P90X® Results and Recovery Formula: Not Just for After Exercise

By Aaron Lowe

Let's talk about everyone's favorite topic: P90X. Well, maybe, everyone's second favorite topic: P90X Results and Recovery Formula. Before we dive into the meat of this article, let's clear up one major misconception about our P90X line of nutritional products: you don't have to be following our P90X training program to enjoy all the benefits they provide. For example, P90X Results and Recovery Formula can be used by anyone following a workout program, especially any of our programs; by individuals with physically demanding jobs; and even as a replacement for sports drinks. Sure, if you "Bring It," these products will support the P90X system of intense training. But, for those who simply want to maximize their results from their weight loss and fitness program, don't overlook what these products can do for you.

One of the main misconceptions about P90X Results and Recovery Formula is that "it contains too many carbohydrates" or "too much sugar." In our carb- and calorie-conscious culture, it's understandable to be concerned about carbs and sugar; however, there are many myths out there that we need to clear up so you can make an informed decision.

The confusion on carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are absolutely essential for you to function. They are classified as a "macronutrient," as are protein and fats. The problem is that "carbs" have been vilified over the last few years, and the no-/low-carb diet trend is still fairly popular. The fact of the matter is we do need carbohydrates in our diets for energy, especially for the brain and central nervous system to function. In fact, I've always made it a challenge to find a competitive, world-class endurance athlete who does not ingest a tremendous amount of carbohydrates every single day to get through his or her training and competition. To date, I've yet to hear of an athlete who eschews carbohydrates as a mainstay in his or her diet.

Where the problem lies is in the total amount and the type of carbs we eat every day. We tend to overeat way too many processed carbohydrates: white-flour-based foods and products sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. Excess consumption of these types of carbs is a double-edged sword—they are sources of empty calories and they tend to cause an insulin response that removes excess sugar from the blood but tends to store it as fat rather than using it for energy. The hormonal feedback mechanism also causes one to crave carbohydrates after the insulin release, so you repeat the process over and over. For many of us, this roller coaster of excess blood sugar, and the corresponding insulin response, is a constant occurrence during our waking hours.

What this all adds up to is that this excess sugar that's removed from the blood isn't used for energy; it's either stored as glycogen for later use as blood sugar (unlikely, since most of us hardly ever tap into our glycogen stores, so they don't need refilling), or, more than likely, it's stored as fat.

The problem with most sports drinks

The sports beverage industry is a multibillion-dollar business, and there is no end in sight for sales slowing down. Where most sports beverages miss the boat is in their ability to provide all the nutrients needed during exercise. What science has learned over the last 10 years is that sports drinks are more effective if they include some protein along with water and carbohydrates. The currently accepted ratio is four parts carbohydrates to one part protein. The protein and carbohydrates combination allows one to exercise at a higher level for a longer time. Unfortunately, most sports drinks on the market still adhere to a carbohydrate-only approach to energy replacement.

Fitting in P90X Results and Recovery

Now that we understand the facts about the importance of carbohydrates and which ones to avoid, we can see how we can incorporate P90X Results and Recovery Formula into our fitness and healthy lifestyle. Rule number one is that this product has to be counted in as part of your overall nutrition program. If you are following a diet that limits your daily calories (and we all should be), then the calories in P90X Results and Recovery Formula have to be factored into your total daily intake. If you are on a 1,200-calorie-per-day nutrition program, then 1,000 calories should come from your meals and 200 calories from P90X Results and Recovery Formula.

Secondly, the amount of carbohydrates (CHO) in the product is there for several reasons. Activity requires energy, and energy for your body primarily comes in the form of CHO. Carbohydrates convert to blood sugar, which is the fuel for hungry muscles. As you exercise, your body will use its circulating blood sugar and tap into its glycogen stores. This is all for providing energy to your muscles. The longer the duration of exercise, the more you tap into your storage facilities and the more CHO you burn.

Remember the insulin response we discussed earlier? One little known secret is that this response is greatly minimized during exercise. That means that your body is pretty smart—it understands that it wouldn't be smart to remove energy-providing blood sugar while exerting high amounts of energy, so it allows the extra blood sugar to remain in circulation so it can be burned as energy.

P90X Results and Recovery Formula is an excellent fluid-replacement and energy drink to use before and while you work out. If you mix a serving and start using it before your workout, you will ensure that your muscles have optimal amounts of CHO to get you through a grueling workout session AND that you get a jump start on recovery. What's even more cool about the product is that it has the 4-to-1 ratio of carbs to protein that scientists agree is optimal for energy replacement. (Hint, if your workout is short, mix it half-strength.)

Finally, when you cease exercising, your body immediately begins its recovery phase and wants to replenish those nutrients used during exercise. First, it wants to replenish used CHO to keep its storage mechanisms topped off. Second, it wants to repair cellular damage—via amino acids. We've formulated P90X Results and Recovery Formula with 39 grams of CHO and 10 grams of protein specifically for this purpose. It also contains a combination of antioxidants, like vitamins E and C, to support repair of the oxidative damage done during exercise.

Yeah, I know this article sounded like a blatant advertisement for P90X Results and Recovery Formula, but its benefits are so great that I wanted to share them with all of you. Instead of reaching for one of those "'ade" drinks the next time you are working out, reach for P90X Results and Recovery Formula and give your body what it really needs!