Ab Ripper X

This is a review of the Ab Ripper 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.

Ab Ripper X: I hate it, but I love it! – Tony Horton

This phrase greets you three times per week as you begin the Ab Ripper X workout of the P90X program. Of all the workouts in the program, Ab Ripper is the most unique. Rather than functioning as its own stand-alone routine, it is designed to be done immediately following Chest and Back, Shoulders and Arms, Legs and Back, Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps, or Back and Biceps. In other words, just when the exhaustion from one of those workouts is setting in, it’s time for Ab Ripper X!

Be that as it may, this workout is pretty straightforward and not very long. It totals about 16 minutes, but it is intense! If you follow what Tony does exactly, you will complete 349 Ab movements in this time period!

Not a single traditional movement

My favorite part of this workout is that you never once do a traditional crunch or sit-up. You know, the kinds that make your back hurt more than your abs? Everything you do here targets your abs and you know it! Just like Tony says, this workout “gives you the opportunity to get the most ripped abdominal area you have ever had.” If it seems like I’m quoting Tony Horton a lot on this workout, it is only because he throws out so many quotable moments in 16 minutes.

As with any other workout in P90X, this one gets some great results. Seeing the definition in your abs definitely helps provide the motivation you will need to continue to push yourself throughout the rest of the program.

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

Photo by davco9200.