Do I Really Need a Pull Up Bar When Doing P90X?
One of the most frequent questions I get asked when doing P90X is Do I really need a pull up bar or do I have to do pull ups? Actually this
question is probably second or third only to “Do I have to do Yoga X?” It’s pretty funny to say the least but a lot of people hate P90X Yoga X and a lot of people hate doing pull ups. I guess I can’t blame them since both of these routines are really hard, especially if you are not used to doing them.
To give you the short answer to this question and let me stress this is my personal opinion, I would have to say yes. You ordered P90X for a reason and I am pretty sure you wanted to be challenged, get in great shape and get awesome results. Doing pull ups will help get you there fast. Now I understand that some people will not even be able to do one pull up but this is where the modified pull up comes in. In this situation you can use a chair to help support your body weight until you can do some pull ups on your own. There is something to be said about the mental barrier a person breaks when they go from not being able to do any pull ups to being able to do 3 or 4. This is a huge strength improvement and these are the kind of things that will keep you coming back for more. You want to do P90X because you want to do some extreme exercise so let’s do this. Get your P90X pull up bar and start “Bringing It”. You also have to option to build your own pull up bar for P90X as well.
Of course there is an exception to every rule. Maybe you do not have a door that will support a pull up bar. Maybe you have an old beer pong injury that will keep you from pulling your body weight. Maybe you are traveling and can’t bring along a pull up bar and dumbbells. If you fall into one of these categories then of course the resistance bands are a great option for you. All of the P90X videos show a resistance band option. If you are going to use resistance bands then you have a couple options. You can get the B-Lines Band Kit or you can get the B-Lines Bands Complete Kit. With either of these option you will need the upgrade kit so you can attach the bands to a door and simulate pull ups.
So what are you waiting for? Commit to 90 days and get in the best shape of your life with P90X 90 day workout plan.
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I agree. Yes to both pull up bar and Yoga X. I am 41 years old and in reasonable shape but I recently discovered I have some arthritis in my lower back (via X-ray at the doc’s). I had had a lot of lower back pain that caused me to stop jogging. Through exercises from the physical therapist I was able to start working out and begin P90X. I admit I am more of a cardio guy but the Yoga really is helping my back. That and all the other P90X exercises including all the core and stretching is really going to get me back in shape even with my low back issues. So if you are still young and/or have not experienced significant aging yet I highly recommend not neglecting any part of the program, especially the yoga.
PS – Thanks for the tip on the pullup bar. I’m sure the P90X bar is great but in my house all the doorways are close to walls so it’s not an option for me. I have to do the homemade jobbie. Going to the hardware store today!