Equipment fir p90x?

[ickayR]

Anyone know what equipment I need for the p90x?

[sfgiantsfan79]

A vagina

[animalfan]

Anyone know what equipment I need for the p90x?

pullup bar and exercise bands or dumbbells.

[desslok]

What are your goals and stats, etc?

[Ryanast]

A vagina

lol yes!

[Wildtim]

The first thing you need is a the full set of dvd's and written literature. in them I'm sure they discuss anything else you should have.

However p90x is a good weight loss plan not a muscle gaining plan. If you want big muscles find a better plan.

[faceface2012]

What are your goals and stats, etc?

Yup, what's your goal.

[buffbrown21]

Lets see, I havent seen this question in at least 7 days.
The answer is given in the infomercials, on the p90xwebsite, on the p90x message boards, on ask.com, on several threads in different parts of this message board and on and on.

[ickayR]

Alright thanks for answering,& I know how annoying these threads get,just kinda desperate right now.

Do you guys even recommend p90x for someone tryna lose weight,get I'm shape & build some muscle?

[cgc]

A vagina

You seem like a good guy, why not let him borrow yours?

[ickayR]

You seem like a good guy, why not let him borrow yours?

Oh ****. .

[AttyGuy]

Anyone know what equipment I need for the p90x?

Squirrels. In pairs and different weights. And don't forget the rubber. Bands, that is. And some wireless devices. Preferably one of the smart phones that keep popping up on threads in the equipment section, purchased from the spammer that keeps posting them here. And last, but not least, some 80's rap star athletic shoes.

Oh, and you should change your screen name so that it has "red" or "brah" or "red" and "brah" in it. Just a few quick thoughts off the cuff.

Or, you could try the search function on the bar above that starts with "user cp" and ends with "search".

Mostly kidding! Good luck getting fit. I don't do P90X, but friends who do tell me there's not a lot that you really need. You will need some dumbbells and a pullup bar.

[chrowski]

a SET of dumbbells <--the word SET is key here. I've moved on since my p90x days but if you don't have the correct weights to challenge yourself, you're being counterproductive. There are exercises that you'll be able to do using 40s or 50s and others you'll struggle with at 12lb weights.

also a pull up bar (a word of warning, the one on the p90x site eats away at the top of the door on the side the exercise is not being performed on)

it's a good system if you're new to the world of fitness... but once you figure things out you'll realize you could've put together the same plan, or even a better one, on your own.

--tom

[cyde]

I'd suggest getting a low end range of dumbbells 5-50#. Either hex or standard DB handles, plates, and strong collars that won't budge during swing movements. Next you will need a pull-up bar. If you have the room, Craigslist often has the pullup/dip/roman chair stations for around $50. Olympic rings would probably be a better buy for pullups, dips, pushups, bodyweight rows, etc. That would be very conducive to a P90x program and all around general fitness.

Here's my final advice.
Age: 16
Join a real gym and do proper lifts.

[AttyGuy]

A cage. A FID. A 300-lb. Olympic set with bar.

If it can't be done with those, it's not worth doing.

Oh, and get plenty of horse stall mats.

[cgc]

A cage. A FID. A 300-lb. Olympic set with bar.

If it can't be done with those, it's not worth doing.

Oh, and get plenty of horse stall mats.

While I am not sold out on P90X, it does work if you utilize it as a way to lose body fat. IMO, it's "A" way....not "THE" way.
My father in law has lost 70 plus lbs on the system....But I'm not sure it is ideal for a 16 year old unless they DO have body fat to shed.
If so a set of bands, pull up bar and if you like a yoga mat....you should be good to go with that.

OP, P90X will help you shed body fat (with proper diet...this is key) and get some pretty decent conditioning...but muscle building is where it IMO is not optimal....if you want to do that, you'll either need to bastardize the heck out of the system or look to do another routine.

[AttyGuy]

cgc, it was an attempt at humor, going for the stock answer. Agree with you on P90X.

[Infinite23]

I've done P90X and noticed some good gains in my fat loss but in terms of muscle gains it didn't really do any difference. I would just do P90X if i was cutting but to gain muscle just do traditional weight lifting.

[RedRonan]

like everyone here says it is a fat loss programme.Sure you will get stronger if you progressively overload your muscles but for muscles growth you need excess calories.Its good if your fat and want to cut but if you wanna be big and cut weight training and a gym is where its at man.

[JJ-]

I have a feeling we are going to need a "official p90x search thread" sticky in the near future. Lots of these lately. Then again the bowflex sticky doesn't seem to help that much with the bowflex threads so who knows.

[cgc]

cgc, it was an attempt at humor, going for the stock answer. Agree with you on P90X.

I apologize....I though your first responce was the humor then you came back with a serious question...
Misread what you were trying to do...my bad.


I have a feeling we are going to need a "official p90x search thread" sticky in the near future. Lots of these lately. Then again the bowflex sticky doesn't seem to help that much with the bowflex threads so who knows.

All the stickies are over looked more often than not....shoot, when I tell someone to read them I generally give them the link and or just about hold their hand to what they're looking for these days....lol

[oldline70]

While I am not sold out on P90X, it does work if you utilize it as a way to lose body fat. IMO, it's "A" way....not "THE" way.
My father in law has lost 70 plus lbs on the system....But I'm not sure it is ideal for a 16 year old unless they DO have body fat to shed.
If so a set of bands, pull up bar and if you like a yoga mat....you should be good to go with that.

OP, P90X will help you shed body fat (with proper diet...this is key) and get some pretty decent conditioning...but muscle building is where it IMO is not optimal....if you want to do that, you'll either need to bastardize the heck out of the system or look to do another routine.

I'd definitely agree. I know people (workout machines) who have added bonus rounds of heavier lifting exercises onto their P90X strength workouts and it's worked for them. Not sure the extra rounds works for the average Joe, though- it may be TOO much.

[cgc]

I'd definitely agree. I know people (workout machines) who have added bonus rounds of heavier lifting exercises onto their P90X strength workouts and it's worked for them. Not sure the extra rounds works for the average Joe, though- it may be TOO much.

More often than not, from what I understand...if you try to lift WITH the full P90X routine you'll end up running yourself into the ground.
You basically have to bastardize the system. Supposedly Beach Body is coming out with some new stuff this year....this should include a system for building muscle as well.
My father in law is a "coach" and tells me all this stuff from time to time as he's trying to get the whole family on it....
I'm just not that interested in it, honestly.

[oldline70]

More often than not, from what I understand...if you try to lift WITH the full P90X routine you'll end up running yourself into the ground.
You basically have to bastardize the system. Supposedly Beach Body is coming out with some new stuff this year....this should include a system for building muscle as well.
My father in law is a "coach" and tells me all this stuff from time to time as he's trying to get the whole family on it....
I'm just not that interested in it, honestly.

I'm a bigger guy and need to lose fat, and I like that it torches calories. Don't like that it's not a great muscle builder. I've got the program but haven't really turned on a 13 week cycle because a) it's a big demand on time at 1 to 1-1/2 hours per day, which presents challenges of its own and b)not sure I want to give up my benches, deads and squats. And the thought of a 48 year old 240 pound man jumping around on plyo day makes my knees hurt just thinking aobut it. I'd make sure to wrap the he** out of my knees if I did it, or wear Tommy Konos or something.

I then kind of decided that best bet would be some kind of compromise hybrid system but that's hard to execute and you end up with a system that does nothing well.

Finally, and where I'm at now I believe is, I think the best all-around solution for me would be to use it for 13 weeks then do heavy lifting in alternating cycles. Shred down, then build up, to put it one way.

I think in the final analysis, it's just another tool for the toolbox and it works for a while. For the general public, if it gets them off the couch and seeing results, I am all for it.

[cgc]

I'm a bigger guy and need to lose fat, and I like that it torches calories. Don't like that it's not a great muscle builder. I've got the program but haven't really turned on a 13 week cycle because a) it's a big demand on time at 1 to 1-1/2 hours per day, which presents challenges of its own and b)not sure I want to give up my benches, deads and squats. And the thought of a 48 year old 240 pound man jumping around on plyo day makes my knees hurt just thinking aobut it. I'd make sure to wrap the he** out of my knees if I did it, or wear Tommy Konos or something.

I then kind of decided that best bet would be some kind of compromise hybrid system but that's hard to execute and you end up with a system that does nothing well.

Finally, and where I'm at now I believe is, I think the best all-around solution for me would be to use it for 13 weeks then do heavy lifting in alternating cycles. Shred down, then build up, to put it one way.

I think in the final analysis, it's just another tool for the toolbox and it works for a while. For the general public, if it gets them off the couch and seeing results, I am all for it.

And again, I'm not trying to sell P90X or any bull crap like that....It's "A" way, not "THE" way like you and I have said (just don't want anyone getting their panties in a bunch here).

My father in law I believe started at 265 or 270 lbs...and has jacked up knees.
With the plyo days he does what he can, basically...and as he's gone along with the program he's been able to do more and more without issue.
I think if you (anyone, not you specifically) have been lifting heavy and has a good muscular foundation, P90X or something like it will yield some nice looking end results...but like we've all said...just don't expect to get break any PRs on your lifts.

I'm like you...I actually like to BE (relatively speaking) strong as opposed to being ripped into single digit BF percentages. My father in law doesn't understand this and that's where we butt heads a bit about thing....and why I won't do the full P90X routine. He's given me all the DVDs and crap and I may do the plyo and yoga at some point. The strength training? Yeah, I'll stick with what I know cause while I don't care if I get bigger...I want to keep getting stronger.

[oldline70]

And again, I'm not trying to sell P90X or any bull crap like that....It's "A" way, not "THE" way like you and I have said (just don't want anyone getting their panties in a bunch here).

My father in law I believe started at 265 or 270 lbs...and has jacked up knees.
With the plyo days he does what he can, basically...and as he's gone along with the program he's been able to do more and more without issue.
I think if you (anyone, not you specifically) have been lifting heavy and has a good muscular foundation, P90X or something like it will yield some nice looking end results...but like we've all said...just don't expect to get break any PRs on your lifts.

I'm like you...I actually like to BE (relatively speaking) strong as opposed to being ripped into single digit BF percentages. My father in law doesn't understand this and that's where we butt heads a bit about thing....and why I won't do the full P90X routine. He's given me all the DVDs and crap and I may do the plyo and yoga at some point. The strength training? Yeah, I'll stick with what I know cause while I don't care if I get bigger...I want to keep getting stronger.

I agree, cgc. I, too, don't view the P90X 'strength building' workouts to really build strength in the way WE understand it...a single rep max bench for example. The reps and poundages will go up, but it's not strength training like what we know. True functional strength is where it's at :)

What I don't like about P90x is the unwritten but sort of implied 'upsell' to other DVD-based routines...Shaun T's Insanity, etc. It's never mentioned overtly, and I may be stretching here, but I'm sure many buyers of P90X see Insanity and say "gotta try that next". When does it end? And why do we need the "next'" version of P90x like you mention, and I've also heard about? That's what I kind of dislike about the whole process behind DVD-based programs.

One other thing: me and my friends say it all the time, all these canned 'programs' work, but only for so long...and only IF you do them, as prescribed, no more, no less. We all can guess that the vast majority of P90x buyers end up never doing, or following all the way thru a 13 week cycle.

[cgc]

I agree, cgc. I, too, don't view the P90X 'strength building' workouts to really build strength in the way WE understand it...a single rep max bench for example. The reps and poundages will go up, but it's not strength training like what we know. True functional strength is where it's at :)

What I don't like about P90x is the unwritten but sort of implied 'upsell' to other DVD-based routines...Shaun T's Insanity, etc. It's never mentioned overtly, and I may be stretching here, but I'm sure many buyers of P90X see Insanity and say "gotta try that next". When does it end? And why do we need the "next'" version of P90x like you mention, and I've also heard about? That's what I kind of dislike about the whole process behind DVD-based programs.

One other thing: me and my friends say it all the time, all these canned 'programs' work, but only for so long...and only IF you do them, as prescribed, no more, no less. We all can guess that the vast majority of P90x buyers end up never doing, or following all the way thru a 13 week cycle.

I agree with what you're saying.
I think the purpose of the continued programs is so that people who want something a little different than the basic program have that option....but I don't know for sure.
I know people who are die-hard P90Xers about pee themselves over the thought of a new release...lol

And without question there are a lot of DVD sets either still in the shrink wrap sitting on home shelves...or they've run the first DVD, did the first 15 minutes of it and passed out for the remaining time never to play it again...lol. I don't doubt this.

[ickayR]

I'm leaning towards Insanity,just because its less expensive & doesn't require equipment. I'm not using p90x for muscle gain,I'm just tryna lose some lbs. Plus,I really can't find specific diets out there & mist if the excersizes people talk about on here are lifting esque.

Insanity or p90x,for getting in shape/losing fat?

[cyde]

I'm leaning towards Insanity,just because its less expensive & doesn't require equipment. I'm not using p90x for muscle gain,I'm just tryna lose some lbs. Plus,I really can't find specific diets out there & mist if the excersizes people talk about on here are lifting esque.

Insanity or p90x,for getting in shape/losing fat?

Here you go, brah. Keep that $140 and use it to buy some equipment. If you really like the program, feel free to buy it. Personally I think it's grossly overpriced, but that's another thread entirely.

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5949862/P90X.Xtreme.Workout.Series.COMPLETE_PACK.DVDrip.Xv id(no_RARs)

If you don't have a torrent program, use this: http://www.utorrent.com/

[AttyGuy]

And if you do buy it, buy it used so you save money.

[sfgiantsfan79]

Ick, you do get that resistance training adds muscles and that muscles burn calories right? And that without resistance training you will look like total **** once you lose all your weight right?

[FuzzeWuzze]

For god sakes dont just go straight into Insanity.

Insanity is 100% cardio. I completed the entire 13 week P90x program last year, honestly because someone brought it up and said it was hard, so even being skinnyfat out of shape never worked out a day in my life... i was like **** this i can do this if i dedicate to it...and i did. It was more of a mental battle to change into the more fitness oriented lifestyle that P90x taught me more than anything. No more diet of mtn dew, frozen totinos pizza's, corn dogs and hostess cupcakes for me...Some people need that guidance to push them, most get it from personal trainers or friends with experience. Neither of which i had(LOL at the thought of my friends working out). So Tony filled that gap for better or worse...
Regardless of his antics the guy looks amazing for being over 50, so you cant hate on that.

I mean people talk trash about it strength wise, but honestly if you use the right weight theres nothing in the routine thats really different than a lot of splits you will see here.

Dumbell Presses
Dumbell Skull crushers
Dumbell Squats
Dumbell Lunges
Dumbell Fly's
etc
etc

All staples of a 4 or 5 day split in some form(barbell or dumbell). Sure they do a lot of bodyweight exercises, but again all of these can be modified with weight belts if your that extreme.

If you just want to get in better shape just do it but eat at maintenence(i only lost like 2lbs over the course of 13 weeks) but was way more myspace ripped. From there had a good base to start a more traditional strength training workout more confidently. I knew what my body was capable of and knew when i could push it and when i was really exhausted. You see so many people do one set of curls or like 5 squats and then leave "exhausted" at the gym...not really pushing themselves.

Thats my long blurb...lol.

[nakedbabytoes]

I'm doing it now(and yes, I actually HAVE a vagina), I'm on week 9.
For equipment, you'll need:
pull up bar
resistance bands or dumbbells(I like to use both)
a chair or stair step
a wall

and that's really it.
I work out in my barefeet on carpet. No yoga mat, no sneaks, no blocks, etc.

It has helped me with all areas of fitness. Endurance, strength, muscle build, fat loss, flexibility. I was in shape before, but am in super shape now. Will it make you Arnold big? no. But it will give you a nice all over body fitness level, then you can tweek off of that & spot build later. I wish people wouldn't knock it that haven't tried it. It's a good all over intense program.

[JJ-]

i'm doing it now(and yes, i actually have a vagina),

lol

[chrowski]

I'm doing it now(and yes, I actually HAVE a vagina), I'm on week 9.
For equipment, you'll need:
pull up bar
resistance bands or dumbbells(I like to use both)
a chair or stair step
a wall

and that's really it.
I work out in my barefeet on carpet. No yoga mat, no sneaks, no blocks, etc.

It has helped me with all areas of fitness. Endurance, strength, muscle build, fat loss, flexibility. I was in shape before, but am in super shape now. Will it make you Arnold big? no. But it will give you a nice all over body fitness level, then you can tweek off of that & spot build later. I wish people wouldn't knock it that haven't tried it. It's a good all over intense program.


Keep at it!...but put on sneakers for ab ripper ( you're cheating yourself if you do it barefoot, try it w/ shoes and you'll see what i'm saying)



--tom

[cgc]

I mean people talk trash about it strength wise, but honestly if you use the right weight theres nothing in the routine thats really different than a lot of splits you will see here..

To use the weight that would be conducive to build good strength and size, you're not going to get the reps the program is looking for you to pull.
LOTS of people who are part of the P90X cult...er....coaching agree with this and ultimately end up making changes to the system if they REALLY want to improve this.
Again, this is also why BeachBody is looking to come out with another program this year geared more towards building size and strength....
You're not going to get weak with P90X, don't get me wrong....but you're not going to gain size because you're on a pretty good caloric deficit and you're not lifting heavy enough.


I'm doing it now(and yes, I actually HAVE a vagina),

Wheeew.....I was worried about that. Would have hated if your profile picture was really of a dude cause I don't know if sfgiantsfan79's is big enough to share between you and the OP.

[nakedbabytoes]

I could try ankle weights. I hate shoes & gloves for workouts. Sweat city!!!
I do need to challenge myself. I can do ABR all the way through, no issues, no breaks now. It isn't hard for me anymore like it was the first bit.

[sfgiantsfan79]

To use the weight that would be conducive to build good strength and size, you're not going to get the reps the program is looking for you to pull.
LOTS of people who are part of the P90X cult...er....coaching agree with this and ultimately end up making changes to the system if they REALLY want to improve this.
Again, this is also why BeachBody is looking to come out with another program this year geared more towards building size and strength....
You're not going to get weak with P90X, don't get me wrong....but you're not going to gain size because you're on a pretty good caloric deficit and you're not lifting heavy enough.



Wheeew.....I was worried about that. Would have hated if your profile picture was really of a dude cause I don't know if sfgiantsfan79's is big enough to share between you and the OP.

LULZ

You're not the brightest bulb are you (which should be obvious since you believe in the myth of god)?

I was making a joke. I've actually used p90x geek. In fact it was the first program I used to get in shape while I worked on my gym phobia.

[cgc]

LULZ

You're not the brightest bulb are you (which should be obvious since you believe in the myth of god)?

I was making a joke. I've actually used p90x geek. In fact it was the first program I used to get in shape while I worked on my gym phobia.

It's funny to have someone question my intelligence for assuming I didn't catch their joke and what I believe in. Especially when that same person can't tell I was joking with that poster above and says they had a "phobia" about going to a gym.
Priceless.
Take care, sport.

[ickayR]

Alright,I'm thinking about getting the package that comes w/ all the equipment you need. Plus,it saves me money from a real pull-up bar. For $200 it's definitely worth as long as I follow the diet & commit to the program,I'll be in great shape again. Can't wait to start lifting after I shed those lbs.

[buffbrown21]

LULZ

You're not the brightest bulb are you (which should be obvious since you believe in the myth of god)?

I was making a joke. I've actually used p90x geek. In fact it was the first program I used to get in shape while I worked on my gym phobia.


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/ahhelga/wtfman.jpg



It's funny to have someone question my intelligence for assuming I didn't catch their joke and what I believe in. Especially when that same person can't tell I was joking with that poster above and says they had a "phobia" about going to a gym.
Priceless.
Take care, sport.

Yeah, really.

[ickayR]

Here you go, brah. Keep that $140 and use it to buy some equipment. If you really like the program, feel free to buy it. Personally I think it's grossly overpriced, but that's another thread entirely.

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5949862/P90X.Xtreme.Workout.Series.COMPLETE_PACK.DVDrip.Xv id(no_RARs)

If you don't have a torrent program, use this: http://www.utorrent.com/

Thanks alot!

So,what am I missing out on if I torrent it (other than the equipment)?

[sawoobley]

For P90X you are going to need the following equipment as others have stated.

pull up bar
resistance bands or dumbbells(I like to use both)
a chair or stair step
a wall

If you buy it used then you have to find someone you can trust. I would bet over half of the ones on eBay are pirated copies and some of the DVDs will not even work. The other problem is you miss out on some of the online resources but you could get by without them I guess. Personally, I prefer to buy the programs through legitimate means (used or new) because it makes me more likely to actually go through the program and I like to support companies that make good products.

You are going to want to tweak the program for your needs. If you want muscle then choose the supplements you want to take. Lift heavy of course (and take in several hundred calories above maintenance if you are not looking to loose weight). Failure at the 8th rep. You may want to rest for 1 minute between each exercise that requires heavy weights so you can perform well on the next exercise. There are a number of people who have gone from skinny dudes to much larger muscley dudes on the program. P90X gets expensive though because of the diet. It requires a lot of calories and if you follow the diet plan it will drain your wallet in the beginning but if you take the principles they teach and make your own diet plan you can save a lot. You can also use it to loose weight. Just give yourself a 400-700 calorie deficit and give the program 6-8 weeks before the results start to hit. If you don't care about building strength and large muscles then just follow the DVDs and keep up with Tony the best you can and do 12-15 reps with each exercise.

Insanity is a great program also. However, it is a lot of plyometrics and tends to neglect the upper body. Most fit people combine P90X and insanity to get the weightlifting/yoga/stretching from P90X and the cardio/plyometrics from insanity. I believe insanity requires you to consume far less calories than P90X. People that want mass tend to not want to do insanity alone because it is a lot of cardio and you may loose some muscle mass on the program if you are not careful. Both can be used for weight loss and results vary depending on how well people understand the nutrition plans and push it during the workouts.

If you choose P90X you must get yourself a nutrition guide and get your calorie levels right (high enough) or you probably will not loose much weight. It is the most important part of the program. It also helps to jump on the message boards and report on your workouts each day with a group of people who began the program the same time as you. It will keep you honest and informed.

P90X is a workout program. You can use the same principles that you learn on this site and apply it to the program. It is good especially for beginners who want to get into shape or people that want the extra motivation and structure. It's a good program that does a lot of good for a lot of people. It is not made for bodybuilding but you can get stronger and more athletic with it.

I am getting ready to start my 3rd round of P90X and with probably add in some insanity.

[sawoobley]

I forgot to mention. Be careful because Beachbody does seem to prosecute a lot of people who sell pirated versions of their products or buy them cheap from Chinese websites and resell them on eBay. I came across several people's stories and news articles before I purchased their products. I don't know about the torrent stuff though. It seems like it would be hard to track but who knows.

[ickayR]

Alright,thanks for the info. Buying Insanity also is a bit much,I might buy Insanity over p90x just because you need equipment. I don't know though,I'm gonna need workout equipment at some point,sooo.

I'm getting a new stationary bike for excersize,are they good at all fit losing weigh? Or do you have to ride 'em like hell to burn calories?

Also,is the p90x diet plan for muscle building or cutting? What about the Insanity diet?

[Mayze]

Adjustable dumbbells
pull up bar
(I also recommend a dip belt for pull ups for a bigger back)
that's it.

You can get push up stands but I normally replace most of the push ups with different variations of dumbbell presses and flys.

[sawoobley]

Alright,thanks for the info. Buying Insanity also is a bit much,I might buy Insanity over p90x just because you need equipment. I don't know though,I'm gonna need workout equipment at some point,sooo.

I'm getting a new stationary bike for excersize,are they good at all fit losing weigh? Or do you have to ride 'em like hell to burn calories?

Also,is the p90x diet plan for muscle building or cutting? What about the Insanity diet?

If you get P90X or Insanity then the stationary bike becomes unnecessary. Personally I think they take up a lot of space and provide little benefit unless you are super motivated to use them all the time. I sold mine after I purchase P90X. You can burn more calories with P90X than sitting down on the bike plus there are plenty of leg exercises with P90X. P90X is for good for cutting but you can definitely use it for muscle building.

[cgc]

If you get P90X or Insanity then the stationary bike becomes unnecessary. Personally I think they take up a lot of space and provide little benefit unless you are super motivated to use them all the time. I sold mine after I purchase P90X. You can burn more calories with P90X than sitting down on the bike plus there are plenty of leg exercises with P90X. P90X is for good for cutting but you can definitely use it for muscle building.

P90X does not build muscle very well in it's out of the box forum. Yes, it can build some muscle...but you're not going to put on any significant size unless you modify it (even as you said in your post above).

Building muscle is not it's primary function....losing fat and working on athleticism is.

[sawoobley]

P90X does not build muscle very well in it's out of the box forum. Yes, it can build some muscle...but you're not going to put on any significant size unless you modify it (even as you said in your post above).

Building muscle is not it's primary function....losing fat and working on athleticism is.

It's quite common for people on P90X to modify the program to suit their goals. You are correct. It is not designed specifically to pack on muscle. However, the workout routine does promote substantial muscle growth if you lift heavy and eat right. I have seen quite a bit of muscle development from people on the program, especially people just starting out. Obviously it is not a bodybuilding program but it is good for novices. The program fits with the goals of 90% of the general population.

The only thing I would add to it would be squats. It does have quite a bit of leg exercises but if someone wants some bulk then they are going to need more than dumbbells unless they are real creative.

It is also not designed as a weight loss program but most people use it for this purpose and get fit in the process.

[JJ-]

Well....Since I have actually done p90x I figure i'll go ahead and chime in on this non ending thread :)

P90x is not designed to build muscle. Even modifying the program it is almost impossible to build very much muscle. The reason is the majority of the exercises are pushup style exercises. The exercises in which you do actually use weights are done with very limited to no rest periods in between which means you can't lift "heavy", just not enough rest to truly lift "heavy".

That said, it is a decent program that will basically take a somewhat fit person and make them very very fit. It takes your conditioning to a whole new level. This program is not for 90% of the general population. Like I said above you should be in decent shape before you even start the program. It will take a fit person and make them a super fit or athletic. My two cents, for what it's worth...

Edit: My average Heart Rate when I did p90x a few years ago was 175-180 during the workouts for the entire workout. Like I said above, there is little to no rest between exercises.

My results: I gained no muscle, lost 5 pounds, but I could play flag football like I was 16 years old. While my buddies were huffing and puffing after consecutive 30 yard routes I was barely breaking a sweat.

[cgc]

It's quite common for people on P90X to modify the program to suit their goals. You are correct. It is not designed specifically to pack on muscle. However, the workout routine does promote substantial muscle growth if you lift heavy and eat right. I have seen quite a bit of muscle development from people on the program, especially people just starting out. Obviously it is not a bodybuilding program but it is good for novices. The program fits with the goals of 90% of the general population.

The only thing I would add to it would be squats. It does have quite a bit of leg exercises but if someone wants some bulk then they are going to need more than dumbbells unless they are real creative.

It is also not designed as a weight loss program but most people use it for this purpose and get fit in the process.

Man...ANY workout routine will "promote substantial muscle growth if you lift heavy and eat right". That's not P90X doing that (nor it's design out of the box, like I said)...that's an alternate routine that utilizes aspects of P90X, or a "bastardization" as I said above.

I know people "modify" P90X (my father in law is a "coach and he's now modified it to meet his needs). I also know that Beachbody realizes the shortcoming in building muscle enough that they are working on releasing a new version FOR building muscle.

[sawoobley]

Come on JJ. What makes you think you cannot lift heavy? Why can't you rest between exercises? One of the threads they put on their home page was for skinny guys who want to bulk up. These guys show you how to bulk up with P90X. Lift heavy and take 1-2 minute rests in between sets. Using a weight vest helps also. Eat right and take supplements. Add squats to your routine.

Chest and back - Mostly push-ups and pull-ups (weight vests can add resistance)
Shoulders and arms - Dumbbell exercises and dips
Chest, shoulders, and triceps - various push-ups for chest and dumbbells for shoulders and triceps.
Back and biceps - pull-ups and dumbbells for back and dumbbells for biceps
Legs and back - Single and double legged squats, lunges etc with dumbbells. Various types of pull-ups for back.

Any novice who does the program and wants to gain muscle will. Your not going to become Mr Olympia but you can gain muscle and you will get stronger.

[buffbrown21]

Come on JJ. What makes you think you cannot lift heavy? Why can't you rest between exercises?. Lift heavy and take 1-2 minute rests in between sets. Using a weight vest helps also. Eat right and take supplements. Add squats to your routine.

.

You have pretty much changed it into a different program with these suggestions.

[Jimbo.]

You have pretty much changed it into a different program with these suggestions.

This. It wouldn't even be p90x anymore, which negates the entire purchase of the program. No need to even mess with p90x if you want a strength and mass routine, not when there are tried and true routines like Starting Strength, madcow, and 531. And guess what? You can find all of those routines for free or less than 30 bucks!

[sawoobley]

cgc - I don't disagree with what you have said. Since there is nothing inherently sacred about the program there is no reason not to lift heavy and pause the videos to take longer breaks between workouts.

They are coming out with a new version of P90X and Insanity to up the intensity to both programs. Most people who have completed the program are looking for ways to improve and stretch themselves.

[cgc]

You have pretty much changed it into a different program with these suggestions.

OK....I was starting to think maybe I was crazy. I'm not sure what's so hard to understand about this.

No one is knocking the system....it's just not "P90X" once you hack it up to suit your (muscle building) needs.

[cgc]

cgc - I don't disagree with what you have said. Since there is nothing inherently sacred about the program there is no reason not to lift heavy and pause the videos to take longer breaks between workouts.

They are coming out with a new version of P90X and Insanity to up the intensity to both programs. Most people who have completed the program are looking for ways to improve and stretch themselves.

I got that, man...but the thing is you're trying to sell it as if P90X in itself builds quality muscle, which it doesn't. You have to modify it making it a custom routine with some p990x attributes.

This is how people's expectations are not met. They'll read "P990X builds muscle", then they bash the system cause they didn't put on much at all....sure, you're ripped now....but you're not getting bigger like you wanted.

That's my point. You can't claim or give credit to P90X cause you've modified the crap out of the system to build muscle...cause it's not THEIR routine any more.

[sawoobley]

This. It wouldn't even be p90x anymore, which negates the entire purchase of the program. No need to even mess with p90x if you want a strength and mass routine, not when there are tried and true routines like Starting Strength, madcow, and 531. And guess what? You can find all of those routines for free or less than 30 bucks!

It is still P90X. Lift heavy on the resistance days and take a little longer rests than is provided on the videos in order to make strength gains. It is still the same exercises with the same people on the same videos. When you get close to where you want to be you can focus on keeping pace. There are still the cardio days, Yoga, Plyometrics and stretching routines in addition to the weightlifting. We are merely tweaking the program to put on some extra muscle. Not enough to compete in a bodybuilding event but enough to improve the physique.

I am sure anyone knowledgeable could design their own workout program. It's simply easier and more convenient to follow a program that has been carefully put together and follow along to the DVD's in the comfort of your home with minimal equipment and with the daily online support of others who are doing the same program. They are always coming out with new routines (DVD's) so changing my routine is a matter of choosing a DVD.

The weightlifting part is just one aspect.

I know it may seem silly to many of the experienced weight lifters on the forum who have bulked up on their own program. However, if P90X gets people off the couch and in shape and in some cases putting on some extra muscle then good. It's just one way of doing it. It maybe more expensive but for some of us its a good start and worth it! We can always upgrade to something else later depending on where we want to take our fitness later, whether its more athleticism for sports or bodybuilding for massive muscle gains.

[cgc]

It is still P90X. Lift heavy on the resistance days and take a little longer rests than is provided on the videos in order to make strength gains. It is still the same exercises with the same people on the same videos. When you get close to where you want to be you can focus on keeping pace. There are still the cardio days, Yoga, Plyometrics and stretching routines in addition to the weightlifting. We are merely tweaking the program to put on some extra muscle. Not enough to compete in a bodybuilding event but enough to improve the physique.

I am sure anyone knowledgeable could design their own workout program. It's simply easier and more convenient to follow a program that has been carefully put together and follow along to the DVD's in the comfort of your home with minimal equipment and with the daily online support of others who are doing the same program. They are always coming out with new routines (DVD's) so changing my routine is a matter of choosing a DVD.

The weightlifting part is just one aspect.

I know it may seem silly to many of the experienced weight lifters on the forum who have bulked up on their own program. However, if P90X gets people off the couch and in shape and in some cases putting on some extra muscle then good. It's just one way of doing it. It maybe more expensive but for some of us its a good start and worth it! We can always upgrade to something else later depending on where we want to take our fitness later, whether its more athleticism for sports or bodybuilding for massive muscle gains.

You're a "coach", aren't you?

[Jimbo.]

You're a "coach", aren't you?

My thoughts exactly.

[sawoobley]

Yes, I am a relatively new coach.

Most of the disappointment with the system comes from people who do not understand the nutrition plan and end up under eating giving themselves more than a 1,000 calorie deficit. A lot of us also jump into the program without reading the guide books and then miss a lot. However, if they spend time on the message boards then they are going to know what to expect and how to get what they want out of it. There is a learning curve and many people who start the program don't seem to understand the basics like you can't spot reduce fat.

I realize there are people who do follow the program and still don't achieve all they want out of it but my experience has been they are few and far between. I'll oftentimes hear women say. I did not loose as much weight as I wanted to but at least I lost 5 inches off my waist and I am more in shape than I ever have been.

Don't mean to be preachy but this is a P90X thread.

Sorry, it is taking me longer to respond. The website is not co-operating with my computer today.

BTW - I realize that P90X does not have all the answers which is why I signed up to this bodybuilding website.

[cgc]

Yes, I am a relatively new coach.

OK, no offense...but that explains a lot.

From someone who has a "coach" in the family and if you want to survive being on this web site....don't come off as so over zealous or in love with the product to the point where you try to sell it as something it's not. Most of us in here recognize that P90X is "A" way to get into shape but that does not mean it's "THE" way.
Take this as constructive criticism, but your post come off as it is "THE" way...and that's a lot of the reason people who have lifting/fitness backgrounds push away from it. Not cause it's theoretically a bad system (and really nothing new)...it almost has a cult like following that it can do no wrong. It really makes having an objective conversation hard at times.

I know you said you didn't mean to sound preachy...like I said, just some constructive criticism.

Seriously, I wish you the best with being a "coach" and progression with the system.

[sawoobley]

OK, no offense...but that explains a lot.

From someone who has a "coach" in the family and if you want to survive being on this web site....don't come off as so over zealous or in love with the product to the point where you try to sell it as something it's not. Most of us in here recognize that P90X is "A" way to get into shape but that does not mean it's "THE" way.
Take this as constructive criticism, but your post come off as it is "THE" way...and that's a lot of the reason people who have lifting/fitness backgrounds push away from it. Not cause it's theoretically a bad system (and really nothing new)...it almost has a cult like following that it can do no wrong. It really makes having an objective conversation hard at times.

I know you said you didn't mean to sound preachy...like I said, just some constructive criticism.

Seriously, I wish you the best with being a "coach" and progression with the system.

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately, I probably come off the same way when I talk to people about ironmaster dumbbells. lol. I figured that most of the people on this site with a fitness background would be designing their own workout programs. I also acknowledge there are better ways to gain muscle mass, of course.

[JJ-]

Come on JJ. What makes you think you cannot lift heavy? Why can't you rest between exercises? One of the threads they put on their home page was for skinny guys who want to bulk up. These guys show you how to bulk up with P90X. Lift heavy and take 1-2 minute rests in between sets. Using a weight vest helps also. Eat right and take supplements. Add squats to your routine.


Like the guys said, when you try to make that many changes to the program it's not p90x anymore.

My advice, since you are a coach, use p90x for what it's designed to do. It's a fantastic program to get you aerobically fit. It's not a bodybuilding program. Don't try and tear it apart and make it one. Use it for what it does.

PS If you pause the DVD for 1-2 minutes between sets it would take 3 hours to do one workout.

[sawoobley]

Like the guys said, when you try to make that many changes to the program it's not p90x anymore.

My advice, since you are a coach, use p90x for what it's designed to do. It's a fantastic program to get you aerobically fit. It's not a bodybuilding program. Don't try and tear it apart and make it one. Use it for what it does.

PS If you pause the DVD for 1-2 minutes between sets it would take 3 hours to do one workout.

It takes about 90 minutes but could go to 2 hours for the weightlifting days depending on how long you rest. The warm ups and cool downs are easy and you don't need a long rest between every exercise.

However, you have 15 minutes of Ab ripper X afterward. Time consuming, yep.

[DanJuanDeMarco]

I did 2 rounds of p90x, and it transformed me from a 185 lb, clinically-obese pu**y into a 145 lb, slightly muscular pu**y. Haha. Seriously, though. I neglected my body pretty much my entire life until I saw the p90x infomercials, and then saw my friends getting in shape using it - Gamer friends, at that. It got me started in working out and eating properly. I didn't even have to know much about exercise when I started, which is what makes it so accessible to masses - you don't have to think about it. Over time, I went from knowing nothing about nutrition and exercise to knowing more than most people I know about the former, and above average of the latter. Not all of this was from p90x, mind you, but it did kick start my healthy lifestyle and inspire me to do additional research.

I have been using my own routines for the past few months with pretty good results (tweaking as I go along). I still plan on using the p90x DVDs for cutting and ab work.

p90x delivers on everything it promises. It doesn't tell you that you're going to get huge. It doesn't tell you it's going to be easy. It tells you that if you follow their plan, and put in 60-90 minutes a day or exercise, you're going to lose weight and get in shape, and for that it gets an A+.


*yes 185 lbs was actually "obese" for me because at 135lb LBM I was over 25% BF. Like I said, I neglected myself for FAR too long.

[Jimbo.]

I did 2 rounds of p90x, and it transformed me from a 185 lb, clinically-obese pu**y into a 145 lb, slightly muscular pu**y. Haha. Seriously, though. I neglected my body pretty much my entire life until I saw the p90x infomercials, and then saw my friends getting in shape using it - Gamer friends, at that. It got me started in working out and eating properly. I didn't even have to know much about exercise when I started, which is what makes it so accessible to masses - you don't have to think about it. Over time, I went from knowing nothing about nutrition and exercise to knowing more than most people I know about the former, and above average of the latter. Not all of this was from p90x, mind you, but it did kick start my healthy lifestyle and inspire me to do additional research.

I have been using my own routines for the past few months with pretty good results (tweaking as I go along). I still plan on using the p90x DVDs for cutting and ab work.

p90x delivers on everything it promises. It doesn't tell you that you're going to get huge. It doesn't tell you it's going to be easy. It tells you that if you follow their plan, and put in 60-90 minutes a day or exercise, you're going to lose weight and get in shape, and for that it gets an A+.


*yes 185 lbs was actually "obese" for me because at 135lb LBM I was over 25% BF. Like I said, I neglected myself for FAR too long.

Wow, if 185lbs at 5'11 is considered obese then I must be flirting with death at 5'10 and 215 lbs. I guess I'd better get on the P90X bandwagon. Are you a coach as well? Where do I send my money???

[DanJuanDeMarco]

Wow, if 185lbs at 5'11 is considered obese then I must be flirting with death at 5'10 and 215 lbs. I guess I'd better get on the P90X bandwagon. Are you a coach as well? Where do I send my money???

Only because my lean body mass was about 125 lb. (posted 135 by mistake before) Anything over 25% Body Fat is considered obese in a man. 185 - 125 = 60 lbs of fat. 60/185 = 32% body fat. I had almost no muscle mass. Unfortunately, I still have a long way to go--hopefully back up to 185 one day, only without all the fat.

I'm definitely not a "p90x coach" because I see no point in paying money to get a discount on overpriced supplements. And I wouldn't recommend p90x to anyone other than a beginner or someone else who needs a simplified routine requiring little thought to help get them in shape. It's great for people in those types of situations, like I was. If you're already past that point, which it seems you probably are, then p90x probably won't help you any more than you can already help yourself.

[cgc]

Wow, if 185lbs at 5'11 is considered obese then I must be flirting with death at 5'10 and 215 lbs. I guess I'd better get on the P90X bandwagon. Are you a coach as well? Where do I send my money???

If I remember correctly, according to some chart I read a year or so ago, at 6-2" I think I'm supposed to weigh around 185. I weighed 199 this morning (I'm trying to lean out currently)...buuuut....The only reason I think I would want to go that low would be for a grappling tournament or a fight. I just don't feel "good" at that weight...and I think my BF would be a bit too lean, for my liking anyways.

[ickayR]

So I just got measured & I weigh 195 lbs 5'9. Thought I was 6'0 last time,weird. Looks like I really have to get this program now.

If I find torrents for the DVD's & only get them,what am I missing out on?

Meals today:
Honey bunches of Oates w/ skim,
Turkey on multigrain roll w/ turkey,lettuce,tomato,& mayo
Celery & carrots w/ ranch
Honey bunches of Oates w/ skim
A ton of water

How does it look?

[TypoBlooded]

A vagina
Incorrect answer sir. The correct answer is pirate bay. That will be all.

[ickayR]

So I just got measured & I weigh 195 lbs 5'9. Thought I was 6'0 last time,weird. Looks like I really have to get this program now.

If I find torrents for the DVD's & only get them,what am I missing out on?

Meals today:
Honey bunches of Oates w/ skim,
Turkey on multigrain roll w/ turkey,lettuce,tomato,& mayo
Celery & carrots w/ ranch
Honey bunches of Oates w/ skim
A ton of water

How does it look?
Anyone?

[alt214]

So I just got measured & I weigh 195 lbs 5'9. Thought I was 6'0 last time,weird. Looks like I really have to get this program now.

If I find torrents for the DVD's & only get them,what am I missing out on?

Meals today:
Honey bunches of Oates w/ skim,
Turkey on multigrain roll w/ turkey,lettuce,tomato,& mayo
Celery & carrots w/ ranch
Honey bunches of Oates w/ skim
A ton of water

How does it look?

Cut the mayo/ranch or use fat free/light alternatives if you must.

Doesn't look like you are getting much protein really, are you supplementing as well? I get a lot of my protein from tuna (sometimes salmon) and grilled chicken, and of course whey.

It seems more like you are starving yourself rather than dieting. From what you posted you ate, it seems like it would be sub-1000 calories.

Throw some fruit in as a snack somewhere.

I strongly suggest you read up some more.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16

[cgc]

Cut the mayo/ranch or use fat free/light alternatives if you must.

I can't remember who makes is, but there is a good olive oil based mayo that isn't too bad. But honestly, I've started mixing mustard in things that I would normally put mayo in. Mustard basically has nothing in it so it's a decent low cal alternative (subject to taste) to mayonnaise.

[DanJuanDeMarco]

So I just got measured & I weigh 195 lbs 5'9. Thought I was 6'0 last time,weird. Looks like I really have to get this program now.

If I find torrents for the DVD's & only get them,what am I missing out on?

Meals today:
Honey bunches of Oates w/ skim,
Turkey on multigrain roll w/ turkey,lettuce,tomato,& mayo
Celery & carrots w/ ranch
Honey bunches of Oates w/ skim
A ton of water

How does it look?

What do your other 3 meals look like? Haha.

But seriously. Your diet looks like one for a more casual dieter who is trying to lose weight WITHOUT exercising. I made the same mistake when I started p90x, and I had a runny nose for 5 weeks that I couldn't get rid of, until I realized I wasn't eating enough--maybe 1700 or 1800 calories a day. I wasn't consuming enough energy for my immune system to function properly. I added about 500-750 calories to my diet and the runny nose went away, and I started losing weight even FASTER than before; my body didn't think I was starving myself anymore so it stopped worrying about storing fat.

Since you're serious about wieght loss and getting in shape with exercise, you can NOT skimp on your nutrition. You should be eating 5 or 6 small meals a day, at about 300-400 calories each, even if your goal is to lose weight. You shouldn't be drastically cutting how much you eat, you should be increasing the QUALITY of what you eat. I would replace the mayo with mustard or hummus, or at a minimum an olive oil-based mayo, like cgc said. (Hellman's makes one, btw) You'll get mostly "good" fats that way. Also check and make sure those multi grain rolls are whole grain. Check the ingredients list and if one of the first listed is "wheat flour" or "enriched wheat flour", I would look for another brand. Look for "100% Whole Wheat(or Grain)" on the label.

You may also want to supplement with a protein shake once or twice a day. Chocolate tends to taste pretty good no matter what company makes it, I've noticed. Just make sure it's a Protein shake, not a Mass Gain shake. Check the nutrition label, it should have fewer than 5g of fat, if any at all.

Fruits and vegggies make great between-meal snacks. I eat at least 2 bananas a day, sometimes with a protein shake. The potassium aids muscle recovery. Green bananas have a lower sugar content, if you're worried about sugar.

You should have at least one FULL meal per day, like some grilled chicken or salmon with a side of veggies and brown rice, or something to that effect. You may want to keep a diary of what you eat and how many calories, carbs, fat, and protein you take in every day--at least for a week or two (maybe more), until portion size and control becomes more natural to you.

[ickayR]

Damn,now that my doctor says I have high cholesterol,I really have to watch what I eat.

I'm ****ed until my p90x comes in. Guess for excersize I'll stick w/ pullups,dumbbells,step machine,& a stationary bike. Doc said the main reason I have high chol is because of my lack of ex. 30 mins a day of ex should be good he said. What do you guys think I'd benefit the most from? He also said I should eat 1,500 cals each day.

Meals yesterday:
Cheerios w/ skin
Sundried apple rings
Cheerios w/ skim
100% whole grain toast w/ Natural skippy's pbj
Salmon w/ whole wheat rice & veggies
Fruit cup w/ pineapple & apples

[ickayR]

Damn,now that my doctor says I have high cholesterol,I really have to watch what I eat.

I'm ****ed until my p90x comes in. Guess for excersize I'll stick w/ pullups,dumbbells,step machine,& a stationary bike. Doc said the main reason I have high chol is because of my lack of ex. 30 mins a day of ex should be good he said. What do you guys think I'd benefit the most from? He also said I should eat 1,500 cals each day.

Meals yesterday:
Cheerios w/ skin
Sundried apple rings
Cheerios w/ skim
100% whole grain toast w/ Natural skippy's pbj
Salmon w/ whole wheat rice & veggies
Fruit cup w/ pineapple & apples

Also,add applesauce

[ickayR]

I can't remember who makes is, but there is a good olive oil based mayo that isn't too bad. But honestly, I've started mixing mustard in things that I would normally put mayo in. Mustard basically has nothing in it so it's a decent low cal alternative (subject to taste) to mayonnaise.

Yeah,but it taste so bitter afterwards. Any other toppings alternatives. The p90x diet is easy to follow,but hard for me to wrap my head around.