Resistance Bands for P90X | Supercharge your Workout
This post is all about using resistance bands for P90X. First I’m going to talk a little bit about this amazing fitness program, what it’s all about and why it’s good for you.
Then I’m going to introduce a few kinds of resistance bands you can use for P90X, explain how to use them and why it’s a great idea to use bands in your fitness workout.
So, let’s begin:
What is P90X?
P90X is an exercise program created by Tony Horton at Beachbody. It uses an intense series of workouts that challenge different areas of the body and is meant to be done in 90 days. The fiery-sounding name stands for Power 90 Extreme.
It is designed for a certain level of fitness because the workouts are about an hour long, and you will be expected to complete a workout 6-7 days a week. In fact, you will need to pass a physical fitness test before you can order the P90X program.
How it works
There are two different types of sessions included in the package. The first type is the strengthening workouts which emphasize strength training for different parts of the body.
The areas of focus will move in order from your chest and back to shoulders and arms. Then it goes to legs and back, to chest, shoulders and triceps, and finally, to your back and biceps.
The other sets of workouts focus on plyometrics, which are “power” movements that use speed and force. They include kickboxing, stretching, and cardio moves. In these exercises, your muscles will exert all their force in short intervals, thereby increasing their power and strength.
All the workouts are designed in circuit format, which means they go from movement to movement quickly without much recovery period in between. This keeps your heart rate up, burning fat more quickly, and improving your cardio health.
What does the P90X program come with?
The entire program is $119.85. It includes 12 DVDs with 90 days of workouts, a fitness guide, a nutrition plan, and a 90-day calendar. You will still need a mat, dumbbells, and resistance bands for P90X to get the full benefits.
What makes P90X so good?
The P90X program is based on “muscle confusion“. Because the workouts vary so much and so often, your body never fully gets used to any one workout. This means it does not just become routine for your body, but consistently and thoroughly works each muscle group. This is the idea that many athletes use to get their bodies in condition.
P90X also comes with an amazing nutrition plan.
The nutrition plan has three phases that you can use at any time during the 90 days, depending on your goals and your fitness levels.
Phase 1 is called the “Fat Shredder”. It is a diet high in protein, but low in carbs and fats.
Phase 2 is the “Energy Booster”. It reintroduces carbohydrates with the protein, and allows a small amount of fat.
Phase 3, the “Endurance Maximizer”, is based mainly on complex carbohydrates, with some protein, and a little fat.
Overall, this is a great program because it can be done right in your own home, on your own time. Tony Horton explains the exercises well, and only basic equipment is needed. It is guaranteed to increase muscle tone and burn fat.
The plans for exercising and eating are neatly presented, and the nutritional guide has recipes. You will never be bored with the P90X workouts, and even though they are rigorous, because they are in DVD format, you can pause them if you need a rest.
Resistance Bands for P90X
One of the pieces of equipment you will want to invest in to maximize the benefits of the program is resistance bands. Resistance bands are light and portable, and they also cost much less than weights. While it is good to have both types of equipment, resistance bands are an amazing tool to use with P90X.
There are several different kinds of resistance bands for P90X which are geared toward specific exercises or muscle areas. There are resistance tubes, resistance loops, and mini bands.
Why you should use resistance bands for P90X
Resistance bands exert a certain amount of force on your muscles as they move, causing them to work harder. Like lifting weights, this extra force that your muscles must work against is what really strengthens and tones the muscle.
Unlike typical weights, though, resistance bands can be used in almost any workout, and can target almost any muscle. Another benefit is that they actually make the entire muscle achieve more than a regular dumbbell while not causing as much pressure on the joints.
Resistance bands are perfect for gaining muscle and losing weight which makes them perfect enhancers to the goals of P90X.
The tension from the bands will require your core to activate to stabilize you all through your workout, which is another benefit of using resistance bands.
How to use P90X resistance bands
Now let’s look at some of the exercises you can do with each type of band.
Resistance tubes
These tube bands come with handles so they are great for upper body and arm exercises.
Some of the exercises you can do with a resistance tube include:
Bicep curls (stand on the band with your feet, then pull up on the handles and curl your biceps).
Bent over row (stand on the band, then tilt forward, and pull handles up to shoulder height and down toward knees).
Chest press (use the door anchor to attach the band behind you, then press the handles forward).
Resistance loops
The most common type of band is the 208cm resistance loop. Resistance loops are great for getting your whole body involved in a move. They will definitely increase the difficulty of your P90X workouts as well as the results!
Some of the exercises you can do with a resistance loop include:
Deadlifts (stand in either end of the loop and grasp it in the middle. Keeping your back straight, pull the band up until you are standing upright).
Squats (stand inside the loop and hold the other end in front of your shoulders. Now squat down until you thighs are parallel with the floor, then stand up again).
Push ups (place the band around your back. Keep the loop under your palms as you push up, stretching the band with your back as you rise.)
Mini bands
Mini bands are shorter than the regular loops, and usually lighter too. They are a great way to slightly improve the benefits of your P90X workouts without making them too difficult. They work best with lower body and leg exercises.
Some of the exercises you can do with mini bands include:
Glute bridge (place the band above your knees. Then, on your back, push through your heels to tilt the hips up in alignment with your knees).
Side shuffle (place band around your thighs. Get into a squat position, then step sideways several steps, and back).
Leg raises (place band around your ankles. Lying on your back, raise one leg up and down, keeping the other on the floor. Then switch legs).
Where to buy resistance bands for P90X?
All resistance bands can be purchased here on our site, and you’ll receive your product in just a couple of days with our super fast delivery options.
The bands are all available in different levels of resistance so you can choose the one most appropriate to your fitness needs. And they all come with a free PDF workout guide showing you how to train with them.
Using resistance bands with P90X will supercharge your workout and help you achieve your fitness goals in 90 days or less. You just need to work hard and, of course, remember to have fun with the program!
