Some people are just crazy. Or suicidal. Or want to lose weight with extreme prejudice. Some people simply love an extreme challenge, or feel that if they’re not pushing the very bleeding limit of any program, they’re not giving it their all. For all of those, the extreme, the crazy, the fanatical and the determined, P90X Doubles is the way to go. What is it exactly? It’s a way of doubling the intensity and workload of the regular P90X workout.
Now, let me correct something: there really is no ‘regular’ P90X workout. The P90X workout has an ‘X’ in there for a reason: it’s already extreme! So what you’re doing is taking an extreme challenge, and making it harder. If that sounds like a good idea to you, then keep reading.
The plan is simple. P90X itself is divided into three phases, and to convert it to the doubles program you simply do the following:
- The first phase is left alone. Do it in the classic P90X style, because this introductory phase will simply be warming you up for the next two. Allow your body to adjust to the new level of activity, and follow the regular schedule.
- Phase 2 is where things get crazy. Here is where you add 3 Cardio X workouts to each week’s regimen. I advise that you do the Cardio X first thing in the morning, even before breakfast, and the regular P90X workout in the evening.
- Phase 3 becomes ‘Hell Week’. Do Cardio X four times / week, following the same scheduling as Phase 2.
Simple, right? Yeah sure. See how quickly you crash each evening. In fact, that’s the secret to surviving P90X Doubles. It’s simple: get more sleep. By punishing your body more, you need to give it more time to rest and recover. If you normally sleep 8 hours, expect to want to sleep 9 or even 10. Your body is severely taxed and exhausted, and it will need plenty of time to replenish itself and digest the food you’ve been eating.
Which brings me to survival point number 2: eat fanatically. By that I mean observe the guidelines as if you life depended on it (which to a degree it does). No cheating. No skipping meals. No pizza on the side. If you’re going to survive P90X Doubles, you seriously need to follow a spotless diet regimen that will fill you to the brim with excellent nutrition and fuel. Skip this or mess around and you’ll crash so hard you won’t want to even roll out of bed in the morning.
Is that it? In large part, yes. If you up the quality of your sleep and nutrition, your body should be able to adapt to the more rigorous workload. Of course this doesn’t include the iron mentality you will need going in, especially if you’re not used to exhaustion and fatigue. You will really, really, REALLY need to want to finish P90X Doubles badly, else you’re liable to simply quit halfway (if that).
So remember: more sleep, more food. It’s not rocket science, in fact it’s as basic as it gets, but you’d be surprised how many people attempt extreme workouts and think they can continue to live a fast paced, sleep deprived lifestyle at the same time. And as always, in case of injury or pain: STOP.
Want to try something different? Then Insanity is probably what you are looking for.
I am finishing up insanity. I lost a good amount of weight but not the kind I expected to lose. I want to bulk up in p90x, but my main goal is to lose weight regardless of the time or energy. Is the doubles challenge for me? I dug deep in insanity and I’m ready to bring everything I got in p90x.
Ryan, yes that would be a good choice. Focus on P90X right now and it will help you grow lean muscle mass.