Yoga X

This is a review of the Yoga 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.

If you’re like me, your first thought of doing a workout called Yoga X isn’t all that pleasant. Before doing P90X, I had tried yoga a few times and was always turned off to the experience, usually because I thought it was too weird to be thanked for “sharing my spirit” with the class. Sure, I recognized the value of the strength and flexibility required for and developed by participating in yoga, but I just couldn’t get past the yoga culture. The good news: you do Yoga X in your living room!

The yoga mat

When I was first looking into the program, I really liked the fact that you really didn’t need very much equipment. The advertisement is always: All you need is an hour a day, a pull up bar, and a set of dumbbells or resistance bands. That’s just not true; you also need a yoga mat and a yoga block. Sure, you could get away with not making this small purchase, but I will vouch for the benefits of these two pieces of equipment and think they were worth every awkward look I got (or felt like I was getting) walking through Target with my merchandise.

The mat is what really enables you to complete the moves in the Yoga X workout. Without it, you will definitely slip and slide and become very frustrated with the workout. Believe me, it’s hard enough when slipping isn’t an issue. Additionally, the mat is really useful as a general exercise mat for other workouts in the program (like Ab Ripper X, Core Synergistics, and even Shoulders and Arms). It provides just enough cushion to prevent the floor from digging into your hip.

The yoga block

If you’re thinking, “Great. I’ll just get a yoga mat and skip out on the block,” I’ve got news for you: get a block. First of all, you can pick one up for $10 or less (that officially makes it the cheapest part of the program) and, secondly, it makes the exercises in Yoga X a lot easier. Basically, you use the block to make up for your inflexibility. I’ve never been the most flexible guy and, without the aid of the yoga block, wouldn’t have been able to do a lot of the moves, especially the first few times through. And, if you’re ultra freaky flexible, you can even use the yoga block to extend stretches further!

The trick to Yoga X

I have to tell you, Yoga X was often one of the most difficult workouts of the program for me. It’s easy to go in thinking, “It’s stretching, how hard can it be?” Well, give it a shot and you’ll understand that yoga is more than just stretching. The key is to just stay calm. If you get frustrated over not being able to complete a move, the game is over and it’s not easy to get back on track. So, relax, breathe, and, if you just don’t enjoy stretching, push through it. On a side note, there’s a little secret section of this workout affectionately referred to as “Yoga Belly X.” Have fun with that!

The crazy ohm’s

So, at the end of the workout, Tony likes to do ohm’s. Yep, ohm’s. As in, sit in a meditation pose and make funny noises ohm’s. I tried it a few times and it was a little relaxing. In the end, though, I just didn’t like them and wound up skipping this part most weeks. Feel free to do whatever you want here.

The results

As much as I often didn’t enjoy doing this workout, I do have to admit that it gets some pretty amazing results. After just a few weeks, my flexibility really started to improve. By the end of the program, I was able to do things along the lines of flexibility I had never thought possible (like putting my palms on the ground while doing a standing hamstring stretch!).

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

Photo by GrahamKing.