P90X vs. P90X2

Now that pre-orders for P90X2 are underway I thought I’d answer some of the more common questions I get about the difference between P90X and P90X2. So here’s the scoop:

1. Does P90X2 replace P90X? Is it better?

P90X2 isn’t like getting a new cell phone. So NO, P90X2 does NOT replace P90X. P90X2 is simply an extension of the original P90X. There is more muscle confusion and different workouts to take your results to the next level. Think of it like an expansion pack for the P90X program that you currently own. How can you beat the most popular workout program in the country? You can’t. P90X2 is simply an extension of P90X. It’s not necessarily better, but it’s definitely evolved.

2. So is P90X2 going to be harder than P90X?

Remember the first time you did P90X? When you stared at Tony and the rest of the gang on Chest and Back and thought they were all CRAZY?! Could anything feel harder than that? Probably not. Your body was a lot different back then. So while P90X2 isn’t technically harder, it’s probably going to feel harder until you get used to it. And since it’s more muscle confusion, it’s going to take you some time to adapt. During this adaptation period, it’s going to feel very difficult, but you’re used to that, right? And when you take your X2 body back to another round of P90X, those workouts are going to feel harder too, because you’ll be prepared to push yourself farther than ever before. Are you getting excited yet?

3. Why is it only 5 days a week?

When you’re doing a workout as intense as P90X2 your body needs more time to recover. However, instead of sitting on the couch you’ll be doing active recovery on at least one of your rest days. That means you’ll be outside moving around and doing something active that you enjoy. The more intensely you work out, the less time you need to spend doing it. With more breakdown, you also need more rest. P90X2 has evolved to the point where less is more.

4. Will there be different options like Classic, Doubles and Lean?

Instead of giving you different program options, P90X2 gives you the option of increasing each phase long enough to get the most out of it. So if you’re having trouble with your balance, you may decide to spend more time in Phase One. For more muscle gain, spend more time in Phase Two. Want to get faster, jump higher, or become more agile? Spend more time mastering Phase Three. The guidebook provides more ideas on how to tailor your training. P90X has a lot to offer on its own but P90X2 will open up even more options.

5. Is it true that P90X2 has no cardio workouts?

Well here’s the thing: There was no true cardio in P90X, either. At least not in the kind of training generally associated with that word. P90X used anaerobic interval training to improve your cardiovascular system. In simple terms doing “cardio” means you’re training your heart. So while you won’t see any cardio in the title names, doing Plyocide or P.A.P. Lower will train your cardiovascular system as well as any cardio routine you’ve ever done.

–>> CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER P90X2 NOW <<–

 

6. What’s up with all the equipment. Do I really need it?

There’s a lot of new equipment for P90X2, and you’ll eventually want to own all of it to get the most out of the program but it’s not an absolute-must. Beachbody created an option that can be done with nothing but a few exercise bands and furniture found in any hotel room. This “hotel room” option virtually eliminates any excuses for not working out.

Here’s a list of the equipment used in the program. Again, in addition to the hotel room option, the movements are done in a variety of ways to make it easy to add equipment as you can afford it.

• Bands and/or weights: Chances are you have these already if you’re a P90X graduate. I prefer to use weights.
• Pull-up bar: Again, you probably already have one.
• Yoga mat and blocks: No more whining, the yoga in P90X2 is shorter. 🙂
• Stability ball: This is highly recommended because the benefits outweigh the cost many times over . . . and over. You’ll be surprised how such a simple piece of equipment can work all kinds of muscles that you didn’t know you had, esp. during exercises that involve your core and ab muscles.
• Foam roller: You may not have heard of this before, but don’t be surprised if it changes your life. I know of all kinds of athletes that are using these things.
• Push-up stands: I recently just got a pair and I LOVE them!
• Medicine balls: These are mainly used for balance, so you can easily replace them with substitutes (basketballs, etc.) if need be, though once you’ve used the real thing you’ll wonder why you ever waited to buy them.
• Pull-up assist: While highly optional (we got away with chairs all these years), the pull-up assist will not only improve your ability to finish all your reps, it will greatly improve both your form and exercise efficiency.

7. What’s the deal with foam rolling?

Foam rolling is a form of self-massage that forces your muscles to lengthen and align properly. Used regularly, it’ll increase your mobility and range of motion and actually help you get stronger, because it frees your muscles to work the way they’re supposed to. This one simple practice is often enough to change your alignment and allow you to move freer and easier. You might like it! 🙂

8. What about the nutrition guide?

For P90X2, the diet has evolved along with the exercise plan. Not that there was anything wrong with the old one, but Beachbody has been listening to our suggestions, and they revamped the diet guide to give us more options on what to eat, how to increase effectiveness, and how to simplify the entire eating process.