P90 Sweat B

P90 is an update of Tony Horton’s first Beachbody series, Power 90 which was released back in 2000. While there is nothing wrong with Power 90 from an exercise point of view, it does appear quite dated and the production values are poor. Hence, creating an updated version for 2014. P90 is geared toward the person just getting back into fitness or for someone who, for whatever reason, can’t do high intensity or hardcore workout systems that Tony and Beachbody have become known for producing.

The P90 set includes 10 workouts broken up over 4 DVDs. The program starts with the 3 workouts on the A disc which are the shortest in length and meant to be foundation for the other 2 stages. There are 3 more workouts on disc B, and another 3 on disc C. There is a 4 disc which has the Saturday Special workout. For an additional cost you can purchase the Speed disc which has 3 Speed workouts and Tony’s Greatest Hits.

This review is for Sweat B. The total running time is about 32 minutes plus an additional 3 minutes for a cool down/stretch.

Exercisers: Tony works out with 3 background exercisers, 2 men, one of whom shows the less advanced modifications, and 1 woman. Everyone is wearing athletic tops and shorts and no one is noticeably mugging for the camera.

Setting & Music: The set reminds me of a cross between a gym and a loft. A wooden floor with benches, weights, resistance bands, other fitness accessories and posters in the background. The music is instrumental with a kind of rock vibe to it. I found it neither detracted nor enhanced the workout. There is a music off option.

Equipment: tape H on the floor, water, and a towel. A mat is optional.

Warm Up: kayak knee lift, run in place, 2x Sun Salutations.

All exercises are for either a minute or 30 seconds if switching sides. There are 10 exercises that you run through. After the first time, you get a 30 second break and then repeat the exercises.

Exercises: lateral run squats, elbow/upper/pull knee, front to side jacks, jab/upper elbow/kick, side lunge row, hook/cross/push kick, 2 speed tires, downward strike/sprawl, climbers combo, jump front kicks.

Cool Down: shake it off, mini kicks, side stretch, wide leg forward fold, groin stretch, runners lunge, calf stretch, cat/cow stretch, child’s pose, and ragdoll up.

I think this workout is best suited for beginner to intermediate exercises. The choice of exercises and the alternating format between floor cardio and an MMA type exercise would make it hard for an advanced exerciser to get their heartrate up. I enjoyed the workout quite a bit and would do it again as a stand-alone cardio workout.

Overall impressions: This is a solid cardio workout that gets a lot done in just over 30 minutes. Tony Horton has A LOT of personality and it seems that you either love it or find it incredibly annoying. I personally love all things Tony Horton and am not bothered by his colorful commentary or sometimes goofy talk. I enjoyed the workout quite a bit and definitely felt I got in a solid cardio workout.

Instructor Comments:
Tony is a great instructor and demonstrates impeccable form. His commentary at times can be goofy and a little off the wall, and I find it breaks the seriousness often associated with Beachbody systems. Tony doesn’t do the whole workout and often starts the exercise and then goes around to the backgrounders pointing out the form, the modification, or making corrections/adjustments. Tony sincerely wants the home exerciser to try their best and forgot the rest!

Sabine Reuter