5 Comments so far (Add 1 more)

1. Okay, I’m 54 and have run regularly, lifted weights but couldn’t get the reduction in inches and bodyfat that I wanted. I did P90X in the summer and a month of P90X+. Great programs that got me into the consistent routine of early morning (5 AM) workouts and built overall strength, coordination, and flexibility. With a 2 pound weight loss, but, I admit I was not very careful with the nutrition plan.

   Enter Insanity. I cut out white bakery products, sweets, sweetened drinks, all sodas, and desserts except for once a week. Then I started the craziness. There’s no need to tell what’s in the package, others have done that. Let me say I lost 12 pounds and an inch and a half off my waistline in 60 days. This on a frame my family and friends said had nothing to lose.

   This program works if you follow it. Don’t worry about keeping up with the folks on the video because NONE of them do all of the routines to completion on any of the DVDs. You do your best at YOUR pace but it has to be your BEST. It never gets easier because as you get more conditioned, you do more repetitions. You must do the Fit Test because you WILL see improvements and the test won’t lie and it will keep you motivated.

   It’s not easy but it works. Nothing worthwhile is easy so why should this be different? You have to be in decent, not great, shape, and follow the warnings about injuries and other potential health problems because it is a serious workout. But if you get the green light and you stick with it, you won’t regret it. There’s nothing to it but to do it.
   Rating: 5 / 5

   1. C. N. Sheridan on April 2nd, 2010 at 5:18 am

2. I’m a former P90X junkie. That program literally changed my life and got me into the best shape of my life, even at 40 years old.

   So I was pumped when I saw this one coming down the pike. Got it for my birthday last year. However, this is not P90X. That is not a criticism at all, just don’t expect more of the same.

   This is all floor exercises using your body weight with lots of plyometric and isometic exercises, cardio and core exercise that will work you – hard. And then it will work your core even more. Its primary focus is the core.

   And it will get you into the best shape of your life. I say that with a few caveats.

   It’s broken into two four week segments with a “recovery” week in between. I completed the first four weeks, the “recovery” week and the first week of the second half of the program. Had to slow down the intensity because my job went to 12 hour shifts.

   I now do it several times a week, when time permits. I can tell you this, though: I do the Plyometric workout from P90X when I need an easy day. My leg strength, especially the explosive kind, has increased tenfold. And my cardio is through the roof.

   But this will kick your a** no matter what kind of shape you are in. Even the participants in the DVD have to quit and take breaks. It’s that intense.

   It is tough on the body, though, so be prepared. If you aren’t in some semblance of shape, you may want to rethink this one. I pulled a neck muscle during the first week because I didn’t breathe properly. It will tax your joints, your knees, your feet, your back. It requires serious focus. Breathing is key. Drink lots of water. And move at your own pace.

   The caveat is really only this: you may lose quite a bit of muscle mass. This doesn’t mean you will get less strong but with no exercises for the biceps or the lats (no pull-ups here), those “glamour muscles” will lose size.

   People commented on my weight loss, even though I wasn’t trying to lose weight. I just couldn’t eat enough food. Your food intake will determine your results. So I shrank but, in many ways, I was stronger than ever. Size doesn’t always equal strength.

   You will notice your body change, your core will be the strongest it’s ever been and you will be in incredible shape, even if you only do the program at half the intensity.

   I give it a thumbs up but know what you want to get out of the program and understand what it is about before investing your time and money in it.
   Rating: 4 / 5

   2. A. Ort on April 2nd, 2010 at 4:00 am

3. I’ve done and continue to use at home workout DVD’s. I am a P90X advocate and still enjoy it. The “Insanity” workout is just that, INSANEly difficult. I consider myself in an advanced category (or very close) in cardio workouts, but it took me three weeks to finish any of the workouts for the duration. I found that after 30 minutes I just couldn’t muster enough energy to complete the entire workout at the expected pace.

   This is a really tough workout. It’ the first time I’ve ever seen the actual participants take breaks during the routine. Unless your ready to workout out to exhaustion, don’t buy this yet. Try P90X and P90X+ workouts. If you can finish those without any breaks or exhaustion then this might work for you!
   Rating: 4 / 5

   3. Scott E. Vezina on April 2nd, 2010 at 1:44 am

4. I got this for Xmas and was very excited – spent the first four days doing this according to plan. I should add that I am in my 30’s and teach fitness classes at my gym and am in pretty decent shape. I exercise regularly. However, I have a history of issues with my knees. I can avoid flare ups if I avoid lunges, etc. This DVD set makes it literally impossible for people with joint issues – especially knees – to participate in this without seriously injuring themselves. This is stated on the warning at the beginning of the program – however, nowhere did I read that before dropping $150 to order. Shaun T is awesome – the program is challenging and if you are looking for something to use at home, get this. It is addicting and intense. However, if you have even the slightest issue with your knees, DO NOT BUY THIS!
   Rating: 3 / 5

   4. C. Widman on April 1st, 2010 at 10:47 pm

5. I am 44, 5ft 3 1/2 inches. I have been exercising for the pass 14 years on and off. My main thing was weight training, spinning and walking out doors. I also did a few home videos such as Billy Blanks Taebo Amped – full throttle, Billy’s Boot Camp, Step Reebok intense moves with Gin Miller etc. I was doing well until I hit rock bottom and gained 23 lbs. Although I was skeptical March of this year I tried Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs, the Dance Party Series and The Rockin Body DVD’s and loves them. I commit myself five some times six days a week and I lose 18 lbs. When Insanity was released I was so excited I ordered it right away. I must admit this is a monster of a workout. I was not expecting anything like this but I took on the challenge.

   This program is 60-days very extreme and is broken into two phase. The workouts range from 35-45 minutes in month 1 with a rotation of 5 disk which is a little easier and 1 hour in month 2 with a rotation of 4 disk which is much harder but doable. First you start off by doing a fit test which consists of switch kicks, power jacks, power knees, power jumps, globe jumps, push up jacks, and low plank oblique. For each moves you have 1 minute to do as much reps as you can. These moves you will see through out the workouts. At the end of the 60 days you take the fit test again to see how you have progressed. There is a wall calendar that shows you which workout to do each day and there is an elite nutrition plan which requires you to eat 5 meals a day. In order to stick with the meal plan preparation is the key. Make your meals in advance. If you have any lower body issues, surgery such as knee replacement, hip replacement etc. this workout is not for you because it involves a lot of jumping and bending such as vertical jumps, ski jumps, frog jumps, power jumps, 8 power knees/4 diamond jumps, switch jumps, hurdle jumps, basketball drills, power squats, floor switch kicks, floor hops side to side etc. It would not be wise to put your body through such a brutal workout and risk further injuries.

   The workouts begin with a brutal warm up which feels like a real work and I was dripping in sweat. I was thankful for the 5 minutes stretch that followed and at the end of each workout you stretch again. In these workouts you only use your body weight and gravity to push through them. As you move from disk to disk the workouts becomes repetitive but I like it because it allows me to really follow along. If you do not like doing the same thing over and over you will not like this workout you will consider it to be boring. During the workouts I dig as deep as I could. I did not try to keep passé with Shaun T and his cast members and they were not able to keep up either. Don’t worry about keeping up just do your best and forget the rest. I had to modify a lot of the moves and I did not do some of them I replace them with something I could handle. I really focus on doing as much as I could with proper form which is very important. Shaun says “FORM OVER SPEED”. Shaun is very encouraging and he really pushes you. I love the fact that he was getting his butt kick along with us.

   I completed the program in September, although I only lost 7 lbs and 11 inches I gain a lot of muscle tone and definition. My arms, chest, shoulders and abs changed drastically. My strength and endurance have increased tremendously. I have seen great improvement in my second fit test which is very inspiring. IF you are mentally ready and want to challenge your self try this program. You will be amazed by what you can do. Over all this is an excellent program to kick off the New Year with if you really want to step up your game. If you really commit your self and follow the nutrition plan you are going to get results. A lot of thought was put into this program. Shaun and Beach body really out do those selves. The only thing is, it would have been nice if there was someone doing modify moves but I was able to modify the moves to work for me based on my experience with Shaun’s other DVD’s. Most of the individual DVDs in this package are “lifetime” workouts. I can see myself doing them for years to come). My focus right now is to maintain therefore I keep repeating the program but I am not following it to a T, I am doing my own thing.

   The 10 disk are broken down as follows:
   
   (1) Dig Deeper & Fit Test – Introduction etc.
   
   (2) Plyometric Cardio Circuit – (love it)
   
   (3) Cardio Power & Resistance- (love it)
   
   (4) Cardio Recovery & Max Recovery – These involves yoga, balance, stretches and deep muscle work. (My favorite)
   
   (5) Pure Cardio & Abs – tough none stop cardio. This one had me laughing. (My favorite)
   
   (6) Cardio Abs – I don’t see me using this disk. (I will replace this one with hip hop abs, abs sculpt and Rockin body hard core abs those work for me)
   
   (7) Core Cardio & Balance – You do this workout for one week before you start month 2. I love this workout because I really get a break from the crazy pounding of my body during month 1. Things really slow down here. The focus is on your core and your heart. (Love it)
   
   (8) Max Interval Circuit – I give this one every thing I got since Shaun state that he is going to kick our butts. (My favorite)
   
   (9) Max Interval Plyo- to me this is the hardest of them all. I will use this disk the least (HATE IT)
   
   (10) Max Cardio Conditioning & Abs. – tough cardio – (love it)

   Note: There is also a deluxe package with three additional DVD’s which is broken down as follows:
   
   1)MAX INTERVAL SPORTS TRAINING
   
   2)INSANE ABS
   
   3)UPPER-BODY WEIGHTED WORKOUT
   
   From what I have read these workouts will not only push you to the edge, it will push you right over it! Well! I am not ready to go there.

   Rating: 5 / 5

   5. H. Mcarthur on April 1st, 2010 at 9:13 pm