Fitness.com discusses the new P90X and what it can do for you
What is P90X? Created by Tony Horton, P90X is a revolutionary system of 12 sweat inducting work-outs that sets out to transform your body physically in only 90 days. The full system includes specially designed supplement programs, a 3 phase nutrition plan to follow, a calendar to keep track of your progress, a fitness guide, as well as online peer support and much more.
What is the secret behind P90X? P90X is famous for what is known as "Muscle Confusion". Muscle Confusion is often refferred to as cross training. What Muscle Confusion means though is that while you are being introduced to new fitness moves throughout the program, all your muscles will be used in different ways therefore you will never plateau. This is what has made P90X so successful. There is an endless variety of ways you can mix and match the routines in the program that you can keep motivated and use all your muscles well past the 90 day period.
P90X consists of 12 diverse but intensive work-outs:
- Chest and Back
- Plyometrics
- Shoulders and Arms
- Yoga X
- Legs and Back
- Kenpo X
- X Stretch
- Core Synergistics
- Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps
- Back and Biceps
- Cardio X
- Ab Ripper X
The Classic version of the P90X involves 13 weeks of 6 day workouts. Days 1, 3, and 5 are often strength training days for triceps, biceps, shoulders, back, and legs. Then afterwards there is normally a 16 minute ab work-out session that follows. Days 2, 4, and 6 are then termed cardio days and consist of plyometrics, yoga, and kenpo.
The program starts with 3 weeks of the same 6 days of exercises repeated over the 3 week period. Week 5 and 7 are similar to weeks 1-3, but some strength training routines differ. Weeks 9-12 then vary with the exercises delivered in weeks 1-3, and 5-7. Weeks 4, 8, and 13 are left as "rest" weeks where strength training is left out and only cardio-related activities are put in place as well as stretching.
P90X also offers 3 guides to get you started:
- P90X 3-Phase Nutrition Plan
- P90X Fitness Guide
- "How to Bring It" which is a video that gives on overview on the whole system
So if you have heard about this program, and are thinking of doing it, get the facts first before starting. Consult with a physician first to learn more if this program is a right fit for you.
