Insanity Workout Review

by




About this Insanity Workout Review

This Insanity workout review has been put together to tell you everything you need to know about the Insanity workout program. After reading this Insanity workout review, you will have answers to all the questions you’re probably asking yourself right now, such as:

  • “How difficult are the workouts?”
  • “Is the nutrition plan any good?”
  • “Is it worth the money?”
  • “How does it compare to other home workout programs?”

…and the most important question:

  • “Will I get results?”

(I can answer that last question for you now: Yes!).

Read on to learn more about the Insanity workout program.

If you’re pressed for time and just looking for some quick answers then expand the below tab to reveal some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers.

How long is the Insanity workout program?
63 days, including the fitness tests.

How long are the workouts, on average?
The shortest workout is Cardio Recovery and is just over thirty-five minutes long. Cardio Abs is only twenty minutes long but is not performed on it’s own. Later in the program Cardio Abs is performed after other workouts. This makes the later workouts last up to eighty minutes.

How much does Insanity cost?
$119.85 or £99 (plus shipping).

Where can I buy Insanity?
It’s cheaper to buy directly from BeachBody than Amazon or anywhere else.

Do I need any equipment?
No. All of the workouts contain only body-weight exercises.

Do I need to be fit before I start Insanity?
A basic level of fitness is required due to the intensity of the program. P90 is a good place to start, if you’re not yet ready for Insanity.

How intense are the workouts?
Very intense – you’d do well to keep up with Shaun T and the crew.

What is a good alternative to Insanity?
P90X. It differs from Insanity in that it aims to build muscle as well as lose fat using resistance-exercises.

INSANITY - 60 Day Total Body Conditioning Program

Overview of Insanity

Insanity is the world-renowned home workout program developed by Shaun Thompson (AKA Shaun ‘T’) and is part of the BeachBody company portfolio of home workout DVDs. Insanity is widely recognized as the most intense and challenging home workout programs available today.

It is a 9-week program which can be conveniently completed in your own home, in your own time. It consists of four weeks of intense training, followed by a rest week (you still have Insanity workouts to complete during this week, they’re just not as insane!) and a final four weeks’ training in which the pace, workload and overall intensity is significantly increased.

The Insanity workout program promises insane results by the end which are realistic and achievable, thanks to the intensity of the program, providing you stick with it and follow a suitable nutrition plan.

A diet plan is included with the Insanity workout program: the meals prescribed are likely to be similar to those you’d be told to eat as part of any fitness program, but there are a lot of simple, creative and healthy dishes. One of my favorites is combining chopped apple, walnuts, natural yoghurt and honey and mixing it all up in a bowl.

Insanity Workout Review Desert

My diced apple, walnut, honey and yoghurt bowl.

 

What’s in the Box?

  • 8 x DVDs Each DVD contains one Insane workout. The first four are used during month one, the second four are used during month two.
  • 60-Day Wall Calendar The wall calendar displays which workout you should do on which day. Cross off each workout as you complete it – it helps to keep track and provides motivation as you see yourself progressing through the program!
  • Quick-Start Guide The quick-start guide gives you a quick tour of the Insanity material and briefly explains how the program will unfold. It is short but has some motivational and inspirational words so it’s worth a quick read.
  • 60-Day Elite Nutrition Plan The nutrition plan contains dozens of healthy, delicious and energy-fuelled recipes to get you through the 9 week program. See my diced apple, walnut, honey and yoghurt bowl above for an example!

Checklist: What You’ll Need!

Throughout the Insanity program, you will need:

  • A towel.
    Expect to sweat more than you’ve ever sweated before!
  • Water for your workouts.
    Prepare your drink before beginning each workout as you won’t have time to get one once the workout has started. You only have a maximum of 30 seconds rest at any one time, and it feels like a lot less!
  • Space.
    A lot of the exercises are carried out ‘on-the-spot’, such as press-ups, mummy-kicks and which means loads of space isn’t a requirement. Only a few exercises will require moving ‘off the spot’, such as globe jumps (jumping forward, right, back and left in a square movement). Jumping jacks require you to touch your hands together above your head and basketball jumps simulate jumping and throwing a basketball (duh!), so it’s important to have space above you. As long as you have vertical space, you will be able to complete the Insanity program in a small living room, garage or even a bedroom.
  • Dedication
    You must be dedicated from the start and retain that dedication throughout. You can only change your body through consistency. Therefore you must follow both the exercise regime and the nutrition plan.
  • Motivation
    You will certainly be motivated by Shaun T and the other participants during each workout: seeing their toned bodies and impressive fitness levels as a result of completing the Insanity workout will make you green with envy, but envious in the good way – the way that motivates you!
    Unfortunately, Shaun T and the crew are not around once you’ve completed the workout and switched off the DVD. It is these remaining 23 hours in the day that you must be able to motivate yourself.There are a number of things you can do to stay motivated. The following work for me:
    • Take pictures of yourself throughout the program. Seeing your physique in its current state will motivate you. Your motivation will increase as you gradually see the improvement in your body composition.
    • If you’re brave (and even if you’re not), share those pictures with other people. They will complement you on the improvement, which provides further motivation.
    • Do not jump on the scales to check your weight too often. It’s normal for your weight to fluctuate throughout the day. It can appear as if you’ve gained weight if you weigh yourself after a meal, for example, which can be demoralizing and sap your motivation, so pick a day and a time and weigh-in once a week only.
    • Let your family, friends and work colleagues know you’re doing the Insanity program. Being upfront and honest about why you’re not drinking alcohol and eating greasy cheeseburgers makes social situations much easier – you will probably find your family, friends and colleagues encourage you to stick with the program (though they will probably apply a small amount of peer pressure at first, just to test your willpower!).

 

Who Should Do This?

In this part of the Insanity workout review you will learn who should and should not take part in the Insanity challenge. We’ll firstly identify those who should not take part.

With a name like Insanity, you’re probably thinking that the workouts are intense. They are. There’s no ‘building up to it’. It’s intense from day 1. With this in mind, you should not take part in the Insanity program if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • You have never exercised or have done no exercise in the last few years;
  • You experience serious pain or difficulty when breathing during exercise (known as dyspnoea);
  • You have a heart-related medical condition or a history of heart problems.

If you have any of the above medical conditions, go see your doctor and follow their recommendations regarding exercise.

Insanity Workout Review Couch Potato

Insanity may not be for you if you’ve been a long-term couch potato.

If you are physically well but not used to intense exercise, click here to take a look at one of the less-intense home workout programs, such as P90.
P90 is the predecessor to P90X and is considered ‘less extreme’ than Insanity, P90X, etc. The workouts are significantly shorter (although just as effective!). Read my review on P90 here.

Now, you should attempt the Insanity workout program if:

  • You have exercised in recent years or exercise regularly now (perhaps you go running or attend the gym) and are looking for something with more variety and intensity;
  • You have previously completed another home workout program and now need a fresh challenge;
  • You are of a reasonable fitness level and want to lose weight, gain muscle and/or increase your stamina in a short space of time.
  • You want the Insanity “I earned it” t-shirt (obtained by letting BeachBody know you’ve completed the full Insanity workout program).

Additionally, you will benefit from the Insanity program if:

  • You want to significantly boost your fitness levels;
  • You want to increase your strength;
  • You want to lose fat and/or gain muscle mass;
  • You want to be able to justifiably boast to others about how much weight you’ve lost or how much stronger you are;
  • You have a holiday or vacation coming up and want to look good for it;
  • You want to live longer;
  • You no longer want to feel sluggish caused by lack of exercise;
  • You no longer want that bloated feeling caused by eating crap all day;
  • You simply want to look good naked!

 

The Insanity Workouts

This section of the Insanity workout review is quite lengthy, so feel free to skip over it if you’re pressed for time. You can view the details of each workout by expanding the relevant modules further down in this section.
In this section you will learn about each of the Insanity workouts, their structure and which exercises make up the workouts. Some of the exercises below are self-explanatory given their name, but some may be unheard of, so I have added a description of each exercise in the workout section.

All Insanity workouts begin with a warm-up, followed by stretching. Next is the main part of the workout. Finally, there is a cool-down and more stretching.

The warm-ups typically consist of some combination of jogging on the spot, Heisman’s, butt-kicks, mummy-kicks, jumping-jacks, high-knees and a variety of on-the-spot jumps.

A full circuit of exercises takes approximately three minutes to complete, and for most workouts you are to complete 3 circuits – without resting! The first is carried out at a slow pace, the second is faster and the third is maximum effort.
Unless you’re already fit, the warm-up will be tough for the first week – at this point in the workout you will be shocked to discover you have only completed ten minutes of exercise and you still have the main part of the workout to do!

After the warm-up you are allowed a short rest period to catch your breath, then there are a range of stretching and breathing exercises to complete.




The main part of the Insanity workout is next. The length of this part ranges from 15 minutes to 40 minutes, depending on the Insanity workout (see individual workout information below for approximate times).

This part consists of a number of exercises which have been put together by Shaun T to make a circuit. There are typically 2-4 different circuits for each workout. Each circuit is performed 2-3 times with a short rest in between – typically 30 seconds – before a new circuit is explained and a new set of exercises are demonstrated.

Once the main part of the workout is complete, you are allowed an extended rest to catch your breath, followed by a period of stretching and breathing exercises similar to those performed in the warm-up.

Important note:

You will be reminded numerous times by Shaun T of the importance of warming up and cooling down. If you have even a small amount of interest and/or knowledge of health and fitness you will be aware of how important it is to: Increase and decrease your heart rate gradually through a progressive warm-up and cool-down; Loosen your muscles through stretching once they are warmed up. For those who aren’t aware, I will reiterate: it is imperative that you complete both the warm-up and cool-down. Do not only complete the main part of the workout because you are pressed for time – find time to complete the full workout or risk serious injury!

Upon completion of each workout, you should:

  • Congratulate yourself on completing the workout;
  • Replenish your energy levels with post-workout supplement shake;
  • Feel really good about yourself – you’re on your way to attaining your goals!

Don’t:

  • Reward yourself with beer and cake!

Click to expand each of the Insanity workouts below to read more about them and their exercises.

The Fit Test
About: The fit test is, in my opinion, the most difficult of all workouts. Fortunately it is also the shortest and is only performed five times during the entire program at two week intervals. The first test is conducted on day 1, the last test is conducted on day 63.

The fit test is carried out five times throughout the Insanity program and is designed to gauge your fitness levels. You are encouraged to record your results and you should attempt to beat your previous results at each test.

Time: Approximately 30 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down.
Exercises: Switch Kicks Jump side to side from one leg to the other, whilst kicking the opposite leg in the air.
Power Jacks Similar to jumping jacks. Start with hands in the air but when jumping into open-leg position you should bend down into a squat position.
Power Knees Put weight onto one leg and hands out in-front if you at stomach height. Bring opposite knee up to touch your hands as fast as possible.
Power Jumps Bend down into a squat position then jump as high as possible, reaching into the air with your hands.
Globe Jumps Bend down into a squat position with a wide stance, jump up and forward simultaneously, then up and right, then up and back and finally up and left. You should be back in the original position, having jumped four times in a square pattern.
Suicide Jumps Similar to a burpee. From a standing position, drop your hands to the floor and kick your legs back into a plank position. Immediately bring your legs back in and stand upright.
Push-up Jacks Similar to a regular press-up but in the downward phase you open your legs in a jumping motion, then close during the upward phase.
Low Plank Obliques Start in a plank position, with only your elbows and feet on the floor. Bring your leg up to the side and touch your knee to your shoulder.

Plyometric Cardio Circuit
About: The plyometric cardio circuit is one of the longer Insanity workouts. The first half of the below exercises make up the first circuit, which is performed several times during the first part of this workout. The second half of the exercises make up the second circuit which, again, is performed several times.
The first circuit is relatively straight forward however for the introduction of level 1 drills in the second part you will really have to “dig deep”!
Time: Approximately 45 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down.
Exercises: Suicide Drills Jump side to side from one leg to the other, whilst kicking the opposite leg in the air.
Power Squats Similar to jumping jacks. Start with hands in the air but when jumping into open-leg position you should bend down into a squat position.
Mountain Climbers Put weight onto one leg and hands out in-front if you at stomach height. Bring opposite knee up to touch your hands as fast as possible.
Ski Jumps Bend down into a squat position then jump as high as possible, reaching into the air with your hands.
Switch Feet Bend down into a squat position with a wide stance, jump up and forward simultaneously, then up and right, then up and back and finally up and left. You should be back in the original position, having jumped four times in a square pattern.
Wide Football Sprints Similar to a burpee. From a standing position, drop your hands to the floor and kick your legs back into a plank position. Immediately bring your legs back in and stand upright.
Basketball Drills Similar to a regular press-up but in the downward phase you open your legs in a jumping motion, then close during the upward phase.
Level 1 Drills Start in a plank position, with only your elbows and feet on the floor. Bring your leg up to the side and touch your knee to your shoulder.
Ski Abs From a plank position, keep both feet together and bring them in to your right shoulder. Return back to plank position then bring your feet to your left shoulder.
in-out Abs From a plank position, keep both feet together and bring them in to your chest. Return to plank position as instructed.
Jabs In a wide stance with bent knees, throw a jab with your left hand then your right hand. Repeat.
Cross Jacks Similar to jumping jacks. Raise only one arm when feet move to the wide position. Alternate arms. Cross feet when bringing them together.
Uppercuts In a wide stance with bent knees, throw an uppercut with your left hand then your right hand. Repeat.
Attack In a wide stance with bent knees, throw an open-hand punch with your left hand then your right hand. Repeat.

Cardio Power and Resistance
About: Cardio Power and Resistance consists of a lot of exercises designed to build your strength. There is a lot of tricep work which stems from several variations of push-ups and dips, and lots of jumping exercises designed to increase your overall power.
Time: Approximately 45 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down.
Exercises: Power Jumps Move into a squat position then jump as high as possible and bring your knees to your chest when in the air.
Belt Kicks From an upright position, bend your knees towards a squat position then stand upright onto your left foot whilst kicking your right foot forward. Repeat for the opposite leg.
Hit the Floor Jump from side-to-side, twisting and touching the floor with your hand at each side. Reach into the air with your hands during the jump.
V Push-ups From a plank position, walk your feet towards your hands so that your body position represents an upside-down V shape. Point your hands towards each other so your elbows point out and complete the push-ups.
Tricep Dips This one should be fairly obvious. Sit on the floor with your feet in front and hands behind you. Lift your butt up off the floor. Bend and extend your triceps.
Tricep Dips w/ one leg in the air As above, but lift one foot in the air whilst keeping the other foot on the floor. Alternate legs when instructed to do so.
Tricep Dips in Ball with Push-ups Start in the V Push-Up position then bend your knees towards your chest you’re in a ball position with only your toes and hands on the floor. Complete the tricep dips as instructed.
Hurdle Jumps Run on the spot then, when instructed to do so, leap sideways as if to simulate jumping over a hurdle.
Globe Jumps Bend down into a squat position with a wide stance, jump up and forward simultaneously, then up and right, then up and back and finally up and left. You should be back in the original position, having jumped four times in a square pattern.
Moving Push-ups Like regular push-ups, but during the downward motion widen your right arm and leg to the right, then during the upward motion bring your left arm and leg in. Repeat.
Floor Sprints In a plank position with your hands and feet on the floor, bring your right leg up to your chest then back to the floor followed by your left leg rapidly to simulate running on the floor.
Hop Squats to Push-ups Starting upright, bend into a squat position and bounce slightly for a given number of reps. When instructed, drop down into the plank position and complete the given number of push-ups. Jump back up to upright position.

Cardio Recovery
About: The name of this Insanity workout might have you believe it’s an easy one. It isn’t. It may not have your heart racing as fast as the other Insanity workouts, but it is as physically demanding.
Whilst it isn’t easy, it does provide a welcome change from the pace of the other Insanity workouts.

The majority of the exercises that make up the cardio recovery workout are slow, static stretches: there are no high-impact, fast-paced exercises.
All exercises are conducted in a very slow, controlled manner.

Time: Approximately 45 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down.
Exercises: Plank Start in an upright position then, when instructed, slowly drop down into a plank position and hold. Jump back up when instructed.
Plank Pulses Start in a plank position. Raise one leg off the floor and hold. Repeat with the other leg when instructed.
Downward Dog From an upright position with feet wider than shoulder width apart, bend down and put your hands on the floor so your body forms a wide-stance upside-down V shape.
Hamstring Stretch Stand upright with feet wider than shoulder width apart. Bend your upper body towards your right leg to stretch the hamstring. Hold then move upper body towards the left leg.
Squats From an upright position, transition very slowly to a squat position then return to an upright position. Repeat.
Squat: Hold and Pulse Move into a squat position, hold then begin to bounce slightly whilst still in the squat position.
Lunges From an upright position with one leg in front of your body and one behind, very slowly bend your knees slowly until they’re at a ninety degree angle. Return to upright position.
Lunge: Hold and Pulse Move into the lunge position, then hold and begin to bounce slightly whilst still in the lunge position.
Plie Stretch From an upright position with feet wider than shoulder width apart, turn your feet outwards and bend your knees toward a squat position. Extend your arms out to your side. Lean to the right, placing your right hand on the floor and hold. Return to upright position then repeat with the left side.
Quad Strengtheners Start on your hands and knees, then lift your knees off the floor so only your hands and toes remain in touch with the floor. Lift your left leg off the floor and extend behind you. Hold. Return leg then repeat with the left leg.
Oblique Leg Raises Start on your hands and knees, then lift your knees off the floor so only your hands and toes remain in touch with the floor. Lift your left leg off the floor and bring your knee outwards towards your shoulder. Return and repeat with the right leg.
Table Top Balance From the upright position, raise your left leg and extend it behind you until it is parallel with the floor whilst simultaneously bending your upper body forwards so it is also parallel with the floor. Extend your arms straight above your head. Your body should be in a ‘T’ position. Hold.
Knee-to-Chest From the upright position, bring your right knee towards your chest and wrap your hands around it to hold it in tight. Hold then swap legs when instructed to do so.
Knee-to-Oblique From the upright position, bring your right knee outwards and upwards towards your chest. Wrap your hand around your knee to hold it in place. Hold then swap legs when instructed to do so.
Hamstring Stretch From an upright position with feet wider than shoulder width apart, bend down and attempt to rest both palms on the floor. Hold.
Hip Opener From a squat position, place your hands on your knees then continue to sink lower, bringing your elbows and knees together. Use your elbows to push apart your knees, stretching your hips.

Pure Cardio
About: Pure Cardio is probably the most intense Insanity workout. The main part of the workout consists of fifteen minutes of exercise with no scheduled rest. Needless to say, if you find yourself struggling during this period you should rest, and Shaun T will remind you of this.
On the plus side, this does make the workout slightly shorter than the others.
Despite the intensity, I often looked forward to this Insanity workout because it feels like you complete it so quickly!
This workout also sees the introduction of level 2 drills which, as you can probably guess, builds on level 1 drills.
Time: Approximately 40 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down.
Exercises: Suicide Drills Run side-to-side for several steps, touching the floor with your hand at each end.
Switch Kicks Jump side to side from one leg to the other, whilst kicking the opposite leg in the air.
Wide Football Sprints Start with legs wide apart and knees bent. Run on the spot with short but quick steps.
Stance Jacks Similar to jumping jacks. When feet move to the wide position reach down towards the floor with one arm. Alternate arms. Cross feet when bringing them together.
Pedal Sprint on the spot then, when instructed, jump into a lunge position with right leg in front then immediately jump into a lunge position with left leg in front. Resume sprinting on the spot.
Hooks and Jump Rope Throw hook punches using one arm then simulate jumping rope for the given number of reps. Repeat with the other arm.
Power Jacks Similar to jumping jacks. Start with hands in the air but when jumping into open-leg position you should bend down into a squat position.
Level 2 Drills Drop to the floor into a press-up position and complete the given number of press-ups, followed by the given number of floor-sprints then jump back into a standing position.
Frog Jumps Start in a low squat position, touching the floor. Jump backwards into a low squat position and touch the floor. Jump forwards again into a low squat position and touch the floor. Repeat.
Power Knees Put weight onto one leg and hands out in-front if you at stomach height. Bring opposite knee up to touch your hands as fast as possible.
Mountain Climbers Run on the spot lifting your knees high. Whilst one knee is high, simultaneously reach in the air with the opposite hand, then alternate.
Ski Down Feet together and knees bent as if in a skiing position, then leap from side to side whilst keeping feet together.
Scissor Runs Start with one leg in front of you and the other behind, then in a single jumping motion swap leg positions. Repeat whilst swinging opposite arms in tandem with legs.
Suicide Jumps Similar to a burpee. From a standing position, drop your hands to the floor and kick your legs back into a plank position. Immediately bring your legs back in and stand upright.
Push-up Jacks Similar to a regular press-up but in the downward phase you open your legs in a jumping motion, then close during the upward phase.

Cardio Abs
About: Cardio Abs is one of the shortest Insanity workouts but is mostly performed in addition to other workouts.
It should be obvious that this Insanity workout focuses solely on working the abdominal muscles. It is a fun, challenging and varied workout and, best of all, there are no sit-ups or crunches involved!
Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
Exercises: C-Frame Twists Sit on your butt with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back then curl your upper body forward slightly into a ‘C’ shape. With hands stretched out in front, twist upper body slowly left then right.
C-Frame Twists with Knee Raises Sit on your butt with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back then curl your upper body forward slightly into a ‘C’ shape. With hands stretched out in front, twist upper body slowly left then right whilst raising the same-side knee towards your chest.
A-Frame Twists From a C-Frame position, stretch your arms out above your head. Twist from left to right and bring your hands down towards the floor as you twist then return to the overhead position as you twist back to the middle.
A-Frame with Knee Raises From a C-Frame position, stretch your arms out above your head. Twist from left to right and bring your hands down towards the floor as you twist whilst raising your same-side knee towards your chest, then return hands to the overhead position and lower your leg as you twist back to the middle.
C-Frame Hold Sit on your butt with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back then curl your upper body forward slightly into a ‘C’ shape. With hands stretched out in front, hold.
C-Frame Single Leg Raises Sit on your butt with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back then curl your upper body forward slightly into a ‘C’ shape. With hands on the floor behind you, lift one leg up off the floor and begin to raise and lower for the given number of reps. Repeat with the other leg.
C-Frame Double Leg Raises Sit on your butt with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back then curl your upper body forward slightly into a ‘C’ shape. With hands on the floor behind you, lift both legs up off the floor and begin to raise and lower for the given number of reps.
High Plank Knee Raises Start in a plank position with arms fully extended and palms on the floor. Slowly bring one knee out and towards your shoulder. Return and repeat with the other knee.
Low Plank Knee Raises Start in a plank position resting on elbows. Slowly bring one knee out and towards your shoulder. Return and repeat with the other knee.
Pulse Tucks From a plank position, keep both feet together and bring them in to your chest. Return to plank position as instructed.

Core Cardio and Balance
About: Although Core Cardio and Balance is completed in ‘rest week’, it is still a challenging workout. It is relatively slow-paced by comparison. You will break into a sweat but it won’t have you gasping for breath in the way the other Insanity workouts do.

The final exercise will have your shoulders burning like crazy!

Time: Approximately 40 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down.
Exercises: Moving Ski Hops Start with feet together and knees bent to simulate being in a skiing position, then hop to the left for a given number of reps, then to the right.
Hit the Floor Jump from side-to-side, twisting and touching the floor with your hand at each side. Reach into the air with your hands during the jump.
Level 1 Drills Drop to the floor into a press-up position and complete the given number of press-ups, followed by the given number of floor-sprints then jump back into a standing position.
Heisman’s Start in a wide-stanced upright position. Run on the spot whilst keeping your legs wide, bringing your knee to your chest with each step.
Switch Kicks Jump side to side from one leg to the other, whilst kicking the opposite leg in the air.
Hop Squats Starting upright, bend into a squat position and bounce slightly for a given number of reps.
High Jumps Bend down into a squat position then jump as high as possible, reaching into the air with your hands.
Moving Plank Walk Start in a plank position with arms fully extended and palms on the floor. Move your left arm and leg out then bring your right arm and leg in to move to the left. Repeat for a number of reps then swap to the other side.
Elbow Strikes In a wide stance with bent knees, throw alternating elbow strikes.
Suicide Drills Run side-to-side for several steps, touching the floor with your hand at each end.
4 + 4 Hops Start in an upright position with one leg raised off the floor so your thigh is parallel to the floor. Hop for four reps then switch to the other leg.
Jab and Jump From an upright position, throw alternating jab punches for a given number of reps, then jump in the air and complete a 180 spin. Repeat.
Hip Flexor Burners From an upright position, raise one leg so your thigh is parallel to the floor. Return to the floor and repeat without rest.
When instructed, raise the leg again and hold.
Oblique Knee Lifts From an upright position, raise one arm above your head. Lift your same-side leg and attempt to touch your knee to your raised elbow. Repeat then switch legs.
Plie Shoulder Burners From an upright position with feet wider than shoulder width apart, turn your feet outwards and bend your knees toward a squat position. Extend your arms out to your side. Move your arms up and down only slightly. When instructed to do so, begin to move your arms from the sides to the front. Repeat then begin to move your arms from the sides to above your head. Finally, begin to roll your arms forwards then backwards as instructed.

 

The Insanity Workout Schedule

In this part of the Insanity workout review you will observe the full 9-week Insanity workout schedule. You will discover which workouts are to be completed on which days, when to rest and when you are to complete your fit test.

Click here for my printable Insanity workout schedule.

Day 1 Fit Test [1 of 5]
Day 2 Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Day 3 Cardio Power & Resistance
Day 4 Cardio Recovery
Day 5 Pure Cardio
Day 6 Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Day 7 Rest
Day 8 Cardio Power & Resistance
Day 9 Pure Cardio
Day 10 Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Day 11 Cardio Recovery
Day 12 Cardio Power & Resistance
Day 13 Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs
Day 14 Rest
Day 15 Fit Test [2 of 5]
Day 16 Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Day 17 Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs
Day 18 Cardio Recovery
Day 19 Cardio Power & Resistance
Day 20 Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Day 21 Rest
Day 22 Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs
Day 23 Cardio Power & Resistance
Day 24 Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Day 25 Cardio Recovery
Day 26 Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs
Day 27 Plyometric Cardio Circuit
Day 28 Rest
Day 29 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 30 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 31 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 32 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 33 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 34 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 35 Rest
Day 36 Fit Test & Max Interval Circuit [3 of 5]
Day 37 Max Interval Plyo
Day 38 Max Cardio Conditioning
Day 39 Max Recovery
Day 40 Max Interval Circuit
Day 41 Max Interval Plyo
Day 42 Rest
Day 43 Max Cardio Conditioning
Day 44 Max Interval Circuit
Day 45 Max Interval Plyo
Day 46 Max Recovery
Day 47 Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs
Day 48 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 49 Rest
Day 50 Fit Test & Max Interval Circuit [4 of 5]
Day 51 Max Interval Plyo
Day 52 Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs
Day 53 Max Recovery
Day 54 Max Interval Circuit
Day 55 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 56 Rest
Day 57 Max Interval Plyo
Day 58 Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs
Day 59 Max Interval Circuit
Day 60 Core Cardio & Balance
Day 61 Max Interval Plyo
Day 62 Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs
Day 63 Fit Test [5 of 5]

 

Results: What Can You Achieve?

This section of the Insanity workout review details what you can achieve from Insanity and provides real evidence and testimonials from other users who have been able to reach, or in some cases surpass, their goals.

As with any home workout program, your results are directly influenced by your level of commitment throughout. One example of absolute commitment which lead to astonishing results can be observed in a testimonial on BeachBody’s website from an Insanity user named Ashley. She was so committed to both the Insanity diet and the Insanity workout plan that, by the end of the program, she managed to lose…

90lbs !!!

That’s ninety pounds. In 63 days. That’s equivalent to losing 1.4lbs per day.

It’s widely recognised that the average person looking to lose weight – that is, someone who is consuming a moderately healthy diet and attending the gym several times per week – will lose one to two pounds of fat per week, therefore, it makes it almost incomprehensible to think that, thanks to Insanity, it only took Ashley only one day to lose what it takes an average person to lose in one week!

If you’re motivated, dedicated and committed, you can achieve results like this!

Insanity Workout Review BeachBody Results

Ashley’s amazing results. From BeachBody’s website.

 

Although you shouldn’t embark on the Insanity workout program expecting to lose no less than 90lbs, the above evidence does demonstrate that an extreme transformation is a realistic goal providing you can remain dedicated throughout.

Being honest, most of us do not enjoy dieting, particularly for long periods of time. Having to eat foods which may not satisfy our taste buds or appetite and being forced to exercise several times a week is a lot of people’s idea of hell.

For this reason, one of Insanity’s major features is it is a short program, thanks to its intensity. The Insanity workout program is not your typical slow-and-steady marathon. It is a sprint. It is only 9 weeks in length – a total of 63 days – and so to achieve great results in such a short period of time you must give maximum effort throughout.
If you were to follow a slow-and-steady, run-of-the-mill diet and exercise plan and lose an average of one pound per week it would take you almost two years to achieve what Ashley (above) achieved in 63 days! (It would take twenty-two and a half months, to be precise).

If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy consuming foods that may not satisfy your taste buds or appetite or you don’t enjoy exercising regularly, then surely it’s better to bite the bullet and go all-out, be 100% dedicated and follow Insanity strictly for only 9 weeks rather than embark upon a diet and exercise plan that could take up to two years to achieve similar results.

You will get great results from the Insanity workout program if you:

  • Give 100% effort during each workout;
  • Do not miss a workout;
  • Do not deviate from your diet.

Some of the typical improvements any user will see include:

  • Decreased body fat;
  • Increased muscle tone;
  • Healthier heart;
  • More stamina.

 

Is Insanity Good Value for Money?

This section of the Insanity workout review details exactly what you get when exchanging your hard-earned cash for the Insanity workout program. You will learn the value of what you actually receive for the $120 purchase price and you will also read a comparison of the Insanity workout program against the cost of a typical gym membership.

The Insanity workout program is world-renowned for delivering awe-inspiring results to its users, but you might be concerned that at $120 it isn’t one of the cheaper home workout programs, however the old adage certainly applies here: you get what you pay for. Sure, you can buy a $10 DVD of a home workout program lead by a nobody, or worse, a ‘celebrity’ who has no experience in the fitness industry but sells anything and everything under their own personal brand because of who they are. In my opinion, these cheaper home workout programs don’t offer anything new: the workouts are usually made up of boring, ineffective exercises; the programs aren’t designed by fitness professionals and they certainly don’t guarantee you results, nor do they offer a money-back guarantee. Basically, if you want a home workout designed by a pro that is going to get you results, you need to spend a bit more!

Purchasing Insanity (or indeed any home workout program) should be considered an investment, and a long-term investment at that. It’s a product that can be used again and again for years to come for a one-off fee. Let’s compare the financial aspects of investing in Insanity to paying every month for a gym membership. As an example, compare the $120 for Insanity to what you receive when paying for a standard gym membership. In exchange for your typical $50-per-month gym membership fee, all you receive is:

  • Access to the gym;

In addition, you get:

  • Covered in other people’s sweat when they fail to clean the equipment after they’ve finished;
  • Frustrated at the time spent waiting around for the person to finish with the equipment you want;
  • Extremely hungry if, like my old gym, your gym is next-door to a fast-food restaurant.

However when investing in Insanity, in exchange for your money you receive:

  • Daily instruction from a recognised fitness expert who knows how to get you to your goals;
  • Advice on what specifically to eat, and when to eat it, every day;
  • Motivation, every day!

And, most importantly, you receive:

  • Guaranteed results!

 

Insanity: a risk-free investment

The BeachBody team behind Insanity are so certain that you will get results that they offer a money back guarantee if you don’t. Do you receive that as part of your gym membership fee?

I’m guessing the answer to that is no!

That effectively makes Insanity a risk-free investment.
Do you know of many other risk-free investments? I don’t, and I’m guessing you don’t either (but if you do, let me know!).

Insanity Home Workout Review Dollars

Wouldn’t you prefer to spend your money on something that is guaranteed to get you results?!

For me, I think the real value in the Insanity workout program is knowing that you will definitely achieve your results or you will get your money back.
The way I see it, I’m changing my body for $120. Guaranteed. It’s as simple as that. Imagine Merlin, Gandalf or some other powerful wizard was to appear out of no-where and offer to instantly transform your body in exchange for $120 there and then. It’s like that. I’m not sure why Merlin or Gandalf would need $120, but the deal is a no-brainer regardless, right?

Below, I’ve provided a brief table comparing the benefits of Insanity to a typical $50-a-month commercial gym membership.

Insanity Gym
Guaranteed results
Money-back guarantee
Daily instruction from a fitness professional
No recurring costs
Convenience to train anytime, anywhere
A prescribed 9 week training program
A book full of recipes and nutritional information
An end-of-program T-shirt

 

Final Word

Below, I have summarised the entire Insanity workout review in a few short bullet points.

The Insanity workout program is:

  • …not for the faint-hearted, those who don’t enjoy exercise or haven’t exercised in a long time;
  • …perfect for someone who is willing to put in the effort in exchange for extreme results;
  • …not cheap, but…
  • …a worthwhile investment whose results far outweigh the purchase price.

 

Where to buy Insanity

Given the vast array of affiliates – or Coaches, as BeachBody calls them – there’s no shortage of people selling Insanity, however, this section of the Insanity workout review will briefly discuss two primary sources that everyone knows: BeachBody and Amazon.

Now, when the majority of people want something they go to Amazon, for the most part. I include myself in that majority. Why do we go to Amazon? Because we trust Amazon. They provide an excellent service and ninety-nine percent of the time they’re the cheapest! Well, this is that one-percent of the time, because:

….but…

I’m not trying to sway you to buy from one supplier over the other – they both have their advantages: the first thing most people look at is the price (and rightly so!), and by purchasing directly from BeachBody you save $24.95, however, some people are very sceptical when it comes to purchasing items online and would prefer to buy from a trusted source, such as Amazon, even if it costs a little more. Fair enough!

Me? I purchased mine directly from BeachBody. I’ll leave it up to you to decide where to get yours.

I’d love for you to share your Insanity workout experience! Are you planning to take the Insanity challenge, or have you already completed it and received the t-shirt? Let me know in the comments below!