P90X2 Workout Phases -- What You Need to Know

The P90X2 workout program is a home fitness program led by Tony Horton. It's among the newest workout programs from Beachbody and is the next level of the P90X workout system which was released seven years ago. The P90X2 workout program is divided into three distinct phases and is still based on the concept of "muscle confusion" from P90X.

You can expect to spend between three to six weeks in each phase as you work your way through the program, and will be finishing the entire program in 90 days. Here's a brief guide to each of the three P90X2 workout phases:

P90X2 Phase 1: The Foundation Phase

Even if you've done P90X, you'll still need to go through the Foundation Phase of the P90X2 system so that you can train your body and prepare it for the intense workouts ahead. P90X2 wasn't designed only for those who have already done P90X. It will retrain your body from the ground up, so it's essential that you follow the program and go through each phase as it's outlined in your training guide.

During this first phase, you'll learn how to perform each move without injuring yourself and also prepare your body for the more intense workouts in a few weeks. The Foundation Phase lasts between three to six weeks depending on your fitness levels and goals. At the end of this phase, you can expect to be able to move better and also reduce your risk of injury.

P90X2 Phase 2: The Strength Phase

Phase 2 is similar to the second phase of the P90X workout system, except you'll be adding workouts that increase your range of motion and also take the intensity up a notch. This phase will last between three to six weeks and focuses mainly on functional training, plyometrics, strength training and post-activation potentiation (PAP) of the upper and lower body. At the end of this phase, you can expect to be much stronger and might also feel your muscles becoming supple. Post-activation potentiation training is defined as the amount of power increased after doing a weighted resistance exercise right before an explosive one.

P90X2 Phase 3: The Performance Phase

The Performance Phase is when you'll really see the results of all your hard work from the first two phases because you'll notice that you're able to jump higher, run faster and put more force behind all of your moves. You'll feel and look fitter during and by the end of this phase. Phase 3 lasts just three to four weeks and will put you on the fast track to fitness -- as long as you "Bring It" in every single workout.

Sources:

Beachbody.com - P90X2 Workout

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