Conversation I heard today

I was in a sporting goods store and overheard a conversation between the sales associate and a customer.

customer: my husband got me P90X for Christmas. I'm going to try it finally.

associate: yea I did P90X twice...well once actually. I started it and then tore my shoulder up. as soon as it healed I got back on it. I lost 8lbs of fat and gained 9lbs of muscle! Personal training and gyms are a waste of money if you ask me.

customer: WOW! (pause) did you tear your shoulder up doing P90X?

associate: oh no, no way...

So, I have no idea how he hurt himself. But I will tell you this, I've heard many different versions of that story; people doing P90X and getting hurt.

Let me say this; I have nothing against P90X. I've not done it, but when it was at it's peak of popularity, I'd see people all day at the gym X'n. I've seen so much of it in fact, that I believe that I can spot anyone doing it. Here's what I think about P90X; it's a kick ass workout plan. Tony Horton is a motivational tour de force. I love the informercials. Sometimes, I'll watch a bit of one before I get my own sweat on. I love the intensity. It fires me up!

Here's the problem with X'n on your own. Bad or lazy form, and biting off more than you can chew.

So the dvds teach proper form (I assume). But what happens when you fatigue? Unless you're very in tune with your physical self, your form will likely turn into lazy shit.

So Tony Horton has you fired up to really push yourself. You're ready to go for it! But what happens when you pick up the 35lbers when your body can only handle the 20's? OUCH!

That's when the pain starts. Try this scenario: you're out of alignment when you do the plyos, or you press or pull too much weight. But you were able to finish the workout so its all good right? Afterward you're dripping sweat, cursing and praising Tony Horton, feeling good, flexing in the mirror, beach weather is coming! Then you bend over to untie your shoes and *pop* *tear* *snap* (pick one) and there goes your back, knee, shoulder, neck (pick one).

That's where a guy like me comes in. If you're my client then you know 2 things that set me off. Excuses, and lazy form (excuses are another blog entry). Lazy or bad form is DANGEROUS. When I see it, I stop it, and I change it. The chances of injury are then dramatically reduced.

So, if you want to get you X on, here's what I suggest; do it under the guidance of a trainer. Or at the very least, take personal inventory on what you're made of. No workout plan is effective if you're too injured to do it.