P90X update time.
Yes, the chest, tricep, and shoulder work out is a bear. The phase one chest routine centered on quantity. Do push ups and pull ups until you puke. The phase two dvd's are more intricate devices.
I actually did several one armed push ups. I just feel all cool writing that. What can you say to that, huh?
Biceps and back is also insane. It mimics my earlier routine in that I used to do a bunch of pull ups and then switch to biceps and triceps. Tony Horton has other ideas, however. Here the pull ups keep coming, ostensibly working out your back as you do double arm routines. As I sit here, lazily typing away, I can feel my triceps and biceps aching.
All that being said (er, written), the thing about this program is the diet. I haven't followed it, I am therefore stronger and slightly leaner.
So, beginners and novices out there. Don't sweat the intimidating workouts. When you come to bring it, do not bring the booze. Having a 6 day workout routine will be a shock to even an athlete's system, so the extra burn alone will work. The diet, however, will do things, I imagine, that will make you lean and hot. And the diet is not ascetic. So, don't fear it. You will still ingest at least 2000 calories a day. They will be smart calories. and possible tasty too.