When I originally went through P90X I wish I knew more than I did. If I could go back and repeat that first round my results would have been much better. I compiled a list of items I use pretty much everyday in my workouts. I’m hopeful this list can help you in knowing what you may need to get started with your own fitness program. You will need to determine what equipment and supplements will best meet your needs and budget. I’m not trying to push these items on you, I actually use them myself and my goals and budget maybe different from yours.
- Pullup Bar with multiple hand positions – Having the multiple hand positions is not a must but with most of the newer Beachbody workouts like P90X2 and Asylum they are using multiple hand positions so if you want to follow the programs it’s a good idea to pick one of these up. I got mine direct from Team Beachody and paid about $60. It’s very sturdy even when I was 220+ and has all the different hand positions. You can pick up a very basic one at you local Wal-Mart but I don’t think those measure up to the durability of the Beachbody one. You can find the Team Beachbody one by clicking here.
- Adjustable Dumbbells – Of course you can use bands for almost all the workouts, but I just feel the dumbbells will get you much better results. When I started I had a set of the hex dumbbells from 5 lbs – 25lbs and once it was time to add more weight they were starting to get expensive and bulky. I went ahead and took the plunge and purchased the Bowflex Adjustable dumbbells. They were upwards of $390 but they fit in a small corner of my living room and adjust from 5 lbs – 52.5 lbs.
- PowerStands – Honestly, I did not like the earlier versions of these and I really didn’t use them that much. But with the recent upgrade they have made to these the are much more comfortable and help me with my wrist issues with all the push ups, plus they will take you push ups to the next level giving you a greater range of motion. You can check out the Brand New version at Team Beachbody by clicking here.
- Yoga Mat – I use this for more than just yoga. I have concrete floors and to save me feet and knees I use it as a plyometric mat too. Not to mention to use it with Ab ripper. You can find these at your local Wal-Mart.
- Shakeology – This is by far my favorite Beachbody supplement. This wasn’t even available when I started my first round of P90X. Once it came available I went ahead and ordered it and gave it 30 days to see how it worked for me. Well since then I have been drinking it everyday without fail. It has helped me with an increase in energy, regularity and a few other health related issues. Some people may be skeptical of the price of Shakeology, but if you break it down it only costs about $4 per serving which is probably cheaper than most meals it’s just the fact you have to put out the money for a month’s worth all at once. Other people simply rave about what Shakeology has done for them. You’ll have to decide if it’s in your budget or not, but to me it’s worth the money. To learn more, click here.
- Whey Protein Powder – It’s been proven that protein will help you gain lean muscle and it’s essential to get the right amount of protein per day. After all, protein fuels your muscles. Team Beachbody does have a high quality whey protein but I have been using GNC’s Ambolic Whey protein which runs just under $60 per jug but I have the gold membership so I save a bit off of that price.
- MyFitnessPal – Tracking you calorie intake is one of the biggest skipped steps I see, yet it’s probably one of the most important. I like to use My Fitness Pal at http://myfitnesspal.com, it’s free and they even have apps for your smart phones (BB, iphone and Droid). It can track your calories, protein, carbs and fat. Not sure why you are not seeing results? Check out what you are eating. Get this!
- Workout Sheets – These are easy and free, but you’ve got to keep track of your weight and reps on everything. How else will you monitor your progress and know how to push yourself to the max? Download your worksheets by clicking here.
- Energy and Endurance (or similar pre-workout) – This is something I started taking in my latest round of Asylum and P90X2. I was taking Jack3d but the taste was so horrible it was a task in itself to drink it down. Then Beachbody came out with their own pre-workout drink. I ordered it to see if it compared to Jack3d which by the way works very well. I was very surprised that not only did it taste much better but it works, I can definitely feel a difference when I take it before my workouts. Learn more about E & E by clicking here.
