How to Prepare for the P90X2 Workout Program

The P90X2 workout program is one of the most intense home fitness programs by Beachbody and includes only some of the exercises from the P90X and Power 90 programs. You may be intimidated by the rigorous training program and wondering whether you are strong enough and healthy enough to get through it. The P90X2 workout program isn't designed for beginners and even those who are in great shape will need to physically and mentally prepare for the fitness regimen. Use some of these tips to help you prepare for the P90X2 workout regimen:

Work on Your Flexbility

You'll learn how to perform deep stretches in the "Recovery & Mobility" workout in the P90X2 workout system, but you can prepare your body for the entire program with daily stretching and by performing exercises that increase your range of motion. Keep in mind that Phase 1 of the program is designed specifically for training your body for peak performance throughout the rest of the program. You can prepare for Phase 1 by making sure you stretch your muscles and joints daily.

Map Out a P90X2 Diet Plan

Your diet will need to support your workout routine and you can follow the nutrition guide that comes with the P90X2 system to make things easier. You can also start experimenting with different ingredients to make some healthy recipes and menus. A little planning now can help you save time later, and will also help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals. Starting a whole new diet during the same week that you do P90X2 can be overwhelming for most. Start your diet a few weeks before you begin the P90X2 workouts so that you get used to eating this way for the rest of the program.

Book Workouts in your Calendar

You'll be doing rotations of different workouts in the P90X2 program each week, and will need to work through each phase in succession. Plot your personal calendar with workout days and recovery days so you don't miss a single workout. Remember that you'll only need to be working out five of the seven days each week with P90X2. You can follow the workout calendar that's included with the program, or create your own and include recovery days.

Build Up Endurance

Unlike P90X, the P90X2 workout program focuses much more on strength building than cardio work. You will still be doing some intense cardio with the post-activation potentiation (PAP) workouts and plyometric work in several DVDs, but the bulk of your training will be resistance exercises and functional training sequences. You can prepare your body for these workouts by building up endurance with sprints, long runs and extended workout session on an elliptical trainer or bike.

More content from this contributor:

Is the P90X2 Workout Program Right for You?

P90X2 vs. P90X Workout Programs - Key Differences

P90X2 Workout Phases - What You Need to Know

Sources:

Beachbody.com - P90X2 Workout

The Straight Dope by Steve Edwards - P90X2: Buying the System