P90x???

[michelem]

In hopes to save some $$$, DH and I are looking at dropping our gym memberships. I get plenty of cardio from running and cycling, but really need to incorporate weight training. When I'm on my own, I tend to neglect the weights. So, I've been looking at some different dvd options and the P90X program looks pretty comprehensive: dumbells, plyo, pull-ups, push-ups, core, yoga, etc. And it looks pretty "home gym" friendly. We have our garage sale set of dumbells with various weighted plates and a pull-up bar, which it appears is all we'd need. I pass the "qualification" test for initial fitness, thanks to the 100 PUPs program.

Anyway, just wondering if any of you have experience with this program and whether it is worth the $$$. I'm just thinking that having the structure of the dvd's would help keep me on track with doing the strength training. But, I also wonder if it is too intense to do and still have energy for cycling and running. I have had trouble with overtraining when I incorporate weights into my program, and finding myself too depleted to keep up with cycling and running. I need to find a balanced program!

Any thoughts?

P.S. I'm not looking at getting "ripped." Just want to increase my strength and keep my bone density from falling . . .

[Tuckervill]

A friend I've been doing boot camp with for the last 15 months recently bought P90X and she loves it! She uses it on the day we don't have boot camp. It's modifiable for any fitness level, I believe.

Karen

[spindizzy]

I do Crossfit (similar to your program) and am going to drop my gym membership to train here. It's short, intense and I love the people. No posers! They push you just enough; make you lift what you think you can't (ah - the power of the mind...) correct your technique - it's just plain fun. (yep, I'll remember to say that when I'm deadlifting 185 lbs, or when I'm on my 100th burpee!)

I do sprint duathlons. Right now I go to CF 3x/week. It's my only work out Monday, I have a run Wed am, do CF early evening (I can also change this up to do CF in a.m./ run p.m.) and I have a Saturday date with the CF crew and a run that day as well. When it gets closer to race season, it may only be 1-2x/week.

I think it is very doable - you just need to remember to allow some time for rest/recover.

[andtckrtoo]

Michele - I have P90X. I have never tried it with cycling, but I did try it one year with the half marathon I was running. It did not work too well. It is a pretty intense program. There are other programs that would be better with a cycling program ramping up to a big event.

I weight train up until 2 months before a big event, then I switch to a mix of yoga, ab work and cycling or running. After the event I'll add weight work back in. That works best for me.

Now, that being said, if your DH is interested, you can always do half of the sets - he does everything twice. And it's not very lower body intensive (the lower body reps are fairly light weight, and he throws in Plyo work which is great but intense). It IS a good program. So do what works best for you.

[uforgot]

Another teacher in our building has this program and loves it. He used to lift all the time, but now he just does this program. He has always been very "buff" and he thinks this is the best. He and his wife are both on it now. He likes the variety. I'm still on the fence as it seems to require a lot of time and commitment.

[jesvetmed]

My friend used to teach Cross Fit and still teaches Boot Camps. They have the P90x dvds and like them a lot. However, keep in mind it will require some equipment -- specifically a pull up bar mounted somewhere in your workout area! Not possible for me renting. Just a thought!
Otherwise, they are supposed to be great workouts.