My younger (in college) brother is super-fit.
My older (post-doctorate) brother is not so fit.
I'm not fit.
We got (from younger brother) the P90X program and are each committed to doing one of the versions. Younger bro is doing "classic", Older bro and I are doing the "lean" version. I decided I was in on the program because I like the less-is-more approach of the DVDs. They just do the workout. The cast is intimidating, though. Let's just say they would never put me even in the back of the room!
Here are a couple ground rules we decided on for each other:
- Take the pretest before you attempt the real deal. (I'm going to try attaching the pretest for those of you who are curious to see if you fit the minimum requirements before wasting your money buying the whole program. I personally don't want to have to buy the other (also expensive) workout programs in addition to this one, gift or otherwise!)
- Learn / know how to safely and appropriately perform each exercise first, before attempting, or doing it half-aced, or INJURE YOURSELF! One reason getting a personal trainer is great is to learn how to safely perform exercises...
- Go at YOUR OWN pace! Don't feel bad about YOUR pace! Don't feel bad about doing fewer reps or pausing the dvd. In my opinion, doing P90X (or any strength training program) at your pace is better than not doing it at all. For example, I'm not going to bother even attempting pull-ups this time around. I'm substituting those exercises (and there are a lot of them) with resistance bands and tricep exercises that I am able to effectively perform.
So far, we've been taking the pre-test (a great 40 min workout in itself, actually) and running through the DVDs (and there are a LOT of them) but will be starting "Day 1" of the 90 consecutive days on February 1.
I hope this info helps! Wish me luck!