p90x equipment questions

[Sho'Nuff]

Hey all, I have a few questions re: equipment for p90x.

First, is there a general concensus on which adjustible dumbells are best for P90x? I am considering the powerblocks and the ironmaster sets, and can't decide which one I want. I have the opportunity to purchase a set of powerblocks (12.5-50lbs, non-expandable) with a stand and a collapsible bench for $300, which seems like a good deal. But I have heard that the powerblocks have some issues with durability (primarily due to drops), and I am concerned that 50lbs per hand will not be enough in 6-12 months. I use 50-75lb dumbells in a strength training routine now (albeit one that is far less intense than p90x).

Second, I wanted to ask for a pullup bar/stand recommendation that can be used in room with a low ceiling. My wife and I just bought a new house, and the basement is almost perfect for a home gym. The only issue is that ceiling height in the basement is only 6.5 feet. Since I am 6 feet tall, it would seem that any bar/stand I put in the basement would be too tall. Is it possible/appropriate to use a shorter bar, and simply lower my height by bending my knees while performing the exercise? I would still be hanging from the bar. The only difference would be that my feet would be direclty behind my knees, intead of hanging straight down to the floor.

Finally, pushup stands. Are they necessary, useful, or a waste of money? I frequently do pushups at home, and am comfortable just using my hands. But if the stands actually do something, I might be interested in picking up a set.

Sorry if these questions have been asked before. FWIW, I did some searching on this forum and the bodybuilding.com forums, and was not satisfied with the answers I saw.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

79 views and no one has any suggestions?

In any event, I decided over the weekend to purchase a set of power blocks. Next week, I start the P90x routine. I'm going to use the following:

1. Weights: Powerblocks Classic 50

2. Irongym pullup bar

3. Chair

4. Bosu Ball (if needed)

Goal is to lose 30 lbs by august. Wish me luck.

 

[Jeraden]

For p90x I'd say you made the right choice with the powerblocks. I have ironmasters myself, which I like, but it's kind of a pain for p90x work, because it does take a while to change the weights. During a normal workout its not too bad, since you rest between exercises anyways. But p90x has minimal rest, so I have to end up pausing the video just to adjust weights. Powerblocks adjust much quicker, so I think they are more suitable for p90x.

 

[Jeraden]

Oh, and to comment on the low ceiling thing. I have low ceilings in my basement too - though mine are at least 7' instead of 6.5' and I'm 6'2". In addition to the issue of a pullup bar (which is fine to bend your legs), some of the exercises in the routine have you lifting weights over your head. Which sends them right into the low ceiling. So I end up doing those sitting down instead of standing up. And some of the plyometric exercises are impossible to do with low ceilings also - I'd actually suggest doing those in a different room (since you don't need weights for that routine).

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Oh, and to comment on the low ceiling thing. I have low ceilings in my basement too - though mine are at least 7' instead of 6.5' and I'm 6'2". In addition to the issue of a pullup bar (which is fine to bend your legs), some of the exercises in the routine have you lifting weights over your head. Which sends them right into the low ceiling. So I end up doing those sitting down instead of standing up. And some of the plyometric exercises are impossible to do with low ceilings also - I'd actually suggest doing those in a different room (since you don't need weights for that routine).

Thanks. After thinking about it for a while, I decided to simply do the routine in our living room, which has a valuted ceiling and room for an actual pullup bar. It will be a PITA moving the bar from the garage into the house every day, but I don't really have another option.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Thanks. After thinking about it for a while, I decided to simply do the routine in our living room, which has a valuted ceiling and room for an actual pullup bar. It will be a PITA moving the bar from the garage into the house every day, but I don't really have another option.

i'm not familiar with P90X but if it's a dvd, can you watch it on a laptop in your garage and keep the exercise equipment there?

 

[kamper]

Second, I wanted to ask for a pullup bar/stand recommendation that can be used in room with a low ceiling. My wife and I just bought a new house, and the basement is almost perfect for a home gym. The only issue is that ceiling height in the basement is only 6.5 feet. Since I am 6 feet tall, it would seem that any bar/stand I put in the basement would be too tall. Is it possible/appropriate to use a shorter bar, and simply lower my height by bending my knees while performing the exercise? I would still be hanging from the bar. The only difference would be that my feet would be direclty behind my knees, intead of hanging straight down to the floor.

A low pull-up bar is fine, otherwise door-hanging bars wouldn't be so popular. I'm 6'2 and my ceiling is 6'8 and I get along fine, although I can't bring my head as high over the bar as I'd like.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

i'm not familiar with P90X but if it's a dvd, can you watch it on a laptop in your garage and keep the exercise equipment there?

It is DVD based. The garage will work between April and November 1. But outside of those times, it is too freaking cold.

 

[MrWizzard]

I personally did not like the adjustable dumbbells and got different weight dumbbells when I did it. Due to range of motion adjustable can be too bulky. Also as others have mention swapping out weights take too much time and you have to keep pausing the DVD.

For pull-ups the higher the bar the better but if you can do it with your feet behind you, it would work fine.

Push up stands, I would highly recommend them, gives your further range of motion and you are less likely to tweak out your wrists.

I personally did not enjoy PX90 very much some of the routines were good, but I absolutely hated the YOGA X and Kempo X routine. :/ Those kind of ruined it for me.