I have been diligently working on my P90X+ workout routine since late Nov-08 to get ready for my beach volleyball season this summer. I finally have a decent 6-pack and have broken every personal record for weight and reps in all moves; without a doubt I’m in the best shape in my life. I’ve been incorporating traditional plyometrics, agility and crossfit into my strength training to mix it up. I consider PlyoX more of a killer cardio workout leading to endurance and agility and not strength or improved my jumping height. P90X has gained popularity and a tremendous following over the last few years. Many professional sport performance coaches have reviewed P90X and have offered their insight.
Naturally, one of the most common criticisms of P90X is that it’s a cookie cutter recipe, same plan for everyone. Human physical developmental capacity and abilities are quite complex and individual. Other comments point at the principle of muscle confusion as insufficient for sports training and may not be a direct proxy for periodization which you need to allow muscles time to adapt and grow. Others say that P90X is a fitness product, not an athletic performance and so it must be compared and criticized in this context. Many agree that before embarking on a sport performance program, strong fitness foundation is important and P90X gets high marks for early pre-season training.
Regardless, with P90X you press PLAY and GO. This convenience along with variety and intensity makes this a world class fitness program. So, what’s your goal? No, I don’t mean 8-10 or 12-15 reps… I mean, what’s your end goal for training? You spend lots of hours working-out, sweating, buying equipment, taking supplements, re-arranging your schedule, buying additional detergent to take care of more loads of laundry…for what? Looking good, loosing some weight?
Loosing weight and looking good may be unsustainable goals unless they lead to lifestyle changes. The most effective way to remain active is to find a goal that integrates into your lifestyle, family and network of friends. Play a sport competitively, do an IRONMAN, dance Zumba, etc. The key is doing it competitively or seeking to improve every time you perform this activity, not just participate. This will motivate you to increase your determination to workout harder and counter the natural metabolism slow down inherent with aging.
After one year, P90X still gets my vote, with some reservations, for anyone to build a good fitness foundation to pursue any sports or physical intense activity. Putting this much time and effort has to pay off, with P90X or any other high intensity training program. P90X is comprehensive, easy to follow at a great value. I give it a 4 out 5 score.
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