My husband and I finished the first week of P90X3 (X3) this week. We only did 5 days because we had baseball stuff pretty much all day on Saturday. We may work out today, but I don't know.
Anyway, I really like it so far. I really liked P90X when I did it, as well as Jillian Michaels Body Revolution. You can read my review comparing the two here. Now that I'm not working and don't have access to extensive equipment (and I don't want to buy more weights), P90X doesn't make sense for me. But, I still recommend it if you have the time and equipment.
X3 is great because it's 30 minutes, and Tony keeps time so it doesn't go over. Although, the workouts are pretty intense so I've had to spend a few minutes just cooling down and/or doing some extra stretches before I get ready. I find it hard to jump in the shower and get ready immediately after a hard workout anyway. But, I also have the luxury of being able to wait - I can clean up the kitchen, take the dog for a quick walk, start laundry, etc. on most days before I need to make myself presentable.
The workouts are intense and fast moving. They work multiple muscle groups at the same time which ups the cardio. Jillian Michaels' workouts are also based on the same idea, which is great because it means you can get a great workout in less time while still working your whole body.
So far, there is less straight up muscle building (lifting weights), but I don't really miss it. It does have some pull-ups, and we have a pull up bar. My husband used the pull-up bar (hung in a doorway) and I did the modifier with the band. I just don't care about pull-ups for me, though I would like tone shoulders. Much of the exercises use body weight or light weights (you can use a band), and it's effective. We've been sore this week, although I admit not nearly as sore as when I did P90X. I'm OK with that though!
Tony is still same old Tony - total nerd with silly jokes, but I like his style. Jillian Michaels is really in to being motivating while she is talking, which I appreciate, but I think I like Tony's style a little better. With that being said, though, I would still do JM's workouts again. They are also very good.
So, overall, X3 has been great this week. The workouts are challenging and offer modifiers and challenges, and have left us sweaty and tired at the end of the 30 minutes. For both of us, 30 minutes is doable, and in my opinion it's the perfect time for a home workout. I can easily do it while the kids are home if I need to.
Also, it is doable if you haven't worked out before. It's been a long time since the husband has done anything like this, and while I think it took his body a little by surprise on day 1, he's able to do the workouts. If you feel like you're out of shape, you can do the modifiers and take a few extra breaks and you'll be catching up in no time.
My one negative so far is that I didn't think the X3 yoga was that great. It's hard to get a great yoga session done in 30 minutes. I much prefer the yoga from the original P90X, and if we have time I may do that on occasion. But, if you don't have the time for a longer yoga session, it's OK. The workout is good (I was sweaty), it's just not as good as a yoga workout could be, especially after such intense workouts earlier in the week. But, Tony is sticking to the 30 minutes promise which is great. Most P90X workouts were about 60 minutes, plus the 15 min. ab-ripper, and the yoga was about 90 minutes. You will get results with that for sure, but it's a huge time commitment, especially if you have kids, a job, etc.
So far, I highly recommend X3. I'll continue to give updates.
Anyway, I really like it so far. I really liked P90X when I did it, as well as Jillian Michaels Body Revolution. You can read my review comparing the two here. Now that I'm not working and don't have access to extensive equipment (and I don't want to buy more weights), P90X doesn't make sense for me. But, I still recommend it if you have the time and equipment.
X3 is great because it's 30 minutes, and Tony keeps time so it doesn't go over. Although, the workouts are pretty intense so I've had to spend a few minutes just cooling down and/or doing some extra stretches before I get ready. I find it hard to jump in the shower and get ready immediately after a hard workout anyway. But, I also have the luxury of being able to wait - I can clean up the kitchen, take the dog for a quick walk, start laundry, etc. on most days before I need to make myself presentable.
The workouts are intense and fast moving. They work multiple muscle groups at the same time which ups the cardio. Jillian Michaels' workouts are also based on the same idea, which is great because it means you can get a great workout in less time while still working your whole body.
So far, there is less straight up muscle building (lifting weights), but I don't really miss it. It does have some pull-ups, and we have a pull up bar. My husband used the pull-up bar (hung in a doorway) and I did the modifier with the band. I just don't care about pull-ups for me, though I would like tone shoulders. Much of the exercises use body weight or light weights (you can use a band), and it's effective. We've been sore this week, although I admit not nearly as sore as when I did P90X. I'm OK with that though!
Tony is still same old Tony - total nerd with silly jokes, but I like his style. Jillian Michaels is really in to being motivating while she is talking, which I appreciate, but I think I like Tony's style a little better. With that being said, though, I would still do JM's workouts again. They are also very good.
So, overall, X3 has been great this week. The workouts are challenging and offer modifiers and challenges, and have left us sweaty and tired at the end of the 30 minutes. For both of us, 30 minutes is doable, and in my opinion it's the perfect time for a home workout. I can easily do it while the kids are home if I need to.
Also, it is doable if you haven't worked out before. It's been a long time since the husband has done anything like this, and while I think it took his body a little by surprise on day 1, he's able to do the workouts. If you feel like you're out of shape, you can do the modifiers and take a few extra breaks and you'll be catching up in no time.
My one negative so far is that I didn't think the X3 yoga was that great. It's hard to get a great yoga session done in 30 minutes. I much prefer the yoga from the original P90X, and if we have time I may do that on occasion. But, if you don't have the time for a longer yoga session, it's OK. The workout is good (I was sweaty), it's just not as good as a yoga workout could be, especially after such intense workouts earlier in the week. But, Tony is sticking to the 30 minutes promise which is great. Most P90X workouts were about 60 minutes, plus the 15 min. ab-ripper, and the yoga was about 90 minutes. You will get results with that for sure, but it's a huge time commitment, especially if you have kids, a job, etc.
So far, I highly recommend X3. I'll continue to give updates.
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