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P90X – Doubles, Classic or Lean?

One of the most frequent questions I get, from men and women alike, is “which program should I do, Doubles, Lean or Classic?”

My answer is always the same, regardless of the individual’s circumstances: Classic!

Only crazy people do Doubles (and I’m only half kidding). If it’s your first time through P90X, don’t even think about doing Doubles. It’s too physically demanding and for “first-timers” would likely lead to injury and/or immediate burn-out.

During my final ten days of my first round I incorporated Doubles into my program every, other day, and that was only in preparation of my “After” photos. I felt it. It took something out of me – for sure. The P90X is difficult enough – don’t make it harder by doing it twice per day.

So, that leaves Classic versus Lean. The Lean program focuses more on the cardio aspect of P90X and keeps weight (or strength) training to a minimum. And, even from a cardio perspective, the hardest workouts like Plyometrics are left out of the program. I understand that the name itself, “Lean,” implies that it’s more geared towards burning fat, but I just don’t believe that to be the case.

I base my opinion on my own, personal experience, as well as those of many I’ve coached and even more on many Before/After photos I’ve studied closely.

Here’s why I believe the Classic version is the best version for anyone, man or woman: it builds muscle. To me, the first sixty days of the Classic program do a tremendous job at “waking up” dormant muscles and building upon them. Then, in the final thirty days it’s those very same muscles that ultimately help shred away any remaining fat.

Look at it this way: think of a world-class marathon runner and then think of their body-type – long, slender, almost skinny muscles, right? Make no mistake – very fit, but the body type indicative of someone who does long, lower-intensity, cardio-type training. Now, think of a world-class sprinter and think of their body-type – muscular and ripped, right? Also very fit, but a body type indicative of someone who does anaerobic (weight) work and trains in short, explosive, powerful bursts. It’s these powerful muscles that they build through weight-training that ultimately make them so ripped – muscles are very efficient at burning fat!

Same thing with a world-class gymnast!  Do you think they build those Xcellent physiques by doing longer, lower-impact cardio sessions?  No way! They hit the gym, work anaerobically and do short, intense bursts of activity that work their fast-twitch muscles.

The Classic version of P90X is similar – it includes the anaerobic work (Chest and Back, Shoulders and Arms, etc.) and “explosive-type” training (Plyometrics) necessary to build the muscles that will ultimately help “rip” you up.

If you look at yourself and don’t think you’re fit enough to do the Classic program, I’d encourage you to just look at my Day 1 photos – 220.5 pounds and 31.5 percent body fat! Of course you can do it!

Go Classic – without a doubt!

More info on P90X

Watch Joel’s amazing P90X Transformation

About the Author

Joel has completed 2 “rounds” of the P90X fitness program, dropping FIFTY pounds and nearly 24% body fat in 180 days.  His results have been mentioned as some of the best in the history of the P90X program.  Joel is now an Independent Beachbody Coach, helping others achieve results like his.

Visit him at www.Xcellentfitness.com

More about the P90X.

Watch his amazing P90X Results.

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