I started Insanity the other day and the first step was to take the Insanity Workout Fit Test. This was my first time taking a fit test with a Beachbody program. I did not take the P90X Fit Test when I bought it and instead went right into the workouts. After reading through the Insanity workout program and the calendar I noticed how you keep track of your results. It’s a little different than P90X as you are not using weights or a pull up bar with Insanity. With it being a intense cardio workout you track your progress by taking the fit test 5 times during the 60 days. Seems simple enough. How the Fit Test works is you do 8 different exercises for a minute each doing as many reps as you can.
My First Insanity Workout Fit Test Results
Switch Kicks 125
Power Jacks 45
Power Knees 84
Globe Jumps 8
Suicide Jumps 13
Push Up Jacks 25
Low Plank Oblique 50
Here is the video I took of myself doing the Insanity Workout Fit Test. I was jumping so hard at one time that a pan fell in the kitchen. You can probably hear it along with how squeaky my wood floors are.
This was a lot tougher than what I expected. I was dripping sweat after doing the warm ups. I had to stop a couple times with each workout. After taking a look at my results I have decided that I want to increase each number by 20%. This is what I am pushing for.
My Insanity Workout Fit Test Goals Are:
Switch Kicks 150
Power Jacks 54
Power Knees 100
Power Jumps 37
Globe Jumps 10
Suicide Jumps 16
Push Up Jacks 30
Low Plank Oblique 60
The Insanity workout is looking like it is going to be a very challenging workout for the next 60 days. Hopefully all the P90X I have been doing over the past year will help me power through it.
Check out my second Insanity Workout Fit Test Results and Insanity Day 30 Results.
Well just about finished with week 4 of insanity. Down about 8 lbs. and about 2 inches off my waist. I feel great since starting this. Can’t wait to start the next 4 weeks after core cardio and balance. I tell you the first week was terrible getting through all the pain but it was well worth it. If your just starting out stick with it it gets better and if need to take a break do it….. Even Shaun T does and the people working out with him. Brad thanks for all the advice and tips they are really appreciated.
@ Pete
That’s awesome. Enjoy your recovery week as the last 4 weeks of Insanity are physically and mentally challenging.
Today was Day 1. Brutal…but I know it’ll be worth it. My worst ones are the suicide jumps and push up jack. I have no upper body strength!! Ive also been told by a physical therapist that I have severe muscle tention. So im working on stretching as well…thats some horrible pain there though. And well I need to go grocery shoping so I can start eating according to the nutrition guide.
@ Karina
It will get better. Just stick with it.
getting ready to start week 4 today.. starting to see results though i haven’t lost much weight but it’s all starting to change shape. Plus i just feel better since i started doing this. I kind of slacked over the weekend but i’m still nursing a calf pull i did do a lot of walking and did one of my old ten minute trainer videos so it wasn’t a total bust i guess. But over all once you get past the initial shock your body has the work outs are spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m so happy to have found your review!
I also bookmarked this to see what your future reviews will be.
I really want to try it, but it looks scary. lol
@ Kira
Thanks. Give Insanity a try. Its well worth it.
I have the Insanity package with the upper body workout cd included. How often should I rotate that in each week, and which cd should i switch it with?
Thanks for all the info!
@ Shawn
I would just pick a day and do it on that day. This way you don’t skip the other workouts. The other ones will just get pushed back a day.
i pulled a muscle right below my calf. i have been trying to work through it and stretch it out but it has been a struggle. any suggestions on how to remedy this. i am starting my 3rd week and don’t want to stop now. i am starting to get nice results
@ Pete
It might be worth it to take a day or two off so it heals up. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks for all the tips and info! Insanity it is!!!! Can’t wait!
Thanks i really appreciate you taking the time to answer questions. We are still at it today was day 4 i’m feeling it let me tell you. But i feel much better than i did before i started… I’m using muscles i never knew could be sore!!!!!!!! i’ve lost almost 3 pounds since monday so i know it’s working. I do what i can if i need to rest then i do, no shame in that though because they go at very fast pace.. Once again thanks for answering all the questions
My bf and I were planning on ordering Insanity. I know he can get through it but I’m concerned about myself. I was using swimming as my workout, but I had to stop this was November. I want to try and loose about 25lbs to reach the “beach body” look before my b-day mid June. :) What do you recommend? What’s your input? Do you think this could be too intense or would I still be able to get through it?
@ Karina
Insanity is a advanced program. If you were active before then going into the program will be ok for you. I completed it and still have to take breaks as the pace is ridiculous. If you have to stop the workout to catch your breath than do it.
I’m eating about 2000 calories a day was wondering if that will be enough. I got through day 3 less sore than yesterday. I’m just gonna power through it to hit my goal.
@ Pete
Take a look at the Insanity Elite Meal Plan. It tells you how many calories you need to be eating a day.
Well day 2 went much better… Body is a little sore but i feel much better. This workout is the best one i’ve done.. Like it says you really need to dig deep to pull it out of yourself!!!! My goal is to lose 20-25 pounds and this sure will do it…..
@ Pete
Just stick with it. Those 25 pounds are going to start melting off.
Hi Brad,
I have started insanity 2 days back and my entire body is really really sore, which I expected. I have been doing TKB actively for sometime now and needed something more challenging. However, I take many frequent breaks as the work out is too hard and I am sore from my previous workouts. Will this program work with frequent breaks??
@ Swati
What is TKB? I took many breaks when doing Insanity. This shit is tough. I still take breaks even after finishing a round of it. Heck, Shaun T takes breaks.
When you say “eat right” do you mean the diet plan they recommend? I’m actually thinking it’s my diet mainly that’s keeping me from reaching my goal weight. I’ve been told I’m not eating enough for the amount of excercise/activity I have in my day, so my body “stores” the fat instead of burning it AND that my body has adapted to my workout?? I have a young family so it makes it hard to follow the EXACT meals recommended by P90X. I think the P90X and/or Insanity workout series will jumpstart my metabolism again, but I do want to fuel my body correctly so that I can make it through the workouts, tone/build muscle AND lose that last 10 pounds FOR GOOD!!! Any suggestions or tips?
@ Mandi
I would agree. You need to eat more. The Insanity Meal Plan said I needed to be eating around 3000 calories a day. That’s almost double what I normall do. Turns out they were right. I felt more energized for the workout and I started burning through body fat. P90X and Insanity will be able to hit your goals for sure.
Wow just started today.. This workout will without a doubt let you know how out of shape you are. Myself and a co-worker did it lunch it was really intense. In fact i almost threw up it was kind of funny though.. but i will continue to push through it!!!!!
@ Pete
Way to “Dip Deep.” The more you keep at it the less likely you’re going to puke.
Hi! I’m considering buying the Insanity program, but I want to make sure that it’s right for me. I’m looking to get into shape and get lean, but not get huge muscles. I already have huge calves and I’m looking to tone them down slightly… or at least not make them bigger, plus get the rest of me into shape. From what I’ve seen online, other women who used the program didn’t bulk up incredibly, but I want to make sure..
So does Insanity give you lean muscle, or huge bulky muscle?
Thanks!
@ Celsey
You only use your body weight for resistance so your not going to bulk up. I lost a little bit of my muscle mass I gained with P90X when doing Insanity and ended up building more lean muscle. The Insanity workout will get the rest of your body in shape as your doing a lot of push ups too. With you being a soccer player (I’m guessing cause the word soccer is in your e-mail) it will strengthen your legs up more.
to be specific: i realize that you are mixing beach body workouts at this point in your routine, but are you sticking to ONE a day, and doing no other athletic activity? no weight training, etc?
@ Kwynn
It depends on the season. Its almost spring here in Michigan right now so my softball league starts back up soon. Sometimes I’ll work out in the morning of a game day. For the winter I do a lot of skiing and snowboarding. I use the Insanity workouts to get me in shape for those. You can read about my 7 days of skiing in Utah. Primarily over the winter I do a lot of leg work for skiing and snowboarding. Going into summer I’ll do weight training with P90X to be able to improve on my softball and golf swing.
Hi Brad-
I’m quite impressed that you answer each message you receive. I’ve just spent the last 45 minutes reading past posts and feel a little more educated and motivated… I’m on day 5 of Insanity, and am finding myself a little paranoid. I’ve been working working out regularly 4-6 days a week at the gym for about 5 years now, and have definitely plateaued (even though i felt great when i left). I was switching each day between weight lifting and cardio. In addition I walk/run my dog for a minimum of 3 miles 4-6 days a week. Thus, my worry is if Insanity is enough exercise to get the results I’m expecting? Are you doing your Insanity workouts in addition to other athletic activity? Please let me know! Thanks!
@ Kwynn…again
I do my best to answer every question as best as I can to show my readers how serious I am. These workouts changed the way I look at fitness and I want people to feel comfortable giving it a try like I did. The only reason why I still have a gym membership is because it has a pool and I like to go swimming a couple times a month. Living in Michigan makes it hard to swim outside for 9 months out of the year. If I lived in a warmer climate I would just do the workouts Beachbody comes out with.
How are you liking Insanity so far? It kicked my butt. I still can’t finish a workout without taking breaks.
I have been 10-15lbs from my goal weight a year now. I workout 5-6 times a week for about 45-60min. I’ve been at a plateau and I’m ready to “step it up!” I’ve borrowed a few P90X dvds from a friend and LOVE the legs and back and the plyometrics one! Anyways…..I’m debating between purchasing P90X or the Insanity series. I want to lose my last 10-15lbs ONCE AND FOR ALL!!! I also want to tone and build muscle, especially in my legs and arms. Which do you recommend for quicker results???
@ Mandi
Both P90X and Insanity will help you achieve the results you are looking for along with proper eating. I would go with Insanity as its a lot of leg work and you do a lot of push ups which will strengthen your arms too.
I know PX90 has a lot of pull-ups and other back work. It seems that most upper body strength work in Insanity is based on push up variations. Does Insanity have any direct back/bicep work?
@ Mike
You are right as Insanity involves more variations of push ups. I noticed my biceps did get a little smaller at the end of Insanity then they were with P90X. Its mainly because you don’t use weights and pull ups. What you can do to involve bicep and back muscles is get the Insanity Deluxe workouts. They are tough.
My wife & I are considering getting either the Insanity or P90X workout DVDs. But we’re kind of concerned about:
1. Both being over 50. I’m 53 & she’s 52.
2. Both being WAY out of shape.
We are worried that this regiment of exercise might be more than our bodies can handle. Ever commercial we see on TV shows people in the 20 – 35 age bracket and most are just a LITTLE out of shape compared to us.
Is there cause for concern/injury to us?
@ Nelson
I would not recommend Insanity for you in your current shape. I still can’t finish a Insanity workout routine without taking a break and I’m in very good shape. I would suggest you start out doing the Power 90 workout instead. This way you build up your strength to be able to do workouts like P90X and Insanity in the future. More importantly it gets you in the habit of including fitness into your daily schedule as the workouts are around 40 minutes long.