P90X - Bring It!!
Discussion
ParanoidAndroid said:
Is everyone sticking through the yoga? First attempt today and found it very dull and it was a struggle to stay with it. In fact I managed about 40 mins before giving up. Think I will go out on the bike for a few hours instead today.
I do this some times. Compared to all of the other workouts it doesn't give any insight into how to adapt poses, plus it's quite high paced so difficult to keep up with as a beginner. I have taken to going out on my bike with my Son for an hour and then doing some more basic yoga and planks when I get back. Currently on week 4 that features 3 sessions of Yoga too! I might even switch to cardio x or core synergistics for those instead. I know it goes against the "programme" but something is better than nothing shirley.
Lost_BMW said:
Don't know those but the price (and appearance) make me suspicious that they might be a bit 'cheap' and maybe not so well made. I had - and regret selling - a set of Bowflex 'bells like this
http://www.bowflex-dumbbells.co.uk/Bowflex-1090-Du...
An excellent product and perfectly reliable - unless dropped which the pins don't like.
I was looking to purchase the Bowflex, but like you said many of the reviews said they were damaged a bit too easily if dropped. Ended up going for Powerblock U90, the build quality is excellent and really easy to change the weights. http://www.bowflex-dumbbells.co.uk/Bowflex-1090-Du...
An excellent product and perfectly reliable - unless dropped which the pins don't like.
twinturboz said:
Lost_BMW said:
Don't know those but the price (and appearance) make me suspicious that they might be a bit 'cheap' and maybe not so well made. I had - and regret selling - a set of Bowflex 'bells like this
http://www.bowflex-dumbbells.co.uk/Bowflex-1090-Du...
An excellent product and perfectly reliable - unless dropped which the pins don't like.
I was looking to purchase the Bowflex, but like you said many of the reviews said they were damaged a bit too easily if dropped. Ended up going for Powerblock U90, the build quality is excellent and really easy to change the weights. http://www.bowflex-dumbbells.co.uk/Bowflex-1090-Du...
An excellent product and perfectly reliable - unless dropped which the pins don't like.
To be fair to the Bowflex they took years of abuse and it was a painter and decorator who did for one set - he tried to lift and move it, didn't realise his limitations and dropped it from thigh height on a concrete drive.
bunnyman said:
Hi all, have been watching this thread with interest. Sounds like this could be the programme for me. A couple of questions (sorry if some are a bit dumb!). Had read a few comments that the multi region discs won't play on a PS3 - is this the case? I don't have anywhere to fit a bar so would need to use the resistance bands - are these effective? Doubt I could do 6 days a week due to other commitments so can this be done say 4/5 days a week? I guess if so 90 days might become 120 days? How much space do you need to complete the workouts - is a standard living room adaquate? Finally, what happens after you complete the programme successfully, is there a maintance plan to follow so that you don't lose all the gains you make? Cheers in advance.
Only been doing it this week so I'm sure some of the more experienced guys can add to this however I will try to help.The Dvd's work fine on my PS3, I ordered from Beach body direct using the link posted in the first post of this topic. You can get from amazon as well, not sure if they are region specific though.
Resistance bands do work and the dvd's do show you how to use them for each exercise. I have been using them in place of dumbbells in some of the exercises as I can't be bothered continuously swapping weights on my dumbbell bars. You need to make sure the resistance bands come with a door attachment if you want to replace the pull up bar with bands. I just use a pull up bar that fits my door frame.
In terms of the training I don't think it would matter if you spaced it out a bit more as some people seem to repeat weeks anyway. As long as you stick with the nutrition plan on those days too.
Standard lounge is fine for the workouts I've done so far.
Hope this helps?
Lost_BMW said:
I've been wondering about buying a new set or maybe the Ironmaster (iirc) type. Are the Powerblock OK in use as they just looked a bit big and unergonomic?
To be fair to the Bowflex they took years of abuse and it was a painter and decorator who did for one set - he tried to lift and move it, didn't realise his limitations and dropped it from thigh height on a concrete drive.
I bought a set of the 1090 bowflex and can honestly say they're awesome! £399 including the stand from a guy off eBay- I wouldn't go back to anything else!To be fair to the Bowflex they took years of abuse and it was a painter and decorator who did for one set - he tried to lift and move it, didn't realise his limitations and dropped it from thigh height on a concrete drive.
Lost_BMW said:
I've been wondering about buying a new set or maybe the Ironmaster (iirc) type. Are the Powerblock OK in use as they just looked a bit big and unergonomic?
To be fair to the Bowflex they took years of abuse and it was a painter and decorator who did for one set - he tried to lift and move it, didn't realise his limitations and dropped it from thigh height on a concrete drive.
I have no experience of the bowflex dumbbells, but the powerblock ones certainly look a bit bigger. To be honest I haven't had any problems regarding the size but I haven't exactly progressed to the stage where it has 4 or 5 plates attached. Also the handles on the urethane versions are padded so a bit more comfortable I assume. To be fair to the Bowflex they took years of abuse and it was a painter and decorator who did for one set - he tried to lift and move it, didn't realise his limitations and dropped it from thigh height on a concrete drive.
Took a quick snap of them side by side if it helps.
Edited by twinturboz on Tuesday 11th September 21:34
…and that’s me done! 90 days of “Bringing It”. Here’s the good, the bad and ugly.
First the good:
Crucially and critically, it works. Exceptionally well. I have achieved in 90 days vastly more than I managed in 10 years of going to the gym.
I’m 45 years old and over the past 90 days, my weight has gone from 14 stone, 1 to 12 stone 7 (it actually dropped to 12 stone 1 before I started to bulk back up a bit).
I now fit into 32” waist trousers having previously been knocking on the door of 36” and most of my ‘L’ tops need to replaced with ‘M’.
My resting heart rate has dropped from around 80-85 to around 75 - 78
I have developed some very well defined muscle and overall, my ‘frame’ has improved vastly – less ‘tubular’ and more ‘v’.
Practical benefits include me sleeping very well, meaning I wake properly rested meaning I’m not running out of steam come 3.00pm every day. Other bedroom activities have improved too (if you get my drift!). I just feel better, younger, fitter than I have done for a very long while.
I've also binned the fags and have found this - so far - easier than when I have tried previously.
The bad?
Well, there’s none really to speak of.
In retrospect, I think I underestimated the importance of the nutrition guide – particularly in the third phase. I first looked at this and thought it really is just a case of being sensible, binning the stuff you know is bad; booze, butter, mayo….etc. The third phase though is about taking on the right amount of calories to do the workouts as it easy to simply run out of fuel halfway through.
It is easy to become a bit 'evangelical' amongst others on the subject of fitness and P90X (it has been asked of me if I am on commission!!) which needs to be kept in check.
There’s some debate here on Yoga X and looking at the other P90X forums out there, it does seem the most debated of all the routines. I’d say it takes as many as 5 or 6 attempts to get it right. I’ve never done yoga before so spent most of my time coming out of the various positions to see what I should be doing and it can get repetitious. However, I’m very glad I’ve stuck with it. Once you know what you are doing, you really do feel the benefit. At over an hour and half, it can be a bit of on ask to find the time to do it but have on occasion just done the first 40 mins (which is the most strenuous) and then mixed in some X-Stretch later in the week.
Apart from the improvement to my health and physique, what has amazed me is that I’ve stuck with it. I bore very easily and self discipline is not a strong point for me but never once have I thought ‘awh, sod it, I’ll give it a miss tonight!” Even on those days where I wasn’t in the zone, I found that once I’d stretched and warmed up, I was properly into the routine.
So, what’s next?
I’m starting all over again!
There’s a handful of moves that I cannot do that I want to crack (one armed push-ups for example) and I was a bit of late comer to Ab Ripper X. I’ve found that as my lower back developed, Ab Ripper became more doable plus, in the last month, I’ve found by doing this at the start of the day’s routine rather than the end, gives a psychological boost that does help.
It’s heartening to see so many here doing this as well and I wish you all well as you progress – it really is worth it.
First the good:
Crucially and critically, it works. Exceptionally well. I have achieved in 90 days vastly more than I managed in 10 years of going to the gym.
I’m 45 years old and over the past 90 days, my weight has gone from 14 stone, 1 to 12 stone 7 (it actually dropped to 12 stone 1 before I started to bulk back up a bit).
I now fit into 32” waist trousers having previously been knocking on the door of 36” and most of my ‘L’ tops need to replaced with ‘M’.
My resting heart rate has dropped from around 80-85 to around 75 - 78
I have developed some very well defined muscle and overall, my ‘frame’ has improved vastly – less ‘tubular’ and more ‘v’.
Practical benefits include me sleeping very well, meaning I wake properly rested meaning I’m not running out of steam come 3.00pm every day. Other bedroom activities have improved too (if you get my drift!). I just feel better, younger, fitter than I have done for a very long while.
I've also binned the fags and have found this - so far - easier than when I have tried previously.
The bad?
Well, there’s none really to speak of.
In retrospect, I think I underestimated the importance of the nutrition guide – particularly in the third phase. I first looked at this and thought it really is just a case of being sensible, binning the stuff you know is bad; booze, butter, mayo….etc. The third phase though is about taking on the right amount of calories to do the workouts as it easy to simply run out of fuel halfway through.
It is easy to become a bit 'evangelical' amongst others on the subject of fitness and P90X (it has been asked of me if I am on commission!!) which needs to be kept in check.
There’s some debate here on Yoga X and looking at the other P90X forums out there, it does seem the most debated of all the routines. I’d say it takes as many as 5 or 6 attempts to get it right. I’ve never done yoga before so spent most of my time coming out of the various positions to see what I should be doing and it can get repetitious. However, I’m very glad I’ve stuck with it. Once you know what you are doing, you really do feel the benefit. At over an hour and half, it can be a bit of on ask to find the time to do it but have on occasion just done the first 40 mins (which is the most strenuous) and then mixed in some X-Stretch later in the week.
Apart from the improvement to my health and physique, what has amazed me is that I’ve stuck with it. I bore very easily and self discipline is not a strong point for me but never once have I thought ‘awh, sod it, I’ll give it a miss tonight!” Even on those days where I wasn’t in the zone, I found that once I’d stretched and warmed up, I was properly into the routine.
So, what’s next?
I’m starting all over again!
There’s a handful of moves that I cannot do that I want to crack (one armed push-ups for example) and I was a bit of late comer to Ab Ripper X. I’ve found that as my lower back developed, Ab Ripper became more doable plus, in the last month, I’ve found by doing this at the start of the day’s routine rather than the end, gives a psychological boost that does help.
It’s heartening to see so many here doing this as well and I wish you all well as you progress – it really is worth it.
bunnyman said:
Hi all, have been watching this thread with interest. Sounds like this could be the programme for me. A couple of questions (sorry if some are a bit dumb!). Had read a few comments that the multi region discs won't play on a PS3 - is this the case? I don't have anywhere to fit a bar so would need to use the resistance bands - are these effective? Doubt I could do 6 days a week due to other commitments so can this be done say 4/5 days a week? I guess if so 90 days might become 120 days? How much space do you need to complete the workouts - is a standard living room adaquate? Finally, what happens after you complete the programme successfully, is there a maintance plan to follow so that you don't lose all the gains you make? Cheers in advance.
Paranoid has given some good pointers already. I'd just add...Bands do work fine but learn how to use them properly. Even the black (highest resistance) is easier than the bar so slower reps and iso holds need to be used, especially as you get stronger.
No problem to skip a day - a buddy did this and as you so, just took him longer to do,
Living room is fine but there are a few moves that take up a bit of space (football hero on Plyo for example) so may need to move the sofa!
There's many options for continuation after you've done, both contained in the booklet and on line.
Good luck!
StevieBee said:
bunnyman said:
Hi all, have been watching this thread with interest. Sounds like this could be the programme for me. A couple of questions (sorry if some are a bit dumb!). Had read a few comments that the multi region discs won't play on a PS3 - is this the case? I don't have anywhere to fit a bar so would need to use the resistance bands - are these effective? Doubt I could do 6 days a week due to other commitments so can this be done say 4/5 days a week? I guess if so 90 days might become 120 days? How much space do you need to complete the workouts - is a standard living room adaquate? Finally, what happens after you complete the programme successfully, is there a maintance plan to follow so that you don't lose all the gains you make? Cheers in advance.
Paranoid has given some good pointers already. I'd just add...Bands do work fine but learn how to use them properly. Even the black (highest resistance) is easier than the bar so slower reps and iso holds need to be used, especially as you get stronger.
No problem to skip a day - a buddy did this and as you so, just took him longer to do,
Living room is fine but there are a few moves that take up a bit of space (football hero on Plyo for example) so may need to move the sofa!
There's many options for continuation after you've done, both contained in the booklet and on line.
Good luck!
http://www.kettlebells.co.uk/tnt_cables.html
twinturboz said:
Lost_BMW said:
I've been wondering about buying a new set or maybe the Ironmaster (iirc) type. Are the Powerblock OK in use as they just looked a bit big and unergonomic?
To be fair to the Bowflex they took years of abuse and it was a painter and decorator who did for one set - he tried to lift and move it, didn't realise his limitations and dropped it from thigh height on a concrete drive.
I have no experience of the bowflex dumbbells, but the powerblock ones certainly look a bit bigger. To be honest I haven't had any problems regarding the size but I haven't exactly progressed to the stage where it has 4 or 5 plates attached. Also the handles on the urethane versions are padded so a bit more comfortable I assume. To be fair to the Bowflex they took years of abuse and it was a painter and decorator who did for one set - he tried to lift and move it, didn't realise his limitations and dropped it from thigh height on a concrete drive.
Took a quick snap of them side by side if it helps.
Edited by twinturboz on Tuesday 11th September 21:34
I'm due some expenses shortly so am still debating but think overall I'm going to get the builder who did the mount for the Lifeline set up at my last place to do a version here = a 6 foot high solid wooden vertical bar bolted/clamped through the garage wall with the cable mounted top and bottom that allowed the pulley - and that way as two totally independent individual ones - to be moved instantly from anywhere between a couple of inches off the floor to head height.
On left of pic here:
It was brilliant and so versatile. He's estimated £200 (to put a metal bar/frame up on a concrete plinth outside the back wall for support and then mount the wood internally and bolt it through) which would still be a bit cheaper. Still musing!
StevieBee said:
Lots of good stuff!
Nice one, and great write up. Thank's Steve for bringing P90X to my attention (power of Pistonheads again), just started week 3 today and loving it, well apart from Yoga! Already starting to feel better and see some shape changes - mainly posture improvements, can't wait to see day 90. I'm pretty much sticking with the fat shredder diet and keeping the percentages approximately correct although I don't sweat it if I'm a bit over/under some days. I've not touched any crap foods for 3 weeks now and am amazed at my will power having never dieted in my life before! I've not weighed myself since starting but guess I have lost a bit although for me weightloss is not a goal, I just want to tone up and eventually bulk.Did chest and back this morning, followed by ab-ripper x. Ab-ripper is still a killer and I have to modify some of the moves slightly as my lower back starts to hurt on some of them, but hopefully this will reduce over time.
How's everyone else doing?
Just done the first session of the programme today. Chest and back, so all the pushups and pullups. I'm predominantly into cardio, endurance types so have never really trained my upper body too much. This showed. I can't do any pullups without the chair in place in the wide grip, a few in the overhand grip. Pushups I can manage between 5-8 on most of them, but for the last few types I was really struggling to even get one or two out.
I'll stick with it and hopefully see some good improvements throughout the plan.
Food wise it seems to be ok. Sticking with the mix of different types it recommends.
I'm currently 89Kg. Would like to get down to about 80kg but not too bothered if I I'm looking in shape.
I'll stick with it and hopefully see some good improvements throughout the plan.
Food wise it seems to be ok. Sticking with the mix of different types it recommends.
I'm currently 89Kg. Would like to get down to about 80kg but not too bothered if I I'm looking in shape.
We've been a bit slack again of recent but the motivation is still there. We've just been running and cycling instead as it was easier to fit in (our son has been unwell so not giving us our evenings free.)
Tonight we plan to start week 5 though.
Oh, and today I am wearing a shirt to work that I couldn't even do up when I started this!
Tonight we plan to start week 5 though.
Oh, and today I am wearing a shirt to work that I couldn't even do up when I started this!
Just started this after reading this thread and various others on the Internet, the 'results' videos on YouTube were a mega inspiration too.
So day 1: chest and back, or push ups pull ups basically. Start off ok then resort to use if a chair / knees to get through it.
Day 2: plyometrics - jumps and squats - bloody hard!
I bought a power tower as my door gym doesn't fit on any doors in the house, also some resistance bands and selectabell dumbells for the program.
25, 186cm, 96.5kg. Pics will come soon to track my progress.
So day 1: chest and back, or push ups pull ups basically. Start off ok then resort to use if a chair / knees to get through it.
Day 2: plyometrics - jumps and squats - bloody hard!
I bought a power tower as my door gym doesn't fit on any doors in the house, also some resistance bands and selectabell dumbells for the program.
25, 186cm, 96.5kg. Pics will come soon to track my progress.
Well, I've been pretty slack of recent with the P90X. The desire is still there, but we have really struggled with time and fitting it in. An 18 month old and lots of family staying with us has been the cause. We've only really done the first 4 weeks of P90X over the past 7 weeks!
But... I've stuck with the diet the whole time. I started my reduced calorie intake on 16/7, I had noticed some belly shinkage already but I weighed myself for the first time on 4/8 and I was (I'm embarrassed to say!) 128kg.
I've just got on the scales this morning out of curiosity as I have noticed huge changes in my shape in this time. I'm now down to 119kg which I'm quite happy with. I'm down 4" on the waist measurement too.
I took out life insurance policies last year and I was 115kg then. I want to get down to 102kg before my Son's 2nd Birthday on 13/2/2013.
But... I've stuck with the diet the whole time. I started my reduced calorie intake on 16/7, I had noticed some belly shinkage already but I weighed myself for the first time on 4/8 and I was (I'm embarrassed to say!) 128kg.
I've just got on the scales this morning out of curiosity as I have noticed huge changes in my shape in this time. I'm now down to 119kg which I'm quite happy with. I'm down 4" on the waist measurement too.
I took out life insurance policies last year and I was 115kg then. I want to get down to 102kg before my Son's 2nd Birthday on 13/2/2013.
5678 said:
Well, I've been pretty slack of recent with the P90X. The desire is still there, but we have really struggled with time and fitting it in. An 18 month old and lots of family staying with us has been the cause. We've only really done the first 4 weeks of P90X over the past 7 weeks!
But... I've stuck with the diet the whole time. I started my reduced calorie intake on 16/7, I had noticed some belly shinkage already but I weighed myself for the first time on 4/8 and I was (I'm embarrassed to say!) 128kg.
I've just got on the scales this morning out of curiosity as I have noticed huge changes in my shape in this time. I'm now down to 119kg which I'm quite happy with. I'm down 4" on the waist measurement too.
I took out life insurance policies last year and I was 115kg then. I want to get down to 102kg before my Son's 2nd Birthday on 13/2/2013.
Well done mate. That's good going for someone who has struggled to get the workouts in. Keep at it sure you'll hit your target before the little nipper turns 2.But... I've stuck with the diet the whole time. I started my reduced calorie intake on 16/7, I had noticed some belly shinkage already but I weighed myself for the first time on 4/8 and I was (I'm embarrassed to say!) 128kg.
I've just got on the scales this morning out of curiosity as I have noticed huge changes in my shape in this time. I'm now down to 119kg which I'm quite happy with. I'm down 4" on the waist measurement too.
I took out life insurance policies last year and I was 115kg then. I want to get down to 102kg before my Son's 2nd Birthday on 13/2/2013.
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