Can of Worms
As a trainer, coach, and now self proclaimed internet guru (kidding…), I think that I get asked what I think about p90x on at least a weekly basis. Now, usually I get this knee jerk eyes rolling reaction and just kind of play along, but today I’m giving my final, diplomatic answer: it’s crap.
Ok, ok, I take that back…it’s only crap if you’re…
1. A sendentary individual looking to start an exercise program for the first time.
2. Your average gym goer or otherwise “fit” individual who is most likely focusing on fat loss and/or hypertrophy (among basic health parameters, joint mobility, general well being, etc)
3. A wannabe athlete/weekend warrior type (you play rec basket ball on the weekends and go to jiu jitsu class a few times a week, whatever the case may be).
4. An elite level athlete or someone looking to become an elite level athlete.
Um…I guess that doesn’t leave much else.
But why all of the hate? Well, I don’t “hate” the program. I guess if you’re looking for sub par results, then Tony Horton is your man. My main beef with p90x has to do with the most underlying principle of strength training…
PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD.
Now, progressive overload applies to both sides of the coin. Your fitness newbie and even “in shape” regular guy (or girl) is simply NOT ready for many of the exercise variations or “plyometrics” (don’t get me started) that they toss in. These people generally need a long steady progression to get to that level. They need to learn how to move correctly, how to perform the lifts correctly and how to adjust when they run into trouble. To paraphrase Grey Cook, you can’t build strength on dysfunction.
And progressive overload also applies to our “advanced” trainees. In order to continue to make gains, there needs to be some kind of progression, and that usually means ADDING MORE WEIGHT. Yes, you can increase the difficulty of certain exercises, but if you’re using 15lb (or 25’s or 35’s) dumbbells for lunges, you’re still using a light weight and just going through the motions. At some point people need to get STRONGER.
I’m sure I can think of more points why I don’t like it, but I think my point is clear. There are simply better ways to go about acheiving your goals. Check out the links that are in my sidebar for some great examples.
