Many people have been asking me to write a P90X vs Insanity review. Since I have completed both of them individually and a P90X / Insanity hybrid workout I decided to spend a couple minutes to give as best of a evaluation of both that I could. So here we go.
Build Muscle – P90X -You are using weights in 5 of the workouts including the pull up bar. There are no weights used with Insanity at all besides your body weight.
Intense Cardio – Insanity- Hands down winner here. All of the Insanity workouts involve cardio training while just half of the P90X workouts do.
Strength Training – P90X- This was a close one but I chose P90X because of the weight training along with the cardio. Workouts like P90X Legs & Back, P90X Chest & Back are similar to some of the Insanity workouts but the addition of weights help build more strength.
Flexibility – P90X – Yoga X, X Stretch, and the almost 10 minutes of stretching for each workout top the basic stretching with Insanity.
Abs – Insanity- It seems like almost 80% of each movement is geared toward the core area in the normal workouts not including the Cardio Ab workout. P90X has the killer Ab Ripper X workout but Insanity has more plank work and ab focused moves.
Weight Loss – Push – Both P90X and Insanity will help you lose weight if you really get at it.
Toning – Insanity – Very close here again as both workouts will tone you up but using your body weight for resistance will tone up any bulk that you have.
Cost – Insanity- If price is a issue then Insanity is the way to go as you only need the DVDs which are $119. For P90X you need dumbbells or resistance bands and a pull up bar. If you have those then you only need the P90X DVDs which are $119 also but you can get the P90X Deluxe set for $239 which includes bands, pull up bar, P90X, and the recovery drink. Of course you can get a 25% discount if you sign up to be a Beachbody Coach or a 10% discount with a Beachbody Club membership too.
Time – Insanity – Most of the workouts with Insanity are under 50 minutes long while P90X is about an hour plus Ab Ripper X three times a week. If time is an issue then go with Insanity.
Beginner – P90X – Tony Horton has three people in the background showing you how to modify each move from a beginner to advanced. The goal is to build up your strength to keep up with the person doing the advanced move.
Advanced – Insanity – Don’t start Insanity unless you are already in some kind of shape. I think of Insanity as two a day football practices wrapped up into 45 minutes. You’re basically trying to keep up with Shaun T, who is a college track star, doing power jumps, squats, and push ups at a ridiculous pace.
Variety – P90X- Yoga, Kenpo, and using a pull up bar are things not done in Insanity.
Value – P90X- Since it comes with 12 workouts to Insanity’s 9, you can switch them up to your liking after the 90 days. This means you can make the investment of the DVDs go a lot farther then the 90 days. Heck, I did P90X 3 times straight before doing Insanity. Try to spend $119 for a 9 month gym membership.
What Were The P90X vs Insanity Results?
Overall – P90X – The strength training, variety, and ability for people of any fitness level to be able to jump in and get great results over a 90 day period put it just a tad farther than Insanity
It was a close one: P90X 7 Insanity 6.
What Did You Think About The P90X vs Insanity Review?
All of these are my opinions from doing P90X 3 times, Insanity 1 time, and a P90X / Insanity hybrid workout. I’ve had great results with both of them individually and together. If you are confused on what one to do right now I usually tell people to pick one based on cost and time. If you don’t have the extra money to buy the dumbbells or pull up bar then go with Insanity and if you do have those then do P90X. If time is your issue then the 45 minute workouts with Insanity will be better for you instead of the 55 to 70 minute workouts with P90X. Either way you go each will help you reach your fitness goals because when your done with one just go and get the other one. If you are ready to start Insanity or P90X you can get them at the Beachbody Store. Check out the Beachbody Coach program to get discounts on them. I hope this P90X vs Insanity review helps you out in choosing a program.
Hello,
I am currently torn between p90x and insanity. I am 5’10” 165 lbs. I currently work as a police officer, but am in the process of testing to become and Air Force Officer. Basically, I would like to get a little more muscle mass, not too much, and increase my cardio drastically. I am in pretty good shape, but have slacked a bit the past few months with working out. I used to run on a treadmill 3-4 times a week between 8 and 10 miles. I am thinking insanity may be a better fit for me. What do you think?
Andy – In your case I would go with Insanity. It will get you more fit from head to toe because you’ll be using your body weight for the resistance.
Brad- I am a softball catcher that is probably stronger in the arms than the legs and i want to build more muscle in the legs because it will also help my hitting too. I am a pretty decent runner when it comes to running the bases so i dont want to lose the speed that i have. If i could choose one program, which would you recommend?
Hi Brooke – I also play a lot of softball. If you are already strong enough in the arms then go with Insanity. It will improve upon everything else. After I did Insanity I realized I had a lot more range playing short stop, was faster out of the box, and had a lot more stamina.
Hey Brad,
I’m a 19 year old guy, 6’1, 280, but look around 240 or so i’m told. I played football all my life and in college but had to quit recently due to injuries. I still consider myself to be pretty strong, though not as much as I used to be. I want a workout that will trim me down to make me look lean and muscular. I’m not looking to put on much more muscle, don’t want to look like a muscle head. Just wondering if Insanity would be better to trim all the fat off if I already have a decent muscle base, or if P90X would be the better option?
Mike – Go with Insanity. Its all body weight resistance training. I’m betting that if you really give Insanity a go that you will probably get shredded. Pushing all of that weight around will get you much stronger and ripped.
Hi Brad,
Another seeking direction after reading your comments about the two programs…
I’m 35yrs old 5’6″ 130 lbs and mother of 4. I haven’t work out in 5 years probably unless you count all I do chasing around four girls all day. I can usually keep up pretty well on the rare occasion I work out with friends or go walking/running with my 10yr old, or head to the mtns to hike with the family. My weak spot is my belly after all the c-sections, so I mainly want to burn off my belly fat and drop 10 lbs. My hubby is 40yrs old 6’2 220 lbs and works a ton of hours (like 5am-8pm). He’s on the treadmill each night for an hour and does some stretching and handheld weights. He’s had 3 back surgery’s but is pretty flexible, golfs each weekend, etc.
Can you tell me which you think would be best for the both of us as I’d like to only buy one program that we both could use and would be beneficial for both our needs – if possible.
Hi Ashley – Start with P90X. Insanity might be a little bit much on his back because a lot of it is high impact jumping and such. P90X is more balanced giving you an opportunity to build up your strength as you go.
Hey Brad, thanks for the review, but I was still wondering if I could get a little more help.
I’m an 18 y/o, about 5’10″ and weigh somewhere between 170-185 (haven’t checked in a while.) I just got done with high school and want to drop some weight and look kinda decent while I walk back to my room after taking a shower in the dorms, if you understand what I’m saying. Haha. Not to impress or anything, I’ve just always been very shy, seeing as how I’ve never been incredibly in shape most of my life. I did Tae Kwon Do from 10-16, but it’s been 2 years, and a lot has changed. Lol. I was kinda hoping to lose my gut, oddly everything else isn’t very “fat” looking. I don’t really understand why, but, my problem. What do you suggest I do? I tried P90X for about a week, but taking some classes at a JC to get some quick credits kind of cuts my time, but I’m not gone all day. Also, I’m a vegetarian. I understand that I should be taking protein supplements because of the protein lack. But, anything else I should do? I’m pretty broke, but my friends were offering either one or the other (I have friends that have both.) What can I do to aid the eating-process? I’m fairly new to all this.
Insanity does not involve as much time so that might work. The other option is to just do half of each P90X dvd. This way you still get in a good workout. Not sure how vegetarian you are but Shakeology has probably made the biggest differences in my results. You can find Shakeology in the Beachbody Store.
Hi Brad I am 27 played sports all through out high school golf mostly but have always had the same body shape and i want to get definition and ripped but I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor do u think these workouts will be to noisy for me on my neightbors below me. I am 6ft 2in and weigh 185 do u know which one would be better for me thanx Jason
Jason – Yup, your neighbors will probably hate you if you do Insanity. Its all jumping. P90X only has one jumping day, Plyometrics, and Tony Horton instructs you how to “land like a cat” so your neighbors don’t hate you. Go with P90X and do that one. I’m very confident you will see changes and have fun doing it. Many people with a sports background enjoy P90X because it reminds them of the structured workouts you’d do back in the day. I recommend buying Shakeology with P90X. The two together are a great combo to get results. I buy Chocolate Shakeology on auto ship for free shipping. You can get them at the Beachbody Store.
Hi Brad,
Like a lot of folks, I am torn between these 2 programmes. Was planning on doing P90x this summer, but a mate challenged me to Insanity instead. I did some research on Insanity, but some people say the cardio is so intense that it burns off both muscle and fat, and I think p90x is a little too time consuming.
I won’t claim to be in the best shape of my life, but I have a job that involves a lot of pushing and pulling of heavy stuff and also walking an average of 7miles a day. I am 6 ft 1 inch, I weigh about 87kg.
I want to get muscle definition/ripped and banish my gut.
What would you advise?
Thanks!!
@ Ace
Insanity will burn off both fat and muscle. I had the same issue during the first 30 days of Insanity. I read the meal plan guide and it said I needed to eat more. Once I did that the fat burned off and the muscle stayed and in some areas grew. Yes, P90X is a little long in time and some people can only do half if they have a busy schedule. Either program will get you want you want as long as you follow the plan and eat right. Shakeology helped me with the meals. Based on what you are already doing I would recommend Insanity for the next 2 months and then do P90X.
I’m a 58 year old guy, 6′, 180, looking to get fitter. I’m in decent shape now-hit the gym 3 times/week for good workouts, and run a little, although not as much or as fast as I used to. Mainly want to lose 5-10 lbs from my waist area. Would either of these be okay for me to do?
Yes. I did something similar before starting P90X and have not gone back to the gym since. I’d recommend P90X to start off with.
Brad,
I’m 32, M, 220 and 5’8″. I used to play a lot of sports and work out 6 day a weeks. Never considering myself as fit, but agile for a bulky guy. Ever since I was diagnose with Gout, am unable to play sport, and do any activities that have higher impact on my joints, especially my ankles and feet. Meanwhile, I need to loose some weight to relieved that tension on my joints. I love to just tone it down, still maintain or gain muscles, especially set of abs be nice. Not looking for to be skinny. What you think is the best option for me?
Jeff
Jeff – I’m not a Dr so I cant give any medical advice. P90X would be the better of the two workout programs as there is only one workout (Plyometrics) that will have any high impact on your joints. That whole workout can be modified to still be done. I suggest you buy P90X and Shakeology as from what I read about Gout is that a leading factor of it is dietary. Shakeology will help you with that issue.
Hey Brad,
I’m an 18 year old male, about 5’10″, and I weigh about 163 pounds. I build muscle easily as I’m a dancer and I used to be a short distance track runner. I don’t really want to get any heavier and add mass in muscle until later as I already have very strong legs, I just want to get ride of some stubborn fat around my stomach and thighs and get leaner, more toned, and defined, especially in my abs. I was thinking of doing Insanity first to lose the fat and get more toned, and then if I feel I want more muscle mass, I would do P90X. Do you think this is a good plan, or is there something else that you recommend?
Start with Insanity and then do P90X.
I am a softball player and my coach wanted us to work on our speed over the summer. I am looking for a program to help me lose fat but gain muscle and help with overall speed. I don’t want to lose any of my strength that I already have either. Which program would be better, P90X or Insanity? Thanks for any help.
Caitlin – Both programs will work. I’m on a couple softball leagues myself so I can relate to this. I did P90X first and went from a skinny guy with no muscles to being stronger every where. Speed increased a little but I was now able to hit for power, make better throws, and overall fitness went up. I did Insanity afterwards and speed increased along with small gains in the infield at short stop. However, I did lose some strength but was still hitting them off the fence every once in awhile. This might be because I did P90X first so the base was there. In your situation I would go with Insanity because it will tone up what you already have and make you faster.
So I am a 6′ 280lb male, and I am wondering workout would be best for me. I am wanting to lose weight, but at the same time build muscle. I was athletic all throughout high school, played many sports, and lifted for 2-3 hours everyday. Now I am in college and have lost most of what muscle I had, and am looking to get it back. In your opinion which would be best for me? Thanks in advance for any help!
Chris – Both workouts will work. I think you will like P90X a little more in the beginning as it involves more resistance training.
All I have to say is THANK YOU SO MUCH for this review! This helps a LOT! I have always been athletic and have an athletic body, but I always lacked the definition I wanted. There was always that stubborn belly fat that girls particularly have a hard time with. That’s why I’ve been so interested in getting involved in a program to actually define my shape and tighten up those “flabby” spots. Thanks so much!
Tara – No problem. What workout did you decide to go with?
Brad,
I am 27, M, 185, 5’8″. In high school I was runner and did both cross country and track. Once I started college though I have not done much in the way of workouts. I want to do something to get in better shape and build a little muscle. I currently work retail and go to grad school online, so time can be concern until I get into a routine.
Thanks for any advice!
Josh
Josh
If time is your issue then Insanity is your best option. However, I think you will see more changes from P90X because it is more resistance training and less cardio. With your running background you should have a good cardio base already.