I was really excited to start the program and I really needed a little break from running. This made the first 30 days go by quickly and I really did enjoy the challenge and change. Then the next 20+ days were okay but I started to get really bored of the same workouts, the time commitment in front of my TV and the lack of fresh air in my workouts.
I started to dread working out and that is the opposite of what I try to achieve in my fitness goals. I never want to push through something I am not truly happy doing. I completed 7.5 weeks of P90X I took a week off for spring break thinking that would refresh my outlook of the program to finish it up. I tried a day here or there after spring break but just couldn't spend anymore time with the program.
The positives about the program are:
- If you have bad weather where you live this would be great for long winter months indoors.
- If you can't get away from the kiddos this is a great fully body program to do in the comfort of your home while kids are napping, sleeping, playing etc.
- Don't have a gym this is a good replacement: cardio and strength training
- You build a ton of strength
My shoulders, biceps and upper abs look a lot more defined than they have ever been. I feel a ton stronger in my legs, core and upper body. In the end I was able to do bicep curls and swimmers press' with 10 lb. weights my highest weight I have used before was 5 lbs. In the beginning I was only able to do 3-5 pull ups (chair assist) and by the end I was able to do 10 pull ups (chair assist).
I really enjoyed the Kenpo cardio workout and the Yoga. I never really warmed up to Plyometrics. The weight videos became my favorite (minus the push ups and pull ups).
The negatives about P90X:
- They are videos, you are in front of your TV for an hour to an hour and a half everyday!
- The videos get really old after 45 days.
- There are a million pushups (different types) and a lot of pull ups and chin ups.
- The ab workout is intense and was really hard on my tailbone (349 ab moves in 15 minutes).
- 90 days is a long time to do the same program 7 days a week.
I was disappointed in the change or lack of change in my lower abs (my trouble area). My upper abs became very defined which I think made my lower abs look worse. I know that some of the problem with my lower abs is extra skin and still some fat that needs to get burned off but still I would have liked to see a little more change for the effort I put in.
P90X nutrition plan
The first 30 days is very high protein lower carbs. I felt great the first 30 days. The 2nd 30 day phase you take away some of the protein and add in a little more carbs. I felt awful with this change. So I ditched the nutrition program and ate how I normally eat I just boosted my calorie intake to ensure I had enough calories for the workouts.
Supplements
I took my normal vitamin intake. Post workout I used a recovery drink that I really liked and think that it really made a difference in how sore I felt the next day. I did not use the P90X recovery mix because I felt it was too pricey. Mike's Mix is what I used and plan to continue using with running, swimming and biking. (I prefer the original formula over the chocolate.)
So in the end I was happy I tried it. I believe you would see major changes in your body probably after the 2nd round of P90X. If you love working out to videos than this is a great program.
If you love being outdoors than this program will drive you a little nutty. I felt like a bit of failure after quitting and really for not keeping this blog updated with my progress so I'm sorry if anyone was waiting to see progress reports I just couldn't squeeze it in. I hope you understand. :)
A few tips if you plan to embark on the P90X journey
- Make sure you print out the worksheets from their website. They are free and they are really easy to use to track your weights during the workouts.
- Commit to a 2 hour time slot every day for the workouts.
- If you can have a committed space to workout in. Line up your weights, bands, yoga mat, pull up bar.
- Drink a recovery drink, it makes a difference in how you feel the next day and I hear it helps your muscles rebuild quicker.
