P90X: Are You Really Ready to Bring it??
Feb 23, 2011 Charmaine Smith
Read the P90X Fitness Guide
It is essential to read the fitness guide that comes with the program. The guide explains the concept of “muscle confusion” (on which the program is based), and what you can expect throughout the next 90-days. It contains the workout order of each of the three versions of the program: the Lean routine, the Classic routine and the Doubles routine. It provides breakdowns of each of the exercises as well important tips and advice for keeping you on track. In short, the fitness guide is a valuable must-read.
Review the P90X Nutrition Guide
The nutrition plan book is an equally important read because explains the way you will eat while you are doing the program. The program espouses three different eating phases. The Fat Shredder for phase 1, The Energy Booster for phase 2, and The Endurance Maximizer. Each of these three eating phases have their place in the program. Proper nutrition is an essential element of any fitness regimen. However, proper nutrition especially important during P90X as it provides your body with adequate fuel to handle the extreme rigors of the program. You will quickly learn that skipping meals or dipping your calories too low are not advised–even if you’re using the program to help you lose weight. It is noteworthy that many women doing the program find the caloric levels a bit high. The Fat Shredder phase calls for 1800 calories a day. If your desire is to lose weight with the program, tweaking the nutrition plan to suite your needs is acceptable as long as calories stay within that allows you to both support your nutritional needs and lose weight. Moreover, the P90X Nutrition very specifically states that too little calorie consumption will cause your body to crash during the workouts.
In order to gauge your progress, it is important to take your body measurements before you begin. You will measure your chest, waist, thighs, hips and arms. Be sure to record these measurements as you will refer back to them often over the 90-day period. They will serve as motivator as they allow you to compare where you started and how far you’ve progressed.
Before and After Comparison Photos
You will need to take “before” photos before starting the program, so that you can compare them against the other progress photos you will take every 30 days or so. You will notice changes in your body composition just between your day one photos and day 30 photos alone. And when you finally reach the end of your 90 days and compare all your photos side-by-side, you will be amazed at the significant changes in your body. Be sure to wear a swimsuit or undergarments to get an accurate picture of what your body currently looks like.
Take the P90X Fit Test
To reiterate, P90X is an extreme program that will test your physical capabilities, hence the importance of taking the fit test before you begin. The fit test, outlined in the P90X Fitness guide, is a series of moves designed to gauge your physical capability to handle the program’s exercises. To take the test you will require a measuring tape, a body fat tester, a stopwatch, a chin up bar, a towel (to wipe away the sweat), an family member or a friend to track your test results.
Supplies and Equipment
Though P90X is a self-contained program, meaning, the system comes equipped with all of the workout DVDs, nutrition guide and fitness guide, there are some extras you will require. Additional supplies include protein bars and/ or powder, a recovery drink and vitamin supplements. The program recommends it’s own brand-name products but substitute products purchased at your own local pharmacy work equally as well are probably cheaper in cost.
Extra equipment required includes a set of dumbbells or resistance bands. Resistance bands are a a convenient choice if you’re someone who travels a lot and wish to keep up with the program while on the road. Also required is a chin up bar, a yoga mat and yoga blocks.
Workout log sheets required to record your exercises during each workout are contained in the P90X Fitness Guide or can be downloaded here.
Now that you have some basic information on the program, don’t be shy. Take the step toward making P90X your greatest fitness endeavor.
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