P90x???

**michelem** · 03-09-2009, 03:14 PM

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** · 03-09-2009, 06:18 PM

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** · 03-09-2009, 06:33 PM

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** · 03-09-2009, 07:24 PM

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** · 03-09-2009, 09:15 PM

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** · 03-09-2009, 11:33 PM

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.

**alpinerabbit** · 03-10-2009, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by jesvetmed

keep in mind it will require some equipment -- specifically a pull up bar mounted somewhere in your workout area! Not possible for me renting.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA240_.jpg

what's with these things that you put into your doorways, no screws required?

**Tuckervill** · 03-10-2009, 07:24 AM

Those work pretty well, too. However, I have 110 yo plaster and mouldings, and I would not want to risk them by putting a device onto them. We do have a pull-up bar screwed into a not-so-old bedroom doorway.

I'm thinking of skipping boot camp this next session and getting P90X.

Karen

**michelem** · 03-10-2009, 10:42 PM

Thanks for all the great feedback. I think I'll go ahead and order as it has a 90 day money back guarantee (less s/h). If we don't like it, I can always send it back!

**michelem** · 03-21-2009, 02:03 PM

Well, I went ahead and ordered the dvd's and started on Thursday (wanted to make sure my "rest day" lands on Wednesdays when I have 2 hours of ballet!).

WOW!!! The first day consisted mainly of push-ups and pull-ups: Standard push-ups, military push-ups (hands directly under the shoulders with elbows tucked in close to the body), wide push-ups, diamond push-ups (hands in a diamond shape directly under the chest -- lower all the way down to hands and back up), and decline push-ups (feet up on a chair or bench). Also, a variety of pull-ups -- wide, close-grip, reverse, etc. I had to use a chair for the pull-ups (balance one foot on the chair to take some of the weight off), otherwise I couldn't complete ANY pull-ups with good form!

I was really disappointed in myself that I couldn't do all the reps and sets called for before reaching failure. My first set of standard push-ups (with push-up stands, which enable a larger range of motion) I did 25 in the given amount of time. My last set of diamond push-ups, I had to do on my knees and was only able to do three!

So, I was thinking, I'm not going to get much out of this if I can't complete everything! HAH! I was pretty sore the next day. Today I am SUPER-SORE! So, it must be doing SOMETHING for my muscles!

Yesterday was plyometrics -- glad to give the upper body a break. And today will be shoulders and arms (with weights). Not sure how I'm going to do with that since I'm still so sore from day 1, but I'll just do my best.

Anyway, I like that there is structure to this program. It's raining again this weekend, so no cycling or running . . . I'm curious to see how this works with running and cycling. I need to be super-carerful about overtraining, which has been my big downfall in the past.

My DH will be joining me once he gets over the chest congestion he has.

Anyway, so far, two thumbs up. I like that as long as you can complete the initial fitness test, you can adapt this program to your own level. I'm excited to see what strength gains I get -- I really want to be able to do unassisted pull-ups someday!

Oh, and the Ab Ripper X dvd, which I think is supposed to be done 3 days a week, is pretty good as well. I didn't feel like it was all that difficult, but my abs were sore the next day, and more sore today (will be doing it again tonight). So, I guess it really did target those core muscles after all!

**Zen** · 03-21-2009, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by michelem

So, I guess it really did target those core muscles after all!

Core, as in transverse abdominus or showy abs as in rectus abdominus or obliques?
Curious, before I take time to research that DVD.

**yellow** · 03-22-2009, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by michelem

Also, a variety of pull-ups -- wide, close-grip, reverse, etc. I had to use a chair for the pull-ups (balance one foot on the chair to take some of the weight off), otherwise I couldn't complete ANY pull-ups with good form!

michelem, we use a variety of resistance bands to assist with the pullups in Crossfit. I usually try to do as many as I can without and then I switch to the lightest one I can get away with that day. This video shows the guy using his foot, but I usually put my knee through the "loop"--it's a little tougher because you have less "help".

It's basically just a big rubber band attached to the bar. Better than having to use a chair!

**michelem** · 03-23-2009, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Zen

Core, as in transverse abdominus or showy abs as in rectus abdominus or obliques?
Curious, before I take time to research that DVD.

Both. The exercises work the transverse abdominus, rectus abdominus, external and internal obliques, lower back, and hip flexors (thus my use of the word "core.").

The set comes with a Yoga dvd, and a Core Synergistics dvd as well, which hit the core muscles in different ways than in the Ab Ripper X.

**michelem** · 03-27-2009, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by yellow

michelem, we use a variety of resistance bands to assist with the pullups in Crossfit. I usually try to do as many as I can without and then I switch to the lightest one I can get away with that day. This video shows the guy using his foot, but I usually put my knee through the "loop"--it's a little tougher because you have less "help".

It's basically just a big rubber band attached to the bar. Better than having to use a chair!

Oh, wow! Just got a chance to take a look at the video. What a great idea! I'm going to have to look for one of these bands. I really think it will help. Thanks so much!

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