The Power 90 and P90X workouts are the creation of fitness mogul Tony Horton, and the programs have similar goals of helping you lose weight and build lean muscle mass. Both workouts have been commercially successful, and reviewers generally give both programs positive marks. Choosing which program is better for you requires you to understand the details of each system and your current physical fitness state, as well as to know what your workout goals are.
Physical Fitness Level
The Power 90 workout program is a better choice if you are new to regular exercise or are obese. National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer Mike Behnken notes the P90X workout program comes with a warning you should have a "respectable level of fitness" before attempting the workout. He strongly advises heeding this warning and using a less intense exercise program such as Power 90 if you are not entirely sure you can handle the grueling demands of P90X.
Time
The Power 90 program focuses on brief but intense cardiovascular workouts. These workouts mostly emphasize weight loss with some minor muscle-building aspects. They range in time between 29 and 42 minutes per session. P90X is a much more extensive program, with workouts that range from weight loss to flexibility training. Some exercise DVDs in the P90X program require you to devote more than 90 minutes per day to exercising, which can be a lot if you have a busy work or home life.
Cost
Power 90 is significantly cheaper than P90X and therefore the better choice if you are on a tight budget and still want a comprehensive exercise routine. As of March 2011, you could purchase the Power 90 program with a resistance band directly from Tony Horton's website for $59.85 plus $12.95 for shipping. P90X costs $119.85 plus $19.95 for shipping. Additionally, the P90X program comes with the strong recommendation you purchase additional training accessories, such as a chin-up bar and pushup stands, to get the most from the workouts.
Disadvantages
According to DietSpotlight.com, the Power 90 program may not appeal to you if you are looking for a modern workout routine. The reviewers refer to the DVDs as "boring" and "monotonous" routines with outdated styling, which may make them challenging to stick with unless you are highly motivated. You are likely to see results using the Power 90 program, but you must be highly committed to your goals if you expect to meet those goals.
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