P90X: A Workout Regime Only for the Determined.
I took a chance and decided to take on the latest Beach Body Fad: the P90X workout regime. It’s a 90 day workout/diet and weightloss/maintenance/strengthen and tone series made to get those who desire it in shape. There are about 13 workout CD’s, a workout book, a diet book, and if you so desire to take on the whole package, a recovery drink and all the items you need such as a pull up bar, weights, bands, etc.
This is not for the weak at heart. It’s not even for the semi determined. Actually, you need to be in fairly decent shape to even be able to perform some of the workout sessions. The CD’s consist of a complete variety of different workouts targeted to slim, build, tone, shape and strengthen the already in decent shape body. Even the stretching and yoga sessions are difficult. Each workout is about 1 hour (except the yoga (1.5 hours) and the AbRipperX (16 minutes). You would think the 16 minute ab workout might be the easiest one. This particular one is the most difficult in my opinion. It works the core, not just the stomach. I realized I had a terribly weak stomach the very first time I did it, and it was and is daunting to even consider doing it again. I did probably 8 out of the 16 minutes and was very weak by the time I was finished. WOW.
If you are not already in decent shape, it’s going to be much more difficult for you to get started. It is an easy one to give up on and if you are not completely dedicated and determined for the 90 days, it’s fairly likely that you will end up bailing on the regime.
I thought I was determined, but it turns out I really needed a partner to help encourage me to get through it and my partner bailed as well, leaving me waving in the wind, and wondering how I could get through 90 days of hearing the same CD’s over and over again. There is NO day off and you are supposed to double up after a while. I have given up on the 90 days, but still use the CD’s along with other forms of exercise.
If you are determined, the results are fantastic. I even experienced body changes for the 3 weeks that I did stick to it, so I know it’s very good and worthy of taking it on, but you have to absolutely be dedicated. You can’t “think” you are going to do it, you MUST be dedicated. Of course results will vary and based on your diet, may take longer/shorter time to see the results.
If you do decide to do it, know you are going to be tired and HUNGRY. I definitely suggest a type of recovery drink, giving you the B vitamins and potassium and electrolytes to help you get over the difficult session. I also suggest doing it in the morning, because if you are anything like me, the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is listen to some dude loving the workouts and all the people showing off their amazing P90X graduation bodies. But oh, how they sweat. Just like me, only they actually do pull ups. I still have not managed to do a single pull up without some assistance of a lonely chair.
I’m encouraged by the results I’ve seen regardless of my lack of dedication. So I know that if I were dedicated totally, I’d also end up with a great P90X body.
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