Intense home-workout programs that promise transformation, such as P90X and Insanity, can be too much for many people and might even lead to serious injuries, some doctors and trainers warn.

Dr. Jason Dapore of OhioHealth’s Spine, Sport & Joint Center said he has seen several patients with injuries related to these workouts, including damage to rotator cuffs, tendinitis in the knee and neck injuries.

“It’s not something they talk about in the commercials,” said Dapore, who has done the original P90X and is working his way through the second incarnation. “There are some dynamic, complex moves.”< /p>

The programs, which are on DVDs, run for a set number of days and include difficult aerobic and strength-training workouts.

Dapore said the newest version includes information about injury risks, but he thinks many people likely jump past the warnings in their eagerness to get going.

“I think people kind of just dive into their workouts,” he said.

Dapore said he also has noticed that many people who follow the P90X exercise program don’t adhere to the diet that goes with it. Without the proper diet, working out at that intensity can be dangerous, he said. “You’re basically tearing up your muscles and not getting the nutrition you need.”

People — especially those who aren’t in their 20s anymore — should take the time to learn about what the programs entail and talk to their doctor or a physical therapist about whether they are a safe option, Dapore said.

Greg Jasnikowski, a personal trainer who owns Body by Greg in Dublin, said the workouts are far too intense for most people.

“They ask people to do pull-ups in these videos. Show me somebody who can do pull-ups right off the street,” he said. “These are being sent to people who are sitting in front of the TV and looking at these pictures of before and after. It’s trying to psychologically set the fire under their butts.”

He said such workouts really are for athletes with some sort of preparation.

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