Insanity Good for Newbies?

HLHSMom27
HLHSMom27 Posts: 1
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi Everyone,

I am new to this site. I basically found it looking for information about Insanity! Can people who are very overweight with little to no upper body strength able to do this? I started working out about 2 months ago. I am 5'10 and I was 265 then, but I have lost about 20lbs. I basically do 20 minutes a day on my elliptical and alternate days with a weighted ball routine. I don't think I could do a complete push-up if I tried.

I really want to get stronger and I think I can push myself but I am not sure if this is the right routine. Thanks!

Replies

  • clareyoung80
    clareyoung80 Posts: 177 Member
    I started yesterday. I have a heart rate monitor, and I was very conscious about my heart rate going too high so I didn't go mega overboard with the exercises. I managed to get through the workouts OK, but like I said, I was pushing but not going crazy. There were some exercises I could match the people in the DVD, some I go at my own pace. I figure to longer I do the workouts, the better my fitness will become and I can start pushing myself more. Also, for some of the jumping moves, I didn't go all-out either. I live in a apartment and I don't want to annoy my neighbors below me! Also, I don't want to injure my ankles either.

    I've got poor upper body strength too! So, for the fitness test, although I can hold myself in a plank I can't do any pushups so for 'Pushup Jacks' I managed 0. I'm hoping that if I keep at it I can finish Insanity doing at least 1!!

    I think the most important thing is to go at your own pace. Having a heart rate monitor is good because you can make sure that your heart rate is in the right zone, so you're pushing yourself enough, but not too high. You're not supposed to match the other people in the DVD.

    It's your DVD though, you own it, so you can take your time to master the moves and you can do the 60 days as many times as you please. I know through this first round I won't be perfect, but it just means the next time I do it I'll get even better.
  • Genetic_tea_drinker
    Genetic_tea_drinker Posts: 125
    Hey,
    Before insanity I had no level of fitness. I am on week 4. It's realy hard but I'm pushing through everyday. I can do more than I could befre, but I can't doa pushup as of yet, but hoping that once I'm done I can at least do 1. lol
  • rahlpn
    rahlpn Posts: 551 Member
    YES!! I started out at 240lbs I'm 5'7", I started slow, doing Just dance 4 for a few months 30-45 minutes a day, lost about 25lbs then I moved on to Jillian Michaels 30 Day shred, it's a good beginners workout because there are levels and its only 25 minutes a day and it's free on You Tube or $10 in the store, all you need is a set of handweights. I lost 11 lbs in 30 days with that then started Insanity at 207lbs, I lost 19lbs and 2 jeans sizes went from an 18 to a 14 and my fitness level went through the roof. Now I'm trying my hand at lifting (I don't say lifting heavy because I'm not "lifting heavy" yet but I'm working my way up) to build strength and tone. You can do it if you put your mind to it, it's just as mental as it is physical!
  • Genetic_tea_drinker
    Genetic_tea_drinker Posts: 125
    how long was it before u started seeing results in insanity.
    i'm on week 4 and everything is still bulding everywhere
  • MaryinBflo
    MaryinBflo Posts: 437 Member
    As long as you have worked out before yes you can do it! I did it when I was 260lbs and had great results. Just listen to your body if you have knee pain then take it easy on the jumping! I would say no if you had never worked out a day in your life but if you are able to workout for 40-60 minutes you should be fine. You can always modify!
  • rahlpn
    rahlpn Posts: 551 Member
    how long was it before u started seeing results in insanity.
    i'm on week 4 and everything is still bulding everywhere

    By the end of week 5 (after recovery week) I weighed 196 so I was 11 lbs down and I had lost and inch and a half in my waist, an inch in my hips and an inch from my arms. Month 2 is where the magic happens though, you get sore all over again and your waist and hips really start cinching in and your back and shoulders get stronger from all the planks and push up moves in month 2.

    ETA: Make sure you take measurements and keep track of your progress in the Fit Tests too. You may not always see it in the mirror but measurements don't lie.

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