Cardio X

This is a review of the Cardio 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.

In the world of P90X workouts, Cardio X is quite unique. In fact, many people working through the program will never even do this workout; it is not a part of the regular program. Why then, is it even included? Well, there are two main purposes for this workout in the P90X plan.

The replacement workout

This guy has the right attitude

For a lot of people, the Plyo X workout in this program is just a bit too difficult. In fact, for me, it is pretty much the hardest workout I have ever done. So, Tony Horton has offered a sort of mini version of that workout here. In other words, if you just aren’t quite up to completing Plyo X, you have the option of replacing it with this workout.

The supplemental workout

Rather than using Cardio X to replace another workout, you also have the option of simply adding Cardio X to your workout routine. Yep, that means doing more than just the basic routine. Specifically, this is called the Doubles option for the program. If you choose to do the doubles plan instead of the standard plan, you will typically do this workout on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, and either do Chest and Back, Shoulders and Arms, Legs and Back, Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps, or Back and Biceps in the evening. By choosing this option, you will burn more calories and achieve greater results throughout the program. Note that, with the doubles option, you will do this workout 3 times per week beginning in Phase II (the second month) and 4 times per week during Phase III (the last 5 weeks).

A blend of all things P90X

Like I already mentioned, this workout is unique. Unlike every other workout in the program, it doesn’t just target a few specific muscle groups and doesn’t really introduce any new moves. Instead, it combines elements of Yoga, Plyometrics, Kenpo, and Core Synergistics together into a comprehensive, shorter workout. By shorter, I mean that it is only 45 minutes.

Be that as it may, if you push yourself during this workout, you will definitely do a significant amount of work, keep up a decent heart rate, and improve your balance and flexibility all at the same time.

In summary

This workout, while probably the easiest part of P90X, is still a P90X workout. You’ll still get a lot of benefit from waking up early in the morning to get this one done. Whether you choose to use it as a replacement for Plyo X or as a supplemental workout in the doubles option, it’s a good time and won’t leave you disappointed.

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

Photo by lululemon athletica.