How to Properly Do P90X

The P90X home workout program is a series of exercise videos developed by fitness guru Tony Horton and the company Beachbody. According to the American Council on Exercise, P90X is suitable for losing weight and improving
aerobic fitness. But to get all the benefits from P90X, you need to do the program properly.

Things You'll Need

  • P90X Videos
  • Water bottle
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Perform the P90X fit test before starting the program. The fit test, which is available from the Beachbody website, is a set of exercises pulled from the P90X routine. You should be able to perform the exercises to the minimum standards that are laid out in the test. If you can't perform the exercises, start with an easier program to get in shape before attempting P90X.

    • 2

      Choose a schedule that fits your goals. P90X has three schedules: the classic schedule for people who want to lose a bit of fat and gain muscle, the lean schedule for people who want to focus on weight loss and the doubles schedule for people who are in shape but want to reach peak fitness.

    • 3

      Follow the schedule that you've selected. Regardless of the schedule, you'll work out six days per week. On the seventh day you'll either rest or you can perform the optional "X Stretch" routine. Taking this day off from serious workouts gives your body a chance to recover and lets you come back stronger.

    • 4

      Perform the warm-up and cool-down at the beginning and end of each workout. These parts of the video may not seem important to you, but they help keep your body loose and limber, thereby preventing injuries.

    • 5

      Do each of the routines to the best of your abilities. As Horton says throughout the videos, you need to "do your best and forget the rest." The demonstrators may perform more reps or use heavier weights, but you should focus on your own workout.

    • 6

      Take breaks if you need them. The videos all feature at least one break, but you can pause the video if you need to catch your breath. Use your breaks as a chance to rest briefly and to get a drink of water.