Body for Life vs. P90X – Which is Better?
Body for Life vs. P90X – Which is Better?
Feb 3rd, 2010 | By Coach Nancy | Category: Living the Fit Life
Occasionally I get asked about whether I’ve tried the Body for Life program and if so, how does it compare to P90X. About a decade ago, I did do the Body for Life program and I did get in great shape. Now I do P90X and I’m in great shape. So is one better than the other?
Both are great programs which, if worked hard, will produce great changes in anyone’s body. Both have their areas that I think they excel in.
What I liked about Body for Life is that the amount of time you put in each week was less than P90X. Both programs have you work 6 days a week and then take 1 day to rest and recover. But Body for Life has you spend about 45 – 60 minutes on strength training 3 days a week and only about 20 – 30 minutes a week doing interval training in lieu of cardio. P90X has you spend 60 – 75 minutes a day on strength training, 90 minutes 1x per week on yoga and about 60 minutes for 2 different cardio/high intensity training sessions.
What I like about P90X is that unlike Body for Life, you get someone who has thought through all the exercises for you (instead of you mapping out your own program) and you only have to select the DVD for the day and follow along. This makes knowing you are getting all your body parts worked well a ‘no brainer’. Moreover, I find P90X to be a better balanced program as it has Yoga and X-stretch included which Body for Life has no yoga or stretching specifically included in the program.
So in the end, it’s a matter of your specific objectives, and likes. If you want less planning and a can’t fail plan already mapped out for you, then go with P90X. If you feel confident mapping out your own program and don’t mind working out all by your self with no DVD to follow and your time is limited, then Body for Life may be for you.
As I started this post I will finish it with the assesment of both programs are very good.
Good accessment regarding the two programs. The one point I would add is that the BFL program has the high point walking / running workout that if used in conjuction with a heart rate monitor, is an effective, scientific way to achieve the cardio fitness requirements for efficient training. I’m starting the second round of classic P90X training soon, but I will be adding the BFL Hi Point Walk / Run workout three days per week in the evening for a double session on those days.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for stopping by and contributing. The BFL 20 minute aerobic solution which has the high point and intensity factored in is an awesome workout. If you have a treadmill handy, it’s wonderful.
Nancy
The BFL program allows for 1 free diet day per week while the p90x does not. While i don’t want to get crazy with the free day, i am also realistic. We entertain and grill out a lot on the weekends, would mixing in a controlled / free day be a deal breaker on the p90x nutritional program?
Hi Tony,
A free day is built into my P90X diet recommendations. Read them at http://www.pressplayfitness.com/06/my-p90x-diet/.