Fitness Videos - Shaun T Insanity!

I saw this newly released workout from beachbody and I thought it is really insane! people were sweating like crazy! the trainer claims that you can burn about 1000 calories per work out session...and the best part is an amazing body transformation in 60 days!

Anybody tried this? or willing to join me? I just got turbo jam extreme last week and I need a faster remedy so I might return it and just get this intensive workout...so ladies come out and share your experience or join me to shed off the pounds! I am currently 168 and willing to go down to 120 :carrot:
:carrot:

I'm interested. I was waiting for reviews from others before I make the investment though.

Haven't used the video, and I don't know that I would believe the 1000 calorie in a workout claim, but it does look like it would be a good workout. :)

Did you see this advertisment on tv or what I would reaaly like to see ad could you tell me where you saw it.

Here ya go for a peek into the program

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_sSojJQetI


I have never used it but I googled and found this video on youtube.

I'd be curious to know if anyone decided to try this. It looks really intense but of course I'm sure that means it works. I have a TON of workout video's and the one thing that annoys me is that they seem to forget that most of us working out at home does so on carpet and not on a hard surface like they are. I find that alot of plyo type exercises are actually harder on my knees/ankles on carpet b/c my body absorbs the shock moreso than the soles of my sneakers if I was on a regular hard surface floor. I've been iffy about Insanity because it has alot of plyo and I'm concerned about this.

I'm new to this forum and registered when I saw this post. I think I'm pulling the trigger and getting this.

I'm wary of getting stuff from an infomercial because it's always too good to be true, but I liked the aspect of not needing any special equipment that was claiming some miracle weight loss. It looks like you're basically sweating your butt off and weight loss will follow.

Even if I don't lose 1000 calories with every workout, anything to get me moving won't be a bad thing.

http://forum.videofitness.com/showthread.php?t=136325

This is a link to another forum that I am a member of called VideoFitness. This link goes to a check-in of people who are doing Insanity. Disclaimer: I am not part of this group and haven't read the threads {they are in week two of the rotation...}

If you do a search for Insanity on VF you will find other thoughts and opinions that might help you make up your mind. I've read a few of those myself.

Hope that helps.

I am currently on the P90X program and I can say it is VERY intense! If you arent already some what fit then it is incredibly hard to finish the workouts since they are an hour each! But it will work and you can work up to getting on a higher level as you go....But, it really works...invest in it...Good luck

I have been doing Beachbody videos for 5 years now. I think I own a DVD in almost all their collections except for P90X. But I have the entire Hip Hop Abs, Rockin Body, Turbo Jam, Slim in 6 etc. Insanity is sponsored by the same company and the instructor is the same one in the HHA and Rockin Body videos. I can say that Beachbody videos are not 'gimmicky' they are VERY solid workouts and have always worked for me. I actually plan on popping in my Slim in 6 tomorrow b/c I previewed it again last night and forgot how great of a workout it is. I don't personally own Insanity but just wanted to say that I would personally vouch for Beachbody and their products...now their customer service is another story *rolls eyes*

LOL OH and I TOO am not affiliated with Beachbody in any way, just another consumer passing along some info.

Thanks onederchic for attaching the youtube I too have been doing p90x double and kinda doing ahybrid thing{my own bootcamp} I am 57 and I have really transformed my body and have HEARD nothing but INSANITY INSANITY on all the boards I read including several people on my bb site that finish p90x when I do BUT after seeing THAT I don't know THAT IS INSANE and I am a NUT!!!!

I am currently on the P90X program and I can say it is VERY intense! If you arent already some what fit then it is incredibly hard to finish the workouts since they are an hour each! But it will work and you can work up to getting on a higher level as you go....But, it really works...invest in it...Good luck

Do you mean P90X or Insanity? I'm pretty sure with Insanity you need to be in good shape, I can't even do a pushup on my toes yet and it doesn't look like there are modifiers. If you aren't in good shape it looks like it's easy to injure yourself.

P90X is a little more friendly since it's weights where you can pick your own and go at your own pace and p90x shows some modifiers.

I have seen the Insanity dvds and even if you are fit they will kick your butt. The only resistance in your own body weight and just looking at it had me breaking out in a sweat - lol.

Haven't used the video, and I don't know that I would believe the 1000 calorie in a workout claim, but it does look like it would be a good workout. :)

its true! I know someone who does it...I just think its hard...VERY HARD....harder than P90X! So Im doing the P90X first....lol...:exercise::exercise::exercise::exer cise::exercise::exercise:

Do you mean P90X or Insanity? I'm pretty sure with Insanity you need to be in good shape, I can't even do a pushup on my toes yet and it doesn't look like there are modifiers. If you aren't in good shape it looks like it's easy to injure yourself.

P90X is a little more friendly since it's weights where you can pick your own and go at your own pace and p90x shows some modifiers.

P90X...I dont modify though...I try and keep up with my fit hubby....We are very competitive....only toward eachother though....Insanity in harder....we are doing that next...after P90X....

I just finished ROUND 1 of P90x DOUBLE in 90 days never missing a day!! And I added 1to 2 more hours of exercise per day. And have started ROUND 2 this time I am doing a HYBRID am on day 3...I think I could do Insanity without a problem I just don't have the money for it and even if I did my husband doesn't get me wanting to DO MORE I told him its just the next challenge I only MODIFY BY NOT doing pull ups because I just can do one. and I try it with the chair but my door frame must be too short or something it just WON"T work. . I WANT IT BAD JUST CAN"T HAVE IT!!! MAYBE SANTA WILL BRING IT OR THE EASTER BUNNY!!! By the way I am 57.

deva,
You are definitely one intense lady!! WHere do you get all that energy?

Energy???? Exercise the more I give the more I get!Energy that is!!!!!

I bought the Insanity dvd's and I like them very much, but, yes, they do kick your butt. I haven't had a chance to do all the prescribe workouts yet as I had some travelling to do, but have done the first 6.

First day is a fitness test, kinda like your first day in gym class where you do some basic exercises and write down how many you do for comparison after 2 weeks. THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE! I'm in ok shape, but just doing a basic fitness test just about killed me. I think I was trying to keep up instead of going at my own pace.

The idea of this workout is to do a reverse interval training. Instead of intense working out for 30 seconds and then resting for a minute, he works you out intensely for 2-3 minutes and then 30 seconds of rest.

It's pretty basic cardio which I like, and I also like that I don't need any special equipment.

It's been getting easier because I go at a steady pace and don't try to overdo it. One day I'll be able to keep up.

I have INSANITY! It is hard, it's sports conditioning. Think gym class... only harder!!! LOL!

Like the previous poster said. Stay at YOUR pace, and you keep getting better each time.

It is NOT for ANYONE with bad knees, or back, neck or spinal issues. There are volumes of plyometrics, and quick movements. Be aware of that before you decide to purchase this.

Renee

i have been doing insanity for about 3 weeks. I weighed 198 pounds when I started and have lost 10 pounds with out strict dieting. I still eat cookies and ice cream, which I need to stop. But obviously it still works. I burn between 600 and 700 calories in the 40 minute workouts which is pretty good.
You have to been in decent shape to do this because of how intense it is. I play tennis regularly so i have my cardio built up. You could start it without being in shape but you would have to take it slow. The first week I was really sore. I do recommend Insanity to anyone who has the will to stick with it past the being sore factor. I also have has knee surgery but I went through a lot of physical therapy to get to where I can still do plyometrics
I also did p90x for about 60 days, and got toned up, but then got injured and gained all my weight back. Insanity's workouts are harder than any of the cardio in p90x, but I got more muscle toning with p90x than insanity.

Hi everyone,

I have got myself through half of the program so far and yes the name of the workout says it all. If you are not near your top shape this workout may be too intense for you and you may take a chance of hurting yourself. Not to scare anyone away from trying it but just want to tell you the truth so if you decide to invest in it you won't get discouraged.

BUT if you do like a challenging workout and you think your ready for it they do make you sweat (alot) and you will burn the calories for sure. You won't need any equipment for these workouts, you just show up and do your best!

I intend on putting together a short video soon to give people an sneek peek into this program as to some of the moves that are used in the workouts.

Take care,
vinfit90

My son is doing insanity to build muscle and he has to mop the floor when he is done. The first week, he was walking like Frankenstein but in the past few weeks, I've seen his body change shape. His abs are like a washboard.

I guess the difference between p90 and insanity is one builds muscle more than the other?? Hmmm.. I think I will go with the Insanity Workout (http://insanityworkoutdvd.com/)
Thanks.

Anyone out there still doing Insanity? I'm in week 5 of P90X, but the cardio is way too easy (the only one I bother with is PlyoX) so I'm thinking of adding Insanity in with the P90X routine and doing a sort of hybrid Doubles program.

I'm toning up like crazy with P90X (how could you not?!?) but I still have fat to lose before anyone can see the tone, and P90X isn't doing that for me thus far. Adding more cardio seems to be the answer for most people, at least from what I've read on the message boards out there, so maybe Insanity will give me the best of both worlds.

Anyone out there still doing Insanity? I'm in week 5 of P90X, but the cardio is way too easy (the only one I bother with is PlyoX) so I'm thinking of adding Insanity in with the P90X routine and doing a sort of hybrid Doubles program.

I'm toning up like crazy with P90X (how could you not?!?) but I still have fat to lose before anyone can see the tone, and P90X isn't doing that for me thus far. Adding more cardio seems to be the answer for most people, at least from what I've read on the message boards out there, so maybe Insanity will give me the best of both worlds.

I am doing a hybrid of Insanity and P90X now and it is working out well for me. I had already completed two rounds of ChaLEAN and was going to start on P90X, but found much of the cardio to be a bit too easy so I'm doing the P90X cardio coupled with the weights 3x a week and then Insanity 3x a week. I'm into week 2 and am hoping this is really going to jumpstart my weight loss (I had let myself plateau:(

I'm gonna start Insanity tomorrow! I can't do it for 60 days because I'm going to france in the beginning of march.. But I'll do it until then..

Hey! This is my first post on this message board. I'm on week 5 of Insanity, and I love it. I'm going to try to explain the program a little for those of you who are curious about it.

You start off with a fit test, which you do periodically throughout the 60 days to track your progress. After that, you alternate between 4 different workouts that are roughly 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute Abs routine thrown in there periodically. These workouts are NOT easy. I find myself chugging water, huffing and puffing and not just taking breaks, but physically not being able to continue some of the exercises, but if you push through it gets easier. After 28 days, you do a week of a "recovery" exercises (the same workout every day). I say "recovery" because it's really not much easier than any of the other exercises.

Then, on day 36, you basically start over again with harder workouts. These ones are about an hour long and are similar to the first month but more intense. As I said, I'm currently in week five ("recovery" week), so I haven't started these harder workouts yet.

What I have noticed is that the first month got easier as I went along. I imagine when I start my second half of the program it will be like starting the program all over again.

NOW, what you've been waiting for, my results. I hate to disappoint you, but I don't weigh myself very often, so I'm not going to give you a weight difference. A little background about me is that about a year and a half ago, I weighed 217 lbs. I lost the bulk of that using Weight Watchers, down to about 170lbs, without much working out at all, just watching my portions and using WW. After I plateaued on WW, I decided to try to watch what I was eating on my own and start fitness programs to tone up. I stopped watching the scale and starting using measurements ONLY because the scale gives me anxiety issues.

Ok, so seriously to my results. After about 2 weeks on the program, I had lost an inch off of my waist. My results now include another inch off of my waist, an inch off of my hips and an inch off of each thigh. That's a total of 5 inches lost in 28 days. Not too shabby.

I'm not a Beachbody Coach. I'm not trying to sell you anything. I've never followed an entire Beachbody program, but I did some Slim in 6 a while back. I'm telling you this because it seems like when I search the internet for reviews on the Beachbody programs, everyone has their own Beachbody site where they try to get you to buy the supplements and workouts through them. I'm just a regular Jo(sephine) who is trying to get a 'beach'body.

My plan after I complete Insanity is to move on to Chalean Extreme. I'll post here again after I complete Insanity to tell you my final results.

That's my unbiased opinion. :)

Oh, and P.S. I also have P90X, so after I finish Chalean Extreme, I want to do a P90X/Insanity hybrid program, so if anyone is interested in helping me develop a really effective hybrid of these two programs, send me a message. :)

Oh, and P.S. I also have P90X, so after I finish Chalean Extreme, I want to do a P90X/Insanity hybrid program, so if anyone is interested in helping me develop a really effective hybrid of these two programs, send me a message. :)

Hi Kristy -

I'm new to the boards and either don't have access or can't figure out how to private message people:)

I am currently starting week 2 of my P90X/Insanity hybrid. It incorporates several different programs, but at the crux are P90X/Insanity. I find that I need lots of variety in my workouts to stay with the program and so mentally I just couldn't stick with Insanity. I tried for about a month and I found towards the end of the week I was resorting back to other cardio workouts I have.

Let me know if you're interested in seeing what I did. I have a feeling that after doing a full round of Insanity you're going to want to step up the cardio when you start ChaLEAN - I did two rounds and didn't feel like the cardio was quite hard enough. I also added cardio onto two of the weight days.

Hope this helps...
Cat

I definitely would be interested in what you have been doing. Also, I think when I start doing Chalean Extreme, I might still do Insanity a couple times a week to ramp up the cardio.

Here's what I've been doing

Day 1 - Cardio + Abs (e.g., Insanity + Hip Hop Abs/P90X Abs/Turbo Jam Ab Jam)
Day 2 - P90X Chest & Back + 'easier' Cardio (e.g., P90X CardioX/Turbo Jam/One-on-One Cardio Intervals)
Day 3 - Cardio + Abs (e.g., Insanity + Hip Hop Abs/P90X Abs/Turbo Jam Ab Jam)
Day 4 - P90X Shoulders + 'easier' Cardio (e.g., P90X CardioX/Turbo Jam/One-on-One Cardio Intervals)
Day 5 - Cardio + Abs (e.g., Insanity or P90X Kenpo...depends on how I'm feeling + Hip Hop Abs/P90X Abs/Turbo Jam Ab Jam)
Day 6 - P90X Legs and Back + 'easier' Cardio (e.g., P90X CardioX/Turbo Jam/One-on-One Cardio Intervals)

I have found that Insanity 2 or 3 times a week is enough for me right now - mentally I just can't do anymore right now. I have played around with this type of hybrid schedule for about 2 months and have finally found a rotation that I can stick with. The P90X weights will change every month in accordance with the suggested rotation.

Hey, is anyone else currently doing the Insanity program right now? I just started month 2 and I'd really like to find a buddy who is also doing the program to chat about it. Even if you aren't as far along as me or farther along, I'd love to chat with you.

^
well, i just ordered it today. just have to wait 5-7 business days!

^
well, i just ordered it today. just have to wait 5-7 business days!

Are you excited/nervous? I'll tell you this, it was really intimidating at first, but I'm glad I didn't give up, because I've seen good results and it doesn't seem as hard anymore.

Hey there I got my insanity and am on workout day 5. I have been trying to lose weight for a long time and have had minimal success. I was glad to see this string of posts because insanity is relatively new and there is only a little online about it. I am finding it very challenging but am loving that I feel so excited to do it every day. I love this program.

kristyjoy, i am actually pretty nervous. after i purchased it i read some reviews that were basically like, "don't even bother if you're not already in excellent shape." which i certainly am not. so i may need some encouragement after the fit test!

Hey there, don't be nervous. I have been training in all kinds of things for along time I tried P90x and others....my husband started this and I was afraid to do it but I tried and modified as I went...I love it...you will never experience a faster more effective work out.

kristyjoy, i am actually pretty nervous. after i purchased it i read some reviews that were basically like, "don't even bother if you're not already in excellent shape." which i certainly am not. so i may need some encouragement after the fit test!

I think that most of that is hype. Even Shaun T says during the workouts to go as slow as you need to, get your form right before trying to get your speed up to where they are on the video, and they encourage you to take breaks when you need to. I just take a breather and jump back in as soon as I can. I take less breaks now that I've been doing it for 6 weeks.

One thing. The warm up for these workouts is RIDICULOUS. It's basically 10 minutes of non-stop cardio and it's hard. They try to encourage you to do it non-stop without breaks, but I haven't been able to do it yet. I've been close, but a no-go so far. But yeah, I'm doing the best I can, and I'm seeing results, so I'm not too worried about it.

Also, what I really like about it is that they focus on doing the most you can do. Even the fit test just compares what you can do at first against what you can do as you go on with the program.

So, all in all, yeah, it's hard, but it's definitely do-able if you have the motivation.

Hey kristyjoy. My husband and I just did the Fitness Test today and ohmigawd. I think that could be a workout in itself lol. I think we did well, though. I'm not afraid to modify a move because I used to lift weights back in High School and I know you have to do what you can to not get hurt. So, when they did the Push Up Jacks, which I know I can't do. I simply did as many pushups on my knees as I could and I wrote that down so I will know if I can do one Push Up Jack, I'll be better than I was in the beginning.

Hopefully, I can stick with this even though I have a few knee problems (once again...the weight lifting in high school lol) and a few back problems, but I really want to lose this hundred pounds I have to lose. I have a ticker for it, but I'm too new so I can't make a siggy just yet.

So, I'd like to officially join in on the Insane Chicks group =P

Hey kristyjoy. My husband and I just did the Fitness Test today and ohmigawd. I think that could be a workout in itself lol. I think we did well, though. I'm not afraid to modify a move because I used to lift weights back in High School and I know you have to do what you can to not get hurt. So, when they did the Push Up Jacks, which I know I can't do. I simply did as many pushups on my knees as I could and I wrote that down so I will know if I can do one Push Up Jack, I'll be better than I was in the beginning.

Hopefully, I can stick with this even though I have a few knee problems (once again...the weight lifting in high school lol) and a few back problems, but I really want to lose this hundred pounds I have to lose. I have a ticker for it, but I'm too new so I can't make a siggy just yet.

So, I'd like to officially join in on the Insane Chicks group =P


Eventually there is a LOT of jumping, so you may want to wear a knee brace. I actually can do push-up jacks now, which is pretty exciting.

Today, I quit halfway through my Max Interval Cardio Circuit video, and i'm beating myself up over it. I'm just in a dumpy mood today. Tomorrow I'll re-do it and just extend it another day.

Eventually there is a LOT of jumping, so you may want to wear a knee brace. I actually can do push-up jacks now, which is pretty exciting.

Today, I quit halfway through my Max Interval Cardio Circuit video, and i'm beating myself up over it. I'm just in a dumpy mood today. Tomorrow I'll re-do it and just extend it another day.

Yeah, today was day 2 and it was the plyo. Plenty of jumps lol. Tomorrow is Cardio Power and Resistance so I'm sooooo eager to see how that one looks (sarcastic!!). My knee problems I think also stem from my weight, so I've got to grab this double edged sword at some point!

Hey, would anyone like to help motivate me to do my Insanity for the day? I'm feeling really lazy and unmotivated!

Hey, would anyone like to help motivate me to do my Insanity for the day? I'm feeling really lazy and unmotivated!

You can do it!!! I did Max Cardio Conditioning last night even though I really didn't want to and I felt so much better afterwards. You know that you will feel better, stronger, etc. after you're done. Take more breaks if you need it, but do it.

Sort of related, I am liking the Max versions so much better. Yes, they are longer but I think they have more variety.

You can do it!!! I did Max Cardio Conditioning last night even though I really didn't want to and I felt so much better afterwards. You know that you will feel better, stronger, etc. after you're done. Take more breaks if you need it, but do it.

Sort of related, I am liking the Max versions so much better. Yes, they are longer but I think they have more variety.

I was grumbly about it, but I did it. This week has been tough for me. I'm feeling down in the dumps about thinks unrelated to health and fitness, so I've been whiny about doing my workouts. On Monday, I was scheduled to do Max Recovery. I started it, but got bored and distracted, so I stopped. I decided the next day to go on to Max Cardio Conditioning (what I was scheduled for on Tuesday), but quit about 2 minutes into the actual workout.

SO, today I decided to go BACK to Max Recovery and start fresh. I finished Recovvery, with minimal breaks and I'm proud. My finish date is now postponed two more days, but oh well. I'm not racing.

And yes, I agree. I like the Max workouts MUCH better. I think repetitiveness is not something I do well with, and I prefer the Max workouts. I don't even really notice the extra time.

But, yay! I'm glad to have that over with for the day. :)

I guess I'm SORT of racing to finish Insanity, because I got Chalean Extreme recently and I'm DYING to start it.

I wonder if it would be overkill to start Chalean Extreme while I'm still doing Insanity?

Glad to hear you got it done:) Sometimes it's really hard to get motivated when you've got other stuff you're thinking about, etc.

I don't think it would be overkill to start CLX now. I probably would go down to 3 Insanity workouts a week (on the non-weight days) though. You work pretty hard during the CLX weights even though they are only about 40-45 minutes. My muscles always felt fatigued afterwards.

yay, my DVDs shipped today! i also prepared the floor in my basement; i bought some of those puzzle-piece like gym floor things a while ago, and finally tonight i secured them so they don't slip around when i jump, making me almost kill myself.

yay, my DVDs shipped today! i also prepared the floor in my basement; i bought some of those puzzle-piece like gym floor things a while ago, and finally tonight i secured them so they don't slip around when i jump, making me almost kill myself.

That's awesome! I'm excited for you to get started!

today i did the jillian michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism while i wait for Insanity to come. i was sure huffing and puffing, and it probably doesn't even compare to Insanity!

Day 4 (I count the Fitness Test as Day 1) and I feel good. I needed the cardio recovery. It felt great! I look forward to the week of it. And I think that once we're done with Insanity, since it's not really an every day of the year type of workout, I'll probably do the cardio recovery regularly.

I was wondering (and someone please let me know if this isn't allowed) if anyone wanted to pal up on Twitter or Facebook so we can send random messages of encouragement. I forward mine to my Blackberry so it would be nice to see. Know what I mean?

I did Max Interval Circuit today. One more day until my rest day! Woo! But yeah, I struggled through it. My first week of Max workouts is really pushing my limits. I hope it will get easier near the end. Floor switch kicks? Can't even do them, I'm so lame, just kicking my feet up without the jump in the middle. Oh well, at least I'm doing it right? I mean, it's getting my heart rate up, and my muscles are definitely doing as much work as they can.

I hope tomorrow goes a little more smoothly, I have Max Plyo and it's ALL jumping, and when you aren't jumping, you're doing plank work. GAHHHH. Insanity is making me, well, Insane!

i am still SO sore after doing that Jillian Michaels DVD thursday night. this makes me really nervous about what i'll feel like after doing my first Insanity workout. i may not be able to move!

i am still SO sore after doing that Jillian Michaels DVD thursday night. this makes me really nervous about what i'll feel like after doing my first Insanity workout. i may not be able to move!

You'll be ok! Actually, Insanity doesn't make me THAT sore. It's more cardio-based than anything.

I got my Insanity package today! I think I will go ahead and start today, because I like the idea of having Friday be my rest day.

Do you all drink the Recovery Drink after your workouts? I didn't order it and I'm wondering if it's necessary.

OK, i did the fit test and took my "before" photo. i'll post the results of my fit test:

Switch Kicks: 43
Power Jacks: 33
Power Knees: 70 (thanks to years of tae-bo, i think!)
Power Jumps: 15
Globe Jumps: 8
Suicide Jumps:11
Push-up Jacks: 20 (i just did push-ups on my knees, because i'm not even close to being able to do a regular push-up, much less a push-up jack)
Low Plank Oblique: 25

confession: i had to pause before the suicide jumps for an extra break.

i feel sort of like fatty mclardbutt, but it can only get better, right? my HRM said i got up to 185, so i know i was working!

OK, did the Plyo Cardio Circuit today. This workout (Insanity) is quite aptly named. I probably only really did 50% of the moves and my HRM said I burned over 400 calories. The basketball drills? Not even close.

I had to take breaks during the warm up. During the WARM UP.

OK, did the Plyo Cardio Circuit today. This workout (Insanity) is quite aptly named. I probably only really did 50% of the moves and my HRM said I burned over 400 calories. The basketball drills? Not even close.

I had to take breaks during the warm up. During the WARM UP.

I'm on month two and I still take breaks during the warm up. The warm up is ridiculous.

I have to say I truly enjoyed my rest day lol. I noticed the plyo cardio circuit wasn't as bad the second time around and one improvement I already see is that I did 2 whole pushups on my toes! I could barely do them on my knees before.

Oh, and I absolutely take breaks during the warmup lol. I have flat feet and don't have workout shoes yet, so I'm doin' it barefoot for now.

well, today i did Cardio Power and Resistance. i didn't die quite as much as during the Plyo, but it was definitely difficult.

i really did not do those Ball Triceps right at all, I'm quite sure. i bought a mirror to put in my exercise room but i need my husband to attach it to the wall still. then i can see everything i'm doing wrong!

I just did the first workout of my last 3 weeks of Insanity!

I had Cardio Recovery today...finally, some exercises I can do!

I rocked those knee to chest balance things, ha!

Hey girls I get to start week three tomorrow. Good to see you got your insanity started chrgrl. Has some of your nervousness gone away. I read about your floor modification and think that is a great idea, I do mine in the basement and slide around alot. Kristyjoy, awesome that your on the bottom 3. I read about your motivational problems last week good job fightin through. I hope I can join up with your guys chat as my husband started me out on this insanity and he is my motivation but he is about to go away for a month and I don't wanna fall off. I have been fighting to lose weight for the past year with no movement of inches or scale. Running, weights training in all kinds away and controlling my diet but nothing was working so these last 10 lbs are like a god send. Hope to chat.

tinktina, maybe you can use his month away as extra motivation. like impress him with how much you've improved during his time away. will he be doing Insanity when he's gone?

still nervous about Pure Cardio, which comes tomorrow. i've heard horror stories.

Weirdly enough, Pure Cardio and it's Month 2 counterpart, Max Cardio Circuit, are my favorite Insanity workouts. They are hard, but I like that every minute it's a new exercise.

Also, tinktina, I use this as motivation: I just think about how far I've come and how disappointed I would be if I gave up now, without finishing. That's what has given me the motivation to do it, even though I'm grumbling the whole time.

It's weird, but Pure Cardio is my favorite too. I think it's because there's less repeating of the same workout over and over again.

I love how he says "the s*** is bananas" at the end lol. Makes me feel good to know he gets tired too lol.

Weirdly enough, Pure Cardio and it's Month 2 counterpart, Max Cardio Circuit, are my favorite Insanity workouts. They are hard, but I like that every minute it's a new exercise.

Also, tinktina, I use this as motivation: I just think about how far I've come and how disappointed I would be if I gave up now, without finishing. That's what has given me the motivation to do it, even though I'm grumbling the whole time.

Congrats on being halfway there! I like the Max workouts better too - more variation. Cardio Core Conditioning is my current favorite (favorite is a relative term:)

It's weird, but Pure Cardio is my favorite too. I think it's because there's less repeating of the same workout over and over again.

I love how he says "the s*** is bananas" at the end lol. Makes me feel good to know he gets tired too lol.

haha, yeah, I like that too. My favorite part is at the end of the very first Max workout, everyone just collapses on the floor and nobody moves for a bit. Maybe it's all theatrics, but it makes me feel good to know they get as worn out doing it as I do!

P.S.
I just took pictures of myself in a bikini for the "before" photos for Chalean Extreme, and after a month and two weeks of Insanity, I've gotta say I'm not hating what I'm seeing. I'm not loving it, but we have 4 full months before June!

kristyjoy - way to go on taking pictures...it's amazing what a difference you will notice in pictures that you can't see every day. Have your abs started to 'come in':) If not, you'll see them soon with CLX. I am hoping mine will continue to come - I'm still teething:D

It makes me feel better too when I see the people in the video struggling - especially on Insanity. It does not make me feel better though when Shaun tells me that he is scared of the workout!

P.S. - don't forget to take measurements...it is amazing how many inches you can lose in a month, and I know that for me sometimes I couldn't see it.

kristyjoy - way to go on taking pictures...it's amazing what a difference you will notice in pictures that you can't see every day. Have your abs started to 'come in':) If not, you'll see them soon with CLX. I am hoping mine will continue to come - I'm still teething:D

It makes me feel better too when I see the people in the video struggling - especially on Insanity. It does not make me feel better though when Shaun tells me that he is scared of the workout!

Not really, I have that "line" down the center, you know what I'm talking about? But, I still have a bit of chunk covering the whole area. I need to work harder on my eating. I'm doing PRETTY well with it, but it's hard when you are working out as much as I am and also I work at a pizza place! I'm always hungry, Ugh! But I'm trying really hard not to eat at work (I've been bringing some snacks with me so when I'm tempted to eat breadsticks, I eat healthy snacks instead or I eat some pickles or banana peppers to satiate my craving for salty).

In other news, today will be the first day I do both Insanity AND Chalean Extreme. I started the first day of CLX on my Insanity rest day, two days ago. So, yesterday was my first CLX rest day and I did Insanity. Now today and tomorrow I have to do both! EEK! Right now, I'm having my coffee and then I'm going to do CLX, clean the house for a while and then Insanity. Wish me LUCK!

P.S. - don't forget to take measurements...it is amazing how many inches you can lose in a month, and I know that for me sometimes I couldn't see it.

Yeah, I've been taking measurements for Insanity, so I've got that down already. I've already lost 2 inches in my waist with Insanity!

i am up one pound since starting Insanity. i am bummed, but trying not to be because i have heard many others say they gained a little at the beginning, but then it started flying off. i'm just so used to measuring progress by the number on the scale due to years of weight watchers!

So I'm new to this whole thing...I was searching for Insanity tips and things and found this forum and decided to sign up. I'm finishing up my first month of Insanity this week and I'm really looking forward to that "recovery week."

Quick question for anyone who's done the recovery week...did you actually do the recommended video the whole six days? As much as I'm looking forward to a little lighter week, I'm dreading doing the same video six days in a row. I was thinking of switching a few Insanity workouts for some time in the pool or even an hour in the gym (which I strangely find myself missing). Any thoughts?

Chrgrl: I also gained a few pounds when I first started Insanity...but after the first two weeks I was down an inch on my waist and hips and about half an inch everywhere else, so I wouldn't worry too much...

So I'm new to this whole thing...I was searching for Insanity tips and things and found this forum and decided to sign up. I'm finishing up my first month of Insanity this week and I'm really looking forward to that "recovery week."

Quick question for anyone who's done the recovery week...did you actually do the recommended video the whole six days? As much as I'm looking forward to a little lighter week, I'm dreading doing the same video six days in a row. I was thinking of switching a few Insanity workouts for some time in the pool or even an hour in the gym (which I strangely find myself missing). Any thoughts?

Chrgrl: I also gained a few pounds when I first started Insanity...but after the first two weeks I was down an inch on my waist and hips and about half an inch everywhere else, so I wouldn't worry too much...

I did the "Core Cardio and Balance" recovery workout for 4/6 of the days. One day I subbed P90X yoga and on the last day I did the Fit Test instead because I didn't want to do the Fit Test and my first Max workout in one day. I'm sure it would be fine to do something else that week, maybe every other day, but I wouldn't do the Insanity workouts personally, because you want to recover the muscles you've been working the past month. I'd recommend any workout (like yoga or light cardio) that doesn't focus on resistance training. Does that make sense?

Also, re: gaining weight, I also gained during my first month, a little, but I lost inches. I've been afraid to weigh myself since those first couple of weeks, because the gain was really discouraging to me (I, too, put too much weight on those numbers, pun intended). I plan on weighing myself at the end along with taking my measurements I've SEEN a difference, and I've lost overall about 5 inches total and that's all that matters to me.

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to comment on one more thing. Week two of my Max workouts is going SO MUCH BETTER than week one. If you don't recall, I was having serious motivation issues, but this week, I've pushed myself through all three days and today particularly I felt SO strong and took less breaks. I'm really proud! yay! :carrot:

Congrats on your lost inches and regained motivation!

thank you all for the encouragement re: weight gain. i should just relax, probably.

today i did Pure Cardio and it was not as hellish as i feared (i'm not saying it was easy). i liked how you didn't have to repeat the same things over and over again. i ripped a corner off of my exercise flooring while doing the suicides, oops.

on the facebook Insanity page i have seen some people say they are adding the Cardio Abs workout after each Insanity workout to get faster ab results. has anyone else tried this? i haven't even done the abs one yet..how long is it?

my stomach has always been my least favorite part of me. kristyjoy, i'm with you...i want that "line" down the center of my abs! i don't even particularly care about a six pack.

thank you all for the encouragement re: weight gain. i should just relax, probably.

today i did Pure Cardio and it was not as hellish as i feared (i'm not saying it was easy). i liked how you didn't have to repeat the same things over and over again. i ripped a corner off of my exercise flooring while doing the suicides, oops.

on the facebook Insanity page i have seen some people say they are adding the Cardio Abs workout after each Insanity workout to get faster ab results. has anyone else tried this? i haven't even done the abs one yet..how long is it?

my stomach has always been my least favorite part of me. kristyjoy, i'm with you...i want that "line" down the center of my abs! i don't even particularly care about a six pack.

I think Cardio Abs is like, 15-20 minutes long.

i had Plyo today. that workout is so stinkin' hard! i think the second interval is the hardest part of any workout video i've ever seen (the one where you have to squat/jump/do pushups/ski abs/in and outs).

I didn't work out at all today. I feel like a fat lump, but honestly, I think I needed a rest. I haven't had a break in almost two weeks, and my body is feeling it.

chrgrl - I really don't like the Plyo video...so hard. I still struggle with ski abs and the push-ups!!!

kristyjoy - your body needs to rest, don't feel bad about it. Tomorrow is a new day and you'll have more energy for your workout.

i had Plyo today. that workout is so stinkin' hard! i think the second interval is the hardest part of any workout video i've ever seen (the one where you have to squat/jump/do pushups/ski abs/in and outs).

I think ski abs are my absolute least favorite Insanity move! Especially since I workout in my living room...my shoes always get stuck on the carpet on that one.

I'm in the worst mood today. I feel fat, and working out did nothing to make me feel better (I did BOTH workouts today too!). Working out didn't make me feel strong and lean like it usually does.

I'm just in a funk.

I hope you feel better soon. Funks are never fun, but definitely don't feel fat. Just from your avatar, you most definitely are NOT.

You are not fat and you've been working very hard!! BUT I totally understand being in a funk (mine is usually hormonal:) Try on something that was tight on you a month ago...maybe that will remind you of how much progress you've made.

You are not fat and you've been working very hard!! BUT I totally understand being in a funk (mine is usually hormonal:) Try on something that was tight on you a month ago...maybe that will remind you of how much progress you've made.

Yeah, I think it's just about that time of the month when I feel awful about myself and then "it" starts and I realize that's why I've been feeling that way.

After today's workout, I have exactly 13 days left. WoO!

so yesterday was my rest day (yay!) and today i started Week 2 with Cardio Power and Resistance.

man, those power jumps are killer. during the first set, when they are going slow, i can pretty much keep up. but then during the 2nd and 3rd rounds when they go fast i have to do three in a row, then pause, then do three more, and so on.

my HRM said my average was about 164 and max 179.

i do the DVDs a little differently; i usually do a 5 minute warm up on the treadmill and then do my own stretches. then i do the DVD, skipping his stretch at the beginning. then when the hard exercises are over i do a cool down on my treadmill and then do the DVD stretches at the end.

i don't like going right from the fast-paced exercises to the stretches without a real cool down...makes my head feel like it might explode.

Week 2 down! I haven't weighed myself in a while and we do pictures tomorrow, but I feel an improvement because I don't get as winded doing things throughout the day and that's all I need to see. I also got some shoes on Shaun's advice that I don't do Insanity barefoot lol. But they still hurt my feet a lot because I am VERY flat footed. I think as I lose weight, they won't hurt as much.

Y'know I almost considered going through my closet to get rid of the stuff I don't fit into, but since starting Insanity, I think I might just hold onto them lol.

2nd day of Week 2 today; Pure Cardio. i forgot how hard this one was! for kicks i also watched the Cardio Abs video and did it kind of halfheartedly; not looking forward to when i have to do it for real!

with the exception of a low fat hot dog (impulse buy - only 40 calories!), i feel like i have eaten very healthy stuff today. so i'm going to post it:

B: whole wheat tortilla with LF hot dog, scrambled egg, soy cheese, and ketchup
L: tilapia filet, steamed potatoes with 1 tsp olive oil and seasoning, steamed green beans, 1 TBS light honey mustard
s: yoplait light vanilla yogurt with 1/2 all-bran cereal and 2 oz frozen strawberries
s: banana and 1 TBS peanut butter

i may still have one more snack before bed. i didn't really eat dinner tonight b/c lunch was sort of a big meal.

Bolthouse Farms makes some yogurt based dressings; their honey mustard one is only 50 calories for 2 TBS. i think it also has horseradish in it; it has quite a kick.

Does anyone have a Twitter? I always post tweets about my Insanity workout after I do it.

Today was technically my off day, but I did the fit test because I'm scheduled to do it and Max Plyo tomorrow and I don't really want to do both in one day.

So, here are my fit test results from day 1 to day 50. I'm not posting the in-between fit test results, because there was some weird results in the middle there, maybe I just wasn't feeling it one day or something, but here we go:

Switch Kicks 71/82
Power Jacks 32/42
Power Knees 64/78
Globe Jumps 6/8
Suicide Jumps 13/16
Push-ups 11/27(!)
Low-plank obliques 23/46 (yay!)

I'm really pleased to see these kinds of fitness results. Especially with push-ups. Now, note I didn't do push-up JACKS. I'm only just now starting to be able to do those, and since I really wanted the fit test to measure my fitness improvements well, I decided from the beginning to modify those to just regular push-ups.

those are some great improvements! i have not jumped on the Twitter trend myself and it probably doesn't make too much sense because i don't have an internet phone (afraid i would never get any work done).

well, today was my first unscheduled "rest day." was supposed to do Plyo tonight, but work was AWFUL and i only now just got home (it is 7:30 here). i could tell that even if i did "push play" it was going to be one of those workouts i didn't put any effort into. so, tomorrow i will pick up with Plyo and maybe skip over the Cardio Recovery day that is normally scheduled for tomorrow night.

on a positive note, i didn't stop at McDonald's on the way home like i probably would've in the past; i am waiting for my sweet potato to bake in the oven instead.

Sorry I've been reading these chats at work but can't reply there, congrats on getting through the week. I find reading about all of these struggles it makes me feel better to know I am not the only one that has to fight to get it done...With my husband going away in Feb I am planning on continuing with the insanity but maybe mix in some Chalean too...are you finding it hard or is it keep it exciting?

Hey Chrgrl, I had that on Sunday night....I planned to workout all day but my conviction went down the drain once the kids went to bed and the house went silent...So I can relate...Tomorrow gonna be better?

Hey Chrgrl, I had that on Sunday night....I planned to workout all day but my conviction went down the drain once the kids went to bed and the house went silent...So I can relate...Tomorrow gonna be better?

at the beginning of the workday i almost thought it was going to be worse than yesterday (had to deliver very bad news to a patient), but towards the end of the day everything calmed down. i left work at a reasonable hour and came home and did Plyo.

my goal in life is to be able to complete just one round of those basketball drills.

tomorrow is my weigh-in day for Weight Watchers. i am nervous!

chrgrl - good luck at weigh-in tomorrow...but remember the scale isn't the only indicator. I'm mostly saying this to remind myself:) I've been pretty on-track the last few weeks and haven't really lost too much, but my clothes are noticeably looser

I wore my HRM during Max Interval Circuit today, and apparently I burned 715 calories!

I wore my HRM during Max Interval Circuit today, and apparently I burned 715 calories!

that is amazing! i am mostly burning around 400, but i still take lots of breaks.

good news: down 2.5 lbs from last week! i know the scale isn't the only thing that matters, but it is awfully nice to see the number go down!

i think tonight is Cardio Power and Resistance.

Hola,
I just got Insanity today and ripped it open and did the fit test. My heart rate monitor maxed at 197!! According to it I burnt 322 cals...I think I must have a high resting HR. Too much caffeine today?
Anyway, I am psyched to be doing this. I am getting married in May and have lost about 13 lbs in the last two months and now I want to concentrate on toning and just plain looking good....pictures last a lifetime!
I am a little scared to start tomorrow but you all seem to be doing great so I am excited to get destroyed by the workout tomorrow.
Nice job everyone!

good luck, Dingo! and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! i am liking the Insanity workouts because it's a good amount of calories burnt in a short amount of time...during the 1st month if you dismiss the stretching, you're really only exercising heavily for 30 minutes. don't know how i will react to the longer workouts in the 2nd month!

tonight was Cardio Power and Resistance for me. i think i am improving on the Power jumps.

chrgrl, I am doing WW as well! We are the same person!
Do you find yourself hungrier on Insanity?
How many points do you have per day?
What weight were you at the beginning of Insanity??
You are doing such an amazing job!

well, at the beginning of january i was 167. in 2009 i had gotten down to 149 (from 179), but then the last half of the year i went bonkers and started eating everything in sight and gained back a bunch. come 2010, i decided to get back on point (i get 22 pts per day) and resume exercising. i started on the treadmill, nothing major. i lost 2 lbs the first week, then i started Insanity. i gained a pound a few days into it, and then this past week I lost 2.5 lbs.

WW has always worked well for me...it's just a matter of sticking to it. Before I ever joined WW in 2004, i weighed 194 lbs and at my smallest got down to 147.

i do feel hungrier lately and have been trying to use some WPA's and AP's everyday. i love to eat, so i don't want my body to get "used to" surviving on daily points only. in the past i have always typically used extra points and have done well.

I lost 50 lbs on WW two years ago, have maintained that weight loss off of the program but not lost anymore. WW just sort of....quit working. I don't know, maybe I should go back to it, but now that I've started working out like crazy, it just isn't enough food, even if I eat my activity points (chrgirl, are you eating your activity points?).

Maybe I should try it again. I'm discouraged by my lack of weight loss, even though I've lost inches doing Insanity, I've only lost 3 lbs and I know I could stand to lose like, 20 or 30. Maybe. I really don't know. I tell people that and they look at me like I'm crazy. I'm just really muscular. I'd like to see what my body fat percentage is, but I have no idea how to do that.

I love it when people suddenly think you have an eating disorder when you mention how much weight you want to lose.
I get soooooooo hungry when I exercise. I can't take it at all.
Today I am doing day 1 plyometrics. I am totally scared. Let you know how it goes.
You know....I was not losing weight when I did the Jillian Michaels videos all the time. Then I stopped over Christmas and ended up losing 6 lbs. I am willing to bet that was all muscle loss. You are probably solid muscle as well.

i am definitely eating my activity points because i'll starve to death if i don't. in the last 1-2 years, WW switched it so that you can "bank" activity points (you used to only be able to eat them on the day you earned them). plus, any points over your daily points get deducted first from your weekly points allowance and then from your activity points.

i don't know the purpose of these changes, as a point is a point, whether you earned it or it was a weekly allowance point.

that said, i am making efforts to eat as many points as possible. i have not found it to hinder my weight loss in the past, and i like eating. sometimes i also track my food intake at sparkpeople.com, and there are some days when i've eaten all 22 points it amounts to about 1200 calories. that just seems low, and not something i can maintain forever. maybe this means i'll never be a bikini model, but i guess that's how it is.

once i was watching TV and barbara walters asked Victoria Beckham if she ever ate a cookie or a piece of cake. She was like, "No, never," and she was totally serious. can you imagine that? NEVER eating a cookie? that life is not for me. i'll obviously never be a size zero. nor do i want to be really; i just would like to get rid of my "jiggles."

once i was watching TV and barbara walters asked Victoria Beckham if she ever ate a cookie or a piece of cake. She was like, "No, never," and she was totally serious. can you imagine that? NEVER eating a cookie? that life is not for me. i'll obviously never be a size zero. nor do i want to be really; i just would like to get rid of my "jiggles."

It would be worth it just to look like her......not. She scares me and makes me feel nervous.

On another note, I WANT TO DIE. Insanity plyo was unbelievable. Heart rate climbed to 198! I don't think that is safe....

yeah, i think plyo is the worst one, personally, especially those basketball drills in the middle. it will get better, though, promise! expect to have really sore legs the next few days. it is pretty much gone by the end of the 1st week though; i hardly have any soreness now.

did pure cardio/cardio abs tonight...500 calories! i am very much looking forward to my rest day tomorrow. then saturday it's on to Fit Test #2!

I have been doing Jillian Michaels NMTZ and BFBM for months plus doing 60 minutes stairclimber/elliptical 5x a week. This is the first time I have ever felt sore directly following a video! My lats and calves are achy already!
I love it. Tomorrow is going to be hard. I am glad that is one of the harder videos though. I am not sure I could keep myself motivated if every day got harder and harder!
Yay for rest days! Enjoy it!

i really like those 2 jillian michaels videos you just mentioned...i am thinking of alternating between them once i'm finished with Insanity!

Dingo, I just looked at your profile and noticed you are a medical student. I'm a physician assistant! How funny is that?

I might give WW another try, but I really think I need to go to at least one meeting. Last time, I went to one meeting, then quit and did it on my own. Just to get the materials and learn the plan. I want the new materials. I need to lose this weight, or I'm going to go crazy.

On another note, I got this be-HOT stuff from GNC today. I know, a lot of people don't think it's safe, but my best friend is a nurse and she said she thinks it's fine as long as I cut back on my other caffeine.

P.S. chrgirl and dingo, I have a Masters in Biology, so we are all science nerds!

I did so many push ups during Max Plyo yesterday that my shoulders are really sore today. Today, I have to double up with Max Cardio Conditioning and Insane Abs. SIGH. Only 10 days to go!

Okay I just got Insanity today and I'm starting tomorrow. My boyfriend actually got it and I was pretty sure I'm not in good enough shape to even attempt it, but I've been reading all your posts and now I'm excited!

KRISTYJOY - As far as your be-HOT stuff goes... I've tried tons of random things like this that many people think are unsafe and after everything I'm a firm believer in just knowing your body's reactions. As long as you are able to monitor yourself and that you feel okay while your taking it, go for it! It wouldn't be on the market if the FDA found something specifically harmful in it. :)

sure enjoyed my rest day!

well, in all fairness, if it's classified as an herb, the FDA has no control over it going ON the shelf; but it can take it OFF the shelf if it turns out to be dangerous.

that said, i don't know what be-HOT is.

Fit Test tomorrow!

hey, i just signed up to this site when i saw the thread about insanity. im considering ordering it..... i just wanted to read some reviews. it sounds intense!

tonimaroni2: You don't have to be in great shape to do Insanity. It's all about doing as much as you can and getting better at it. Actually, if you are in not so great shape when you start, you will probably see better results at the end in terms of being able to do the exercises better.

Ok, QUESTION. I REALLY hate the Max Recovery workout. Like, a LOT. Not because it's hard, but because it bores me to death. Does anyone have any suggestions on anything else I can do instead? I'm scheduled for Max Recovery today and I'm afraid I'll put it off because I don't feel like doing it.

I wish I could help, but I've not gotten to Max Recovery yet, so I'm not sure what it's like. I guess I would just pick another workout video that's not such high impact, since it's supposed to be a recovery day.

Did you do the Cardio Core and Balance (or whatever it's called) during the Recovery week or did you do something different?

hey, i just signed up to this site when i saw the thread about insanity. im considering ordering it..... i just wanted to read some reviews. it sounds intense!

I had a friend who bought it because they liked Hip Hop Abs so much, Since they didn't have the time they gave it to me to try out. It is Insane and there is no doubt that you will get fit, but personally I found it boring, just not my type of exercise.

If you like a boot camp/military sort of exercise then its a good one to get hands down.

I am here to post the results of my Fit Test:

Fit Test 1/2/change

Switch Kicks: 43/50/+7
Power Jacks: 33/40/+7
Power Knees: 70/80/+10
Power Jumps: 15/20/+5
Globe Jumps: 8/8/+0
Suicide Jumps: 11/12/+1
Push Ups(knees): 20/30/+10
Obliques: 25/40/+15

note to self: consider not eating sausage for breakfast the next time it is Fit Test day.

note to self: consider not eating sausage for breakfast the next time it is Fit Test day.

Hahaha.

Good Job! :cp:

i order it today. and i cant wait.. i will keep everyone posted

good night

Hey Gals!
I love that we are sciency people. I guess that is why we know that we have to work our butts off to find results instead of using some fad crap (although....I can't say I haven't tried that in the past).

I am on Day 4 and am up 1 lb :(
I know you have been there chrgrl. Have you lost since?
I am freaking sore as ****!

Dingo, i was up a pound on the 3rd day, and then by the 10th or 11th day i was down 2.5. hang in there!

Thanks chrgrl.

OMG Pure cardio....I think I am going to puke.

So, yesterday I skipped my workout. I really hate Max Recovery for some reason. I was going to make it up today, but still couldn't shake the "but I HATE it!" going on in my head, so instead I worked out for an hour with a combo of Yoga, Pilates and my favorite thing (pre-insanity) -- Tribal fusion bellydance! I couldn't believe it, but the bellydance gets my heart rate up just as high as Insanity. I didn't burn as many calories, but I feel good and I didn't have to do stupid recovery. :)

so max recovery is just boring? Lots of stretching or what?
That belly dance video sounds fun!

I can only imagine myself doing a belly dance video! I am so uncoordinated.

Just finished Plyo and am sweating like a hog. Today I was in Target trying on some clothes and they had 2 mirrors in each dressing room so you could see yourself from the back. I must say, I wasn't totally grossed out by my back half. I was especially impressed by some tricep definition when I lifted my arms.

If I can keep it up, I should be in good shape for summer!

I am on my second week of insanity and i am starting to feel a difference. I just bought P90X which I will do next. I will post my results when I'm done.

By the I'm so glad there are other people I can talk to about Insanity. I'm curious to see how it goes for everyone else.:)

Regressed to Pure Cardio today because my roomie isn't in her second month yet. I'll get back on track tomorrow, but at least I did SOMETHING.

Did anyone's calves hurt like crazy for the first week? Mine felt like they were on fire but they are starting to feel really firm :). I also wondering what to expect in month two. I won't peak at the videos because I'm a little scared of them.

yes, my calves were way sore during week one. after week one, though, i didn't really have any major soreness. my back hurt a little after the 1st time i did Cardio Abs, though.

speaking of Cardio Abs, I was supposed to do that tonight with Pure Cardio, but my DVD kept messing up and skipping to minute 13 in the Abs portion. i couldn't get it to play from the beginning.

so i just did another ab workout that i had lying around, but it wasn't that great.

Even Cardio recovery was painful. Ooooh my thighs! Calves have not really stopped hurting yet Selca, I am on day 6.

Did anyone's calves hurt like crazy for the first week? Mine felt like they were on fire but they are starting to feel really firm :). I also wondering what to expect in month two. I won't peak at the videos because I'm a little scared of them.

Yes, my calves hurt a lot at first, and then here and there as I went on.

Don't worry too much about month 2. It really isn't that much different, the workouts are just longer, and instead of doing like, level 2 drills you do level 3 drills (more push-ups, etc). It really isn't that bad.

chrgrl, my roomie and I went and re-registered for Weight Watchers yesterday! I'm excited to start seriously tracking points again in combo with my Insanity!

Gosh, I'm just a posting fool here today.

Since I did Pure Cardio with my roomie yesterday instead of Max Interval Circuit, I think I'm going to go back to that today. I keep extending my end date by doing other things or repeating exercises. I'm worried about when this ends if I'll have the motivation to work out everyday without being on a program.

Yes, I'm starting Chalean Extreme next, but I'm just worried about being without Insanity. Hopefully I'll stay on track. Just had a healthy and filling breakfast, time for my workout!

i cant wait to get mines.. am so excited....

Kristyjoy,
good job joining WWs. It helps a lot. Are you doing the online thinger? I like it.
When you say 'level 3 drills' how exactly is that different than level 2 drills?
I am still scared.
And do my eyes serve me right? Are we expected to do cardioabs and purecardio during the same session in the first month? EEEK????

My thighs have been screaming for the last 2 days.

hey girls,
im thinking about starting insanity next week and from what im reading it looks doable because frankly i saw the videos first and saw how most of the people looked like they were dying at the end of it and i totally got scared i was also thinking about doing chalene extreme but i dont know if i should start that one first then do insanity or do insanity first then chalene extreme or just combine both of them? any suggestions are welcome no matter what they are im ready to start a program and be sore next week lol have a great night or day girls

Tallyjax,
I think we would all agree that both of those programs are awesome, structured programs that will do the job. I guess your questions then rests more on what you need in a workout right now and how much structure you need in order to adhere to a workout regimen.
I do not have Chalean extreme but it sounds to me like it concentrates a whole lot on toning your body up. It also lasts for 90 days rather than 60. Insanity has toning as well but the cardio will really destroy you. In otherwords, I am doing Insanity to lose inches as fast as possible (because I have a wedding in May). If I had more time I would do Chalean. Mixing them together would confuse me and allow me to take days off that I wouldnt if I was just doing one of them. If you are the type of person who can organize a program and actually stick to it, then OK. I need structure structure structure.

Tallyjax: I'm doing Insanity now, and starting Chalean Extreme after I finish. Insanity is hard, yes, but you won't die I promise.

Oh, and ladies, after talking about sore calves, I think I got jinxed because OH MY GOODNESS do my calves hurt. I skipped Max Interval Circuit two days ago to do Pure Cardio with the roomie, then went back to MIC yesterday and that must have been the magical calf-busting recipe because they are SOOOO sore today.

Luckily, I just have to do Max Interval Sports Training today and it doesn't have so much jumping.

I was so wrong about Max Interval Sports Training. I'm going to sub Core Cardio and Recovery, because they say you can and my calves just hurt so much.

i just had 2 unexpected rest days, but i hope to start Insanity back up tomorrow! monday night i had to take my husband to the ER....his heart rate was really high and they transferred him to a bigger hospital to do a bunch of heart tests. they all came out fine and they're not really sure what really happened. i only had one episode of stress eating, but unfortunately it involved McDonald's and way too much food.

i just had 2 unexpected rest days, but i hope to start Insanity back up tomorrow! monday night i had to take my husband to the ER....his heart rate was really high and they transferred him to a bigger hospital to do a bunch of heart tests. they all came out fine and they're not really sure what really happened. i only had one episode of stress eating, but unfortunately it involved McDonald's and way too much food.

Oh! I hope he's ok. I was thinking about skipping my rest day tomorrow because I am anxious and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but my calves are KILLING me, so I guess I will.

thank you very much for the advice ladies... i think i will do insanity first and then do the chalene extreme after i finish... wish me luck i start sunday and am ready for the sore calves hahaha soreness means my body is changing or at least im gonna be telling myself that...

Chrgrl: i hope you husband is doing better now

take care girls

looks like the extra stress did me good, lost 3 lbs the past week!

i'm sure next week i will either maintain or gain, however. especially because saturday is my birthday and i WILL eat something yummy!

I actually decided to buy Insanity. This is my 'rest' week for P90x. Basically supposed to be mostly a week of cardio. I think I need a break from Tony Horton as well. So this week, I'll be doing the first week of Insanity and then I'll go back to P90x. Not sure if I'll try to intermix the workouts.

I did the Fit test last night and it wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. I did Plyometric cardio circuit today and did pretty good although the last circuit was killer.

I don't think I'd do the program 'as written' though but I do think it is a good mix in with the other stuff I'm doing.

Today is my last rest day of the whole program! I'm taking advantage of it.

My calves finally stopped hurting!!!! My back is a bit sore though.

've read about what some of you are going to do when your done with Insanity. Does anyone have anything different they will do? I am moving onto P90X when I'm finished. I watched the first video and it made me want to crawl under the couch but I knew I wouldn't fit.:o

Please let me know how Charlene's videos work!!! Has anyone tried the Brazil Butt Lift?

you watched the first video of P90x and you didn't like it? what didn't you like about it?

It's not that I didn't like it but I was intimidated by all the pull ups and push ups. I know it will be a great work out and help me look good naked!!!!:D

I bought Insanity, but have been too intimidated to actually try it yet. Right now I am doing a mix of Hip Hop Abs, Brazil Butt Lift and Turbo Jam. I need to get my cardio strength up before I attempt the insanity program. I have been blogging about it all if you want to see my reviews (see signature). Happy working out! :carrot:

Selca,

Don't worry about P90x! It is actually easier than it looks especially if you modify. I do pullups with the bands and I do the pushups on a weight bench. If you have a step or something similar, you could modify the pushups that way as well.

One good thing about muscle is that it builds up your metabolism so don't be afraid of P90x!

Thank you! I'm really glad to here it. I guess I felt the same way about insanity but now I'm doing better everyday so I guess the same will apply there as well.

I actually decided to buy Insanity. This is my 'rest' week for P90x. Basically supposed to be mostly a week of cardio. I think I need a break from Tony Horton as well. So this week, I'll be doing the first week of Insanity and then I'll go back to P90x. Not sure if I'll try to intermix the workouts.

I did the Fit test last night and it wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. I did Plyometric cardio circuit today and did pretty good although the last circuit was killer.

I don't think I'd do the program 'as written' though but I do think it is a good mix in with the other stuff I'm doing.

i cant wait for mine to arrive.. i think i would do the same as u.. just mix it up with my actual exercises. Lets see

did Cardio Power and Resistance tonight...not any easier after 2 days of rest, if anyone was wondering!

I bought Insanity, but have been too intimidated to actually try it yet. Right now I am doing a mix of Hip Hop Abs, Brazil Butt Lift and Turbo Jam. I need to get my cardio strength up before I attempt the insanity program. I have been blogging about it all if you want to see my reviews (see signature). Happy working out! :carrot:

I disagree that you have to get your cardio up before you do Insanity. Insanity will get your cardio up. When I started, I couldn't get through the warm up without taking a break, now I can. It's really NOT as bad as they make it out to be in the commercials. Remember, they are trying to sell products and by thinking you have to do a bunch of other programs just to get to the point where you can do Insanity, it's working! Haha.

Now I know what you guys mean by your calves!! I didn't think there was a lot of calf intensive work but my calves woke up this morning somewhat sore but they aren't too bad. I guess all that running in place did it.

I'd also say Insanity is something you can modify and work on getting your cardio up. You just know how to modify.

Now I know what you guys mean by your calves!! I didn't think there was a lot of calf intensive work but my calves woke up this morning somewhat sore but they aren't too bad. I guess all that running in place did it.

I'd also say Insanity is something you can modify and work on getting your cardio up. You just know how to modify.

I think it's all the jumping that does it.

Woo, I did Cardio resistance today. I thought it was harder than the plyo workout but equally awesome.

I'm so close to the end of Insanity. I'm getting sad and nervous about my final results.

I'm so close to the end of Insanity. I'm getting sad and nervous about my final results.

I have been reading through your posts, and I am excited to see your final results!! Are you going to post before and after pictures??

I just saw the insanity infomercial and found this thread. I am almost ready to order it. I am nervous because it does look hard. I have been doing Jillian Micheals and The Biggest Loser Videos. They are challenging, but I want quicker results and I know I will have to work for those. Plus, I am training for a 3K, so I run too. Since your at the end, would you recommend insanity?

I'm so close to the end of Insanity. I'm getting sad and nervous about my final results.

i'm sure you'll end up being impressed. did you take a before picture? i am kind of looking forward to taking my day 30 picture to see if i can tell a difference.

did you do Cardio Core and Balance all 6 days during the recovery week? is it boring?

today i did Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs. i turned my ankle during the mummy kicks and totally fell on my butt. thank goodness for padding! (not the padding on my butt, the padding on my exercise floor)

i'm sure you'll end up being impressed. did you take a before picture? i am kind of looking forward to taking my day 30 picture to see if i can tell a difference.

did you do Cardio Core and Balance all 6 days during the recovery week? is it boring?

today i did Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs. i turned my ankle during the mummy kicks and totally fell on my butt. thank goodness for padding! (not the padding on my butt, the padding on my exercise floor)

I did the CCB pretty much the whole recovery week. I subbed a 30 minute cardio/30 minute yoga combo I think twice. It's not too boring, and it's actually pretty challenging. I think that Max Recovery is WAY more boring than CCB.

Hope your ankle is ok! Is it sore?

I did Cardio Conditioning (the Max version of Pure Cardio) today and I'm supposed to do Insane Abs next, but instead I'm subbing this new Pilates video I got:
http://www.amazon.com/MTV-Fitness-Pilates-Kristin-McGee/dp/B00062IE00/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1265481006&sr=8-2

I'm about to post a thread in this forum about the series of these videos if you guys want to check it out. I think it's great that we are all doing Insanity, but I'm still hardcore into Yoga and Pilates for getting that long, lean look and those super-flexible muscles :)

I have been reading through your posts, and I am excited to see your final results!! Are you going to post before and after pictures??

I just saw the insanity infomercial and found this thread. I am almost ready to order it. I am nervous because it does look hard. I have been doing Jillian Micheals and The Biggest Loser Videos. They are challenging, but I want quicker results and I know I will have to work for those. Plus, I am training for a 3K, so I run too. Since your at the end, would you recommend insanity?


I did take a photo, a side profile of me in a sports bra and leggings. I plan on taking an after photo and I will PROBABLY share it with you all. One thing Insanity has done for me is made me feel pretty confident about my body. I'm seeing all these new muscles popping out and I feel amazing. It's pretty incredible.

Would I recommend it? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. I do have to be honest, the results aren't as dramatic as they claim on the infomercial, but I expected that. I have lost a ton of inches, a few pounds, but the most dramatic change can't really be measured. I just see all these muscles and I'm stronger and I feel fitter. It's actually been a really amazing experience for me, and I'm a little sad it's ending!

Hi there! My name is Angela and I have been reading through all of your posts and I want to thank you all,as you have motivated me even more to follow through with doing Insanity, and have calmed most o f my nervousness/fears.. lol :) I have had the mild pnemonia(sp?) for the last week and a half so I do not want to start until my lungs are feeling somewhat stronger, but in the time I have been recouping I have started talking myself out of doing Insanity because i got really nervous! but after reading through this thread, I have a new motivation! yay! lol I have the program.. so it is just a matter of picking a start date.. I am thinking maybe the 15th of February.. that way it gives me another week to get over this bug!
Good luck and way to go! kristyjoy on being so close to finishing.. I am curious to see your progress as well!
I am excited to have found this thread... I will definetely be back! lol
Night Night,God Bless!

I did Cardio recovery today and it is a bit surreal. I like it, yoga moves, stretching but in the first 10 minutes I kept thinking "ok Shaun, when you going to start kicking my butt". I needed something light though, I spent about 4 hours today shoveling snow.

I have been recouping I have started talking myself out of doing Insanity because i got really nervous! but after reading through this thread, I have a new motivation! yay! lol I have the program.. so it is just a matter of picking a start date.. I am thinking maybe the 15th of February.. that way it gives me another week to get over this bug!!

Have you already bought Insanity? Just remember that it is only an exercise video and you only go at your own pace. You push yourself and stop when you can't go on anymore. It's really not scary but it is sometimes frustrating that your body is too exhausted to do what your mind wants it to do!
The feeling of accomplishment is really something to look forward to.
I don't feel it as much when I finish 40 minutes on an elliptical.
We are all here to support you day by day!

I did Cardio recovery today and it is a bit surreal. I like it, yoga moves, stretching but in the first 10 minutes I kept thinking "ok Shaun, when you going to start kicking my butt". I needed something light though, I spent about 4 hours today shoveling snow.

I feel really guilty about that day. Once I get started on Insanity I feel like a fat slob when I don't work out hard.
I have so much more energy to work out than I used to!

I feel really guilty about that day. Once I get started on Insanity I feel like a fat slob when I don't work out hard.
I have so much more energy to work out than I used to!


I have a lot more energy too! My legs feel stronger and I can get through the warm up no problem now! It's those damn suicide drills that kill me. The first time I tried to do them I was on my way back up and everyone on the tape was already back down doing push ups. After a few attempts I couldn't stop laughing at how funny my boyfriend and I looked. We must have looked like a couple of fish flopping around on the floor.

I strongly recommend Insanity to everyone!

Hi Dingo! Thanks so much for that.. it is so nice to know.. and like I said I feel so much better about it now!.. I do already have the program.. I ended up getting it after I got the darn pnemonia.. but I feel so much better today so I am going to do light exercise this week to get my lungs used to working again haha then I am starting Insanity next Monday .. the 15th of February! :)

I went out last night and saw a bunch of people I haven't seen since before I started doing Insanity, and EVERYONE commented on how much thinner I look! It's weird, because I've only lost a few pounds since I started, but I definitely look different!

I went out last night and saw a bunch of people I haven't seen since before I started doing Insanity, and EVERYONE commented on how much thinner I look! It's weird, because I've only lost a few pounds since I started, but I definitely look different!

That's great!!! I am very excited to see the before and after pics if you decide to post them.

I went out last night and saw a bunch of people I haven't seen since before I started doing Insanity, and EVERYONE commented on how much thinner I look! It's weird, because I've only lost a few pounds since I started, but I definitely look different!

Awesome!
I'll bet you look fantastic!
That makes me happy,:carrot:

hi ive been reading through your post and i have a question. i never work out at all but i want to do you think this is the kinda workout i could do and i also just bought my swimsuit for the summer and it doesnt even fit so i have alot of work to do to fit into it and look hott so will this work or should i start with something differnet

This workout will bust anyone's *** including yours :)
If you never workout then you are in for a rough time. You could try to start doing it slow but it might be kind of frustrating and you will be in a lot of pain. They don't recommend the videos for people that are totally out of shape but that is for you to judge. You really need to be motivated to exercise everyday and stick with the plan. If you start giving yourself excuses to not do the videos then you will not go far because this level of exercise is not exactly fun to do.
I say kick your *** into gear and try it out (unless you have knee problems)

This workout will bust anyone's *** including yours :)
If you never workout then you are in for a rough time. You could try to start doing it slow but it might be kind of frustrating and you will be in a lot of pain. They don't recommend the videos for people that are totally out of shape but that is for you to judge. You really need to be motivated to exercise everyday and stick with the plan. If you start giving yourself excuses to not do the videos then you will not go far because this level of exercise is not exactly fun to do.
I say kick your *** into gear and try it out (unless you have knee problems)

yep im gonna or do you think i should start with p90x? im so ready to not be the fat girl anymore

I haven't done p90x but I have heard that it is hardcore toning and a little less cardio. People seem to love both programs as well as the Chalean Extreme. I am sure they all work.

I think you will see an immense weight loss if you start this program, especially in the first few weeks. That is one good thing about not working out for a long time....when you finally do start you drop a ton of weight.
Can't wait to see it happen to you (it happened to me...I lost the majority of my weight in the first couple months).

just finished Cardio Power and Resistance FOR THE LAST TIME! kinda bummed about not getting to see the chick in the cut-off Insanity shirt...her stomach is to die for! makes me really want to finish the program and get my t-shirt.

I did Pure Cardio today and wow that is insane.

Hey everybody!

I joined this forum because all of you on here totally inspired me to get my butt up off the couch and actually push play. So thank you ladies for making me feel like you don't have to be a former pro athlete to get through this darn program.

I've been using the elite nutrition plan this past week and I start the Insanity workouts today. Wish me luck. :)

I only have two workouts left. TWO!

I did the plyometrics DVD this morning but my legs weren't totally cooperative! I did a lot of regular squats instead of squat jacks but mixed som squat jacks in.

Tomorrow or Wednesday, I'm on P90x month 2 and not sure if/how I will mix the Insanity workouts in. I think it was a good week overall to mix stuff up though.

i just got my insanity dvds. can i start tomorrow tuesday or should i wait for next monday.. any suggestions.

I have tried The Firm and Hip Hop Abs, and loved them both in the beginning. The problem with me is that I can't work out for a month and not see a major change and keep up my will to get up and work out at 5:30 in the morning before work and kids. My husband is buying me Insanity as a last stitch effort. I was relatively small until I had my son, and now I've blown up bigger than I ever thought I'd be. I couldn't make myself get up tis morning, so I'm going to do hip hop abs tonight and start the morning shift tomorrow morning. We're buying Insanity in a couple of weeks, so I figure hip hop abs will get me in good enough shape to prepare for insanity. My self esteem is just gone. I really need this to work.

Hi everyone,

I am also so inspired by all of you! Thank you for sharing your stories. I am thinking of starting Insanity next week. I have a couple of questions, though. First of all, I play volleyball once a week. It is definitely not very hard core. Do you think Insanity will tire me out so much I won't be able to play? Should I be doing the max recovery on volleyball day so that I am not too dead?

Secondly, like many others, I am nervous. I have been a very inconsistent exerciser for a while now, but I am usually doing something or the other even if it is just once a week. I have definitely been in better shape than I am right now. I read some guy's blog who said he threw up after the fit test, which made me really nervous. Is it really that bad?

Thanks!!

MSM

i just got my insanity dvds. can i start tomorrow tuesday or should i wait for next monday.. any suggestions.

Decide when you want your off day to be and then start the respective amount of days back from that. I started on a Wednesday but my free day is friday....kind of messes things up.

My self esteem is just gone. I really need this to work.

This workout will make you feel goooooood.

Hi everyone,

Should I be doing the max recovery on volleyball day so that I am not too dead?

Secondly, like many others, I am nervous. I have been a very inconsistent exerciser for a while now, but I am usually doing something or the other even if it is just once a week. I have definitely been in better shape than I am right now. I read some guy's blog who said he threw up after the fit test, which made me really nervous. Is it really that bad?



Max recovery on volleyball day sounds like a good idea. I feel like I wouldn't be able to jump as high (or as enthusiastically) if I did a whole insanity workout out. But then again, the recovery day makes your thighs burn as well.

I have felt very sick a couple of times but only because I was so determined to push myself that far! They are very encouraging when it comes to taking breaks. Don't be nervous! I stop and catch my breath all the time.

i just got my insanity dvds. can i start tomorrow tuesday or should i wait for next monday.. any suggestions.

just think, the sooner you get started, the sooner you will finish! i decided to start mine on a saturday because i wanted my rest day to be on a friday. just decide what works best for you.

Hi everyone,

I am also so inspired by all of you! Thank you for sharing your stories. I am thinking of starting Insanity next week. I have a couple of questions, though. First of all, I play volleyball once a week. It is definitely not very hard core. Do you think Insanity will tire me out so much I won't be able to play? Should I be doing the max recovery on volleyball day so that I am not too dead?

Secondly, like many others, I am nervous. I have been a very inconsistent exerciser for a while now, but I am usually doing something or the other even if it is just once a week. I have definitely been in better shape than I am right now. I read some guy's blog who said he threw up after the fit test, which made me really nervous. Is it really that bad?

Thanks!!

MSM

another idea is to make it so that volleyball day is on your rest day. i guess it depends on how strenuous the volleyball actually is.

i will have to admit that the only two times my chest has hurt while doing Insanity is both times that i've done the Fit Test. it is pretty intense, but remember that it is only about ten minutes. it's just that you're pushing yourself really hard to get good numbers.

just remember that anything that gets you up and moving is a good thing.

Hi everyone! Along with others I also joined because of this thread. I did the fit test today. My thighs burned for hours afterwards and still are but it's starting to go away. All of your posts are very inspiring. I wouldn't have started the Insanity workout had this thread not showed up on google while I was looking for reviews of the program! Just a question, are you all following the nutrition plan as well or just the workouts? I don't plan on using the nutrition plan because of my daily schedule it's hard to plan meals. So far I have lost 20 lbs but have plateaued and seen no movement on the scale for about the last year. I'm really hoping Insanity will help me get over that.

I only have two workouts left. TWO!

Congrats on finishing the 60-day rotation. That is definitely something to be proud of.

I only have two workouts left. TWO!

That is really really incredible Kristy. Super proud of you. We are going to miss you if you stop posting! So Don't!!:hug:

Hi everyone! Along with others I also joined because of this thread. I did the fit test today. My thighs burned for hours afterwards and still are but it's starting to go away. All of your posts are very inspiring. I wouldn't have started the Insanity workout had this thread not showed up on google while I was looking for reviews of the program! Just a question, are you all following the nutrition plan as well or just the workouts?

All you ladies who recently joined are super stars! We all need the support! You are going to feel amazing in your bodies from here on out.... I feel like I actually have some control over mine for the first time in a long time. The transformation so far for me has come from the inside more than the outside (day 14). I have lost 1.5 inches on my waist but the scale hasn't moved much. My clothes are a ton loser and my body feels really toned already! It even feels good just to walk around with a solid backside and I love putting my hands on my hips and not just feeling jello.

You should be really excited about what's to come! Congrats on your fit test. Did you feel sick afterwards/during? :)

So, the last time I did any kind of workout program I had one child and no job... Apparently finding time to do this with a 10 hour a day job and two kids is going to be much much harder. Waking up two hours earlier is an option, but just really hard to do. lol. And I found last night that doing anything while my kids are awake that doesn't involve them is forbidden. (2 years old and 6 months old) To my dismay, I have pushed beginning my workout to prepare for insanity until next week. Not a good way to start. Is anyone in a similar situation time wise?

You should be really excited about what's to come! Congrats on your fit test. Did you feel sick afterwards/during? :)

HECK YES! My thighs hurt so much I don't even think I'll be able to start the plyo today.. but I'm really hoping I can! :)

Today, I bought myself a new workout outfit as a gift to myself for finishing Insanity (even though I don't officially finish for two days, haha).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kpuppyknit/4343420463/?rotated=1&cb=1265739018217

FEATURING: Size MEDIUM workout pants. I'm so excited!

Do you mean P90X or Insanity? I'm pretty sure with Insanity you need to be in good shape, I can't even do a pushup on my toes yet and it doesn't look like there are modifiers. If you aren't in good shape it looks like it's easy to injure yourself.

P90X is a little more friendly since it's weights where you can pick your own and go at your own pace and p90x shows some modifiers.

You don't have to do the push ups on your toes at first if you dont' want to. Nobody is forcing you to not modify the exercises yourself or just take a break when you need to.

For Insanity, I was doing pushups on a weight bench I have.

i just do knee push-ups.

Just a question, are you all following the nutrition plan as well or just the workouts?

I'm going all out and doing the nutrition plan, too! So far, so good. It's a little tough to get all the food in with work and school but with some careful planning I've managed to stay on track.

Thanks for all your encouraging words! I have set my start date for Saturday the 13th. I had to do that so that the recovery workout could be on Tuesday, which is volleyball day. I have to admit I am kind of nervous but very excited -and there is a part of me that wants to do the fit test right now just to see how i do!! For the days to work, though, it has to be Saturday. Sigh.

Anyway - seriously you ladies are very inspiring. I don't think I would have had the guts to do this if I hadn't come across this blog. I figure that even if I take a lot of breaks and don't even work at 100% if I'm dying, just the routine of working out daily will make a difference. This is exactly what I need right now! In the meanwhile, this week I am doing other things - I did a Zumba sculpt and tone yesterday, tonight is volleyball, tomorrow I will do a Jari Love video. Then Saturday it starts!!

M.

Ok so I did the plyo today.. the fit test seems like a walk in the park now compared to this. I am SO much worse than the people in the video. I had to modify so many of the moves but I guess it's all about improvement right. I didn't think it was possible to sweat that much.. after the workout my hair looked like I'd just come out of the shower. :O

Yup!! Wait to you try Pure Cardio which cracks me up because the people in the video are dying.

Today, I bought myself a new workout outfit as a gift to myself for finishing Insanity (even though I don't officially finish for two days, haha).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kpuppyknit/4343420463/?rotated=1&cb=1265739018217

FEATURING: Size MEDIUM workout pants. I'm so excited!
]
great job on the M's! are you going to send in your pic to get the free Insanity Tshirt?

Hi guys,

I have a few more questions for you. Were you all already in the habit of working out most days in the week before you started? If not, was that part hard? Did you have days that you didn't want to do it, and if so how did you motivate yourself? And finally, did you have days where b/c of work/social schedules you were not able to get the work out in? If you did skip any, was it hard to get back on track?

M.

I was not into it tonight....urg. My tummy hurts. Still got through cardio power and resistance (kind of.....) because I know that if I get off track I will regret it down the line. As I think kristyjoy said...anything that gets you moving is something good....So I guess even if I half *** it I have done something.

By the way Kristy your butt looks hot in those pants. Insanity is great for the butt! Are you going to cut off your shirt when you get it in the mail?

ap90-we are all worse than the people in the videos :) I guess they are their to inspire with their gorgeous bodies. They inspire me at least!

msm- I feel like I always work 100% during these videos. Like I have said before, usually my body poops out before my brain does. I am a determined girl and am very frustrated by the limitations of my out of shape body.
Come on body!!

Confession: I swear A LOT during Insanity. I used to swear at Jillian Michaels during her videos...now I swear at my own body in Insanity.

Hi guys,

I have a few more questions for you. Were you all already in the habit of working out most days in the week before you started? If not, was that part hard? Did you have days that you didn't want to do it, and if so how did you motivate yourself? And finally, did you have days where b/c of work/social schedules you were not able to get the work out in? If you did skip any, was it hard to get back on track?

M.

I am only on week three and am no expert like chrgrl or kristyjoy but I am proud to say that I have stayed absolutely on track for these 14 days. I am motivated by the calendar and the rigid schedule. I need that to override my inherent laziness. I keep thinking 'if I do this right I will see results, if I make excuses like I always have in the past then I will be the same'. Adhering to a 60 day program gives me a light at the end of the tunnel as well.

If I can't get a workout in then I take my off day. I suppose that at some point something will happen to get me off track, but I have purposefully scheduled my off day for Friday so that I can go play right after work/school.

i wouldn't say i'm an "expert"...i'm only in week 4!

yes, i've had unscheduled rest days; one due to working crazy late and two due to my husband being in the hospital. i just picked up where i left off and got back into the workouts. that's really all you can do.

as for days when you're "just not motivated," these are pretty short workouts compared to many (at least the 1st month). just tell yourself it will all be over in about 30 minutes.

just tell yourself it will all be over in about 30 minutes.

Werd. :)

If you take an unscheduled day off, just pick up where you left off. I fell behind a bit in my 2 months, but I jumped in where I left off. Some days, I was just too sore to pound my body. I would do another, less intense workout and pick up with Insanity the next day. Don't kill yourself, just get it done, you know?

well, as predicted i gained this week after last week's random 3 lb weight loss. i was still bummed, though, when i saw +1.5 on the scale. i almost caved in at work and ate a Panera cookie, but luckily when i went back to the kitchen only the gross cookies with raisins were left.

i am thinking of cutting my recovery week short by 2 days so that i can finish Insanity before i leave for vacation on March 19th. then my vacation will be stress-free and i won't be thinking, "Man, I have to finish Insanity when I get home." my husband and i are typically active when we go on vacations anyway...we'll be taking our bikes and tennis rackets and we frolic in the ocean on boogie boards like a couple of 6 year olds.

tonight i did Pure Cardio for the LAST TIME! i am starting to get nervous about month 2.

yay! 4 lbs lost on insanity so far and lots of muscle gained! Hope this continues to happen!

yay! 4 lbs lost on insanity so far and lots of muscle gained! Hope this continues to happen!


congrats! i am kind of looking forward to my upcoming day 30 picture, as i definitely think i've shed some fat off my tummy. i know i've gone down a pants size, even though i think my net weight is only down about 3 lbs overall. man, i had some sore obliques last night after Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs!

am very much looking forward to month 2 results, as i've heard that's when you really see the good stuff happening. nervous about the workouts, though!

congrats! i am kind of looking forward to my upcoming day 30 picture, as i definitely think i've shed some fat off my tummy. i know i've gone down a pants size, even though i think my net weight is only down about 3 lbs overall. man, i had some sore obliques last night after Pure Cardio/Cardio Abs!

am very much looking forward to month 2 results, as i've heard that's when you really see the good stuff happening. nervous about the workouts, though!

Are you going to show us your pics?

I took my before picture in my bra which I regret now. Not sure if I can post that even though its a rather modest bra.

How could you not see results after month 2? I am so excited about that now!

2nd fit test today.

i will probably post them, especially if there is a noticeable difference. i will be sure to take the day 30 pic when i first get up, when my stomach is nice and flat prior to eating! unfortunately i didn't think to take a side view on day 1, just a front view. maybe i will add a side view for day 30 and then do one at day 60 also.

Final fit test results!!

Switch Kicks 71/82/92
Power Jacks 32/42/47
Power Knees 64/78/90
Power Jumps 30/25/40
Globe Jumps 6/8/8
Suicide Jumps 13/16/15
Push-ups 11/27/30
Low-plank obliques 23/46/50

I hate globe jumps, haha. Also, I don't know what happened with suicides. I'm pretty sore today because my roomie and I started a new really hard yoga practice yesterday, so I'll chalk it up to that.

So, despite that, I had GREAT results! Some of my numbers are better than Chris' (the guy on the fit test DVD). Don't even get me started on Tania, that girl gives Insanity it's name.

So, that's it. I'm done. I'm going to try to re-create the photo I took to start. I only took one, from the side view of my stomach. I wish I had photographed my arms, they are SO muscular now, I swear.

I'll keep posting here, probably, because I'm going to keep doing Insanity (probaby Max Cardio Conditioning and Core Cardio and Balance) 2-3 times a week in conjuction with my pilates/yoga practice I'm starting. And then starting in March, to gear up for bikini season, I'll be starting Chalean Extreme.

Hope you all are doing great with your Insanity!

Congratulations Kristyjoy!! That's great! You really are an inspiration.

Kristyjoy, Chrgrl, and Dingo - thanks for answering my other questions. You guys have made me feel a whole lot better. I am starting Saturday! Yay!

Maheen

kristyjoy - CONGRATS!!!!!

Those are awesome results, and that is great that you finished. I'm with you on Tania, but I love that the girl does better than the guy in the video.

Good job chrgrl and dingo! Weight gain, especially when you are working so hard is frustrating. I'm up a few pounds this month even though I've watched everything I eat and have been exercising.

I am starting to like the Max part of Insanity pretty well. I like the Intervals and Cardio Conditioning (NOT plyo intervals:)

man, i went to chicago for work yesterday and may have eaten a week's worth of calories at The Cheesecake Factory.

today i start Recovery Week with Cardio Core and Balance!

Hi all,

So I started!! I did the fit test today and man did it kick my ***! I am going to post my results, but I think I might have done some of the exercises not correctly - like I think in the switch kick I wasn't kicking properly (i.e. not bending the knee and kicking out - just ended up kicking it straight out and not that high) and in some of the power jumps etc. maybe I didn't go low enough in my squats. So I think some of my results are an overestimate of what I would actually do. Next test I will try and make sure I am doing it correctly.

Switch Kicks - 80
Power jacks - 63
Power Jumps - 36
Globe Jumps 9
Suicide jumps - 12
push up jacks - 13 - again - don't know if i went low enough on the push ups - i was doing the jack part as well but i might have been more like 7-9 inches off the ground rather than the 3-5 he said.
low plank oblique - 55

Also - I am embarrassed to say -I did throw up. BUT I think it was because I did the test about 2 hours after breakfast, and I needed more time to digest.

Anyway - I am happy that I got through it though!! I was so excited to get started I forgot to wear my hr monitor. Oh well. Tomorrow!

Maheen

kinda bummed....took day 30 pictures and honestly i can't tell a difference at all. hopefully it'll be different on day 60?

maybe i'll try again in a few days as i majorly stuffed my face yesterday.

Hey everyone! Just checking in.. Day 1 is getting close... 2 sleeps till my 1st fit test! Am 80 % excited.. 20% nervous haha.. more nervous that I will get discouraged and/or lazy and give up... I dont want to quit.. I want to see it through till the very end of day 60... That is why I am so so glad to have found this thread! I know initally I will probably be motifying some the of exercises to get through but I also know that by doing that I will then eventually be able to do it full on without any motifications.
Have a great evening everyone!! :)

ok, i was expecting Cardio Core and Balance to be sort of "easy," but it definitely wasn't. kept my heart rate up the whole time.

for some odd reason, i signed up to do a 5K run in april (i hate running). yesterday my boss said, "with your fitness level you'll probably finish in under 30 minutes."

today i decided to run 3 miles on the treadmill to see if i could even DO it. took me 36 minutes, so i've got to shave some of that time off. i'm thinking of running on the treadmill on the max recovery days.

Hi all,

So I started!! I did the fit test today and man did it kick my ***! I am going to post my results, but I think I might have done some of the exercises not correctly - like I think in the switch kick I wasn't kicking properly (i.e. not bending the knee and kicking out - just ended up kicking it straight out and not that high) and in some of the power jumps etc. maybe I didn't go low enough in my squats. So I think some of my results are an overestimate of what I would actually do. Next test I will try and make sure I am doing it correctly.

Switch Kicks - 80
Power jacks - 63
Power Jumps - 36
Globe Jumps 9
Suicide jumps - 12
push up jacks - 13 - again - don't know if i went low enough on the push ups - i was doing the jack part as well but i might have been more like 7-9 inches off the ground rather than the 3-5 he said.
low plank oblique - 55

Also - I am embarrassed to say -I did throw up. BUT I think it was because I did the test about 2 hours after breakfast, and I needed more time to digest.

Anyway - I am happy that I got through it though!! I was so excited to get started I forgot to wear my hr monitor. Oh well. Tomorrow!

Maheen

I DEFINITELY had that problem. My fit test results went DOWN the second time, because I was using more proper form and was therefore able to do less, but don't worry because they will go up the third time you do it. :)

I just wanted to post here to see if my new signature shows up. Hi Insanity'ers!

I decided to post my 30 day pictures. I was in a funk yesterday I think; today I see a difference.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/chrgrl/30DaysofInsanity.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/chrgrl/Insanity30daysside.jpg

I forgot to take a side pic when I started, but I'll take one at day 60.

Hey ladies.. I am gettin myself prepared for tomorrow morning! haha.. I am pumped.. chrgrl... I can see a reallly big differance! Can't wait to see your day 60's lol :) I need to do measurments and pics today.. will hopefully lol post at day 30 as well... I will post my fit test results tomorrow :)

I've been lurking here for a while and wanted to speak up to say:

Chrgrl, you can absolutely see a difference! Your collar bone is more prominent, your tummy is looking tighter and your waist is certainly getting curvier too! ;) Those are awesome results, keep it up!

I have insanity, but hadn't started it officially yet because I was a bit worried I couldn't handle it. Yesterday, I said screw it and decided to try the plyometric cardio circuit. OMG! I've never come that close to throwing up because of exercise before! I was dripping sweat, my heart was pounding, I was exhausted, and I LOVED it! I was so proud of myself for finishing and that pride carried with me through the rest of the day. I'm doing Chalean Extreme right now, and I'm not sure how I would be able to fit both of those into my normal of 8.5 hour days at work. If I can make it happen, I will though because I'm excited to get started!

Chrgrl, have you done a waist measurement comparison? Your waist looks like it has shrunk, A LOT! Way to go!

man, i went to chicago for work yesterday and may have eaten a week's worth of calories at The Cheesecake Factory.

today i start Recovery Week with Cardio Core and Balance!

Umm,
yeah. I went out to celebrate the end of a school block Friday, got super drunk and ate my way through a village of treats.
Why do I do this to myself :(
So hung over yesterday that I couldn't exercise....could barely move actually.
Trying to get back on the wagon today.


chrgrl.
You were psychotic when you said you didn't see results. They are there and they are awesome. I would totally run around in a bathing suit if I were you! Even though it is freaking freezing here in Philly.

I DEFINITELY had that problem. My fit test results went DOWN the second time, because I was using more proper form and was therefore able to do less, but don't worry because they will go up the third time you do it. :)

ditto....My switch kicks went down 20. I still don't think I do all the exercises correctly....but hopefully more correctly than the time before...who knows :)


I am really excited that there are more people starting!

Also - I am embarrassed to say -I did throw up. BUT I think it was because I did the test about 2 hours after breakfast, and I needed more time to digest.


Maheen

i think those are great numbers! and honestly, i think the fit test is one of the hardest "workouts" in the program (remember i haven't done month 2 yet, though). i haven't thrown up during the fit tests, but i've gotten this chest burn that hasn't happened to me during any of the other workouts.

thanks, EveLHaelf and Cape Breton Chick, for the comments on my photos. i think it's hard sometimes to see changes in our own bodies.

kristyjoy, i haven't done any measurements. i know i should, but this would require me to locate my tape measure, and i'm lazy. if i'm being honest, i'm doing all this 99% out of vanity and 1% for health reasons, so all i really care about is how i look in the mirror.

Dingo, just get back on track; life happens and we overeat sometimes. just remember that we aren't Victoria Beckham and we don't want to be ;)

kristyjoy, i haven't done any measurements. i know i should, but this would require me to locate my tape measure, and i'm lazy. if i'm being honest, i'm doing all this 99% out of vanity and 1% for health reasons, so all i really care about is how i look in the mirror.




Oh, yeah, me too. No worries. You look GREAT!

Chrgrl - everyone is right -you can DEFINITELY see the change! You look great!

Phew - good to know I'm not the only one who didn't necessarily do the fit test exercises correctly! I guess I will get better at the form as I go along.

- I did the plyo cardio circuit today - and it was tough!!! I have plantar fasciitis so the bottoms of my feet hurt a lot during high impact moves - which is pretty much the entire workout - so I had to modify - which was fine. I also did not keep up with everything, but I did the best I could and I was happy.

I remembered to wear my hrm today and I am a little confused about what it showed. I have never worn one before (in fact I bought it for starting this workout!) Anyway, it showed that my heart rate was up in the high 170's, low 180's for most of the workout, which was supposedly 97% of my maximum. Now I was working hard for sure, but I definitely did not think I was sooooo beyond where I should have been. Have you guys had similar experiences? Do you usually keep to the 85%? It also said I burned 790 calories total - again I am a bit skeptical cuz I can't imagine that my heart rate actually went up that high! Anyway, I would love to hear your experiences, those of you who have worn an hrm for these work outs.

M.

Chrgrl - you look great in your pics. Congratulations on the hard work and the progress you are making. Sometimes it's hard to look at ourselves and see progress, but you have definitely firmed up and slimmed down.

MSM - I always wear a HRM (even if I'm only doing weights), it helps keep me motivated. When I first started doing the Insanity workouts my HR was in the high 170's. Now that I'm in a bit better shape it is more in the 150-160 range. I also notice that I recover MUCH quicker. For example, when I first started my HR would only go down a few beats during the 30 second break. It now will drop about 20 beats per minute during the break. From what I've read this is a good thing and shows signs of good cardiovascular fitness.

my HR still hits the 200's which I think is really high. Usually it lives in the high 180's during insanity now. My HR does drop pretty quickly (10-15 beats) during breaks so I guess that is better.
I am pretty frustrated because I gained 4lbs this weekend from eating bad and drinking too much. I am thinking of maybe starting the second month videos to smack myself back into weight loss.
Thoughts?

i would just keep going, Dingo. that 4 lbs will probably be gone in a few days if you stay on track. it's probably mostly water weight anyway.

Msm...I did the fit test today and got really sick to my stomach!! Definitely felt like I was gonna puke! Didn't though. Here are my fit test results... not stellar!
Switch kicks...95
Power jacks...36
power knees...80
Power jumps....20
globe jumps...6
suicide jumps...12
pushup jacks...10 (I don't have the greatest upper body strength)
low plank oblique...34 (At this point...my body was complete Jello!)

Chrgrl...I can definitely see a difference. Your waist is more defined and your stomach definitely has more definition.

Are any of you following the diet?

i think Dingo and kristyjoy are doing weight watchers; so am i. i think the diet is reasonable, though. my only concern is that they may overestimate the amount of calories needed. they make claims that you can burn 1000 calories per workout, which may be true for some, but i am only burning 300-400 per workout thus far.

I am not following the beachbody diet but I am eating healthy. What I eat is somewhat similar to the beachbody I guess - I use guidelines I got from a naturopath a couple of years ago. i am also not strict about counting my calories - I have a general idea of how many calories are in the meals I eat but I don't count them every day. My goal is to try and eat healthy 80-90% of the time. I try to be somewhat relaxed about it so that I can maintain it.

i think Dingo and kristyjoy are doing weight watchers; so am i. i think the diet is reasonable, though. my only concern is that they may overestimate the amount of calories needed. they make claims that you can burn 1000 calories per workout, which may be true for some, but i am only burning 300-400 per workout thus far.

Yeah, the most I ever burned on the Max workouts was 700, but the average was more like 400-500.

I am doing Weight Watchers, and good news! I've lost 7 lbs in 3 weeks! I think the reason I didn't lose much weight while I was doing Insanity was that I wasn't following a nutrition plan. I was eating healthy THINGS, but too much. Weight Watchers is perfect for me on heavy exercise, because I eat all my points, plus my AP's and it helps me lose the weight. Now that I'm on the plan, the weight is just falling off. So I HIGHLY suggest following some sort of nutrition plan while doing Insanity.

Today, I'm going to go buy an Iron Gym thing (that pull up bar thing?), then tomorrow I'm starting a P90X/Insanity combo. Today is yoga while I'm getting ready for that.

congrats, kristy! are you also using all your weekly allowance points in addition to eating your activity points?

Dingo - don't beat yourself up over one bad weekend - you can get right back at it. I haven't done the month 2 stuff yet, but I would say just carry on from where you are. You are going to do the harder stuff when you get to it. All of this is such a process, and it does take time.

I'm gearing myself up for day 3 - Cardio Power and Resistance. I'm going to do it at about 3pm.

congrats, kristy! are you also using all your weekly allowance points in addition to eating your activity points?

I pretty much eat every single point they allow me, haha. But it's working, and I think it's probably working so well because I'm so active. In addition to daily 45 minute-1 hour workouts, I'm a waitress so I'm on my feet a lot. I assume if I were less active, I'd have to cut back on the extra points to really see good losses.