Switching from my Running Coach hat to my Certified Personal Trainer hat - I often am asked what I think of Tony Horton's P90X program. I have to say - the infomercials make it sound really good. I decided to buy a used copy that someone was selling on Craigslist here in Asheville so I could give it a try.
Honestly, I find it all a little funny how everyone acts like "muscle confusion" is something new that Tony Horton invented. As a certified personal trainer and someone with significant coursework in Kinesiology, I've heard about "adaptation" and the need for variety in a workout for a long time. Tony just managed to package the concept and make a kick-butt infomercial that is on ALL the time.
Anyway - to the program. You really need to decide what level of shape you are in. If you (a guy) can do15 push ups and 3 pull ups, then you can probably handle this, although it will definitely kick your butt! I did the "Core Synergy" dvd with my wife tonight and it's tough. What's fun is that there were some variations of exercises that I hadn't tried before. It really does wake up your body.
My advice - If you can't keep up, just do what you can do. Hit "pause" if you need to...build up slow. As Tony says - "Do your best, and forget the rest." Even the manual says it's a serious workout - hence the "X" for extreme! They recommend Power 90 (the original one) or the newer 10 Minute Trainer. I think that's good advice personally. Some of the moves were rather complex and they don't show you the moves until they are doing them in the workout.
PROS: Fun, lot's of variety, challenging, Tony is a riot...very funny and very motivating.
CONS: Difficult at first to follow the moves that are new, possibly too challenging for the type of person the ad really appeals to in my opinion.
I enjoyed the workout so much, I'm considering becoming a Team Beach Body Coach. I would certainly recommend P90X and from what I've seen, and my own workouts that I've designed, the 10 Minute Trainer looks great too...much more suited for beginners.