P90X - Final Review

My biggest worry in trying to complete P90X has been the longer workouts and lack of time in my day (not to mention my short attention span).  I'm so glad that I've been making the time to complete this!  The biggest challenges?

• School started before the program ended - and I was NOT getting up at 4 am to fit the entire workout in, so, yes, I cheated a bit in these last few weeks.  I fast forwarded through the warm-up and made my breakfast through the cool down.  I also did not have time for Ab Ripper X once school began.
• Nutrition - You can't out workout a bad diet...and between the fair food, junk food offered at school, and going out to eat quite a bit recently, I was definitely working AGAINST the program.

Blocks

This program is broken up into 3 30 day blocks.  There is a recovery week at the end of each block so that you are not pushing for the entire 90 days.

The Workouts

Chest, Shoulders & Tris:

I am not a huge fan of push-ups because they are the hardest for me....and this workout has a LOT of push-ups!  But I LOVE this workout!  The variety keeps you going.  Your arms will be SHAKING by the end of this workout!

Ab Ripper X:

Yes, we still get to tack on Ab Ripper X three days per week!  I'm one that get's a little tired of seeing the same routine over and over every week....BUT, it s a great core workout and it is only 15 minutes.

Plyometrics:

Although I feel better doing this workout in block 2 & 3, it is still quite a challenge!  These jump moves will have your quads screaming, your heart rate soaring and sweat dripping!  If you have any knee issues at all, you may need to take this one a little more slowly, but it is a great calorie burner.

Back & Biceps:

Tony calls these the glamour muscles.  It is all pull-ups (or using bands with a door anchor like I do) and weight work.  The worksheets are great to keep track of what weights you need for each exercise and whether or not you need to move up or down the following week.

Yoga X:

My attention span just can't get through 90 minutes of yoga...so, yes, I ended up substituting this one with X3 Yoga.  

Legs & Back:

This is still such a great workout.  You'll be rotating through pull-ups (or using the door bands like me) and leg exercises for the entire workout.  I STILL am sore the day after this workout!

Kenpo X:

I LOVE this workout, even if my husband does call me Scrappy-Do while I'm doing it!  I honestly don't FEEL like I am working that hard while kicking, punching and blocking, but I am SWEATING through this workout!  It is so much fun and over before you know it!

Shoulders and Arms:

Great workout that targets shoulders, biceps, and triceps.  You'll be using weights and a chair until your arms feel so heavy, you have a hard time writing down the weights you are using!!

X Stretch:

This was, again, the optional Sunday routine until Thursday of the 4th week.  It is a nice stretch, but I also enjoy not pressing play just one day per week.

Nutrition: 

The nutrition guide suggests is helpful in suggesting specific macros for percentages of carbs, protein and fats each day.  As I've already stated, my nutrition was not necessarily on par.  My typical day consisted of a healthy breakfast, my apple with pb and raisins for a morning snack, my shake for lunch, another afternoon snack of either fruit, vegetables, almonds, or a Kind Bar....but then I may have gone overboard with dinners and definitely had my share of ice cream, Oreos or whatever else for dessert.

Results:

I did not lose any weight...in fact, I gained a few pounds, however, I am stronger than I was three months ago.  I actually HAVE TRICEPS!  Who knew I could actually have muscle there instead of wings?!

Overall, P90X is a great program that would definitely shed the pounds IF you also followed the nutrition guide, and definitely builds muscle and strength.  The downfall - it does take up a good chunk of time each day, so, although I am happy that I completed the program, I much prefer the 30 min. per day workouts of other programs.