Do I Really Need Special Equipment for P90X?

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I started reading an article today that implied the reader had to purchase a specialized plyometrics mat for the P90X plyometrics workout. I wonder if this writer has ever completed P90X because this is not a true statement. It bothered me so much that I decided to share my thoughts with what equipment is needed for the P90X program.

Plyometrics Mat The plyometrics routine can be done without a mat and on any surface. Plyometrics means “jump training.” Therefore, it can put pressure on your joints if you do not have a mat. I know this from my own experience, so I do recommend getting some kind of mat or modifying the exercises to low impact. What worked for me was the four squares of waffle connecting gym matting that you can get at sporting good stores for about $25.00.

Yoga Mat I’ve done Yoga X with a yoga mat and without a yoga mat. I like using a mat because it helps give me traction, especially in the downward dog position.

Yoga Block I highly recommend getting a yoga block to help you get through Yoga X. You could use something like a block of wood, but it’s nice to have the slight cushion of the yoga block while still getting the support your body needs to maintain a pose.

Selectec Dumbbells I absolutely love the Bowflex Selectec dumbbells, but I didn’t get them until after I completed the P90X program. They don’t take up as much room as a standard set of dumbbells. I got them, so I could keep them in my living room where I usually do my Beachbody workouts.

Dumbbells Nope, you don’t need dumbbells for P90X either. You will need something to create resistance though, so if you do not have dumbbells, you’ll want to ensure you have a couple of good resistance bands. The Beachbody bands are nice. I have a full set of them.

Chin Up Bar You will need some type of bar to do pull ups because you will do a lot of them in P90X. I bought an Iron Gym doorway style chin up bar which worked great for me and installs easily. I initially used the bar on my power rack, but I got tired of moving my gym around everytime I needed to do pull ups.

Heart Rate Monitor In my opinion, you dont’ need a heart rate monitor any more than you need a pedometer to go for a walk. If you learn how to time and count your heart beat, you can be your own heart rate monitor. Over time, you will learn what your body feels like and how your breathing feels when you are working in an aerobic zone.

Towel and Water Bottle These two items were present for every P90X workout I did. You are going to sweat. You will appreciate being able to towel off and hydrate frequently.

Push Up Stands Push up stands are not required for P90X either. I started without them and felt strain on my wrists because I wasn’t used to doing so many push ups. So, I went to my local sporting goods store and bought a pair. Push up stands do take pressure off your wrists. They also let you do deeper into each push up which allows you to put more work on each muscle group.

I am sure there are those who have opinions different from mine on what equipment is needed for P90X. Use whatever works works for you and modify as needed.