I finished week 3 of my Insanity Challenge.  I think it’s safe to say, the newness has worn off and I’ve settled into the 6 day a week routine, which has helped me form some opinions.  Here are some pros and cons I think people should be aware of if you are thinking of trying the program.

Insanity Pros:

  • Shaun T.  Shirtless.  ‘Nuff said.
  • The explanation of exercises comes before the exercise begins so you don’t feel like an idiot when everyone immediately starts doing something new, and you don’t miss any time workout trying to figure out what you should already be doing.
  • The intervals are so short, usually 30 seconds, that even if you hate a certain exercise, it comes and goes quickly. (But you don’t hate any exercises, right?)
  • The intensity of the program allows for short workouts of about 30-40 minutes.  Results in a short amount of time- can’t beat that.
  • You only need about a 4 foot radius of space, so you can really do the workouts anywhere you have a TV or laptop.
  • All the exercises are extremely easy to perform- it’s the intensity at which you perform them that makes them hard.  This makes Insanity a good program for people of all skill and fitness levels, and leaves room to improve over time.
  • Nothing fancy.  The DVDs are filmed in a gymnasium, with people lined up fitness class-style, and there is no equipment.  You just move.
  • The people in the DVDs are ripped, even the women.  As a woman, I find it very motivating to see women with bodies that I am striving for- not stick thin and not deconditioned- but ripped, ripped, ripped.  It gives me something to work towards and pushes me.  The guys aren’t bad to look at either.

Insanity Cons:

  • I miss my weights.  I want them back. The body weight exercises aren’t doing it for me, so I’m continuing to lift, albeit lightly, about 3 times a week to not lose any muscle mass, especially in my upper body.  I’m not too worried about my lower body since all the plyometric moves seem to be enough.
  • Every workout is very high impact. There is no way to do modify this program for no impact, so if you have joint issues, Insanity is probably not for you. My knees are starting to bug me from all the jumping, so if you are going to give it a shot, make sure you do it on the softest surface possible, and always wear shoes.
  • The music.  Oh, god, the music.  I feel like I’m stuck in the original Super Mario Brothers video game.

Did you miss anything?

INSANITY Challenge: Program Overview

INSANITY Challenge: Fit Test and Goals

INSANITY Challenge: Week 1

INSANITY Challenge: Week 2