Insanity has been hailed as potentially the most intense home workout available today. As you can probably tell from its name, this workout regimen is insane — a package of exercise drills, moves, and routines, coupled with resources such as a nutrition plan and exercise calendar—all aimed at intensely working the entire body, turning it into a fully toned and conditioned cardio machine, in just 60 days, right in the comfort of your home.
Since all the workouts on Insanity require no gym contraptions or weights, all you’ll need to start is flat and ample space to work with, a working television and DVD player (or computer and speakers), and the will to push yourself each and every day. The host, Shaun T, promises that the Insanity workout program is going to get you “into the best shape of your life.”
The Big Question
The question is whether Insanity can actually produce the results it claims, and whether it’s worth going through a process this challenging in order to get them. To find an answer to this we decided to try it (video below), let’s look at exactly what is included when you purchase this program which is available at Amazon.
The core of the Insanity program is in the 10 DVDs of insane workouts:
- 1st CD: Dig Deeper & Fit Test
For 30 minutes, your body will be tested and pushed. This first step will show you if you’re tough enough for the Insanity workout program. You will be taught how to move with proper form–an integral part of making these exercises work. This is where it all starts.
- 2nd CD: Plyometric Cardio Circuit
In this CD, it’s 42 minutes of kicks, squats, and other lower-body plyometrics. These explosive exercises will be done alongside a lot of cardio work. The aim is to get and maintain the basic strength and conditioning that’s necessary to go up the ladder of the program.
- 3rd CD: Cardio Power & Resistance
For 40 minutes, the aim will be lean muscle definition of the upper-body through a lot of power moves. This is the upper-body strength training part of the program, so prepare for push-ups.
- 4th CD: Cardio Recovery
As the name implies, it’s 30 minutes of less-intense cardio exercises. It’s going to be a bit easier, but only once a week, so your body can recover and continue to perform intensely in the future.
- 5th CD: Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs
This CD is Insanity at its most intense–55 minutes of literally nonstop cardio workout; there will be no rest intervals between exercises. Nothing beats the feeling of fighting through all 55 minutes.
- 6th CD: Core Cardio & Balance
After a much-needed break following your 1st month in the program, this 37-minute workout will prepare you for the 2nd month of Insanity.
- 7th CD: Max Interval Circuit & Fit Test
It’s time to level up the intensity of the workouts with 86 minutes of the interval circuit. By this time, you’re getting close to total body conditioning—the promise of the Intensity workout program.
- 8th CD: Max Interval Plyo
For 55 minutes, it’s going to be pure leg torture with powerful plyometric routines. These routines will give you explosive running and jumping-useful advantages in any competitive sport.
- 9th CD: Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs
For your body to be able to keep up with the intensity, it’s time for 65 minutes of extreme cardio work. These exercises will focus on developing your core along with your gas tank, pushing you to burn more and more with each day that you’re working out.
- 10th CD: Max Recovery
The name says it all. This time it’s 47 minutes of stretches and moves. You’ll still be burning calories, but it’ll be a relatively relaxing change from the constant intensity.
What else is included?
It doesn’t stop there. The next part of this Insanity workout review is the additional ‘gifts’ that come with the DVDs. These are the partners of the workout regimen, essential factors towards the ‘total body conditioning’ that the program is aiming for.
Elite Nutrition Plan
The only way to get the most out of committing to the Insanity workout program is by eating right. In this nutrition plan, you will be taught to eat with the purpose of fueling yourself, so that your body will be able to keep up with the insanity.
Fitness Guide and Workout Calendar
These added resources will give you all the information you need in order to set attainable goals and track your progress. Being able to check how you’re doing in the program can be a great form of motivation.
Now we’ve covered everything that’s included in the Insanity workout program. You may have noticed that the exercises are all about pushing the body to the limits, with little room for rest and recuperation. There’s a reason for this insanity.
The Method Behind the Madness
The trademark intensity of the Insanity workout can be explained in very simple terms: Regular or Traditional Interval Training VS “Max Interval Training“.
Regular interval training is an exercise method that focuses on long strides of mild work, followed by short bursts of strenuous activity. Insanity lives up to its name by following the reverse in what Shaun T. calls “Max Interval Training“, long strides of strenuous, bursting activity, followed by short periods of rest and recovery. He’s essentially taken the accepted interval training style and flipped it on it’s head, creating a whole new kind of training that pushes the body to its limits.
This keeps the heart rate up, keeps you sweating, and gets the body’s metabolism going. By keeping this up with each workout, you’re allowing your body to burn more calories. And if you follow the Elite Nutrition Plan, you’re being conditioned towards getting more energy to burn even more fat every day.
So Is It Worth It?
Unfortunately, this is a question that can’t be answered the right way for everybody. Some people are already in fairly good shape and are looking to push into that sculpted, athletic look. They want a challenge! Others may be just breaking into a regular exercise pattern and find they need to achieve some better cardiovascular health and ability before embarking on such a difficult program.
Can a beginner do this program and benefit from it? Absolutely! However, not all may want to go that route. Here’s some pros and cons we’ve come up with after thoroughly researching and testing the program.
Pros
Delivers quick results
Leaves you in all around better health, not just losing a few pounds
Forces you to push yourself, leading to a sense of accomplishment and confidence
Doesn’t require a gym or any exercise equipment at all
Cons
May be too difficult for those who are not already in decent physical shape
Utilizes lots of jumping – not good for those with injuries
Digging Deep: The Heart of the Insanity Program
Digging deep means finding the inner strength to go on, even though the body seems like it’s about to give up. If you really want to dig deep, you need to find a way to motivate yourself. The Insanity workout DVDs and additional gifts can only point you in the right direction. If you’ll be walking on this path alone, it’s up to you to commit to yourself and get the best out of the Insanity workout.
Consult Your Physician
After checking out insanity workout reviews, you should give your doctor a call, especially if you suspect that you have any physical conditions, injuries, or diseases which might be adversely affected by the Insanity workout program. As Shaun T. advises, these exercises are designed to push you to the limit, and might be dangerous if your body is just not ready for it. So if you’re really worried about getting hurt, get a professional medical opinion before you start.
How Do People Like It?
Customers who have purchased the program are generally very happy with it. There are numerous testimonials and before and after pictures online of those who have successfully completed the program and totally transformed their bodies.
If you are willing to “dig deep” this program does work. Be warned though, its not for the faint of heart. If you are interested in getting more information on Insanity or if you would like to try it yourself you can visit Amazon.
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