P90x

[musicalmedic81]

Just finished up my first round of P90X. I gotta say that is one killer program you guys. This is a great fitness program for athletes or for anyone that wants to see just how far they can push their body. I was already in decent shape when I started, 28 yrs old, 6'1, 190 lbs with 12.5% BF. After P90X I am 181 lbs with 7.5-8.0% BF (depending on what I eat that day) I can honestly say that at 28 yrs old I am quicker, stronger, more agile, durable and flexible than I was at 18. If I can figure out how to post my before and after pics I will do so.

 

[r2473]

Not bad.


Start:

Bodyfat = 23.75 pounds
lean mass = 166.25 pounds

Presently (assuming 8% bodyfat):

Bodyfat = 14.48 pounds
lean mass = 166.52 pounds


9 pounds of fat lost with no change in lean mass (muscle).

Is P90X mainly a fat loss program? This is what I always thought and this sort of confirms my suspicions.

 

[musicalmedic81]

Wow I just realized that those were my numbers you added up there, I hadnt done that myself! From my pictures, it looks like I gained a heck of a lot of muscle mass, but you're right, from the numbers I just shedded pure bodyfat and I guess the muscle was there before, just couldnt see it. I think maybe the reason I didnt put on a lot of mass was because I simply didnt eat enough. My work schedule makes it hard to eat a regular times, I did my best to eat every3-4 hours but I know for a fact I wasnt taking in the suggested 3000 calories per day.

I do plan on doing a second round of P90x and I think I will just have to up my calorie intake

 

[musicalmedic81]

I hope I did this right...


Day 1

Day 30

Day 60

Day 90

 

[itracbui3]

I hope I did this right...


Day 1

Day 30

Day 60

Day 90

DANGGG!!! THATS SOMEE FREAKING WORK IMMAH TRY IT NOW

DAMM

 

[Leelord337]

very cool, i had no idea that if u followed an infomercial dvd one would get that much fitter. its a big change even after 30 days, i already have it downloaded, gna try it now , did you stick w/your diet plan strictly?

 

[NickH87]

Holy ****...I downloaded it but never stuck to it, I have similar body structure as you, but a little bit wider shoulders...I have 6 days off a week now, I guess I better start lol.

 

[pvaudio]

I hope I did this right...


Day 1

Day 30

Day 60

Day 90

Seeing as I know how hard it is to cut as I've done it myself I applaud your work. However, I am obligated to say that it's misleading to use different types of pictures for progress. You're flexing in the progress pictures, with more contrast in the 30 and 60 and you're either sweating or oiled in the 90 day picture with the highest contrast of all the pictures you posted. All of the above give you more visible definition as it pulls out the shadows underneath your muscles to make you look leaner compared to just having a light shine on you like in the first picture. To give an accurate depiction of the program, the pictures all need to be taken equivalently. Nonetheless, well done on your progress.

 

[musicalmedic81]

I wasnt oiled in the day 90 picture, I had literally just gotten done with my last workout and had a pretty decent tan having been to the beach recently. As far as the contrast goes, I tried to get the lighting the same, but the pictures were all taken at different times of day and I just used the contrast to get myself to stand out from the background, it doesnt really make my body look any different, just brings it to the front of the pic. I actually dont think I used any overhead lighting, just the flash on the camera and natural light inside the house. If you watch the infomercials their after shots are always under very strategic lighting to really accent the "ripped" look. I was trying not to really flex that hard, just standing taught and firm, I have some other pics where Im actually flexing and you can see the difference. Either way, thanks and best of luck to those of you who decide to give it a try.

 

[musicalmedic81]

very cool, i had no idea that if u followed an infomercial dvd one would get that much fitter. its a big change even after 30 days, i already have it downloaded, gna try it now , did you stick w/your diet plan strictly?

I did not follow the nutrition program to a tee, I did my best to try and match the suggested calorie intake, but I work 24 hrs at a time on an ambulance which makes it difficult to maintain regular meal times and sleep patterns, Im all over the place man. But I did change my diet in terms of what I eat. I tried to make good choices, high protein, low fat, moderate carbs for energy, lots of fruits and veggies, unsalted nuts, low fat yogurt, lean meats, whole wheat bread, peanut butter and stuff like that. The only supplement I take is a daily multivitamin when I remember, and protein shakes- 1 immediately after workout and 1-2 more throughout the day.

 

[session404]

Just curious, before you tried P90X, were you regularly going to the gym? I currently go to the gym 3x a week doing a mix of weightlifting and very short cardio (15-30min ellipticals or treadmill) and it is very slow going. I might wanna check out P90X...

 

[plumcrazy]

Just curious, before you tried P90X, were you regularly going to the gym? I currently go to the gym 3x a week doing a mix of weightlifting and very short cardio (15-30min ellipticals or treadmill) and it is very slow going. I might wanna check out P90X...

I've been doing p90x for 3 weeks now and I'm telling you IT WORKS. I've never been a sucker for infomercials but this one is different. I dont really care about getting ripped up I just wanted it to improve my movement on the tennis court. The Plyometrics DVD is perfect for getting in shape for tennis. And I have lost some lbs and body fat in just 3 weeks. Try it. I found mine on Criagslist for cheap.

 

[Kobble]

Not bad.


Start:

Bodyfat = 23.75 pounds
lean mass = 166.25 pounds

Presently (assuming 8% bodyfat):

Bodyfat = 14.48 pounds
lean mass = 166.52 pounds


9 pounds of fat lost with no change in lean mass (muscle).

Is P90X mainly a fat loss program? This is what I always thought and this sort of confirms my suspicions.

I've never done it, but I would say you are right. You can't gain too much muscle or strength in 90 days, but you sure can up your calorie burn and deficit with proper planning and calorie restriction. I don't believe some of the muscle gains I've seen on the commercials, I have to suspect steroids for a few cases. The only problem I see with P90X is the long term. We can all do anything to up our calorie burn, but can we keep it up for 6 months, 1 year or more. David Duval was a good example. He went from fat to shredded, and now he is fat, again. You can't occupy all your free time with working out forever. I guess, however, if you need to get shredded to land a hot chick, and don't care if you get a little fat back after marriage, fine.

 

[TENNIS_IS_FUN]

Hey musical medic i got a couple of questions for you...

BTW your results are very inspiring, good job.

I have the p90x program but purchasing a set of weights is gonna be difficult....I do have a pair of resistance bands giving me 3 different levels of resistance. Can i do the entire program with the bands and no weight? I was messing around with the bands and although they are great for some exercises, i tried doing a set of bicep curls with them and didn't really feel a burn.

And...assuming i can do the p90x program with the bands, how important in your opinion was the plyometric part? My right knee is pretty banged up from an injury (I had to get surgery) and although I can do squats and stuff, jumping around from place to place doesn't really seem like a possibility.

With this in mind, should i continue to invest my time in this program?

 

[musicalmedic81]

Just curious, before you tried P90X, were you regularly going to the gym? I currently go to the gym 3x a week doing a mix of weightlifting and very short cardio (15-30min ellipticals or treadmill) and it is very slow going. I might wanna check out P90X...

I was in the exact same position that you are now. I had been going to the gym by myself 3 times per week doing weight training and some cardio, pretty much the same as you are doing, but I realized that I wasnt really pushing myself. Ive worked out pretty regularly since highschool, Ive had plenty of gains and losses since then, but nothing this dramatic. I was a believer after the first couple of weeks. Yeah man if you're stuck in a rut, you've found the plateau effect, and P90X makes you get over that hump where nothing youre doing is changing anything. Give it a try.

 

[musicalmedic81]

Hey musical medic i got a couple of questions for you...

BTW your results are very inspiring, good job.

I have the p90x program but purchasing a set of weights is gonna be difficult....I do have a pair of resistance bands giving me 3 different levels of resistance. Can i do the entire program with the bands and no weight? I was messing around with the bands and although they are great for some exercises, i tried doing a set of bicep curls with them and didn't really feel a burn.

And...assuming i can do the p90x program with the bands, how important in your opinion was the plyometric part? My right knee is pretty banged up from an injury (I had to get surgery) and although I can do squats and stuff, jumping around from place to place doesn't really seem like a possibility.

With this in mind, should i continue to invest my time in this program?

Hmmm. Well it really depends on what kind of results you are wanting to get. If you are looking to add size, then the bands arent going to cut it on certain moves, unless you get some heavy duty bands and not the cheap ones from walmart. If you are just looking to slim down and tone, the bands are probably ok. I would recommend getting some weights, even if you just buy like a set of 15's and a set of 20's or 25's. Then you can use both bands and weights and figure out which works better for each excersize. I bought a set of adjustable dumbells from ***** sporting goods, proform I believe is the brand, they go from 10-50 lbs on each side by sliding a pin, comes with its own stand and costs about $299. Pretty good compared to the Bowflex brand that will cost over 500 bucks.

As far as Plyometrics goes, to me, and especially for a tennis player, plyometrics is a very important component of P90X. It pretty much is the "mother" of all the P90X workouts in terms of cardio and agility training. My legs have always been my biggest weakness so the plyo has definitely helped. I wouldnt recommend it if you have a bum knee though. There is another disc that comes with it called cardio x and you can use that one as an alternate for plyometrics. It has a little bit of everything in it including some of the lower impact plyometric moves. If you got your heart set on trying P90X, you can still do it w/o doing plyometrics by substituting cardio x, but theres nothing else that whips your butt quite like plyo does.

 

[r2473]

I've never done it, but I would say you are right. You can't gain too much muscle or strength in 90 days.

Adding muscle is hard work.

I just got my bodyfat measured on the University's "bod pod". If you don't know what that is, you can google it. Basically, it is as accurate as being dunked in water.

I tested myself 11 months ago. Since then I have gained 15 pounds of lean mass (muscle) while gaining 20 pounds of fat. Almost necessary to gain fat while bulking because of the large amounts of calories you have to consume on a daily basis (4000 - 5000 calories for me).

Now here is the point. If people compared my results to the OP's (simply by looking at us), most people would think that he gained more muscle than I did. But yet, he gained 0 pounds of muscle and I gained 15.

Trainers use this fact to "exploit" clients (not sure if exploit is the right word). Clients will see "better" results and see them much faster by getting lean and "ripped" than by bulking up. Gaining muscle takes time. Most people will gain fat while bulking (unless they cycle effectively). Everyone wants fast results, and everyone wants that "ripped" look. The mistake that most people make is believing that, because the muscle is more visible on their body, they must have gained muscle (does anyone remember "slicerdicer"?).

This is to take nothing away from the OP. I think his results are fantastic. But, I agree with Kobble. 7% bodyfat is tough to sustain (even bodybuilders are around 8% - 12% when not competing).

 

[NickH87]

Hey musical medic i got a couple of questions for you...

BTW your results are very inspiring, good job.

I have the p90x program but purchasing a set of weights is gonna be difficult....I do have a pair of resistance bands giving me 3 different levels of resistance. Can i do the entire program with the bands and no weight? I was messing around with the bands and although they are great for some exercises, i tried doing a set of bicep curls with them and didn't really feel a burn.

And...assuming i can do the p90x program with the bands, how important in your opinion was the plyometric part? My right knee is pretty banged up from an injury (I had to get surgery) and although I can do squats and stuff, jumping around from place to place doesn't really seem like a possibility.

With this in mind, should i continue to invest my time in this program?

You can always opt for the little kits from sporting goods stores that come with two dumbbell handles and a couple of small weight plates....I think they have like a 50 lbs set sol 25 on each side and get a couple more plates if you need to add some weight. Something like this should cost no more than $60, even though it may be a hassle to change weights depending on which workouts you do, it really saves a lot of money in the long run, when I tried p90x the 1st time used the set and paused so i can change weights, I just stopped because i wasnt following the diet and I was in school and wasnt motivated...

 

[TENNIS_IS_FUN]

You can always opt for the little kits from sporting goods stores that come with two dumbbell handles and a couple of small weight plates....I think they have like a 50 lbs set sol 25 on each side and get a couple more plates if you need to add some weight. Something like this should cost no more than $60, even though it may be a hassle to change weights depending on which workouts you do, it really saves a lot of money in the long run, when I tried p90x the 1st time used the set and paused so i can change weights, I just stopped because i wasnt following the diet and I was in school and wasnt motivated...

Yea TBH i actually did the P90x program for 1 week and stopped...I just didn't want to follow through with the entire program if I only had access to bands and if i couldn't do the plyometrics program. Do you by any chance have a link to the adjustable dumbells? I tried searching for some on Amazon but they were either way too expensive or they were not quality products.

 

[NickH87]

Ill grab a few...

http://www.sportsunlimitedinc.com/york-50-lb-iron-adjustable-spinlock-dumbbell-set.html

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=896468

http://www.sportsauthority.com/prod...&cp=3077568.3077639.2623795&parentPage=family

If theres sporting goods stores, pick up extra weight plates because I dont think they have sets that come in more than 50lbs, mostly 40 lbs.

 

[coyfish]

Ahh yes the power of lighting.

Whats the point of taking pictures in each stage of your progress if your going to distort them.

Musicalmedic you defined EXACTLY what happens to so many people that work out. They don't get the results they wan't because they don't put in the necessary effort. Going to the gym is like going to the library to study. It doesn't matter how long youre there . . . you won't get results unless you put in the effort.

It really baffles me that people need to spend 140 bucks to get motivated but hey . . . if thats what it takes more power to you.

Only 1 thing gets you results. And that is a little thing called intensity.

 

[musicalmedic81]

Ahh yes the power of lighting.

Whats the point of taking pictures in each stage of your progress if your going to distort them.

Musicalmedic you defined EXACTLY what happens to so many people that work out. They don't get the results they wan't because they don't put in the necessary effort. Going to the gym is like going to the library to study. It doesn't matter how long youre there . . . you won't get results unless you put in the effort.

It really baffles me that people need to spend 140 bucks to get motivated but hey . . . if thats what it takes more power to you.

Only 1 thing gets you results. And that is a little thing called intensity.

Umm...wow. Hi! Im Greg, I figured if you're going to be insulting me on an internet forum we might as well be on first name basis. Why are you so angry? Your opinion of my pictures really means very little to me, they're just pictures after all. I know how I feel and look. The OP on the other thread was asking for advice on the program so thats what I gave him. What irritates me is that you are just assuming that I have no discipline and could not possibly be capable of getting "intense" without spending 140 bucks on workout DVDs. Does that about sum it up? Yep, you're right man, there couldnt have possibly been any other reason for me to do that. Geez atleast you're not judgemental... Tell me something fish, how much is the average cost to keep up a gym membership these days? And Im speaking as a working adult with real expenses, not a teenager who still lives off his parents. And thats not a personal attack on you in any way, I dont know you so Im not gonna make that assumption. Im just letting you know that Im not a kid with financial freedom. If somebody chooses to buy the program and by doing so ends up improving the quality of their life, what difference does it make whether that money went towards a gym membership or some workout dvds?

Anyway, I know what intensity is, I know what putting in effort is, and I know how to get results. Its not rocket science. Don't compare me to "so many people who work out" when you don't even know me or my reasons for making decisions that I make. Its just a little uncalled for.

Thanks

 

[coyfish]

Umm...wow. Hi! Im Greg, I figured if you're going to be insulting me on an internet forum we might as well be on first name basis. Why are you so angry? Your opinion of my pictures really means very little to me, they're just pictures after all. I know how I feel and look. The OP on the other thread was asking for advice on the program so thats what I gave him. What irritates me is that you are just assuming that I have no discipline and could not possibly be capable of getting "intense" without spending 140 bucks on workout DVDs. Does that about sum it up? Yep, you're right man, there couldnt have possibly been any other reason for me to do that. Geez atleast you're not judgemental... Tell me something fish, how much is the average cost to keep up a gym membership these days? And Im speaking as a working adult with real expenses, not a teenager who still lives off his parents. And thats not a personal attack on you in any way, I dont know you so Im not gonna make that assumption. Im just letting you know that Im not a kid with financial freedom. If somebody chooses to buy the program and by doing so ends up improving the quality of their life, what difference does it make whether that money went towards a gym membership or some workout dvds?

Anyway, I know what intensity is, I know what putting in effort is, and I know how to get results. Its not rocket science. Don't compare me to "so many people who work out" when you don't even know me or my reasons for making decisions that I make. Its just a little uncalled for.

Thanks

You said you have been working out for years but didn't get the results you wanted in the gym. Thats why I made that assumption. Now you have made it clear that gym memberships are too expensive. . .

Then you say you know how to get results. Everyone "knows" how to get results . . . so why doesn't anybody?? Because nobody wants to push themselves to that point (not saying you).

Well Im over 100K in debt thanks to school. But I pay 30 bucks a month for a ymca membership.

I didn't mean to attack you by critisizing those pictures but its true. You took those to show your results and thus help convince others to buy the product. Other people don't realize the importance of lighting (and your oiled up in the last one . . . ) and how your flexing.

You may have your own reasons for purchasing p90x but don't help others make the same choice when they would be better off in a gym. Most people buy this thing because they see false advertisements showing false / distorted results. They think its some miracle program. As I mentioned I am a knowledable lifter who has achieved my own great results. It just annoys me when this Horton guy is making millions off so much ignorance.

So there are positive reason for using p90x but I want people to be informed and make an appropriate decision instead of jumping on bandwagons. Sorry for critisizing you or coming off as arrogant.

 

[r2473]

The only problem I see with P90X is the long term. We can all do anything to up our calorie burn, but can we keep it up for 6 months, 1 year or more.

What would you estimate your bf% is now (5 months or so later)?

IMO, 12% is a resonable maintenance goal. 8% is somewhat unrealistic to maintain for any length of time.

That said, P90X doesn't have to be about cutting bodyfat and the pursuit of the "perfect" body. From what I can tell, it is a good overall fitness program. It seems to have worked for you. You seem to be in excellent shape.

 

[musicalmedic81]

What would you estimate your bf% is now (5 months or so later)?

IMO, 12% is a resonable maintenance goal. 8% is somewhat unrealistic to maintain for any length of time.

That said, P90X doesn't have to be about cutting bodyfat and the pursuit of the "perfect" body. From what I can tell, it is a good overall fitness program. It seems to have worked for you. You seem to be in excellent shape.

My BF right now is prob a little under 10%, and to be honest, Im probably a little leaner now than I was in the 90 day picture. I was prob 10-11 percent in that 90 day picture. I had one of those handheld bodyfat calculators but I wasnt aware how innaccurate they can be. So I stopped using it and started just using a mirror as my guide. So Im prob 10 or just a hair under right now. Im still doing the program, this is my second time all the way through and Ive thrown in some of Shaun Ts insanity workouts just to keep things fresh and results are still coming. I took creatine this time through and gained about 8 lbs mostly in my legs and butt, which I needed. Legs have always been weakpoint for me. It is a great overall fitness program, and if nothing else, after 90 days whether you choose to do it again, add in some different workouts, or go back to the gym, you'll have the confidence you need to keep pushing.

 

[r2473]

My BF right now is prob a little under 10%, and to be honest, Im probably a little leaner now than I was in the 90 day picture. I was prob 10-11 percent in that 90 day picture. I had one of those handheld bodyfat calculators but I wasnt aware how innaccurate they can be.

I took creatine this time through and gained about 8 lbs mostly in my legs and butt, which I needed.

I was going to mention that your bf% was probably not as low as you thought it was in your photos (either at the start or finish).

If I read you right, you are claiming a slight decrease in bf% while simultaneously gaining 8 lbs in bodyweight?

 

[Itagaki]

You may have your own reasons for purchasing p90x but don't help others make the same choice when they would be better off in a gym. Most people buy this thing because they see false advertisements showing false / distorted results. They think its some miracle program. As I mentioned I am a knowledable lifter who has achieved my own great results. It just annoys me when this Horton guy is making millions off so much ignorance.

Its true that P90x is actually pretty expensive, even when compared to a gym membership given all the equipment involved

but if you're like me, you find alternative ways of getting the dvds for free, then the only purchases needed are dumbells(which i more or less already had) and a pull up bar

so overall, i've paid probably a month's worth of my gym membership for 3+ months of exercise thats new and different than what i've been doing

not a bad deal if you ask me

 

[musicalmedic81]

I was going to mention that your bf% was probably not as low as you thought it was in your photos (either at the start or finish).

If I read you right, you are claiming a slight decrease in bf% while simultaneously gaining 8 lbs in bodyweight?

Let me clarify, I gained about 8 lbs through the first two months of my second round of P90X, this third phase I have added in more intense cardio workouts and have leaned out quite a bit as a result. And Im only using a mirror as a gauge now so Im guessing by how my abs look about 10%. Since my 8 lbs gain Ive come back down 3 or 4 lbs.