• The rules for P90X detail a workout regimen that includes weight lifting and many other exercises.gym image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Power 90 Extreme, or P90X, is a 90-day intensive diet and exercise regimen developed for BeachBody by fitness personality Tony Horton. The P90X program incorporates elements of interval training, cross-training, cardiovascular training, plyometrics, Kenpo, yoga and meal planning. Informal competitions abound on the Team BeachBody forums, where members have encouraged each other to begin P90X simultaneously to motivate each other to complete the program.
  
  

Suggested Rules

• Because of the intense and regimented nature of the P90X program, Horton recommends checking with a doctor before you begin. Any responsible P90X competition should have a rule requiring entrants to get clearance from a doctor before participating. Whether your experience with P90X will be a competition with yourself or against others, the main rule should be that you follow its strict schedule and fully complete the program. Beyond completing the program according to its own guidelines, you might want to add rules that limit the use of supplements during your 90 days on the program. At least once P90X competition not sponsored by BeachBody has had a rule requiring participants to blog and make videos each day to document their progress.
  
  

Required Equipment

• According to BeachBody coach Jonathan Register, to complete the P90X training you need at least the P90X Training System DVD set, a P90X Pull Up Bar and a set of resistance bands or dumbbells. Additionally, Register recommends P90X Recovery Drink, whey protein, a yoga mat and two blocks, a heart rate monitor and push up bars.
  
  

Required Exercises

• Any P90X competition should have a rule stating that participants must do all of the program's 12 revolving workouts: Chest and Back, Plyometrics, Shoulders and Arms, Yoga X, Legs and Back, Kenpo X, X Stretch, Core Synergistics, Chest, Shoulders and Triceps, Back and Biceps, Cardio X and Ab Ripper X. The Chest and Back workout focuses on the upper body through a regimen of push-ups and pull-ups. Plyometrics is a form of cardio that involves explosive jumping. According to Horton, the plyometrics portions of P90X build strength and speed, both of which can be applied to the other elements of the program. The Shoulders and Arms workouts include flys, pressing and curling exercises designed to build strength and muscle volume. Yoga X is a series of stretches, poses and breathing exercises designed to improve flexibility, coordination and balance. The Legs and Back routine includes lunges, squats, pull-ups and exercises for conditioning the major muscles of the legs). Kenpo X is a cardio routine incorporating kicks and punches used in Kenpo Karate, an American school of karate developed in the 1950s by William K. S. Chow and his student Ed Parker. X Stretch is a stretching routine used to prevent cramps and injuries and minimize recovery time between workouts. Core Synergistics is a full-body conditioning routine aimed at building core strength. Chest, Shoulders and Triceps is a weight-lifting routine made up of extensions, presses and flies. The Back and Biceps routine combines curling with pull-ups. Cardio X is a low-impact routine aimed at building endurance and strengthening the heart. Finally, Ab Ripper X includes 11 different exercises that target the ab muscles.