July 4, 2010
Jill S. Brown: Infomercial Workouts: Are They For You?

Here’s a reprint of my comment on Huff Post:

“Must say that P90X is great. Tony is just silly enough to keep him from being a condescending musclehead and the workouts are hardcore. I am in my late 40s and definitely see results after 30+ days. I had lapsed out of my own routine over winter holidays and P 90X whipped me back into shape. Many options to keep you from getting bored. Must follow eating plan and EAT so you can get through workouts, but as they say: Just Keep Pressing Play. Even his yoga is great — his own form and practice show a lot of understanding of this as well. Thumbs up from a non-jock.”

Some things I WOULD change: have some explanation of what muscles are being targeted in yoga and non-weight work. Also, KenpoX, while the stronger of the two cardio routines, is a little weak in the application department. Again, if Tony went through something that suggested visualizing an opponent, it would help form and intensity. Also, in blocks and punching routine, he should continually emphasize the value and application of the Horse Stance. Plus, he could mention the value of use of coreĀ  — or as we Tai Chi practitoners know the dan tien — or the waist for generating power and form for these upper body moves. This would strengthen workout from a physical standpoint plus work the core/abs area additionally — all within context of cardio martial arts workout. But his comments are really funny: My favorite is when he calls for “The best Downward Dog of your life. They’re coming in to shoot the cover of Downward Dog Magazine.” Really. TOO funny — makes him seem like a decent guy.