Another you quit running and switched to P90X. One you continued running and avoiding cross-training. Put another way, suppose you cloned yourself twice. P90X definitely prescribes more strength, power, and flexibility and mobility training, too, for that matter, than any runner needs. Any additional time spent in the gym would be better spent running. Research shows that a modest amount of strength and power training gives runners as much performance benefit as they can possibly get from these types of training (provided they also run a lot). You’ll probably get the greatest possible boost in your running performance if you maintain a fairly high running volume and cherry pick parts of the P90X program to add to your routine. The program was not specifically designed for runners, after all.
Stop or curtail your running and switch your focus to P90X over the winter, then ramp up your running in the spring and retain two or three mini P90X-style workouts in your weekly regimen to maintain the well-rounded fitness you’ve earned.Ĭompleting the full P90X program as designed is not the most efficient way to improve your running through cross-training. One good way to use it is as an off-season cross-training program. There’s obviously more than one way a runner can incorporate P90X into his training, and the best way depends on individual considerations. So even though the typical runner who tries P90X runs less for 90 days, he gains more than he loses. And third, P90X addresses some key weaknesses that many runners have: namely, strength, flexibility, mobility, power, and anaerobic endurance. Even the strength workouts are uptempo and allow little rest, so you’re getting a good cardiovascular boost even as you gain strength.
Second, most of the workouts are high heart-rate.
First of all, the program is high-volume-you’re working out an hour a day, on average. The reasons it’s helpful to runners are pretty clear. If you snoop around on internet running forums you’ll find lots of sunny testimonials from runners who have benefited from P90X. In the cover story written by Jeff Banowetz, Horton says, “I can’t tell you how many marathoners I know who stopped their training-and started using us.” The article also includes the story of a once-overweight triathlete who gave P90X a try and set a PR in his next 5K. Who is the cover boy of the forthcoming November issue of Competitor? Tony Horton!Īpparently you’re not the only runner who is curious about Horton’s workout craze. Curious as to your opinion of P90X if implemented into a running program?Īn interesting and timely question. You recently mentioned that strength training and focusing on plyometrics, stretching, and mobility work are important as you age. Get access to everything we publish when you