Insanity - Did you really see changes???

[roberg57]

Okay, I'm always reading these message boards for fun facts, ideas, and information from all here that are so knowledgeable. So I’m really hoping that you all can offer some advice and information that perhaps I don’t have.

I’ve been addicted to Cathe’s workouts for the past five years and have obtained great results by using them. Prior to Cathe I started working out in general and just moving my body by using other videos as I never worked out because I didn’t know how and was intimidated by the gym. I always seemed to get fairly decent results from home workouts.

Okay getting to the point of my question, this past year I’ve actually ventured into the gym and discovered I enjoyed different types of exercises such as running, spinning, and even did a bike-a-thon. Over the summer I decided to invest in Insanity and was really excited. I started in July, and was a bit over zealous with my workouts, adding running 3x a week in addition to spinning 2x a week to Insanity. I had just hit my first week of month 2 when I developed a crazy case of tendonitis in my knee I’m guessing from not stretching properly and over working my body. I had to stop all cardio and ended up in physical therapy for 6 weeks it was so bad. In any event I was pretty lean by the time I ended up in PT and maintained it throughout by being vigilant about everything I ate since I could no longer do cardio. I was given the green light to start light cardio again in October, and I began Insanity all over again the beginning of November. I’m now again in Month 2 (the second week) and extremely disappointed. I see absolutely no physical changes in my body???? I actually think I’ve gained because my jeans are tighter as I don’t use the scale) I’m thinking that any loss I saw over the summer was due to my running and spinning, NOT insanity. I’ve always been a fairly clean eater (sticking to fresh whole foods I prepare i.e. lean chicken, fish, egg whites, oatmeal), I’m a calorie counter, and I thought maybe I was eating too few because I have a tendency to freak out if I go over 1300. I’ve tried to increase my calorie intake as suggested in the Insanity program but overall I really want to quit because I’m 3 weeks from completing it and I feel like I’m totally wasting my time. I do think my cardio capacity has gotten stronger and I do like the program I would just also like to see some results. Was everyone pleased with his or her results from Insanity or am I doing something wrong?????

Thanks to all who respond
-Charlene

 

[wadejen]

yes, I did see results

I am sorry that you are having quite a time. I have been doing Insanity along with STS MEso 1, 2, and 3. (Just starting meso 3 today.) I have dropped 15 lbs of weight. I have people asking me all the time what are you doing. I follow STS. Weights one day and insanity one day. Also during active recovery weeks of sts I use Insanity.

Let me give you some backgroud I am a long distance runner. Before Insanity I trained for marathons. Running training distance of 20 miles at one time. My weight did not move at all, actually I gained. I did some light weight lifting. So my results could be the mixture of sts and insanity. Do you weight lift, this could help.? It sounds like you do a ton of cardio, which I can't say anything I have been know to be a total cardio junkie, but have learned that weight lifting, cardio, and a good diet go hand and hand. Of course that has taken me a lifetime to learn. Diet meaning protein, carbs, good nutrition for the body.

Good luck. That is my 2 cents.

 

[dowhatuluv]

After the first month of Insanity, I was disappointed with my results--only lost about a pound or two and it seemed my legs had gotten bigger!! I ended up sticking with the rotation and completed the second month. I did get results....only loss 4lbs total for the 60 days...however, my arms are incredibly cut and lean and I absolutely love how they look--especially the triceps and shoulders. My legs did lean out, too and I am happy with that as well. My waist and upper ab area also leaned out. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't completely lose the lower pooch flab, but it is definitely smaller. My butt actually looks better, too--a little rounder and firmer--which I needed as mine was kind of flat...I absolutely love these workouts and am currently going thru withdrawal as I am now focusing on getting more weight training in. I am convinced that alternating Insanity workouts with weight work would produce great results and I plan to test that in the future.

Anyway, if you truly enjoy these workouts, then stick with it--I know I am glad I did. These workouts helped me to really tap into my inner athlete and my cardio endurance has increased and I didn't loose any strength either--in fact, I can now lift heavier for triceps, shoulders, and chest! Good luck and do what you think will work for you!

 

[chefkate]

I got 3 weeks into it and MY knee started giving me trouble so I had to quit too. I was very bummed, to put it mildly. I saw my chiro and he gave me an exercise to heal it. It has worked very well - I'm now almost completely pain free. I've stuck to the elliptical for cardio so I wouldn't put any impact on my knee. I was seeing results (leaning out) so I hope to add Insanity back in at the new year. I won't follow the rotation as is - I'll mix it with STS weights and cardio. I think Insanity daily was too much for my knee.

Good luck!

 

[roberg57]

Thank You

Thanks so much for the feedback. I think I will try to complete the program since I only have 3 weeks left. I definitely think I need to incorporate weight training into my program but I just can never stay consistent with upper body weights (it's so boring to me). I have incorporated 2 days of lower body weight training with the Insanity because I carry most of my weight in my hips and thighs and will try anything to lean them out. That's actually where I feel that I'm expanding right now, but I'll keep at it and hopefully I'll see a little something by the last day Thanks again

 

[UnstrungHarp]

I am in my last week of the Insanity rotation and have lost about 10 pounds so far (the scales fluctuate a bit every day, you know!).

I have only made a couple of minor modifications so far: during Recovery Week, I took one extra day off (no time to work out that day!) and I substituted in Cathe workouts on two of the days instead of doing Core Cardio & Balance every day: Imax 3 and Muscle Max.

I have been a dedicated exerciser for the past 8 years or so, most of that time using Cathe's workouts. And, I have always been a healthy eater compared to the average person, but I really started watching it when I started Insanity. I shoot for about 1,700 calories daily, divided up into 4 or 5 meals, and it's about 80% "clean."

Besides the numbers on the scale, I can see a difference in my arms and abdominal area primarily. Clothes seem to be fitting looser - I don't know if I have lost any sizes, since I haven't been shopping for any clothes lately! Last but certainly not least, I know my cardio endurance has increased, as well as my ability to do pushups.

I plan on including at least one day of Insanity every week as I create rotations, and I may start a new tradition of doing the official rotation once a year.

 

[meowracer]

1300 calories is not nearly enough. Your body needs the extra calories, so I am glad that you added more in, but you need to add quite a few in, and get the right mix of protein, carbs and fat. So very important. I just bet that if you add in some calories, you will see better results, and feel better in the process. Good luck. You might want to keep some spinning in there, not all out but enough to keep your knees going - it may help.

 

[regina]

I loved Insanity and got excellent results:

1. My resting heart dropped- 10 points
2. My shoulder developement and shoulder cuts were phenomenal
3. My thighs slimmed down
4. Better definition in my ABS

Insanity is by and far the best fitness DVD purchase that I made in 2009. It is probably the best purchase in several years!