So for a guy starting out what do i need to do exactly?

Ill probably start in the afternoon. Should I eat a certain amount of time before i start? any food restrictions or any food recommended? How long after i work out should i eat? (what to eat what not to eat)

I only have 15-lb dumbbells and some "GOLDS GYM" resistance bands i bought from wal mart which im planning on returning. I thought i would need both weights and bands but I'm reading that the bands are for portable use or if I dont have weights. So right now i just 15-lb weights and a "Iron Gym" pull up bar which i will use as a pull up bar and push up bar.

I have a hard wood floor with a large carpet rug that i will work out on. I am on a tight budget so Ill be returning the resistance bands and possibly buy some 20-40lb weights down the road. I wont be buying any mats since i hear carpet is decent.

BEFORE I START:
i plan on recording my weight andtaking before pictures.
Ill have a towel with some water handy.

Ill then pop in the tape and get crankin' (maybe do some warm up stretches before i even put in the tape)

ill record my reps on a sheet ...

and then im done.. and ill do it over again tomorrow? am i missing anything important?

Theres a Nutrition Guide that comes with p90x with a recommended diet and Such.

Also almost all of the workouts include a warm up stretch in the video.. and cool down.

You will need less than 15's for some of the excersizes.. IE weighted arm circles... maybe 5 or 10. and more for the back excersizes.

Pace Yourself. Good Luck

great info!

Thanks for the info!

I am going to start soon. My parents were at a garage sale and my dad was able to pick up a pair of 10-lb dumbbells for 3 bucks. i think that will suffice for now. Eventually I would like to pick up 20, 25, and 30s. What do most men who are in decent shape (age 18-22 ) use? (im 5'8" at 180lbs) dumbbells are pretty expensive but i do want a good set to use throughout the program.

I will return the resistance bands and possibly pick up some 25s.

Thanks!

There's nothing wrong with 15s - I have 25s but for most workouts, I tone it down to 10 or 14 lbs. It's more about reps than weight. Since you're stuck with 15s, I suggest doing a few extra reps than suggested, atleast until you 'feel the burn' for the last couple of reps.

About your food question: Wait atleast an hour after eating before beginning an exercise. More importantly, make sure you are hydrated. I read a thread yesterday about someone who collapsed half way through the Day 1 exercise (chest and back), but managed to complete the Day 2 exercise ( Plyometrics - the hardest workout in my opinion ) relatively easily - strictly because he was hydrated before starting the Day 2 workout.

Lastly, drink chocolate milk after every workout! I don't get the science. But it's delicious, and it's supposed to be a great supplement to the 'official' recovery drinks you're encouraged to buy from beachbody.