You may have seen the late-night infomercials for Beachbody's Power90 exercise program and were wondering if you should give it a shot. I wondered the same thing and, on the recommendation from a friend who had tried it, I ordered them. I can honestly say it's been the most effective fitness endeavor I have EVER gone through. Going from an extremely inactive lifestyle to working out 6 days a week was not easy. However, my results began quickly and it only fueled me to continue on with the program.

Power90 is broken up into two stages, really. There is the "1-2" phase and then the "3-4" phase. As you probably guessed, you begin the program in 1-2 and, when you feel ready, you start into 3-4. Each phase requires that you commit 6 consecutive days each week to working out. That seemed like a lot to me and I honestly thought I wouldn't stick to it. I proved myself wrong, though. The significant increase in my energy level and the visible results were enough to push myself through the 6 days each week.

Both phases have a Sweat and Sculpt program. The idea is to alternate "sweat" (cardio/abs) days with "sculpt" (strength training) days. I have a weekly committment on Monday night, so I began my 6 days on Tuesday. I would do the Sweat program on Tuesday, then Sculpt on Wednesday, and alternate like that on through Sunday.

The main differences in the two phases are:

• Phase 3-4 Sweat program is longer and has more "rounds" of the exercises.
• Phase 3-4 Sculpt includes an additional 4th round with all new exercises not in 1-2
• The overall intensity level and pace of 3-4 is significantly higher than 1-2

Overall, I started out Power90 as a 5'11" male weighing 240 pounds with a 40"-42" waist. By the end of the program, I had gotten down to right under 200 pounds with a comfortable-to-loose 36" waist size. I have changed my eating habits. I have gained so much more energy than I previously had. I feel a million times better about myself and everyone in my life can tell.

It really is amazing to look back on when I started Power90. I remember struggling with phase 1-2, just trying to finish the programs. Now, I'm able to rip through phase 3-4 and have to come up with new ways to push myself in the workouts.

I encourage anyone thinking about trying this program to dive right in. Don't let the workout pace at the beginning cause you to give up. Know that your body WILL be able to adjust and you WILL soon be tackling the programs and looking to move ahead to more intense workouts. The program really works and your fitness level will be dramatically improved if you commit to it.

Chris Baker is a systems administrator for a Hispanic Business 500 company in Rockledge, FL.