P90X - Program Review

A few months ago I wrote a short review on an exercise/workout DVD I'd been following. You can read about it here if you want to read it, but my purpose is not to compare so for this post I'm only going to talk about the DVD set I've been working to lately - P90X. This is one of the better known workout, (I hate that word) routines sold for home use and as such, many of you have probably tried it. It is one of the more expensive sets although deals can be had if you shop around. It's also not a routine for beginners; you do need a good base level of fitness to get the most from it. Feel free to comment and/or disagree; this is purely my opinion.

Most sessions are around the one hour mark so if you just want a quick fix this may not be for you and if you aren't familiar with some of the exercises you may need to press pause while you catch up. But this to me is one of its better strengths; you know you're in for a long session so you prepare accordingly and give yourself plenty of time - a time to let your mind relax and just follow instructions. The instructor also makes a very good point about the pause button; he encourages you to use it, take time out, grab a drink and "we'll still be here when you get back." You are also encouraged to take body measurements and 'before' photos to be able to determine genuine improvements. There is quite a slow pace feeling to the 'workouts', (where did that word come from?) and I like the amount of time given to each exercise as it gives you time to rest briefly and carry on - particularly valuable for 'maximum rep' exercises such as push-ups and pull-ups. I often find myself 'done' and yet while waiting for the program to move on, I manage to find the strength to do a few more - no chance of this if you're rushing to keep up!

The routine is broken up into strength training days and cardio days with some martial arts and yoga thrown in for balance, flexibility and variety - don't be fooled, the 90 minute yoga is tough! Personally, my favourites are the strength days; each time I finish a session I really do feel finished! There is a lot of emphasis put on writing everything down, from reps to weight etc but it really does help - if you haven't done a certain routine for a while it's nice to be reminded of what/how you did last time. It also encourages you to keep improving which after all, is the whole point, right...

On the ever so slightly downside, and this might be just me, I do find the martial art based routine and even the cardio to a point rely on some semblance of co-ordination. Not my strong point here at all so I often find that I don't get the cardio workout I need, being too busy trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing with this leg and that arm. (Damn autocorrect - I'm sure I didn't write 'workout'!)

It's a 90 day program which is great if you manage to follow it everyday, but I find that once real life sets in, and the fact that I like to run, mountain bike or do nothing some days instead, it can take a whole lot longer to work through it. This however takes away nothing from the benefits unless you have this strict goal to achieve a certain fitness level in a set time. Me, I'm on a constant 'upward and onward' of all aspects of my health, not just the hard core fitness. I've never seen my dog lift weights or do pull-ups but she always manages to run me ragged in the hills - never seen her complain or get angry either so there's a lot to learn there...  

There are a few props you need to appreciate this course fully; a choice of dumbbells are to be expected but not everyone has a pull-up bar or push-up bars. I'm a great believer in using push-up bars as I have wrist issues and I would strongly recommend a pull-up bar even if you currently struggle with that particular exercise - if you do struggle, I would also recommend a stability ball to help you 'cheat' the exercise. And by 'cheat' I mean it as an assistance method - there is no shame in not being able to perform pull-ups, but they are an awesome exercise to master!

Each routine is started with an easy going and light-hearted warm up where we get introduced to the team, (of very real people, not super models or professional athletes which is good to see!) and everything is explained very well, including the 'tip of the day'. The instructor Tony, is very good at making people feel OK with wherever they are and has a very motivating technique based on our individuality.

So would I recommend P90X to my clients? Absolutely; as long as you are relatively fit to start with and you at least try to follow the routine regularly, you WILL see a measured improvement...

Bwhahhaa!!!