What is the Difference Between Tony Horton’s Power 90, P90X, and P90 Extreme?

The following question and answer offers support for those enjoying the benefits of the Tony Horton 10 Minute Trainer workout.

After a period of time, what is the next exercise program of Tony’s that will to take your fitness level to the next step?

(If you are not familiar with Tony’s workouts, please jump to the bottom of the page for related articles and learn more.)

The Difference Between P90 and P90X

Question: I enjoying working out at home, and I’m a regular user of the Tony Horton 10 minute trainer.

I’m looking to increase the intensity and can’t decide what to do next.

What is the difference between P90 series and P90X?

Do I need to gradually work up to P90X?

Carol Bardelli, Team Beach Body Coach: Thank you for this great question!

Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer is a great beginner program for anyone looking to jump start their fitness goals.

As with any exercise program, it’s important to change your workouts as your fitness increases. Your body adapts to exercise.

If you don’t incorporate new exercise routines your body will stop adapting. This little known phenomenon will stop your progress in its tracks.

Power 90X is designed to constantly challenge your body and accelerate fitness. But it is designed for people with at least an intermediate fitness level.

If you feel you’re not ready for an extreme fitness program like P90X, Tony Horton’s original Power 90 is geared for you.

pic-tony-horton-power-90Power 90 is often confused with Power 90X. These two programs are very different. Power 90X, and Power 90X Plus, are extreme in home boot camp programs.

Power 90 is a less intense fitness system designed for those at beginner and intermediate fitness levels. Power 90 includes six fun and easy cardio and body-sculpting workouts.

Tony Horton designed Power 90 on his exclusive Sectional Progression training technique. Every movement within this system targets a specific zone for maximum fat burning and toning.

In as little as 30 minutes a day you will increase your fitness, slim down, and get toned fast. When you’re ready, you can graduate to Power 90X and Power 90X Plus.

Best of luck with your fitness goals!

Question: How do you know which program to go with? I am 34, 5′-10″, 152lbs.

The last thing I want to do is lose weight. I am very slim with a high metabolism. I am considering trying this program but unsure if this was meant for skinny guys! Would any of these programs work for me and if so, which one?

Carol Bardelli, Team Beach Body Coach: You bring up an important issue in choosing a fitness program that fits your personal needs. Your body type and metabolism play a crucial role in choosing your exercise regimen.

Results depend on matching your body type and metabolism to a program that supports your goals.

Ectomorph Body Types

pic-ectomorph-male It appears that with your fast metabolism and slender frame, you’re an ectomorph. This means you’re not naturally muscular, and what’s referred to in bodybuilding as a hard gainer. You’ll have to work harder than the average Joe to gain every ounce of muscle.

Power 90X is designed for skinny guys too, and can show you step by step how to build muscle. Tony Horton was a 98 pound weakling. Yet he went on to develop an outstanding physique. Power 90X was born out of Tony’s knowledge on how to build the body you want.

The Power 90X Classic program, outlined in the Power 90X guidebook, will suit your goals. You can limit or even skip the cardio portion of the program as you do not need to burn fat. You should concentrate on the resistance workouts, being sure to lift as heavy as possible. To build muscle the P90X workout guide calls for 8 to 12 repetitions of weights heavy enough that you reach failure on most sets. This pushes your muscles to the limit and stimulates growth.

The P90X nutrition guide will instruct you to eat more calories and protein than someone whose goal is fat loss. You need to eat to support muscle growth. Be sure to also get adequate sleep, as this is when muscle is actually built.

Endomorph Body Types

pic-endomorph-maleAt the other end of the spectrum, someone who’s an endomorph is typically round and soft, and often has a slow metabolism.

Endomorphs also have under developed muscles and need to concentrate on building muscle mass. Because they typically gain body fat easily they need to choose a program like Power 90X Lean that supports fat loss.

They will combine cardio workouts with resistance workouts to build muscle and burn fat. Building muscle will increase their metabolic rate and help burn fat. If they’re very overweight and out of shape, they can start with an easier beginners program like Kathy Smith’s Project You.

Power 90X is geared to allow anyone to tailor the system to their needs. Whether you’re overweight and want to burn fat, or you’re thin and need to gain muscle, Power 90X is designed to help you achieve your fitness and physique goals.

Best of luck!