Is the P90X2 Workout Program Right for You?

The P90X2 workout program takes the classic P90X workouts to a whole new level with new exercise sequences, and more intense routines. P90X2 is available for pre-order as of September 1, 2011 and has already generated interest across the Beachbody network and among fitness enthusiasts around the country. It's another 90-day program from Beachbody and promises to get you in great shape in a few short months. Is the P90X2 workout program right for you? Here's what you need to know.

Key Principles behind the P90X2 Workout Program

While the P90X workout system focused on building muscle strength and improving flexibility, the P90X2 workout program takes things to a whole new level with the introduction of "post-activation potentiation" (PAP). This is basically a combination of heavy strength training and plyometric moves performed back to back. You'll also be working through three distinct phases: The Foundation Phase, Strength Phase and the Performance Phase.

The theory behind PAP routines is that more muscle power is needed to perform any type of exercise after a strength training exercise, and would give you the explosive power you need to perform exercises like jumps, sprints or lateral movements. This process pushes your body to work harder and the harder you train, the stronger you can become. The P90X2 workout program comes with two PAP workout DVDs - one for the upper body and one for the lower body. You'll be doing these workouts during Phase 2 of the three-phase system.

Who Should Be Doing the P90X2 Workout Program?

P90X2 isn't designed for all fitness levels so if you don't work out regularly or are significantly overweight, this is not the program for you. The program was designed for athletes and graduates of P90X, Power 90, INSANITY and other intense Beachbody fitness programs.

If you work out five to six times per week at the gym and are looking for a new workout routine that will build muscle and increase endurance, P90X2 may be a good fit for you.

If you're an athlete trying to stay in shape between competition season, P90X2 could also be a great match for you. If you're trying to get in great shape in the New Year after doing the P90X workout or a similar workout routine, you might also be a the next graduate of the P90X2 workout.

Sources:

How Do I Get Fit - P90X2's Big Deal: Post-Activation Potentiation (P.A.P)

Beachbody.com - P90X2 Workout

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