Can The P90X Program Really Help You Lose Weight & Get Ripped In Just 90 Days?
Now this is the question a lot of people are asking.
Hey everyone and welcome to my P90X review. My name’s Will and I’ve been using P90X for the last 90 days.
So in this post I’m going to share my P90X results and experience of using this program. I’m going to start right from the beginning so if you’re interesting in buying this program then I hope you find my review helpful.
If you’re not familiar with the P90X program then click here to check it out. (link opens in new window)
Before I started the P90X workout I wasn’t exactly overweight but I couldn’t really call myself fit. I’m a website designer and work for quite a large company so I spend most of the day sitting down and not getting any exercise which was the reason I was out of shape. I was 5 foot 11 and and weighed about 11 and a half stone.
According to my friends Wii fit machine I was at the top end of a healthy bmi (body mass index) so I could do with losing maybe half a stone.
So there started my quest to get in shape and lose a bit of weight. I tried all the usual stuff, i.e. running and swimming but I just got bored to tell you the truth. Plus I wasn’t getting the results I wanted.
Then one evening I was having a beer with Jake who was one of my work clients. (He’s a personal trainer and my company was designing a website for him.)
I was asking Jake for tips on how to get fit and of course he tried to get me to en roll in his personal coaching program but I told him I just didn’t have the time. I didn’t really want a personal trainer, I would rather do my own thing.
So he said “If you’re looking to lose weight and get in shape then get the P90X workout program.”
He told me that there were a bunch of people at the gym he goes to who were having some great success with it.
So when I got home from the bar I went on the internet to check this P90X thing out. It seems that everyone was raving about this program and getting in shape with it.
For every 1 negative review I saw there were about a hundred positive. P90X is the real deal and people are losing weight with it and getting in shape.
So of course I decided to buy the P90X workout package from this website and it arrived around 4 days later.
So What Do You Get With The P90X Package?
The P90X workout package mainly consists of a series of dvds that will get you from “Regular To Ripped in 90 Days”. On these dvds are 12 workout routines, each routine focuses on a different part of the body. You also get a nutrition plan to help you eat right, a fitness guide, a progress calendar to keep notes of your progress and access to online support.
Click here to get your P90X workout package.
Now personally I didn’t use the online support at all in my 90 days. I didn’t find at any point I needed any support, all the info I needed was in the p90X package, but it was nice knowing that if I ever got stuck on something I could get help if I needed it.
There’s quite a lot of info in the nutrition guide and fitness guide and you’ll need to spend a couple of hours reading them. The real focus of the P90X program are the dvds.
There are 13 dvds in total. 1 of them is an introductory video that introduces you to the program and gets you ready to get fit. I found it quite exciting when I got started with the introduction video and found myself eager to get started with the program.
The other 12 dvds each focus on a different workout. I’ve listed them below.
- Chest and back workouts.
- Plyometrics.
- Shoulders and arms workout.
- Yoga X workout. (I find this one the hardest)
- Legs and back workout.
- Kenpo X workout.
- X stretch.
- Core synergistics.
- Chest, shoulders and triceps.
- Back and biceps.
- Cardio X.
- Ab ripper X.
Each of the above is a different workout and the whole focus of the P90X workout package is on “muscle confusion”.
What Is Muscle Confusion?
Basically you’ll spend 3 weeks doing a series of exercises and then have a recovery week.
With the other exercise programs out there you’ll usually see good results at the beginning but then your body gets accustomed to the routine and it becomes less effective.
However the P90X program relies on muscle confusion. Because you’re constantly doing different exercises and workouts your body cant get accustomed to what you’re doing therefore the exercises you’re doing are constantly effective so you get stronger and fitter more quickly.
I hope my explanation of muscle confusion is clear to you. It sounds right in my head 
.
How Much Time Do You Need To Spend Doing The P90X Workouts?
So one of my concerns before I bought the P90X program was how much time it would take up but thankfully it only takes up about an hour or so per day for 6 days a week and you have one day off as a rest day to let your body recover.
What Do I Think Of Tony Horton, The P90X Trainer?
So the person on the dvds who guides you through the P90X workouts is called Tony Horton. He seems like a cool enough guy. He’s very enthusiastic and is right there doing the workouts with you. After spending 90 days working out to the dvds alongside Tony I can’t really imagine working out with anyone else! It sounds strange because he’s just a guy on a dvd but he really helps you get through the workouts.
My Personal Opinion Of P90X
The P90X workout program is not easy. It’s incredible doable but you’re going to feel some aches and pains while going through it.
You need to be committed and you need to really want to get fit. In other words if you want to get fit with P90X then you need to be dedicated and stick with it.
If you’re going to give up at the first sign of muscle ache then P90X is not for you, however the P90X program really isn’t that hard so if you don’t mind a bit of hard work then you’ll see great results with this program.
Overall the first 3 weeks are the hardest, I had a bit of trouble with the Yoga X workout which lasts almost 90 minutes.
I started to notice a difference in my physique after the first 3 weeks and felt a lot fitter. After the initial 3 weeks it was still hard but it seemed easier because of the increased fitness I’d gained in the first 3 weeks. Don’t be put off though, yes it’s hard but it’s very doable.
The thing you need to realise is that doing the exercise and workouts aren’t going to kill you. They may be hard work but it’s totally worth it because at the end of it all you’re going to be in great shape and looking good.
When things get tough just push through it because you can do it! It sounds silly but my motto when it came to doing the workouts and exercises was Just Do It. So when I felt like I couldn’t be bothered to put the dvd in and workout I told myself to just do it.
My P90X Results
I was asked to post a few photos of the results I’ve gotten from the P90X program so here they are below. Unfortunately I don’t have any before photo’s because I didn’t know at the time that I’d be writing this review.
Click here to buy the P90X program because it worked for me.
So that’s my P90X results. Now that I’ve gone through the P90X 90 day program I personally feel amazing. I feel like I’ve never been healthier or in better shape than I’m in now. Yes it was a hard 90 days but it was 100% worth it.
When I started I was 5 foot 11 and weighed 11 and a half stone and now at the end of the 90 days I’m still 5 foot 11 but I accomplished my goal to lose half a stone because I now weigh 11 stone and according to my friends Wii fit machine I now have a perfect bmi thanks to P90X.
But most importantly I feel great. I feel like I’ve got a lot more energy and I don’t get tired so easily. Now that I’ve completed the 90 day program I think I’m just going to go for a jog now and again and eat healthily.
I’ve heard that some people after they’ve completed the program do the P90X workouts again to get super fit! I may do the program again at some point in the future but for now I’m happy. It’s nice to know it’s there if I need it.
So overall I totally recommend P90X. Stick with it for the full 90 days and you’ll get results.
Thanks for reading my P90X Review. I hope you found it helpful. Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts on the P90X program or if you have any questions.
Take care.
Will
About 
Hey, my name's Will and welcome to my P90X Review.
{ 51 comments… read them below or add one }
great site on p90x. keep it up bro.
Hello first congratulation on your result
im really looking forward to start p90x but i would like to ask you
after you have finished 90 days
1.Did you have more energy then before to do your work?
2. Did you notice more energy to do other activities after work ?
3.In what other aspects did it improve your work ?
My problem is that i sometimes get tired when i work and also after work
regards,
Sao
Hey Sao.
Good questions!
First off I know what you mean about getting tired at work and I know it’s quite a common problem. I myself used to often get a tiredness slump at about 3 in the afternoon where I could easily fall asleep at my desk if my boss wasn’t around. And then I’d go and eat lots of sugary or fattening food to get some energy to get over the hump!
It’s pretty much a vicious circle isn’t it?
But yeah now I’ve finished the 90 day p90x workout I really have a lot more energy. I’ve been doing research and being physically fit and in good health means having a lot more energy and I’ve really noticed it.
I never get tired during the day now. And I’ve also noticed that I get to sleep easier and quicker and sleep better which in turn means I’m more fresh the next day.
I’ve done research on this too and being healthy and in good shape really does have a positive effect on sleep patterns and overall energy.
So yeah if you get tired a lot during the day then I think that the p90x program and getting in shape will really help you out.
But also remember that doing the p90x workout will be hard work and sometimes after a workout I would literally feel tired and just go to sleep. But it’s still worth it even if it is hard at times during the 90 days.
I hope this helps.
Will
P90X is a pretty full on program, I think thats why it has good results. The constsantly changing workouts stops the body fron adapting which just shreds up fat and build muscle, I’m a huge fan of it.
I just have a quick question, but would you still be able to work out at the gym if your on the p90x?
Can you use this program if you have a bad back. I back pain daily and I think building the muscle will elevate some of the pain but finding a program to help me lose weight and tone my muscle has been difficult. Any suggestions?
Hey HistoryGirl. Excellent question!
The P90X program is pretty vigorous sometimes so I think there’s a chance that you may do more damage to your back if it’s all ready pretty bad.
I did a quick bit of research for you and found that a good way to lose weight/get in shape for people with bad backs is to do some swimming. A good stroke to do is the breast stroke.
The P90X program is great and all but I wouldn’t want you to do yourself a damage.
I’m not an expert in fitness so a couple of good people to ask might be a doctor or a fitness expert.
bodybuilding.com is full of fitness experts and they have a forum. I recommend you go over there and ask them for some good back strengthening exercises etc.
Or you could just give the P90X program a go and just take it easy and not push yourself too much.
Let me know how you get on.
Will
Sure you can!
That’s if you’ve got the energy left over. Just don’t burn yourself out
Will
HistoryGirl,
I am a yoga instructor who recently started P90X. I also have some back pain from an old injury. My advice would be to first consult your doctor or chiropractor. Second, if you are not already exercising regularly, start taking some yoga classes. Yoga will help manage back pain by both strengthening and increasing flexibility in your back muscles as well as strengthening your core. Finally, if you do P90X, you need to know how to modify certain poses and exercises to protect your back. A yoga instructor or personal trainer should be able to help you with this.
Remember to listen to your body and don’t overdo it. Good luck!
What type of workouts will you need to do after completing program to maintain results?
Jen,
Just do it again!!! I am on my fourth round of P90x and absolutely love it still!!! My fifth round I am gonna do the doubles routine. One workout in the morning before work and another in the evening before bed.
Sorry meant to reply like this so she sees the comment.
I just borrowed the P90X training dvd’s from my friend because I want to give it a shot. Is it a big deal to not have the weights required for some of the workouts? I did a workout program a couple years ago where you used your own body and commonplace things in your home instead of weights and such. Would this work or would getting some dumbbells be the better option?
Bryan,
There’s an option to use exercise bands, and someone in every weight training day shows you how to do and modify the exercises if needed. Watch and learn. They always use the longer type that can be used for pull-up simulation as well as lifting. This seems like it would be a cheaper alternative than weights and better than household stuff. I haven’t tried them myself, but it looks like a good option that may in some cases be better than weights. They also look good for someone who is traveling and can’t workout at home or a gym.
I just purchased P90X online today and I was reading some reviews. I read that there are 3 different paths that you can do- classic, lean and doubles. Can anyone explain the differences between the three? I am trying to lose weight and become stronger because I’m trying to join the Navy and this system seems like the perfect way to go. I’m not too concerned about just being lean, or a size 4 or anything like that, just weight loss and strengthening. Any suggestion as to which path I should take? Thanks!
Im doing p90x right now, the weights really are required for some of the excersizes, but I guess if you found something the right weight around the house it would work, but weights help a lot !
Hey this seems like a great product but I have a question.. If I’m not that fit should I just jump right into it? Or should I possibly do some running and stuff prior to beginning, as in a few weeks before I start the program. This really does look like a great plan but did you follow the meal plan strictly? And if you did, what how differently do you eat now that you have finished the program? Thank you
gaffney09,
I would say classic is where to start. What doubles adds is a cardio workout in the morning. I would suggest this if you are already fairly fit. I know my first week on p90x I could barely move. Extreme muscle soreness. I suppose once the soreness subsides adding the doubles cardio option wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Bryan,
I would suggest getting dumbbells. Many stores have adjustable dumbbells where you dial in the weight. A set that ranges from 5-25 is quite cheap and very useful. For the workouts, I range 10-30 pounds. Very few moves require heavier weight.
How essential is sticking to the dietary guide that comes with the program?
I had 3 c-sections (bikini line cut). My doctor told me it doesn’t matter what exercises you do, you wont’t get a flat ab due to the muscle being cut. Also, my butt has gotton a bit bigger. Will this program shrink my butt and will I ever get flat abs or will I have to dish out money for a tummy tuck?
Hey Mel, I have a bad knee, too, and I just finished my first week of P90X. I’m following Tony’s advice in the video,”just do your best and leave the rest”. Some of the exercises I have to modify, especially with the Plyometrics. But, I can see a difference already and it’s only been one week.
What happens if u miss 1 day?
Do I need to buy anything other than the CDs – I see some people talk about weights and about having to do pull ups? I don’t have any of those things now and if I have to buy them too – how much does that cost in addition to the cost of the P90X CDs? Does anyone know of a alternate site to buy the P90X from that is cheaper?
Hello Mima,
There are exercises in p90x that do require lifting weights, and others that require someplace to do pull ups. You can find inexpensive dumb bells and pull up bars online, or your local shop selling exercise equipment. Another option If you need to save money is an exercise band. They come in many different “weights” and can also be found online or in your local shops. It can be used for both lifting and pull ups. Each exercise there is someone who shows you how to properly use the bands.
As for finding cheap copies someplace other than beachbody.com, I must warn you that most websites offering great discounts are bootleggeged copies and are very poorly done, and more often or not, they are not complete. Though, I would suggest keeping an eye on eBay.com. Complete used sets are often available at a lower cost. And as always with eBay, be careful, and remember to check out the buyer reviews.
I hope this was helpful.
Good luck, and keep pushing play!
Jen
Hey Jeff, I wouldn’t worry about it. Sometimes there’s just nothing we can do. Just carry on with the program and forget about the day you missed.
My advice is to just do your best. We all make mistakes. So if you have a slip up then just forget about it and move on.
Will
Hey Meghan, sorry about the late reply. I’ve been so busy lately and forgot to answer your question
.
To be honest it’s totally up to you. If I were you I’d just go for it and do my best.
Once you’ve bought the P90X program you’ve got it for life so if your first time round is a bit rough then by the second time you’ll get through it a lot easier.
As for the meal plans, I just did my best, my focus was more on the exercises and I didn’t follow the meal plans as strictly as I probably should but yeah I just did my best.
Now that I’ve finished the program I don’t eat much junk food any more. I may have the odd chocolate bar or Mc Donalds now and again if I can’t be bothered to prepare anything.
But yeah I just try to eat as healthily as possible, i.e. lots of fruit and veg and protiens, just healthy stuff.
I don’t count calories either. I just eat when I’m hungry
.
Hope this helps.
Will
Hey T, I feel for you. The only answer I can give is to just give it a go. P90X is a lot cheaper than a tummy tuck I’m sure.
As for your butt then yes the P90X program will help you “shrink” it.
Cheryl
Great questions & answers, I think just about every question I had about P90X has already been covered.
So at day 91 I gather that you don’t necessarily need to complete the program over again…is there a maintenance program or can you modify the existing program to maintain your results?
From previous posts it looks like you can get away with eating healthy and not necessarily rigidly follow the meal plans…is that a correct assumption? Reason for my concern is because I do not eat meat.
Now here is an odd question, since I’m an apartment dweller I’m conscientious of the noise I make, does the program require much “jumping around”?
Hi Jennifer,
After the 90 days you can either start the program again to get even better results or you can just carry on doing the workouts and exercises at your own pace.
If you don’t eat meat then that’s your choice, my philosophy and what the P90X trainer says is to just do your best. Just follow the meal plans to the best of your abilities, that’s all you can do.
As for making lots of noise, well there are exercises and workouts that require you to move around and yeah sometimes you’ll be making some noise but it’s generally not that bad in my opinion.
I hope this helps.
Will
Hey all! I just completed Day 3!! Shoulders and Arm workout, and I’m as sore as can be! Good pain is what I call it. Tony, the instructor on the vid is a great motivator. I did take a b4 pic, and THAT was my motivating factor. Since I’m a beginner, I wanted to encourage those that are considering….give it a try! I’m ONLY on DAY 3 and realize the tuffness. But, I’ve never worked out before on a regular basis. May one workout every few months!! But this has changed my way of thinking. I first studied the diet program and following it as best as I can. Good luck!!
You’re only as old as you feel.
Let us know how you get on Frank.
Will
Hi, sounds good from what i’m reading. One questions, do you have to cut alcohol clean out to get the results?
Hi.
I’d like to purchase the P90X for my 15 yr old twin boys, who are good soccer players, but could use getting bigger and stronger especially for when they play against older kids.
I was wondering if anyone has a similar need: they need to gain weight, not lose it, while doing the workouts to get the shape they want.
Could you let me know?
Thank you,
Marina
Hey Will,
I’m a 16 year old in decent shape who wants to try out this program. I am 6′ and weigh 180 lbs. I’m just trying to feel healthier and better about myself. If I ask my parents to buy some of the weightlifting stuff I need for this program, would this benefit me? I don’t have any conditions, and do you feel you could have done the p90x at 16?
Thanks a ton!
Max
Hey Max.
Yes I think you should definitely give P90X a go. It’ll help you get in shape and you’ll end up feeling a lot healthier and have more energy.
The program can be hard at times, and sometimes you’ll feel wrecked but just remember to do your best!
I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t do it just because your only 16. I feel I could have done it myself at 16 (I’m 21 now). Plus you say you’re in decent shape so yeah if your parents say yes then go for it.
But if they say no then don’t get yourself down because there’s other ways to get in shape for free such as push ups and sit ups etc.
Let me know how you get on!
Will
Marina,
There are weight-gain products designed for that. They’re like super strength protein shakes, they add a lot of fuel to building muscles to help them bulk up. That would be a great addition to this program, or any intense program. Keep in mind, muscles build when intense activity tears cells in the muscle. The body repairs those tears, building the muscle bigger to adapt to new demands on it. This is why so many people find themselves on the dreaded plateau. So, keep their workouts intense, find good supplements to boost muscle building, those two things are key. Good luck!
Marina,
P.S. Raise their calorie intake, there are charts and calculators all over the internet to help. They’ll be burning loads of calories, so they’ll need to increase calories and carbs by quite a lot.
You can buy cheap equipment off ebay, I paid 10 english pounds sterling (not sure what that is in dollars, though sorry) for a hook up pull up bar. dumbells are not expensive either. I paid 3 pounds sterling for a yoga mat from ebay too. Tony H off P90X does recommend some HEAVY dumbells for some of the exercises though, especially if you want to add size. Big weight, low reps for size, slightly lower weight and higher reps for weight loss. I’ve been doing P90X for a week and I must say I do feel better, but obviously havent lost any visible weight. The double regime does assume that you have unlimited time to train though. I work shifts so I won’t be able to work out in the am and pm, it’s just not feasible. I have found though, as far as the diet is concerned, that I havent got the time to prepare any of the meals. having said that, I feel less hungry now I am working out than before, odd I know. I just cut out all the junk – fries, pizza, chips, cookies, proprietary mainstreet burger meals (cant name them, being american, they’d probably sue) – we all know what junk food is. I found cutting down on bread makes a big difference. Eating more fruit, a handful of grapes, an apple, blueberries (a superfood) replace one of my daily work lunch sandwiches.
hey so i used to swim a lot like hard core on a swim team but had to quite due to medical reasons and have gained alot of weight from this im not huge but have defently gained about 30 pounds and im only 5″1 and so of course it makes me looks a lot worse. and im only 16, but i really dont like my body its just not toned and could use a little kick in the butt. i have been conserding p90x for a while but just cant quite decide do you think this will work for me? im commited and really want to have a nice summer body lol help!!
Hi Elizabeth, by the sounds of it you know what it’s like to exercise a lot because of your hardcore swimming background. If you’re out of shape now then you may find P90X hard at first like I did but then after a few weeks you’ll find it a lot easier as your fitness gets better.
I really like the P90X program and if you just stick to it then you’ll definitely see results. I don’t see how anyone who follows P90X could not lose weight or get in better shape. I think it would just be impossible to not see results.
Let us know how you get on.
Will
Thanks for posting such a great comment Chris!
I also know what you mean about not feeling hungry as much while you’re doing P90X. I think exercise itself must be an appetite suppressant.
And yes when it comes to the meals and nutrition I didn’t follow the guide religiously. If I had time I would prepare the meals but other than that I just ate healthily and cut out junk food.
Will
Will,
This is an awesome site. I had many questions and most have been answered!
I would love some feedback from anyone who travels for work. I am on the road 15 to 18 days a month…with a totally non-predictable schedule while I’m gone. I can play the dvd’s on my computer (a digital version would be nice) but is this doable – equipment wise – while traveling? It’s hard enough to eat a healthy diet on the road but I CAN do this!!! I may have to work until I’m 70…so I have to commit to wellness and fitness.
Hi Will,
Great site, with yours and all the other responses being so useful, from real world examples, you have answered so many questions I had.
As a 45 year old guy who likes his red wine & cheese too much, and the occasional beer, will I have to give up alcohol totally or just cut back?
Am hoping that with this fitness program I would just burn it off quicker!
Thanks again for all your advice,
I just completed my third week of P90X!! I had never worked out before but decided it was to give it a try.
I absolutely love it! Tough? Yes, but benefits far outweigh the pain!
1) I have been treated for anxiety for the last ten years, no medication has made me feel as energized or positive as P90X.
2) I no longer feel tired all day. I have accomplished more work at home and the office in the last three weeks than in three months before starting P90X.
3) Tony Horton is an excellent motivator and coach.
4) I absolutely love P90X and I know it will be a part of my daily schedule into the future.
I travel a lot for work and have been interested in P90X for a while. Just curious if it is something I could do while on the road in a hotel room? From my understanding you need dumbells and resistance bands and I can’t travel with dumbells but can you change up the order of the dvds based on equipment I have available at the time.
Nice one Kimery!
Keep at it.
Will
Hey Garth, sorry about the late reply, I haven’t been able to log in for some reason.
I’m glad we’ve been of help! My thinking is that you only live once so there’s no need to give up alcohol completely instead just drink in moderation. And with the cheese, a little bit’s not going to be bad for you now and again. As long as you eat healthily most of the time a few treats now and again are fine.
And yes the P90X will definitely help you burn the calories off quicker.
Hope this helps.
Will
Hey Julie, sorry about the late reply.
Yes you could definitely do this while travelling. But I would be a bit worried if the floors or walls were very thin because P90X requires you to be quite active.
But then as long as your not doing it in hours when people are trying to sleep then I don’t see the problem of making a bit of noise!
Will
hi will
great site and very informative, i consider my self to be fairly fit currently 5ft 10 and weighing 13.5 stone (so could do with a bit of weight loss), i have tried goiing to the gym and find it very time consuming and costly, i like the look of P90X and im seriously considering buying it, is it something you can do with a partner? will it help me lose excess weight as well as bulk up as i dont want to be any heavier than i am currently, also im worried that i wont have all the equipment at home required to do P90X i.e the chin up bar does this matter?
many thanks
ally.
Hi Ally.
I know what you mean about the gym. I was a member a couple of years ago and it’s far too expensive and too much of a hassle!
I like your idea of doing P90X with a partner. That way you can give each other support and encouragement. Just make sure you’ve both got enough space!
In regards to the equipment issue, you can get them pretty cheaply on ebay if you look around but not all the exercises require equipment. But then if you want to get the full results from the program then you could buy the equipment and then when you’ve completed the P90X program put them back on ebay.
Hope this helps and thanks for visiting!
Will