So you’re ready to make the first step to getting in the absolute best shape of your life.  You’ve bought P90x (or if you haven’t, DO IT NOW!  Buy P90x)… But now what?  Here’s the equipment you need!

Workout Bands
This is the most standard equipment for P90x and everything you absolutely need.  You can do all your workout without any other piece of equipment.  Even if you plan to use dumbells, I still suggest a set of bands since they are easy to use, easy to travel with you, & on some exercises work BETTER than dumbbells.

Buy B-Line Resistance Bands – The bands used in the videos.  I own the extreme kit and they are great.  These only run about $40.  I bought a set before for $35 from the local sporting goods store and they worked, but the BLines are worth the $5 extra.  You can see what the “kids” are using the in the video and the handles are super comfy.

Pull-Up Bar
You’re going to do a lot  of pull-ups and chin-ups.  And you’ll start on day one.  Yet at 413 lbs starting this program, I couldn’t do a pull-up, even with the help of a chair.  So I used my bands!  They always show the band version and you just hook them to any door.

Yet after 6 weeks,  I’ve got my P90X® Chin-Up Bar on the way and will be adding in throughout the workout.  So I’m going to be using a combo of bands and the P90X® Chin-Up Bar.  It’s highly recommended and just attaches to a door for easy access.

Buy P90X® Chin-Up Bar – This is the heavy duty, best of the market.  For 90% of you, this is a required purchase.  For those who can’t do pull-ups yet and/or can’t afford another piece of equipment, the bands will do, but don’t short yourself… You can’t fully simulate a pull-up without doing one!

Free Weights/Dumbbells
If you are looking to bulk up, I think free weighs are important.  While the bands are awesome and will get you defined, the dumbbells allow you to up your weight and really push your muscles to build more.  You don’t need to spend $1,000 on a set, or even buy a $400 set of adjustable weights (although if you can, I recommend them).  I just have 3 hex dumbbells (45, 35, 25) and a cheap adjustable set that goes to 30lbs.  This works for me and lets me push myself and only costs like $30 at a used sports store.

Supplements & Recovery Drinks
When you’re working out this hard 6 days a week, you’re going to need some help with nutrition.  The P90x system comes with a nutrition guide & a diet which is awesome.  But there’s some extras that will help you hit your peak performance.  The P90x supplements are just that… the supplement and enhance your performance and recovery so you can last longer and workout harder!  While I’ll in no way say these are required, for those of you who want the most out of the program, they are a great suggestion.

P90X® Results and Recovery – Tub-  This is the good stuff!  This tasty drink will help you recover from hard workouts and be ready for the next day.  If you do P90x, you’ll hear Tony talk about it as his favorite part of the workout.  It’s going to replenish you body and get you ready to go again tomorrow.

P90X® Peak Performance Bars – The P90x Diet is about eating throughout the day and these bars are not only a tasty snack, but pack the energy you need to get through vigorous workouts.  You really can’t beat these with anything else on the market.