Insanity & HIIT

dr.mel_PT

dr.mel_PT

Cathlete
OK, I am still on the fence about purchasing Insanity. The main reason is, I'm scared I won't be able to get through the workout! I tried searching for sample videos online but I can't get a good idea of what kind of torture I'm in for :eek: I love Cathe's HIIT series; how does Insanity compare?
 
I recently got Insanity, I haven't done the full rotation, that's not scheduled in til after Labor day. I have, however, done the 4 of the discs, just to see what it is like. I think I did 2 of the shorter ones and 2 of the longer ones. The names are escaping me now. If you can do HIIT, you can do Insanity. Its really not that bad. It ain't easy, but it ain't awful. There were a few moves that were tougher than others, but nothing lasts forever ;) It was all high heart rate cardio, but some moves were easier that others, and for me, Shaun T did a good job of putting in the easier moves right after the really tough ones. There were some sections where I thought "this sucks" or "I'm gonna die" but again, nothing lasts forever. He does encourage short breaks if you need them, and going at your own pace, you don't have to match the people on the TV, although that is tempting. The people on the TV are working hard and taking breaks, too.

I'd say go for it. If you can do HIIT, you can do Insanity. Keep in mind, I may not be saying that when I hit the full 2 month rotation. Which I am dying to get to.

Nan
 
I did a full Insanity rotation before rcv'ing and doing the HiiT's so I had the reverse experience from Nan. PCC nearly KILLED me the first time I did it but I did the full 2 month rotation and survived and was in MUCH better shape by the time I was done! That being said, my first shot at Cathe's HiiT's actually didn't seem all that tough b/c my cardiovascular endurance had improved by leaps and bounds! Conversely, just like Nan, had I done HiiT first then Insanity probably would have seemed easier. If you can handle one, you can handle the other! They are both tough but not impossible. If you have to take breaks during Insanity, DO IT, and don't feel bad! It's soooo worth it and you WILL get better at it over time! :D
 
Fit_mommy said:
I did a full Insanity rotation before rcv'ing and doing the HiiT's so I had the reverse experience from Nan. PCC nearly KILLED me the first time I did it but I did the full 2 month rotation and survived and was in MUCH better shape by the time I was done! That being said, my first shot at Cathe's HiiT's actually didn't seem all that tough b/c my cardiovascular endurance had improved by leaps and bounds! Conversely, just like Nan, had I done HiiT first then Insanity probably would have seemed easier. If you can handle one, you can handle the other! They are both tough but not impossible. If you have to take breaks during Insanity, DO IT, and don't feel bad! It's soooo worth it and you WILL get better at it over time! :D
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Hi, fit mommy

I will be starting Insanity after I have my baby in September! I'm a bit worrried about not incorporating weights into my routines. I've always done cardio everyday and weights 3 times a week. Did you loose your muscle when doing Insanity or did you incorporate weights during the rotation? I know for sure I will be looking to thin out and not bulk once I have baby #6. Thanks!!!!
 
i am excited to start the p90x/insanity hybrid found in the beachbody message boards after my beach vaca.i wish i had known about it earlier!i wish i new about insanity 20 yrs ago!

laura
 
lulu68 said:
Hi, fit mommy

I will be starting Insanity after I have my baby in September! I'm a bit worrried about not incorporating weights into my routines. I've always done cardio everyday and weights 3 times a week. Did you loose your muscle when doing Insanity or did you incorporate weights during the rotation? I know for sure I will be looking to thin out and not bulk once I have baby #6. Thanks!!!!
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Hi!

I added weights to Insanity. They say you don't need to but I still chose not to leave it out. That being said though, I only lifted one time per week and it was predominantly for upper body. I just added 1 day a week on to my rotation for lifting. It worked out great and kept me happy! :)
 
Hi Melissa,

I'm currently doing my 6th week of Insanity (and loving it). The program starts off with a fit test (about 25 minutes) which consists of 8 moves (switch kicks, power jacks, power knees, power jumps, globe jumps, suicide jumps, push-up jacks, and low plank oblique) for one minute. Record how many reps you do in one minute. This fit test is taken on Day 1 and then every two weeks to see your progress. During month 1 the workout is about 40 minutes. You start off with a 9 minute warm up (a set of exercises for 3 minutes which is repeated 3 times with increasing speed) and then a 6 minute stretch (I've never sweated so much in a warm-up/stretch before this). Then you do about 20 minutes of intense cardio. For the interval circuit and plyo, you will do 4 exercises then repeat them 2 more times, take a break, then do 4 different exercises then repeat them 2 more times. The max cardio is different exercises each done for 1 minute. Then you have a 4 minute stretch at the end. The Cardio Recovery is similar to a stretch/yoga workout. The rotation provided is 3 days intense cardio, next day cardio recovery, then 2 days intense cardio, then a day off. The abs are also thrown in there. The workout is intense (no crunches). During month 2, the workouts are 15 to 20 minutes longer.

I modify some of the moves and the rotation. It certainly is doable and you feel so good after its over. I do intense 2 days, recovery, intense 2 days, then a kickbox (by Cathe). I also do a body part per day for 5 days (about 10 minutes). My muscles ached in the beginning. Now I use puzzle mats and that helps. I would like to lose weight, but I'm not watching my diet. As of today I'm down 4 pounds but it keeps fluctuating. I do feel stronger and my abs feel tighter. Sorry if this was too long.

Jody
 
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