P90X vs P90X2 – What’s The Difference?

Introduction

Sometimes, no matter how hard you are working out in the gym you still mightn’t be seeing any results. This means that 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 it’s sequel P90X2 are here to change your perceptions on fitness DVDs.

These are more than just fitness DVDs. As well as 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 will give you a more sculpted look with regular practice.

This fitness plan was developed by Tony Horton’s Beachbody brand 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.

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Muscles confusion is implemented through the P90X workout plan by using short workout cycles that will switch up the muscles you are using and the intensity each time.

Using this technique, the Beachbody P90X is a workout regime that focuses on endurance and muscle gain. With regular practice, you will see an improve strength and appearance to your body.

As it uses muscle confusion to avoid plateaus, the P90X workout regime is a great plan for long term results. These workouts are intense, but they can be performed at home by anyone who has the determination and basic gym materials.

What Is P90X2?

Following the success of P90X, a sequel was created. The P90X2 fitness DVD is a workout regime that has been designed for athletes as this is an athletically-focused routine.

P90X2 can help you generate more power and energy during your workouts as well as improving athletic muscle performance. It does this through something known as post-activation potentiation or PAP.

As it is 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 keep track of your performance and can target the specific areas you need the most.

Phase One: Foundation
Phase one of the P90X2 is the foundation and this focuses 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 up your strength through a variety of intense workouts that focus 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

In order to determine which out of these two workout regimes will be best for you, we need to take a closer look at the independent features.

    • Equipment Needed

Both P90X and P90X2 require you to have some basic gym equipment at home. This includes a gym mat, dumbbells, and pull-up bar.
The P90X is generally more straightforward and require less equipment, as this fitness DVD is aimed at more people. The P90X2 requires you to also use medicine and stability balls.

The P90X2 is more focused on athletic workouts so there is 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 resistant, weight training, cardio conditioning, jump training (plyometrics), core exercises, yoga and stretching. Both of the programs are also taught by Tony Horton.

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 is around 40-60 minutes.

This schedule follows the ideal balance between work and rest, allowing you to make changes to your body without causing damage.

The P90X2 is a more intense workout that has 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 how intense the workout is.

For this workout DVD, the exercises are between 50-60 minutes and they are more strenuous than the P90X.

    • Intensity of Workouts

This is a very important thing to consider as it will determine which fitness plan you choose. There is a significant difference in the intensity of the P90X and the P90X2.

The P90X is designed towards those who want a straightforward, yet challenging workout. This fitness DVD is made to build muscle, improve durance and can even strengthen your cardiovascular system for overall better 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 who have 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 you are trying to decide between P90X and P90X2, you need to note that they are aimed at completely different groups of people.

The P90X2 is aimed at those who are 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 try to get into better shape and develop a good routine. As it relies on muscle confusion, this is a great plan to keep you on track and you can use it for a long period of time.

    • Diet Plan

The P90X and the P90X2 both come with their own diet plans to help you get the best results possible. As the plans differ greatly in intensity, their nourishment and calorie intake also differ greatly.

The P90X comes with a diet plan that has been specially designed by nutritionists. This diet plan is made to provide the body with the necessary balance of nutrients and vitamins that are needed to complete each task. This meal plan is made 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. This meal plan is actually quite varied and even comes with vegan options.

    • Price of Plan

A great deciding factor when trying to choose a fitness regime as it will differ depending on your budget. As P90X and P90X2 are made by the same company, the price is very similar or even the same if you purchase it from good retailers.

A great thing about fitness DVDs is the fact 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 payments at the gym.

It is a great value product as it comes with a lot of resources that can improve your physique permanently.

The P90X costs around $120.00 for the whole package, if not slightly less depending on where you get it from. This package includes 12 DVDs, a diet plan that offers nutritional suggestions, a workout calendar and other materials to help you on your way.

The P90X2 start kit costs around the same as the P90X at less than $120.00. They are additional options for the deluxe kit which will cost around $240.00 or the ultimate kit for 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 come with meal plans and other materials to help you on your fitness journey.