off topic: P90X

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flyhi

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So, in the midst of all this interiew/acceptances/rejections thing....i figured some of you might be using exercise to blow off a little steam.

anyone doing P90X? I just started and let me say...i am SORE. Of course, i got sore last week after playing Wii with my nephew!

Seriously, though....just curious as to who else is doing it, for how long, and what their experience has been thus far. Also curious as to who is following the nutrition plan and how that is going for them.
 
So, in the midst of all this interiew/acceptances/rejections thing....i figured some of you might be using exercise to blow off a little steam.

anyone doing P90X? I just started and let me say...i am SORE. Of course, i got sore last week after playing Wii with my nephew!

Seriously, though....just curious as to who else is doing it, for how long, and what their experience has been thus far. Also curious as to who is following the nutrition plan and how that is going for them.


My boyfriend and I just started last week, and oh my gosh it is INTENSE!! I have been sore pretty much the entire time and we're not even through the whole first set of videos! Other than trying to eat more protein and eating 5 smaller meals instead of 3 big ones, I haven't really been following the nutrition plan so much (I can barely afford the crappy food I eat much less good, healthy stuff). It's so hard to watch those people on the videos make it look so easy when I feel like I'm dying after only about 10 minutes!🙁
 
I did it for about 3 weeks prior to a holiday skiing trip and loved it. I modified it to do more of the plyometrics (which is the real deal - it is brutal if you do it right) and cardio to get ready for the trip. It made a huge difference as skiing was easier and more enjoyable.

I just started the actual 90 day "classic" program yesterday though and I'm hurting today. As a former college athlete though that's done a bunch of different workouts and a lot of lifting, I would definitely say these are the real deal. The only downfall is that you have to be able to dedicate 1-1.5 hours a day to it, and you have to be in decent shape to start to be able to get the most out of the workouts due to their difficulty. Otherwise, if you do this program and eat well, there's no way that you won't get in great shape. Man, I sound like an infomercial! Also, I'm not following the eating plan - it's too regimented for me.

Good luck, and keep us updated with your progress.
 
My husband and I started this last week too! We're just eating more often and trying to eat well. We'll see how it goes...
 
Well, expect to be sore for most of the time, especially if you increase your weight. I did it this past summer for about 5-6 weeks. I definately saw a difference and I felt more in shape. I am in the military and have rarely had a "beat down" as bad as p90x. I did not follow the meal plan, but did try to eat as healthy as I could. I also used a recovery drink after every workout, which I found helped with the soreness....a little! So, I def. suggest one, not necessarily his. I like Cytosport and enduraox. I plan on doing the enitre 90 days this summer afer I return from Iraq and before vet school starts (hopefully I will have 90 days). Once I start school, I just hope to stay in shape by going to the gym every day and continuing weight training. I currently use some of the exercises on my workout routines here and they still have the same effects on me. Good luck and stick with it.
 
I have heard really great things about this program from family members etc that are doing it but don't you think if you actually dedicated 1-1.5hrs a day to going to the gym/seriously working out on your own that you would get in great shape anyways?

I understand not everyone has the motivation to do so on their own or knows the right exercises to do, but it seems like people are very thrilled with the results and I can't help but wonder if you really dedicated yourself to going ot the gym like you do following the dvds, don't you think you'd have guaranteed results as well??

Not trying to be down on anyone! I use exercise dvds occasionally as well. I'm just curious.
 
I have heard really great things about this program from family members etc that are doing it but don't you think if you actually dedicated 1-1.5hrs a day to going to the gym/seriously working out on your own that you would get in great shape anyways?

I understand not everyone has the motivation to do so on their own or knows the right exercises to do, but it seems like people are very thrilled with the results and I can't help but wonder if you really dedicated yourself to going ot the gym like you do following the dvds, don't you think you'd have guaranteed results as well??

Not trying to be down on anyone! I use exercise dvds occasionally as well. I'm just curious.

I am sure you could get the same results going to the gym and using his method of muscle confusion, but gyms are expensive and you really have to know what you are doing to build up a good muscle confusion workout. With the DVD's (they are kind of pricey) you can pay just one time and never have to worry about a gym membership. I am thinking about getting them since I had to cancel my gym membership (it was almost $40/month) and I miss the stress relief of working out.
 
I have heard really great things about this program from family members etc that are doing it but don't you think if you actually dedicated 1-1.5hrs a day to going to the gym/seriously working out on your own that you would get in great shape anyways?

I understand not everyone has the motivation to do so on their own or knows the right exercises to do, but it seems like people are very thrilled with the results and I can't help but wonder if you really dedicated yourself to going ot the gym like you do following the dvds, don't you think you'd have guaranteed results as well??

Not trying to be down on anyone! I use exercise dvds occasionally as well. I'm just curious.

If you put that much time in at the gym 6 days a week you are most definitely going to see results - no doubt about it. The difference is that this program is set up to work on different aspects of exercise each day. It incorporates a little traditional weight lifting, body-weight exercises, yoga, plyometrics, cardio, kenpo, abs, and a lot of core training. I was going to the gym on a regular basis in the past but typically just did the same old same old lifting routines and definitely got in better shape, but if you tried to do the same types of exercises that are on these videos at the gym you'd be laughed out of the place.

Finally, the last difference is the intensity of these dvds. I feel pretty confident saying that 95% of people at the gym alone won't push themselves as hard as these videos do. That's why these are great - I get bored after half an hour at the gym but I have to push myself to keep up with and finish the videos. I have no problem lifting hard, but can't make myself do the core work/cardio that I get from the workouts. Anyway, enough of me blabbing about it, I just don't think there's any way most people can push themselves as hard as the videos do, and also set up as well-rounded of an exercise program as it is.
 
My husband did P90X for the whole 90 days, and saw amazing results. He dropped 5% body fat and about 12 pounds (he was not overweight to begin with). He now has the outline of a 6-pack (which he hasn't had in over 10 years) and just started the whole thing over again to get to his final goal.

I'm a wuss, so we ordered P90 (no X) for me. I do follow the nutrition (so does my husband), but not perfectly. Unfortunately, first year winter quarter here at Davis is the worst one ever, and I haven't worked out in about 2 weeks :/ I have seen results though.

And yes, at the gym, if you knew what you were doing, you could probably get the same results. But you have to factor in driving time (my husband lives in LA, that's easily 30-45 each way), the monthly cost of membership, and for me, not having to work out in front of others is kind of a big deal.
 
I have no problem lifting hard, but can't make myself do the core work/cardio that I get from the workouts. Anyway, enough of me blabbing about it, I just don't think there's any way most people can push themselves as hard as the videos do, and also set up as well-rounded of an exercise program as it is.

Really? I don't feel like it's all that complicated to set up a well-rounded routine that integrates more of your personal goals into it, especially for those of us in a university environment who have access to (usually) pretty nice rec facilities. Also, lack of "pushing oneself" is a personal motivation issue and I would wager to guess that anyone who doesn't push themselves as hard at the gym as they do for the videos is going to get burned out on the videos and/or not have the commitment to finish the program anyway.

I realize the videos are more for general conditioning than any kind of sport or goal specific training, but I don't really think that makes them any better than a well-researched, well-planned routine that you can do at the gym. What about something like crossfit or plyometrics? Plenty of people do those.

I just don't feel like anything that incorporates resistance bands and light dumbbells instead of actual weights is going to lead to accomplishing much in the way of strength. Cardio and flexibility, sure, I'll buy...but then, you can just take a yoga class and go running.
 
Really? I don't feel like it's all that complicated to set up a well-rounded routine that integrates more of your personal goals into it, especially for those of us in a university environment who have access to (usually) pretty nice rec facilities. Also, lack of "pushing oneself" is a personal motivation issue and I would wager to guess that anyone who doesn't push themselves as hard at the gym as they do for the videos is going to get burned out on the videos and/or not have the commitment to finish the program anyway.

I realize the videos are more for general conditioning than any kind of sport or goal specific training, but I don't really think that makes them any better than a well-researched, well-planned routine that you can do at the gym. What about something like crossfit or plyometrics? Plenty of people do those.

I just don't feel like anything that incorporates resistance bands and light dumbbells instead of actual weights is going to lead to accomplishing much in the way of strength. Cardio and flexibility, sure, I'll buy...but then, you can just take a yoga class and go running.

After reading your response, I'm guessing that you probably haven't ever tried to do this program, much less tried to keep up with each workout. I could be wrong, but I don't think you would have made some of the comments you did. You say resistance bands and light dumbells, but last time I checked 60 pound dumbells aren't very light. Also, there are a ton of pull-ups in these workouts that are incredibly hard, depending on your weight of course. The point is that you get as heavy of dumbells as you can handle to build strength - you have the option of going heavier (6-10 reps) or lighter (10-16) depending on your goals. Also, I can't believe how well all of the push ups have built up my chest after being a guy who has benched all his life.

Anyway, I'm sure there's a couple people out there that can motivate themselves to work as hard as these videos push you, but they are a very small minority. After being a 3 sport HS athelete and a playing 4 years of a varsity sports in college plus working in the athletic deparment, I've met very few people that know how to put together as well-rounded of a workout as this one, and also push themselves to do it. I also realize that there are people that won't be able to motivate themselves, even with a video. I just know that I've worked out with a lot of different people over the last 15 years and these workouts are every bit as good as things we've done in the gym, but are more well-rounded.

Hey, you don't have to like the idea of workout videos - I know I didn't in the past. All I know is that if you haven't I would do some more research on the program and try it yourself, then decide. I'm not here to sell anyone on the dvds, but thinking they don't build strength is completely wrong. Spend some time on you tube and check out some of the people that have done the program and judge for yourself.
 
I just don't feel like anything that incorporates resistance bands and light dumbbells instead of actual weights is going to lead to accomplishing much in the way of strength. Cardio and flexibility, sure, I'll buy...but then, you can just take a yoga class and go running.

You don't have to use light dumbbells... my husband bought the adjustable ones that go up to like 50 lbs. Also, pull-ups, chin-ups, and push-ups are built into the program and all build strength. He can do a million more pull-ups now compared to when he first started; I definitely think he's gained strength from the program.
 
I think that a person COULD develop as good a workout program as p90x, but it would be very hard to make develop one as good as p90x. I am in Iraq and have been going to the gym daily for the past 4 mos. I feel as though I am in good shape and am increasing my strength and muscle tone daily. I still push myself just as hard in the gym as I do during p90x. HOWEVER, I feel like I was getting in shape faster while I was doing p90x and I can't wait to get back to the states to do p90x to improve my muscle tone even more. I agree with others in that it is the combo of all of the different videos and the muscle confusion that is incorporated in the daily weight training videos.
 
i've heard about this a couple times, and now am really inspired to try it. although i might see if i can try to find the dvds on craigslist rather than pay the full price. also, i'd have to still buy some of the workout stuff, including dumbbells (how much are adjustable dumbbells?), resistance bands, and protein powder. i already own a door frame pull up bar, so buying any of the packages online would be a waste. also the cooking/food plan might be a big issue for me, as i'd need to learn how to cook and stop taking such a high dose of adderall so that i could eat meals throughout the day. so i think i may have to wait for summer :-(.
 
It seems like everyone has positive things to say about the p90x, so I'm going to give it a try! Is it absolutely necessary to buy dumbells, resistance bands and a pull up bar, or can you do the exercises without them?
 
You don't have to use light dumbbells... my husband bought the adjustable ones that go up to like 50 lbs. Also, pull-ups, chin-ups, and push-ups are built into the program and all build strength. He can do a million more pull-ups now compared to when he first started; I definitely think he's gained strength from the program.

50 lb dumbbells are light when you're talking about doing strength based exercises. 😉
 
my bf and i have been doing the traditional gym and healthy foods. its been great so far. we pay 25$ month to month at Fitness First. we only buy healthy food so there is no junk in our apt. i've already lost 9 lbs in about 2 months and im not even going to the gym that often- one/two times a week. I think slow and steady will be great, by the time summer rolls around we will be looking like we did freshman yr of college! lol
 
Hey, you don't have to like the idea of workout videos - I know I didn't in the past. All I know is that if you haven't I would do some more research on the program and try it yourself, then decide. I'm not here to sell anyone on the dvds, but thinking they don't build strength is completely wrong. Spend some time on you tube and check out some of the people that have done the program and judge for yourself.

My mom and stepdad are both doing the program, minus the food part, like a lot of you said you are as well. If you want to go anecdotal, all I know is that over the last 6 months or so with them doing the P90X and me* cycling, lifting heavy, incorporating some crossfit elements and playing ice hockey twice a week, I have seen much better results than either of them.

*I am a former Division I athlete as well.
 
Morganator - i agree with your posts 100%, which is why i started the program after much research. I have lifted weights for 20 years, prepared for a bodybuilding contest, played 3 sports in college and at 37, was the best shape in my life last year after training/fighting MMA/kickboxing for the last 10 years. I attribute this not only to my dedication, but to having a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach (MMA specific) for the first time ever. I trained with them 3-4 x's a week on top of my other training. They had me doing things i didn't know i could do.

Yes, you can develop your own program and get great results. I have talked to a lot of people who have used P90x and am most impressed with how difficult they say the workouts are. I absolutely would not do half of these exercises in the gym - for fear of looking like a *****, mostly, but also because it is just not set up well for this type of training. I personally respond very well to being 'coached' and feel as though i will get much more out of the DVD's simply because i'm being told what to do.

Nyan - i'm sure you get a great workout with your routine. I also cycle competitively and am using this program for the upcoming race season. However, to compare your parents results with yours isn't really apples to apples now, is it? 🙄

I say whatever works best for an individual, is what they should obviously do. I work out of my house, so this is perfect to fit in at lunch, or a lull in the day.

Yes, most workouts are at least an hour, but i typically commuted at least 30 minutes round trip to the gym and then worked out an hour, so i am definitley saving time. Not to mention, you don't have to be worried about the operating hours of a gym.

I feel as though i am going to get great results with all of the pull-up work, mixed in with other upper body exercises. The plyos are fantastic too. At the gym, using the pull-up bar is problematic since it is in the middle of the multi-exercise rack and during busy times, you feel like a jerk doing pull ups since you essentially prohibit two or three other people from doing their exercises.

Anyways, to each his own and it's great to see that some have had great results. I personally feel that the nutrition part is as important as the workouts, so i will be following the 'diet' to a T once I officially start. It does take some preparation, but i am used to eating this way, as it is pretty similar to a bodybuilding diet.

My P90x was purchased on Craig's List in new condition for a fraction of the cost. I was not told the exact amount, as it was a present. 😀
 
My mom and stepdad are both doing the program, minus the food part, like a lot of you said you are as well. If you want to go anecdotal, all I know is that over the last 6 months or so with them doing the P90X and me* cycling, lifting heavy, incorporating some crossfit elements and playing ice hockey twice a week, I have seen much better results than either of them.

*I am a former Division I athlete as well.

I understand that you work out hard doing a variety of different exercises and activities to reach your fitness goals. You very well may do a better job of getting in shape on your own, my only point is that most people don't have a clue how to truly push themselves and create routines that will hit all aspects of fitness. The only point of my mentioning my past involvement in athletics was not to brag, but to say through all my experiences I didn't run into many people that have the knowledge to vary their training well enough to accomplish the same things the videos do...myself included.

I would call you the exception - and that's great for you. I'm just saying you truly can't make a judgement on how your body would respond to the training unless you do it yourself. Also, you can't seriously be comparing yourself to your parents (I'm assuming they're at least 1.5 times your age or more) progress with the videos. You have to take the age factor in, and do you know exactly how hard they are working each day when doing it? Just saying you're seeing more progress than they are is comparing apples to oranges. You would have to compare doing it yourself vs. your current methods.

The last thing I forgot to mention is the advantage to someone like myself in the rural midwest. I have basically no options outside, especially this winter with everything snow and ice covered. I can't bike, ski, hike, or run outside in this weather. That's why this is a great option while I'm stuck mostly indoors over the winter months until I can get biking and running again outside. Anyway, I feel like I'm wasting my breath because you feel like it's not a good program, but I just say it's impossible for you to know unless you at least try it for 4 weeks and then decide. I've known a number of people who buy it and half-ass the program and just get mediocre results. I'm sure someone with your motivation would really have great gains, but I doubt you would ever try it to find out.
 
I think I'm coming across a little differently than I actually feel, and I apologize for that. I don't really have anything against this routine in particular; it's probably great for some people. When I was at my mom's house for the holidays I did skim over the various exercises, and I know that they definitely look very challenging, particularly when strung together. That same principle is a lot of what guides crossfit as well.

For me it's the opposite of a lot of people. I am far more intrinsically motivated than extrinsically, so I do tend to push myself a lot harder than anybody else could. At the same time, I derive energy and stimulation from being in an environment like a gym, and I like to be able to interact with others, see what they are doing, talk about form and other such things.

As you both kind of said (flyhi and Morganator), it comes down to personal preference, and I don't think that I personally would thrive in a program that I do in front of a screen at home. I also think that just ignoring the "diet" part of it is a bit shortsighted, but if you're paying attention to your macronutrient breakdown and getting the essential vitamins it's probably not THAT big of a deal. After all, results do begin in the kitchen. 😉

Oh and flyhi, I'm really only into cyclocross as far as competition goes - I get too bored on the road, but there are enough trails and such around there that I can beat myself and my bike up on that it works out well. :laugh:
 
Okay, you guys have inspired me to give this a try. I've been too wussy to get outside and run since it got cold, and even if I bought a gym membership I'm not sure how often I'd make it there. We shall see what happens...
 
It seems like everyone has positive things to say about the p90x, so I'm going to give it a try! Is it absolutely necessary to buy dumbells, resistance bands and a pull up bar, or can you do the exercises without them?

@Crazy Hippos, you definitely need some sort of resistance to do the program. If you only want to buy one thing, then get a set of bands because you can do all the exercises with it. I personally use dumbbells for most the exercises and resistance bands instead of a pull up bar.

I love love love this program, and was amazed how much better I looked after only one week--and getting better all the time.

I got mine off eBay for about $50-60 or so.

The one downside is finding the time--but once you get in the groove it's way worth it.

I would never be able to put together this sort of program at the gym. Can't say enough good things about it. Not only are the exercises good, it's also really motivating, and even the music and set they use are great.

I don't follow the nutrition plan--I eat pretty healthy already--but I do drink a glass of chocolate milk as my recovery drink! That's my motivator. 😀

Anyway, there's my 2 cents, and 2 thumbs up!
 
50 lb dumbbells are light when you're talking about doing strength based exercises. 😉

:laugh:. You are taking it out of context, but i'm sure the joke is on me cause you are kidding, right?. One exercise with 50lb dumbbells...easy. Doing compound movements, 15 exercises, higher reps, using 50 lb dumbbells after plyometrics.....totally different.

Plus, 50 lbs on shoulders for squats....easy....

50 lb dumbbell shoulder presses....pretty heavy.
 
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That same principle is a lot of what guides crossfit as well.

Oh and flyhi, I'm really only into cyclocross as far as competition goes - I get too bored on the road, but there are enough trails and such around there that I can beat myself and my bike up on that it works out well. :laugh:

What exactly is crossfit??

cyclocross is cool stuff - i am too much of a weather weenie to endure though. Plus, not much of a 'runner'. Now, what made you think i was a roadie? :scared: hmmm, not so much. i too, cannot take the monotony of it and it takes sooooo long to do a ride. My team wants me to do crits and such, but I am a mountain biker at heart ...cross country racing it is....fast paced, get it done. Yes, i put in some road miles for conditioning, but only when i have too....brutally boring 🙄
 
i just set up a time on sunday to buy the dvds from a guy selling them on craigslist! my roommate and i are going to do it together and i am very excited to get back in shape. i'm especially hoping i'll see improvement in my fitness level before the end of snowboarding season. i think i'm going to buy a set of resistance bands on ebay, and then skip the dumbbells for now and see how it works without them.
anyway, thanks flyhi for this post, as it motivated me to take the plunge and buy the dvds.
 
i havent used p90x, but i do the insanity workout. you use your own body weight for resistance, which i like more than using actual weights. the workout is killer, but the results are worth it!
 
What exactly is crossfit??

http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-crossfit.html 😀

cyclocross is cool stuff - i am too much of a weather weenie to endure though. Plus, not much of a 'runner'. Now, what made you think i was a roadie? :scared: hmmm, not so much. i too, cannot take the monotony of it and it takes sooooo long to do a ride. My team wants me to do crits and such, but I am a mountain biker at heart ...cross country racing it is....fast paced, get it done. Yes, i put in some road miles for conditioning, but only when i have too....brutally boring 🙄

Ah good, roadies are annoying what with their massive concern over how many grams the cleats on their shoes are and such. :laugh:

edit: And as far as the dumbbell thing - if I am going to lift for the sake of lifting I prefer to go heavy, which of course means low reps and higher weights. My 1RM for the deadlift is 245 lbs, so a little over 2x bodyweight. 😀 Obviously crossfit time and plyometrics are a whole different animal..

I could see split goblet squats being a little difficult with 50 lb dumbbells though, lol...
 
Ok, I knew it rang a bell. I investigated it in Vegas after i hung up my gloves. This type of training appeals to me and is definitely hard core. It reminds me of some of my strength sessions. No question i would prefer to do that type of training over the gym or a dvd. Unfortunately, they don't offer it everywhere. very cool though.

Roadies are.......well, roadies. I say, lose a few pounds and quit worrying about how many ounces your damn saddle weighs!
 
While we're on this topic, can anyone recommend any good Yoga/Pilates videos (other than the p90x one)?
 
P90X is awesome because it gives you a pretty well designed program that you can do in your home.

How awesome it ends up being is really about how hard you push yourself.

That's doubly true for the diet.

I'm not sure if it's worth the sticker price though. All of the information you could possibly want about fitness, strength training, and diet are all available on the internet. The workouts aren't anything that hasn't been done before - and a lot of people would argue that the low weight/high rep scheme isn't done because it's optimal - it's done because that's all you can do given the limited equipment needed.

If you don't have the equipment, the space for the equipment, or 300-400 dollars to get equipment, and don't want to join a gym, then P90X is a good.

But, if you are going to follow a strict diet (P90X is pretty darn strict) and work out six days a week, at least an hour a day - you'd see amazing results doing just about anything.
 
I did P90X a couple of months ago and it totally works. I had to stop because I was getting too bulky but I started being able to lift weights that I haven't been able to since I was a competitive swimmer. I didn't follow the Nutrition plan strictly, meaning I didn't actually use the recipes, but I only ate the types of foods that were recommended.

It's really a great workout routine and Tony Horton is funny to laugh at.
 
I was talking to my friend who is in nursing school, and she had to staple the top of some guys head back together because he was doing p90x. He was using the bands and pulling so hard that he pulled the column from the house and the roof collapsed
 
I was talking to my friend who is in nursing school, and she had to staple the top of some guys head back together because he was doing p90x. He was using the bands and pulling so hard that he pulled the column from the house and the roof collapsed


i know this is serious but the mental images are hilarious
 
While we're on this topic, can anyone recommend any good Yoga/Pilates videos (other than the p90x one)?

This is the video (not very long) I do after cardio sometimes:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7536776982515184940#

I took a Yoga/Pilates class in the past and some of the exercises were very similar. Does anyone else have other videos they can share?

Wow.. looks like I need to check out the p90x too after reading this thread. :laugh:
 
I've been recently considering getting a used copy of p90x to mix things up. I work out at a community center gym which was recently revamped and is GORGEOUS, and is a measly $170 for an entire year of membership, which works out to be about $15 a month. Luckily I live about .5 miles away and I can generally get a quick half-hour workout in before I go to work in the morning, which is a mere 2 miles away.
I also use a lot of the videos on SparkPeople, which is a free site similar to Weightwatchers, but I like it a lot better. A lot of the videos there are Pilates based, and you can vary your intensity based on body position and increasing resistance bands. Throw in riding my horse a few days a week and I'm doing ok. I'm not at skinny as I was when I was working full time at a barn and riding 3 horses a day, but I like being fit!
 
Whyevernot55, is your avatar quote from Veronica Mars? 😉
 
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