Comments on: P90X: Getting Started

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:46:49 +0000

Hi David,

I have not tried Accelerade Hydro yet. However, I did research it for the ingredient list and nutritional information a few months ago. I will check to be sure, but from what I remember, the Hydro variant uses a different blend of sweeteners. I recall sucralose (Splenda is made from it) in the list. I think it still maintained the 4:1 ratio though.

By: David

David — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:55:29 +0000

Have you done any testing of the new Accelerade Hydro product?

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:19:04 +0000

You can continue repeating week 3, maintain on your week away, then resume week 4 when you return, or jump to week 4, maintain, then move to phase 2 on return. I think you’ll benefit with either decision, so it’s up to your preference.

By: Todd

Todd — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:48:41 +0000

Hi Matt, we started Monday AM so having not heard anything we decided to do week 3 again this week. Now after reading your comments Im wondering if I should just jump to day 3 week 4 and go from there as you suggest.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:18:31 +0000

@Mike: Both of those drinks are good. If you want L-glutamine with your recovery drink, go with Endurox R4. If you could care less, go with the Accelerade. I discuss a little bit about L-glutamine in my supplements article. Check it out for a basic comparison in the section on recovery drinks. Good luck!

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:15:52 +0000

@Jim H: Yikes! There was definitely a miscommunication at GNC. Sometimes, all they think you're looking for is protein. What you got is certainly not doing you much good for recovery. You need the 4 parts carbs to 1 part protein; that mix is quite the opposite. No wonder you are extra sore! Switch to Accelerade or a similar 4:1 recovery drink (that's 4 carbs to 1 protein just to be extra clear). Now you know and can be more informed if you go back to GNC. GNC does carry a few flavors of Accelerade if you prefer to shop local. Also, Vitamin Shoppe has a lot of flavors and larger canisters to save you money. Otherwise, grab some off Amazon.com via my link to get a really good price. Check out my article dedicated to recovery drinks. That shake should do fairly decent as a protein shake. You may want to reduce it to half a serving though, so you are targeting 30g of protein each serving. Then, you can follow my other advice on protein supplements with natural food protein. I have another article all about supplements that should fill you in nicely. Good luck!

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:04:33 +0000

@Todd: Remember, “recovery week” does not mean you will not be working out on week 4. The recovery week is just a different set of workouts, but it is by no means easy. Your best bet is to try to maintain your level during your week away, then resume Phase 2 when you get back. By maintain, I mean take a look at the week 4 workout schedule (you’re doing it this week hopefully), and note that it is more cardio, but still has the basics. Try to find some cardio equipment (at a hotel you’re staying at perhaps), jog around your stay area, do a bunch of jumping jacks (eXtreme-style). Do a good number of push-ups and take the extra DVD dedicated to abs and do that in your room. Just do enough to get by, but don’t take the time completely off if you can help it. Since, you’ll likely being working out less while away though, do reduce your caloric intake to account for the difference in burn. If you feel you’re doing half a normal workout, cut out 300 calories while away. Do a ton of stretching, just like you will do in your normal week 4.

Good luck!

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:57:58 +0000

@Dani: Definitely go with less than 2 scoops. You could try 1 to 1.5 scoops and see how you feel after a week or two before making any other changes. Your daily caloric intake will be based on Level I by the book. However, if you feel that the amount of calories they assume you would normally consume is too high, adjust the base number for your calculations. I would still assume around 600 calories burned on P90X daily though. Good luck!

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:55:34 +0000

@Mary Kate: You’re welcome!

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:55:02 +0000

@mono: This is a tough one. That fact that you have gotten stronger and are more toned, I’d say you have lost a bit of fat. The thing about looking just at your weight is it is so deceiving at times like these. If you just change your diet, you can look at weight as a measure of true loss. When you add in an intense workout, you have to consider that lean muscle (like what you are gaining) weight a lot more than fat. That said, if you are not losing or gaining weight, that means you lost a lot of fat since it weight less than the new muscle you’ve put on. Follow the logic?

If you decide to continue Phase 1, make sure you only do it for an extra month. Your body will plateau and it will be much less effective. I suggest, you adjust your daily caloric intake slightly down and see how that works for you over a week or two. Also, try to finish the program and see what your results are then.

Ultimately, you should get a body fat meter and measure that percentage. Ignore weight and BMI as long as your total body fat percentage is dropping.