Insanty or T25 for weight loss?

Hi:) I am starting week 4 of T25 and so far have lost a few inches. No pounds; the scale goes up sometimes, then goes right back, but no decrease in poundage. I have heard wonderful things about Insanity==lots of success stories. I don't believe the results I see in the infomercials, though; I see lots of good light usage and most of the befores look fine; the afters seem altered, but I digress......Without hearing from beachbody coaches, I would love to hear your success stories regarding these two programs. If I've not lost pounds from T25 coming up on week 4, should I quit and do insanity instead? Being hypothyroid, it makes it uber difficult to lose weight in a normal amount of time. I track all of my foods on here and have made alot of improvements. Just feeling discouraged and wondering if I am wasting my time. Thank you for your time and for your feedback:)
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Replies

  • KAS0917
    KAS0917 Posts: 172 Member
    I did 1 month of Insanity (but not the 2nd) and I just wrapped up the first phase of T25. For me, I didn't lose weight on Insanity, but I did lose 6 pounds on T25 Alpha. It's not so much about the workout, but about burning more calories than you eat. When I did Insanity I wasn't tracking my calories. Now I am, and the scale is moving consistently.

    If you're not losing weight, then I would recalculate your TDEE (if you use that method) or buckle down on tracking calories, or make sure you know how many calories you are burning. Both programs are effective (in my experience), but the food is just as important.
  • jeremyw1977
    jeremyw1977 Posts: 505 Member
    If I was to put my money down on what program I think is better for fitness, weight loss, and inches loss..........I'd put it down on T25. Don't get me wrong, Insanity is great and also brutal.

    When I get done with Insanity, I feel pretty beat up, but when I finish T25, I feel completely run over, beat up, mugged, stabbed, shot, and spit on............I feel a great sense of getting **** done with T25.
  • autumnsquirrel
    autumnsquirrel Posts: 258 Member
    If I was to put my money down on what program I think is better for fitness, weight loss, and inches loss..........I'd put it down on T25. Don't get me wrong, Insanity is great and also brutal.

    When I get done with Insanity, I feel pretty beat up, but when I finish T25, I feel completely run over, beat up, mugged, stabbed, shot, and spit on............I feel a great sense of getting **** done with T25.
    Jeremyw1977; I feel the same way; I modify a little to give myself a break, but pretty much stick with it and cannot wait till it's over. I am told that Beta is where 'the magic happens'; hoping this is true. I started week 4, Alpha today and would like some new moves. Thanks so much for your input:)
  • autumnsquirrel
    autumnsquirrel Posts: 258 Member
    I did 1 month of Insanity (but not the 2nd) and I just wrapped up the first phase of T25. For me, I didn't lose weight on Insanity, but I did lose 6 pounds on T25 Alpha. It's not so much about the workout, but about burning more calories than you eat. When I did Insanity I wasn't tracking my calories. Now I am, and the scale is moving consistently.

    If you're not losing weight, then I would recalculate your TDEE (if you use that method) or buckle down on tracking calories, or make sure you know how many calories you are burning. Both programs are effective (in my experience), but the food is just as important.
    Thanks, KAS0917:) I have trouble dropping weight, but have been losing inches; will have to go over my diet again, just in case. I do go over sugar sometimes, but it's from fruit and I add honey to my tea. Hoping that's not the case for not losing. And maybe I need to get back to spin class---haven't been able to get to the gym for a few weeks as the kids are home. I have been making sure to work out each day at home. I will get back to the gym when the kids go back to school; then, in addition to my T25, I will do spin a few times a week. Now I wonder......when t25 is done, what then? Maybe gamma? I would hate to start it all over again, LOL!!! But.....I love the idea of having a program mapped out for me. Regarding calories, I do burn more than I eat; each day I am under my calories. Maybe my body is just taking its time to respond.
  • Tammy_Christopher
    Tammy_Christopher Posts: 337 Member
    I am just starting week 3 of T25 and noticing the same thing, inches coming off but not pounds (I've lost 2). I can tell a difference in my body though, how my clothes fit and everything. I have more energy throug the day. And I'm loving that a 25 min workout kicks my butt. I have started Insanity a few times but have found it very hard to stick to and usually give up by the second week. It kills my calves and shins. I feel like I actually work harder on T25 and my body doesn't feel like it's being abused while I'm doing it. I vote to stick with T25, you've made it this far. From other's I've talked to they see a bigger drop during Beta. Good luck to you!
  • rachelwarner32
    rachelwarner32 Posts: 96 Member
    I'm on day 30 of Insanity and I've lost 3.5 inches off my waist and an inch from my hips. I've lost 12 pounds and now the scale isn't moving. I did take a day 1 pic and a day 27 pic and there are major changes! I've got them in my pics and you can truly see a difference. I can't wait to see day 63 results!
  • miqisha
    miqisha Posts: 1,534 Member
    I understand the frustration of losing inches which is good, but not having the scale move as well. However, still great and at least you are getting results in some shape or form. If you didn't have any results at all then I would say change, but I would suggest sticking it out, seeing as though there are some changes be it inch wise only, so complete it and then you can do something different if you want to.

    Good luck!!!
  • I did 1 month of Insanity (but not the 2nd) and I just wrapped up the first phase of T25. For me, I didn't lose weight on Insanity, but I did lose 6 pounds on T25 Alpha. It's not so much about the workout, but about burning more calories than you eat. When I did Insanity I wasn't tracking my calories. Now I am, and the scale is moving consistently.

    If you're not losing weight, then I would recalculate your TDEE (if you use that method) or buckle down on tracking calories, or make sure you know how many calories you are burning. Both programs are effective (in my experience), but the food is just as important.
    Thanks, KAS0917:) I have trouble dropping weight, but have been losing inches; will have to go over my diet again, just in case. I do go over sugar sometimes, but it's from fruit and I add honey to my tea. Hoping that's not the case for not losing. And maybe I need to get back to spin class---haven't been able to get to the gym for a few weeks as the kids are home. I have been making sure to work out each day at home. I will get back to the gym when the kids go back to school; then, in addition to my T25, I will do spin a few times a week. Now I wonder......when t25 is done, what then? Maybe gamma? I would hate to start it all over again, LOL!!! But.....I love the idea of having a program mapped out for me. Regarding calories, I do burn more than I eat; each day I am under my calories. Maybe my body is just taking its time to respond.

    If you ask me, it's better to lose inches than weight. Then you know the workout has effect. Anyway, take into account that, as you exercise, you lose fat, but you also build muscles - so that might be the reason why the scale isn't moving. As I said, put your trust in the way your clothes fit and what you see in the mirror. Weight is such a relative thing.
  • jeremyw1977
    jeremyw1977 Posts: 505 Member
    If I was to put my money down on what program I think is better for fitness, weight loss, and inches loss..........I'd put it down on T25. Don't get me wrong, Insanity is great and also brutal.

    When I get done with Insanity, I feel pretty beat up, but when I finish T25, I feel completely run over, beat up, mugged, stabbed, shot, and spit on............I feel a great sense of getting **** done with T25.
    Jeremyw1977; I feel the same way; I modify a little to give myself a break, but pretty much stick with it and cannot wait till it's over. I am told that Beta is where 'the magic happens'; hoping this is true. I started week 4, Alpha today and would like some new moves. Thanks so much for your input:)

    Yes, Beta is where the magic happens, but Gamma is where the true pain begins..........assuming you got the additional Gamma workouts.
  • autumnsquirrel
    autumnsquirrel Posts: 258 Member
    If I was to put my money down on what program I think is better for fitness, weight loss, and inches loss..........I'd put it down on T25. Don't get me wrong, Insanity is great and also brutal.

    When I get done with Insanity, I feel pretty beat up, but when I finish T25, I feel completely run over, beat up, mugged, stabbed, shot, and spit on............I feel a great sense of getting **** done with T25.
    Jeremyw1977; I feel the same way; I modify a little to give myself a break, but pretty much stick with it and cannot wait till it's over. I am told that Beta is where 'the magic happens'; hoping this is true. I started week 4, Alpha today and would like some new moves. Thanks so much for your input:)

    Yes, Beta is where the magic happens, but Gamma is where the true pain begins..........assuming you got the additional Gamma workouts.
    Hi:) Didn't get the Gamma workouts yet, but will definitely do so.
  • Don't be discouraged if the scale isn't going down. If you are losing inches and your weight is staying the same you are building muscle while burning fat.

    You should really get your body fat % tested. Seeing numbers will help be a motivation. Basing your progress only on your body weight is missing half the picture. You can lose weight without even exercising if that is your only goal. Programs like t25 and insanity will completely change your body composition, its not just about weight loss. These programs will leave you toned, build muscle, and burn fat. Your weight on a scale doesn't take any of this into consideration.
  • autumnsquirrel
    autumnsquirrel Posts: 258 Member
    Don't be discouraged if the scale isn't going down. If you are losing inches and your weight is staying the same you are building muscle while burning fat.

    You should really get your body fat % tested. Seeing numbers will help be a motivation. Basing your progress only on your body weight is missing half the picture. You can lose weight without even exercising if that is your only goal. Programs like t25 and insanity will completely change your body composition, its not just about weight loss. These programs will leave you toned, build muscle, and burn fat. Your weight on a scale doesn't take any of this into consideration.
    Thanks, Bobbystrongar:) How do I get my body fat % tested? Would my physician do this, or do I go elsewhere?
  • IZackV13
    IZackV13 Posts: 157 Member
    I'm down 15 lbs and am on week 6 of Focus T25. Diet is CRUCIAL though, so you have to be sure you eat a high protein diet (I do 40/30/30 P/F/C).

    Insanity was also good, but it is much harder to stick with because it's literally INSANE, IMO.
  • autumnsquirrel
    autumnsquirrel Posts: 258 Member
    I'm down 15 lbs and am on week 6 of Focus T25. Diet is CRUCIAL though, so you have to be sure you eat a high protein diet (I do 40/30/30 P/F/C).

    Insanity was also good, but it is much harder to stick with because it's literally INSANE, IMO.
    Yes; learning every day that diet is the thing. I just have to figure out how much protein I should have, etc.
  • EdTheGinge
    EdTheGinge Posts: 1,616 Member
    Inches lost and no weight would point towards muscle gain. I've heard people favour T25
  • IZackV13
    IZackV13 Posts: 157 Member
    I'm down 15 lbs and am on week 6 of Focus T25. Diet is CRUCIAL though, so you have to be sure you eat a high protein diet (I do 40/30/30 P/F/C).

    Insanity was also good, but it is much harder to stick with because it's literally INSANE, IMO.
    Yes; learning every day that diet is the thing. I just have to figure out how much protein I should have, etc.

    I would aim for no less than 30% of your daily calories from protein. If the weight isn't coming off, up it to 35-40%.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Diet for weight control; exercise for fitness. The most crucial component to weight (fat) loss is diet. Exercise improves your fitness and makes you look awesome...but the fat burn is really all about your diet.
  • mom2dzbnwe
    mom2dzbnwe Posts: 129 Member
    I did insanity---one day--Then I decided I'd go with T25. I did it 3 weeks consistently and saw body changes but not scale changes. I've taken a break from my indoor workouts and have just been running for the past two weeks...I've lost a little. I've also upped my protein intake. I've had some "life" kinda get in the way the last couple of weeks too though---trips to the hospital for family and my own birthday celebration and starting a new job...I'm at 45/25/30 C/F/P right now...Getting the protein up is important!!!!!
    I'm planning to go back to week 4 of T25 next week.
  • shawnakrebs
    shawnakrebs Posts: 50 Member
    I just started my 3rd week of Insanity and no weight loss, but inches around my waist, hips and arms. I am 8 weeks post-baby and almost into the pant size I was in before my pregnancy, maybe 3 more weeks and I will be there. My cardio is better and my upper body strength is getting there. I have to keep telling myself muscle weighs more than fat, so if I am loosing inches and gaining weight, my overall health is better. I am stronger and faster than before and love Insanity.
  • judywhi
    judywhi Posts: 18
    What is T25
  • ks1004
    ks1004 Posts: 5
    Definitely T25. Check it out here: http://powerworkout.net/
  • I haven't done T25, but just wrapped up week 4 of Insanity. I too was discouraged at first when I only lost 6 pounds to start, but to echo what others are saying here, your measurements are more important than your scale weight. If you read/watch the videos and documentation for Insanity, it's not about losing huge amounts of weight, it's about building strength and speed. Losing weight is a side effect of building muscle and ramping up your cardio fitness/metabolism.

    I chose Insanity because I looked in the mirror one day (post-baby) and decided I'd be completely happy never dropping a single pound as long as it was muscle instead of fat. I made a personal choice that I'd rather be FIT than SKINNY and I've been nothing but pleased with the results since then.

    At my first weigh-in/measure check I discovered that Id lost 6 pounds but actually GAINED an inch to each of my thighs. Oddly enough, the 29-waist jeans I'd not been able to wear since getting pregnant fit perfectly (and in a couple cases, loosely). The flabby bits around my butt, thighs, and tummy had become denser, tighter muscle.

    Don't worry if the scale doesn't reflect a big change ... muscle is HEAVIER than fat, so if you lose 5 pounds on the scale while doing tough workouts, you're actually building a TON of muscle. I still have leftover skin in front from the pregnancy (probably always will), but the abs underneath are rock-solid.

    Oh ... and if you're going to get your BMI done don't just use the height-weight scales found online ... see your doctor about a physical (if you don't already get one regularly) and ask to be tested. Those online scales don't take muscle mass into account and will skew your results.
  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
    I finished Insanity and only lost 8lbs but did go down inches and at least a size and a half. It was killer and can be very discouraging to work your butt every day to see nothing happen. I didn't even really noticed a physical difference until the 6th week..

    I just started T25 and so far I like it. I only burn half the cals I did with Insanity but I feel like there is room for other things like lifting weights or walking around the block. With Insanity, I couldn't do anything else because it was so extreme.

    I second that diet is the key..I watched my cals with Insanity but I do eat the way I plan on for life. I am not temporarily changing things up to fail later. It might take longer to lose the weight but I have maintained over the summer with a 2lb fluctuation with no exercise ( I had bacterial pneumonia) and now I am plan on going back into losing mode and have to rebuild all my stamina I lost.

    I would start with T25 then work into Insanity...
  • NavyKnightAh13
    NavyKnightAh13 Posts: 1,394 Member
    Bump for later read
  • Dawn_Snowden
    Dawn_Snowden Posts: 111 Member
    I lost 14 pounds (over 10% of my body weight) on T25. What I always suggest for people who are stalled is to look at their nutrition plan. I have found many do not lose weight when they eat TOO FEW CALORIES or eat the wrong foods for their calories. 1400 calories of pretzels, cheese, bread, pasta, and burgers is not the same as 1400 calories of lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fat.

    I also drank Shakeology every morning for breakfast. That set my whole day up with no cravings and more energy.

    Don't give up on T25. Keep with it, watch what you eat.
  • p0kers0ph
    p0kers0ph Posts: 250 Member
    I did a month of Insanity and didn't lose a lb! Mind you I was eating more, so this probably didn't help.
    I'm now just finished on Alpha of T25 and I've lost weight and inches. I've also buckled down on my food though.

    I much prefer T25, its much more manageable to fit into my life and its full on for the whole 25 minutes. I love it!
  • codycsweet
    codycsweet Posts: 1,019 Member
    Thanks for the reminder. I was getting frustrated because the scale hasn't moved in the last 3 weeks but my clothes fit better and I feel better. I should be done with t25 but I took a few weeks were I wasn't consistent . So I am redoing the last 3 weeks. I love the program and easily fits into my life of three kids and full time job.
  • biainny
    biainny Posts: 10 Member
    I am so happy I found this thread.

    I am doing some research about those DVD work outs and wondering which one to get. I read the threads on Weight Watchers and I know someone who got really ripped doing Insanity.

    I have a lot of weight to lose and I havent done exercise in forever.

    Do you think is realistic for me to do T25? I really want speed up my weight loss.

    Any feedback would be truly appreciated.

    Thank you!
  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
    I would definitely recommend T25 first.. I haven't worked out in 4 months and have lost so much of my stamina that there is no way I could do Insanity right now ( I did finish Insanity in June). On T25 when I get tired, I just follow the modifier and then speed up when I can..

    Insanity is definitely not a beginner program..
  • biainny
    biainny Posts: 10 Member
    I would definitely recommend T25 first.. I haven't worked out in 4 months and have lost so much of my stamina that there is no way I could do Insanity right now ( I did finish Insanity in June). On T25 when I get tired, I just follow the modifier and then speed up when I can..

    Insanity is definitely not a beginner program..

    Thank you so much for your input. Yes, Insanity seems to intimidating for me at this point. i think i will do the T25. But Im thinking doing some other exercises for awhile to build up strenght and some conditioning, I am afraid even for T25 I'm not ready at the moment.