Okay.

So i've been on this message board now for about 2 weeks reading threads and trying to figure out when is the best time to start for me. (i've also been waiting on some of the equipment I bought off ebay to come in the mail). Well....now I have no more excuses, and its time to start this torture (is it weird im excited? haha). Im going to start on Monday August 10th. I'm a little bit nervous to do this because my job is pretty physical and I will still have to be able to function and lift people and things, even after a workout. (I am an EMT and work with the firedept running 911 calls).

That being said, trying to figure out if I should or need a protein drink or some kind of a recovery drink?? I dont know ANYTHING about these. Im 25y/o female, 5'9" and 145 pounds. Looking to get better cardio and gain some (but not tons) of muscle as I'm trying to become a firefighter. I'm in pretty good shape from being a gymnast for many years. So, do I need something to build muscle? Or is some kind of recovery drink so that I dont get too sore the best option?? Please please help.

Like i said, starting on August 10th and if theres anyone out there who would like to start same time (esp if your my age and a girl!)then lets help each other out!
~Steph

Not what you want to hear but I wouldn't start on the 10th if I were you. Here's why: You will be extremely sore. In your line of work it's going to slow you down and hamper your ability to help people. An EMS tech hobbling around and wincing in pain every time she bends down isn't doing anyone any good. Might sound funny but I'm serious. Ask anyone about the soreness. It is intense.
I'd do a warm-up week starting the 10th where you do Week 1 as it's laid out but only go at 60-70% on everything. I.E. stop well short of your max but still do some of everything. Even cardio days. Stop and take a breather once in a while and let the DVD play on anyway.
This will help mitigate some of the soreness and give you a chance to figure out where you stand so you can go 100% starting the 17th.
Don't count the warm-up week. Start your "real" Week 1 on the 17th.
Btw, I think P90X is perfectly suited to your goal of becoming a firefighter.

Count me in with Stick on this one. If you do a warm-up week, you'll be less sore than if you plunged in full speed. And you won't miss any work, and you'll be on your way to becoming the fittest of the fit.

Hope this helps...

Kevin