Putting P90X to the Test

I have been doing the P90X workout DVD series for about 6 weeks now. I must confess that I have only been about 70% consistent. Part of the reason the inconsistency with P90X, beside the fact that I have a >full-time job, is that I have to train in other areas for the upcoming adventure race season. But I want to give some thoughts on the series so far.

A little background on me. I had a left sided, L5-S1 disc herniation with a free fragment about five years ago. Since, I have been on a continual quest to keep my back healthy. I have concentrated on functional or dynamic strength training and core strength. I mountain bike, trail run/hike, kayak, ski, snowshoe, orienteer, rappel and ascend on fixed ropes as I train, all for the purpose of adventure racing. I started doing P90X at my wife's behest and have really enjoyed the workouts. If one can say one enjoys such things! As my blog title implies, I am a citizen racer. I am not sponsored, nor do I go out expecting to win. Although, I would like to win. I am looking to stay healthy and be able to do the things I enjoy all my life. There is ample evidence to support the fact that core and functional strength improve overall performance in any sports discipline. So, the first test of P90X will be next weekend as I go to compete in the Adventure Xstream 12 Hour Adventure Race in Moab, Utah. I am competing as part of a two man team. We will mountain bike for about 35 miles, run 6 miles, paddle 12 miles and rappel a 275 foot wall. Last year, with a first-time racer, we finished this same race in 8 hours and 20 minutes. We look to be around the 7 hour mark this year.

I am hoping that the training I have been doing with P90X will allow the faster time while remaining injury free and not completely spent at the end. In the shorter, training rides around Albuquerque, I have felt stronger on the bike. The most notable area of improvement has been in trail running. I have been able to maintain my form and strength for longer runs with faster times.

The variety of exercises contained within the P90X series are enough to keep things interesting. One of my biggest struggles in my fitness has been to actually find enough strength routines to keep from getting bored and stagnant. P90X solves this problem.

The focus on core strength and flexibility is excellent. The workouts that I feel help me most are Yoga, Core Synergistics, X Stretch and Ab Ripper X. But all the workouts fit together seamlessly. I am sure the benefits of the upper body strength workouts will be put to the test this weekend too. I did mention that I had 12 miles to kayak but I didn't tell you it is in an inflatable kayak on flat water, like a stick in my eye. But remember kids, kayaking should mainly be about the core and your burning arms simply point out your (my) bad form.

The other very appealing feature of P90X is that you can do the workouts in your home. Cancel your gym membership, save time on driving to and from, no more stinky gym bags with sweaty clothes you forgot last week. My wife and I usually do them together, in the garage at 5:00 a.m. I love when I can do my workout before work too. Then when I have to stay later than expected I'm not chomping at the bit quite as much because I have to go train. And it really does save you time since you don't have to pack a change of clothes and stuff to clean up before work.

My recommendation to someone considering P90X, go for it. If this is your only workout then it will more than suffice. If you are using it like me as a supplement to other things, it should work very well for that too. I will give you an update in about a week. Maybe one of these days you can even look for me on the podium.