P90X works. Plain and simple. However, it only "works" if you actually do the workouts, follow the nutrition plan and avoid common pitfalls that many beginners experience.
Read everything that comes in the box - the P90X Nutrition Guide & the P90X Fitness Guide!
There are so many times I talk to people who purchased P90X and never finished. After visiting with them for a while, I find out they NEVER even read the material that came with the program. They didn't know there was a nutrition plan and they didn't know there was a specific order to do the workouts. P90X is a system, not just a set of DVDs. Read the books.
Follow the P90X Nutrition Plan
One of THE most important aspects of the P90X Program, and possibly the most important, is the P90X Nutrition Plan. You can do every workout for 90 days in a row, but if you don't follow the P90X Nutrition Guide, you won't see the results shown on TV. And I know because I have done the program both ways. When I followed the nutrition plan, I ended up in the P90X Infomercial. When I didn't, my results were average at best.
Be Mentally Prepared
P90X isn't easy - especially if you've never really worked out before. You will be eating differently and for the first week or two, you will be REALLY SORE! You need to make a mental commitment to this program and realize that just because you spent the $130 doesn't mean you'll get ripped if you never take it out of the box.
Don't Skip a Workout - And what to do if you miss a P90X Workout.
Try your best not to skip any workouts. The program and nutrition are designed to work harmoniously together and an expectation of a certain number of calories being burned is taken into account in the portions of food you're eating while doing 90 days of P90X. There may be times where you miss a workout. Don't fret and think you have to start over - you don't. If you miss a p90X workout you have two options. Do the workout you missed the next day, or skip the workout and do the one that you should be doing had you not skipped. If you absolutely need your rest day to be on a certain day, go iwth option #2. If you don't care when your rest day happens, use option #1.
Don't Try to be a Hero - Use Proper Form and Avoid Injury
You can't get ripped if you're sidelined with an injury. Listen to your body and modify the moves when necessary. If you're actually injured, don't workout. Take a few days (or even a month off).
Understand the Program and what it is.
P90X is marketed as a 90-day program. But what it REALLY provides is a structured approach to regular exercise and proper nutrition. P90X is a framework for a healthy lifestyle. The 90 day thing is just a marketing scheme because people sitting on the couch need to see an end in sight. You may get results in 50 days, or it may take 150. The real story here is that with proper diet and exercise you WILL SEE RESULTS.
