You know you need to get into shape. You’ve seen the commercials for Tony Horton’s P90X, but you think you are not in good enough shape to try it.
I feel you. I was there myself.
I was about 30 pounds overweight, even though I was 40 pounds down from my fattest weight. I was walking a lot, getting in at least 15,000 steps a day, sometimes up to 30,000, but I just could not lose more fat. I figured I was just too old.
Then my brother talked me into trying P90X.
Mike had always been the chubby one in our family, and also the most athletic. I was the skinny kid, athletic enough, but not really into team sports, so not much of a participant. Mike had tried out P90X a couple years ago and was totally sold on it.
I told Mike that I did not feel that I was in the shape I needed to be in to attempt such a rigorous program. I had recently been doing a few pushups and pullups, but….
He convinced me to give it a shot. I have not looked back since.
There are several keys to doing P90X when you’re not already in great shape:
- Modify. Every move has recommended modifications. Use them.
- Take it slow. You do not need to, nor are you expected to, be able to do all the reps Tony and his crew do. Yes, push yourself, but do not go beyond your capability.
- Press play every day. Stick with the program and you will be in the best shape of your life.
I am not exaggerating when I say that P90X is the best thing to ever happen to me in the fitness arena. Not only am I eating right, but I am also happy to exercise. My entire lifestyle has changed, and that is really the key to fitness.
They say that you need to be in pretty good shape to start P90X. That’s true, but “pretty good” for me was 20% overweight, able to do only 1 pullup, and a core that could barely hold my legs in the air for 20 seconds. I know my brother was even worse off than I was when he started.
Not sure if you’re fit enough to start P90X? Just do it!