P90x

[Gmanc711]

What dumbell sizes do you guys use? I'm debating weather I want to get dumbells or bands...

[MTK]

I have a set of 25's and a set of 15's. Whether you get bands or weights, you'll want a couple of options. You'll want something lighter for tricep work or for when you're simply gassed.

All depends on what your comfortable with, obviously. And whether you're trying to bulk up or just get toned.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

I have a set of 25's and a set of 15's. Whether you get bands or weights, you'll want a couple of options. You'll want something lighter for tricep work or for when you're simply gassed.

All depends on what your comfortable with, obviously. And whether you're trying to bulk up or just get toned.

Those are the weights t I use too, and I also have a dumbbell with collars so I can put plates on it.

I have the bands too. Mine are Everlast bands, nice padded handles. I actually bought them for my wife years ago for Pilates, but after arm surgery a couple of years back, I used them for rehab. There's 2 thicknesses of bands, with the black being the thickest and can actually make you burn after a while, they're underrated workout tools. I've even put two of the thicker bands on together and they provide a lot of resistance that way.

I say get both Gmanc and decide what you like better. You can get them all at Walmart or Target fairly cheap...check Sears too. For the dumbells, weight is weight...not much of a difference when you pay more. I just use the basic octagonal dumbbells. Don't overpay for a Blowflex set or similar ripoff.

[skinsguy]

Originally Posted by Gmanc711

What dumbell sizes do you guys use? I'm debating weather I want to get dumbells or bands...

That, certainly is going to be up for you to decide what's best for you. For me, I use anything from 10 lbs up to 40 lbs, depending upon the exercise.

[Redskins_P]

I've been seriously thinking about trying P90X, but I'm still on the fence. So, I need some of you guys to give me some input in regards to my concerns.

First and foremost, how much time do I need to dedicate each day in order to reach my goal? Obviously the main goal is weight loss, but I'm also interested in toning up a little bit so I don't have to be ashamed of taking my shirt off at the beach. One thing is lose weight, but another thing is to lose it and look good (no loose skin, flab). I'm probably 25-30 lbs overweight so I have a long road ahead of me.

Reason for the question above is because I do have a 5 mth old baby at home and she obviously comes first. When I get home from work all I have time for is to get dinner ready and help my wife out with the baby. Before I can even sit down, I look at the clock and its already 9 pm.

Also, in regards to the equipment needed, should I buy the stuff offered on P90X's website or can I get the same thing at retail store for a lower price? I've seen some ads on craigslist where folks are selling the entire 13 dvd set with all the equipment for about $100 bucks. Which brings me to my last question. Do you guys think its safe to buy a used set on craigslist or should I bite the bullet and buy it brand new?

I appreciate your input guys. Thanks!

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Redskins_P

I've been seriously thinking about trying P90X, but I'm still on the fence. So, I need some of you guys to give me some input in regards to my concerns.

First and foremost, how much time do I need to dedicate each day in order to reach my goal? Obviously the main goal is weight loss, but I'm also interested in toning up a little bit so I don't have to be ashamed of taking my shirt off at the beach. One thing is lose weight, but another thing is to lose it and look good (no loose skin, flab). I'm probably 25-30 lbs overweight so I have a long road ahead of me.

Reason for the question above is because I do have a 5 mth old baby at home and she obviously comes first. When I get home from work all I have time for is to get dinner ready and help my wife out with the baby. Before I can even sit down, I look at the clock and its already 9 pm.

Also, in regards to the equipment needed, should I buy the stuff offered on P90X's website or can I get the same thing at retail store for a lower price? I've seen some ads on craigslist where folks are selling the entire 13 dvd set with all the equipment for about $100 bucks. Which brings me to my last question. Do you guys think its safe to buy a used set on craigslist or should I bite the bullet and buy it brand new?

I appreciate your input guys. Thanks!

If you really want to see results and commit to the program 100%, it's a 90 day program working out 6 days per week. The workouts are about an hour long, so there's definitely quite a bit of commitment to it time wise.

As far as equipment that's kinda up to you. You need bands or dumbbells and a pull up bar. I bought the pull up bar from Beach Body, and I use these adjustable dumbbells as it's good to have a variety of weights for the different exercises

Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells

Beach Body has other programs that are a little less intense (still good workouts though) and not as much of a time commitment that can help you get in shape. Just something to think about because the X really is a big commitment if you want to do it right.

I'm just finishing the X right now and I've gotta admit it was tough, not the workouts so much as just the time commitment, especially with the holidays, vacations, etc. I'm going to take a little break for a while and do some other workouts, and give the X another run in the spring.

[Redskins_P]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

If you really want to see results and commit to the program 100%, it's a 90 day program working out 6 days per week. The workouts are about an hour long, so there's definitely quite a bit of commitment to it time wise.

As for as equipment that's kinda up to you. You need bands or dumbbells and a pull up bar. I bought the pull up bar from Beach Body, and I use these adjustable dumbbells as it's good to have a variety of weights for the different exercises

Bowflex® SelectTech® 552 Dumbbells

Beach Body has other programs that are a little more reasonable and not as much of a time commitment that can help you get in shape.

I'm just finishing the X right now and I've gotta admit it was tough, not the workouts so much as just the time commitment, especially with the holidays, vacations, etc. I'm going to take a little break for a while and do some other workouts, and give the X another run in the spring.

Awesome thanks Matty. I was thinking of doing it in the morning. But thats much easier said than done

I'm going to think about it over the weekend. If I have anymore questions I'll post them on here. Thanks again for the input man.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Redskins_P

Awesome thanks Matty. I was thinking of doing it in the morning. But thats much easier said than done

I'm going to think about it over the weekend. If I have anymore questions I'll post them on here. Thanks again for the input man.

Check out the Power 90 or the Power 90 Master Series too. I did them both prior to the X. I really like the Master Series, it's a good intermediate type of program, workouts are about 40-45 minutes long. Not as intense as the X but still a very good program.

[Redskins_P]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Check out the Power 90 or the Power 90 Master Series too. I did them both prior to the X. I really like the Master Series, it's a good intermediate type of program, workouts are about 40-45 minutes long. Not as intense as the X but still a very good program.

Thanks again. I'll check them out.

[mlmpetert]

Im not really doing full blown p90x anymore, but i still use it as the main part of my work out regimen:

Monday - Chest and Shoulders with free weights
Wends - p90x plyo
Thurs - p90x chest and back
Saturday - A p90x workout if i feel like doing it to mix things up

So my goal this time around is to gain some weight and get a little bigger, im not really trying to just get in good shape. Ive read a lot of things about trying to eat a gram of protein for every pound you weigh in order to gain muscle the easiest. Ive seen some things say that you dont really have to eat that much, but i would like to strive for it and be okay if i fall a little short. The problem is i weigh about 210. I started looking at the things i normally eat and i just dont see how i am going to constantly eat 210 grams of protein.

For the guys that work out a lot or know about nutrition, when is the best time to eat? I think i can force my self to do around 200 grams of protein but only 2 maybe 3 times a week. So my initial thought is on the days i work out will be the days i eat big, prioritizing non-cardio type works outs. Is that correct: If i work out at night would it be better to eat big the next day? Or better to eat big leading up to a work out all in the same day?

[sandtrapjack]

Originally Posted by mlmpetert

Im not really doing full blown p90x anymore, but i still use it as the main part of my work out regimen:

Monday - Chest and Shoulders with free weights
Wends - p90x plyo
Thurs - p90x chest and back
Saturday - A p90x workout if i feel like doing it to mix things up

So my goal this time around is to gain some weight and get a little bigger, im not really trying to just get in good shape. Ive read a lot of things about trying to eat a gram of protein for every pound you weigh in order to gain muscle the easiest. Ive seen some things say that you dont really have to eat that much, but i would like to strive for it and be okay if i fall a little short. The problem is i weigh about 210. I started looking at the things i normally eat and i just dont see how i am going to constantly eat 210 grams of protein.

For the guys that work out a lot or know about nutrition, when is the best time to eat? I think i can force my self to do around 200 grams of protein but only 2 maybe 3 times a week. So my initial thought is on the days i work out will be the days i eat big, prioritizing non-cardio type works outs. Is that correct: If i work out at night would it be better to eat big the next day? Or better to eat big leading up to a work out all in the same day?

I have been doing the P90X thing for about a year, give or take. And it has been a learning process.

I have to state that I have not followed P90x to the letter. Some routines I am unable to to do because of injuries I sustained in Afghanistan when I was in the Navy.

I can't do the Plyometrics because of my knees. So I substitute another form of cardio on those days, like my treadmill for instance.

When I started I wieghed 210 pounds, which was 20 pounds more than I was before I retired from the Navy.

After my first 90 days on P90x, I was down to 185 pounds.

I am kinda hovering around 180 to 185 still, but my definition is getting much much better. Bi's and Tris are getting cut, and my abs are starting to "peek" through.

To answer your question about WHEN is the best time to eat. All I can tell you is what worked best for me.

I work out 6 days a week, alternating between strength on M-W-F and cardio on T-T-S. About an hour or so each session. Yes, I still use P90x for most of my workouts.

I get up at 4:30 AM, drink my Pre-Workout drink (PMD-Pump Fuel) and do my workout. Within 30 minutes after I am done, I drink my POST workout drink, Amplified Whey Protein (40 grams) it also has BCAA's in it.

I get ready for work and leave, I have my breakfast at my desk (1 cup oats with a V8)

Morning snack about 10 (Yogurt and Protien Bar 30g)

Lunch = usually a salad with a low fat meat like grilled chicken

Afternoon snack = Protien bar with Protien Shake (30g each= 60g)

Dinner = whatever is on the family menu.

As I have learned, when I just eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, I tend to eat until i am full. From my bodys standpoint, it is too much and some can get stored as fat.

I learned that eating 5 or 6 "little" meals during the day, my body gets just the amount of protiens it needs and I do not over eat. By having that little snack before lunch, and that little snack before dinner, my portions at lunch and dinner are smaller because I am not that hungry. So I take in just enough foods for my body to use, and, very little is stored as fat.

I had to learn to "snack smart" too. I don't eat as much chips as I used to. I have a large can of cinnamon toasted almonds on my desk at work. Almonds are very low fat, very low carb and high in protein.

Snack Smart - Almonds, fresh fruits etc. Pistachios are good snack food too.

You do NOT have to swear off fast food and junk food. The key is balance and moderation is all. If you read the P90X nutirion guide, they list nutrition info for fast food joints like McDonalds. Its OKAY, just not EVERYDAY.

Thats the secret for me, 5 or 6 little meals so my body has time to burn them off.

Also to comment on your protein question. It's recommended that you consume 1g of protein per your GOAL weight, and not what you weigh now. So if you want to drop down form 210 to say 195, you should try to consume 195 grams of protein per day.

If you are doing P90x....FOLLOW THE NUTRITION GUIDE...IT HELPS! The "fat shredder" cycle in the first 30 days GETS RESULTS.

If you are not a big fan of green veggies, don't fret. I drink a V8 a day and that satisfies the green veggies you need on the p90x diet. I have gotten to really look forward to that V8 too.

When I first started P90x, I was meticulous and followed the diet and exercise as close to the letter as I could. After the first 30 days, I did not see much in the way of results. I was discouraged. But pressed on.

Just 2 weeks later, the results were starting to show. So if you do P90x, do not get discouraged if after the first month, you see little results, after 45 days, you will SEE RESULTS. Don't get discouraged.

[skinsguy]

Very good post Sandtrapjack!

I started P90X back in August of 2009. By November, I had lost about 25 pounds and had nice muscle definition. I continued to do P90X, but more of a maintaining type of deal rather than actually following the program down to the letter. Of course, it was around the time of the holidays, which are hard time with me in regards to food! I tend to be a lot more liberal with my diet during the holiday season, and I then start cutting back after the first part of january.

P90X definitely works! There is no if, and's, or buts about it. And just like what was said early, I want to echo the fact that you can't get discouraged if you're not seeing the gains like you think you would see in that first month. Especially if you're not following it to the 'T'. But, once you start getting into the second phase and doing different moves, you start kind of seeing the difference, and it really becomes more noticeable in the third phase when you are going back and forth between phase 1 and 2.

Now, for me, I had allowed myself to kind of get out of shape in the last few months. Partly because my girlfriend and I were taking a lot of weekend trips or doing things during the week that would kind of interrupt my work schedule, and plus we were eating out a lot and eating foods that I wasn't eating when I had first started P90X (mainly because I was single then.) Plus, I had a foot injury which kind of kept me from working out as much as I would have liked, so I had a lot of things working against me.

But, I'm back into it now, and I am currently on phase 2. I can see my muscle definition coming back very quickly, even in my abs although I am having a tougher time getting the fat off of my stomach. Only thing I haven't started doing again at this point is the protein shakes, mainly because I have been too lazy and cheap to get them, but they were the main staple of my fitness the first time around. That and loading up on creatine, something else that I haven't been doing this time around. I figure for me it may take a couple of times through to get back to the point of where I was at before I had gotten lazy and injured, but the good thing is, I know the system works and I know as long as I put forth the effort, it won't take very long until I am back in tip top shape.

[mlmpetert]

Great posts from both you guys, thanks.

Im not really trying to lose weight, im trying to stay at 210 or even gain a little if possible. Im a little over 6’2” and I have a little fat but not much, and people ALWAYS think I weigh less than I do. The only reason why im doing plyo is because it works you like nothing else ive ever done in my life and seems like a great overall workout. The 2 maybe 3 other workouts I do a week are non-cardio.

What kind of protein bars are you eating? 30 grams sounds really nice. I eat a decent amount of hotdogs and I was looking at the package yesterday and it said 5grams of protein…. I was like you got to shitting me. After I work out normally I drink some creatine and have a Premium Protein shake/drink which has 28 grams, so if I could double that without getting full with a protein bar that would be great. How does Amplified Whey Protein taste? I have EAS Premium Protein shake mix and I have a hard time getting myself to drink it, but it is vanilla flavored.

I did 2 months of p90x early/mid last year and was really happy with my results, but I hadn’t had a real work out in at least 10 years. Also something else that I will be adding to my workouts pretty soon is mowing the grass X style. I just bought a 80lb weight vest im going to start wearing once its time to mow the grass. I also use it if I cant get to my friends house to do free weights on Mondays. It makes pushups a little tougher.

Since I plan on working out today this I what ive eaten so far:
Breaksfast –Kashi hi protein cereal 1-2 cups @ 14grams per so about - 21 grams
Lunch – Chickfila Chicken Strips salad and ice cream cone - 43 grams

I will also have:
Cliff Bar – 11grams (I eat these because I thought this was as good as it gets with protein in a bar)
Probably some candy off of this girls desk at work – 0 grams
Chicken strips I cooked last night – 15 -20 grams
Whatever my friend’s mom cooks for dinner – 40 grams (???)
Protein shake – 28 grams

So that gives me about 160 grams of protein, and ill be eating a little more then I regularly do. I would have to have about 2 more protein shakes to get up to 210+. I just don’t see how I can do that.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by Gmanc711

What dumbell sizes do you guys use? I'm debating weather I want to get dumbells or bands...

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by mlmpetert

Great posts from both you guys, thanks.

Im not really trying to lose weight, im trying to stay at 210 or even gain a little if possible. Im a little over 6’2” and I have a little fat but not much, and people ALWAYS think I weigh less than I do. The only reason why im doing plyo is because it works you like nothing else ive ever done in my life and seems like a great overall workout. The 2 maybe 3 other workouts I do a week are non-cardio.

What kind of protein bars are you eating? 30 grams sounds really nice. I eat a decent amount of hotdogs and I was looking at the package yesterday and it said 5grams of protein…. I was like you got to shitting me. After I work out normally I drink some creatine and have a Premium Protein shake/drink which has 28 grams, so if I could double that without getting full with a protein bar that would be great. How does Amplified Whey Protein taste? I have EAS Premium Protein shake mix and I have a hard time getting myself to drink it, but it is vanilla flavored.

I did 2 months of p90x early/mid last year and was really happy with my results, but I hadn’t had a real work out in at least 10 years. Also something else that I will be adding to my workouts pretty soon is mowing the grass X style. I just bought a 80lb weight vest im going to start wearing once its time to mow the grass. I also use it if I cant get to my friends house to do free weights on Mondays. It makes pushups a little tougher.

Since I plan on working out today this I what ive eaten so far:
Breaksfast –Kashi hi protein cereal 1-2 cups @ 14grams per so about - 21 grams
Lunch – Chickfila Chicken Strips salad and ice cream cone - 43 grams

I will also have:
Cliff Bar – 11grams (I eat these because I thought this was as good as it gets with protein in a bar)
Probably some candy off of this girls desk at work – 0 grams
Chicken strips I cooked last night – 15 -20 grams
Whatever my friend’s mom cooks for dinner – 40 grams (???)
Protein shake – 28 grams

So that gives me about 160 grams of protein, and ill be eating a little more then I regularly do. I would have to have about 2 more protein shakes to get up to 210+. I just don’t see how I can do that.

There's a point where you can intake more protein your body can absorb in a day. I think you're getting close.

Regardless, remember, the more protein you take in, increase the amount water you drink too for your kidney and liver's sake. You better be very active with the amount of protein you're already getting also.


Some tips:
Bodybuilding.com - Too Much Protein? - Randy Herring