P90X is a high powered workout program designed with several possible approaches. While the Lean and Classic versions are slightly different, they are both highly effective, leaving you with a big decision on your hands—which one to choose. Despite the fact that both approaches will transform your body and have you possibly feeling better than ever, many people are still wondering in P90X Lean vs. Classic: which is better?
We are, by nature, competitive people. So, there’s really no surprise that despite the level of quality Beachbody consistently provides, people are still questioning P90X Lean vs. P90X Classic: which is better. We can’t say one is better than the other; but we do know that one may be better for you.
P90X is a system that combines cardio and resistance training workouts to help you build muscle and burn fat. While it won’t make a woman “bulk up”, it will give people of both genders an increase in muscle tone. If you are the type to be obsessed with the scale, you may not lose pounds upon pounds of weight. This is because as you are burning the fat you are adding muscle. Don’t get it wrong—if you have a lot to lose, you will see the scale drop but keep in mind, you will gain muscle with the classic approach.
P90X Lean on the other hand is more of a cardio based system. Many of the resistance training workouts are removed altogether. This approach is specifically for those people who don’t necessarily want to add a lot of muscle and are instead focused on seeing the scale move. While both approaches are appropriate for both genders, we typically see women using P90X Lean more often.
When looking at P90X Lean vs. Classic, which one is better for you, you have to analyze your goals to make your decision. Also, keep in mind which program you are most likely to stick with. If you despise cardio, P90X Classic is likely the better approach for you.
Sep 17, 2010 @ 09:53:29
I purchased the P90X program last winter but with 3 kids and a full time job I find it difficult to fit in 6 days of working out. I am usually lucky to get in 5 workouts. Is there a way I could customize this and do 5 dvds from Monday to Friday and take Saturday and Sunday off? I stopped doing the program after a couple of months because if I missed a workout I didnt know if I should just skip that days dvd and go on to the next workout. I love the mix of dvds cardio, yoga, core and weight training just not sure how to get a good result without following the plan exactly I dont want to waste my time.
Jan 06, 2011 @ 17:29:41
If i were you i would just do as much as you can each day during the week even if you only do half the workout at least you are doing something. You could split it up and do 30 minutes in the morning and the other half at night whichever you prefer.
Jan 24, 2011 @ 00:34:46
Thanks for this article detailing the differences of the 2 options available. Its much appreciated. After reading over this article, I think that for me and for my needs, the Classic option is the better choice.
Thanks again.
Feb 08, 2011 @ 16:52:14
Hey, I’m doing the P90X challenge. Though I want to know which one is really better for me. My goal is to lose weight and tone my muscles. I want amazing Abs I weigh about 130 and I am 5’2. I am also a female. The classic seems very interesting, though I don’t want to look too manly. I just want an amazing body. Is the classic version the one i should go with to reach my goal of a slim yet toned beach body?
May 23, 2011 @ 10:09:41
I am trying to understand how to order the P90X Lean program?? Is it in the classic program? I even tried speaking to a Customer Service Representative, but I believe I was speaking with someone in India who was not familiar w/ the ins and outs of the program. I am very confused.
My physical therapist recommended the p90X Lean program but I do not want to invest in the wrong thing.
Can you provide any advice?
I am also interested to know if I should order the bands that are offered. I do own a few bands, but I wasn’t sure if it would be easier to follow along if I were using their products.
Thank you in advance with ANY advice you could give me. I have been searching everywhere for some guidance.
Best,
Julie
Hello Julie,
the three different approaches, classic, lean and doubles, are just ways to do the P90X. They all use the same DVD’s, but in a different sequence.
I’m not sure who you were talking to from India, but that wasn’t our customer service line. I’m pretty sure Beachbody doesn’t outsource their customer service either.
-Mike
May 23, 2011 @ 17:32:34
I was suppose to start today but I have a question first I am looking to lose about 70 lbs and once I drop the weight I want to add some muscle definition. Which program should I start with P90X or P90X Lean?
Thanks
Hello C. Hunter,
if you want to lose that much weight before you start to put on muscle, you should start with the Lean approach. Complete the full 90 days, then start the Classic approach and go crazy!
-Mike
Aug 14, 2011 @ 08:57:16
Hello I’m going to start today and I was wondering I’m a male basketball player, um 16 6″2″ weigh 200 pounds! Well I like muscle of course and I’m not really fat but I mean I have a bit of a tummy and was wondering which I should do? At first I though a month of lean later 2 months of casual but after this post I’m lost, well most appreciated if I get a reply soon thank you, Chris.
Aug 14, 2011 @ 09:00:00
Hello I’m going to start today and I was wondering I’m a male basketball player, um 16 6″2″ weigh 200 pounds! Well I like muscle of course and I’m not really fat but I mean I have a bit of a tummy and was wondering which I should do? At first I though a month of lean later 2 months of casual but after this post I’m lost, well most appreciated if I get a reply soon thank you, Chris.
Hello Chris,
as an athlete, I would stick with the Classic approach for the entire 90 days. You will not only lose body fat, you will also gain muscle, increase strength, stamina, agility, vertical leap and your overall athletic ability. If you stick with this program and work hard for 90 days, including following the nutrition plan as closely as you can, you will get great results. Especially as a teen because you have a younger body, most likely injury free, and better adaptability. Some adults have issues with joints or old injuries which can slow them down and hurt their results.
-Mike
Aug 18, 2011 @ 10:07:19
Excellent thank you, also does the recovery drink work!?
Hello Chris,
from personal experience, I can tell you that the Recovery Formula does work. After drinking it for a few days, you will notice your soreness isn’t as bad and you will start to get more energy back after your workouts. This drink also helps to rebuild muscles with it’s protein content.
-Mike
Aug 27, 2011 @ 05:16:17
I’m a basketball player doing classic and was wondering how much it will increase my vertical.
Aug 28, 2011 @ 01:43:36
Hi my name is rami and im a female and I will b startin the p90x program…but I’m a little confused of which one I should do…classic or lean? I have a belly and I wanna lose it and have a flat stomach…and also want to get rid of my love handles…my arms are skinny but if like to lone them and would also like to tone my thighs…I dun wanna look bulkin but I do wanna lose weight from those areas…wat should I do??
Thank you,
Rami
Hello Rami,
if weight loss and toning is your main focus, you should do the lean approach. The classic approach will help you lose weight and tone, but you will also be gaining muscle which can slow your overall weight loss. You will still lose a lot of body fat, but the numbers on the scale wont go down as much because you will be adding muscle.
-Mike
Sep 01, 2011 @ 02:42:30
I play basketball and I heard after p90x 90days your vertical leap increases and I wanted to know by how much??
Sep 10, 2011 @ 23:31:14
I received my P90X dvd’s yesterday I did start on first dvd for lean program felt great afterwards I was able to perform 80% of the workout but I’m a little frustrated with the nutrition plan the whole concepts is good but for someone whole lives alone & on a budget grocery list can be expensive looks like there’s so much waste for required portion and a lot of cooking required I can only cook during dinner on breakfast & lunch it’s impossible do you have a suggestion on how to modify the nutrition plan for me, thanks in advance
Hello Amy,
I would go by the portions approach. This way you can pick and choose the foods you like and create simple meals from there. Check out the quick options for breakfast and lunch.
-Mike
Nov 28, 2011 @ 15:32:15
me and my wife have started doing p90x yesterday she is 150 give or take and she is looking for a beach body after these 90 days as we r going on a trip downsouth which is more idael for her to get the results she wants
thanks
g&s