P90x Extreme Reviews

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By Matthew Katz “BELLEandSEBASTIAN”

The Short: P90X is an intense yet enjoyable workout that has yielded real results for my roommate and me. The workouts are well structured and leave you toned, flexible and in great cardiovascular shape.

The Specifics: I ran track/cross country in college and had the skinny runner body. My goal was to tone and build. No, you can’t be in body building competitions with P90X, but I’ve put on 10 lbs of muscle using the program and my friends from college saw my arms and accused my of being on steroids. So you can definitely gain size if you go low rep, high weight. I also upped my bench about 15 lbs. just on push-ups, so that’s impressive.

My roommate, on the other hand was about 40 lbs overweight when he started the program. He was fairly athletic, so he could do most of the moves, but still, he had quite a mountain to climb. He lost 25lbs, while still not in perfect shape, looks good and his athletic performance has skyrocketed.

Though this is a program for fit people, modestly in shape people will benefit from the modified moves Tony consistently presents for those looking for something not quite so challenging. Tony is quotable, and sure, sometimes annoying, but his focus on form and attitude is an overall positive.

I didn’t use the diet guide, but I do eat pretty well. I also supplemented protein shakes. I still do upper body P90x twice a week and bench once a week and continue to see muscle gains.

Highly, highly, highly recommended.

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By Biju Philip

I would give this product 6 stars if I could.

Pros:
-I saw physical improvement in about 4 days. It works particularly well if you have a flabby mid-section.
-The workout plans are extremely precise. The order in which exercises are to be done not only makes sense, but really work with your body.
-The recipes are nutritional. The food tastes great if you follow the recipes closely. Obviously, if you have dietary restrictions like a diabetic diet or have food allergies, you can substitute items or just choose other options.
-Tony Horton makes the workouts engaging.
-The DVDs have the option to turn off the default music. So you can play your own music but still have the speech played from the DVDs.
-It’s great for couples to do together. My wife and I did it together, even while traveling and we both motivated each other to do it.

Cons:
-The DVD sleeves were misprinted (for example, the label for certain DVDs was printed twice). I am really reaching here for a negative.
-There are no printed plans if you should fall sick for an extended period of time. However, the P90x community can help with this.

For improvement:
I’d like to see an online version of the nutritional diet such that I can enter my likes/dislikes to have a meal plan created for me.

Otherwise, excellent product. I wish nothing but the best for Tony Horton and Beachbody.

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By Tennis5 “Realestateguru”

I am a 3-time P90X graduate. All I can say is, “Tony, where were you 20 years ago?” I am in better shape now, at 38, than I was in high school.

No, I don’t exactly look like Tony Horton. At 50 years of age that guy is a fitness freak of nature. And, I don’t believe he got that way simply by performing only the P90X exercises.

But, I do believe in P90X. I used to have a Total Gym. I went as far as I could with that product. It worked great and I would highly recommend the Total Gym for beginners. But, eventually, I stopped seeing any gain using the Total Gym.

I took the chance and ordered the P90X program. P=power, 90=days, X=extreme. I thought I was in good enough shape, from using the Total Gym, to jump right into P90X. It took just one workout to prove that theory to be false. It took me 2 hours to complete that first hour long DVD. Whoever invented the “pause” button is now my best friend.

After the first two workouts (the second being Plyometrics!!) I was sore for a week. I could barely walk. I hurt in places I didn’t even know I had. But, I kept up with the program. Working out through the pain. And, I completely changed my diet in accordance with the P90X diet plan.

That first 90 days was tough. There were many times I wanted to sue Tony Horton for attempted murder. But, I stuck with it. And, before I knew it, the 90 days was over, I had lost 12 pounds of fat, and my body looked better than it ever did.

I took two weeks off then started another 90 day round. Amazingly I found that I was able to keep up with Tony’s intensity. And, my weights increased. I finished that second round of P90X and was just blown away at the changes in my body. I took another two weeks off then did P90X again. It wasn’t long before that third round of P90X was done. Unbelievable.

I am now in the middle of my own workout routine based on the P90X exercises. I hand picked the exercises that I enjoyed doing and that seemed to work the best for me. I still work out an hour a day, doing three rounds of the hand picked exercises per day, and I only workout 5 days a week now.

I am fully convinced in the ability of P90X and what it claims to do. It hurt and I thought I would die. But, I stuck with it and obtained some amazing changes.

This program is NOT for people who have never exercised or have let themselves go. You should be in some kind of reasonable shape before using P90X. Start with a lower intensity workout routine by Tony first. Then move on to P90X.

Also, I bought a set of dumbbells. I tried using the power bands at first, but I found that they were just too awkward for me. The weights worked better for me.

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By Tennis5 “Realestateguru”

I purchased this after having it recommended to me by my boot camp instructor and a friend who is a nutritionist. I will say I was a little hesitant, as I am about anything that has an infomercial. But after doing the program, I will have to say it is as legit as it gets. It kicked my butt…even the Yoga X is rough to get through. This program is NOT for someone who is out of shape…you should be in pretty decent shape to start it unless you want to spend a lot of your time just resting. If you are just starting out, go for the Power 90 instead. At any rate, my fat percentage went to half of what it was, I went from pushing an almost 38 waist to a 32 and from 230 lbs to 205. I am almost 6-4 and a pretty big guy…this program just toned and cut me up like nothing else. The nutrition program is spot on too…no gimmicks, just good healthy eating. I had tried Tae Bo and several other programs, but nothing compared to P90X. FYI, I am not a coach for P90X and do not sell any of their goods…just wanted to give a good honest review about it. Bottom line, if you follow the program, you will get in the best shape of your life.

Thought I should edit this…as of Sept 08, I now AM a coach for Beachbody…product has helped me so much, I decided to join in and try to help others with it. Just as an update, I am on my 2nd 90 days and I have gone from 24% body fat down to 16%. My goal is 12% and I fully expect to attain it this year! I still love the product and it works great!

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By R. Coble

I haven’t found a workout out there that compares to how awesome this one is. I have a “love-hate” relationship with P90X, it’s a great workout and I love how I feel afterwards, but it is difficult at times! It’s a great set of workouts if you are looking for a challenge and variety and not something “mainstream” like those workout DVD’s with famous chicks on the cover like, “Ooh look at me, I can bellydance and if you do my workout, you’re going to look like me!” YEAH RIGHT! Those chicks probably do P90X behind the scenes. The main reason P90X works (and this is mentioned a lot in the workouts) is because of “muscle confusion” which challenges your muscles with every different workout, so you don’t plateau. There is also a 2nd level, after you complete the first 90 days, you can step it up and make it harder. There are also “low-impact” versions of most moves, so almost anyone can do the workout. To really get the most benefit out of P90X, Tony recommends doing it 6 days a week. Sounds like a lot, but it’s only 90 days and I’m sure you can free up about 1 1/2 hours a day if you get up a little earlier and don’t watch Gray’s Anatomy at night, or however you want to do it. P90X is addicting, trust me. And there’s a guy on the videos that has a prosthetic leg—if he can do it, you can do it! I recommend this product to all my friends and family and strangers.

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By Kari M. Laib

These DVDs arrived in perfect condition. I did my research before purchasing these and knew I was in for a challenge…but I had no idea they would be so tough! The yoga and legs/back workouts are particularly challenging. That said, I do like the variety and fast pace of these workouts, and after four weeks I am seeing results (more muscle tone and less fat). I would recommend these for someone in moderate to good shape.

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By Blake Warrington

My name is Blake Warrington and I just turned 49 and am in the best shape of my life. P90X is Extreme Home Fitness, but will get you ripped. The cool thing is you need nothing more than some push-up bars, a chin-up bar, a set of dumbbells, and a “Bring It” attitude.

Also, when you purchase P90X new through Amazon you get the chance to win up to $1,000 every day you workout in the Beachbody Million Dollar Body Game. You just log in your P90X workout into their WOWY (Work Out With You) online gym, do your workout and you are logged in to the daily drawing. My wife won $300 just before last Christmas – it’s way cool.

Feel free to hit me up via email and ask any questions you have about P90X – either before or after you buy it. I Would love to help you succeed with this program. BRING IT!

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By M. Drudzinski

You see those people on TV with incredible results, because this is a very challenging workout program. I could barely get through half of each workout when I started, but I persisted and the results and increased performance come with time. Tony Horton and his P90X system absolutely rock! I highly recommend this for anyone who has hit a plateau, has felt burned out with their current routine or has had trouble getting into the gym to shed those pounds and build that confidence.

But on a practical note, I wanted to write this review primarily to let you know what equipment you’ll need to do P90X:

1. Chin-up bar (You can mount one on your door frame. Buy the one on Amazon for $39.95, not the more expensive P90X version). The bar is not absolutely necessary, you can use a workout band for the shoulder/chest stuff, but I would recommend getting one anyway, as you’ll want more options as time goes on.

2. For men: not only the heavy-strength workout band, but the medium one too. Some of the shoulder and triceps exercises are harder with the heavy-strength band, so you want options. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew and get injured or lose motivation when you can’t get through everything with a heavy band.

3. A chair and/or stool (perhaps two).

4. Optional: dumbbells. I would get a couple sets or adjustable ones. I wanted to be realistic, so I started off with 25 pounders and a lighter set of Wieder brand bells for shoulder stuff. You can find these online or at any sporting goods store. The weights are priced around the poundage (so a 25 pound dumbbell is around $20 – $25, etc.).

5. Optional: definitely not necessary, but I enjoyed having the little push-ups stands. They are U-shaped bars that you place on the floor and allow you to get deeper into your push ups. They’re only about $10 at a sporting goods store.

6. Yoga bricks — for balance when you do the Yoga stuff. You can find these online (just type “Yoga blocks” or “Yoga bricks” into a search engine) or at most Yoga centers. I paid about $19 total for a set of two.

7. Optional: yoga mat. Good for the Yoga stuff, but if you are working out in a carpeted area, you may not need this. I have one.

8. Water bottle, tennis shoes, workout clothes, towels (you will sweat profusely!) — the usual workout stuff.

That’s really about it. You’ll spend some money upfront (on top of the P90X set), but doing this program is going to be a pretty big commitment, so these expenses aren’t that big of a deal in the long term.

P90X is not for the faint of heart; and yet, with hard work and perseverance, anyone can do this. A great, challenging workout that will get you the results you’re looking for with a minimum risk of injury due to great warm up and cool down sessions. I had shoulder issues going in, but I have not experienced the same trauma I had in the gym due to more stretching and warm up exercises that are an integral part of P90X.

Thank you, Tony Horton.

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By Thaddeus Wontor

I’m nearly completed with the program, and I’ve waited until now to be confident in this review. Here’s the facts, as I’ve found them to be over the last few months.

Does it work? Yes. The infomercials we’ve all seen are the real deal.

Will it be too hard? Depends. I’m 22 years old, and was in good shape going into the program. The first weeks are intense, but I didn’t feel too overwhelmed. You’ll grit your teeth, and the sweat will come off in waves, but isn’t that what you’re after?

Time commitment: just as the brochure states – plan on at least an hour for the actual work out. I’m currently a first year optometry student, so my life is filled. But with a little discipline, I made it work – you squeeze in the workouts whenever you can, taking every opputunity you find. If you miss a day, make it up later.

What you can expect: just what they promise. Although, probably the more out of shape you are, the more dramatic your results will be. If you’re already in good to great shape, I’d look at this program as a razor blade that trims you up, and gets rid of the fat in places you don’t want it. Are you going to bulk up? Maybe – this program is more designed to rip and trim, not to necessarily make you huge. If you want to lean up, this is your ticket.

Can you still do P90X and be involved in other athletics: For me, yes. I was doing every workout, and still doing 40 miles a week on a road bike, and training for 5K’s on the weekend day off. But I didn’t have any team sports, etc, that I was involved in. Again, I would imagine it depends on your level of fitness. As an afterthought, I can’t think of anything better for an athlete to add to their off season training than this program.

Cost versus value: Spending a few hundred dollars on the DVD’s, the weights/bands, the pullup and pushup bars, etc, may seem annoying, but consider the following if you chose to go the more “traditional” route:

Gym membership (six months): ~$200
Personal trainer: ~$20 for an hour
Transportation to/from: $$$?

So, you’re spending just as much money to leave your home, spending extra time to get ready, go to the gym, change clothes, workout, shower, return home, etc. So, literally, you’re spending roughly twice as much time, and way more money to do the same thing that you could have accomplished by popping a DVD into your machine, and doing what it says. Going with this program means more money in your pocket (in the long run), more time to spend on other tasks, and simply less hassle. Besides, gym’s are distracting! Focus on your workout and the results thereof!

Ways to fail in this program: I can think of two. First, not being committed. The results shown come to people who are pushing the play button every day, and giving their all to each and every workout. Even yoga;) (which i’ve truly come to value over the past two months). Second, not eating right. This might be your biggest stumbling block. Fortunately, the workout comes with an eating guide. Follow it.

Bottom Line: If you’ve ever wanted to truly “get in shape”, then stop reading this review and buy the product. Do it for yourself and your family. I’m getting married next summer, and I want to be the best I can be. Being this level of fit affects more than just you. Do it for your family, your future. This product works. Above all, it motivates you to be your best. Work hard, and you won’t regret the investment. The concepts are simple, but they work.

Enjoy the journey.

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By Paladin08

In preparation for a Biggest Loser Contest we are having at work I wanted to up my fitness level. I stumbled upon p90x and was skeptical form the infomercial videos. After much research I got my hands on this program and showed it to my wife who said she’d do the P90X Lean in order to support me.

We’ve both been going at it for two weeks now and really enjoy the variety of workouts. The first week was very difficult, but by week two we both are already feeling stronger.

I was nervous with the Fit Test, but when I read in detail the expectations I knew I could do this work out. . .well, barely but do it nonetheless.

It’s hard not to get discouraged after two weeks when in the mind’s eye one expects to have week 12 results already. But we are keeping on regardless.

1) I highly recommend you view all videos BEFORE doing the program so you don’t waste your first time through scrambling around for weight, bands, etc.

2) I love how you need very little equipment to get a good workout. The $20 pull up bar at Walmart is fine if you have doors that give you the wide grip. I personally bought the Maximum Fitness chin up bar for $40 because it supports wider doors than the Iron Gym. The SPRI bands on Amazon are awesome!

3) You do NOT need the recovery drink UNTIL you burn off the excess fat.

4) The eating plan is easy to follow! Basically the first month is an very low carb Atkins diet to burn off the stored fat. Then the carbs get a bit better in month 2, then in month 3 you are eating normal meals with a good balance across. I was surprised at how many posts I found where folks did not follow the diet plan. It’s 90 days folks…just follow it.

5) I converted the videos for my iPod and have been able to get some workouts at work in our work gym since there is very little equipment needed.

6) I struggle to keep remembering to do the Ab Ripper X on Mon, Wed, and Fri. Even the calendar doesn’t have it by default, so make a note somewhere for yourself to add this in if doing the Classic program.

7) I LOVE that the fitness guide has every exercise listed out for you and how to do it (including warm-up & cooldown). Last night I was watching TV with the wife and did my workout by simply following the book. . .it did help I’ve done the workout once before so I knew what they meant when reading the book.
I could see myself doing this program from Classic to Double to Lean or some combination. After that I may try Insanity workout.

OVERALL:
- lots of variety
- uses body weight for most strength training
- even with equipment purchases it’s cheaper than a year’s membership at a gym. . .thus it’s well worth it
- portable even if you are traveling (take your bands & fitness guide with you)
- getting rid of the junk food in the house without eating it before the program will be the difficult part, but do it!
- if you start to get bored, do Jillian’s Last Chance Workout or No More Trouble Zones…those are two challenging workouts just to give a change of scenery