P90X Equipment List: Everything You Need To Start Right Now

Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC
Published by Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: December 28, 2023
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After reviewing numerous home exercise programs, P90X emerges as the standout choice for my clients, eliminating the need for gym visits.

Tony Horton's P90X program uniquely combines a wide array of high-intensity, compound exercises, setting it apart in the realm of strength training.

Let's focus on the essential P90X equipment to enhance your workout experience without hassle.

Quick Summary

  • The essential equipment list for P90X includes the full P90X DVD set, a pull-up bar, resistance bands, and a yoga mat.
  • Using household items for P90X workouts, like water bottles for weights, can be effective but may lack the intensity needed for comprehensive strength training.
  • The P90X program has evolved from its original DVD format to also being accessible via online streaming, offering flexibility in how users access the workout content.
  • In my opinion, the combination of P90X's diverse exercise routines and the minimal equipment required makes it an excellent choice for effective home workouts.

Can I Do P90X With Just Household Items?

A person holding a tumbler and dumbbell

Yes, you can do P90X with just household items, but you will struggle quite a bit with some of the exercises. This also very much depends on what you want to get out of the P90X workout.

In my experience as an MMA fighter, improvising with household items for P90X workouts, like water bottles for weights, can be effective for basic fitness but lacks the intensity needed for serious strength training.

The biggest problem you might have is a pull up bar.

It’s not something a normal household will have, and with pull ups being such a central focus point of the exercises, you could end up struggling a lot.

The Minimum Equipment You Need

P90X workout equipment

OK, let’s start with some minimum recommended P90X workout equipment that you should invest in.

From my fighting training days, I know the essentials: a P90X DVD set, a pull-up bar, resistance bands, and a yoga mat are crucial for a well-rounded home workout.

These are all relatively inexpensive, and most of them you can get at Amazon or in a local sports store.

But one thing is for sure, they will make a difference to your weight loss and fitness levels, and will get you in really good shape.

1. The Full P90X DVD Set

P90X has evolved from its original DVD format to also being accessible via online streaming.

Whether you choose the physical DVDs or the online subscription, you'll receive the full P90X workout kit.

This kit comprises 12 diverse workout routines, a comprehensive nutrition plan, and a fitness guide to steer your daily exercise regimen, helping you to achieve noticeable results.

2. Pull-Up Bar

This is probably not something you’ll just have around the home, but you can get a decent pull up bar that fits onto your door frame for less than $30.

There are several DVDs that focus on back, shoulders, and chest strength that will require a variety of different pull ups.

3. Resistance Bands

For those without the space or ability to install a traditional pull-up bar, consider using resistance bands with a door anchor as an effective alternative, offering a similar range of exercises and flexibility in your P90X routine.

Resistance bands effectively substitute weights, targeting similar muscle groups with adjustable resistance levels.

For beginners or those finding pull-ups challenging, attaching resistance bands to a door frame offers a practical and efficient solution.

4. Yoga Mat

Yoga plays a crucial role in the P90X program for holistic fitness; ensure to equip yourself with a quality yoga mat and consider yoga blocks, especially if you find the 90-minute Yoga X sessions challenging, to enhance your experience and results.

A yoga mat is a budget-friendly addition to your P90X equipment. It doesn't have to be thick but should provide comfort for various exercises.

It's essential not just for the yoga routines but also for daily warm-ups, stretches, and core workouts. Choosing an eco-friendly yoga mat can also be a greener option.

Read: 10 Best Exercising Mats

Will The Minimum Equipment Limit What Exercises You Can Do?

Woman at the gym working out

No, you will be able to do all of the routines from cardio to advanced fitness moves by having just the above equipment needed for P90X.

In my MMA training, using minimal equipment like resistance bands didn't limit my P90X workouts; I could effectively perform a full range of exercises, from cardio to advanced moves.

You’ll even find that on quite a few of the days you don’t need anything other than the DVD from the P90X equipment list.

For example, plyometrics uses just your body weight, and without any gear, you’ll get some excellent fitness results.

What Equipment Will Help Improve Your Workouts?

P90X workout equipment

Now, if you’re not an absolute beginner and want to get the best outcomes from the time you spend doing this strength training, then you should consider spending a bit more on some other P90x equipment needed.

Just let me remind you, these are not necessary but will give you a bit more flexibility.

As an MMA fighter, I've seen significant benefits in my training from adding equipment like adjustable dumbbells and push-up stands to my P90X routine.

1. Adjustable Dumbbells

A full dumbbell set is going to cost you several hundred dollars for a good one, and they will take up a load of space. It’s not a bad investment if you have some very high fitness goals and want to achieve a fully ripped body.

But a really good alternative is to get some adjustable dumbbells.

Just make sure that they can be adjusted quickly without the need for complicated tools, as you don’t want to waste time between sets.

2. Push-Up Stands

Once you’re able to keep up with doing more push-ups and you can get the full range of motion, then the next thing on your P90X equipment list should be some push-up stands.

They make it a lot easier on your wrists, and you can get an extra 4 inches in the down-move. That will add up over time and make a big difference in your strength and fitness.

3. Yoga Block

A lot of people aren’t a fan of yoga, but the DVD included with P90X is actually really good.

It includes enough for beginners to get started, and even for advanced people, it’s not going to get boring.

A yoga block will help with some of the moves, as well as with a few of the stretching routines on the rest day.

4. Pull-Up Rack

Once you’ve improved your fitness levels and you can do some actual unassisted pull ups, then you might want to replace your pull up bar with an actual rack.

It’ll be a lot easier to get your feet off the ground, and you’ll have more flexibility for your hand placements.

5. Heart Rate Monitor

Finally, I would add a heart rate monitor to the list. You can get these as simple chest straps that can be linked up to your phone. This device will really help to get you into the right intensity level.

And, if you monitor your heart rate over time, you should have measurable data about how your fitness levels are improving.

"The core idea behind the P90X workout is what Tony calls "muscle confusion." By doing a different type of workout every day you'll keep your muscles guessing, which means you'll keep them working hard."

- Charlotte Anderson, Shape.com

How Much Space Will You Need?

A home gym full of equipment

I think I saw in some of the online advertising that 6 feet square is all you need.

Based on my training for fights, having 8 to 10 feet of space is ideal for P90X workouts, especially for dynamic exercises like plyometrics.

For the most part, you really won’t need to be able to move around much, but that little bit of extra space will just make you feel more comfortable.

Also, for the plyometrics and Kenpo X routines, you could quickly bump into your furniture without the extra space.

Once you have set up everything you need you can watch this video below to start your own P90X workout at home!

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One thought on “P90X Equipment List
The Must-Have Tools & Accessories

  1. P9X workout kit is by far the most worth it purchase in my fitness journey!

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