Prepping for P90X? Any advice appreciated

[leeland]

I am trying to psych myself up for starting P90X and have watched a couple of the videos to see how the workout is run...it looks like it will kick your ass...

From what I have been reading it sounds like you will be SORE when done...


I haven't worked out consistently since college (close to 15 years ago)...


During that time it was the creatin craze which helped recover fast in-between workouts.

Aside from a lot of rest and eating right does anyone have any past experience with the P90X series and what did and didn't work for them?


My goal is to try to cut about 15-20 lb's / Tone up / and get into shape for doing my second marathon this year.


Thanks in advance,

Lee

 

[TheUnk]

I used the recovery drinks, they seemed to help with the muscle soreness. I only had one every other day.

I lost about 10lbs in the end.

Good program and I still use the videos but cut them short since 1hr+ a day is pretty

 

[SociallyChallenged]

As with any sort of fitness program, start slow. Don't try to destroy yourself. Even if you feel alright during the workout, you're going to be excessively sore for the next week if you overdo it. Don't be afraid to take breaks or stop the program early. Just try to reduce the number of breaks and increase the amount of the program you complete over the following weeks. You can hurt yourself if you overdo it so listen to your body.

 

[Sixguns]

Call me crazy but I like the soreness I get from working out. Lets me know I am working.

But dont push it to hard the first couple of weeks. I did that last year when I started lifting. Almost caused me to quit because I hurt so bad.

 

[Cookie]

I agree. I like the soreness. I'm on day 12 of p90x. By the end of the first week I was really sore, this week isn't so bad. I've been stretching a lot more during the day and going to soak in hot tub before bed every 2 or 3 nights. It seems to help. I lost 5 pounds the first week, but gained 3 back in the last 4 days. I hope it's mostly muscle. At least I can finally do more than 1 chinup! The workouts are very motivating so far. It's easy to keep with it, but like I said, I'm only on day 12. I can feel the exhaustion too. I couldn't stay up past ten pm on Friday night I was beat.

 

[leeland]

I agree. I like the soreness. I'm on day 12 of p90x. By the end of the first week I was really sore, this week isn't so bad. I've been stretching a lot more during the day and going to soak in hot tub before bed every 2 or 3 nights. It seems to help. I lost 5 pounds the first week, but gained 3 back in the last 4 days. I hope it's mostly muscle. At least I can finally do more than 1 chinup! The workouts are very motivating so far. It's easy to keep with it, but like I said, I'm only on day 12. I can feel the exhaustion too. I couldn't stay up past ten pm on Friday night I was beat.

congrats for starting the program...in my head I think that is the biggest hurdle initially...knowing that you are going to be sore...knowing that you can only do 5-10-15 push ups.

I don't plan on starting to fast, I had done that in the past and am so sore you can't even move...it isn't a sprint lol it is a jog at the beginning, the hard part in my head is getting over the initial hump, changing the attitude and sticking with it....

Thanks for the tips guys!

Lee

 

[mOeeOm]

I've done several rounds of p90x, still going. Are you sure you should be doing p90x? The p90x fit test is 3 pull ups and 15 pushups from what I remember, if you can't do that maybe start on p90? If you are not ready for p90x classic but still want to do it, try p90x lean. Use a chair for pull ups/chin ups and knees for pushups until you can do 15-20 then switch to real. You will be sore, but what's great about p90x is the muscle groups you workout alternate so you won't be hitting the same twice.

PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Cookie]

I've done several rounds of p90x, still going. Are you sure you should be doing p90x? The p90x fit test is 3 pull ups and 15 pushups from what I remember, if you can't do that maybe start on p90? If you are not ready for p90x classic but still want to do it, try p90x lean. Use a chair for pull ups/chin ups and knees for pushups until you can do 15-20 then switch to real. You will be sore, but what's great about p90x is the muscle groups you workout alternate so you won't be hitting the same twice.

PM me if you have any questions.

Not sure if you're referring to me only being able to do 1 chinup, or the OP. You're right about the fit test requirements, but for females it was less. 1 chinup (I did 1), and 3 real pushups (I did 10). I do use the chair for chinups, but relying on it less and less. I was using knees for most pushups too, but I should stop, especially for round 1.

 

[mOeeOm]

Not sure if you're referring to me only being able to do 1 chinup, or the OP. You're right about the fit test requirements, but for females it was less. 1 chinup (I did 1), and 3 real pushups (I did 10). I do use the chair for chinups, but relying on it less and less. I was using knees for most pushups too, but I should stop, especially for round 1.

I was referring to OP. I couldn't do any real pushups or pull ups when I started, so I did p90x lean. Was just letting OP know that's a good option if he does not feel ready for p90x classic.

 

[iluvdeal]

When you initally start doing it, don't worry about matching the guys and gals on the video rep for rep. They've been doing the workout for a lot longer than you. Don't feel like you have to quit if it feels too difficult, just do your best. In the beginning, hit pause, take longer breaks, do as many reps as you can, Tony encourages that so don't feel bad about it. You haven't worked out in a long time, so ease your body back into that routine. You'll get stronger and you'll be able to do more with each week that passes.

If weight loss is your main goal, the eating guide is not optional. Follow it and use the food diary.

 

[leeland]

I was referring to OP. I couldn't do any real pushups or pull ups when I started, so I did p90x lean. Was just letting OP know that's a good option if he does not feel ready for p90x classic.

I can meet the bare requirements (pushups easy...pull ups...not so much but I can do it)...I appreciate the notice though...I wasn't familiar with the different version.

 

[SandEagle]

I quit after two weeks. very intense, even the warm ups. just didnt have time to do it everyday . great program if u can stick with it

 

[Wyndru]

You could look into P90X2, from what I hear it's less taxing on beginners and structured differently to not make you sore starting out. P90X kind of dumps you fully into all of the exercises at once.

P90X2 takes a whole new approach to fitness. It uses the same 90-Day philosphy, but this time is broken up into three distinct phases.

-Phase 1: Foundation, works on your base strength and flexibility. This will make sure you can complete the rest of the program without injury while increasing your foundation. Clever, I know!

-Phase 2: Strength, will see you lifting heavier and uses a concept called Instability to maximize your muscle usage.

-Phase 3: Performance, is where the money’s at. Here you’ll find yourself working just like an athlete. Using Post-Activation Training, or PAP, to truly maximize your results and potential.

 

[mOeeOm]

I can meet the bare requirements (pushups easy...pull ups...not so much but I can do it)...I appreciate the notice though...I wasn't familiar with the different version.

p90x lean replaces one of the weight days with core, the plyo day with cardio, and the rest week is easier from what I remember. I did one round of lean before classic. Highly recommend you do that before you go for classic if you're not great with pushups and pull ups.

 

[Lounatik]

I disagree with starting on lean. I started the classic with the ability to do zero pullups, maybe 5-6 situps and about thirty seconds on wall squats. All of this prodigious strength at the tender age of 44. Just modify as many moves as you want, and the strength will come in time. If you can get into the mindset like the former fat guy on the infomercial who calls it p lifetime x, then you can make progress in small steps, and before you know it, you'll have several rounds under your belt and will be amazed at your progress. Remember to keep crushing play!


Peace


Lounatik

 

[tedrodai]

When you initally start doing it, don't worry about matching the guys and gals on the video rep for rep....just do your best.

Yes! My mother-in-law mentioned recently when a P90X commercial came on the TV:

"You have to be in really good shape to do P90X. Your sister-in-law recently tried to do it and she couldn't keep up, so she had to give up."

I actually had to slap my hand to my forhead and shake my head. Do your best each time and you'll improve step by step. Keep it up, and you'll reach your goals.

 

[Wyndru]

Yes! My mother-in-law mentioned recently when a P90X commercial came on the TV:

"You have to be in really good shape to do P90X. Your sister-in-law recently tried to do it and she couldn't keep up, so she had to give up."

I actually had to slap my hand to my forhead and shake my head. Do your best each time and you'll improve step by step. Keep it up, and you'll reach your goals.

Yup, Tony Horton actually repeatedly reminds you of this in all of the workouts. (That and having a recovery drink at the end :awe. I had to take a lot of breaks in the beginning, just pause the video, regain my energy and continue.

 

[DarkForceRising]

Yup, Tony Horton actually repeatedly reminds you of this in all of the workouts. (That and having a recovery drink at the end :awe. I had to take a lot of breaks in the beginning, just pause the video, regain my energy and continue.

This, basically. First time I did Plyo, I felt like I was gonna die most of the time. Finishing probably took me nearly two hours with all the breaks I needed.

 

[Cookie]

This, basically. First time I did Plyo, I felt like I was gonna die most of the time. Finishing probably took me nearly two hours with all the breaks I needed.

Ya, no kidding

I just finished Plyo - week 3 10 min ago. It's amazing how much difference 'bringing it' makes in it being easier and easier to keep up each time you try. Everyone has to start somewhere. All it takes is persistence.

 

[DarkForceRising]

I should probably also mention that Plyo ended up being my favorite workout of the lot. It took work to get there, though.

 

[eersnherd]

I'm starting P90x on Monday. I did 2 rounds in 2009. Skipped the yoga. Maintained the diet, starting with few carbs then carbing up along the way. Went from 240 to 180. The only advice I have is to have adjustable weights so you don't feel like you have maxed out on the work out. I had 23lbs max in 09', I picked up the 50lb powerblocks last week. I'm getting ready to bring it. Also went from 2 pull up to 12 by the time I was finished. It works!