I’ve gotten several emails over the past several weeks as to whether the P90X workout is all hype or if it actually works.

Here’s the deal: Most exercise programs will work if you follow of it to the “T”. So, in other words: “YES, the P90X fitness program works!”

How do I know for sure?

Because I actually did the 90X workout for about 75 days before I took a break (due to travel & holidays). I went from 207lbs to 191lbs during this time. From no six pack to seeing them for the first time in a while (5 years or maybe more).

The P90X workout program offers good variety. For me, it kept me from getting bored and it was actually fun to follow along with the DVDs… believe it or not, it actually feels like you’re doing it with them. Not to mention the fact that they make it pretty “brainless”… you don’t have to think about putting a routine together or anything. Plus if you follow the program properly you will shed fat… it’s virtually guaranteed (if you follow the program).

Ok… I admit it, I did NOT follow the diet to a “T”… I actually started with the Nutrisystem plan for the first 30 days or so… then changed to the P90X diet plan in Phase 2 of the program (the program is divided into 3 phases).

I’ve heard some people complain about the diet being too difficult… but to be honest, if you prepare ahead of time it is quite manageable. I won’t say easy, because at first it’s not… eating multiple times per day and watching what you eat ALL THE TIME is challenging in the beginning.

So, my recommendation is that if you haven’t started the P90X workout yet and are serious about losing those love handles, that get accustomed to eating 5 – 6 times per day (portion controlled meals plus healthy snacks). Another thin I highly recommend is to start entering what you eat into a food journal like myfitnesspal.com now to get accustomed to counting calories. Doing this will also help you see how many calories you eat every day… which is important because chances are good you don’t eat enough!

As for getting started… I actually took a week prior to my “official start” of the P90X workout to:

1. get used to the exercises, and

2, to figure out the amount of weight I needed to use for each exercise that require dumbbells (and make sure to write the figures down).

This will help you raise your intensity once you start your 90-day program since you won’t be fumbling trying to figure out the weights. I also recommend you start with a slightly lighter weight than you think you can use the first week or two.

Be prepared to get SORE!