Confessions of a Shaun T. Wannabe

[PhatFitness]

Ok, it’s confession time….I have the Insanity BB deluxe set……It was a great investment and a great addition to my fitness collection, I’m glad I have it…………however…….I just can’t do it!!! At lest not as it was designed –6 days a week.

I have an old (about 15 yrs) ACL injury that I got while skiing….ok I was trying to ski and I was trying to be sexy at the same time……it didn’t work!! Ever since then whenever I exercise I always wear a knee brace……don’t really know if I actually still need it, I just feel like its protecting my knee when it’s on. So, after day 3 of Insanity I find my knee is on fire!!!! I’m feeling a very definite strain, and it feels like it could give out when I walk……it took 5 days off from exercising for my knee to feel like it did prior to Insanity. Keep in mind that on a scale of 1-5 for intensity, I was only at a level 3….well maybe more like level 2 or 2.5.

So, although I love this program and I enjoyed the challenge, I think I will try it every other day (3 days per week) and if that’s too much then maybe twice a week (tu and sat).

I saw the thread about intensity and insanity which was exactly what I needed to read. I need to workout but I don’t need to do it like Shaun T.

 

[fit44]

I think starting out with one or two days a week is a very good idea.
I'm glad I had the sneak preview for a month prior to the actual release. I used it 2x's a week and I feel it helped prepare me for the entire set.

I'm in week 3 of the recommended rotation and I'm feeling fine. I don't think I could have handled the program without priming myself for the hi intensity.

I would like to mention that I workout on a very thick rubber mat and use the jumper knee straps.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0VTTYCRAFP4G9BC0M5GC

My lower body was pretty sore the first week, but second week was better. I do have some doubts about the max intervals. The 40 minute workouts are kicking my butt! I'm thinking I'll cut back when I move into the max workouts.
I've learned to listen to my body. Well, at the ripe age of 47, my body forces me to listen!

 

[RapidBreath]

With that injury I would say just once a week and see how your body adapts. I only do major off road work 1-2 times a week and I never had that kind of injury. I'm impressed that you even attempted such a thing.

 

[pugw]

Hi Phat,

I also have Insanity and did the first week of the rotation plus the circuit w/o from month 2 the week I got it. My knees are reasonably healthy for a 50 yo although I did fall from a ladder a few years ago and injured my left knee. Sometimes I have discomfort in this knee when I overdo it. I'm feeling that discomfort right now.

I have no intention of doing the rotation as intended. It's just too much impact for me right now but, like you, I do like it. The w/os are fun and I like Shaun T. I'll just throw one in on my cardio days when the mood strikes.

 

[intensityjunkie]

I also think this set is "too hard" for me but it is very encouraging to do your best. Its very real with the exercisers on the dvd also taking breaks and looking wiped out. It makes me want to work harder and keep trying. Shaun is very encouraging also and I love the music and basic moves. I think this set was pure genius! There isn't anything like it as far as I know. I also like the idea of the fit test to see your progress. You wouldn't have to follow the schedule to do that. just whenever you want to see if your doing better. It would be encouraging to see you did more. I think eventually you'll do much better if you stick with it. I probably won't stick to the schedule either. But you can do them when ever you want to! even once a week with other cardio on other days if you want. I don't regret getting it at all. I know my DH would like it. I'm afraid to show him though cause I think he'll swipe it from me!

I just had a baby 3 mo ago and am slowly trying to w/o more. (when baby allows ha) and a few times on the sneak peak I just did the first two circuits. It didn't matter I was all sweaty and pooped when I was done. thats what I'm shooting for. For that amount of time to feel like that is great!

 

[intensityjunkie]

fit44 where did you get a rubber mat from? I've been wanting something for high impact w/os!

 

[fit44]

fit44 where did you get a rubber mat from? I've been wanting something for high impact w/os!

I bought my rubber mat from a fitness store in my area. It's called 2nd Wind Exercise equipment. They have a website, but I don't see it on there. It's very larger, thick, and heavy. I paid $150 for it. It measures something like 5' X 10'. It's to go under large weight equipment- for dropping weights etc.


I would also wanted to add.....
On another forum another person suggested working up to a full Insanity workout. Each workout is divided into sections or a group of drills. You could always tack on one group of drills after a weight routine. I know my BodyBugg reads 150 calories burned just for the warm-up!
Anyway, this series is very challenging. No doubt, but there are so many wonderful ways to modify and build up.
I have to admit.....on week 3 of the recommended rotation, the fat is freakin' melting off my body! The scale is moving down fast and my abs are looking more defined each day. This is the point when my body won't let go to the last few lbs. I do not plan to do this rotation year round. I want to save them for summer bathing suit season.

 

[PhatFitness]

Cynthia, thanks for the tip on the jumper knee straps...I've never seen anything like that......I'm using the standard non custom velcro knee brace...maybe it's time for an upgrade.