Many people doing the P90X program think Yoga X will be similar to a day off. They think stretching and breathing, maybe some “ommmm”-ing will be the extent of it. The people who think this are in for a shock when they do the P90X Yoga X DVD. This yoga workout is a seriously challenging and very different workout.
Despite the popularity of yoga, there are many misconceptions about it. There are several kinds of yoga. There are types that are more meditative, types that are purely flexibility-focused, and then there is yoga like P90X Yoga X.
Yoga X seems friendly and non-threatening for about the first 15 minutes. On about your 5th Vinyasa, however, you realize that the ninety minute DVD might not be as forgiving as you assumed. Because many people aren’t used to the yoga style of P90X Yoga X, or perhaps not used to any type of yoga, they may not enjoy Yoga X the first few times around.
There is no doubt that some of the Yoga poses in P90X Yoga X are extremely difficult. You may only be able to get halfway into position at first. This is the beauty of yoga; you do what you can, sinking deeper into poses and breathing. Within several weeks your body begins to adjust to the poses as you become more flexible and loosened up, allowing you to reach and twist further. Yoga is a progressive exercise that allows you to go at your own pace, continually challenging you with deeper, more intense poses.
P90X Yoga X requires some people to think outside the box. They may wonder about it’s effectiveness. More than likely they are used to workouts being either cardio or weight training. The terms Cardio and weight training have become so ingrained in their fitness minds that they don’t feel quite as effective doing something like Yoga X, that doesn’t necessarily fit into either of those neat categories. It’s true; P90X Yoga X is extremely different from the other P90X DVDs.
Tony Horton knew what he was doing when he added P90X Yoga X to the series. Recognizing the importance of flexibility, he wanted to give participators a workout that would give them flexibility but still rock their body. Yoga X does just that. You will finish Yoga X knowing full well that you just challenged your body, even without a typical cardio or weight training workout.
No-impact, slow-moving, and deep-breathing, who would’ve thought those qualities could work your body so hard? While the 90 minutes of P90X Yoga X will be difficult, it is equally rewarding and a great change of pace.
Jan 02, 2009 @ 16:22:43
I was very skeptical about the P90X Yoga piece of the workout program and really dreaded it for the first few weeks of the routine. I will now say that this particular workout is one of my absolute favorites! My body is doing things that I never thought possible (my husband is very grateful to Beachbody and more importantly to Tony Horton!!). If you think it is a waste of time you are truly mistaken. Stick with it and you will find that P90X Yoga will change your body and your mind in ways that most people only dream about.
Jan 25, 2009 @ 10:29:53
I was quite skeptical of Yoga X when I first popped the DVD into the player. Since Yoga is a form of Eastern-mysticism combined with physical movements to bring mind and body together, I’ve long opposed doing Yoga since it’s a huge conflict with my Christian beliefs. After all, one can do many isometric poses and get the same benefits, without the “new age” package that seemingly comes with Yoga.
BUT…after popping in the Yoga X DVD for the first time, I was quite surprised – and impressed – that Tony didn’t take his Yoga there entirely. It’s a 92 minute workout of balancing, isometrics, and stretching. It’s challenging. It’s exhilarating. And at the same time, it’s relaxing.
A part of the Yoga X DVD has “Yoga belly”…where the abs/core get a quiet thrashing that rivals Ab Ripper X, without the hardcore music. Yoga belly is worth the price of admission on its own!
To those who avoid Yoga because of religious grounds, this DVD is different. While Tony doesn’t go the “mind and body as one” place, it’s in the final 3-4 minutes where many will find that stigma of Yoga pop up. To be honest, its really a “do what you want to do to relax”. If you (like me), don’t prefer that, do what I do: Turn off the DVD once the corpse pose starts, stretch, relax, and know that your body just had a different type of workout, one that plays an essential role in the transformation found in P90X.
Jan 25, 2009 @ 13:05:39
Randi & Steve,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to give everyone else reading our blog some feedback on Yoga X. It really is a great and essential component to P90X and with regard to the program it’s main focus is to provide a slightly different, yet critical element of physical fitness that traditional strength training does not offer! Thanks again for your thoughts.
May 26, 2009 @ 13:25:04
I thought p90x was very hard when i was in the process of doing it during me third period body sculpting class here @ Franklin County High School.. But I can say that i am starting to love the results!!!!
thanks a lot Tony Horton!!!
Jun 27, 2009 @ 14:18:10
I thought the yoga x was going to be difficult, I have done Yoga in the past. It hurt way too much, I am never doing Yoga x.
Jul 25, 2009 @ 19:23:12
Wow! I love yoga x. I am a big fan of bikram yoga or hatha yoga and have done it religiously in the past. I was a little sceptical at first, but found this dvd kicked my booty like nothing else can.
Thanks so much Tony Horton!
Jul 27, 2009 @ 09:56:56
Don’t give up on the Yoga!! It’s good for you!!
Aug 29, 2009 @ 01:17:03
What if you have back problems. I can modify Ab Ripper X but there is no true way to modify the yoga x. Is there anything that can be used in its place.
Sep 29, 2009 @ 19:56:10
How do I modify for having a gut? I can’t get to a few of the poses, like the supported shoulder stand and those directly following and breathe at the same time! Please help.
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Jan 13, 2010 @ 19:58:59
[...] Complete the P90X Yoga without stopping: I am very inflexible and have very poor balance. This video is yoga on crack. You [...]
Feb 12, 2010 @ 10:53:48
Ehh not so great. Too easy for me.
Feb 12, 2010 @ 10:54:10
Lol I’m just playing
Feb 15, 2010 @ 15:37:25
Yes Anthony,
it’s not as good as far as a workout, but you can do the X Stretch video in place of Yoga X.
-Mike
Feb 15, 2010 @ 15:38:43
Hello Steve,
try and go as far back as you can. If you can’t even attempt it, just hold a child’s pose until that particular exercise is over.
-Mike
Feb 23, 2010 @ 13:24:16
Trying to learn to love Yoga X. I’m on week 8 and I always kind of dread yoga days but feel so accomplished when it’s over.
Feb 24, 2010 @ 00:37:34
I am a 250 pund man an have had serious difficulty posing into some of the yoga moves and am hoping that it gets easier. Is there hope?
Mar 01, 2010 @ 13:18:24
Yes!! Yoga X is tough, more fore men I think. It will get better with time. Just keep trying and pushing yourself.
-Mike
Mar 16, 2010 @ 20:51:59
Tonight was my first night with Yoga X, i only got about 15-20 minutes into it and my wrists are killing me. I assume im doing something wrong, but have no idea what. I like the dvds, but this one goes so fast im still trying to figure out what im doing and they are 3 moves ahead. (frustrating). I have a yoga block but dont know when to use it or it will help! Please help!!
Mar 17, 2010 @ 15:16:34
Hello Sue,
you probably aren’t doing the workout wrong. Yoga can put strain on your wrists. Do you have weak wrists or any cysts in that area? A cyst will just look like a bump when you bend your wrist down. These aren’t harmful (most), they can just cause pain when putting pressure on your wrist. I have one and I have to tape up for Yoga X or any workout containing push-ups.
Try watching the workout first, trying to remember what the names of the moves are and how to do them. It can be hard to keep looking up during yoga. You just want to go with the flow. Use the blocks when Tony mentions them. That one guy on the right (looking at the screen) isn’t very flexible and he uses the blocks often. They do help!
-Mike
Mar 26, 2010 @ 13:00:30
Wow, did my week 1 Yoga X last night and I was so frustrated with my lack of knowledge of proper form and technique, along with my clumsiness, that I wanted to turn it off after 20 minutes. I didn’t have a block which I could have used and also found that my hands slipped alot on the mat (probably from sweating)…..any suggestions there??
Anyway, I willed myself to stick with it and did. I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to week 2 and intend to do better.
I have a new appreciation for yoga.
Mar 29, 2010 @ 12:14:08
Hey Tanya,
Don’t get discouraged, like everything in life, practice makes perfect
. Don’t expect to be as limber as they are on the video the first day out, and don’t beat yourself up about it!
Watch to pick up on the proper form and definitely pick up some yoga blocks. They are a great way to modify the moves and gradually work your way up.
http://www.extremebodyworkout.com/p90x-products/p90x-yoga-blocks.php
People are often surprised how much of a workout Yoga X can actually be! If you find you’re working up a heavy sweat grab a towel and have it near by to help keep from slipping.
Keep at it you will get better over time!
Apr 13, 2010 @ 21:16:27
Tanya’s first sentence applies to me. Today was my 3rd attempt at this video and I got so frustrated I quit after 20 minutes. How am I supposed to know if I’m doing the moves correctly? How am I supposed to keep motivated with this video? I can’t do a pose and look at my screen at the same time which means I can’t get into the proper flow of the video. I don’t know where I’m supposed to be feeling anything.
If I were working, I’d take some Yoga classes to try and learn the basics, but unfortunately the economy sucks right now and Yoga is expensive. I don’t know where to turn.
Apr 14, 2010 @ 13:49:34
Hello George,
I would keep trying. Just do your best and forget the rest as Tony would say. Yoga moves are NOT AT ALL easy to master. As long as you are holding your body in the position the best you can, you are getting a workout.
I would maybe watch the DVD to see what the moves are so you can just listen to the next move and know what to do. Learn the moves, maybe practice them a couple times, then try the whole workout. It is possible to do the moves and look at the screen without totally screwing up your position but it just takes a little practice.
When you get the hang of it, you will feel it all over. Legs, abs, arms, shoulders, everywhere!
-Mike