I would suggest is a yoga mat and recovery drink.
Give it a try! If you don’t like it, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund minus shipping.
-Mike
Feb 11, 2010 @ 19:48:20
So that means i have to follow exactly how the diet plan is. I’m asking because i seem in the normal weight category. I’m not fat or skinny. Does it mean i have to skip anything.
Thank You
Feb 15, 2010 @ 15:09:33
Follow it as closely as you can. Try not to skip meals, eating frequently will speed up your metabolism.
-Mike
Feb 18, 2010 @ 20:40:32
I was wondering if this would be a good product to gain lean muscle and lose weight with. I’m 5’11 and 179 pounds. I have been weight lifting for about a year and a half now and have been athletically active all of my life. I’m looking to lose at least 10-15 pounds and this seems to be a good product to do so
Feb 18, 2010 @ 21:27:40
Hi, I’m about 120 lbs and 5’10. I want to get bigger and will p90x work for me? I really want my abs to show at the end
Feb 19, 2010 @ 14:51:32
Yes Justin, absolutely! This program allows you to set your own goals. Wether it be fat loss, building muscle mass, or both! There is a perfect mixture of cardio, resistance, and stretching that will give your body something different every day.
-Mike
Feb 21, 2010 @ 17:29:43
Hi,
Im 16, 180 lbs, and 5’10. I am trying to lose weight to become about 160-170 lbs and build muscle. I run cross country and can run 3 miles with really no trouble at all, so I guess i can say that i don’t mind hard work and pain. Is the P90X for me?
Thanks
Feb 21, 2010 @ 17:33:23
o ya, im male, if that changes anything
Feb 22, 2010 @ 15:18:38
Hi Sam,
in order for you abs to show, you have to both decrease your body fat percentage and build up your abs. The P90X will give you the right combination of workouts so you can do just that. Judging by your height and weight, you probably have a low body fat percentage already and really need to work on you muscle growth. Be sure to follow the nutrition plan and get the right amount of protein because it is essential for muscle growth. You will gain muscle mass with this program, but gaining weight might be tough. Skip phase 1 of the nutrition plan all together because this is where most people lose weight. Stick to heavier weights to build bulk as opposed to lean muscle. Do 8-10 reps only. If you can do 11, you need a heavier weight.
Good luck!
-Mike
Feb 23, 2010 @ 11:20:31
My boyfriend bought me p90x last year and I haven’t been brave enough to try to it yet. I am not scared anymore and want to start asap but I want to know what P90X version I should do. I go to the gym 6 days a week right now but that is for weight loss. I am 5-1 and weigh 168 lbs. I really want to lose wieght. Should I just do the classic or lean?
Feb 25, 2010 @ 12:53:43
is there some kind of kit i can get that includes power 90 and p90x? Is it possible to buy both at maybe a discounted price?
Feb 26, 2010 @ 14:46:30
Hello Hus,
you certainly have a realistic goal and I do believe that the P90X can help to reach that goal. Especially if you are they type of person who really pushes themselves. Your results are only as great as the effort you put into your workouts.
Go for it!
-Mike
Feb 26, 2010 @ 15:05:38
Hi Melzy,
if you are mainly concerned with losing weight, go with the lean approach. You will still do some resistance work, but you will be focusing on fat burning cardio to help shed pounds quicker and not add wight with muscle gains.
-Mike
Feb 26, 2010 @ 15:07:32
Hi Melissa,
sorry, but there aren’t any package deals that include the Power 90 and the P90X at this point in time. During the holidays, different workouts from the same trainer are bundled together. Each year they may be different than the last. Keep an eye out!
-Mike
Mar 07, 2010 @ 09:59:15
Looking into trying out the P90X, my biggest worry is I am on the third floor of an apartment and really don’t want to be a pain for the people below me. Can I customize my workouts to not annoy my neighbors?
Mar 07, 2010 @ 19:39:22
my question is about the chin-up/ pull-up section. I am a bigger guy and i struggle with doing chin-ups/ pull-ups i was wondering if a lat pull bar with weight resistance would be an acceptable alternative?
Mar 08, 2010 @ 13:46:21
I have noticed that when i’ve focused on specific areas once a week (for example, biceps and back one day, triceps and chest another) rather than doing full upper body 3 times a week and full lower body lifting 3 times a week, I’ve actually LOST muscle mass and bulk. I gain strength but I lose appearance. Will the approach of P90x yield similar results or will I be able to continue gaining muscle mass over long recovery periods?
Mar 09, 2010 @ 23:26:34
Can you use another diet plan instead of the one that comes with P90X? Like one that is really meant for bulking up?
Mar 10, 2010 @ 14:49:40
I was looking into getting the P90X and I was wondering if needed to buy all the protein and recovery shakes in order to get results. Or can you do it without them.
I am 5 ft 5 and weigh 160. I am looking to lose some weight and firm up.
Mar 10, 2010 @ 20:21:18
After calculating my nuitrtion level, I calculated that I was at level two. I am starting off with the fat shredder phase. My question is, when we get to the end of the first month, and are getting ready to switch to phase two, do I keep my previous calculation of being a level two? Or do i need to recalculate my nutrition level before I start the second pahse?
Mar 11, 2010 @ 00:56:36
I bench 350 lbs and weigh 220. Would I still be able to have heavy lifting sessions at the gym while using p90x
Mar 11, 2010 @ 11:57:22
Hey Jonathan,
try to land like a cat! That’s the only issue you will have, the jumping during Plyo. Maybe you can take that one to the gym!
-Mike
Mar 11, 2010 @ 11:57:57
Hi Brandon,
I think a lat pull down would be an acceptable alternative, yes.
Mike
Mar 11, 2010 @ 12:01:06
Michael,
P90X is set up where you do back and biceps one day, them legs and back another, etc. Not a full upper body and full lower body 3 times a week. You might be sacrificing size in your case. You can always add more resistance if you want a complete upper body or lower body workout. You do have three days of resistance per week.
-Mike
Mar 11, 2010 @ 12:03:56
Hi Michael,
P90X wont give you a body builder look, but will build mass if you want it. Of course the diet that comes with P90X is geared more towards losing weight and slimming down, so if you want to bulk up, you might want to use another diet. I can’t say what your results will be, but with a 90 day program, you have a lot of time to feel things out.
-Mike
Mar 11, 2010 @ 12:45:07
Hello Kelly,
the protein bars and shakes are recommended to be sure you get enough protein and energy for this program, but they are not required. As long as you are getting enough protein from the foods you are eating, you will get the same great results. The P90X Recovery Formula is HIGHLY recommended to help relieve muscle soreness and to aid in recovery.
-Mike
Mar 11, 2010 @ 12:45:57
Mitch, if you have lost a significant amount of weight by the end of phase I, it wouldn’t hurt to recalculate to make sure you are in the correct level.
-Mike
Mar 11, 2010 @ 12:47:18
Hello Craig,
if you balance it right, you can do other exercises outside of P90X. With resistance, you know that you need to give your muscles time to repair, so schedule your lifting at the gym to allow the rest time you need.
-Mike
Mar 14, 2010 @ 14:38:13
Ok so i found out how many calories and how many grams of protein.So do i just follow the p90x nutrition guide?? Thanks
Mar 16, 2010 @ 12:48:59
Hello Michael,
I would follow the guide, then add what ever extras you need for bulking up.
-Mike
Mar 17, 2010 @ 09:28:31
Hi,
I’m just wondering off all the p90 series what is the order of intesnsity of each program? I’m a bit confused where p90 master series fits in, is it more intesnse than p90x or is it a step up from the original p90?
Thanks
Mar 18, 2010 @ 13:43:24
Hello Adrian,
The Power 90 Master Series is for those who have completed the Power 90 and would like to continue, but with a more intense workout. P90X would be the next step up. P90X grads can then move on to P90X Plus.
-Mike
Mar 23, 2010 @ 13:14:24
Hi,
Im an 18 year old college student and I want to walk on to my schools football team. I’m 5’8 250lbs. I wanted to know will P90x help me get into fit shape to be able to run sprints and thing like that or do you advise me to run and do cardio outside of p90x?
Mar 24, 2010 @ 12:46:21
My goal is to eat and live a healthy lifestyle. I am not fat but definitely need to shed some of the fat. I am 5’6″ tall and weight about 155 lbs. I am trying to build up my gluteus maxus muscles and legs while toning my arms and abs. I have been doing P90x now for two weeks. Is this workout going to help me reach my goals?
Mar 24, 2010 @ 15:38:49
Hi Julie,
- You will lose fat
- You will tone and build muscle from arms to legs (total body)
Feeling that burn so far? The first couple weeks are a tough transition. Keep in mind that following the P90X Nutrition Guide is essential to your success. Eat right, and show up every day for your workouts and you will be quite happy with your results in 90 days!
Mar 24, 2010 @ 15:45:07
Hi Tracy,
We are not experts on sports training and there may be a few things you need to consider to prepare yourself for the football team. We suggest you talk to some who can specifically answer that question.
However what we will say is that P90X will absolutely get you in great shape and give you an edge for any sport. There are numerous professional athletes from baseball to basketball to football, who are using P90X right now with tremendous success.
Check out this article on David Akers, kicker for the Eagles and his experience with P90X
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/blog/2008/08/28/p90x-impacting-the-nfl/
Mar 24, 2010 @ 23:21:58
Hey guys!
I’m considering your program!
I am 24, 5’4 and have somehow managed to reach 192lbs…yet again. I’ve been struggling with weight loss since I was a teenager. I go through periods of time where I’m doing really well and then I struggle again, it’s quite frustrating. I’m worried it will get worse now that I have an office job. But I’m trying to change my attitude and I’m looking for something that will keep me motivated to stay healthy and give me the success I’m looking for.
Do you think this could work for me? Or do you think I am too overweight to start something like this?
Thanks for your time!
Mar 29, 2010 @ 13:37:40
Hey Emma,
Well congrats on taking charge of your life, this is the first step to making a change. P90X is a 90 Day program but what most P90Xers find, is that it’s a way of life.
Eating right and exercising is part of a healthy life and P90X has the tools to not only get you in great shape in just 90 days but also help you stay fit for life.
I think you can definitely do P90X. The videos will show you how to perform modified moves for the harder exercises, so you can gradually work your way up. You really can do P90X at your own pace. Also, we offer a 30 day no hassle return policy so, if you find you’re not quite ready of it you can return it and start with another one of our workout programs instead.
Mar 30, 2010 @ 21:07:31
I’m not sure if the power 90 or p90x is best for me. I’ve been playing basketball for 9 yrs. I’m active and I’m athletic. Now that my bball season is done I’m looking to keep working out and need focus on the little fat on the stomach and get rid of a little fat on the love handles. I’m not out of shape I want to keep in shape in the offseason.This is my first time trying a workout DVD. Any help with which one I should start out with. Thanks
Apr 04, 2010 @ 22:46:23
I recetly just lossed 67 and still have weight to lose(243 lbs). I already take whey protien and it is a big help but i was wondering if i take whey protein already do i need the recovery formula. I see it has vitamins in the recovery formula but i already take one-a-days, vitamian E, CoQ10, Vitamian C, And omega 3. So i was just wondering.
Apr 06, 2010 @ 21:03:24
My husband and myself are on our third week of p90x, you can tell my husband lost weight but I don’t think I lost any. Maybe because he is use to eating big portions and junk, I’m use to eating lots of vegetables and the only protein I eat is chicken or eggs. We did splurge a little for Easter, but not bad.
I get discouraged easily, we are doing the classic,and i love it but a part of me feels I need more cardio but i like the weight lifting also. plus we are doing it together.
What am I doing wrong and what can I do? Am I being to impatient?
Apr 10, 2010 @ 13:10:10
Hey there! I’ve been reading through these comments and I’m sure you’re tired of the same questions…BUT I’m on a serious weight loss agenda. I am 5’8″ & I started at 265 last May and lost down to 235 before the holidays hit. I am ready to finish what I started & be comfortable in my skin!!! I go to the gym @ least 3 times a week and am extremely active mom of 2. I am full of motivation, but I’m leary of the extremity of this program. In your opinion, is this a good program for me?
Apr 10, 2010 @ 13:14:50
Oh….and I don’t want to bulk up any at all! I am naturally very muscular & would prefer to not add to that! LoL
Apr 12, 2010 @ 08:12:25
Just wanted to know can P90 be used to gain muscle mass because I do not need to lose weight and I’m not quite ready to try P90X. Also what’s your take on using supplements. Is it safe, and if so when will be the most appropriate time to use them?
Apr 13, 2010 @ 14:34:03
Hello Pam,
some people take a little longer than others when it comes to losing weight. Men tend to lose weight quicker due to the fact that they have more muscle mass naturally and muscle helps to burn fat. Just keep doing your best and stick to the diet. You’re probably not doing anything wrong! I know how you feel, trust me. You just have to stick out for 90 day. I know you will be happy in the end. Maybe even try to push yourself a little more with the weights. Adding muscle will help you to burn fat.
Don’t give up Pam!!
-Mike