P90x Extreme Reviews

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By Itzel

I started this program with my brother who needed an exercise partner for motivation. The first week, I wanted to quit, because I thought it was way too hard, but after doing some soul searching I decided I would continue. I’m glad I did. I realized I didn’t want an easy exercise routine that would only lead me to plateau, and then leave me bored. This is hard work, but you get awesome results. When I started the program, I couldn’t do a single push up, not even on my knees! Now I can do regular push ups; I counted 180 during the Chest and Back routine. This may not be a lot for the fitness freaks out there, but for me this was HUGE!!! I have only lost nine pounds in the 90 days, but I’ve lost 8 inches off my waist and 7 inches off my hips. I also fit into clothes I never thought I would fit into again. I’m not worried about the scale anymore, because I have so much muscle now, that it would be ridiculous for me to think it didn’t weigh anything. I was worried in the beginning that doing all these weights would make me look bulky or masculine, but that’s not the case at all. I stuck to the lean program and my arms look shapely, but very feminine and my legs are muscular, but not too bulky. As a mother of two girls, I’m proud of myself and of being able to show my daughters that numbers on a scale are not as important as your health and your physical strength. I absolutely love this program and would recommend it to anyone. I’m starting the 90 days all over again, and thanks to the different dvds, I’m not bored and I’m no where near a plateau since I can continue to challenge myself with my own personal goals.

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By Steve-O

I travel just about every week for business and had a hard time coming up with a workout program that I could do on the road and at home and you can’t count on a hotel gym to have what you need. I hate checking in luggage, but hate my butt making my trousers look small even more. If you wanted, you could probably do this workout on the road and still pack just carry on, but I’ve started packing a small bag so that I can bring everything I want. I figure that if I’m working this hard 6 days a week, an extra 20 minutes to get my gym bag at baggage claim is no big deal.

To take my P90X workout on the road, here’s what I pack.

- The workout DVDs – I’ve actually got mine on my laptop and on my iPod by using Handbrake to copy the discs I bought through Beachbody. This is a quality product, so buy it rather than being a pirating weasel. Plus, if you invest your money, you’ll feel more motivated to finish which is the important part. They’ll refund your money if you don’t like the program anyway so there is no risk.
- Gym shoes and socks – you don’t need heavy duty shoes if you follow Tony’s advice of being light on your feet. I pack a light weight pair of Merrill hiking shoes.
- Nylon gym shorts – with a supportive liner (for guys) since you’ll be doing jumping jacks and other jumping in most every workout.
- A tee shirt for every day – since I’m soaked with sweat after every workout.
- Resistance bands – the BeachBody bands are cool since you can move the handles between the different bands making them easier to pack. I take three and bought a door clip so that I can do pull down exercises in my hotel room (it’s a nylon band with a loop on one end and a sewn in block on the other).
- P90X Recovery Drink in the single serving packets – Again, as hard as I’m working at this, $45/month is not too much to spend. It tastes like a creamcycle. If you don’t carry a water bottle, buy Aquafina with the big mouth top so it’s easier to pour your recovery drink into it.

Optional stuff to pack

- Yoga mat – since I do these workouts in my hotel room I want something between me and the floor weather it’s yoga day or not. If you don’t want to pack it, extra towels from the hotel will do the job.
- Yoga block – if yoga is on my schedule during travel.

I haven’t bought a heart-rate monitor since I don’t need one to tell me I’m hitting it as hard as I can. Also, for all of the back workouts, it just so happens that I have been at home. I bought a pull up bar for my basement and have had that at my disposal each time. I have a heavy weight, black band for travel when the back workouts happen on the road.

I’m at the end of week 5 of P90X, so the hardest part is behind me, (i.e., the first week of muscle soreness and working the routine into my schedule). I haven’t missed a workout, even when on the road. One day, I had an early flight and didn’t get a chance to workout until 10:30pm. The only challenge here is the Plyometrics and Kenpo workouts have a lot of jumping and may not be appreciated by occupants of nearby hotel rooms. Plan accordingly. I’ve got the workouts on my iPod so I can go to the hotel gym for those workouts if I want. After 5 weeks P90X, I’m in better shape than most anyone in there so I don’t care if I look a bit unconventional to the people watching the Today show while they walk on the treadmill.

Before this program I would workout when I was at home and was motivated to squeeze it in. I would run for a couple of miles and do 40 minutes of weights. However, I was lucky to get 3 days in per week and I was eating whatever was around with no real portion control. During the first week of P90X, I was so sore that a couple of days after the shoulders / biceps / triceps workout I could barely touch my face because my triceps were so tight and sore. In subsequent weeks, however, that passed.

With 5 weeks behind me, I’ve gone from 198lbs (I’m 5′11″ and really do have big bones, esp. femurs and pelvis) to 187lbs. I haven’t remeasured my body fat, but I’m sure I’ve traded some fat weight for muscle mass so my 11lb net loss is probably more like 15lbs+ of fat loss. I started with a 38″ waist and my 35″ pants are fitting me loosely now. During my fit test, I could do 4 pull ups. Now I can do 11 during my first set and a total of 70 during the back and legs work out. I can just about keep up during all of the workouts, which is no small deal.

The [...] people have put everything you need to manage your program into a very thorough spreadsheet (which you can download from their website). It tracks your weight loss progress, your body measurements, every set in every weight workout and your daily nutrition. Again, this is great for me because there is no notebook to pack when I travel.

While challenging, the workouts are actually quite fun after the first week of pain and learning the routines. Tony is as engaging as he can be in a recorded program. I find myself laughing at his jokes, even though I’ve heard them all repeatedly. He’s got himself and 3 others doing each workout so you can follow the person doing the workout in a way the most closely matches your ability and equipment at your disposal (e.g., dumbbells or bands). The workouts are about 60 minutes from warmup to cooldown, except yoga which is 90 minutes. The weight workout discs have a 15 minute bonus abb workout, which I haven’t done yet.

In conclusion, if you are like me and will follow through on something once you’ve put your mind to it, you’ll be very pleased with this workout. $130 bucks, plus the cost of the Recovery Drink and equipment is a bargain to improve your health and feel better about how you look. The heaviest dumbbell I have used so far has been 45lbs for the lawnmower exercise (basically a dumbbell row exercise). I’ll probably go heavier, but my point is that you can buy the dial-a-weight dumbbells at Costco and have every weight you need for this workout.

I hope this review is useful for my fellow travelers who are “loose in the cage” and want to improve. I’ll turn on the “e-mail me when someone comments on my review” option if anyone wants to ask me anything.

Now I’m off to do KenpoX.

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By Steven Oshry

There are so many great reviews of this product already here but I felt compelled to add my own. I have been running and doing yoga for years and was in reasonably good shape (5′11″ 180lbs) when I started P90X but was feeling blue about recently turning 50 and wanted to see if I could get in better shape. You should be aware that to be successfull on P90X, you also need to change your diet. This is very important. There is a diet book that comes with P90X, I did not follow it too closely but took away some key points: more lean protein, no dessert, no junk, reduce alchohol, cut back on carbs(initially , later in the program you need carbs). The most important diet pointers are to eat several small meals throughout the day and to not eat within 2 hours of going to bed. You need to set aside time to do this program, at least 1 hr per day, 6 days a week and 1.5 hrs on the yoga day (once a week , except twice a week for 3 of the weeks).
That being said it works and I actually began to look forward to the workouts(after a few weeks). In 90 days I lost 17 lbs and gained a lot of strength. I went from size 34 pants being tight to size 32 being loose. When I started I could do 5 pullups(I thought that was pretty good at the time), now I can do 12. The workouts are tough, you have to adopt their motto that they start every DVD with “BRING IT”. You need to live that. I wish this program was around 20 years ago, I have spent so much on gyms, yoga DVDs, yoga classes, etc. Nothing I have done has gotten in the kind of shape P90X did. Enjoy!

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By J. Cho “whopper170″

I’m a practicing medical doctor (disclaimer–I’m not giving you any specific medical advice on individual level) and have worked out about 4-5 days a week for years. This is the BEST workout program I have ever tried. Its also the most complete in 1 package approach I’ve seen. It takes some very cutting edge stuff in excercise science & makes it reality.
What I really like about it is it gives a very effective workout & you get faster results because of its use of muscle confusion which gives more efficient work outs because the muscle groups are constantly changed. It also works out all the major muscle groups & gives cardio, yoga, martial arts & stretching in addition to simple strength training. It also gives a book on dieting. Each specific part-the strength training, dieting, cardio, nutrition, they are all in tune modern scientific knowledge. Even the martial arts DVD has you doing moves that are real martial arts (& I’ve taken martial arts lessons for years). I’m no yoga expert, but people I know who have done it for years were impressed with its yoga DVD.
I have found this DVD more effective than working out in a high end gym for about 1 hr a day. You don’t need much equipment, about $150 worth of equipment tops (some dumbells, a pull up bar, you can get more but this is all you really need).
The only thing I didn’t like about this series is you have to spend over an hour a day on several of the workouts. This is very time consuming though you will see results fast. I suggest that some of the portions of the workout be performed at double speed on the DVD player such as warm up & stretching to save time. I’ve been able to cut the workout down by about 10-15 minutes (to about 45-55 minutes a day) but in my opinion I get the same benefits because I do think the stretching & warm up are on the long side. Aside from that I think this DVD series is the best there is.

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By Nick

First: Please don’t let some of the reviews persuade you into NOT purchasing this exercise system, based on claims of “it’s not for everyone” or “it’s only for people who are in good shape.”

I’m a huge guy and I’m totally out of shape, I mean seriously out of shape. That said, I passed the “fitness test” included with the program. Basically, if you’re mobile and don’t have any major movement limitations or medical conditions, you can do this program. You should consult your doctor first, of course.

I’ve begun the actual routines and they will kick your butt, there’s no doubt about it, but it’s a DVD program…you can pause it when you need too. During the first workout I was out of breath and toward the end I couldn’t lift myself off the floor to do anymore pushups. I paused a few times, to slow my breathing and to do some stretches, so I could get back into it. I didn’t even finish all the reps at the end of the first workout. If nothing else, that motivated me to improve myself that much more.

So, if you’re looking for change and are serious about committing to a 90 day program go for it!!

Second: Buy the DVDs used or from a vendor. I saved about 60% buying a new and sealed version of only the DVDs from a vendor; that is, it did not contain the program nutrition/diet guide or the user manual. You can get all the information you need about the program by searching online. The most important part is knowing which workouts to do on which days and the nutrition/diet info is good to have, but it’s basically low carb for the first 30 days and then reintroducing limited carbs back into the diet for the remainder.

Third: There are additional costs involved, because some accessories are necessary for the program. So far I’ve purchased a pull up bar (absolutely necessary), resistance bands (not really necessary if you have the pull up bar), and some workout tracking software specifically for P90X to keep record of my progress (not necessary, but nice to have). I own free weight dumbells, but if you don’t have any, you’ll need a few of those.

Other items to consider, some of which are suggested in the intro video, are a yoga mat like this (nice to have), yoga blocks like this, supplements/protein bars/etc., and a heart rate monitor. I’ve yet to purchase any of these items, since they haven’t seemed essential to my completing the program.

Again, if you can, buy used DVDs and use the money that you save for the extras you’ll need and might want.

Overall, I think the program is worth the money and the sweat. If it helps me to get in shape and live longer, so that I can enjoy being with my family, then that’s worth more than anything in the world to me. Good luck!

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By Brandon A. Mitchell

If (and this is a big if) you give all you have to p90x you will see amazing results. You must stop eating junk food, fast food, and all that other garbage that just bogs your body down, and start treating yourself right. I am not saying you can never have a potato chip again, but you at least shouldn’t have any for 90 days. Use this time to learn proper portions, get used to a exercise regimen, and realize how great you could feel if you just put the time into exercising and eating right. On monday (today is 2/19/10) I will be starting phase two (aka my second 30 days). I have already lost 20 pounds (that 20 pounds by a scale, and I know I have gained a decent bit of muscle so my fat loss is probably a bit higher). I am 22 years old, 6 foot 1 in tall, and was 260lbs. I was not able to do the fit test that beachbody suggested you be able to do before attempting this program. But I just ignored that advice and did it anyway. I knew I wouldn’t be able to do exactly what they did or maybe just not as many, but as Tony Horton says all the time in these videos “Do your best and forget the rest”. I would recommend this amazing program to everyone I know (and everyone I don’t if they give me the chance to).

One last thing. If you are one of those people (like I was) who says that they just don’t have time to exercise, then stop kidding yourself. You will never ever have time to exercise if you wait for free time to “show up”. You have to make time. You have to decide that you aren’t going to watch that hour of TV or you are going to wake up an hour earlier. If your thinking “well that’s easy for you to say. Your only 22 and you have the time.” Not so. I am a graduate student who teaches 4 classes, wakes up at 5:30am, is at school by 7:00 (have to battle traffic), and gets home anywhere between 6-9. If I can find time to do all of that, study, and grade tests then anyone can find at least 1 hour to change their life. I encourage you to give yourself 3 months. Believe in yourself, and watch your body change right before your eyes.

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By Gerry Painter “yoga teacher”

I’m a trainer and I’ve bought a LOT of fitness DVDs in the last several years. Most of them are crap. Really. So, I saw the infomercial for P90X and checked it out online. Finally made the purchase. And….I’m really impressed. The workouts aren’t for wimps, which is exactly what I find people really want. My clients like to be pushed and Tony really pushes, but safely. I like that he’s not too macho nor too egotistical to back off and say, ‘Hey, I’ve done enough.’

The only complaint I have is: (in my opinion) every one of the DVDs in the package need to say: These results are from healthy eating AND hard work. Too many DVDs give the exercises and never mention nutrition, which is the real secret to getting a toned body. I see so many clients who can do hundreds of crunches with no problem but have no idea why they don’t have the ’six-pack’. It’s what you eat!!

Otherwise, great job. I look forward to seeing more DVDs from P90X.

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By J. Snyder

I bought this product online after seeing it on TV. I think I burned calories jumping up and down waiting for it to come.
It is an intense workout, but the routines are adaptable if you are not as strong or do not have all of the equipment.
It takes a LOT of discipline. You either get it or you don’t.
The eating plan is a bit confusing…but if you follow the general advice to “eat clean,” you’ll do ok.
I recommend getting a diet/exercise journal along with this (ISBN 1-59868-360-8)
Although the price is a bit steep, it’s a little cheaper than most gym memberships.
Most of all, don’t think you can do this if you haven’t worked out in a while. This is for people who already work out regularly and are already in good shape……. THIS IS NOT A DIET PLAN!

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By Dextra L. Suggs

Tony Horton came off as the most obnoxious fitness trainer I’ve ever heard and at first it was hard to make it through the DVD’s, and I struggled with my rating because of it. In the end though, I decided to give the product 5 stars because overall the product was tremendous! I thought if I gave it a three or four star rating it would discourage readers from buying the product based on aspects outside of the workout itself and that would’ve been a mistake. I say that with a caveat; you may need to turn the volume down and just follow the workout. PRO90X is one of the rare products advertised via infomercial that delivers what it promises. The product is handsomely packaged and not overly pretentious. Tony Horton leads all of the workouts along with people of varying body types, which is a courageous departure from the norm. However, be forewarned, this product is as advertised, “For those who want to get in BETTER shape!” Do not kid yourself, if you haven’t been working out you SHOULD NOT attempt this workout! The modules are strategically placed in a killer chronological sequence and produces results whether you’re eating right or not; trust me. Having been in the military for several years, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this product introduced to the special operations components of the Armed Forces as a compliment or supplement to the new Crossfit craze (crossfit.com) that’s being fielded by the military and professional athletic organizations. You can take the workout just about anywhere and you don’t need much equipment. You do however need some chutzpah because the PRO90X workout is a killer workout for those wanting to get to the next level of fitness.

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By A. Ort “aorto”

Just throwing my two cents into the ring. I used to lift weights in my early 20s and then fell off the wagon. Stayed relatively thin and kept some semblance of fitness in a labor intensive job but wasn’t in shape.

My wife is a personal trainer and exercise videos and infomercials abound in our home, all promising the same things. I just never got it. However, I had begun a small workout routine using body weight exercises (didn’t want to have to hit the gym again) of push-ups, pull-ups and an ab routine for several weeks and then I saw the infomercial for this. I was captivated. So we got it.

It will radically transform you if you “bring it” as they repeat frequently. It’s a 90 day program, about an hour a day (an hour and a half for the yoga), six days a week. It is time consuming and requires a commitment. But if you do this for those 90 days, even just one cycle, you will transform not only your body but your overall level of fitness and your mental state will be greatly improved by pushing you beyond what you thought you could accomplish.

With a great mixture of muscle building, cardio endurance and functional fitness, this is really a well-rounded program. I went through it once, did it loosely for several months and have jumped back in the ring for another round (P90X Plus is on the way). I am a changed man.

At 40 years old, my cardio stamina, my muscular ability and my flexibility are even better than when I was in my 20s. I could never touch my toes. Ever. Until now. I used to get winded riding my bike up the block to get air in the tire. Now I can ride around the city now barely breaking a sweat. I may not be able to whip off 50 pull-ups but I’m over 10 and can do over 30 push-ups with ease. Not bad for a guy who could barely do 2 pull-ups and 15 push-ups when starting. You may not see me on the cover of some men’s magazine but I can honestly say I am in the best shape of my life.

This seems to be in every one of the reviews.

Most of the muscle building workouts use your bodyweight – didn’t realize there were so many varieties of push-ups and pull-ups – and the rest use dumbbells. Each routine adds up to about 24 exercises in roughly 45 minutes along with about eight or nine minutes of stretching before and about three or four minutes of stretching after (which are a must). Some routines are 12 exercises repeated twice, others are 24 individual exercises, all done in rapid succession which fatigues the muscles quickly and brings the results.

The other exercise days mix it up, giving your muscles a little relief but giving your cardio and flexibility a boost. The Plyometric routine is brutal and will work your cardio system intensely but it will get you into shape if you push it. I got through about twenty minutes of it the first time. But then it was twenty-five, then thirty and finally I could finish. Now I look forward to it.

Though the Yoga routine is comparatively long (an hour and a half) and requires focus to do, I fell in love with it. It’s not the stare at your navel kind of yoga. This is intense. Think you’re strong? Wait ’til you have to do a Warrior Three and a half-moon after having moved for forty-five minutes straight without stopping. You will sweat hard even when it looks like you’re not doing anything. The added benefits are flexibility and a great sense of well-being when finished.

The Kenpo routine is a lot of fun and is probably the lightest routine of the bunch but a nice way to end the week.

In the ‘rest’ week in between Phases is added a Core Synergism routine which didn’t feel very fluid at first but I’ve begun to see the point of it and have begun to notice strength in my core. Also added is a Stretch routine which is a refreshing break. A Cardio routine is optional which can be done in place of Plyo or can be used in addition to the regular routine to really kick up the game. It takes elements of all the other workouts just listed above and really does a number on the cardio system. There is enough here to mix and match and keep you fit evey beyond the initial 90 days.

Tony Horton is a jovial guy, kind of annoying at first and something of a show-off, but in time I found him to be very motivational. He is 45 in this video and when you watch him rip off pull-ups like he is light as air and blasts out 20 push-ups with hands and feet leaving the ground, you’ll be convinced. He stumbles on occasion (struggles with balance postures) and botches up some phrases (‘hit the bause putton’) but this makes it more real. He’s a great coach and I know the scripts by heart which keeps it flowing. Tony is the man. “Do your best and forget the rest” is the mantra.

I cannot attest to the diet or the supplements and the equipment we use is a bar drilled into the rafters in my basements and a set of dumbbells. No need to get all fancy.

It’s hard, it’s work, it’s intense and it requires serious commitment. But it’s worth every penny and every minute.

P.S. Try Ab Ripper X without shoes first. When you get good at it, add the shoes.