What Do I Need to Start P90X?

This is Part One of a series on P90x. I’ll be posting a mini-review of each DVD as well as some other information on the program in the upcoming weeks.

This is one of the most common questions that I get about the P90X program. P90X is one of the best home fitness programs ever created. You can do the entire program at home, working at your own pace and get great results. In addition to the P90X DVD set, there are a few more things you’ll need to make sure you get the most out of it

The P90X Program from Beachbody. DO NOT BUY P90X from anywhere else. 99% of the P90X sets that are sold on eBay and Craigslist are cheap bootleg copies. They are copied onto low quality DVDs that wear out over time and many do not include all the manuals or the P90X recommended diet. You may save a little money but you will not get the entire P90X experience. Just head over to Beachbody and place your order.
Pullup bar. This is a must for P90X. You will be doing many pullups. Don’t worry if you can’t do one today, because Tony Horton will show you how to do a modified pullup in the P90X videos and you will work yourself up to them. I’ve tired 3 or 4 different types of pullup bars over the years but this one is my favorite. Unlike some of the old school bars that just hook on between door jambs, this one almost locks into place above the door trim and will keep you steady through the entire range of motion. If you can’t afford all the equipment in this list, go ahead and get the pullup bar now. It’s the single most important piece of equipment in the P90X program.
Push-up Bar. P90X is also push-up intensive. This is another exercise that can be modified based on your level of fitness and strength, but having a set of push-up bars will help you to get the most out of your workout by helping you to increase your range of motion.
Dumbells or Bodylastics Resistance Bands. There is a P90X DVD that targets the chest, shoulders and triceps and another that targets the back and biceps. So you’ll want to be ready with dumbells or resistance bands. I personally recommend starting off with a set of resistance bands and then switching to dumbells about 6 weeks into the program. If you’re in pretty good shape already, go for a set of high end Bowflex adjustable dumbells.

Optional: Vibram Five Finger KSOs. Vibram disrupted the the running and fitness worlds a couple of years ago when they introduced their Five Finger line of shoes. Looking more like a set of gloves for your feet, Five Fingers favor a natural, nearly barefoot form, providing minimal protection from the elements. They were developed after Vibram (already well respected for the soles they provide to other big name shoe brands) researched long distance running among tribes in Central and South America. I have personally been running and exercising with them for two years and found them a welcome addition to my routine. They have eased the pain associated with shin sprints because your downward force is spread over a larger area when you wear them.

Also Optional, but highly recommended: Heart rate monitor. I prefer the Mio line of watches because you don’t have to wear a strap around your chest. You just put middle and pointer fingers on two sensors on the watch for a couple of seconds to get and ekg accurate heart rate. It also has a nifty little graph that shows you if you’re in the correct heart rate zone.

If you have experience with P90X or questions about the program, please comment below.

31 comments to What Do I Need to Start P90X?

Skinny Fitness

What Do I Need to Start P90X?

31 comments to What Do I Need to Start P90X?

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