Work It Out: Insanity

Last week, I shared some of my thoughts on the Focus T25 workout program that was developed by Shaun T, the creator of Insanity. This week I thought I would share with you my thoughts on the original Insanity workouts for those of you who are interested in trying it, or maybe a little scared to try it.


Let me just say, in case there is any confusion, that I am in no way compensated by or affiliated with BeachBody, the company that produces these videos. The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own.

Ok, so now that that is out of the way, lets get on with it. The program is made up of 2 phases. The first has workouts that range from 35-45 minutes long and within the workout there are 2-3 minute intervals made up of 4 different exercises. You repeat the interval 3 times, then switch up the exercises for another set of intervals. 35-45 minutes may sound really long to you, but the first 15 minutes is the warm up and stretch. The actual interval workout is only 15-20 minutes long. The second phase has workouts that range from 45-60 minutes long and the intervals within the workout are 3-4 minutes, with a rest in between. Again, like the first phase, the first 15 minutes, or so, are warm up and stretch, but the warm up in the second phase will make you break a sweat in the first 2 minutes.


In both phases, the main workouts are basically classified as a circuit, plyometric, and cardio. The only difference is that the plyometric is less about speed and more about form, and the cardio is just one long interval with no breaks. But all the workouts will get your heart pumping and make you break a sweat.

For those of you that have never done Insanity before, hopefully that paints a little picture of how the workouts are structured. But what doesn't come across is exactly how INSANE these workouts are. For me, this is probably the hardest workout program I have tried, and I have even tried Crossfit (granted, only twice). I think what makes it so hard is that for those 2-4 minutes during the interval, you are working at your maximum capacity. Yes, there are some lower intensity exercises during the interval, but your heart is still beating out of your chest from the exercise before it.

I think I can safely say that I am in pretty good shape. I workout 5-6 times a week, I can walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded, I can run a few miles without stopping to walk. But I have NEVER been able to get through an Insanity workout without a break. Hell, I don't think Shaun T could get through an Insanity workout without stopping for a break. That's how hard and intense these workouts are.

To you, that may sound like torture. If that is the case, then you probably shouldn't try these workouts. But if you are looking for something that is really challenging and will give you a true full body workout in under an hour, then I would highly suggest it. For every other workout I have tried, I always have to supplement something. Either it's not providing me with the cardio workout I am looking for or I don't feel like I am building muscle. With this workout, I never feel like I am missing out on either. It is a great cardio workout and at the same time you are working your arms, core, and legs. Plus, you don't need any extra equipment, which is nice.

What do you think? If you have tried Insanity, do you agree with my assessment? If not, have I convinced you to try it? Have you tried a workout that you think is tougher than Insanity? If so, I want to hear about it!