The P90X System is an intense 90-day workout plan that can be done at home and promises a total body makeover. With personal trainer Tony Horton leading the workout sessions over a series of 12 videos, the P90X system infomercials have led many to wonder if the promise is legitimate and, most important, if the investment of more than $100 is worth it.

Using a process known as muscle confusion, Horton has designed the workouts to focus on different areas of the body each day so that the body doesn’t plateau. Each workout is as follows:

Session 1:    Chest and back

Session 2:     Plyometrics (extreme cardio routines)

Session 3:    Shoulders and arms

Session 4:    Yoga X

Session 5:    Legs and back

Session 6:    Kenpo X (punching and kicking exercises)

Session 7:    X Stretch (helps prevent injuries and keeps the body from reaching a plateau)

Session 8:    Core Synergistics (core conditioning)

Session 9:    Chest, shoulders and triceps

Session 10:    Back and biceps

Session 11:     Cardio X

Session 12:    Ab-Ripper X

Each session can be performed in only an hour each day (except for Yoga X, which is an hour and a half). At the end of the 12th workout, session 1 is repeated and this cycle continues for a full 90 days. On the 7th session, there is an option to rest or do the X Stretch workout as described above.

It should also be noted that additional equipment, such as dumb bells, a pull-up bar and a heart-rate monitor watch are recommended as they are used within the workouts and do not come with the standard purchase.

The P90X System also recommends an easy to follow diet plan to complement the workout routines by helping to burn fat and increasing energy levels. With each purchase of the P90X System customers can also look forward to receiving a workout calendar as well as free online support.

A warning about the P90X System is that the exercises look relatively simple to do, but because they’re repeatedly performed at such a fast pace without rest, they are actually extremely difficult to keep up with in the beginning. Things like squatting in a chair position and slowly lowering yourself with your back against a wall looks deceptively easy until you actually try it and realize that it’s a very strenuous position to hold mainly because leg muscles aren’t normally used in this way. Even the most conditioned find that their bodies just aren’t accustomed to the various strength and balance focused routines that the P90X System requires.

Some have also reported severe muscle soreness and sometimes even feeling ill as their bodies initially adjust to the P90X System. While Horton repeatedly reminds users to tailor routines to fit their fitness level, many people’s initial reaction to the P90X System is exhaustion, which manifests in different ways.

The intense nature of the P90X System should be carefully considered before investing in the program. Many have made the purchase only to abandon Horton’s program after just a few days. The system definitely delivers results as those who complete it have been able to sculpt their bodies, dramatically increase their endurance, improve their strength and flexibility, and elevate themselves to greater than expected fitness levels. However, with such a hefty price tag, the P90X System should only be purchased by those absolutely dedicated to performing it for the full 90 days.

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