Top 3 Brutal Beachbody Workouts

I like the Beachbody suite of workout videos.  P90X was a significant step in the right direction for me.  I know many people (Cross Fit* folks I'm looking at you) snicker about P90X and other home video stuff.  I always found that kind of odd.  One would think they'd be happy people are actually exercising.  To each him own, I guess:

1. Plyo X (P90X) - the first time I did this routine - yea I hurled.  Then I walked gingerly for about 3-4 days.  Navigating stairs was nearly impossible.  Tough - tough - tough workout that is scaleable (like all of these)
2. Pure Cardio (Insanity) - When Shaun T said, "I'm nervous about what's next." I started to sweat a different kind of sweat and took a deep gulp.  In this routine I am required to take breaks as my heart rate races to dangerous levels!  Great routine - fast and too the point. 
3. Yoga X (P90X) - I was new to yoga when I began this routine.  Honestly, I only did the entire routine 1 time as 92 minutes is just too long for people that don't work out for a living.  However, the DVD has natural cutoff times and it's easy (well not really easy) to stop at 45 and 60 minutes.  This routine is challenging on so many different levels. 

Anyone want to chime in? 

* I see guys in my gym do Cross Fit type exercises and those guys and gals are in mad, fantastic shape!  

P90X Still has Legs

The evolution of my foray into getting my fat ass off the couch and into shape began with the book Body 4 Life.  Remember that one?  It was a good start for me.  It didn't get bogged down in the weeds and had a positive and upbeat message.  I had a tough time believing some of the stories and testimonials but over the past 10 years I've realized the human body can accomplish remarkable things.

I slowly began to change my eating habits.  It was a slow and meticulous process but I didn't quit.  My brother and I went to a local gym and began to follow the Body 4 Life exercise regime and that's when I realized I wasn't in good shape at all.  I did that for awhile and began to develop some improved strength and eating habits.

I next went to P90 which was Tony Horton's big splash for Beachbody.  I really like it - it was simple and worked the entire body.  I particularly liked the ab workout (better than the one with P90X).  I continued to refine my diet and then was bit by the P90X bug!

Yes, I fell hook line and sinker.  It was brutal, nasty, difficult but somewhat compelling. I remember the first time I did Plyo X I was certain that I was going to d - i - e! I began working out so intensely I would often turn down junk food.  I'd tell myself, "Tim, you've worked too hard to give it all up for a paczki!" I finally was able to complete 10 pulls ups at time (when I started 1 was a struggle!) and made remarkable gains on other area as well.

I never experienced the phenomenal results that others did (testimonial people) but was satisfied with my results.  Now I go back to the DVD's on a regular basis.  I'm doing a hybrid P90X workout currently.  I'm following the lifting exercises on M-W-F and doing cardio (bike or run) on T - TH and Yoga on Saturday or Sunday.

I can honestly say the purchase price of $139 has been worth it.  Great value and I'm still using it many, many years after the original purchase. My heart has improved, I have some decent muscle tone, and I'm definitely much more flexible than ever before.

Now what about Insanity???