P90X VS P90X2 – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Choosing the Right Program Based on Workout Preferences
Sometimes, no matter how hard you work out in the gym you still mightn’t be seeing any results. You could benefit from changing things up and trying a fitness DVD instead.
Fitness DVDs have a bad reputation in this industry and tend to bring about images of cheesy dance moves and leotards. However, the Beachbody P90X and its sequel, P90X2, are here to change your perceptions of fitness DVDs.
These are more than just fitness DVDs. In addition to providing a workout regime, the P90X and the P90X2 include meal plans, training, and other resources that can make losing weight much easier.
WHAT IS P90X?
The P90X is a fitness program that provides a complete, at-home full-body exercise routine that, with regular practice, will give you a more sculpted look.
Tony Horton’s Beachbody brand developed this fitness plan, and the P90X is the first in the series.
The P90X works through a concept known as muscle confusion which can help you avoid plateaus and see better results.
Muscle confusion is implemented through the P90X workout plan, which uses short workout cycles that switch up the muscles you use and the intensity each time.
Using this technique, the Beachbody P90X is a workout regime focusing on endurance and muscle gain. With regular practice, you will see an improvement in your strength and appearance.
The P90X workout regime is a great plan for long-term results because it uses muscle confusion to avoid plateaus. Although these workouts are intense, anyone with determination and basic gym materials can perform them at home.
WHAT IS P90X2?
Following the success of P90X, a sequel was created. The P90X2 fitness DVD is a workout regime designed for athletes as this is an athletically-focused routine.
P90X2 can help you generate more power and energy during your workouts and improve athletic muscle performance. It does this through something known as post-activation potentiation (PAP).
As a sequel to the P90X, the P90X2 follows the same 90-day goals but uses three phases. The three phases are:
• Foundation
• Strength
• Performance
This allows you to track your performance and target the areas you need the most.
Phase One: Foundation
Phase one of the P90X2 is the foundation, focusing on your general strength and flexibility. This allows you to work on your movement and improve your body ready for the additional phases.
Phase Two: Strength
This phase is designed to build your strength through intense workouts focusing on weight-lifting. These can be performed at home using basic weights and dumbells.
Phase Three: Performance
This is the final phase and is designed to maximize the long-term benefits of this workout regime. During this phase, you will work to improve your core strength, stability, and explosive power. This will cement the progress you have made and keep you on track.
P90X VS. P90X2: FEATURES
We need to examine the independent features closely to determine which of these two workout regimes is best for you.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Both P90X and P90X2 require basic gym equipment at home. This includes a gym mat, dumbbells, and pull-up bar.
The P90X is generally more straightforward and requires less equipment, as this fitness DVD is aimed at more people. The P90X2 requires you also to use medicine and stability balls.
The P90X2 is more focused on athletic workouts, so there are a lot of exercises that are designed to build core strength.
LENGTH OF WORKOUTS
Both the P90X and the P90X2 are workout programs that require you to do the exercises regularly for a set period of time.
Both plans include resistance training, weight training, cardio conditioning, jump training (plyometrics), core exercises, yoga, and stretching. Tony Horton also teaches Both programs.
A great place to start when considering whether to follow the P90X or P90X2 is the intensity that you can handle. The P90X has a 6-day-on and 1-day-off regime, and each exercise lasts 40-60 minutes.
This schedule follows the ideal balance between work and rest, allowing you to change your body without causing damage.
The P90X2 is a more intense workout with a more challenging regime. This fitness DVD follows a 5-day-on and 2-day-off routine. The additional day off is present due to the intensity of the workout.
The exercises on this workout DVD last 50-60 minutes and are more strenuous than the P90X.
INTENSITY OF WORKOUTS
This is a very important factor to consider as it will determine which fitness plan you choose. The intensity of the P90X and the P90X2 is significantly different.
The P90X is designed for those who want a straightforward yet challenging workout. This fitness DVD builds muscle, improves endurance, and can even strengthen the cardiovascular system for better overall health.
The P90X2, on the other hand, uses sports science for a more intense workout. It is designed to boost stamina and strength for pro-athletes or those with advanced regimes. This is certainly not a plan for beginners to fitness.
This workout regime focuses on strengthening the muscles that are associated with stability. It can also provide more variety, making it great for experienced exercisers.
When deciding between P90X and P90X2, you need to note that they are aimed at completely different groups of people.
The P90X2 is aimed at those already in great shape and strength. This is a fitness plan that can improve your strength and it is very intense.
The P90X is a great plan for those who want to get into better shape and develop a good routine. As it relies on muscle confusion, this plan is great for keeping you on track, and you can use it for a long period of time.
DIET PLAN
The P90X and the P90X2 both come with diet plans to help you get the best results possible. The plans differ greatly in intensity, as well as in nourishment and calorie intake.
The P90X comes with a diet plan specially designed by nutritionists. This diet plan provides the body with the necessary balance of nutrients and vitamins to complete each task. This meal plan is designed to be used alongside the workout routine to provide you with a lot of energy and muscle repair.
The P90X2 meal program is more intense to match the exercise. This meal plan uses the latest science in sports nutrition to inform the recipes and help your body recover. It is actually quite varied and even comes with vegan options.
PRICE OF PLAN
It is a great deciding factor when choosing a fitness regime as it will differ depending on your budget. As P90X and P90X2 are made by the same company, the price is similar or even the same if you purchase it from good retailers.
A great thing about fitness DVDs is that they can cost a lot less than your gym membership yet offer even better results. Depending on where you live, the cost of either P90X or P90X2 can be compatible with monthly gym payments.
It is a great value product as it comes with many resources that can permanently improve your physique.
The P90X costs around $120.00 for the whole package, if not slightly less depending on where you get it. This package includes 12 DVDs, a diet plan offering nutritional suggestions, a workout calendar and other materials to help you.
The P90X2 start kit costs less than $120.00, the same as the P90X. There are additional options for the deluxe kit, which will cost around $240.00, or the ultimate kit, which costs less than $300.00.
This is a great option for those who want to push themselves further and see even better results. These kits also include meal plans and other materials to help your fitness journey. Click for info for more details.
