To huff and puff, or not to huff and puff? When you are looking for the right workout, you may find yourself choosing between the P90X or the 10 Minute Trainer. Thing is, do you want to huff and puff daily for one hour, or for 10 minutes daily? Your answer will make the choice for you.

The P90X is an extreme home fitness training system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle pumping workouts meant, it seems, only for the brave. They call their training technique Muscle Confusion with 12 diverse workouts each designed for different muscles in the body including the arms, abs, neck, core, among others. They require one hour daily for serious results. The package includes the P90X 3-Phase Nutrition Plan, the P90X Fitness Guide, and a "How to Bring It" video overview of the program, 12 video CD workouts, P90X Calendar, and free Online Support Tools. The package has a free 90-day trial offer, with initial payment of US$39.95 plus US$19.95 shipping, and a money back guarantee. If you choose to keep the product, the additional charge in 30 days is US$39.95, and a final US$39.95 is billed 30 days after that.

Independent reviews say that in general, what you see advertised is what you get and the written materials are good. However, the workout is very extreme and before you use them, if you are not in shape, you may have to use a lighter workout at first. One reviewer complained that although the product issues this warning, it does so only after you have placed your order and the package has arrived. Other things they don’t tell you in advance—you need a large area to do all the exercises in. And if you decide to return the product, you can have your money back, but you will have lost what you spent on shipping and handling. Also, take warning—keep your bank statements. Otherwise you may not only lose your refund, you may even be given a second billing. Bad customer service.

Then there is the 10 Minute Trainer, a daily workout program for busy people, which includes an easy to follow eating plan. This system uses a Super Stacking Technique using resistance bands so that in 10 minutes all the body muscles get their exercise regimen at once. The package includes four 10-minute workout video CDs, a Resistance Band Kit plus Cardio Belt, a Customized Workout Calendar, Tony Horton’s 10-Minute Meals, Rapid Results Guide Book, and 24/7 Online Support. There are also three free gifts, namely a bonus Abs Routine Video CD, On-The-Go Workout Cards, and a 10-day Lean Jean plan. They also offer a free download. There is also a 30-day risk free guarantee, with a full refund of purchase price minus shipping and handling. The entire product can be paid in two monthly payments of US$39.95 each, plus US$9.95 in shipping and handling.

Independent reviewers like the idea that Richard Horton talks a lot in the DVDs to explain the moves so you can do them right. It is also appreciated because intensity can be increased or decreased to meet individual needs. On the downside, others complain that the program is not good for beginners and you have to adjust what you do to your fitness level. There are complaints of transitions between exercises, and the use of so many CDs.

Which one is better? If you like a hard and tough workout, go for the first one because you will not have to deal with their bad customer service because you will not intend to send the product back and get a refund. But otherwise, you may want to go for the 10-Minute Trainer because if you want a tougher routine, you can do it for up to 30 or 40 minutes anyway. So you get something easy, something tough. It all depends on your body habits. With either product, you can attain your desired body habits anyway. You have the power, and the discipline part is all up to you.