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.
I am 56 year old male who was always active and athletic, but have been inactive a couple of years. 6 foot 208 probably 20-25% bf and feel just incredibly “weak”, once laughed at those struggling to run 8min miles. Not laughing now! Would you suggest p90x since the extra muscle mass would boost nearly dormant metabolism? Also have some elbow trouble that really causes pullups to be very. Painful well before muscle fatigue. Sick of lethargic, lazy feeling, any advice much appreciated.
Eric
Yes, P90X would be the workout I would recommend. You can buy the resistance bands and a door attachment to mimic the pull ups instead of using the pull up bar. Should be less painful then normal pull ups but still getting you results. Along with P90X you need Shakeology. Its the one product I tell people to buy even if you don’t do a workout program. It helps with boosting energy and losing weight. You can get those in the Beachbody Store.
Hi Brad,
I’m a 19 year old male who’s 5’10 140 lbs. I am very active, playing soccer, lacrosse, and run a lot. I would like to bulk up, but have a leaner body type. Which would you recommend?
Thanks,
D
@ David
P90X would be your answer.
I was wondering how you went about combining the two during your Hybrid run? Sounds like something I’d be interested in
Nate
I did the M,W,F P90X workouts and did Insanity on T, Th, Sa in order for both with P90X Yoga X one Thursday a month.
Brad,
I thought your comparison was good, and I found it helpful. I am 5’8″ F and I weigh about 150. I am currently in the military and I am very active. I do triathlons, I run, lift and am a huge outdoor person. That being said, I have found that while I may not need to lose a lot of weight, I have a hard time toning up certain parts of the body. I think I would enjoy both P90X and Insanity. Right now I am looking at toning the core and cutting some inches. Do you think Insanity would accomplish that? I think I would move onto P90X after, once I get the money to pay for it. Do you think this approach would work? Thanks.
Jen
If toning the core and losing some inches is your goal then do Insanity first and then build it back up with P90X later.
I am 26 female and have 2 kids. I work and am going to school. I need something to fit into my life. I am not in shape at all, but am looking for something to give me results quick. I need something that is kinda fun or I will not stick with it. Please Help me out, befor I go spending all this money on stuff
@ Heidi
I don’t think P90X or Insanity are the answer for you. I don’t know if I would call them fun but more challenging. Since you are not in shape right now I don’t think you’ll have fun doing them. I would recommend Turbo Fire instead. My girlfriend does it and she always looks like she’s having fun doing it. Go to the Beachbody Store to buy it.
Brad,
I am 21, M, I recently just finished my college baseball career and have spare time while I am finishing my degree. I am looking for something to gain definititon. I am 5’10 180lbs and work out 6 days a week, I am satisfied with my muscle mass but I wouldnt mind gaining more. However, I want more definition in my abs and arms and I rather not lose weight and focus more on gaining muscle and definiton. Which one would be best for me? Thanks.
@ Bryson
You and I have similar height and weight. If gaining more muscle and definition is your goal then P90X would be the answer. It has more resistance workouts than Insanity. P90X will be a good change to your normal routine and I bet you will be surprised how much more in shape you’ll be at the end of 90 days.
Hi Brad,
I am 21 year old male, about 5’8 , 145 pounds. I have always been an athlete and a runner. I did however hurt my knee quite badly in september and I have not done any work outs since. I know I am still in good shape, however I am still worried about my knee (no pain, however its not exactly the same). I would really like to start working out. Before going back to sports I would like to gain about 20 pounds of muscle so I can be stronger and not get pushed around as much. I was thinking that I would start by doing P90x once or twice and if my knee was holding up and then move to Insanity. Ultimately I would like to start running again so I do not want to bulk up too much. Any suggestions? Should I do a different type of work out first, because of my knee?
Thank you!
Brian
@ Brian
P90X would be the way to go. The only workout you might have to take it easy on the knees with at first will be Plyometrics as it involves lots of jumping and lunging. Maybe P90X Legs and Back too. Insanity is all jumping so it will put some pressure on your knees. I have to take it a little easy sometimes doing Insanity as I also have a bad knee from not getting new shoes, getting cut off snowboarding and smacking my knee on ice, and having my brother hit a line drive softball off the same part of my knee. Do P90X first to put on the 20 pounds you want and then see how you feel. You can buy P90X at the Beachbody Store and I’ll become your Coach.
Hi,
I’m a 38 yr old woman, already in decent shape, I really don’t want to loose that much weight if any. I’m looking to tone and tighten (although, I don’t want to get bulky muscles) I guess I’m looking to achieve a longer, leaner look, like a dancers body. Which program do you think is better for me?
Thanks much,
Jen
@ Jen
If a dancers body is what you seek then Insanity is the program for you. Check it out at the Beachbody Store.
I am a 29-year old male weighing around 250lbs and measure about 6’2. I’ve had knee surgery about 7 or 8 years ago due to a torn ACL and meniscus and have remained fairly inactive since then. I am definitely out of shape and looking for a great way to lose weight and get into shape. I’ve heard P90X was a great tool from several friends who have used it and confirm it really does a great job, but I don’t know anybody personally that has had a go at Insanity.
Based on my age/weight condition, which of the 2 would be a better solution for me?
Thanks!
@ Stew
I would not recommend P90X or Insanity for you. Definitely not Insanity as its a lot of wear and tear on the knees. I would suggest starting with something like Power 90 to get you back into things and then moving onto P90X. Power 90 workouts are about 20 minutes less and are still very challenging. Check it out in the Beachbody Store.
Hey Brad,
I am 24, 5’6″ and 172 lbs. I want to lose weight and tone. I have been on nutrisystem for four weeks and have only lost 5-6 lbs. I figured I need to increase my workouts. I have been doing taebo and toning moves on alternate days. Its not very intense and its not always a regular schedule. Not sure im ready for either program but I was wondering what you would recommend. I have had a history of knee pain and recently had knee surgery to fix it. It healed well and Im virtually pain free now but it makes me weary of these type of workouts. Any suggestions on which would be better? Thanks
Hi Gina
Congrats on the 5 pounds lost. Every pound lost is a step in the right direction. I would not recommend either of those right now because of your surgery. Maybe P90X because there is only one high impact workout in it. Insanity is all high impact. I would recommend you do Slim in 6 and start using Shakeology as it has cleansing properties in it. Both of those combined will get you on a regular schedule. After completing Slim in 6 you would be better prepared for P90X. You can buy Slim in 6 and Shakeology in the Beachbody Store.
I work construction going up and down like 40 times a day. I belive that p90x is better, but insanity is good too,i am doing this work out now because i want to get my core in good condition first and them i will star p90 x again to get strong.
I am enlisted in the Marine Corps, waiting on a waiver.. Need to use this time to prepare.. I need to work on cardio and strength training.. P90X or Insanity?? I can just run in addition to P90X and still get great results right??
@ Tanner
You can do that with P90X. Both programs will work. If you want more Cardio then Insanity. Resistance training then P90X. You can get them at the Beachbody Store.
Hey, I’m 19 years old and I’m 5 7 and about 156 pounds… I completed my first round of p90x in January. I play hockey and I want a workout that will really help me succeed in it. What do you recommend? Another round of p90x or Insanity?
When I first did P90X I did it with a friend who plays hockey on adult leagues. He’s always been in great shape but got into even better shape with P90X. He did Insanity on his own and when I asked him how it helped him play hockey he replied with “I’m blowing people up.” Insanity is all body weight resistance so you get the most out of your body as you lean up. I had the same results when I finished Insanity. My legs and core were in awesome shape and my cardio was better. Both things that will help in hockey. You can buy Insanity at the Beachbody Store.
Hi Brad,
I am 25 5′ 7″ 122 lbs. I want to tone up for my wedding in November. I also have not worked out in 2 years. Which would you recommend; P90X or Insanity?
@ Alana
Go with Insanity as you will tone up for sure. With a November wedding you will have enough time to do a couple rounds of Insanity to get warmed up to it. You can buy Insanity at the Beachbody Store.
Hi Brad,
I am a 34 yr. old mother of three with Sarcoidosis. I am as I say really really fat 282 Ibs. 5’7 1/2. I pay $62 a month to go to our local YMCA which I feel out of place. I would like to reach my goal of 175 Ibs & live well with my children. What do you recommend?
Thank you for your time.
@ Mia
I had to do some searching on Sarcoidosis and I think its one of those things that you need to talk to your Dr first. I’m going to say that P90X and Insanity would not be a program that you should start with first. Instead I would recommend Slim in 6 and Shakeology. This will help you with building up your strength and weight loss. I’ve read many stories about people having great success with these two and move onto something more advanced after doing them. You can buy them at the Beachbody Store.
Brad:
I am 27 years old, 5’1″, and 115lbs. I do NOT want to lose weight. Do you recommend P90X or Insanity? I want to tone my body.
Thanks!
B
@ B
Both P90X and Insanity will do that. However, Insanity will lean you up more and you might lose some weight. That’s what happened to me. P90X might be the way you want to go first and then do Insanity. You can get P90X at the Beachbody Store.
I am a 17 year old girl, 4’9 and 165 lbs. I reall would like to slim down tremendously before i graduate in May. Which one would work best for me?
Thank you in advance.
@ Dominique
Go with Insanity. It will help you slim down and get in shape. You can get it at the Beachbody Store.
Hey, I’m 17 years old, 6 foot 6 inches tall, and about 220 lbs. I’m looking for something that will get me into better shape by the summer. I’m in school right now and don’t have the most free time, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m not ‘fat’, but I could get into better shape. What do you recommend?
@ Austin
Both P90X and Insanity will work. For your situation you should do Insanity. It will get you in shape in less time. Go to the Beachbody Store to buy Insanity.
Hey brad,
I’m 15 and about 30 pounds overweight. I don’t have much money but i know my parents will pitch in and pay for at least half. I also want to be in shape before soccer which starts February 24th. What do you think i should get Insanity or P90X.
Thanks for your time bro.
@ Joseph
Since you play soccer I would go with Insanity. It will get your legs in wicked good shape and lean out the rest of your body so you can be quick on your feet.
Brad,
I am 28, M, 210, 10%bf, and I work out religiously. I am waiting for a call from a federal agency for a job offer and need to make sure that I am in the best condition possible when I get to the academy. I need to do 55 push-ups/min, 47 sit-ups/min, 11 dead-hang pull-ups, and would like to get my 1.5 mile run under 10:30. I currently can do 45, 47, 8, and 11:24 in each category respectively. Would either of these programs be beneficial for me or should I continue my current program?
Thank you in advance.
@ Justin
I feel P90X would be a better fit for you since most of the things you need to do are resistance based and that’s what P90X is all about. Check it out in the Beachbody Store.