A lot of people ask how to prepare for Beachbody's P90X Fitness Challenge.
I myself, was not sure how to start because I have trained a lot in the past and figured I could handle whatever they threw at me even though I was in the worst shape of my life when I started.
Before officially starting the challenge, I began with some of the P90X cardio oriented DVDs.
Kenpo X, Cardio X, Plyometrics and Core Synergistics.
All of these are tough, tough workouts, but you can always hit pause to take a break and the next time it will get easier.
If you have not been working out, these workouts hit all of your muscle groups and prepare them for more work in the future.
Anyone doing these routines is going to be sore the day after and especially the second day after the workout from the shock your muscles get from being dormant for so long.
It's a good sore and I feel like I accomplished something.
I would then take a day off or two if I your muscles feel exhausted and allow you body time to recover.
As you get more fit, you need less recovery time and P90X is strategic about how it plans the workout schedule.
One day, you hit one set of muscles, the next day a different set, or a cardio workout, etc.
There is new debate about wether or not lactic acid is the cause for this soreness as originally believed.
New studies are saying it is not the lactic-acid buildup that causes delayed soreness.
Either way, your muscles have been stressed, probably a little damaged, and they need to recover and strengthen.
This is the process for all muscle strength and stamina building.
Perfectly normal and each time the level of discomfort should dissipate until you change up the routine to shock your muscles again.
This is a well known technique called muscle confusion and one that P90X incorporates.
Prepping for the P90X challenge all depends on your current fitness level and your mindset.
You don't want to jump in, find you cannot do the majority of the exercises and get discouraged.
Do a honest assessment of your physical condition and get your thinking straight, which means a positive attitude, optimistic, and commitment.
You can jump in, do as much as you can do, and keep moving forward with a good attitude.
Take one day at a time and know your limits.
If you could do all the moves easily early on, the system would get boring and you'd lose interest anyway.
It is called "Extreme" for a reason and it will be challenging for pro athletes and couch potatoes alike.
Nutrition should be another consideration when preparing for your new fitness challenge.
Are you feeding your body high quality foods that will fuel your workouts and help your muscles repair and recover after your workouts.
Many people contend that your diet is 70% of the battle and I tend to agree.
Put junk in your body and you can expect your body to react accordingly.
Your body will respond to your new workout regimen much better if you eat healthy food.
Use the three phase nutrition guide that comes with P90X and you can be sure you are giving your body everything it needs to deal with the increased workload.
I've read 100 different tactics for preparing for this on Beachbody's forums, but I think starting with some of the P90X cardio workouts with days off for recovery is the best strategy.
This allows you to get familiar with the routines, you will really like Tony Horton (the Beachbody Trainer) and when you feel the progress you've made from starting your new fitness lifestyle, you'll be ready and excited to take on the 90 day challenge.
Commit and go for it! There is more information about Beachbody, P90X, being a coach, and training on my blog.