Well, after 63 long days, I have finally completed the Insanity workout! Month two, as expected, was much harder than month one - the workouts are longer and more taxing with fewer scheduled breaks. Compared to month two, month one was an absolute breeze!
As far as the overall programme goes, it is a difficult workout. Personally I would not recommend it if your current exercise regime consists of nothing because the sheer intensity of each workout is a real shock to the system. Shaun T reverses the usual method of exercise; so rather than doing gentle exercise which spikes for a minute, you do hard exercise with a minute break (which entails stopping completely to allow your heart rate to lower).
Personally, now that I've completed the entire 63 days, I can say that it really has made such a difference. I don't feel nearly as tired as I used to, my legs are much stronger and my flexibility has improved. I was able to complete a 12 mile bike ride two days ago (albeit mostly on level ground) and not feel the usual aches and pains the next day like I would have had I not done been on the insanity programme. Also, as I mentioned in my previous half-review, the programme was good for me because I could complete it at home and can go back to certain exercises now whenever I feel it necessary.
Overall, I would recommend this workout, especially if you have the time and motivation to stick at it. Sometimes, for me, it did take a lot of self motivation to keep at it every day but I am incredibly glad I did. Although I didn't use the results and recovery formula or stick to the nutrition guide provided, it still made a difference.
Fit test results: Days 1 and 63
Switch Kicks
- First test: 40
- Final test: 60
Power Jacks
- First test: 34
- Final test: 62
Power Knees
- First test: 60
- Final test: 105
Power Jumps
- First test: 15
- Final test: 45
Globe Jumps
- First test: 6
- Final test: 10
Suicide Jumps
- First test: 10
- Final test: 15
Push-up Jacks
- First test: 6
- Final test: 25
Low Plank Oblique
- First test: 14
- Final test: 50
Around 5 weeks ago, my sister received a package in the post. Before I know it, she's waving a box with 'insanity' written down the side proclaiming that 'we start monday'. I have now completed week 4 of this workout, and so I'm going to give it a halfway review in case anyone is considering getting it.
So, day 1 is a fit test - you complete fit tests every 2 weeks, in order to track progress, and complete a final one on the last day of the program. So far, I've completed 2 fit tests and after just 2 weeks following the program day by day I actually improved. Now, a lot of people asked me why I was bothering with a workout like insanity; I'm fairly small and have no desire to lose weight. However, I believe this workout is good for anyone whether you want to lose weight or just increase fitness levels and tone up. With daily stretching it even increases flexibility (or, it has done for me).
Obviously, as the warnings express and the name suggests, this particular program is hard. The workouts can get really intense and unless you're motivated to stick at it, I can see that some may find it easier to just give up. My advice? Keep at it. Just 4 weeks on and I feel so much better in myself. Some might argue that it's expensive, but so is the gym, and you can't do that in the comfort of your own home!
Now, I'm not saying I can see the whole 40 minutes through without taking an unscheduled break here and there, but insanity is definitely working for me (despite not following the nutrition guide provided or drinking 'recovery' formula). If you want something quick you can do at home, I'd recommend this workout. The important thing is to keep pushing yourself through it - it'll start to get easier after week 1!
My fit test results:
Switch Kicks -- FT1: 40 -- FT2: 45
Power Jacks -- FT1: 34 -- FT2: 44
Power Knees -- FT1: 60 -- FT2: 80
Power Jumps -- FT1: 15 -- FT2: 25
Globe Jumps -- FT1: 6 -- FT2: 8
Suicide Jumps -- FT1: 10 -- FT2: 15
Push-up Jacks -- FT1: 6 -- FT2: 12
Low Plank Oblique -- FT1: 14 -- FT2: 25
