Plyo X

This is a review of the Plyo X workout, part of the P90X program. To learn more about the program and see reviews of the other workouts in the program, click here.

As I have previously mentioned, P90X is, by far, the hardest workout program I have ever done. The plyometrics workout (Plyo X), however, is, in my opinion, the hardest workout in the program. For right about an hour, you’re doing one thing and only one thing: jumping.

The “warmup”

Most of the warmups in P90X are pretty relaxing. You’ll sort of jog in place, do a few jumping jacks, maybe incorporate some arm circles… Not so with Plyo X. Nope, this time around, you’re starting off the day with lunges and squats! As Tony says, if you’re struggling through the warmup (which is definitely a possibility as you’re just getting started in the program), this is gonna be tough!

That being said, the warmup does what it is intended to do: get your body ready for the punishment that is about to begin.

You can do anything for 30 seconds

This is really the mantra of this workout. Most of the exercises are really only possible (from a mental, “I can do it!” standpoint) because you only have to keep going for 30 seconds. In that 30 seconds, however, I guarantee you’ll be looking at the clock, hoping that, somehow, a few more seconds have passed and you can take a short break from jumping to wipe the sweat out of your eyes.

And then there are the 60 second exercises. About every fourth exercise will last twice as long, requiring you to continue for a full minute. The good news is that, at least in my opinion, the 60 second exercises tend to be more manageable over the duration.

Double Time!

If you really want to get the most out of this workout (and achieve the highest levels of fitness possible), you’re going to need to do more than the bare minimum (which is, like I said, already really difficult). You see, there are several exercises throughout this workout where you have the opportunity to go twice the speed of the folks on the video. Yep, instead of going

jump, pause, jump, pause, jump, pause…

It will be

jump, jump, jump, jump…

In other words, you’ll be working twice as hard! Although, to be perfectly honest, it sure can feel like its more than twice as hard. Sometimes it feels more like 10 times as hard!

Making it through

By the time you finish this workout, you’ll be drenched in sweat. You’ll wonder if your heart was ever actually meant to beat that fast for such a period of time. You’ll be asking yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Don’t worry, though. This workout does get feel easier over time and you’ll get to the point where you really can complete the workout while engaging in all of the double time opportunities it offers.

And, just remember, the point of this workout is to burn calories. If nothing else, it serves this purpose. In its entirety, it also does a great job of improving cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and endurance. Also, let’s face it, who doesn’t like the idea of being able to jump higher than everyone else around you? Just don’t forget to Bring It!

Don’t forget to take a look at other workouts in the program.

Photo by Cathe Dot Com.