During my first round of P90X, a couple of years ago, I skipped Yoga X for the first several weeks. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to try it, then the lengthy workout (90 minutes!) seemed to be too much for me to learn it, then I finally decided to give it a try. I still skipped it quite a few of those 13 weeks, but I did get through it several times. I was more consistent in round 2, and in the rounds that followed I tried not to skip two weeks in a row. If I felt rushed and wanted to get in a good workout, I would substitute cardio, either on the treadmill or from Tony’s book “Bring It!” I know that is not at all the same, because yoga is about core strength and flexibility, but what can I say? In P90X2, I am determined to mend my ways, and the shortened yoga session (66 minutes) is a great start.
The first part of the P90X2 version is similar to P90X, with stretches and bends, transitioning into the moving asanas. The difference here is the accelerated pace. Maybe it’s a result of the common complaint that the P90X workout was “long and boring.” I did not avoid Yoga X for the reason that it was “boring,” but maybe because of the length, as noted above. Tony Horton mentions in at least one of the P90X2 DVDs that a shorter workout should also be more intense. Comparing Yoga X with the P90X2 version again, we see quicker transitions between upward dog/vinyasa/pushup/downward dog/runner’s stretch/crescent pose. The first couple are slow and carefully explained, then there is the so-called “single/double/triple” where these moves are done in quick succession, three times in a row.
The next section introduces moves which are new or modified compared to P90X. Warrior 2 becomes a lunge move, not too different really. There is a bicycle crunch, then the Abrinome (lying on our backs, legs in the air, swinging slowly left, center, right), and other similar floor exercises.
The stretching section has also been shortened. There is the frog, the pigeon (from the Kenpo X workout, I believe), the forward bend, the plough-to-shoulder stand, and the spinal twist.
The final section, similar to the P90X version, ends the workout with the shavasana or “corpse” position, the fetal position, and the cross-legged “Ohms.” BTW, Tony, thanks for sticking to your guns and ignoring people who might be alienated by the “Ohms.” It’s OK, I can still choose not to do it, too.
During my first practice session, I was thrown off by the pace of the moving asanas, and all those downward dogs were hurting my shoulders. Maybe I need to work on the placement of my feet and hands. This week, my “official” Week 1, we had a family emergency on yoga day, so I did not plan to do the workout at all; then I decided right before dinnertime to give it a go. I got through it after all, on a very tough day. I guess that’s an endorsement for the new (maybe improved?) X2 Yoga.
Here’s a funny blog post directed at people like me who have been avoiding P90X yoga. She makes some convincing points.
P90X2 Tip of the Day: This workout moves faster in some ways than the P90X version, and it’s shorter, so don’t be afraid to try yoga all over again.
How did you like (or hate) Yoga X, and how are you doing with the P90X2 version?
