Monday, March 19, 2007

Failure, the P90X Way

I've learned a lot about fitness in the past five years - how to eat, how to balance, what works, what doesn't. What has surprised me about P90X is what it's teaching me about failure.

I'm not just talking about pushing to failure, that muscle-tension mantra that we shoot for when we're taking on more weight for our triceps or whatever. I'm also referring to the entire concept of Bloody Hell, I Just Can't Do This. Now, I am no athlete, although I have tried to adopt that mentality; but there are parts of the P90 workout that I just can't do. And I am learning more about my physical self, my mental approach and my spirit from those exercises than I am from the others.

Case in point: there is this ratbastard push-up in the Chest and Back workout called a Dive Bomber. It has some origins in yoga, but essentially it entails scooping your chest low from a Downward Dog through a push-up position, then reversing it. Not just lowering your chest, scooping it, like you're trying to get under a low fence. Push-ups are tough for me anyway, the upper body focus of P90X was what made me click the buy button. But HOLY Mother of Tony Horton, this thing...I can't even pretend to fake it, can't get close to it, can't even whisper to its future self, I Can't Do It.

And I love that.

Mind you, I have had to fake and stumble through many of the sets during this first three weeks. This is no weenie workout, any of it, even the yoga busts my ass. But the Dive Bomber is telling me stories, like:

- I am not where I thought I was physically
- How I frame this is going to shape the entire 90-day result
- The Dive Bomber is the Signpost

The first is self explanatory - I knew I wasn't an Olympian but I have been able to hop in and out of my concept of "fit" pretty easily. Dive Bomber tells me I am nowhere near the true value of the term fit.

The second, the framing part, comes from an incredibly influencial article written by Alan Deutschman (an article he expanded into a book) for Fast Company magazine, called "Change or Die." Essentially, "I can't do Dive Bomber" will inevitably ensure that I won't ever be able to do Dive Bomber. Instead, I change the frame. The new one is "I'm coming after you, DB, and I will not stop until I have you." This is something that Tony Horton and the P90 program promotes from the beginning - "you're not taking a 'before' picture, you're taking a 'goodbye!' picture." Might seem like simple semantics, but baby, that shit matters. Boy, does it matter.

The last? Dive Bomber is the Signpost. Fear is a famous Signpost; avoidance is one too. You know the Signpost - it points the way to the right road, so you follow it. I may not end this 90 days in the best shape of my life, but Dive Bomber, that fabulous slap in my fitness face, will tell me precisely how many miles I have to go, and what direction to take to get there.

So: How I fail now will determine how I succeed later. (Oh, yeah, NOW it makes sense...)

All this being said, I have wanted to post this for days and wish I had posted it every day: I flipped the switch about day 10 - I can't get P90X out of my head. I plan my day around the workout, and slightly obsess about the food program (I had to have an intervention because it's Girl Scout Cookie season. I did not lose the faith, just followed the shiny thing for a bit) and I - seriously - look forward to the workouts, I do. I have a workout partner. He's a hard-driving bastard who won't let me off the hook. I flail all over the place but he keeps me solid. And every day I see him I thank GOD he can't see me.

71 comments:

Sara said...

So how does Tony Horton's mom play in all of this?
:) - nice post, btw!

mjs said...

truly an excellent and insightful post about the nature of working with p90x.

while dive bombers were easy for me there are plenty of other moves that are DB's for me even after eight weeks of p90x-ing. But feeling that these barriers are transcendable through consistent effort makes the program that much more satisfying.

I, like you, healthily focus on my workouts and I am already planning future fitness goals once the program is done while I feel ripples of strength in me during the day and convince myself that I can do five fingertip pushups in the bathroom at work..and then I can!

since starting the program I have tried to read about others experiences with p90x on blogs...this is the best and most thoughtful post I have come across that embodies the spirit of the process. if you need/want an p90x email partner feel free to contact me - mstillman at gmail dot com

jhard said...

Hey i just started the p90x program and i am in the 2nd week now. And yes it is kicking my ass but i enjoy it. I enjoy the posts because it lets me know that other people struggle with the exercises as well. I get pissed at the videos because the people seem to be doing it so easy and it is good to know that is not always the case.

Anonymous said...

This was a great post!!!! Keep on bringing it!

Anonymous said...

Ab Killer X is my sign post. I can't do a whole set of anything except the in & outs but I just keep on bringin' it. I'm excited to see where I'm at on Day 90.

"Holy mother of Tony Horton." I love that line. Love it!

Anonymous said...

Hey man! I loved reading your post about the P90X program. Its totally true how hard it can be for some people. I loved what you wrote here,

"I have a workout partner. He's a hard-driving bastard who won't let me off the hook. I flail all over the place but he keeps me solid. And every day I see him I thank GOD he can't see me."

Its funny cause I often say the same thing.. Thank God he can't see me.. lol!

Unknown said...

ditto, great post.

I'm in week 6 now, and everything i've read so far is true. I felt my fitness levels rise immensely through phase one, but my appearance didn't change an ounce. I'm now 2 weeks into "phase 2" and everything is started to pop in my arms and legs, and shirts that accented my man-boobs are now started to show an inkling sculpted chest. I play soccer, and last week my goal kicks mysteriously gained 20 yards.

I'm telling you, this stuff works, and i'm started to get addicted to the results. I haven't been following the diet at all, but doing 5-6 workouts a week is a great start, for a college grad who finally put down the pizza and beer and got fit.

btw, the "flip grip pullups" are MOST DEF. my "signpost." I would literaly get mad during that portion of 'legs and back' b/c i couldn't do it. Now i do pullups almost daily to try to catch up.

Anonymous said...

Ok...I've read the posts regarding P90X. My husband really wants us to order it and get started. I am 49, in rather good shape, play tennis 2-3 times a week and Nordic Track 35 minutes per day 5-6 days per week. However.....I am lazy at heart and LOVE to eat. How much of a chance to I have of actually completing these excercises? Plus, other an a tv and DVD player, what else do we need?

Tamsen said...

hey, anonymous, you can definitely take on P90X. for several reasons:

1. it's hard but not impossibly hard as long as you're a consciously fit person (meaning you know when to push and when to back off), which you sound like you are.

2. you won't be successful at all the sets right off the bat. like i said: failure is good. the greatest gift this program offers is TOTAL fitness - it will find your weak spots and help you improve them. you find them through failure (you know, getting through a single one-armed push-up then falling on the floor gasping - that failure).

3. you work at your own pace at your own level. several times during the sessions, tony will say, "hey, need to pause the tape? PAUSE THE TAPE! breaks are good."

4. love to eat? you had better love to eat on this program. the recommended food intake is far more than i'm accustomed to, and frankly that was the most difficult part of the program for me. you HAVE to eat consistent portions all day long to get through the energy burning you're doing. (see my EGGPOUNDER 4000 post from july called P90X Food.)

as far as other stuff you need: weights or bands, a pull-up bar (if you opt for weights; pull-ups can be simulated with bands to an extent), room to move (you'll cover some ground in the the Ploymetrics portion. the space i use is about 12' x 9' - very small, but a clear workspace with no furniture) a workout mat or yoga mat.

weights vs. bands: i use bands for their versatility. i have about 6 of them, and can switch out mid-movement quickly if i want more or less resistance. with weights, i found i fell into the "well, this one's too hard but the next weight is too light..." dilemma. the drawback to bands is that you don't get resistance throughout the full range of the movement; but to be honest, that hasn't had a negative effect on my strength development, because at the peak of the movement, i'm definitely working.

bottom line: GO FOR IT. P90X is the most worthwhile fitness investment i have ever made. seriously.

hope this was helpful! feel free to email me at passerendre@yahoo.com if you want more info!

Anonymous said...

The dive bomber/Ab Ripper comments make me chuckle. I too was so frustrated after the first couple of weeks with this program that I nearly kicked it to the curb. As Tony said though, if you can only do 2 or 3, just do them & move on. I stuck with it, made it through the 90 days and still do my favorite workouts 3 or 4 days a week 6 months later. I wouldn't say I achieved huge results, but I did add quite a bit of definition to my lats, biceps & holy tricep increase. My abs shaped up nicely as well, even though they don't look like Adam "the ripped king." Honestly, even if you have to flail through the exercises, use 12 oz cans for weights and your newspaper rubber bands for resistance, keep with it for 90 days, including the diet & you will see results. BRING IT!!

Anonymous said...

wow.. P90X is really getting popular.. and it seems like everyone has the same story, that is very hard at first but if you stick with it, you will eventually do well with it. Anyways.. thanks for the post!

Anonymous said...

I laugh at what your writing because as a P90x person who is only on day 7 I also fear the dive bombers, but you know what? I know that on the next workout that requires dive bombers that I will do one or two more than I did last week. I know in two weeks I will do even more. Too many people go into P90x as the 90 day cure to being fat and flabby, but P90x is about long term success. You do what you can do, you can only do 1 dive bomber with no form this week and you are working hard the rest of the workout, you will do 2 or 3 the next time. It is not a signpost of failure unless YOU MAKE IT A SIGNPOST. Get that out of your head and do your best and in 90 days, you will do better. In 120 days you will be fantastic, and in two years when you are still working out, still doing dive bombers you will look back and laugh.

I know I sound like I am a p90 freak, but I am not. I just see myself getting stronger already. I was never able to do a pull up before p90x, but now, I can do 1. That is called achievement. Next week, I will do 2 or 3. In 90 days I will do 10-15.

P90X is what you bring to it. Create a stopsign and you stop. Kick it down and move forward getting stronger.

Bernard
http://www.raisingeli.com

Bee said...

I'm just stopping in reading people's thoughts on P90X as a beginner to the program.

I have been doing those workouts along with a couple other Beachbody programs, and I totally agree with you. Core Synergistics is just this total body hell that I still manage to look forward to. And I also felt the yoga in ways that I have never felt my body hurt before. And it does rock!

Good luck on your journey with P90X— hopefully you're still with it and enjoying the benefits. It's always great to find those workouts that make you feel like you really are growing— both physically and mentally :~)

Anonymous said...

I have 2 friends that are trying to convince me to get p90x, and i am thinking about it, as soon as i can put on some weight. See, I am in *ok* shape, I look like i am in good shape, but that's just because i have a little muscle, and even less fat, but im not nearly at what i want to be at. The thing is, I don't think i will be able to put on weight with the system. I am at 5'8"-5'9" and 140 pounds right now. i would like to put on another 30-40 pounds (think 170 is too much for 5/9"?) and then start the workout, I just can't mannage to put on weight. BLAH!

AlohaHands said...

Wow, what else to say? It's all here! P90X is a pretty good program; the cardio workout is pretty easy actually and both my son and I get through it no problem (except maybe on the rapid low-sqat high-jumping section ;-) But, P90X as a program is pretty good and can be pretty challenging on some days while some days are pretty simple. I like it for the variety and Tony Horton's energy and dry humor keeps my son chuckling and forgetting that he is "not having" a good time working out.

"Get out of your head; Just show up!"

Anonymous said...

P90X works! It's as simple as that. I'm a 42 year old 6 foot married guy with no discernable athletic talent (well...I can walk pretty well), and this program kicked me into the best shape I've ever been in. I started at 240 pounds and 30% body fat, and 90 days later (this past weekend) got to 206 pounds and 18% body fat.

My goal is 185 and 10-15% bf.

I used a band instead of the chin up bar, but hand weights are essential. I was horrible at most techniques the first month but made huge leaps the final two.

I did the doubles routine and also stuck legalistically to the nutrition plan, and watched the weight drop dramatically even though I was eating more calories and meals per day than I ever had.

Like others say, it is a fun program I look forward to every day (yes, I am repeating the program, and plan to from here on out).

Anonymous said...

"Holy Mother of Tony Horton!"...I'm still smiling over that on.
Any hooo, I just ordered my copy of P90X but I don't plan on starting the program immediately. I have been out of shape for over a year, and have found myself 30 pounds heavier. I'm starting back on the treadmill in the mornings and doing wieghts at night until I work through the muscle soreness. My reasoning behind this is I don't want to start P90X and then have to stop at day 3 because I can't move. I'm afraid that "rest" will derail the program for me. (I have a lot of confidence in myself... can't you tell)But I can tell from experience, everytime I "jump start" back in to a fitness routine, even if I take it slowly, I'm very sore the next 3 - 4 days.
Did anyone else find that a problem when starting the program?

My new years goal is to start and finish the program 3 rounds next year. So if I workout on my own till then, I should be ready for the "Holy Mother".

REALLY enjoyed reading this blog. Great information and inspiration.

Tamsen said...

ha! thanks for your comment. yeah, the soreness thing - luckily this plan is set up to let the muscle groups rest between workouts, but that doesn't mean you're going to be physically ready for the next pounding. soreness isn't a bad thing, and you can always modify your intensity during the workouts. saying that, i think your approach is good, prepping for this program is wise. but don't let it move off your radar - set a date and go for it. you'll be glad you did.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,

We just ordered the p90x and I got it yesterday(my birthday.) So I decided to start on Monday so I can finish my cake. lol. I worried alot after ordering it that I wouldn't/couldn't push myself and actually do everything I needed to. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to eat but i'm in an otherwise healthy shape except for a few pounds.

After looking at the food plan I started to calm down. It is alot of food but healthy food.

Whats everyones experience with weight lose? Dramatic? Slight? I read one of the comments talking about muscle definition but not really weight lose.

My signposts are definitely going to be the pull ups on the bars. I already fear them.

Any tips?

Anonymous said...

Good advise. I'll be determining my start date after I find out when all my holiday company leaves. :-)

Tamsen said...

hey ele, i challenged sara after her Superman Banana post - it's all about pull-ups. care to join us? i have a strong suspicion that challenge will be a breeze. fear not the pull-up!

i did drop weight as long as i stuck to the food program, but i was very undisciplined about it. this time around i have FOODIE SARA to consult with, and that helps a lot.

the P90X community is strong and vibrant. if you need advice, you can start with the beachbody posts, but i like CEO carl daikeler's blog the best. good luck!

Dave Williams said...

This is very funny. Thanks for the insightful post. I am interested in reading the book you mentioned as well. Thanks for the post!

Anonymous said...

So im doing the Ab Ripper X and i started yesterday and i was really sore and i was thinkin i cant do this everyday and he says not to but if its the only one im doing right now should i wait for my body to feel better or should i do it like every 2 day or every 3 days.

Sara said...

Hey George, you definitely shouldn't do the Abripper every day. When you say that's all your doing, does that mean you aren't doing any other p90x workouts? or you aren't working out otherwise at all? Abripper is good, but it's not a miracle maker, and if you aren't getting any other type of workouts, cardio or strength or otherwise, you're not going to see that much of a result!!!

Anonymous said...

I am in week 6 of P90X. I have lost 20 lbs and I am starting to see results. Like you, may day revolves around pushing "play" and Bringing IT! The Dive Bomber was not that bad. However, I am still trying to figure out the damn Ploy Push-Up!!! After all of those other push-ups, you expect us to get airborne! (bring it)

Anonymous said...

P90x is definitely worth it. I have stopped going to the gym. The workout routine is amazing. Follow it for about 3 weeks and I guarantee you that you will be amazed and satisfied.

My gf has started this and loves it.

It costs a pretty penny. I found it to be cheapest at amazon,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Furl%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps%26field-keywords%3Dp90x%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&tag=rina5392-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

go for it! One thing though, you need a pull up bar.So buy the one tony suggested and make one.

An you dont necessarily need the recovery drink. I think thats a money making thing. But get the workout program !!

Anonymous said...

I will be starting P90x on Jan. 1 with a 90 day goal on my 50th birthday, April 1. I bought a Bodyguard treadmill (awesome)on Sept. 16, was 205lbs and today , 3 months later (my own 90 day system)I'm weighing in at 176 and feeling great. Now it's time for P90X to firm,tone and Ab-ify me. And I'm sure, kick me when I'm down. I look forward to the challenge. Best Jeff

P90X Canada - Beautiful BC

Anonymous said...

I want to thank everyone who has posted on this blog - because you have given me the inspiration I was looking for!

I have been wondering whether or not to order P90X and now I'm done wondering ... right after I post this comment I am going to go order my copy...and the very first Monday after it arrives I will start my 90 days.

Any suggestions as to what I should/can do to get ready for my new routine?

Joanne

Anonymous said...

These posts have been great.. it has really got me motivated to start the P90X program. I will be starting it within the next week and I was wondering what other athletic equiptment I may need?

Anonymous said...

tamsen, i love your post! i have been wanting to purchase p90x and i live in a place where i cant install a chin-up bar...is there anything you would suggest or will it be a waste of my time to purchase it???

Anonymous said...

Morning,

I started P90x this past Monday and my reality moment came today during those oh-so-lovely squats - with my recovery from surgery, I can squat, hmmmm, 2 inches on my right side?

Ah well, the great thing about P90x is you can modify it for your own abilities...and then continue to build upon that as time goes by. I'm chronicling all of my days over at my blog; can't wait to see where I'll be in 3 months.

Enjoy,

Barbara

Anonymous said...

I'm currently in the second 30 day stage of P90X...for the comment about how do you prepare? You can't really. To tell you it will push your limits doesn't even begin to describe it.

Like others said here, I thought I knew what "fit" was - now I know that I had no clue!

The Dive Bombers are also very, very hard for me but I'm hoping by day 90 I can at least do a handful...do your best and forget the rest! Sounds familiar!

Anonymous said...

wow it's nice to see I am not the only one who is in no where near the shape I thought I was.

Im on week one still. but i already love the workouts, they are busting my ass.

Can't wait to see myself in 90 or 120 days

Anonymous said...

I'm not in great shape anymore. Can someone like me benefit from P90X or do I have to get in reasonable shape before I start the program?

Sara said...

Hey Cindy,
I think P90X is definitely tough and there are a good number of moves that I couldn't do at all, even going into this relatively fit. That being said, however, I think you can probably still benefit from the plan if you're not fit to begin with. Just make sure you don't hurt yourself, definitely do the easier modifications when they're offered (if you need to). Also, tune in soon for the alternate (and somewhat easier) workout schedules I'm creating using the P90X workouts.

Anonymous said...

Great Sara! I'll just start with the easiest modifications and make sure I don't start with too much weight.

Anonymous said...

I thought I was in pretty decent shape. I saw an infomercial about P90X, hey cool. Without any further adue I bought it. Well that was three months ago. It took me that long to be able to get thru the workouts. I am now on schedule, tracking everything I do. This is week 2. So far I look forward to the workouts, and I can't wait until tomorrow, YOGA-X. So far it looks like a good decision for me. BTW, I lost 10lbs just trying to get ready to do it.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to ask would this be a beneficial investment for someone who travels 90% of the time. I am trying to tone and lose weight, eat better ant suggestions

Tamsen said...

well, y'know, working out while travelling is always tough. but there are two distinct benefits to a program like P90X for a traveller.

1. all you're packing are a few CDs and the necessary excercise bands

2. you can tailor what workouts you'll do on the road (as in, if Plyometrics needs more room than your hotel room will allow, switch it out for Cardio X)

saying this, though, you'll need to plan ahead pretty wisely, taking the proper equipment for the workout you've packed. and while i think the program can be tweaked, it's important to keep the muscle confusion concept in action (as in, don't take bands on the road and do upper body all week). sara posted her musings on travelling under the P90X influence in her post, "New Year Ponderings (1/1/08), that might help.

Tamsen said...

to Anonymous, who wrote: "i have been wanting to purchase p90x and i live in a place where i can't install a chin-up bar...is there anything you would suggest or will it be a waste of my time to purchase it???"

I don't have a chin-up bar either! I use a very strong resistance band (50lb equiv or more) with an attachment that allows it to be secured to a closed door.

BUT...at some point you do have to head to a gym, an outdoor workout set up, a jungle gym in a schoolyard, a low-hanging tree branch. because the only way to conquer a pull-up is do a pull-up. but in the beginning, the band will help build your pull-up muscles.

Anonymous said...

Great post. I've been in the Marine Corps for over 18 years now and thought I done it all. This is definitely a challenging workout that keeps you coming back for more punishment. Bottom line: pain = good! So good in fact we've now incorporated this in our daily physical training program and got awesome feedback/results so far. This stuff does work! Good luck with the program and stay motivated!
Semper Fi!

Tamsen said...

wow, GO MARINES! great comment, the beachbody folks would be proud of your ringing endorsement. it's hard to sort through the miriad of workout programs out there; it's good to know that the Big Guys think it works, too.

fancy said...

Nice post. We just started P90X and like the meal plan approach. It's helpful to have a menu made for the week so I don't have to think about what I should fix or eat. Where can I get more pre-made menus? That way I don't have to count (proteins, carbs, fats), and we could have more variety.

Anonymous said...

Excellent post! I started a blog also here on blog spot to basically to motivate myself, and trust me it is a motivation to have to look at your crappy pic from DAY 1 and want to improve. Your post had me crackin up! I just did the DBs on my knees to at least do SOMETHING on that part. eventually I've gotten stronger. I just finished up DAY 30. If you can stick with the diet and the work outs, it really does work. You can check me out at http://missusscott.blogspot.com/. Hang in there.

Riena said...

Yikes !!! Can this be true?Fit at 42? I am about 30lbs over and travel for work. I am concerned I won't be able to maintain this as I am on the road and food along with routine may not allow for the "new" life style. I have not purchased yet so have any suggestions?

Tamsen said...

Suggestion for Riena: purchase. P90X is a good program - flexible, you can take it on the road, play the dvds on your laptop, and use bands for resistance. both sara and i have used P90X on the road and it works quite well. the food...well. heh. that's another issue. but look at it this way: if you're having to deal with road food, at least you're burning part of it with a good workout.

as for 'Fit at 42', take a gander at some of our commenters. I do believe we have a 70-year-old somewhere in the mix, making boobs of us all :-). go for it, you young thang!

Anonymous said...

I just purchased this program and am waiting for it to come. My whole intention was to bring the DVD's with me on my portable laptop to the gym--I have my regular facility plus one at work as well. My question is, do you need the bands or can you use hand weights? It is sounding like maybe the bands might be a good investment for when I go on my trip in a few days but I'm not sure yet how this works. Dio you just plug in the DVD and follow along? Or can I write down each exercise and then take the workout with my and go at my own pace? I am really not sure what to expect, but I am really excited, especially after reading all your posts. Thanks for all the ringing endorsements!

Anonymous said...

Thank-you all for posting here. I have started this program and "attempt" to keep up with tony and crew. my "dive bombers" lie mainly in the plyo video. I'm sorry leap frogs with fancy hands.. dear God, can there be a more difficult thing to do when you are already dogged... anyway i have said goodbye to my original photos and am looking towards my day 30,60 and 90 photos.

Unknown said...

Can anyone send me the copy of the nutritional plan? I bought the system, opened the box and read the system, but put it all away (so I thought) since I was moving to a diff apartment. I thought I'd start in my new place. I somehow misplaced the nutrition guide during the move, and when I called beachbody, they were going to charge me for it. PLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!! Anyway, if somebody could help me out, that would be great !!! emperorscup2003@yahoo.ca

Thanks Peeps !!!

Anonymous said...

I am debating ordering this as I am no way near fit (I figure 90 lbs overweight). Should I even consider this? I would be happy looking like many of the "before" photos on their website. Any thoughts on those who have tried this who were at my starting point?

Anonymous said...

I was going to order this, but after looking on the web found so many complaints listed about their marketing practices that I won't do it now. Anyone else have these problems?

http://www.infomercialscams.com/scams/power_90

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone. Very inspiring posts here about P90X!! I have been considering it off and on for quite a while, but I could never shake the feeling that it was some sort of late-night infomercial scam. But after doing a little research, I'm finding lots of people who swear by it. So I'm about to take the plunge, just wanted to ask two questions:

1. Sounds like once you buy the DVDs, all you need are weights and/or bands, chin up bar and a mat. Anything else?

2. Anything I should know about the diet? I'm definitely a low-carb carnivore kind of guy, so if the focus is on meat, eggs, fish, dairy, etc., then it's no problem. They don't try to hit you up to buy a bunch of supplements?

FYI, www.p90xesquire.com has this for $140, including S&H.

Victoria said...

So I saw this infomercial today on p90x and for real I really want to do but I doubt my ability too. Can anyone really do it? Is it actually working for you? And what happens after the 90days. What do you do after that?

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm considering purchasing P90X, but I'm worried that it may not exactly build muscle. I've been a hard gainer all my life, currently 6'2, 145 (a typical beanpole). Anyway, I'm not so much interested in dropping pounds, more so at gaining muscle mass and getting ripped. Will P90X help me do this?

Thanks.

Spud said...

Here's a question for those of you already on the system:

I've heard a lot of good things about the exercise part of the system, but how about the diet?

I'm 36 years old, and was a former stuntman. I suffered a back injury in '93 that caused me to leave the business, though I've always stayed active. I'm only 5'3" tall and am gifted (or cursed) with an extremely high metabolism. I have almost no body fat! Unless I consume at least 2500 calories a day, my body ends up eating any muscle I put on rather quickly. It has been next to impossible for me to get above 120 lbs unless I work out several days a week. These days, I just don't have time with my work schedule to keep that sort of workout up.

So... since I'm in relatively athletic shape, but lack a lot of the muscle mass I used to have, do you think this system could help me get on the right track as far as workout AND diet?

Thanks!
-Spud

Anonymous said...

I have not started p90x yet- still waiting for delivery. i did Body For Life a 2 years ago and am hooked on fitness. Now I'm looking to Bring It to the next level!! My Hubby is about 50 Lbs over weight but has agreed to do this with me.

** I seriously recomend that you try the Fit Test First (just search P90X fit test) see if that does not kill you. BFL was challenging so I expect this to be HELL!! But doable hell if your prepared for it.

From the fit test- does any of the following sound impossible? For men :15 push ups, 3 pull ups, 10-20 bicep curls w/20lbs oh and the cardio - do jumping jacks for 2 min straight- but the last 30 sec. go as fast as you can! are you winded but ok or are you about to die?? and that's not the whole test.
My husband barely passed. he is overweight but does workout regularly -swims laps, cycling, moderate weight lifting. For anyone who is significantly overweight and not a regular exerciser there are great but less intense programs out there. BFL is good and also the original P90. and please get the okey dokey from your DR. i wouldn't want anyone to give themselves a heart attack!

**Question for p90x vets- how do you replace the pull ups? I have never been able to do them. How do i work up to doing them?

Anonymous said...

Just finished day one son - damn that was good stuff - I'm fried. Here's a thought - although I did almost everything though at half the reps sometimes or less - how about doing the ab ripper 100 or 200 if the 300x is way out of your league? You could always step up to the next level after two or three weeks- any one care to comment on that idea?

Anonymous said...

I'm 48 and very out of shape...or WAS. I can do 1 - exactly 1 Dive Bomber and I am in the middle of week 3.

I have so far had a sports hernia (pulled groin muscle), and a pulled calf muscle. However, I rest that part and keep working the others. I can still do all of the upper AB stuff and do it every other day. The lower ab stuff will have to wait a bit while I recover.

Plyo has suffered a bit because it's all on your toes so I do the best I can on my right heel.

I have already lost 10 pounds and every muscle I have has gotten over the initial pain. Now I feel terrific...except for the injuries.

I agree with you - this workout always has a challenge that keeps you motivated - BRING IT.

Anonymous said...

I am 44 and very out of shape. I have moderate asthma and am wondering if I can handle this program. I recently had to sit in a chair with nothing but a mirror to look at but me and it broke me. I must do something. Can someone tell me if I will be able to handle this program?

S said...

i have to say, i know what you mean. i just started p90x yesterday. chest and back. i did the "girly" dive bomber. so it wasn't as bad, but i was only able to get 2! how sad? but the diamond and military push ups. those are killer. i couldnt even do one diamond pushup. the girl in the video is insane!

Anonymous said...

My P90X-antichrist is that thing in Yoga where you try to grab your hand behind your back and through your legs and then stand there for 30 seconds...ummmm...what do I look like , a Mrs. Smith's Pretzel? I love when Tony says "Don't fall out of the pose" umm...yeah, like I had a ____ choice in falling?

I love Tony, every part of P90X. Great blog, fun to read and I can definitely related.

Anonymous said...

I can only do the first 4 Ab ripper X excercises before I stop the DVD.Some day I will get it.

Anonymous said...

I have a question...

Once you complete the 90 days; what do you do then? Take a short break... maybe; but what if you want to continue the program and keep up with working out daily? Do you start over from the begining or what?

Thanks!

getfitblogger said...

@Anonymous

Once you are done, you start over!

P90x has been working great for me. I'm really happy with the results I've had

Anonymous said...

I just finished day 2 plyometrics. So I am new to the program. I look like I am in really good shape, but after trying to keep up with Tony and the group, I realize I have a long way to go. I am completely pouched after the first half hour. I mean I can't physically do one more push up or squat. My legs hurt so bad that the last jump squat I tried to do my legs almost collapsed. I love this program and if you bring it. FOR REAL. You are definately going to see results.

Anonymous said...

This program is great, I'm only on day 4 but I can tell you this thing is the the real deal. I'm 43 and considered myself to be in great shape, I starting the program already with only 15% body fat and wanted to follow a structured program and diet plan that could get me down 6-8% body fat so I could fully reveal my abs. I've worked out regularly since I was 21 and have been in all kinds of sports, and I was still boxing/kickboxing a few days a week before I bought this program. I thought I'd just jump right in and "keep up" but I realize now I was not even close to as good a shape as I "thought" I was. I have muscles that hurt that I didn't even know existed! It feels great though and I know that with the diet plan and these workouts I will truly become the fit, athletic "Adonis" I've always wanted to be!

Unknown said...

Nice post! I'm about to start my P90X workout journey (check it out at my blog, TREK2BEFIT.COM)
on Sunday. I'm doing the fit test today. Again, great post, and I'm excited to start!

ADAM WILSON said...

This site was well done. I have been looking for just this sort of blog.Thank you for this information.

Mathieu said...

Maybe surprised you're still getting comments. But great post ...

I have three signposts:

1. To touch my toes! Not a p90x exercise but I can see them little piggies getting closer and closer everyday.

2. Warrior 3 set. Argh! Hip flexor agony.

3. Run stance switch grip blah blah ... this is a lactic acid fire test to the legs. I never make more than about 20 secs, before jelly is all I have left.

But they're all getting better everyday. Getting there.

Cheers.

Julian said...

Thank for the post, insightful and interesting, im very keen to start p90x and just starting to read up about it and your post helps immensely, hopefully i can reach a good level of fitness on this system. cheers once again.

px90 said...

wow.. P90X is really getting popular.. and it seems like everyone has the same story, that is very hard at first but if you stick with it, you will eventually do well with it. Anyways.. thanks for the post!