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.
Don’t give up on the Yoga!! It’s good for you!!
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!
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.
Hello Anthony,
it’s hard to replace Yoga because it’s not just stretching. Believe it or not, there is a good amount of resistance training you are getting with your own body weight. Holding those poses steady takes strength and there are a lot of push-up like moves you have to do as well.
Don’t get me wrong, you do get a great stretch with this workout, so you could do X Stretch for that portion of Yoga X, but you would be missing out on so much more.
There are ways to modify Yoga X, but if you have a serious problem, you might want to skip some of the moves all together, but not the entire workout. If you can do the basics, the basic moving asanas that include plank, chutterunga to upward dog or cobra, then downward dog, you should be able to work through this problem. Some of the twisting moves can be tough on your back if you have an issue, I would suggest that you replace those moves with you basic moves like warrior 1, 2, or 3. You should also use yoga blocks. These help a great deal if you have flexibility problems.
Some of the moves that you might have to skip or replace with basic moves might be the plow moves, the twisting moves, bridge and certainly wheel. In my opinion, most of the “sweat” comes with the moving asanas. If you can get through those, you would have gotten in a good stretch and workout. Balance postures can be tricky, but you can modify those however you need to.
Tony talks about modifying during the workouts. It’s better to find a way to work around problems and injuries we may have rather than not doing an entire workout. Try it out and see what works for you. Even if you can only do half of the moves, that would better than not doing Yoga X at all. X Stretch is great and much needed at times, don’t get me wrong, but it’s only for stretching.
I hope I was able to help Anthony. Please feel free to come back anytime with any questions or concerns you may have with this program.
Good Luck!!
-Mike
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.
Hello Steve,
do what you can and try and find a way to make the workout effective enough for you. Some of these Yoga moves are advanced and Tony will say that during the video, so don’t feel bad if you can’t do them right out of the gate. I would suggest replacing that move with one you can hold. Or you can try and modify that move. Maybe just tuck you knees into your chest and hold that position. Work towards on getting most of your back off of the ground. When the day comes when you can balance on your shoulders, work towards pushing up your legs. If you have to take smaller or slower steps towards the goal, that’s OK because you will eventually get there. We don’t want you to injure yourself by trying to do something that your body isn’t ready to do.
Yoga X has some pretty advanced yoga moves so please be mindful of what you body can and can’t do. Use yoga blocks and take it slow. Be sure and remember to breath! That is an important part of the exercise!
-Mike
May 13, 2010 @ 12:01:19
I have done Yoga X one time so far, and I love it! I was expecting it to be easy, and BOY was I wrong. It was intense, very challenging and at times, seemed never ending! But, I was so happy that I completed the full 90 minutes, and felt great afterwards. I’m looking forward to doing it again now that I’ve learned most of the poses! Also love the abs section near the end, very good!
May 17, 2010 @ 16:24:27
I love the yoga x…When I started, I was only able to do it for 27 minutes; I am now up to 40 minutes! I know that I will get there, but I need to go at a slower pace. I am 46 years old and not as flexible as I used to be.
I cannot wait until I am able to do the full 90 minutes!
Love it!!
Sep 07, 2010 @ 17:52:53
NEVER liked yoga – of any type. Hated it more when my running coach added it to my training (when I was training). I thought I was done with Yoga when I finished that specific training, and decided to do p90x. Boy oh boy, it’s much tougher this time around. I’ve skipped days when it’s YOGA X on schedule or replace it with Core Syn or Kenpo. Yoga is tough and I’m not stretchy at all. Need tips on how to make it simpler and just a tad bit more fun. Anyone? TIPS PLEASE.
Hello Shenz.
Try and use yoga blocks. These help those who aren’t as stretchy as you put it! As far as making it more fun….I’m at a loss there! This is a very quite, calm and slow working program. With the other workouts, you can put on your own music to make it more exciting, but that wont really work with Yoga X.
Sorry!!
-Mike
Nov 18, 2010 @ 21:42:50
I feel I need to comment here. I own a yoga studio and was trained in Integrative Yoga Therapy. I have been practicing yoga for almost 20 years. Lately, I’ve been getting students who are injured due to this workout or are feeling pain during its practice. I watched it today for the first time and I cringed. This is advanced Power Yoga and SHOULD NOT be done by beginner yoga students, and certainly not done by people who have no yoga experience at all, and by this I mean people who have never stepped foot in a yoga studio run by a certified teacher.
The twists in this DVD WILL damage your lower back and sacroiliac/sacrum unless you have a strong understanding about how they are to be properly undertaken. Even doing triangle and extended side angle in the manner shown on the DVD can damage your hips (especially women) and place undue strain on your lower spine. I have two students currently dealing with spinal injuries from this DVD and believe me, these injuries take a LONG time to heal and come back from. SI joint pain can be severe, you DO NOT want to cause this kind of damage to your body. Power Yoga practice can be safely undertaken under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher who has at least 200 hours of training. Personal trainers only need a weekend workshop to be “certified” to teach yoga in a gym. THIS IS NOT THE SAME THING!!! They do not have the same understanding of yoga postures and body mechanics.
Anyone doing this workout should think twice. Anytime you are feeling major discomfort or pain in these postures, realize that you are doing damage to your body that can easily result in a serious injury. If anyone has questions, please feel free to email me at info@anjaliyogawellness.com.
Dec 17, 2010 @ 11:37:59
Lisa, I don’t want to seem disrespectful but Tony Horton tells the user numerous times throughout the video to only do the best they can. If someone is so daft as to think they completely do these moves right out the gate they have problems, and especially so if they continue despite the fact that they are experiencing extreme discomfort or pain.
I have low back issues and I thought the workout was great. There were times when, due to a little discomfort I could not get into the poses. In those cases I just held back and did what I could. It an easy concept and you’ll still get a great workout.
Dec 22, 2010 @ 14:50:37
Lisa and Bo,
I agree somewhat with both of you. First off, Lisa: Thank you for pointing out that this is an advanced form on Yoga. Some people don’t realize that when they start. A lot of people get discouraged because some of the moves are too hard for beginners to Yoga.
Bo, you pointed out that Tony warns people not to push their bodies past the point of comfort because this is an advanced Yoga workout. I also have given that advise to people on this blog who say some of the moves are just impossible for them to do.
P90X as a whole is and extreme and advanced workout. Those people who are badly out of shape and are beginners to fitness in general probably shouldn’t start with this program. Even if you are able to keep up with this program, you should always keep within your own ability and slowly try to improve them. If you have never attempted Yoga in you life, you shouldn’t be able to do some of these moves and you should be careful. Especially with Yoga X. Holding back with some of the harder moves to be able to make it through the entire 90 minutes will still give you a great workout.
So yes, you should be aware that Yoga X is advanced and you shouldn’t try and put your body in any position where you might be uncomfortable and could cause injury. But you should also know that modifying moves is OK and taking smaller steps will still get you to your goal.
-Mike
Jan 17, 2011 @ 09:38:17
As for the non-strechy types, I am definitely one of them. I am in my second week of P90x, love all the workouts execpt YogaX. I feel as if I will never reach my toes. Is there any advice on increasing flexibility. Is it thought that it will just come with the streching in other workouts and once a week Yoga? I am sticking with it as I have seen many reviews with folks in the same boat that eventually embraced Yoga X.
Hi Gmaster,
flexibility will improve over time, yes. Make sure you do the X-Stretch video on your 7th day to help in that area.
Yoga takes a bit of time to get used to, but keep trying to go a little further each time and you will be comfortable with Yoga X by the time you are done with this program.
-Mike
Jan 20, 2011 @ 18:50:08
hey. i really dont have the time of doing the yoga x. But i did the first 45 mins. will that be ok?
Hi Kevin,
doing 45 minutes of Yoga X is a great start. If you can, over time, try to finish more and more. The important part of Yoga that you are missing out on is the Yoga Belly X and depending on when exactly you stop, the balance postures. I’m sure you understand the benefits of Yoga Belly X and the balance postures are to help with balance of course and coordination. In my opinion, the first section of Yoga is the main workout and the most important part, but there is some good stuff at the end too!
-Mike
Jan 21, 2011 @ 09:12:39
Lisa, thank you for your input. I’ve done the yoga x once and made it through 75% of the moves (modified, since I’ve never done yoga) and second time was yesterday and I gave up after the first 20-30 minutes. It all just didn’t feel good anymore. Since waking yesterday and including today I’m having SI joint aches & pains. I had no idea mine was so out of whack (and am now realizing where a lot of my aches & pains have been coming from the last 5-10 years!), and I’m beginning to wonder if some moves I’ve been doing in the P90X workouts is exacerbating things in the SI joint. I’m now doing some research online to find out what moves and positions aren’t good for SI joints so I can modify. I do still like P90X and will continue doing it, but I obviously need to modify. Anyone know what’s the best stand-in for YogaX if I can’t do this one at all?
By the way Bo, I guess I’m one of those “daft” people with zero experience in yoga and who didn’t know these were extreme yoga moves that I should be easing into out of the gate. I’ve worked out for years, just no yoga, and nothing else in the P90X program was too difficult for me. I didn’t have immediate pain nor great pain doing yogax (I did modify where I had to) but the aches and pains in my SI joint came several hours AFTER the workout.
Feb 05, 2011 @ 12:45:39
I am doing p90X. The first week i was energized and did good. I am not used to workig out a lot but i made sure to work my way up to the 2nd level of 3 levels of Jillian Michaels 30 day shred before starting P90X. I wanted to feel ready. I love the workouts and did good the first week. Now as the weeks go i seem to be able to do less?? is it that i am pushing myself too far withour realizing it. I still love the workouts so it’s not motivation..It’s frustrating..,Yoga X i could do the first week then now i am lucky if i can do it 20 min? i have never did Yoga before in my life…is there another Yoga DVD you suggest to get the basics first? What am i doig wrong that i am doing less and not more?
Hello Missy,
it could be that you are starting to feel the effects of the program. Your body might be sore and you are using more energy than usual. Make sure you are following the nutrition plan, or at lease using it as a guide, and be sure to have a post workout shake, preferably the P90X recovery drink. I don’t think you are doing anything wrong, your body is adjusting to the program. The best thing you can do it continue on with the program and make sure you are eating right.
-Mike
Mar 11, 2011 @ 17:20:50
I am on week 5 and I can tell you right now, I wouldn’t be able to do 1 armed push ups without the initial yoga side pose. Take it from me, I was a division one athlete and flexibility is key as a field goal kicker. When I play sports now I realize that my balance and movement are better than before. Let’s put it this way, I weigh 215, can bench around 370 max, squat about 550 max, and I have been practicing flexibility for a long time. Yoga X should be taken as one of the more serious workouts because when you do biceps and triceps, your arms will allow you to do more reps and the muscle can elongate as well as grow larger.
I still have a hard time with my upper body flexibility but I actually do yoga as much as I can to fix that. Do your best and forget the rest. Just make sure you do it.
Best,
Mike
Thanks for the great comment Mike!
Mar 16, 2011 @ 12:14:15
Does anyone comment on this post anymore? I notice the initial entry is a few years old. Just a quick question that’s being thumping around my brain….there are quite a few new mouth guards on the market that adjust the relative position of the lower and upper jaw to improve strength and balance. The concept has been demonstrated to me to my satisfaction.
The question is, has anyone tried any of the workouts using one of these products and what have been the results? I’m doing my first yoga X workout tonight….yup, I’m nervous, I did all of plyo and couldn’t do the ab ripper x well last night after arms b/c i was still dibillitated from my first round of plyo. This left me disappointed, as I’m pretty disciplined. Anyway, I’d love to find out if this type of product would improve any of the workouts, especially yoga x.
Hi Snake,
we do get new comments every day!
That’s an interesting concept and I must say that I haven’t heard of these mouth guards.
-Mike
Apr 12, 2011 @ 15:25:34
I’m on week 1 and did the yogaX workout this morning. I couldn’t do the correct form on 60% of the poses, but my body is feeling amazing today. Its been 10 years since I worked out but this DVD reminded me of how great it is to get that muscle-ache feel all day long from a hard morning workout. It sticks with you and you look forward to feeling it tomorrow.
Apr 20, 2011 @ 12:17:38
Hello Kris,
once you get that good feeling, you can’t help but to keep going!
Apr 21, 2011 @ 23:40:36
Ypga X has been the hardest one so far, I’m on week 1
Jul 12, 2011 @ 22:23:23
I am on day 10 of P90x and already feel better! I am having a lot of problems with Yoga X as I am a very large guy. I would say I am unable to do 75% of the first 45 minutss moves! Is there something else I should do in its place till I drop some weight or just keep trying to do what I can? I want to do it so bad but just physically cant!
Thanks for any tips!
Hello Jeremy,
if you eventually want to be able to do Yoga X, I would keep chipping away at it. Keep doing it and try you best. Get some Yoga blocks. These really help you get into those tight positions.
-Mike
Aug 18, 2011 @ 13:31:04
I’ve gone through the full 90 days and feel better than ever. I am happy with the results I ended up with, losing 21 lbs while building muscle going from 209 to 188 lbs. I only did the yoga video once and then stopped because I thought it was too long and just not for me. I am going to take a week rest and do another 90 days but this time around I want to incorporate the Yoga X video because it seems that everyone thinks it is very critical to P90X. Instead of doing the yoga videos I would run 5 miles of hills which would be about 50 minutes of running. My goal is to focus on working out my stomach and strengthening my core more on top of everything else. Might sound like a dumb question but do you think the Yoga X video will make a big difference to reach my goal? Thanks
Hello Freddy,
if working on your stomach and strengthening your core is your next focus, Yoga X should be brought back into your workout, definitely. This workout is all about core strength and you use your stomach muscles quite a bit to hold those positions. I believe keeping Yoga X in your schedule and doing the entire hour and thirty minutes every week really puts peoples results over the top. The Yoga Belly portion of the workout is pretty tough.
-Mike
Dec 05, 2011 @ 16:45:19
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