If you\’re familiar with fitness trends, and probably even if you aren\’t, you\’ve heard of this new, and, the talk typically goes, incredibly intense new workout system. But what is it exactly? What does it entail, and why and how has it risen head and shoulders above the rest, especially at a time when there are literally hundreds of different styles of working out, and when everyone and their brother has a wild wacky system?

Made and perfected by master Tony Horton, and rooted in basic interval routines, P90X is the most recent installment of a whole class. P90X has an intended duration of 90 days (hence the name), and incorporates elements of all kinds of physical activity. P90X is designed to keep the body tested, and out of balance. 90 days, separated into 13 weeks of 6 per week workouts (incorporating stretching or rest of the 7th day). But why does this do the trick?

The program revolves around one intense workout per day. On certain days, such as the first, third, and fifth day, you would concentrate on muscle training certain spots; the other days would focus on other fitness aspects, such as yoga. Furthermore, other weeks will be solely dedicated to muscle training, targeting such areas as cardio workouts or stretching techniques.

Also incorporated, as you progress, are weeks for merely muscle training, layering in more stretching and other more mild components than before, and mere cardio weeks, where muscle work is dispensed with, and your cardio challenges are amped up.

So, what does it take? Not a lot, surprisingly. Most gym-rats know that equipment can be expensive and bulky, but P90X doesn\’t take too much. The program takes it pretty much back to basics. All you really need is some basic 15-30 lb dumbbells, a pull up bar or resistance band, and maybe a yoga mat if you like. The P90X workout is centered on the essentials, for both the exercise and the equipment.

What can you eat? Taking into account whether muscle-gain or weight-loss is your goal, the basic food guidelines are (as in most diets) to lower your carb intake, and guzzle protein post-workout. Protein post-workout helps your body bounce back from the exercise. Taking this into account, P90X has created a post-workout drink that complements their program.

So what\’s the skinny, so to speak? Well, P90X comes on a series of DVDs, all hosted by P90X creator, Tony Horton himself. His demeanor on camera is confident and encouraging and that of a good trainer, but also a tough trainer. He\’s there to push you, and with P90X, that\’s entirely the point.

You will find that Tony Horton is not the only endorser of the P90X. In fact, dozens of well-known celebrities and high-profile professional athletes have used the P90X and swear by its results. Millions of copies have been sold, and in this case, numbers simply do not lie. P90X goes beyond the hype and really delivers. If you are committed to setting goals, keeping yourself motivated, and getting in better physical than you already are, then the P90X is for you. In just 90 days, you will find that you have become a proud endorser of the program as well.

RaiseTheBarFitness.com offers a variety of exercise programs. Consider P90X, 10 minute trainer, the Shaun T\’s Insanity Workout Program, or even the Brazil Butt Lift Workout program.