Insanity for Big Girls?!

jenn1990123

Hey everyone,

Just wanted some feedback. I am considering trying Insanity, or Ripped in 30 or some other type of regemented workout plan.
But, I am wondering if anyone who is quite large (over 200 pounds) has any input? I know it would be harrrd! Probably the whole time and everytime after that, but I am wondering if this might be too much exertion? Some people recommend that us very large people (I am at 253 today) try to start with low impact light cardio like walking, but others think it is fine to just jump in both feet right off the hop. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

CMmrsfloyd

If your dr says you're ready for intense exercise and you are willing to try it, I say go for it. You'll never know if you can do it until you give it a shot. And you might feel like death after the first time you try, but it will get better and you will be amazed at what you can do if you keep trying. I would suggest kind of taking it easy the first time or two that you do whichever workout you choose, simply b/c the first time I did a Jillian DVD I pushed myself WAY too hard and had to take 3 days off of exercise b/c I was in so much pain. LOL. (it wasn't funny at the time though!). So I say pick one, get your feet wet with the first workout (pay careful attention to form) and then you'll have an idea how much more you can push it w/o injuring yourself.

I have done several of the Jillian DVD workouts and really loved them (love to hate them lol) - haven't tried Insanity but I hear it's crazy hard and people that stick with it love the results. Both options will burn great calories so go with whatever seems like a good starting point for you.

rchambers2072

I am by no means expert, but having been fat for most of my life, my joints are really having a hard time. I am doing Jillian Michaels Beginner DVD and finding that while I am still doing a lot of modifications, I am able to do 1-2 of the regular things now before going back to my modifications.

My ankles, knees and wrists are just not strong enough to support all my weight yet with high impact stuff. I look like an ER patient with all the wraps and braces I wear now.

I think it's better to protect my joints from further injury now, so I can fully use them when I am smaller.

Sharonks

From a cost standpoint I would do a Jillian just because a lot of them are $10. I read an article sometime in the last few days from some health mag that said that a lot of these high impact exercises for heavy people is really hard on their joints, I think they were particularly talking about Biggest Loser workouts being overly bouncy for newby, heavier people.

So invest $10 in a Jillian DVD like 30 Day Shred and see how you do. This is the only one I've done and there are enough mods to take it to a lower impact level. I'm sure many of her other ones also have similar mods. You may find your joints don't bother you or your may find it's a bit much for now. Listen to your body. If your muscles ache then that is normal. If your joints ache then you need to be doing something else. I have damaged joints from exercise and it comes back to haunt you as you age. I no longer can lift one of my arms completely up because of swimming damage to my rotator cuff.