Tony Horton's POWER 90 DVD Workout

I think the first question everyone has in mind when they look at something like this is 'Is it worth it?"I'd like to give a quick answer but the truth is, it depends.If we're only considering the materials that are included with the package (exercise band, DVD's, food plan), I'd say it's a fair value. Or look at it this way, you can buy an exercise band for about $25, buy a food plan book for $10 and make an exercise program based on what you can find, distill and assemble from other sources (library, internet) for about half of what you can here plus your time. Is your time worth the other half ($35)?The other question people wonder is, 'Does it work?'Again, the truth is, it depends.Everyone isn't going to want the same thing from the program. There will be those who want to loose a quick twenty pounds or so before a vacation cruise, there will be others who are searching for someone else to motivate them, there are those who want to make a complete lifestyle make-over, those who want to look like they're 20 again and there are those who are in between all these states of mind. I firmly believe that if you stick to this program applying rigid self-discipline you will see the results it promises and then some. But there's the real catch. Who has the discipline and how long can they sustain it? The answer to that is really the answer to the question 'Does it work?' If you stick with it rigidly, yes, it works pretty well. If you stay with it rigidly for a little while it works for a little while, and so forth.So this is my experience and I'll try to keep it short. At most I needed to loose 15lbs. I can never seem to loose. My eating habits weren't given a second thought other than 'don't eat too much', and with my metabolism that worked pretty well to keep me looking better than average but not fit. I realized I needed more than good intentions. I'd seen advertisements for the P90X program and have a friend who tried it. I would liked to have kidded myself into believing I was ready for intense workouts since I didn't look out of shape but took the sensible approach and tried this program first to see where I stood physically. I wasn't thrilled with parting ways with $75 but I thought that's just the price I have to pay for my bad eating/exercise habits. Gotta sacrifice something.The box came very quickly and I was excited, as anyone will be, but I was also slightly skeptical. I wondered what was included and whether it was any different than what I was familiar with. After giving it a quick once over I went to their website. Yeah, it's worth it but I did end up needing a few extra things.1. Exercise mat. I went all out on this one and bought interlocking weight mats. I think this really is a great investment to save your back and floor. They stay in place and provide real cushioning unlike those cardboard box yoga mats that are so compact but kind of useless in my opinion.2. Exercise gloves. Not really necessary for the program but helps with the push up segments.3. Rotating push up stands. Anything to save my wrists.4. Greater resistance bands. More on this soon.So I watched the first video. It's divided into three segments: an aerobic portion, sculpt/weight program and ab program. The idea is to do one of these per day with ab work squeezed in. The ab program runs about 6 minutes, the others run about 30. I tried the aerobic 'sweat' program first and no doubt, it had me sweating. I was completely impressed. I then tried the sculpt program and same thing. I could feel it's just the sort of thing to make a difference. I also started eating a very strict, low-cal diet. Then you know what I did?I did what a lot of others will do. I set it aside and did nothing for a couple of months. Life simply got in the way. That's going to be an obstacle for some. After a certain period I asked myself why I dropped the program and what to do next. This is really why I'm writing this. There are a couple of things about this program that will turn away a lot and hopefully I'll suggest ways around them that help.First off, the programs transition from one exercise to the next VERY quickly. This is great because you CAN get in a full workout in 30 minutes or less. This is TERRIBLE because it leaves you very little time to do things you might need to do like adjust weight/resistance bands, take a sip of water, pause the DVD or LEARN THE EXERCISE MOVES!!!!!!! Maybe I'm mentally challenged but it felt like you didn't get much time to learn much of anything before you switched to the next exercise. It would be very helpful to have some kind of chart that details the exercises before you start. That's where I must deduct a star from my rating. There's really no way around this one other than to just use the video over and over and over. Eventually you get it but I think it's a little unrealistic expecting to advance through the program at the programs 90 day pace when it takes a few weeks to learn the program. Also, I think the warm up stretching segment moves WAYYYYYY too fast. I feel like I'm exercising when I'm stretching, which is bad.To counter this I suggest a couple of things. Take time before you start the program to actually stretch out. I mean REALLY stretch out. It won't help you to pretend your stretching over 5 minutes no matter how neat it feels to just go along with the program. Eventually that lack of flexibility WILL come back to haunt you so add extra time for that.In addition, don't expect to finish this properly in 90 days. I think that entire mindset is a seed for failure. It's nice to have a goal and 90 days seems great but like I said, if you need a few weeks to learn the program what are you really gaining in those few weeks other than going through the motions? I think it's fair to say your life won't end if you need a little more than 90 days to get healthier.Onto the bands.The package comes with one exercise band. I was skeptical that I would feel any muscle fatigue using it but I must say it does work. I can't recall what the resistance was specified at but after using other bands I'd say the one that comes in the box is probably close to 15lbs. There's a running debate about which is better to use, weights or bands, and then which type. I think there's a few trade offs with each. The weights will probably get you toned more quickly and give a very consistent resistance throughout the exercise movement. This is pretty great. However, weights take up a lot of room, don't travel well and you MUST be prepared for that time you stub your toe on them sending you screaming or just weeping softly in a pillow. The bands travel well and you never stub yourself on them but you will likely snap one and get a nice throbbing welt. If so, welcome to the club, here's your merit badge. They don't give consistent resistance throughout the motion and anyone saying so doesn't know what they're talking about. Actually, the bigger problem is getting them the right length so that each body part gets equal resistance. Imagine pulling a five foot band two feet of it's entire length. You get near zero resistance because the band is slack. That's the kind of problem you run into when you need to do short range exercises. If this doesn't make sense skip this until you get one then come back and it will. Anyway, my proposed solution is to divide the band in half via a mark using a permanent marker and from there, mark off points on both sides of the band at equal distances. Again, that may not make sense now but when you use them it will.But the question might have already crossed some people's minds: "Why use the bands when weights work so well?"In my experience it's really too easy to hurt yourself using weights. I don't mean hurting due to clumsiness so much as straining from using the wrong weight or using the weight improperly. It's also easy to cheat and get into a habit of applying bad form. Bad form is BADDDDD!!!!!!!! You would be better not even doing a program at all than applying bad form because bad form HURTS you and doesn't give you even muscle growth. The bands, on the other hand, just seem so user friendly. They remind me of Nautilus machines in that they are so smooth throughout the motion. This smoothness is great on your joints and long-term fitness plan. You might be able to bang through this program in 90 days with weights but eventually, I believe, they will burn you out. You won't feel better and you will not look forward to your next session. I really like the bands. AND they're much quicker to change out than weights, unless you can conveniently keep a wide variety of dumb bells (5, 10, 15, 20, 25lb, etc.) on hand.As for changing weights during the DVD, again, I think it just moves too fast for many if any changes at all. I certainly couldn't fool with some 'quick change' system while doing this and would like to see someone who doesn't know the routines perfectly try. It's more of a 'pick a weight and stick to it this session' kind of program. As you continue the sessions you will need more weight, no doubt, but for each session one or two is all I ever seem to need.And finally, the oft overlooked but very important piece: nutrition.They give you a meal plan, blah blah blah. You're not gonna follow it. Maybe 10% of the people who buy this will stick with their meal plan for life. We're too spoiled or just not wired to want bland food. You may kid yourself for 90 days but eventually you will crack. You'll call them 'slips' but they're cracks in your system. You'll sneak in things that are bad, you'll overcompensate by eating things that are supposed to be super-healthy but taste like cr@p, or you'll starve yourself at times. All this is bad and I've seen it all. The fact is American culture isn't set up to support healthy eating life styles. Healthy food certainly isn't cheap at restaurants (in fast food places it's typically more expensive and LESS satisfying than their standard fare), it doesn't seem quicker to prepare and usually it tastes worse than the restaurants standard fare. Eventually I figured out the trick around all this: WRAPS!!!!!!Start with two basic items: burrito sized tortilla, organic pre-washed lettuce. I'm not trying to be 'environmentally friendly' on the lettuce part so much as know for a fact the organic tastes better. It's fresher and that makes a huge difference in palate-ability. As for the 'pre-washed', I know this will seem like an extravagance and unnecessary cost but you get better lettuce, it cuts your prep-time significantly, it's not THAT much more expensive and there are no 'surprises' in the middle waiting for you (i.e. dirt, bugs) that you sometimes get with lettuce.Using these two as your base add whatever you would normally have for a meal, but in reasonable quantities. These two usually fill me up alone but I tend to vary it.In the morning, add strawberries and walnuts.In the afternoon, add tuna and hot sauce.In the evening (or noon) when you really want something tasty add turkey (Oscar Meyer cracked peppper is outstanding) and low fat pre-shredded cheese.This takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, 5 to eat, is dirt cheap and can be made/taken anywhere. These taste better than many meals you might eat out and are wayyy healthier. This single step alone has made a huge change for me because it's just so quick. I skip eating out happily because of this.Don't get crazy, you're still going to go off and get a fry now and then but with more of this in your diet you will be miles ahead of any fad dieter. Also, this is a very simple way to ensure you get in your greens and can adjust proportions. Cut back on red meat if you haven't. It's expensive, takes a lot of time to prepare and isn't worth it when there's good substitutes.The second area I can suggest help with is the drinks. I'm a recovering soda addict. Seriously, I was living on a full-time IV of Coca-Cola. Some people don't have this problem but for those that do they know, as I do, soda can have a death grip on them. Here's what I did. First, substitute. Try 7-up/Sprite and/or root beer instead of Coca-Cola/Pepsi. This will help get you off the caffeine while not forcing you to drink a less fulfilling drink. Eventually you will stop drinking soda. I know this sounds hard to believe for a soda addict but the first problem is caffeine, the second is sugar. You get so used to both that you have to fight one at a time. After you kick the caffeine you still crave those sugars when you drink but after awhile of drinking root-beer or 7-up you find they're both just too sugary. At least I did.In sum, though this is billed as a 90 day routine it's a very good routine you could keep and use for life by just changing up the weights as you go. It's fast and hits all the major body parts quite well. If you learn it well enough you could do it without watching the video, which I think is the better goal to shoot for over time than some kind of 90 day quick fix. If you go in trying to change your life in 90 days you might spend so much energy that afterwards you want to relax and slowly slip back into the old you. If you think of this as a tool that you could bring into your life you could keep it and stay fit until old age. I think that's a better approach.Since I've taken up the program I've lost the extra 15, look great and eat better without feeling I'm loosing anything that makes life good. I started slow and just adopted the program as part of my morning routine. When I took off the "90 days or else" pressure, took my time and eventually learned the routines things started getting much better. When I adjusted my eating habits as I described then things really took off.Hope this helps.---05July12 Update:One more quick 'tip'. I've had quite a bit of luck with the wrap approach to eating but now and again was craving a snack between meals. I avoid the chip/cracker aisle at the grocery store because all that stuff adds up, yet I'm not quite ready to do the carrot/celery for life kind of thing either. I could see myself slathering on salad dressing to make either of those taste better. After some thinking and scouring the pantry I came up with a very healthy and satisfying solution: peanuts and raisins. Mix in equal parts, can be taken anywhere in a ziploc sandwich bag, very cheap, very healthy. This obviously won't work for people with peanut allergies but for many who don't suffer that condition this may work better over your long-term day-to-day eating plan than say a Dorito or Cheezit on the go.

I got this series because a while back I picked up p90X with the full intent of getting "ripped". Well, I tried P90X and was immediately shamed. As a response, I began to pay $45.00/month for a gym membership. I would go for a few months, then I'd stop, then I'd go for a few months and stop. Then I decided I'd get Power 90. Well, for about a month and a half's worth of gym membership you get three dvd's the level 1/2 program disc, the level 3/4 program disc, and the fat burner dvd. You also get an elastic band with handles and some pamphlets that include the diet plan and the how to work out plan. I'm starting week three of the program and I have to admit, it's working. I'm down 8 pounds as of this morning and I've lost about an inch and a half off of my waist.As far as the videos are concerned, they are nothing special. The videos are poorly shot and I'm pretty sure that they gathered two camera guys, tony, and the people standing behind him together one day and just said, "lets make a video". The sessions are about 30 to 45 minutes in level 1/2 (where I'm currently at) and you split your days into a cardio day and a circuit day with weight lifting. The band, WILL work you out even if it feels a little awkward. I have a set of adjustable dumbbells on order though to try to mix it up a little bit. The circuit routine, even in level 1/2, requires me to stop occasionally to catch my breath. After two weeks, I'm pretty tired of Tony and the crew on Disc one although looking at Lisa in the back makes it pretty easy to keep going. The rest of the time, if you don't stop listening to the audio all together (which I can't do because I oddly need the advice even two weeks in), will be spent finding all of the inappropriate times to slip in a "that's what she said" to something Tony is saying.Now, Tony and the gang that wrote the pamphlets will tell you, the videos are about 20% of it and the diet is the other 80%. They're right and I don't think most people would deny them that. They also give you a little meal guide for you to sort through and to dumb the whole thing down they give you a few ideas for meal plans. The meals, for being really basic, are really good. I'm actually hooked on their french fries which are sliced up potatoes baked at 450. I'll admit, I'd never have made them nor would I have thought that I could eat "fries" while eating healthy. They have an amazing fish recipe in their as well that is just fish marinated in lemon juice and some seasonings. Ultimately, however, some people are going to find Tony's diet too difficult, too boring, or too impossible for the rigors of everyday life. But, if you don't follow it, you'll fail. That simple.SO, would I buy this program? Yes. Would I pay what I paid for it? No. This program does contain some good information and the workouts work if you remain consistent! But it needs an update. It needs something done to let you know that you aren't getting this because like me you couldn't hack p90X and by that thought they think you're buying this so that your set of p90x discs aren't lonely sitting in the drawer. They need to add some more variety. They need to tell me more than I "should eat this range of calories in a healthy manner" and then not tell me anything. They needed to do a few more takes to get some of the errors during filming taken out. The fact of the matter is, you'll be satisfied with this program if you do what you're supposed to do and follow it. I have so far, and the greatest motivation for me is that while I'm watching Judge Judy I have no reason to say I don't have time to workout since the only difference is I need to stand up. The amazing thing is, when you do the workout, you'll want to eat better. When you eat better, you'll want to work out. It turns into a vicious cycle that you'll be grateful for.A word on the coach's. In case you didn't know, beachbody, the makers of power90, p90x, insanity, and probably just about every other dvd fitness training program out there, has these coach's. The coach's are normal people like you and I that have finished or are proceeding through a program and have decided they're going to sell stuff for beachbody. They will help you for free with attempting to keep you motivated, however, they will also try to sell you anything and everything they can. The big thing that is pushed on the program is something called Shakeology which is supposed to be a protein shake that is healthier than the average protein shake. Maybe it is, I don't know. I bought some and paid a lot for it. I haven't had any yet though. I do go and watch the transformation videos every once in a while that the coach's have posted on youtube. Yes, almost all of the people that have the transformation videos are coach's. They're good, the plot may not be all that exciting, but they're good motivational tools. They start off with "before power90/p90x/insanity, I was.... and after I am...." The great thing is that you sit there and think, that fat dude did it, so can I....So, pick up the disc's hit play, and start making a change. It really does work!

First, do not be fooled, this is not the p90 program coming out post-p90x. It's an earlier production, apparently from the late 90s?Now, I've only been doing this for a few days, but I like the product overall. It's definitely a little dated - no slick production here. Instead the workouts are straight forward and compact with no frills beyond the on-screen display letting you know how much longer you have to suffer - er - workout. The instruction is clear, the moves are familiar and appropriately challenging. I like the repetition of each sequence, I like that we're not doing things for 10 minutes at a time.The resistance band is a decent product, lots of tension on it. The nutrition guide is exactly what you'd expect and there's loads of better resources out there.Overall, I don't know if alternating between two programs, upgrading to two harder versions after 30-40 days - is going to sustain my interest for 90 days, but it's got me exercising again after a long hiatus, so I'm satisfied for now!

Very good exercise package. Easy to use and follow with tony guiding you through each exercise. Resistance band is a very good bit of kit. If you like exercising this is for you.

I love this boot-camp DVD set. Its easy to do, fun to watch and I love the monitor that runs on the side of the screen so you can see where you're at, and how far you have to go. Tony is a hoot - a bit silly and crazy, but I love him and can work out with him every day! Thanks Tony. (I'm older so I am not "into" the PX90 or EXTREME fitness DVD's - this is great for any age.) Give it a go - what's the worse thing that can happen? You get in shape!

this DVD is great. I have never been able to do a push-up, and after 3 weeks of doing this DVD, I'm able to do one. I'd have given the DVD a 5 if there were ways to change the music, or if there were other fat burning workouts. I don't have enough patience to follow one DVD over and over. I got bored.

Great way to start getting into shape.