Insanity The Ultimate Cardio Workout and Fitness DVD

A. Larios on Sun, 24th Jan 2010 12:34 am 



Insanity Video workout
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
If you’re not in shape, you’re in for a ride. Personally went into it thinking I could handle it, but listen to others advice. Make sure you’re in good physical condition to do it otherwise you’re just going to invest your money in something that you’re not going to use. Nothing is impossible, but you have to really want it, and bad to keep going with this.

bballer on Sun, 24th Jan 2010 1:33 am 



Bananas
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This workout is bananas! Crazy sweat comes off you fast. If you want to sweat a lot this is your workout. I use to have bad knees before this workout having popping and cracking noises and I did have problems with them in this workout. But if you press on through it your legs will get crazy strong. Like my biggest problem was if i needed to all of the sudden run across the street or just run spontaneously I could not without having pain in one of my knees. But now i can jog or sprint across without having to do a stretch or warm up first.

I still need to do the last part of the program which is the Max cardio portion which i know I am going to get hammered!

The ab routine is like nothing you ever done before. You definitely feel your stomach working. The only thing is I would like to have some weights included in some of the routines.

M. Moon on Sun, 24th Jan 2010 7:43 am 



really intense killer workout
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
i have been doing this workout quite regularly for about a month now. just this week, i decided to follow the schedule to see if i can keep doing it for the full two months. let me start by saying that this is damn hard!! i haven’t been able to complete any of the workouts without stopping for breaks or modifying some of the harder moves (walking planks, push ups on one leg, etc etc). at the end of the workout, i feel exhausted…like i have nothing left.

my only concern about this workout is the fact that i just can’t do all the exercises.i know that i am sometimes compromising form for speed b/c it’s so hard to keep up. i wonder if it’s better to do something a little easier like Jillian Michael’s Banish Fat Burn Metabolism and be able to complete the entire workout. in the end, which workout is burning more calories? both are about 45 minutes long. both work every muscle in the body. however, beach body is so hard that i have to take a lot of breaks, modify and go at my own pace. (BFBM is tough but doable and i can do everything i’m asked to do.) i think i’d have to strap myself up to some sort of calorie burning device to know for sure.

anyway, i would definitely recommend this to people who are looking for a challenging, intense, high energy workout.

Ps. i should add that i am an active person. i run half marathons and paddle on a competitive dragonboat team. i guess, you can say that i am in shape; however i still find these dvds to be insanely challenging!

J. Huesmann on Sun, 24th Jan 2010 5:57 pm 



Puddles of Sweat!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This workout is insanely tough. You will drink buckets of water, and sweat it all out. The workout consists of a bunch of exercises using only your own body weight to work your entire body: pushups, suicides, high knees, all kinds of stuff. There are a lot of intervals, where Shaun T has you doing exercises in three progressively faster stages. As has been mentioned, you just gotta go at your own pace–if you can’t keep up with the people in the video it’s OK as long as you’re doing your best. Even the people in the videos take occasional breaks when things get too much for them.

FWIW, I’m 39, 5-10 and was 162 when I started the program. I only lost about 5 lb, but got pretty cut. IMO the real benefit of the program is the cardio shape it gets you in.

B. Miller on Sun, 24th Jan 2010 6:00 pm 



ATTENTION REVIEWERS
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Attention Reviewers:

Potential customers would appreciate it if when you reviewed this particular product that you give your age, height, weight and workout history. This would help in determining if this product would work for them.

Simply complaining because the workout was to “INTENSE” is simply not a good review and doesn’t help out someone seriously considering purchasing this product.

I’m 25 years old, 165lbs, 5’11″ and have had a history of not going to the gym but participating in outdoor activities such as backpacking, skiing, rock climbing, and any other intense outdoor adventure.

I currently don’t have this product but from some reviews I’ve read [...] I’ve found some honest descriptive advice and linked up with some people who are just normal people like you and me that has helped me make my decision.

I will post my review after I get this product and after about 2-3 weeks.

Mommasita on Mon, 25th Jan 2010 12:06 pm 



JUST DO IT!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
JUST DO IT!!

I wasn’t hestitant at all about ordering this dvd! I know it’s mind over matter. Yes It’s hard…but worth it! My husband and I both are on the program together. I am a 31 years old and a stay at home of two. I am 5 feet 102 lbs. I AM NOT DOING THIS PROGRAM TO LOSE WEIGHT! I am however doing this to get muscle tone (especially in the stomach area).

My husband is 5’11″ tall and 190 lbs. He wants to tone as well.

We’ve been following the diet and exercise program religiously and after three days, my husband lost 4 lbs and I can see my abs!

We’ve only been doing this program for 2 weeks and LOVE it. Seeing the results so quickly make us keep on going.

Neither of us are P90X graduates. Listen to the advice of Shaun T: 1.)go at our own pace and 2.) frequently take breaks.

See you at the finish!!!


Tanya on Mon, 25th Jan 2010 3:50 pm 



Love Insanity!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Great, great workout! Extremely hard, but that’s what’s great about it. I am a big advocate of the P90X program, but I’m seeing results much faster with Insanity. I’ve lost 4 lbs and 2 inches from my waist in the first four weeks. (I’m 5’6 and 135 lbs). I definitely recommend this product. Even if you are a beginner, you can always “go at your own pace”.

H. Mcarthur on Mon, 25th Jan 2010 11:06 pm 



Insanity is a butt kicking high impact sweaty affair
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am 44, 5ft 3 1/2 inches (now 128 1bs) I have been exercising for the pass 14 years on and off. My main thing was weight training, spinning and walking out doors. I also did a few home videos such as Billy Blanks Taebo Amped – full throttle, Billy’s Boot Camp, Step Reebok intense moves with Gin Miller etc. I was doing well until I hit rock bottom and gained 23 lbs. Although I was skeptical March of this year I tried Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs, the Dance Party Series and The Rockin Body DVD’s and loves them. I commit myself five some times six days a week and I lose 18 lbs. When Insanity was released I was so excited I ordered it right away. I must admit this is a monster of a workout. I was not expecting anything like this but I took on the challenge.

This program is 60-days very extreme and is broken into two phase. The workouts range from 35-45 minutes in month 1 with a rotation of 5 disk which is a little easier and 1 hour in month 2 with a rotation of 4 disk which is much harder but doable. First you start off by doing a fit test which consists of switch kicks, power jacks, power knees, power jumps, globe jumps, push up jacks, and low plank oblique. These moves you will see through the workouts. For each moves you have 1 minute to do as much reps as you can. The reason for the fit test is to gives you an idea of your current fitness level then you repeat it at the end of the 60 days to see how you have progressed. The workouts begin with a brutal warm up which last for 5 to 10 minutes depends on the disk you are doing and it actually feels like a workout until you get use to it. The warm up is followed by a nice stretch about 5 to 10 minutes then the real workout begins where Shaun goes into intervals with a variety of moves that are really tough and work you to exhaustion and you get a good sweat.

The moves are fast pace, powerful, and coordinated and you only use your body weight and gravity to push through these moves. A few of the moves are vertical jumps, ski jumps, frog jumps, power jumps, 8 power knees/4 diamond jumps, switch jumps, hurdle jumps, high hook/low hook/4 jump ropes (without a jump rope), ski abs/push up jacks/in and out abs/oblique push ups (What a combo), V push ups, side push ups, balance push ups, triceps ball push ups, (I have never heard or seen these form of push ups so I just do the regular push ups), basketball drills, level 1, level 2 and level 3 drills, full body drills/moving push ups/wide runs, power squats, mountain climbers, one legged triceps dip, floor switch kicks, cross jacks, floor hops side to side, high/low jabs with squats etc. as you move from disk to disk the workouts become repetitive but I like it because it allows me to really follow along. During the workouts I dig as deep as I could. I did not try to keep passé with Shaun T and his cast members because there is no way on earth that were possible doing this for the first time. I did a lot of modifications especially with the jumping and I did not do some of the moves I replace them with something I could handle. I really focus on, doing as much as I could with proper form. I took as much breaks as I need and I hang in there to the end and I feel great when it was over. (All I keep saying was oh my god) To avoid injury it is very important to maintain proper form and listen to your body. If you have knees or lower body issues this workout may not be for you.

I completed the program in September lost 7 lbs and 11 inches and I gain a lot of muscle tone and definition. My arms, chest, shoulders and abs changed drastically. My strength and endurance have increased tremendously. I have seen great improvement in my second fit test which is very inspiring. IF you are mentally ready and want to challenge your self try this program. You will be amazed by what you can do. Do not pay too much attention to the numbers on the scale the inches you lose and how your clothes fit is the key. Apart from the difficulty of this program I did not fine any fault with it even the music was great I love it all. This is an excellent program to kick off the New Year with. Shaun and Beach body really out do themselves with Insanity. Keep in mind that with any workout program you have to be consistent. Most of the individual DVDs in this package are “lifetime” workouts. I can see myself doing them for years to come). From what I have experienced all of Shaun T programs work you just have to give it time. My focus right now is to maintain therefore I keep repeating the program but I am not following it to a T, I am doing my own thing.

The 10 disk are broken down as follows:

(1) Dig Deeper & Fit Test – Introduction etc.

(2) Plyometric Cardio Circuit – (love it)

(3) Cardio Power & Resistance- (love it)

(4) Cardio Recovery & Max Recovery – These involves yoga, balance, stretches and deep muscle work. (My favorite)

(5) Pure Cardio & Abs – tough none stop cardio. This one had me laughing. (My favorite)

(6) Cardio Abs – I don’t see me using this disk. (I will replace this one with hip hop abs, abs sculpt)

(7) Core Cardio & Balance – You do this workout for one week before you start month 2. I love this workout because I really get a break from the crazy pounding of my body during month 1. Things really slow down here. The focus is on your core and your heart. (Love it)

(8) Max Interval Circuit – I give this one every thing I got since Shaun state that he is going to kick our butts. (My favorite)

(9) Max Interval Plyo- to me this is the hardest of them all. I will use this disk the least (HATE IT)

(10) Max Cardio Conditioning & Abs. – tough cardio – (love it)

There is a wall calendar that shows you which workout to do each day and there is an elite nutrition plan which requires you to eat 5 meals a day. The plan is very easy to follow it works for me. I love the way it is broken down and laid out. I did not get bored with it there are 10 meals in each category to choose from. In order to stick with the meal plan preparation is the key. I make sure I have my breakfast at home and I carry three meals with me to work each day. This way I am not tempted to go off the plan. In month 1 I followed the 1500 calories and in month 2 I followed the 1800 calories because my appetite really open up.

Note: There is also a deluxe package with three additional DVD’s which is broken down as follows:

1)MAX INTERVAL SPORTS TRAINING

2)INSANE ABS

3)UPPER-BODY WEIGHTED WORKOUT

From what I have read these workouts will not only push you to the edge, it will push you right over it! Well! I am not ready to go there.

C. N. Sheridan on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 12:24 am 



If You Do It, It Will Do It
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Okay, I’m 54 and have run regularly, lifted weights but couldn’t get the reduction in inches and bodyfat that I wanted. I did P90X in the summer and a month of P90X+. Great programs that got me into the consistent routine of early morning (5 AM) workouts and built overall strength, coordination, and flexibility. With a 2 pound weight loss, but, I admit I was not very careful with the nutrition plan.

Enter Insanity. I cut out white bakery products, sweets, sweetened drinks, all sodas, and desserts except for once a week. Then started the craziness. There’s no need to tell what’s in package, others have done that. Let me say I lost 12 pounds and an inch and a half off my waistline in 60 days. This on a frame my family and friends said had nothing to lose.

This program works if you follow it. Don’t worry about keeping up with the folks on the video because NONE of them do all of the routines to completion on any of the DVDs. You do your best at YOUR pace but it has to be your BEST. It never gets easier because as you get more conditioned, you do more repetitions. You must do the Fit Test because you WILL see improvements and the test won’t lie and it will keep you motivated.

It’s not easy but it works. Nothing worthwhile is easy so why should this be different? You have to be in decent, not great, shape, and follow the warnings about injuries and other health potential health problems because it is a serious workout. But if you get the green light and you stick with it, you won’t regret it. There’s nothing to it but to do it.

G. Riach on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 3:28 am 



Dissatisfied customer of books_4_lesss who sold me INSANITY dvd set & program
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I received INSANITY dvd set & program missing 2 dvds. Only 1 of the dvds could by read by the dvd player, and the remaining dvds were unreadable and unusable. I am waiting to hear from books_4_lessss about my request to be able to return the set to them for a full refund. This is disappointing because a friend is doing the INSANITY workout with GREAT results!! I do NOT RECOMMEND ordering from books_4_lesss through Amazon.

A. Cohen on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 4:32 am 



WORKING SO FAR FOR THIS FAT GUY
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This workout is without a doubt the most intense workout I’ve ever done. To make a long story short, I’ve lost fourteen pounds in the first two weeks with this program. I’ve eaten healthier which played a big part, but I also am committed to this program. I can’t wait to see the results I will have at the end of the sixty days. I will update this review then. Keep in mind though this isn’t some easy workout. I knew I was in for a challenge when the people with perfect 10 bodies in the video were having to take rests throughout these workouts. What’s cool is Shaun T. is encouraging and it feels like he’s in the room with you. I also save time going back and forth to the gym and can do it all in the comfort and privacy of my own home. It comes with a calendar so you are sure to be on the right page everyday with this program. If I can lose 14 pounds in the first two weeks imagine what you can do. If my results continue to be this great I will write Shaun a letter and thank him. I really appreciate him putting this program together.

C. Widman on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 7:13 am 



I want to love this… BUT
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I got this for Xmas and was very excited – spent the first four days doing this according to plan. I should add that I am in my 30′s and teach fitness classes at my gym and am in pretty decent shape. I exercise regularly. However, I have a history of issues with my knees. I can avoid flare ups if I avoid lunges, etc. This DVD set makes it literally impossible for people with joint issues – especially knees – to participate in this without seriously injuring themselves. This is stated on the warning at the beginning of the program – however, nowhere did I read that before dropping $150 to order. Shaun T is awesome – the program is challenging and if you are looking for something to use at home, get this. It is addicting and intense. However, if you have even the slightest issue with your knees, DO NOT BUY THIS!

Nagafighter on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 8:25 am 



DVD’s messed up
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
The workouts themselves are great. Anyone who complains about them being too tough just has to modify and slowly build up to doing what the on-screen crew is doing.

The problem that I have has to do with the quality of the dvd’s. I ordered two sets — one to give as a gift. In both sets the routines “Max interval sports training & Insane abs,” and “Insane abs,” jump from one part of the routine to another every ten seconds or so. The on-screen timer jumps around with the sceen-changes, but the dvd timer clicks along in the normal fashion, so the dvd’s were ‘printed’ this way. In one of the sets I received, all of the dvd’s that are supposed to contain two routines do not have the second one.

Beachbody publishes this and does not seem be a quality company. When I contacted them about the problem, they were uninterested because I had purchased from secondary sources. If you want to purchase this workout, do so knowing that you may be getting only part of what you are paying for.

KiWiSouP on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 10:53 am 



People with any sort of knee issues need not apply
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I was really excited about this workout routine after the promised 60 day results and rave reviews and was more than willing to suffer through the “Insanity”.

However I have some joint problems in my knees. Not a problem usually unless severely aggravated…

Almost every move in this entire series requires bending your knees down to less than a 90 degree angle and then pushing off and jumping in the air and then landing back into that same bent position…it only takes a few minutes of this until I literally almost collapse from the strain on my knees. It’s not the usage of my knees I have a problem with, it’s putting more weight than my entire body from the force coming out of jump, squatting all the way down bending them, and then pushing off that does not agree with my knees.

I know not everyone has this problem so I still give it 3 stars, but I’m a pretty fit guy, I’ve taken many classes at the gym and in the “Fitness test” I got much higher reps than any of the assistants featured.I really wish I could continue.

R. Benson on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 3:14 pm 



I’m sore!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Great workout.. on day five and my legs have felt sore since day one. Think it will be very beneficial, but I don’t recommend it for people who are not already fairly active; it really is a difficult workout. Enjoy!

J. McLean on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 3:57 pm 



Fantastic Cardio Program
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is an unbelievable cardio workout program. I’ve finished 3 rounds of P90X and love that product, but it really lacks a good cardio component. With Insanity I’m burning between 600 to 800 calories a workout (and that’s with taking breaks).

A couple of important points: You should already be in very good shape before you do this type of program. It is designed for individuals who want to take it to another level, not for sedimentary individuals who want to lose 50 pounds. Also, if you have knee issues, this may not be appropriate-there are a lot of high impact moves.

I would suggest getting cross-training shoes with very good support, a mat (if you are working out on a hard surface like concrete), and a heart rate monitor.

The program is based upon interval training, which is a scientifically proven way to very effectively lose weight, so it is ideal for those wanting a more toned and hard body. One thing I’ve done is incorporated two days of upper body strength training because Insanity has very little in the way of upper body work. 60 days without any strength training for your upper body can cause some atrophy. There is sufficient plyometric training for the lower body so no real need to include any additional work for your legs.

Overall a great (very) intensive cardio program. Some repetition in the workouts, but Shaun T. does a very good job of continually giving pointers about form and breathing. Highly recommended.

Sammy on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 5:02 pm 



Tough, but fair
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is my second time trying this program, not because I felt defeated but because I couldn’t keep up with the time schedule. I was time restricted and during long days at work, the last thing I wanted to do was go home and work out. That and I always felt like I was failing at his program because I wasn’t able to keep up. But, I’m back and I have to say it’s a tough program, but I’m actually listening to Shaun T’s words this time. It may seem like he’s pushing you to go as fast as him and the rest of the people in the video, but he clearly states in every video to take your time. Don’t neglect form for speed. And he’s right. I’m only in the first week and I feel like I want to curse him out every single time, but it’s all worth it. The muscles are sore, but in a good way. And I’m positive that this time I will finish it. If anyone’s wondering, I’m an avid gym goer. I’m there 4 days a week (at home 2 days) mixing intense cardio with strength training, so exercise is not a foreign term to me. Just stick with it and I’m sure you’ll see results.

A. Ort on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 5:20 pm 



P90X this isn’t…
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I’m a former P90X junkie. That program literally changed my life and got me into the best shape of my life, even at 40 years old.

So I was pumped when I saw this one coming down the pike. Got it for my birthday last year. However, this is not P90X. That is not a criticism at all, just don’t expect more of the same.

This is all floor exercises using your body weight with lots of plyometric and isometic exercises that will work you – hard. This will get you into the best shape of your life. I say that with a few caveats.

It’s broken into two four week segments with a “recovery” week in between. I completed the first four weeks, the “recovery” week and the second half of the program. Had to slow down the intensity because my job went to 12 hour shifts.

I now do it several times a week, when time permits. I can tell you this, though: I do the Plyometric workout from P90X when I need an easy day. My leg strength, especially the explosive kind, has increased tenfold. And my cardio is through the roof.

But this will kick you a** no matter what kind of shape you are in. Even the participants in the DVD have to quit and take breaks. It’s that intense.

It is tough on the body, though, so be prepared. If you aren’t in some semblance of shape, you may want to rethink this one. I pulled a neck music the first week because I didn’t breathe properly. It will tax your joints, your knees, your feet, your back. It requires serious focus. Breathing is key. Drink lots of water. And move at your own pace.

The caveat is really only this: you may lose quite a bit of muscle mass. This doesn’t mean you will get less strong but with no exercises for the biceps or the lats (no pull-ups here), those “glamour muscles” will lose size.

People commented on my weight loss, even though I wasn’t trying to lose weight. I just couldn’t eat enough food. Your food intake will determine your results. So I shrank but, in many ways, I was stronger than ever. Size doesn’t always equal strength.

You will notice your body change, your core will be the strongest it’s ever been and you will be in incredible shape, even if you only do the program at half the intensity.

I give it a thumbs up but know what you want to get out of the program and understand what it is about before investing your time and money in it.

N. J. Johnson on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 6:28 pm 



From a beginner’s view.
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Age: 26 Weight:185 lbs

I usually do some pushups and situps about 4 times a week and in my job I walk about 2 miles a day, sometimes fast paced walking. When I stepped into this program I knew it was going to be tough but it was way harder than any workout I have ever done. It is like some other reviewers have said, “impossible” ,to keep up with the instructer during the excercises. They move way to fast and it seems like I’m constantly staring at the screen saying “Are you F#$@ing serious?” a lot. The program is very repetitive so I don’t know why it comes with so many DVD’s when a lot of the same excercises are on each DVD. They also only put one to two workouts on each DVD which range from 30 to about 45 minutes a piece so they obviously could have made this into a 3 to 4 disc set easily. The nutrition guide isn’t of much help because basically all it suggests is just different meals with what could easily be summed up on the back of the box as—> (During the 60 days of this workout DO NOT EAT FRIED FOOD) The instructer, Shaun T., is a great motivator and teacher but I think he had some other single disc DVD’s that could offer the same advice but keep a lot more money in your wallet. I would try looking those up. All in all I just don’t think this workout is worth the money. Make sure you check with your doctor before you start this or any workout. Peace.

Rolando Aguillon Aguilar on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 10:43 pm 



Great Workout
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you are looking for the next way to push your body to your limit, insanity is the thing for you!!! it is explosive, intense and demands mental toughness. Stick to the program and you will know it works.. If you are a begginner, please dont try this at home.. you can injure yourself.. try something lighter until you feel physically ready to commit to this program

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