The nutrition program that comes with P90X is actually already set up for muscle gain – it is one of the reasons why people who do P90X attain LASTING weight loss, not just short-term gains.

In order to get more of a muscle gain effect, make sure that you do as the videos recommend. You stay within the 8-10 repetition range for all resistance exercises, making sure that 8-10 reps are VERY challenging by the time that you get to the last 2 or 3 reps.

Also, make absolutely certain that you are getting plenty of high quality protein, and that you get protein at every single meal – at least 5 times per day, preferably 6 or 7.

Beachbody offers plenty of high quality supplements, including many different protein options. Check it out at http://www.fitnessdestinations.com/beachbody.php

In an IDEAL situation, you would never do any type of resistance training without having some carbohydrates in your system. If you train intensely (as you will with every P90X workout), your body needs carbs for energy in order to both power and also recover from the workouts.

However, at the same time, the morning is the ideal time to lose body fat because your body is in a naturally carb-depleted state after sleeping.

Personally, I do P90X workouts mid-day or late evening after I have had carbs during the day, and I do separate cardiovascular workouts in the morning. However, if the morning is the only time that you have to workout, then yes, you should ingest a reasonable number of carbs before doing your P90X workouts.

If working out in the mornings at 6:00 AM should I eat a piece of fruit or oatmeal and then follow the normal schedule for plan II or should I workout on an empty stomach?

It’s amazing what the power of a healthy resolve – and lifestyle – can do. Ultimate congratulations to you and your husband both!

I absolutely LOVED it. It actually repaired my 20+ year damaged marriage… yeah, sounds stupid but my husband and I had nothing in common. We started doing P90x together and it really drew us back into our relationship. At least we could cuss Tony Horton together

I started at 1 pushup. I ended with over 25. I lost 30 lbs. Two dress sizes.

If you have zero fitness you can still do this… just don’t OVER do it.

As far as P90X for someone who is overweight and out of shape, there are 2 answers:

1) P90X is an advanced program, so it should not be used at its full intensity by someone unless they have at least a baseline level of conditioning first. Beachbody’s Power 90 program is the precursor to P90X, and although it is not as intense as P90X, it is still radically effective. I have seen interviews with people who lost up to 100 pounds using Power 90.

2) P90X – like any fitness routine – can be modified to increase or decrease the intensity. I would still recommend a baseline level of fitness for anyone who was going to try it, but at the same time, I would give the age-old advice that regardless of the actual program that is being used, listening to your body is always the most important thing to do. Even during a workout as intense as P90X, your body will tell you whether you need to slow it down, or if you need to crank it up.

So, overall, I would recommend Power 90 before P90X to anyone who was really out of shape, and that is Beachbody’s official answer to that question as well. Since they made these programs, they ought to know!

You are an awesome athlete however, so in your opinion, would this be too advanced for overweight out of shape?

I like the response to the question about vegetarian/vegan nutrition also as I’m seriously considering giving the vegan life a real try.

Saw Bernita and she’s doing well. Hugs to you! Keep up the awesome feedback, I always appreciate your opinions!!

Happy Weekend!
Savannah