My “Must Have” List

Coach Wayne’s “Must Have” list for P90X

If I had to go back in time and repeat my first round of P90X, knowing what I know now, there is a short list of items I feel I couldn’t do without.  Every one of these items, in my opinion, were critical to maximizing my results with the P90X program.  I used each of them several times per week, if not every day.  I hope this list helps you weed through all of the available equipment and supplements to determine what best meets your needs … and your budget!  (Please don’t feel like I’m giving you a sale pitch.  These are all items I feel really work and are worth the $$ to me, but my budget may be different than yours)

1)  Pullup Bar with multiple hand positions = The workouts involve a variety of pullups, and having a good, seven position pullup bar will help you maximize this portion of your workout.  Plus, you’ll be using it a lot so you’ll want a sturdy one that will last.  I bought mine from Beachbody due to its stronger materials and durability, although it was a little more expensive than the knockoff brands (I paid $59).  I’m glad I did, because it holds up to my abuse just fine (even when I was 255 lbs).

2) Adjustable Dumbbells = I know the exercises can be done with bands, but free weights will definitely maximize your results.  I got LifeSmart adjustable dumbbells, which are much cheaper than the Bowflex model ($175 for the pair), and they have worked great.  They adjust from 5-55 lbs, and are very durable.  I found mine at Academy Sports.

3)  PowerStands = These are more expensive ($39) than the cheap plastic pushup bars you get at the store, but they are solid steel, very stable, and very durable.  They won’t tip over shake when you are pushing hard for those last reps.  They also put your wrists in the correct positon to prevent joint problems.  I love my PowerStands.  They take my pushups to the next level, and they will last forever!

4)  Yoga Mat = Get one of these for Ab Ripper X.  If you try to do a bunch of situps with your tailbone directly on the floor, you’ll regret it!  I picked mine up at Target.

5)  Shakeology = This is by far my favorite Beachbody supplement (in fact, it’s the only one on my “Must Have” list).  I gave it a trial run just to see what the hype was about (they offer a 30 day guarantee so you have nothing to lose).  Well, after the first month on Shakeology, I signed up for home direct and have been using it EVERY day since.  There seem to be 2 types of people when it comes to Shakeology – those who haven’t tried it and are skeptical about the price, and those who have tried it and now rave about it.  It does cost twice the amount of regular whey protein, but it’s got hundreds of nutrients and supplements in it, so comparing it to plain protein powder isn’t a fair comparison.  You’ll have to decide if it’s in your budget or not, but to me it’s worth the money.  To learn more, click here.

6)  Whey Protein Powder = You will need to consume a lot of protein to fuel your muscles.  A good quality protein powder is critical to giving you what your body needs, unless you like eating 20 cans of tuna per day! Haha.  Beachbody sells Whey protein powder, but I primarily use Optimum Nutrition Gold 100% Whey because it is a little more affordable.

7)  Tap & Track (or another similar calorie tracking system) = I love Tap & Track.  It’s a .99 cent iPhone app that tells me exactly where I’m at on my nutrition.  Following the nutrition guide is critical to getting great results, and tracking your calories, protein, carbs, and fat will help you do that.  In a study, people who “tried to eat healthy” actually consumed 50% more calories than people who actually tracked their calories.  Put in the effort to do this!!!  Please!!

8)  Workout Sheets = These are easy and free, but you’ve got to keep track of your weight and reps on everything.  How else will you monitor your progress and know how to push yourself to the max?

9)  Creatine = This supplement helps volumize the muscles with water so that they can draw more nutrients in to aid with recovery and muscle building.  I get mine from GNC.  It is important to cycle creatine, 2 months on and 1 month off.  If you are unsure about using creatine, google it and read multiple reviews.

10)  Glutamine = This supplement is also naturally occurring in our bodies, and during intense exercise our glutamine stores are depleted, so replacing glutamine is important to giving our muscles what they need to repair themselves.  I get mine at GNC.

11)  Jack3d (or similar pre-workout) = I like the intensity and energy of a pre-workout supplement.  I used Jack3d during round, but I am about to try N.O. Loaded (a GNC product).  Jack3d tastes horrible, in my opinion, but it works great.  It has creatine in it, so it also needs to be cycled 2 months on, 1 month off.