P90X thoughts...

The P90X has now replaced Suzanne Somers/Atkins Diet/CrossFit/Biggest Loser/etc in the ‘I get asked about this 500 times per day’ category, so I should probably write this down so everyone can be enlightened by my knowledge simultaneously (ha!)

Similar to other methodologies of training of which I’ve already written about (like CrossFit for example), the concept of P90X is a good one. Its implementation, usage and instruction is misguided however.

If you’re asking me if it’s good to be up and moving around (as opposed to sitting on machines), using different tools, performing varying exercises, etc is a good thing, then my answer is “yes, absolutely.” I’ve been saying that for years now – far from a new concept.

But, like many training modalities, P90X is FAR too advanced for the overwhelming majority of people who will use it.

A huge training pet peeve of mine is choosing the appropriate progressions and regressions of exercises to fit the one that’s most appropriate for your training goals. Performing exercises that are far too advanced of progressions is a very common mistake among exercisers and trainers, that ends up inhibiting the client’s progress either through ineffective technique delivering less than optimal results, or causing an injury outright, either acute or chronic.

For example, if you can’t squat perfectly with two feet on solid ground using only your own body weight, you shouldn’t be squatting with any weight added.

And you certainly shouldn’t be JUMPING. Remember: a jump is simply a squat done extremely fast, with a landing that will be fast as well. So this is logic that needs to be examined closely: If you can’t do the most simplified version of a movement, why would you make it even a little bit more advanced, let alone much more advanced?

I.e, any DVD titled “Plyometrics – explosive jumping cardio routine…” is probably inappropriate for most people. In fact, I saw Tony Horton squat – jumping is inappropriate for HIM. (Here’s a homework assignment for you: research femoral adduction and internal rotation…)

If you can’t hold planks and push up positions perfectly, you shouldn’t be doing anything else for your core until you can. I.e., the “Ab Ripper” DVD is probably a bad choice – unless lumbar displacement and/or chronic lower back pain are the goals.

And furthermore: have you ever read Tony Horton’s bio? He was an actor, handy-man, gardener, comic, waiter, dancer, and TV talk show host. At no point (other than working out with his friends) does it mention his educational background in regards to training people. I kept reading to find out exactly what makes him qualified to get YOU feeling better and looking better and I just can’t find it.

This isn’t a knock on Tony Horton – he’s far from the only trainer who implies “I look great, so I can get you to look great.” Following that logic, someone who drives a Lamborghini can get you to drive your car faster.

Again, I’m not here to bash anything or anyone. I’m just here to be the messenger and tell you the truth. Being up and moving around and trying different things when exercising = good.

Performing exercises WAY to advanced on the advice of someone who doesn’t know any better = BAD.

Send the hate mail to the trainingrim@gmail.com.