No nonsense programApril 21, 2008 N. Thorne 73 out of 74 found this review helpful
I had bought this because I wanted to do the P90x system but thought that I wasn't in good enough shape to start it. This system consists of 3 circuits each about 30 min in length. It's challenging to go through any of the three circuits without a break or doing an alternative, easier version of the exercises, but I think that anyone could jump in and start. I've been in it three weeks and have lost three inches in the waist and also dropped about 7 pounds. What's better is to see my progress within the exercises: I'm doing more pushups, situps, etc.
Great program!
Power 90 - 10 Weeks In - 2 Weeks To GoMarch 27, 2010 CO Camper(Denver, Colorado) 53 out of 54 found this review helpful
After losing over 100 pounds about 10 years ago, I suddenly found myself steadily gaining weight after some major life changes. Over the last 5 years I regained all 100 pounds plus an additional 20. I topped out at 260 (I'm 5'7") with a 48" waist in January 2010. I ordered this program in November 2009 with the mindset that I would be one of those people I've always despised - those New Year's Resolution"ers". After a 2009 most people would rather forget, I swore to myself that 2010 must be a great year. And so far it has been.
Like so many people, I stay up late and a few months ago found myself watching Tony's infomercials for P90X. While I was highly intrigued, the workouts looked much too tough for someone who was used to eating 5,000 empty calories a day and would rather sleep than do something productive. I knew I couldn't begin there. The next morning, I logged onto Beachbody's website and began looking around at all of the "Best Sellers" and researched the workout programs offered. When I came across Power 90, I immediately ordered it. The package comes with a two-DVD set (Level 1-2 and Level 3-4), a resistance band, measuring tape, eating guide and workout manual with progress calendar. I must mention that I do not at all follow the eating guide as it is not something that works for me (in this "lose the weight in 90 days" business, you're always going to get some unrealistic propaganda). I did completely overhaul my eating plan on my own and am making it work for me. If you can follow the eating plan that's provided, more power to you.
The program was produced about 9 years ago and, for some, could be considered antiquated. However, if you're like me, this program is one of the most motivational ways to get yourself started back on that path to a healthier lifestyle. Tony's on-screen persona is instantly magnetic and his quirky personality keeps you tuned in.
Level 1-2 eases you into a number of moves you likely haven't done in years. None of the exercises are impossible to do on their own, but as they progress one after the other, you begin to sweat and really feel as though you're accomplishing that goal you've finally set for yourself. It's comforting to finally be sweating for a purpose - not just because you're tying your shoelaces. Each day alternates a different workout - day 1 is cardio, day 2 is circuit (weights), day 3 is cardio, etc. - with the goal of doing 6 days on, 1 day off. Some other reviewers have noted that this becomes redundant and I can't completely disagree, but for those of us who struggle from the gate find the repetition beneficial for mastering proper form and technique. As Tony states throughout the program, GO AT YOUR OWN PACE! The point of the workouts is not to keep up with him or his cohorts, it's to work on maintaining proper workout technique and slowly building your tolerance level. I really struggled the first few workouts, but within a week, I was amazed at the kind of progress I was making. You will, too.
I stuck with Level 1-2 for 35 days (technically the idea is to stick with it for 45 days - or half-way through the program). By this time, I was able to complete both the cardio and circuit portions of the program. I decided it was time to switch to Level 3-4 a bit early - some people may take longer. This second DVD actually contains the same workouts (with a few new exercises thrown in), but the workouts are about 10 minutes longer each and you now begin doing more sets and at a faster pace. It's a lot tougher, but still manageable. I still struggle a bit on the jumping jacks/running in place/run lunges portion a bit, but I am not planning on giving up! It's a high energy workout that's perfect for me at my current stage. Again in Level 3-4, Tony consistently reiterates to take a break and hit "Pause" if you need to, resume when you're ready. It's never about keeping up, it's about doing what's comfortable for you and making the transitions when they make them.
With only two weeks to go before it's "technically" over, I almost feel like I'm losing a best friend. I do not plan to stop this program on April 11 (90 days), but I can't WAIT to see how far I've come by then. As of the date of this posting (9 weeks and 5 days in), I have lost a total of 51 pounds (down to 209), 11" off my waist and 13" elsewhere and I have found that energy that escaped me 5 years ago. This program is the real deal for those who don't think they can yet handle P90X (like me) and need to ease back into the lifestyle. With what Tony's given me, I can move forward with confidence and stamina.
I will be ordering P90X in the months to come, but I think I am going to stick with Power 90 for a while because there are small bursts of Level 3-4 I still can't quite complete without pausing and I want to master it all before moving on. Over time, I plan to compile a library of many of Beachbody's programs, as I find them engaging and real. I never thought I'd ever get as far as I have with this - I've never been one for in-home DVD-based workouts, but Tony has made a believer out of me. I never looked at this as a "workout for 90 days and quit" program. The benefit to owning this is that I can always pop the DVD in and get a workout regardless of which level I choose. If I'm having an off day, I can do Level 1-2 of Power 90; if I'm having a great day, I can throw in a P90X routine. This is really something that can be done as a regular, weekly routine to maintain that body you've transformed! And the best part is, buying this covers a two-month gym membership and you own it forever.
If you're reading this and you find that you're in the same situation I was, I urge you to just do it. Without a doubt, I would be several pounds heavier by now if I hadn't hit "Play".
This Is The Ticket!July 17, 2008 E. W. Marshall(Colorado) 24 out of 24 found this review helpful
I purchased p90 after realizing I wasn't in good enough shape to take on p90x. I followed the program, pretty much to the letter, and within 6 weeks I could see my abs and was starting to feel great. I was 226lbs, and in 6 weeks I got down to 205. I also used the recommended supplements. I never completed the full 90 days due to a relocation, but now I am starting it again - confident in the results I will get.
A great program that will get you ready for P90XJune 12, 2010 Chad(New York, NY United States) 21 out of 21 found this review helpful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3Q6YYKPBU0IYM I'm a huge fan of this program and completed a round of Power 90 before progressing to P90X. It's a great workout program if you're either new to fitness or looking for something less expensive and less intense than P90X. The workouts are about 30 - 40 minutes in length and you alternate days between strength training and cardio.
In this review I discuss the overal concept behind the program, who should do the program and who should not do this program, the nutrition plan (notice I said "plan" and not a "diet"), what equipment you'll need, why I think it works, and tips on where to buy and avoid buying from.
Visit my blog to join the Beachbody community (it's Free) and with that
comes free coaching for any Beachbody fitness program.
Enjoy
-Chad
PowerBlock Classic Adjustable 5 to 45-Pounds per Dumbbell Set
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
Very EffectiveJuly 31, 2009 R. A. Craig(Fort Worth, TX USA) 19 out of 19 found this review helpful
I have stayed in fairly good shape for most of my life. That was until about 3 years ago. With slower metabolism and the same bad eating habits, I quickly began to gain weight. At 33, I was about 25 pounds overweight and felt terrible. My feet and joints hurt. I was constantly tired. I lost my flexibility and stamina. Honestly, I felt OLD. I just figured this was part of aging and that there was nothing I could about it.
Prior to starting Power 90, I had been eating better, exercising, and losing a few pounds. Then a friend who knew this recommended Power 90. I figured it was worth a try.
Level 1-2 was not aerobically hard, but I could tell my core strength and flexibility were severely lacking. Because I had been neglecting certain muscle groups, I initially gained about 5 pounds. It didn't take long before I was ready to quickly move to 3-4. Initially, this was tough. However, around day 45, it began to seem pretty easy. To keep from getting bored, I made a few adjustments. Hand weights during cardio. Variations with the speed (slow sets, fast sets, fast positives and slow negatives, etc.) and angle of sculpting workouts. Heavier weights. Greater intensity during sweating workout. Not letting my feet touch the grounds on kicks. These changes have kept the workouts interesting and difficult.
Around day 60, I am now more ripped than I have ever been. Not as ripped as Tony on the P90x advertisement, but more like he was on the DVD case for Power 90.
At a recent gathering of high school and college friends, several people commented about how young and healthy I looked. And the best part is that I feel GREAT - like I did 15 years ago, if not better! My feet and joints don't hurt any more. I am now full of energy. My stamina and flexibility have greatly increased.
For anyone that is serious about getting in shape, this is a great place to start. Look at Beachbody's eating guide as well. This gives some excellent guidelines that will help maximize your results. After day 90, it's on to P90x! Let me know if you have any question.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
