Basic HTML Version
under that to show off, which is why the resistance
routines are so important. The Challenge is a great
one if you are working out with buddies and have
a competitive streak. Here, you choose a number
for push ups and a much lower number for pull
ups. Each push up style is different, cycling
through wide, military and plyo versions. The
same goes for pull ups. You have to beat the
number each time.
In all the resistance routines, the program skews
to compound moves and away from isolation
exercises: seemingly because with a compound
move you are hitting more muscle groups and
there simply isn’t time to pump up those
biceps.
Finally, P90X3 has a range of flexibility
routines designed to add flexibility and
strength. The original version had yoga,
but here it is again cut back to 30 minutes.
Pilates X is mainly about core fitness, as
well as protecting the lower back. Both of
these routines help to protect against injury.
So does P90X3 work? Of course it does. Losing
weight and gaining muscle are actually very
simple, but there are a few rules. One: commit.
Two: eating is key.
Diet in this program is as important as in any
other. Eighty percent of body change comes
through diet. So while the author was very
committed to the work outs, there was a diet
deficit which undermined the experience. Pizza
and hamburgers are even harder to resist when
you have just completed 30 minutes of frenetic
power-exercise. Being committed all the way is
tough.
The other downside of the programme is the
relentlessness of its needs. Almost every day you have
to dust off the dumbbells and strap on the shoes.
At first, it is easy to think “Yeah, 30 minutes! Gonna
crush this!”. A few weeks in, and getting home from
work, the last thing in mind is doing plyo-jumping
jacks. That sofa looks so much more attractive.
In a way, going to the gym is easier. It takes longer,
of course, but the ceremony and the fact that
there is nothing else that can distract makes for a
more focused work out.
This aside, P90X3 is the sequel Beachbody
wanted. Combining fresh, exciting exercises
in such a tight timeframe, this will be the at-
home go-to until P90X4 drops.