P90X - Anyone try this? (6 Viewers)

[Random]

What do you need for this program other than a mat?

Pull-up bar and dumbbells (or resistance bands). Yoga block and push-up bars are optional.

What kind of range on the dumbbells? Do you do one weight consistently only needing one or two different weights or do you use them for a wide range of work and need a major investment in them?Just trying to gauge whether I want to get into this or not. I go to the gym 5 days a week now and have a pretty good workout going just looking for something different and would like to get toned up some. Not real interested in lifting a lot of weights.

You could get away with 3 sets of dumbbells. Light (shoulder exercises 5's or 10's), Medium (Bi's, Tri's maybe 25's-35's) and Heavy (back 50's+). But its much nicer to be able to dial up any weight you want.

 

[Disco Stu]

What do you need for this program other than a mat?

Pull-up bar and dumbbells (or resistance bands). Yoga block and push-up bars are optional.

What kind of range on the dumbbells? Do you do one weight consistently only needing one or two different weights or do you use them for a wide range of work and need a major investment in them?Just trying to gauge whether I want to get into this or not. I go to the gym 5 days a week now and have a pretty good workout going just looking for something different and would like to get toned up some. Not real interested in lifting a lot of weights.

You do a wide range of exercises, which can end up being a several different weights needed on the same day. Range is probably something like 10-50 pounds for most people.If you're not interested in lifting a lot of weights you might want to try the bands. I've never used them, but they look like they work pretty well.

 

[trout]

What do you need for this program other than a mat?

Pull-up bar and dumbbells (or resistance bands). Yoga block and push-up bars are optional.

What kind of range on the dumbbells? Do you do one weight consistently only needing one or two different weights or do you use them for a wide range of work and need a major investment in them?Just trying to gauge whether I want to get into this or not. I go to the gym 5 days a week now and have a pretty good workout going just looking for something different and would like to get toned up some. Not real interested in lifting a lot of weights.

You could get away with 3 sets of dumbbells. Light (shoulder exercises 5's or 10's), Medium (Bi's, Tri's maybe 25's-35's) and Heavy (back 50's+). But its much nicer to be able to dial up any weight you want.

I've got 5, 10, 25, and 40's. I guess it works out pretty well, but not very convenient. To get 50 lbs for lawnmower or heavy pants, I doubleup a 40 and a 10 in each hand. I double up a 10 and 5 in each hand to do 15lb straight-arm shoulder in-and-outs. Some motions however, are just too cumbersome to grab 2 weights in each hand...like any bicep move wouldn't work very well.

 

[beer 30]

Thanks guys, watching a couple of the videos I'm thinking I might use bands instead of investing in dumbbells. Anybody have any recommendations for some decent ones that go up to 40-50lb? Heard the Walmart junk is well, junk.

Watched the chest & back vid yesterday at lunch and decided to try the different pushups last night. Certainly works a wide range of muscles and I actually feel a little sore in some areas. I just one set each of them trying to get a feel for it. Looks like a fun workout, now I have to set up a pull up bar out in the garage.

 

[SwampDawg]

Got mine the other day going to start Saturday to supplement my running I do at lunch during the week.

 

[Chaka]

Thanks guys, watching a couple of the videos I'm thinking I might use bands instead of investing in dumbbells. Anybody have any recommendations for some decent ones that go up to 40-50lb? Heard the Walmart junk is well, junk.Watched the chest & back vid yesterday at lunch and decided to try the different pushups last night. Certainly works a wide range of muscles and I actually feel a little sore in some areas. I just one set each of them trying to get a feel for it. Looks like a fun workout, now I have to set up a pull up bar out in the garage.

I have the Lifeline Triple Grip Handle and I got 2x30lbs, 1x40lbs & 1x50lbs bands from Sports Authority. They work great.

 

[BroadwayG]

Week 4 (Recovery Yay!) I stopped at GNC and got some kind of powder to help with some muscle recovery as I really hit a wall last week. If anyone has some suggestions for energy I'm all ears.

Day 1 - I was determined to get through the entire Yoga segment, and managed to do it. I am still fat as all get out, it was disgusting doing some of the stretching stuff. At least my strength and flexibility are both noticeably increased.

Day 2 - First experience with Core Synergestics. Not too shabby. I skimmed ahead and thought it was going to be a nightmare, but it actually turned out to be pretty engaging. That may also be because I was watching the first couple of reps of everything. Thought I was going to collapse every time there was a pushup type thing, but I managed fairly well. Unfortunately, my house foundation was tested when I was attempting to do the Dreya Roll. I'm not exactly a finesse kind of guy right now.

 

[Ned]

Week 4 (Recovery Yay!) I stopped at GNC and got some kind of powder to help with some muscle recovery as I really hit a wall last week. If anyone has some suggestions for energy I'm all ears.Day 1 - I was determined to get through the entire Yoga segment, and managed to do it. I am still fat as all get out, it was disgusting doing some of the stretching stuff. At least my strength and flexibility are both noticeably increased.

Isopure is pretty good stuff. I usually take 2 scoops with water and eat a banana.

 

[BroadwayG]

On to Phase 2. 'Recovery' week was ok, but Core Synergistics and recovery should not be used in the same sentence. Went out Saturday and well, did not exactly do my body any favors, so I was looking forward to working out some of the evils of the weekend. Thanks for the tip on Isopure Ned. I ordered some, looks similar to what I got at GNC, but was a whole heckuva lot cheaper. Unfortunately, still no visible evidence I've been doing this for 4 weeks. Still look fat. I feel a lot better though, and I have gained a relative lot of flexibility, especially in the hammys. Starting to actually graze the floor with my digits.

Week 5

Day 1 - First foray into chest/shoulder/tri. I was ripping through pushups until I hit the one armed ones. Couldn't even get one done from my knees. Clapping pushups sure looked fun watching them do it, too. Everything else felt good. The first run through for a workout is always an adventure, as I'm adjusting weights and figuring out what the heck to do. I sure missed Ab Ripper last week, I'm now easily over 50% completion, and I'm knocking out double digits for both the situp exercises.

Day 2 - Holy crap, I was having flashbacks to week 1 for how tough this is. Then I remembered how crappily I did the rock star jumps the first time. Tonight I was double timing with the crew. Thighs are on fire though.

Day 3 - The good - had some biceps vein poppage for the first time since high school. The bad - if I needed to do 2 pullups to collect the Publishers Clearing House gigantic check, I'd be going home poor. The ugly - I've been doing leg climbers incorrectly for the past 4 weeks. Feel like a dummy.

 

[Ned]

On to Phase 2. 'Recovery' week was ok, but Core Synergistics and recovery should not be used in the same sentence. Went out Saturday and well, did not exactly do my body any favors, so I was looking forward to working out some of the evils of the weekend. Thanks for the tip on Isopure Ned. I ordered some, looks similar to what I got at GNC, but was a whole heckuva lot cheaper. Unfortunately, still no visible evidence I've been doing this for 4 weeks. Still look fat. I feel a lot better though, and I have gained a relative lot of flexibility, especially in the hammys. Starting to actually graze the floor with my digits.Week 5Day 1 - First foray into chest/shoulder/tri. I was ripping through pushups until I hit the one armed ones. Couldn't even get one done from my knees. Clapping pushups sure looked fun watching them do it, too. Everything else felt good. The first run through for a workout is always an adventure, as I'm adjusting weights and figuring out what the heck to do. I sure missed Ab Ripper last week, I'm now easily over 50% completion, and I'm knocking out double digits for both the situp exercises.

The changes seem to be exponential. You'll start to notice little changes and then one day around Phase 3 you'll go WTF did that happen?

 

[Disco Stu]

Just two days left. Thank god.

 

[Cromedog]

I just started week 4 as well, did Kenpo this morning. I'm the opposite of Broadway G...as I'm tall and skinny. Just trying to lose the little 43 yr old spare (beer tire) around my skelton of a frame and add some definition so that I don't look exactly like a toothpick. It's no easier for me either and I'm fairly athletic as far as playing basketball, running, etc. I think that I get the easy, stretch day, tomorrow. Yeah!

 

[BroadwayG]

Still plugging away. Week 5, Day 4 today. Lower back is really the only thing holding me back during Ab Ripper. I don't know why the heck I have so much difficulty with pullups. Other than that, I'm still getting a huge workout every time, as my body adjusts, I start doing stuff 'correctly' which makes everything harder. Definitely liking the Isopure, thanks Ned. Was able to dance my pecs in the mirror the other day.

 

[Short Corner]

Just started today after doing a week of P90. P90 was a little boring with just the 2 different workouts alternating every other day but it was a good thing as I don't think I could have handled this right off the bat.

Starting at 6'0 225...chest and abs are on fire already. Thought I was going to vomit about 3/4 of the way through.

Oktoberfest in 2 weeks so I may stray from the nutrition plan a few times.

 

[madshot31]

Did a test run a few weeks back on two of the strength videos. Going to start this up on Wednesday so my off day lands on my busy Tuesdays.

 

[Mr. Chumley]

Just started today after doing a week of P90. P90 was a little boring with just the 2 different workouts alternating every other day but it was a good thing as I don't think I could have handled this right off the bat.Starting at 6'0 225...chest and abs are on fire already. Thought I was going to vomit about 3/4 of the way through.Oktoberfest in 2 weeks so I may stray from the nutrition plan a few times.

Talk to me about p90. I want to start this and am just too old and out of shape to jump into p90x. Do you need anything besides a dvd player? how hard is it starting out? How long are the exercises. There are so many power 90 products which is the real thing?And Broadwa G, Keep it up. I like reading your posts. I'm with you I could never do pull-ups even when I was in my prime.

 

[Chaka]

Just started today after doing a week of P90. P90 was a little boring with just the 2 different workouts alternating every other day but it was a good thing as I don't think I could have handled this right off the bat.

Starting at 6'0 225...chest and abs are on fire already. Thought I was going to vomit about 3/4 of the way through.

Oktoberfest in 2 weeks so I may stray from the nutrition plan a few times.

Talk to me about p90. I want to start this and am just too old and out of shape to jump into p90x. Do you need anything besides a dvd player? how hard is it starting out? How long are the exercises. There are so many power 90 products which is the real thing?And Broadwa G, Keep it up. I like reading your posts. I'm with you I could never do pull-ups even when I was in my prime.

P90 is the most basic of Horton's programs, he made it about 9 years ago.It is essentially four workouts broken down into two six week sessions. The workouts are: Sculpt 1/2, Sweat 1/2, Sculpt 3/4 & Sweat 3/4. Sculpt is based on resistance and Sweat on cardio. There is also the Ab Ripper 100 & 200 which are 5-7 minute ab routines you do after the Sweat workouts.

During the first six weeks you alternate between Sculpt 1/2 & Sweat 1/2 every other day, six days/week. The only required equipment is either some light dumbbells or a set of resistance bands. You can pretty much use any cheap resistance band you find at Big 5.

For the second six weeks you stop with 1/2 and switch to 3/4 which are essentially the same programs but slightly extended and slightly more complex.

IIRC the workouts are about 30-45 minutes each.

If you think you are starting out at the bottom physically, this is definitely the place to begin. You should find the workout to be challenging but not daunting and after the 12 weeks you will notice a difference.

Personally I would suggest that you not try to change your eating habits significantly during these 12 weeks. Just focus on getting in the workout each day. Mentally condition yourself over this time that no matter what else happens in your life at least you got your workout in. If you have a horrible eating day, or a bad day at work, or your girlfriend left you or your dog died it sucks but just get the workout in. It becomes a source of pride and something that you want to hold onto. After three months of this the workout should be a habit and missing a day will start to concern you. At this point is when I would suggest you seriously try to tackle improving your eating habits.

Back to the workout: After P90 Horton made P90X (which has been spoken of enough in here) however a shortly after P90X Horton made P90M (Masters series). P90M encompasses much (most perhaps) of P90X but Horton removed the pull ups from the program. I think for many people the pull ups become discouraging and derailed them from completing P90X. If, after you finish P90, you think you still want some additional conditioning before proceeding to P90X I strongly encourage P90M. It consists of six different workouts: Sculpt 5/6, Sweat 5/6 (much different then 1/2 & 3/4) Cardio Intervals, Core Cardio, Plyo Legs & Upper, Middle, Lower and the schedule of workouts changes throughout the 12 weeks. The workouts are definitely challenging and rewarding. P90M is not only a great stepping stone between P90M & P90X but it is just a darn good program in its own right.

P90M workouts run between 38-54 minutes and only require either dumbbells or resistance bands (only for Sculpt 5/6).

You may also want to invest in a good yoga mat as you end up on the ground a bit with the stretching and some of the exercises.

One good thing about starting where you are Chumley is that you have 12 months of workouts pre planned for you. You read in this thread about a lot of people asking what they should do after they finish P90X and there is really not much of a consensus. But starting at the ground floor you have four separate 3 month programs available to you that you can stack on top of each other, progressing from one achievement to the next. P90, P90M, P90X & P90X+ is a full year of workouts there for the taking. I guarantee you beyond a shadow of doubt that if you make it through those four you will be light years ahead of what you think is being in good shape.

And remember that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...except beer but what are ya gonna do?

 

[Ned]

And remember that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...except beer but what are ya gonna do?

Damn that's good.

 

[Random]

Just started today after doing a week of P90. P90 was a little boring with just the 2 different workouts alternating every other day but it was a good thing as I don't think I could have handled this right off the bat.

Starting at 6'0 225...chest and abs are on fire already. Thought I was going to vomit about 3/4 of the way through.

Oktoberfest in 2 weeks so I may stray from the nutrition plan a few times.

Talk to me about p90. I want to start this and am just too old and out of shape to jump into p90x. Do you need anything besides a dvd player? how hard is it starting out? How long are the exercises. There are so many power 90 products which is the real thing?And Broadwa G, Keep it up. I like reading your posts. I'm with you I could never do pull-ups even when I was in my prime.

P90 is the most basic of Horton's programs, he made it about 9 years ago.It is essentially four workouts broken down into two six week sessions. The workouts are: Sculpt 1/2, Sweat 1/2, Sculpt 3/4 & Sweat 3/4. Sculpt is based on resistance and Sweat on cardio. There is also the Ab Ripper 100 & 200 which are 5-7 minute ab routines you do after the Sweat workouts.

During the first six weeks you alternate between Sculpt 1/2 & Sweat 1/2 every other day, six days/week. The only required equipment is either some light dumbbells or a set of resistance bands. You can pretty much use any cheap resistance band you find at Big 5.

For the second six weeks you stop with 1/2 and switch to 3/4 which are essentially the same programs but slightly extended and slightly more complex.

IIRC the workouts are about 30-45 minutes each.

If you think you are starting out at the bottom physically, this is definitely the place to begin. You should find the workout to be challenging but not daunting and after the 12 weeks you will notice a difference.

Personally I would suggest that you not try to change your eating habits significantly during these 12 weeks. Just focus on getting in the workout each day. Mentally condition yourself over this time that no matter what else happens in your life at least you got your workout in. If you have a horrible eating day, or a bad day at work, or your girlfriend left you or your dog died it sucks but just get the workout in. It becomes a source of pride and something that you want to hold onto. After three months of this the workout should be a habit and missing a day will start to concern you. At this point is when I would suggest you seriously try to tackle improving your eating habits.

Back to the workout: After P90 Horton made P90X (which has been spoken of enough in here) however a shortly after P90X Horton made P90M (Masters series). P90M encompasses much (most perhaps) of P90X but Horton removed the pull ups from the program. I think for many people the pull ups become discouraging and derailed them from completing P90X. If, after you finish P90, you think you still want some additional conditioning before proceeding to P90X I strongly encourage P90M. It consists of six different workouts: Sculpt 5/6, Sweat 5/6 (much different then 1/2 & 3/4) Cardio Intervals, Core Cardio, Plyo Legs & Upper, Middle, Lower and the schedule of workouts changes throughout the 12 weeks. The workouts are definitely challenging and rewarding. P90M is not only a great stepping stone between P90M & P90X but it is just a darn good program in its own right.

P90M workouts run between 38-54 minutes and only require either dumbbells or resistance bands (only for Sculpt 5/6).

You may also want to invest in a good yoga mat as you end up on the ground a bit with the stretching and some of the exercises.

One good thing about starting where you are Chumley is that you have 12 months of workouts pre planned for you. You read in this thread about a lot of people asking what they should do after they finish P90X and there is really not much of a consensus. But starting at the ground floor you have four separate 3 month programs available to you that you can stack on top of each other, progressing from one achievement to the next. P90, P90M, P90X & P90X+ is a full year of workouts there for the taking. I guarantee you beyond a shadow of doubt that if you make it through those four you will be light years ahead of what you think is being in good shape.

And remember that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...except beer but what are ya gonna do?

Wow, awesome post. Especially the last line. That should be a t-shirt or bumper sticker or something.

 

[Random]

BTW, talked with my nephew a few weeks ago about his chest routine (he's 155 and can bench 315). He recommended 3 sets of 5 followed by 2 sets of 10. Just thought I'd pass that along.

 

[Mr. Chumley]

Just started today after doing a week of P90. P90 was a little boring with just the 2 different workouts alternating every other day but it was a good thing as I don't think I could have handled this right off the bat.

Starting at 6'0 225...chest and abs are on fire already. Thought I was going to vomit about 3/4 of the way through.

Oktoberfest in 2 weeks so I may stray from the nutrition plan a few times.

Talk to me about p90. I want to start this and am just too old and out of shape to jump into p90x. Do you need anything besides a dvd player? how hard is it starting out? How long are the exercises. There are so many power 90 products which is the real thing?And Broadwa G, Keep it up. I like reading your posts. I'm with you I could never do pull-ups even when I was in my prime.

P90 is the most basic of Horton's programs, he made it about 9 years ago.It is essentially four workouts broken down into two six week sessions. The workouts are: Sculpt 1/2, Sweat 1/2, Sculpt 3/4 & Sweat 3/4. Sculpt is based on resistance and Sweat on cardio. There is also the Ab Ripper 100 & 200 which are 5-7 minute ab routines you do after the Sweat workouts.

During the first six weeks you alternate between Sculpt 1/2 & Sweat 1/2 every other day, six days/week. The only required equipment is either some light dumbbells or a set of resistance bands. You can pretty much use any cheap resistance band you find at Big 5.

For the second six weeks you stop with 1/2 and switch to 3/4 which are essentially the same programs but slightly extended and slightly more complex.

IIRC the workouts are about 30-45 minutes each.

If you think you are starting out at the bottom physically, this is definitely the place to begin. You should find the workout to be challenging but not daunting and after the 12 weeks you will notice a difference.

Personally I would suggest that you not try to change your eating habits significantly during these 12 weeks. Just focus on getting in the workout each day. Mentally condition yourself over this time that no matter what else happens in your life at least you got your workout in. If you have a horrible eating day, or a bad day at work, or your girlfriend left you or your dog died it sucks but just get the workout in. It becomes a source of pride and something that you want to hold onto. After three months of this the workout should be a habit and missing a day will start to concern you. At this point is when I would suggest you seriously try to tackle improving your eating habits.

Back to the workout: After P90 Horton made P90X (which has been spoken of enough in here) however a shortly after P90X Horton made P90M (Masters series). P90M encompasses much (most perhaps) of P90X but Horton removed the pull ups from the program. I think for many people the pull ups become discouraging and derailed them from completing P90X. If, after you finish P90, you think you still want some additional conditioning before proceeding to P90X I strongly encourage P90M. It consists of six different workouts: Sculpt 5/6, Sweat 5/6 (much different then 1/2 & 3/4) Cardio Intervals, Core Cardio, Plyo Legs & Upper, Middle, Lower and the schedule of workouts changes throughout the 12 weeks. The workouts are definitely challenging and rewarding. P90M is not only a great stepping stone between P90M & P90X but it is just a darn good program in its own right.

P90M workouts run between 38-54 minutes and only require either dumbbells or resistance bands (only for Sculpt 5/6).

You may also want to invest in a good yoga mat as you end up on the ground a bit with the stretching and some of the exercises.

One good thing about starting where you are Chumley is that you have 12 months of workouts pre planned for you. You read in this thread about a lot of people asking what they should do after they finish P90X and there is really not much of a consensus. But starting at the ground floor you have four separate 3 month programs available to you that you can stack on top of each other, progressing from one achievement to the next. P90, P90M, P90X & P90X+ is a full year of workouts there for the taking. I guarantee you beyond a shadow of doubt that if you make it through those four you will be light years ahead of what you think is being in good shape.

And remember that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...except beer but what are ya gonna do?

Thanks. I'm going to look around on ebay for the p90 program and see what I can find. And I love that last line.

FWIW, I'm not a tub of goo but I'm a long way from where I once was and want to be again. I'm at about 6'1 200 and would like to be back around 180 or 185. This sounds like it should get me there.

 

[Cromedog]

I just started week 4 as well, did Kenpo this morning. I'm the opposite of Broadway G...as I'm tall and skinny. Just trying to lose the little 43 yr old spare (beer tire) around my skelton of a frame and add some definition so that I don't look exactly like a toothpick. It's no easier for me either and I'm fairly athletic as far as playing basketball, running, etc. I think that I get the easy, stretch day, tomorrow. Yeah!

Still plugging away. Week 5, Day 4 today. Lower back is really the only thing holding me back during Ab Ripper. I don't know why the heck I have so much difficulty with pullups. Other than that, I'm still getting a huge workout every time, as my body adjusts, I start doing stuff 'correctly' which makes everything harder. Definitely liking the Isopure, thanks Ned. Was able to dance my pecs in the mirror the other day.

In week 5 as well...day 2 for me today. I have back issues/pain with the ab ripper too, but I have seen progress as now I can do more reps with less pain. Hoping that by the end I can rock the whole thing.

 

[Chaka]

Just started today after doing a week of P90. P90 was a little boring with just the 2 different workouts alternating every other day but it was a good thing as I don't think I could have handled this right off the bat.

Starting at 6'0 225...chest and abs are on fire already. Thought I was going to vomit about 3/4 of the way through.

Oktoberfest in 2 weeks so I may stray from the nutrition plan a few times.

Talk to me about p90. I want to start this and am just too old and out of shape to jump into p90x. Do you need anything besides a dvd player? how hard is it starting out? How long are the exercises. There are so many power 90 products which is the real thing?And Broadwa G, Keep it up. I like reading your posts. I'm with you I could never do pull-ups even when I was in my prime.

P90 is the most basic of Horton's programs, he made it about 9 years ago.It is essentially four workouts broken down into two six week sessions. The workouts are: Sculpt 1/2, Sweat 1/2, Sculpt 3/4 & Sweat 3/4. Sculpt is based on resistance and Sweat on cardio. There is also the Ab Ripper 100 & 200 which are 5-7 minute ab routines you do after the Sweat workouts.

During the first six weeks you alternate between Sculpt 1/2 & Sweat 1/2 every other day, six days/week. The only required equipment is either some light dumbbells or a set of resistance bands. You can pretty much use any cheap resistance band you find at Big 5.

For the second six weeks you stop with 1/2 and switch to 3/4 which are essentially the same programs but slightly extended and slightly more complex.

IIRC the workouts are about 30-45 minutes each.

If you think you are starting out at the bottom physically, this is definitely the place to begin. You should find the workout to be challenging but not daunting and after the 12 weeks you will notice a difference.

Personally I would suggest that you not try to change your eating habits significantly during these 12 weeks. Just focus on getting in the workout each day. Mentally condition yourself over this time that no matter what else happens in your life at least you got your workout in. If you have a horrible eating day, or a bad day at work, or your girlfriend left you or your dog died it sucks but just get the workout in. It becomes a source of pride and something that you want to hold onto. After three months of this the workout should be a habit and missing a day will start to concern you. At this point is when I would suggest you seriously try to tackle improving your eating habits.

Back to the workout: After P90 Horton made P90X (which has been spoken of enough in here) however a shortly after P90X Horton made P90M (Masters series). P90M encompasses much (most perhaps) of P90X but Horton removed the pull ups from the program. I think for many people the pull ups become discouraging and derailed them from completing P90X. If, after you finish P90, you think you still want some additional conditioning before proceeding to P90X I strongly encourage P90M. It consists of six different workouts: Sculpt 5/6, Sweat 5/6 (much different then 1/2 & 3/4) Cardio Intervals, Core Cardio, Plyo Legs & Upper, Middle, Lower and the schedule of workouts changes throughout the 12 weeks. The workouts are definitely challenging and rewarding. P90M is not only a great stepping stone between P90M & P90X but it is just a darn good program in its own right.

P90M workouts run between 38-54 minutes and only require either dumbbells or resistance bands (only for Sculpt 5/6).

You may also want to invest in a good yoga mat as you end up on the ground a bit with the stretching and some of the exercises.

One good thing about starting where you are Chumley is that you have 12 months of workouts pre planned for you. You read in this thread about a lot of people asking what they should do after they finish P90X and there is really not much of a consensus. But starting at the ground floor you have four separate 3 month programs available to you that you can stack on top of each other, progressing from one achievement to the next. P90, P90M, P90X & P90X+ is a full year of workouts there for the taking. I guarantee you beyond a shadow of doubt that if you make it through those four you will be light years ahead of what you think is being in good shape.

And remember that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...except beer but what are ya gonna do?

Thanks. I'm going to look around on ebay for the p90 program and see what I can find. And I love that last line.

FWIW, I'm not a tub of goo but I'm a long way from where I once was and want to be again. I'm at about 6'1 200 and would like to be back around 180 or 185. This sounds like it should get me there.

Wasn't sure where you were starting from but it sounds like you are looking for a measured and methodical approach.P90 gets monotonous with only two workouts for each six week segment but it really is a great stepping stone to the other programs. Frankly the biggest hurdle to any of these programs is getting used to standing in front of a television for your workout, once you get over that it's smooth sailing.

 

[Mr. Chumley]

Just started today after doing a week of P90. P90 was a little boring with just the 2 different workouts alternating every other day but it was a good thing as I don't think I could have handled this right off the bat.

Starting at 6'0 225...chest and abs are on fire already. Thought I was going to vomit about 3/4 of the way through.

Oktoberfest in 2 weeks so I may stray from the nutrition plan a few times.

Talk to me about p90. I want to start this and am just too old and out of shape to jump into p90x. Do you need anything besides a dvd player? how hard is it starting out? How long are the exercises. There are so many power 90 products which is the real thing?And Broadwa G, Keep it up. I like reading your posts. I'm with you I could never do pull-ups even when I was in my prime.

P90 is the most basic of Horton's programs, he made it about 9 years ago.It is essentially four workouts broken down into two six week sessions. The workouts are: Sculpt 1/2, Sweat 1/2, Sculpt 3/4 & Sweat 3/4. Sculpt is based on resistance and Sweat on cardio. There is also the Ab Ripper 100 & 200 which are 5-7 minute ab routines you do after the Sweat workouts.

During the first six weeks you alternate between Sculpt 1/2 & Sweat 1/2 every other day, six days/week. The only required equipment is either some light dumbbells or a set of resistance bands. You can pretty much use any cheap resistance band you find at Big 5.

For the second six weeks you stop with 1/2 and switch to 3/4 which are essentially the same programs but slightly extended and slightly more complex.

IIRC the workouts are about 30-45 minutes each.

If you think you are starting out at the bottom physically, this is definitely the place to begin. You should find the workout to be challenging but not daunting and after the 12 weeks you will notice a difference.

Personally I would suggest that you not try to change your eating habits significantly during these 12 weeks. Just focus on getting in the workout each day. Mentally condition yourself over this time that no matter what else happens in your life at least you got your workout in. If you have a horrible eating day, or a bad day at work, or your girlfriend left you or your dog died it sucks but just get the workout in. It becomes a source of pride and something that you want to hold onto. After three months of this the workout should be a habit and missing a day will start to concern you. At this point is when I would suggest you seriously try to tackle improving your eating habits.

Back to the workout: After P90 Horton made P90X (which has been spoken of enough in here) however a shortly after P90X Horton made P90M (Masters series). P90M encompasses much (most perhaps) of P90X but Horton removed the pull ups from the program. I think for many people the pull ups become discouraging and derailed them from completing P90X. If, after you finish P90, you think you still want some additional conditioning before proceeding to P90X I strongly encourage P90M. It consists of six different workouts: Sculpt 5/6, Sweat 5/6 (much different then 1/2 & 3/4) Cardio Intervals, Core Cardio, Plyo Legs & Upper, Middle, Lower and the schedule of workouts changes throughout the 12 weeks. The workouts are definitely challenging and rewarding. P90M is not only a great stepping stone between P90M & P90X but it is just a darn good program in its own right.

P90M workouts run between 38-54 minutes and only require either dumbbells or resistance bands (only for Sculpt 5/6).

You may also want to invest in a good yoga mat as you end up on the ground a bit with the stretching and some of the exercises.

One good thing about starting where you are Chumley is that you have 12 months of workouts pre planned for you. You read in this thread about a lot of people asking what they should do after they finish P90X and there is really not much of a consensus. But starting at the ground floor you have four separate 3 month programs available to you that you can stack on top of each other, progressing from one achievement to the next. P90, P90M, P90X & P90X+ is a full year of workouts there for the taking. I guarantee you beyond a shadow of doubt that if you make it through those four you will be light years ahead of what you think is being in good shape.

And remember that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels...except beer but what are ya gonna do?

Thanks. I'm going to look around on ebay for the p90 program and see what I can find. And I love that last line.

FWIW, I'm not a tub of goo but I'm a long way from where I once was and want to be again. I'm at about 6'1 200 and would like to be back around 180 or 185. This sounds like it should get me there.

Wasn't sure where you were starting from but it sounds like you are looking for a measured and methodical approach.P90 gets monotonous with only two workouts for each six week segment but it really is a great stepping stone to the other programs. Frankly the biggest hurdle to any of these programs is getting used to standing in front of a television for your workout, once you get over that it's smooth sailing.

That does sound boring but I know I'm not ready to dive into the p90x. I see a lot of p90 exercise routines on from Amazon but I'm not sure what they really are or if I should buy them or the entire program from beach body.

 

[Chaka]

Wasn't sure where you were starting from but it sounds like you are looking for a measured and methodical approach.

P90 gets monotonous with only two workouts for each six week segment but it really is a great stepping stone to the other programs. Frankly the biggest hurdle to any of these programs is getting used to standing in front of a television for your workout, once you get over that it's smooth sailing.

That does sound boring but I know I'm not ready to dive into the p90x. I see a lot of p90 exercise routines on from Amazon but I'm not sure what they really are or if I should buy them or the entire program from beach body.

Not sure how much you are willing to spend but it looks like the whole package is about $75 from beachbody.com (the P90 home site). That seems like a reasonable price to me.I can't speak to the quality of the resistance band but I am guessing you might still need to invest in a few more which will run you between $15-30.

Ultimately all you need is the videos and some form of resistance (bands, or bells) so if you can get that for cheaper than $75 I would go in that direction.

The program is simple: Choose a start day, alternate workouts every other day for six days, take a rest day, repeat for six weeks then do the same thing with the other two workouts.

When you get to P90M & P90X it is helpful to have the schedules and routines etc. on hand but you can get most of that info online at this point.

 

[madshot31]

Week 1 Day 1 complete. Managed no pull ups and 2 chin ups. The military push ups slayed me while I could do many of the Ab Ripper X exercises. In fact, the biggest problem with ABX was not the Ab exhaustion, but my hip flexors were tight on many of the leg lift exercises. I think I'll throw in a few Insanity hip flexor stretches after the weight routines before going after ABX next time. I took 2.5 weeks off since finishing Insanity and I have felt like a lazy bum. Even though my body really needed the rest, it was absolutely the toughest part of the getting fit bandwagon so far.

 

[BroadwayG]

Mid week 7 for me. The past couple weekends I've kind of skimped with family coming in, and drafts going on. Was doing half routines just to get in a sweat and calling it a day.

Funny you mention hip flexors as that's one thing that I've become very well educated on. Prior to starting this, if you would have asked me where a hip flexor was I would have made a huge circle around my waist and said 'somewhere in here.' Now I know exactly where they hurt.

Plyo is still kicking my hindquarters on a weekly basis. Yoga and Kenpo are the nice sweat routines. For the resistance days, I'm really working on dialing up the weights to get to that 8-10 rep zone. When I'm doing 12s, I'm bumping it up the next time. If I had a ceiling that would accept a band, I'd probably go that route instead of pullups as I'm just so weak in that department.

The first few routines of AbRipper X are still the most painful. I did a couple of the cross legged situps tonight for the first time in between some wide legged ones. I really never would have imaged that after week 1. While I feel a million times better all over, I get sad looking in the mirror. I'm still not seeing any visual evidence of my toils.

 

[BroadwayG]

Talk to me about p90. I want to start this and am just too old and out of shape to jump into p90x. Do you need anything besides a dvd player? how hard is it starting out? How long are the exercises. There are so many power 90 products which is the real thing?And Broadwa G, Keep it up. I like reading your posts. I'm with you I could never do pull-ups even when I was in my prime.

I would have said the same thing about p90x if I had known what I was getting into . Just for reference I was pretty active and athletic until I hit 21. Then for 13 years, besides alternating between beer golf and beer league softball, it's been a pretty sedentary lifestyle. At my worst I was 5'10" and probably about 215-220.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Mid week 7 for me. The past couple weekends I've kind of skimped with family coming in, and drafts going on. Was doing half routines just to get in a sweat and calling it a day.Funny you mention hip flexors as that's one thing that I've become very well educated on. Prior to starting this, if you would have asked me where a hip flexor was I would have made a huge circle around my waist and said 'somewhere in here.' Now I know exactly where they hurt.Plyo is still kicking my hindquarters on a weekly basis. Yoga and Kenpo are the nice sweat routines. For the resistance days, I'm really working on dialing up the weights to get to that 8-10 rep zone. When I'm doing 12s, I'm bumping it up the next time. If I had a ceiling that would accept a band, I'd probably go that route instead of pullups as I'm just so weak in that department.The first few routines of AbRipper X are still the most painful. I did a couple of the cross legged situps tonight for the first time in between some wide legged ones. I really never would have imaged that after week 1. While I feel a million times better all over, I get sad looking in the mirror. I'm still not seeing any visual evidence of my toils.

At the top of your post you are saying you're skimping and then at the bottom you say you aren't seen results. Gee I wonder why? But the first thing I would ask is "what's your diet looking like?" Usually, when people aren't seeing results it isn't because of the workout program, it's because of the diet.

 

[madshot31]

Mid week 7 for me. The past couple weekends I've kind of skimped with family coming in, and drafts going on. Was doing half routines just to get in a sweat and calling it a day.Funny you mention hip flexors as that's one thing that I've become very well educated on. Prior to starting this, if you would have asked me where a hip flexor was I would have made a huge circle around my waist and said 'somewhere in here.' Now I know exactly where they hurt.Plyo is still kicking my hindquarters on a weekly basis. Yoga and Kenpo are the nice sweat routines. For the resistance days, I'm really working on dialing up the weights to get to that 8-10 rep zone. When I'm doing 12s, I'm bumping it up the next time. If I had a ceiling that would accept a band, I'd probably go that route instead of pullups as I'm just so weak in that department.The first few routines of AbRipper X are still the most painful. I did a couple of the cross legged situps tonight for the first time in between some wide legged ones. I really never would have imaged that after week 1. While I feel a million times better all over, I get sad looking in the mirror. I'm still not seeing any visual evidence of my toils.

At the top of your post you are saying you're skimping and then at the bottom you say you aren't seen results. Gee I wonder why? But the first thing I would ask is "what's your diet looking like?" Usually, when people aren't seeing results it isn't because of the workout program, it's because of the diet.

I would look into what your diet is also. Even if you aren't using their food plan, give it a read just so it helps you understand some things that will help. The workouts make you feel like a badass, but the diet is the key to seeing weight and tone improvements. Day 2 - First Plyo workout in about 3 weeks. Its was awesome and I feel like I rocked it for my first pass through. But, #### me, my body is going to be sore. I can really feel the soreness in my arms and abs from day 1. Now its time to add thighs and calves into the walking robot mix for tomorrow.

 

[Snotbubbles]

My buddy is dropping off the P90x DVD's this Sunday. So I'll be starting up on Monday I think. I'll keep a journal on here as potential inspiration for others.

 

[Chaka]

My buddy is dropping off the P90x DVD's this Sunday. So I'll be starting up on Monday I think. I'll keep a journal on here as potential inspiration for others. motivation for myself.

Just a friendly reminder to keep your focus in the right place.

 

[BroadwayG]

My buddy is dropping off the P90x DVD's this Sunday. So I'll be starting up on Monday I think. I'll keep a journal on here as potential inspiration for others.

Also remember that if your family or friends need something that will get in the way of a workout, tell them to f-off. They can be replaced, but not the burn from the Kenpo DVD.

 

[Disco Stu]

Think I'm going to fire this back up today.

I've had exactly two weeks of being lazy after finishing round 1. It's probably time for round 2.

Definitely look and feel better than I did before this started. Gained 12 pounds in round 1 (177 to 189) but haven't weighed myself in over a week.

Still need to figure out if I'll change anything this time. Somebody else mentioned replacing some of the pushups with bench. That sounds pretty good, since the chest work is a little lacking. I may also bike or something instead of Kenpo.

And maybe I'll look at the Nutrition guide this time. Cutting back on the beer might be a good idea. I'm curious if I could get a six pack to show.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I've already finished INSANITY. I can't imagine p90x is worse.

 

[Ned]

I've already finished INSANITY. I can't imagine p90x is worse.

2 totally different animals. Plyo/Kenpo will seem easy though.

 

[madshot31]

I've already finished INSANITY. I can't imagine p90x is worse.

2 totally different animals. Plyo/Kenpo will seem easy though.

Yep, one is focused more on cardio when the other is strength. They are both great and have elements that help in the other department, but it just depends what you are looking for. If you do either one to the best of your ability, you will have a great workout.Question: I was wondering if anybody knows of a move you can do that isolates the chest like a bench does but either uses your own body weight or dumb bells? I don't have access to a bench.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I've already finished INSANITY. I can't imagine p90x is worse.

2 totally different animals. Plyo/Kenpo will seem easy though.

Yep, one is focused more on cardio when the other is strength. They are both great and have elements that help in the other department, but it just depends what you are looking for. If you do either one to the best of your ability, you will have a great workout.Question: I was wondering if anybody knows of a move you can do that isolates the chest like a bench does but either uses your own body weight or dumb bells? I don't have access to a bench.

Push ups.

 

[madshot31]

I've already finished INSANITY. I can't imagine p90x is worse.

2 totally different animals. Plyo/Kenpo will seem easy though.

Yep, one is focused more on cardio when the other is strength. They are both great and have elements that help in the other department, but it just depends what you are looking for. If you do either one to the best of your ability, you will have a great workout.Question: I was wondering if anybody knows of a move you can do that isolates the chest like a bench does but either uses your own body weight or dumb bells? I don't have access to a bench.

Push ups.

Push ups can only do so much for the upper body. My chest muscles have never stopped me from completing a set of push ups due to exhaustion.Day 3 complete. Shoulder/Arms and ABX kicked my ###. It was my first time through this routine and for people wondering if you need different types of dumb bells, I used six different weights ranging from 7.5 pounds to 25 pounds. If I only had 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 pound pairs, some of the exercises would have been really tough or way to easy. I easily made a 30% jump in my ABX performance and in my post workout shower I had trouble shampooing my hair. I'll be really sore tomorrow but I feel like money right now. Tony arrogance is growing on me.Forgot to mention. Up yours Fifer Scissors.

 

[BroadwayG]

I took until week 7 day 5, but I was finally able to get at least one real pullup in more than just the first set. Feels good to not stare at 90% zeroes on the chart.

 

[Chaka]

Push ups can only do so much for the upper body. My chest muscles have never stopped me from completing a set of push ups due to exhaustion.

I am sincerely not trying to be a smart### with this response but it is pretty obvious that you are not doing enough of them. Trust me you cannot do an infinite number of push ups.There is also the possibility of mixing up the types of push ups you do. That's the great thing about them is that it is very easy to shift your arms just a little bit and hit your pecs from different angles.

 

[madshot31]

Push ups can only do so much for the upper body. My chest muscles have never stopped me from completing a set of push ups due to exhaustion.

I am sincerely not trying to be a smart### with this response but it is pretty obvious that you are not doing enough of them. Trust me you cannot do an infinite number of push ups.There is also the possibility of mixing up the types of push ups you do. That's the great thing about them is that it is very easy to shift your arms just a little bit and hit your pecs from different angles.

Its all good. I can do about 25 regular push ups or 8 good military ones before I can't do anymore. The problem I find is that even when doing 5-6 variations of push ups my arm muscles will give out before my chest muscles feel close to failing. I have by no means perfected doing push ups since I have only done them in Insanity and now P90X without having a set regiment beforehand. Hopefully as I progress in P90X I'll build up more arm strength, which will turn around and let me complete more push ups that increase the chest muscle work.

 

[Short Corner]

And maybe I'll look at the Nutrition guide this time. Cutting back on the beer might be a good idea. I'm curious if I could get a six pack to show.

I actually lost the most weight when beer (1 liter/day) and giant pretzels were a staple of my diet. Went from 242 to 205 in 6 months when we first moved out here.

 

[Chaka]

Push ups can only do so much for the upper body. My chest muscles have never stopped me from completing a set of push ups due to exhaustion.

I am sincerely not trying to be a smart### with this response but it is pretty obvious that you are not doing enough of them. Trust me you cannot do an infinite number of push ups.There is also the possibility of mixing up the types of push ups you do. That's the great thing about them is that it is very easy to shift your arms just a little bit and hit your pecs from different angles.

Its all good. I can do about 25 regular push ups or 8 good military ones before I can't do anymore. The problem I find is that even when doing 5-6 variations of push ups my arm muscles will give out before my chest muscles feel close to failing. I have by no means perfected doing push ups since I have only done them in Insanity and now P90X without having a set regiment beforehand. Hopefully as I progress in P90X I'll build up more arm strength, which will turn around and let me complete more push ups that increase the chest muscle work.

That's the spirit! And you're right.

 

[trout]

Think I'm going to fire this back up today.

I've had exactly two weeks of being lazy after finishing round 1. It's probably time for round 2.

Definitely look and feel better than I did before this started. Gained 12 pounds in round 1 (177 to 189) but haven't weighed myself in over a week.

Still need to figure out if I'll change anything this time. Somebody else mentioned replacing some of the pushups with bench. That sounds pretty good, since the chest work is a little lacking. I may also bike or something instead of Kenpo.

And maybe I'll look at the Nutrition guide this time. Cutting back on the beer might be a good idea. I'm curious if I could get a six pack to show.

I'm on my second round of P90X...end of week 9. This time thru, I've been doing flat bench press in place of some pushup moves. I'd definitely recommend it. different kind of burn for sure. Instead of doing 50 standard pushup, I do 20 bench presses...very different.

 

[trout]

Earlier in this thread some of us were mentioning that Kenpo is becoming easier. Well this morning I grabbed my wife's 2.5lbs dumbells (I swear they're not mine). I used the 2.5 pounders for all the punching excercises. Wowzers. My shoulders and upper back were on fire. I actually felt like I was working out and not resting during the blocking moves and elbow series.

If you've found Kenpo becoming too easy, then grab some light weights. I started out this morning with 5lb dumbells, but when throwing punches, the momentum of the weights prevented me from keeping up...jab, cross, hook, uppercut goes pretty fast. I was able to keep up with the 2.5 pounders.

 

[Random]

Think I'm going to fire this back up today.

I've had exactly two weeks of being lazy after finishing round 1. It's probably time for round 2.

Definitely look and feel better than I did before this started. Gained 12 pounds in round 1 (177 to 189) but haven't weighed myself in over a week.

Still need to figure out if I'll change anything this time. Somebody else mentioned replacing some of the pushups with bench. That sounds pretty good, since the chest work is a little lacking. I may also bike or something instead of Kenpo.

And maybe I'll look at the Nutrition guide this time. Cutting back on the beer might be a good idea. I'm curious if I could get a six pack to show.

I'm on my second round of P90X...end of week 9. This time thru, I've been doing flat bench press in place of some pushup moves. I'd definitely recommend it. different kind of burn for sure. Instead of doing 50 standard pushup, I do 20 bench presses...very different.

I've been doing this as well. 3 days a week I start my workout with 3 sets of 5 and 2 sets of 10 on the bench press. Definitely the way to go here.

 

[madshot31]

On day one with chest and back I did 2 chin ups and 0 pull ups. Although, I did complete each set to exhaustion with use of a chair. On day five with legs and back I did 14 chin ups and 9 pull ups without aid and completed each set once again to exhaustion with the use of a chair. I did not expect to see even close to that much of an improvement in a few days.

 

[madshot31]

Week 1 is complete. I really like all the strength workouts and had mixed feelings about the yoga, mainly because of its crazy length. I always enjoy Plyo workouts and can see the benefits that come from it, but then came along Kempo today. I completed it and would give it a meh rating. I not only got board while doing the routine, but by the end it didn't really feel like I did much. I probably would have gotten the same or better workout with better scenery if I went for a jog instead.

 

[Random]

Week 1 is complete. I really like all the strength workouts and had mixed feelings about the yoga, mainly because of its crazy length. I always enjoy Plyo workouts and can see the benefits that come from it, but then came along Kempo today. I completed it and would give it a meh rating. I not only got board while doing the routine, but by the end it didn't really feel like I did much. I probably would have gotten the same or better workout with better scenery if I went for a jog instead.

Both are pretty much the norm for this thread. Although most of us stuck with Yoga for the first few months. It really is a good workout.