P90x Classic vs Doubles vs Lean Routine
I know quite a few people starting P90x either because of my recommendation or by word of mouth through others. Something that most of them don’t know is that they have a choice of how they want to use P90x. You can do P90x Classic, which I believe is popular for men because it includes heavy strength training, pull-ups, push ups as well as a bit of cardio. Or you could be like me and go for the Lean Routine which is mostly cardio but has some strength training (weights or bands) as well. The third option is the P90x Doubles routine, which is for those who want the serious strength training of Classic with more cardio exercises. The Doubles routine has you doing two different P90x workouts in a day, which they recommend that you do one in the morning and the second workout in the evening.
To give you an idea of what the routines are like so you could compare and possibly come up with routines of your own, I created a pdf file of P90x Classic, Doubles and Lean workout schedule for weeks 1 through 8. As you can see from the workout schedule, Classic and Doubles are identical for the first 4 weeks, but starting in the 5th week we begin to see an addition of cardio workouts for P90x Doubles (hardcore!)
* * Download the P90x Classic, Doubles & Lean routine
workout schedule for weeks 1-8 by clicking here * *
Updated April 8, 2012
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Contest Closed 
Dang you must be really fit now with all this exercising. What’s your goal?
Maria-
Thanks for posting the routine. Someone gave us their 90X CDs, they quit … unfortunately, they have long since misplaced all the literature. So the routine / schedule was a big help.
Question: Are you buying any of the supplements / recovery drinks?
Just started yesterday – day two today… PLYO – is NOT nice….
thanks again,
-john
John- You’re very welcome! Unfortunately I haven’t tried the supplements or recovery drinks. I just make sure I take in enough calories throughout the day so I won’t crash! And GOOD LUCK!
Rolando, I can’t say I’m totally fit but I do have a weight goal I have yet to reach. You should try P90x I think you’d like the challenge
Do you have the workout schedule for weeks 9-12?
“good luck” ??? that’s all you have to give?????
…..
… the wife and I just finished the regular P90. Was feeling pretty good about myself…
NOW…. X – and it’s like starting all over again!
amazing stuff….
thanks again,
-john
Hi Maria,
I googled “p90x doubles routine” and was led here. Thank you for the chart. Question: is the program not 12 weeks long?
John – LOL! I don’t know what else to say I know how hard it is in the beginning (the constant soreness) haha! Stick with it like you did with P90… it’ll get better for you both I promise! =o)
Hi n8 (you’re welcome) and Antonio! Yes it does go up to week 12… but I honestly did not know there would be a demand for the rest of the schedule. I’ll post up weeks 9-12 by Sunday at the very latest…
Glad I could help!
Please send me the routines for weeks 9-12.
THanks.
Wow – 90 mins of Yoga X !
I was about to quit…. one more DOWNWARD DOG – and a shamalama-ding-dong and I swear I was going to scream! … but it’s like Master Tonyrama heard me and we went to the second half of fun stuff – like standing on your face ! that was fun
Officially week one starting today… blew off all of last weeks routines as learning. Had a pencil in my mouth this morning… writing things down.
and… I also drank the BB kool-aid and became a coach too!! ….
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/montoya
Yes – sad huh….
How far along are you – still having fun?
john-
Hey John! Ok I probably shouldn’t admit this but I didn’t get through the whole Yoga video the first time. I felt like it was slow and (of course) difficult but I found as I kept doing it I liked it more because I was getting better at it lol.
That’s great you’re a coach now!
I finished already, not sure when to start again since my work schedule has been all over the place. Can’t wait to start again though.. I want to start again soon.
Take care! Let me know how its going!
I’m currently on my third week of p90x classic. Who the hell has time to do doubles?!? Nice blog by the way
I do know some ppl on this program! My uncle has done is each night for the past 7 weeks. I think he takes 1-2 nights per week off. He has had great results! Losing inches and getting really fit. Keep us updated!
Hello,
Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to a replacent for the P90x protein drinks and bars that might be a bit less expensive?
Thanks
Maria-
Just wanted to drop in and say hi. Week four started Monday… a whole week of rest and relaxation….. Core Synergistics this morning – pretty interesting work out !
Hope all is well.
Take care & enjoy-
Glad you’re sticking with it John! Core Synergistics is one I love to hate
Superman banana! lol. Take care have a great weekend
Hi Maria
So are you a coach? what other programs from Beachbody are you doing? Nice Blog…
Hi Mary! No I’m not a coach unfortunately! Was told I should be. Maybe something I will consider in the future who knows. And I haven’t tried any other programs from Beachbody yet, I’m still hooked on P90x… but I do want to try out Hip Hop Abs it looks fun!
Have you tried any other beach body workouts?
Take care!
Hello Maria….I googled P90X lean routine and I got to your site….thank a lot, you have been very helpful.
No problem Veronica! Glad people are finding my posts somewhat useful
Take care and good luck!
I’m on week 4 of P90X. Should I be concerned since I am actually wanting to lose inches and I have been doing P90X Classic? I feel as though I should start all over and do the P90X Lean!! Any thoughts?
Thank you so much for the routine work out schedule I had mine but lost it. I searched all day to find someone who would post it for others. Thanks for being that person and for being generous with your information. Now I can start my journey to a healthy life.
Hey April! It depends. Are you seeing any results with P90x Classic yet? The good thing about Classic is it has weights, which will give you muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn throughout the day (even though it’s a minor increase). And the weights give you a more toned look in my opinion.
I am personally doing P90x Lean though to lose weight/fat/inches. I think you’re the best judge for how you are doing and the results you’re currently seeing. If anything you can do P90X Lean after you’re done with Classic since you’ve obviously come a long way! Finish it off!
Let me know how it goes! Good luck.
[And you're very welcome Stephanie!]
Hello all,
I’ve been working on the Classic routine for almost 6 months. I’m just about to finish my last “Legs & Back” routine and cool down for a week.
In the first 2 months, I lost 20 lbs. and toned the whole 3rd month. When I started my 2nd round of P90-X, I lost another 5 lbs. I’m almost at my ideal weight, but stopped seeing extreme results, so I started the “Doubles” routine 2 weeks ago. What a difference! Within 2 weeks, I’ve noticed a huge change in my stomach area and arms. I hadn’t even done the Cardio-X workout until I started “Doubles.”
Finding time is tough, but you can throw in Cardio-X and Ab-Ripper when you wake up, and do your normal routine at night/afternoon, depending when you get off work.
Another issue is food. You’ll find yourself craving much more grub. My stomach, like clockwork, starts growling every 2 hours. I eat:
Breakfast 1:
1 cup – Kashi Go-Lean +
1/2 cup – Egg Whites
Breakfast 2: (After Workout)
1 cup – Kashi Go-Lean+
2 scoops – E.A.S. Premium Protein Shake
Pre-Lunch:
23g Chocolate Crisp PowerbarPlus (290 cal.)
Lunch:
1/2 Sandwich including:
Double Fiber Bread (200 cal.)
1/2 cup egg whites (60 cal.)
6 slices Healthy Choice Ham (60 cal.)
2 Slices Provolone (160 cal.)
1/2 tbsp. Smart Balance for the eggs (25 cal.)
Pre-Dinner:
23g Chocolate Crisp PowerbarPlus (290 cal.)
Dinner:
The other half of the sandwich
At night, I just eat enough to sustain my energy and try not to eat 2 hours before bed. Everyone is different, so choose what you like, but keep it healthy. This will speed up your results. I cannot stress enough that you MUST MUST MUST eat your protein. I experimented a couple times to see the my body’s reaction on and off the protein and found out quickly that your body really appreciates the shakes/bars and chicken/beef/soy/almonds… whatever has protein in high concentration.
I don’t know what else to tell you guys. For anyone just starting, believe in yourself, and you’ll change your entire life before you know it. This is not a workout. This is a lifestyle. I’ve gotten a half-dozen of my friends and family started on P90-X and they’ve changed their habits according to the plan. It’s an unbelievable feeling. Stick with it, and show off your new body.
Emmanuel
Wow thank you so much for the info Emmanuel! I tend to have trouble in the diet area so I will definitely give yours a try!
Maria,
A friend and I are doing the lean routine first to slim down, then after we will do the Classic to tone up. We’re in our fourth week and we’re both seeing changes in ourselves and are quite exited!
Love your blog, it’s interesting to see what other people are doing and how they’re utilizing this tool. I’m taking lots of notes.
Mahalo!
Richard
Hi Richard! Wow that sounds tough. I’m thinking about tackling the Classic routine as well… let me know how it goes! Especially Plyo… sounds tough lol. Good luck
I’m a 250lb 6′ Tall Polynesian Woman….and out of shape. How can I start off on the right foot? …i don’t want to burn out!! Will look into getting the program.
Hey Polygirl! Well first of all, did you take the Fit Test yet? I recommend you take the P90x Fit test (P90x Fit Test) just to see where you are fitness wise. What I did, after taking the Fit Test… I was too scared to start the program right away (lol) So I just started doing a lot of the exercises in the fitness (especially jumping jacks) on my own, non-stop for 2 minutes.
Also, to make sure you’re ready for P90x, Beach Body coaches would recommend you complete the Power 90 fitness program first. It’s challenging! P90x is the “extreme” version of Power 90. So it depends. If you do well in the fitness test, go ahead and start P90x! If not, workout more and or do the Power 90 routine… you can’t go wrong either way.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
I am going to start P90X I do not want to gain all that bulky muscle that those body building guys do. I just want to be a fit lean healthy semi muscular (not too much not too little) extremely well defined male. Which routine should I start with first Classic, Doubles, or Lean? Also after my 90 days how do I integrate P90 X + with the original? Thank you so much for posting the chart I thought I was gonna be lost.
Well, I am one of many who want to thank you for posting this. My co-worker gave me her cd’s to use but didn’t have the schedule so I was obviously excited to find someone had posted it!! We are starting our own Biggest Loser at work which lasts for 12 weeks and I am going to do the Lean workout. I will be exchanging some days with workouts at the gym since my daughter has sports events there. So, we’ll see how it goes!
Hey Dominic! It depends. If you have fat to burn/want to lose weight, I’d go with Lean first since it is mostly cardio. Then you can go with Classic or Doubles (go with doubles if you still want more cardio!) You won’t necessarily gain bulky muscle doing Doubles or Classic, just do more repetitions with smaller weights! (Sorry for the late reply, I need to start getting notifications when people comment) GOOD LUCK!!!
Hi Jenelle! Glad I could help! That’s awesome that your company is doing that, you will definitely be one of the top “losers” on P90x. I have been switching up some days with alternate workouts as well, let us know how it goes! If you have any ideas for me let me know too
Hi! I just started yesterday! WOAH!! I am so sore. Today, I could not finish plyo…but I’m on my way. Just wondering if I should be doing classic or lean? I am only about 10-12 pounds over what I’d like to be and would like definition and strength! Please help!
Hello Maria, I am starting P90x today after going through a 12 week Body for Life workout and losing 30 pounds. I am in the shape I need to be in now for this type of workout. I keep hearing there is a “week” off inbetween workouts? When and why does that happen?
Great Job distinquishing the different aspects of each version of P90X. My favorite is the Classic
Hi everyone, Just thought I would put in my note. I have completed P90X and do “highly reccommend it”. It was a great experience and I lost 27 pounds and gained a lot of endurance and cardio.
During the 12 weeks it is difficult to stick with the meal plan, especially on shift work, but I just kept in mind to eat in moderation and the types of food I was eating.
For recovery drinks I would mix a small amount of chocolate milk with frozen sliced strawberries, some blueberries and recovery formula 2:1:1 with protien creatine mix… it worked great. A nice healthy smoothie after a workout.
After completing the program I became bored and stopped for about 6 months… since then I have started the program again and find that my energy has increased again and I am having great results. After this 12 weeks I plan on adding P90x Plus.
Good Luck to everyone and “Just keep pressing play”.
Hi Maria,
Thanks for posting the schedule. It’s definitely useful!
Oh, just like Mercy, I don’t know where to start..should I do classic or lean first? I have approximately 10 -12 lbs to lose and I want to decrease my fat % and lean up but not bulk.
Any recommendations!?!?!?!?
did anybody finished the classic routine without doing any sort of diet and what were the results?
Just started the lean version as I don’t want to bulk up, but want to tone, define, and loss weight/inches. I am through the 3rd day and eventhough I am in pain, I love it. Great workouts.
How soon after starting the program have all of you began to see results?
im starting p90x tomarrow, i was looking over the chart..and day 1 says “chest and back, ab ripper x”…so i do both on the first day?
I’M SO SORRY for the late replies everybody I will try to be better about these things in the future. I need to change some things about this site to make communicating better on here..
Mercy You will be fine losing weight either way! Lean is more cardio and you’ll burn more calories. Classic there is also cardio but there’s also muscle building which will burn more calories/fat throughout the day. Either route you will be good to go in my opinion!
John Technically there is no “week off”, in Classic you get a week of Cardio/Kenpo workouts and it’s to “shock” your muscles so you don’t hit a plateau with your workouts and not see results. If you’re doing the same thing all the time, your body adjusts and gets used to it and you stop seeing results. This is not the case with P90x, you are switching it up all the time!
Good luck!
P90X Fan Classic is crazy! I’m more of a Lean routine kinda gal ;P
CHRIS (Nov. 24) Thanks for the input! Especially the recovery drink I will definitely keep that in mind.
Diana I personally recommend Lean! It’s what I started with. It’s tough but it’s the “easier” program and I’d go with that and after those 90 days, try out the Classic if you’d like. Good luck!
RV Sorry I don’t know anybody. My brother did Classic and even though he didn’t follow the Nutrition guide completely, he started to eat healthier and of course got great results.
Ashlee I’m doing Lean right now as well! The first time I did Lean (2 years ago?) I FELT the results after about 2 weeks, and what I mean by that is I performed exercises better, felt stronger and healthier. The weight loss occurred shortly after. Other people noticed it before I did though. I just know I felt great
Enjoy it!
Chris Yep Chris, both on the first day! Don’t worry… Ab Ripper X isn’t an hour long like the others. But you’ll hate it and love it at the same time
GOOD LUCK!!
I’m a week into P90X Lean, I’m 5’4″ and 137 lbs. I start week 2 with tonight’s workout. Been doing pretty good I think on nutrition, but having hunger pains quite often. Can’t say I’ve really been tracking calories but I know I’m eating ‘clean’ and watching my portions. I sit at a desk 8 hours a day and I think it just makes me feel sluggish and hungry sitting idle so long. Any suggestions? After work I head home to start a workout but I’m ravenous when I get there…so I have to eat again and wait before I work out! Help! Just trying to sync up my eating and can’t figure out what will keep the hungry monster away! Are energy bars the way to go? <>
This is great I think this will help my stick to this prgram after a few attempts.
Hi,
I am a little confused. I got the DVDs and want to start the classic program. I have 12 DVDs, but none of them are called “Chest and Back.” Do I just do the exercises on the spreadsheet? Why do I not have a DVD for Chest and Back? (I have #s 1-12)
Meghan I’m not sure why you don’t have Chest and Back, that’s supposed to be the first DVD in the set. Do you have any duplicate DVDs? If anything I would contact P90x.
Dustin Stick to it Dustin, I’ve fallin’ off a few times, just keep at it!
Kathlena Energy bars would help or any type of healthy snack! Water definitely helps fill me up. I hope you are not just eating 3 meals a day, eat 5 times a day but small and healthy portions in between major meals. Good luck!
Hi!
I Was just wondering if you could reupload the program for the first weeks cause it seems as the file is corrupt…
Greatly Appreciated/Chris
Hi Chris, Ok try it again! It’s working fine for me… let me know if it works for you this time.
hello all. i would like to start the p90x program but i am a runner. i love running especially outside and i don’t want to stop doing that. i was wondering if there is anyway i can replace some of the workouts with running? like the cardio workouts and such…any suggestions???
Hi cc,
Im a runner too and I started the P90X program on Feb 1st. I stopped running completely since I started. The classic routine has Plyometrics on Tuesday and what is felt in the Plyo routine has nothing to do with running. It is indeed much more intense. You get to do Kempo X on Fridays and I love this routine. My suggestion is to stop running until you finish the 90 days. The Plyo routine makes you run faster than you do. It is hardcore cardio. I will start running as soon as I finish my 90 days