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 
my plan is the same, i am going to complete a half marathon next weekend, then i am going to essentially stop running and complete the 90 day wrkout….i’ll fit a few races, short ones 4-6milers in during the 90 days, but essentially thats it, once done i will begin my fall marathon training
thanks for the input! its really hard to give up running, I’ve been doing it for years and i run marathons as well but if the workout makes me a better runner i will stick to it
I am determined to lose weight! I love the p90X but I have young children and work. The workouts are long and interfere with dinner for kids, homework, bath time bed time…any suggestions. I absolutely love Plyometrics. Do you think I could maybe do Ply 3 times a week? Any other workout routines you might suggest?
Hi JSmith! All P90X workouts are tough workouts, so if you do them 3 times a week you will still see results… just not as dramatic and fast as you would if you were taking part in the 90 day program. But doing the workouts 3 times a week MINIMUM is better than not doing any at all.
I say mix it up. I don’t think you should do Plyo 3 times a week though, because eventually your body will get used to it and it will not be as effective when you workout. Remember you need to SHOCK your body. So do 3 different workout routines in a week. At least one with weights and one cardio. Maybe do the Stretch one on a 4th day. There are many DVDs so you can switch your routine up every week or even monthly.
GOOD LUCK!
I started P90X (Doubles) weeks ago. Tomorrow will actually be my day 30 (weigh in, pics, measurements, etc.) and I’m actually loving it. I started Phase II today, which began with a morning of Cardio X…yes, indeed I underestimated the Cardio X. You’ll find yourself trying to guess what workouts will be easier than others…trust me when I say, if you are actually BRINGING IT, then really they’re all extremely intense, and work well.
As far as using the program to loosely, I’d recommend watching the dvd’s, trying out the entire workout of each DVD yourself, and then figuring out what exactly you want to gain from it. Do you want a ripped stomach area…Ab Ripper X is a must and it’s actually about 20 minutes. Keep in mind the warm up and cool down times. Although I recommend warming up and cooling down, the times that are used on each workout DVD are in some cases, long when compared to what you may be used to.
After you’ve figured out what exactly it is you want to tackle with the workouts…then it’s time to choose which exercises you really want to use. I’m sticking strict to the workouts just for dedication, but I totally understand time constraints (I have a baby on the way…July) and if I were currently watching over my baby…P90X wouldn’t get much play. I’m fortunate to have the time to put in my 90 days and then chose what I want to do in order to keep up the physique that I’ve developed…a sort of maintenance.
Well, I hope this helped anyone that’s pondering the P90X program. Just remember…the workout is for YOU and you do not have to try and beat anyone or show anyone out. Try your best…Do your best…and as they always say, FORGET THE REST.
I just finished phase 1 of the classic routine. Lost 5 pounds and I look alot slimmer….Can’t wait to finish the rest of the 60 days……
As for jsmith, if you can do plyo 3 times a week, by all means do it…..then you can do the 16 minute ab ripper x in the between and I think should be enough to keep you fit….plyo is extreme and doing it 3 times per week should be enough…
@ mTm
You’re doing a workout this intense with a fetus growing inside you? Careful, or that thing might be born with torn disks and the onset of shaken baby syndrome!
Hi. I have knee trouble so the plyometrics are some what difficult for me to do with out causing pain, because of all the jumping and twisting. Any suggestions on ways to modify the workouts slightly for less impact?
To Chuck17:
First, you should be following Pam’s improvised moves during the whole workout. Secondly, I recommend doing it on a mat. I had the same problems as you did before… Initially I followed Pam but now I am doing the regular Plyo workout but on a mat. I also want you to remember to land lightly… After you learn to control your moves you reduce the shock on your knees and get a more productive workout.
Bonjour, Polite to join you, I am Kiwi
I’m a bit slow getting on this forum but for those of you who are runners and want to replace some of the p90x routines with running, I suggest reading up on incorporating sprinting into your running workout as it pertains to increasing our natural human growth hormones as well as it’s beneficial effects on the heart and faster fat loss.
is this the best way to get a flat midsection
thanks for posting this! I’ve been looking all over my house for the workout routine to get back into the regimen. This is an amazing workout just hard to find the time to dedicate to it.
I am almost done with my first round of P90X. Next up is Turbo Fire
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Tony Horton, the creator of P90x knew exactly what he was doing. I mean, if you can convert a flabby, out-of-condition slob like me into a fit, ripped dude in 90 days, then you’ve got the right formula, haven’t you? Here’s a bit of advice though: If you’re going to cry like a baby each time you get sore muscles with the P90X workout, go away now. But if you’ve got the determination to stick it out and look as sharp as a lean, mean machine after 90 days, get your copy of p90x workout schedule</a
I started P90X yesterday and I love it so far!! It definitely kicks my butt, but it’s such a great feeling after I’m done for the day. I really hope I can stick with it for the remaining 88 days. I started the Lean option. My main goal is losing weight. Do you guys think that’s the way to go? I’m not in the best shape either..
p90x workout dvds are definitely an extreme house fitness good program,the one which can aid any person get within the very best form of their lives. P90X is marketed being a 90 morning system but factors of it ought to be maintained for a lifetime. As soon as you reach your goal by way of P90X workout, your new objective will be to preserve what you might have accomplished. The P90X exercises are intense and I don’t know any person that follows it to some tee 12 months after year but it’s extremely frequent to incorporate some of the P90X workout DVDs exercises into their personal customized program lengthy soon after the system. For additional facts on the P90X Exercise Method, please go to our internet site at p90x workout schedule
As a male, the classic routine is more appealing. That said, I wrestled in college and have a pretty solid muscle base -just some chubbiness in the usual areas -gut, butt, etc. I know it’s not macho to not lift weights, but will the lean routine do it for me -lose the flab, tighten a bit, but not so much focus on the muscle build?
Any guys out there doing the lean? it’s not a pain thing for me; just an efficiency thing.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog.Much thanks again. Want more.
I make a table detailing p90x workout schedule, please check it out and tell me how you think
This is really a very good article. Have you any idea about a lot more websites regarding it where I could find additional info concerning this.
Hi, I just started P90x two weeks now! I just have the dvds, weights and resistance bands ( which i have to replace because one of the handles broke). I started the lean routine but I switched up some of my workouts instead of kenpo I do plyo and yoga I do cardio ( the yoga is too long and I have to much going on to dedicate so much time to yoga right now). Im trying to eat properly but its a lil hard because I guess you could say I like to eat bad food..lol. but I try im just not sure because im not following the p90x nutrition plan will I see the same or any results..I feel like ive losed inches not sure about my weight ( i havent weighed myself because I dont wanna know) oh and i do the ab ripper x workout 3 times a week
Does anyone know how to switch workouts? I am doing classic but I want to change to lean now..Help!!
how much more effective is the doubles than the classic?
and amamnda i would switch out chest and back for core, and legs and back do cardio but still do abs
I’ve been struggling with the spare tire around the waist. I just bought P90X after it was recommended to me by a guy at the gym. I’m really hoping it works for me.
I’ll do anything that doesn’t interfere with my coffee or my fruit smoothies!
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this info. Today bloggers publish only about gossip and net stuff and this is actually irritating. A good site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thanks for making this website, and I will be visiting again. Do you do newsletters? I Can’t find it.
I just began dieting and watching what I am eating. I see some really good informaiton on here that I am going to consider following.
I am trying to understand how to order the P90X Lean program?? Is it in the classic program? I even tried speaking to a Customer Service Representative, but I believe I was speaking with someone in India who was not familiar w/ the ins and outs of the program. I am very confused.
My physical therapist recommended the p90X Lean program but I do not want to invest in the wrong thing.
Can you provide any advice?
I am also interested to know if I should order the bands that are offered. I do own a few bands, but I wasn’t sure if it would be easier to follow along if I were using their products.
Thank you in advance with ANY advice you could give me. I have been searching everywhere for some guidance.
Best,
Julie
Hi Julie!
Everyone must order the P90x program (which contains all of the P90X dvds), regardless of which program you want to do. The program will come with a booklet that gives the schedule for each program (classic, lean, doubles). All programs use the same DVDs but the Lean program emphasizes the cardio-type workout DVDs more, and the Classic program emphasizes the DVDs with strength training more.
If you have your own bands, I say go ahead and use yours. If you plan on doing pull-ups you may need a pull-up bar as well. My brother already had a pull-up bar so I didn’t order one.
Hope I helped a bit, good luck!
lol…..feel sad for those who actually buy the program.. if you keep searching you will eventually find p90x for free to download…. wont tell you were to find it but it isnt hard to..
i just started using p90x last week. i am trying to lose weight and tone my entire body up. which of the routines would be best for me. i have tried the classic all week but am unsure of whats the best. it is an awesome awesome workout and i love it…Coco
Hi Coco. If you want to lose weight first, I suggest the Lean Routine since it has more cardio! I recommend that you definitely do the Cardio X, Kenpo X, Plyometrics and Core Synergistics workout videos. Good luck!
wow! this was great! thanks ^_^
Thanks for the .pdf, it saved me a lot of time making my own. I have been doing P90 on and off for a year now. I have not been vey consistant until the last 6 weeks. It is really paying off. I enjoy your reviews. I have been doing a hybrid option that mixes the Classic and the Lean. Works well for me. I want to loose weight but also want muscle. Thanks!
Hello everyone..
Has anyone used hcg supplement while doing P90X? If so, how did you like it? did it work?