A couple of years ago, I was pretty fit, but not at the level I wanted. I was thin enough and could run pretty fast and use the elliptical with the best of them, but something was missing. I wanted to take my fitness to an elite level.
A friend had mentioned his success with Beachbody products (P90X in this case), so I decided to check out Insanity since it seemed the most intense. Does Insanity work? You bet! This review explains why. Be sure to order Insanity to get the benefits!
I ordered the DVDs and as soon as they arrived, I started the first workout: the fit test. Since I was already in good shape, I had decent results. So, I figured I’d just jump right it and master it. At the first workout, my “good shape” was quickly shown to be a fraud! I finished, but was huffing and puffing.
The next day I realized the extent to which Insanity would challenge me. My entire body was completely sore. I tried to squat and couldn’t do it! I’d been a fitness buff for over fifteen years, but had never been that sore in my entire life. However, I continued with the program the entire sixty days.
It was totally worth it! My body started to change immediately and by the end of the sixty days my body answered the does insanity work question. It looked leaner and fitter and my muscle tone increased greatly, especially in the core and abs. I could actually see my ab muscles. I started doing challenges like the Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash, training with only running and Insanity. I aced those extreme races!
Whenever anyone asks me Does Insanity Work? I’m always ready to tell them “absolutely!”
The Insanity package comes with ten DVDs with ten actual workouts (see individual reviews below). The exercises can best be described as intense cardio in the form of interval training (a few minutes of intense activity with a brief break).
The Insanity workouts focus on the core, but strengthen almost every muscle group (except biceps; see more below). It also comes with a nutrition guide, a short fitness plan to get started, and a workout calendar.
Plyometric Cardio Circuit
This is a great forty minute interval workout with a warmup, stretching, and two rounds of intense plyometric exercises. With workouts like power squats and ski abs, Plyometric Cardio Circuit is quite a challenge. Get ready to jump higher and strengthen your legs. Oh, and be sore. Very sore.
Cardio Power and Resistance
With an upper body and core focus, this forty minute workout will leave you sweating like crazy. When you hit the floor for moving push-ups and globe jumps, you’ll realize that Insanity lives up to its name.
Cardio Recovery
This is essentially an “off day” workout that is focused on stretching and isometric exercises. It’s not a cakewalk, but is easy compared to the rest of the Insanity work. You can thank Shaun T for this deserved break.
Pure Cardio
Instead of intervals, this program (after warmup) jumps right into fifteen minutes of straight workouts. It’s the same exercises (like push-ups, switch kicks, etc.) but without any break. You will be up and down and sweating.
Cardio Abs
I like Cardio Abs because it’s an intense abdominal workout without a single sit-up! Still, it’s fifteen minutes of crazy ab work, both standing up and sitting down. Your abs will be shaking by the time it’s all over.
Core Cardio and Balance
This is done after you’ve reached thirty days. You’re given a “recovery week” to prepare for an even bigger challenge. It’s a mix of cardio and isometric work. It’s not the easiest, but is a welcome relief compared to what is coming.
Max Interval Circuit
This is the start of the long Insanity workouts. And, it’s tough. Instead of two sets of interval exercises, now there are three. And, the length of each set has increased from two to three minutes. It’s similar in style to the previous workouts, but in Max Interval Circuit, the exercises are more varied and tougher.
Max Interval Plyo
Like the first plyo, it’s a tough mix of cardio plyometric exercises that will leave your legs burning. Except this time it approaches sixty minutes of hell (fun?). Make it through this and you’ll be really sore. But, the results are amazing.
Max Conditioning
Like Pure Cardio, Max Conditioning is an intense cardio workout with fewer rest breaks. If you can make it through this workout without stopping and pausing the DVD, then you’ve come a long way. By now your body should look better and your core should be stronger.
Max Recovery
This is similar to recovery, except it’s longer and more complete. After the intensity that precedes it, Max recovery days will seem like a piece of cake.
So, if you want to take your workout to a new level, give Insanity a try. Keep in mind, you can always mix and match while you do it. I continued running and hiking while doing it. I also did some bicep work since since the program is weak on that muscle group.
What are you waiting for? Get the best body of your life! Although I’ve “graduated,” I still swear by the program. Order it through Amazon now.
Insanity has two sequels now. We review both of them:
Insanity Asylum Review (Volume 1)
Insanity Asylum Volume 2 Review
About Jonathan Bennett
Great review. I have just completed it and yes it was tough. Lost loads of weight.
Cardio Abs is my favoriteworkout.
You don’t have to be an athlete to start this program. If you want to lose weight then Insanity is for you. I have also written a review. Check it out at http://insanity-review.com
Insanity sounds great, but how do the videos work is it one per day or all in one day?
Nicole,
With a couple of exceptions (cardio abs is done with other workouts), there is one workout per day.
Hi Jonathan,
Great review. It was a fun read, as I just completed Insanity myself. I completely understand what you meant when you said “My “good shape” was quickly shown to be a fraud!” This made me laugh a little. I did not enter the program thinking that I was in good shape, but the first fit test alone made me feel like I got hit by a train.
Eric Bays