The Classic P90X workout includes both weight training and cardio routines. Coupled with the P90X diet, you should lose fat and gain muscle with the Classic program. If you wish to lose more fat, however, you can choose to do either the Doubles P90X workout or simply add more cardio activity to your workouts, provided you add more calories to your diet.
Doubles
The Doubles routine is the same workout as the Classic routine, with three added workouts of the Cardio X routine during the first half of the program on day one, day three and day five. During the second half of the program, you do the Cardio X routine on day one, day two, day four and day five. The Cardio X routine is the least challenging routine in the P90X program, but it is still fairly difficult so you should make sure to stay hydrated during the day.
Extra Cardio
Alternatively, if you find that you do not enjoy the Cardio X routine, you can do any sort of cardio activity, such as jogging or swimming. Try not to exceed three cardio workouts in one week for the first few weeks and try to keep the cardio sessions less than an hour long.
Diet
You will need to adjust the P90X diet to make up for the extra depletion of calories due to the cardio sessions. Depending on how much cardio you will do, the easiest way to do this is to have an extra snack during the day, such as a protein bar in the morning. You may also wish to indulge in slightly larger servings.
When to do the Cardio Workouts
As the cardio session is not as intense as the weightlifting workouts, it is best to do these in the morning on an empty stomach. Later on in the day, when you have more blood glycogen in your body and more energy, you can do the weightlifting workout. Try not to do cardio every day as you may actually see diminished results due to working out too much.
References
- "P90X Extreme Home Fitness: Fitness Guide"; Beachbody; 2009
- "P90X Extreme Home Fitness: Nutrition Plan"; Beachbody; 2009
- "P90X Worksheet"; Beachbody; 2009
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