After losing over 100 pounds about 10 years ago, I suddenly found myself steadily gaining weight after some major life changes. Over the last 5 years I regained all 100 pounds plus an additional 20. I topped out at 260 (I'm 5'7") with a 48" waist in January 2010. I ordered this program in November 2009 with the mindset that I would be one of those people I've always despised - those New Year's Resolution"ers". After a 2009 most people would rather forget, I swore to myself that 2010 must be a great year. And so far it has been. 

Like so many people, I stay up late and a few months ago found myself watching Tony's infomercials for P90X. While I was highly intrigued, the workouts looked much too tough for someone who was used to eating 5,000 empty calories a day and would rather sleep than do something productive. I knew I couldn't begin there. The next morning, I logged onto Beachbody's website and began looking around at all of the "Best Sellers" and researched the workout programs offered. When I came across Power 90, I immediately ordered it. The package comes with a two-DVD set (Level 1-2 and Level 3-4), a resistance band, measuring tape, eating guide and workout manual with progress calendar. I must mention that I do not at all follow the eating guide as it is not something that works for me (in this "lose the weight in 90 days" business, you're always going to get some unrealistic propaganda). I did completely overhaul my eating plan on my own and am making it work for me. If you can follow the eating plan that's provided, more power to you. 

The program was produced about 9 years ago and, for some, could be considered antiquated. However, if you're like me, this program is one of the most motivational ways to get yourself started back on that path to a healthier lifestyle. Tony's on-screen persona is instantly magnetic and his quirky personality keeps you tuned in. 

Level 1-2 eases you into a number of moves you likely haven't done in years. None of the exercises are impossible to do on their own, but as they progress one after the other, you begin to sweat and really feel as though you're accomplishing that goal you've finally set for yourself. It's comforting to finally be sweating for a purpose - not just because you're tying your shoelaces. Each day alternates a different workout - day 1 is cardio, day 2 is circuit (weights), day 3 is cardio, etc. - with the goal of doing 6 days on, 1 day off. Some other reviewers have noted that this becomes redundant and I can't completely disagree, but for those of us who struggle from the gate find the repetition beneficial for mastering proper form and technique. As Tony states throughout the program, GO AT YOUR OWN PACE! The point of the workouts is not to keep up with him or his cohorts, it's to work on maintaining proper workout technique and slowly building your tolerance level. I really struggled the first few workouts, but within a week, I was amazed at the kind of progress I was making. You will, too. 

I stuck with Level 1-2 for 35 days (technically the idea is to stick with it for 45 days - or half-way through the program). By this time, I was able to complete both the cardio and circuit portions of the program. I decided it was time to switch to Level 3-4 a bit early - some people may take longer. This second DVD actually contains the same workouts (with a few new exercises thrown in), but the workouts are about 10 minutes longer each and you now begin doing more sets and at a faster pace. It's a lot tougher, but still manageable. I still struggle a bit on the jumping jacks/running in place/run lunges portion a bit, but I am not planning on giving up! It's a high energy workout that's perfect for me at my current stage. Again in Level 3-4, Tony consistently reiterates to take a break and hit "Pause" if you need to, resume when you're ready. It's never about keeping up, it's about doing what's comfortable for you and making the transitions when they make them. 

With only two weeks to go before it's "technically" over, I almost feel like I'm losing a best friend. I do not plan to stop this program on April 11 (90 days), but I can't WAIT to see how far I've come by then. As of the date of this posting (9 weeks and 5 days in), I have lost a total of 51 pounds (down to 209), 11" off my waist and 13" elsewhere and I have found that energy that escaped me 5 years ago. This program is the real deal for those who don't think they can yet handle P90X (like me) and need to ease back into the lifestyle. With what Tony's given me, I can move forward with confidence and stamina. 

I will be ordering P90X in the months to come, but I think I am going to stick with Power 90 for a while because there are small bursts of Level 3-4 I still can't quite complete without pausing and I want to master it all before moving on. Over time, I plan to compile a library of many of Beachbody's programs, as I find them engaging and real. I never thought I'd ever get as far as I have with this - I've never been one for in-home DVD-based workouts, but Tony has made a believer out of me. I never looked at this as a "workout for 90 days and quit" program. The benefit to owning this is that I can always pop the DVD in and get a workout regardless of which level I choose. If I'm having an off day, I can do Level 1-2 of Power 90; if I'm having a great day, I can throw in a P90X routine. This is really something that can be done as a regular, weekly routine to maintain that body you've transformed! And the best part is, buying this covers a two-month gym membership and you own it forever. 

If you're reading this and you find that you're in the same situation I was, I urge you to just do it. Without a doubt, I would be several pounds heavier by now if I hadn't hit "Play".

Read more Power 90 In-Home Boot Camp