insanity for the unfit?

Hi

I have ordered insanity today and i was looking forward to it arriving but i was reding reviews on amazon and they all seem to say that its for the super fit only.

Now I am not completely unfit - i go to the gym and run but i am now seriously concerned i am wasting my money and should have waited until my fitness levels have increased.

I am 28yrs, 5ft 5in and 222lbs - am i out of my depth?

also has anyone seen good weight loss with this programme?

thanks

Replies

  • kyunda
    kyunda Posts: 340 Member
    You will be fine as long as you go at your own pace. Its is a killler workout but as long as you keep doing it you will get better. Im on month 1 for the second time. I lost the mojo the first time to complete it but im feeling better about this round. As far as weight i think after the first week i lost about 3lbs, but i also run 3+ miles 4 days a week..But i can tell more in how my clothes fit that i'm losing a lot of inches. Just try it if you feel that its too much wait until you feel ready! Good luck!!

    Im 30...5'5... about 190
  • ShavoneJ
    ShavoneJ Posts: 7 Member
    Hi. I just finished the second phase of Insanity. Just remember it is hard for the fit and unfit as well. Don't let it discourage you. Keep doing the Fit Test and as long as you see improvement in the reps that you do then you know it is working. I have lost 23 pounds since starting Insanity. Very happy with the results. I have been trying to watch what I eat as well. I still cheat though. Was going to do another round of Insanity but thinking I'm going to do some weight training with P90X2. So good luck. Dig Deeper and do the best you can!
  • momar74
    momar74 Posts: 56 Member
    I am on my second round of insanity. I was pretty unfit before starting round 1. Took me about 2 weeks to get all the moves right and I was sore for the first week. By the middle of week 2, I was good to go.

    I really like the structure of insanity and the results, so I decided to do round 2, still pretty tough as you are working against yourself. I am currently on recovery week.

    My suggestion for the workout is to try to get through as much as you can, pausing when you need to take extra breaks and keep at it by pushing play every day, it gets easier over time. I lost 11-12 lbs the first time, and have not lost a single lb so far this time, but I am a lot fitter than I was. Still there have been plenty of times I have had to take extra breaks but I always finish the entire workout, burning between 500-600 calories per workout except recovery.

    Consider measuring yourself to track progress, make sure you eat enough especially after a workout, listen to your body and get a heart rate monitor if you are able to. Lastly, based on your knees, you may have to modify some of the moves...my knees starting hurting week 3 of month 1, so I am doing the workouts barefeet on a mat and knees are much better. The barefeet part is trial and error, so use what works for you.

    Good Luck and 'Dig Deeper'.
  • How do you log your workouts into myfitpal? I use circuit training general, but we HAVE to burn more calories than that?! I am on my second round first month, love the work outs I am 48 and I am killing them....you will be fine. Work at your own pace like everyone else said...control your breathing...good luck to you!
  • EmilyOfTheSun
    EmilyOfTheSun Posts: 1,548 Member
    You will be fine. The most important thing to remember is that you should NOT be trying to keep up with the people in the videos. Go at your own pace. Don't focus on going super fast...focus on going at your own pace and making it through the entire DVD.

    Personally I would do P90X first, then Insanity. That's what I did. I think P90X really helped prepare me for Insanity. But don't worry, you will really be fine. Stick with it and you'll see AMAZING results!
  • AmyFett
    AmyFett Posts: 1,607 Member
    I was thinking about doing this, but I had a rough time doing really anything with my weight now. My knees and ankles kill at the end of anything I do. I was doing the shred for a while, but I want to buy insanity when I get my tax return, by then, I should be down AT LEAST another 20-30 lbs, and I should be good to go.
  • I found that my knees couldn't take some of the moves. I bought a padded floor mat and stacked two of them up to help cushion but I ended up having to quit because the pain got so bad. Once I get more fit, I think I'll try again.
  • when i started insanity i was 226 lbs. when i did the fit test on day one i barely could get my feet off the ground on the jump and then i fell. i got back up and continued. i had to modify every move and by day 60 fit test--i did 25 pushup jacks and only stopped once. give it a try---modify whatever move you have trouble with and just keep trying. dont try to keep up with the people on the video (even they stop to rest). it will be hard, you will cry but dont give up. if i can do it---you can too.

    sherri
  • thanks for all the responses - i am starting to feel slightly excited as I really want to do this so much.
  • 2BhappyBhealthy
    2BhappyBhealthy Posts: 181 Member
    So I have also been thinking about trying these videos out - is it worth it to order the whole set or can I get away with only ordering the 20 min maximum workout? I run and do hot yoga - I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm just trying to tone and strengthen. Any advice or opinions are appreciated :)

    And good luck to you!!! I think you will be juuust fine - just go at your pace like the others have said. And like everything else, practice practice practice. You got this.
  • markpmc
    markpmc Posts: 240 Member
    If you can pace yourself through a fast (for you) 3 mile run, you can do insanity. Remember it's still hard at the end of day 63.
    Just push play and try to keep up. IMO once you can complete the warmup w/o stopping then you're pacing yourself correctly for the workout. Just remember to NOT take it easy on the final circuit. After all if you don't push, you will not improve.
  • BradHallFitness
    BradHallFitness Posts: 152 Member
    It's not only for the super fit. If so, then you wouldn't see the cast members in the video disappearing off the screen as often as they do. LOL

    I've been doing Beachbody workouts for a while and if this is your first "extreme" workout program remember your goal is NOT to keep up with the DVD and do as many reps as they do. Your goal is to do as best as you can and take breaks when you need to. Modify the moves that might seem to be too high impact on your knees if you have knee issues. Land on the balls of your feet and NOT flat footed. DO NOT USE RUNNING SHOES to workout in. Get a high quality cross trainer shoe that gives you proper arch support and overall support. Make sure you engage your core (abs) during the workouts as I've had several people that have not and they all complain of lower back pains because they are just jumping around and not staying focused on form. You'll also hear Shaun T. saying all the time to flex/engage your core.

    If you need any assistance let me know.

    Brad Hall
    P90X Certified Professional
  • BradHallFitness
    BradHallFitness Posts: 152 Member
    So I have also been thinking about trying these videos out - is it worth it to order the whole set or can I get away with only ordering the 20 min maximum workout? I run and do hot yoga - I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm just trying to tone and strengthen. Any advice or opinions are appreciated :)

    And good luck to you!!! I think you will be juuust fine - just go at your pace like the others have said. And like everything else, practice practice practice. You got this.

    The 20 min Fast & Furious workout is not a full program. You are missing 95% of Insanity by only ordering that one DVD. It is a great workout but by itself it will not give you the results. Also, Insanity isn't just a weightloss program. It's a conditioning and strength/toning program. If you're already at your goal weight then doing Insanity you'll have to bump up your caloric intake a decent amount for the amount of calories you'll burn off. You can do Insanity and NOT lose any weight and reshape your body. :)

    With any good program there are many key factors. Workouts are the easiest parts. The nutrition guide is 90% of the results and support from those that have completed it successfully is very important as well.

    Brad
  • 2BhappyBhealthy
    2BhappyBhealthy Posts: 181 Member
    So I have also been thinking about trying these videos out - is it worth it to order the whole set or can I get away with only ordering the 20 min maximum workout? I run and do hot yoga - I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm just trying to tone and strengthen. Any advice or opinions are appreciated :)

    And good luck to you!!! I think you will be juuust fine - just go at your pace like the others have said. And like everything else, practice practice practice. You got this.

    The 20 min Fast & Furious workout is not a full program. You are missing 95% of Insanity by only ordering that one DVD. It is a great workout but by itself it will not give you the results. Also, Insanity isn't just a weightloss program. It's a conditioning and strength/toning program. If you're already at your goal weight then doing Insanity you'll have to bump up your caloric intake a decent amount for the amount of calories you'll burn off. You can do Insanity and NOT lose any weight and reshape your body. :)

    With any good program there are many key factors. Workouts are the easiest parts. The nutrition guide is 90% of the results and support from those that have completed it successfully is very important as well.

    Brad

    excellent point. Thank you sir! :)
  • It's not only for the super fit. If so, then you wouldn't see the cast members in the video disappearing off the screen as often as they do. LOL

    I've been doing Beachbody workouts for a while and if this is your first "extreme" workout program remember your goal is NOT to keep up with the DVD and do as many reps as they do. Your goal is to do as best as you can and take breaks when you need to. Modify the moves that might seem to be too high impact on your knees if you have knee issues. Land on the balls of your feet and NOT flat footed. DO NOT USE RUNNING SHOES to workout in. Get a high quality cross trainer shoe that gives you proper arch support and overall support. Make sure you engage your core (abs) during the workouts as I've had several people that have not and they all complain of lower back pains because they are just jumping around and not staying focused on form. You'll also hear Shaun T. saying all the time to flex/engage your core.

    If you need any assistance let me know.

    Brad Hall
    P90X Certified Professional

    thanks for this- this is great advice - need new trainers now but it will be worth it
  • Good luck Lucy-- you will love it. it will be hard, start slow, push through, do a little more everyday-- the sense of accomplishment will really feel good... get ready to walk like a penguin for a couple of days though...

    this made me laugh out loud :-)

    As i say i am pretty determined push myself to the limit in any exercise so i hope my lungs dont jump out my chest too much hehe
  • rizzaG
    rizzaG Posts: 110
    Hi Lucysmommy, first of congratulations in ordering your Insanity workout DVD. Today was my 21st day as tough as it can be it still is and will always be one of the best decision I've ever made in my life. It will transform you physically and mentally. I didn't even know till recently that it's considered to be the hardest workout ever put up on dvd haha. If you're up for the challenge then you picked the perfect workout. My journey has been great so far I'm not even halfway done but it feels like I'm already reaping the benefits I have better endurance and clothes fit really nicely:) Add me up if you would like me to join you in your Insanity journey. It is just the beginning of a better you:) Best of luck!
  • Hi Lucysmommy, first of congratulations in ordering your Insanity workout DVD. Today was my 21st day as tough as it can be it still is and will always be one of the best decision I've ever made in my life. It will transform you physically and mentally. I didn't even know till recently that it's considered to be the hardest workout ever put up on dvd haha. If you're up for the challenge then you picked the perfect workout. My journey has been great so far I'm not even halfway done but it feels like I'm already reaping the benefits I have better endurance and clothes fit really nicely:) Add me up if you would like me to join you in your Insanity journey. It is just the beginning of a better you:) Best of luck!

    thanks i have added you
  • newmrsdec10
    newmrsdec10 Posts: 361 Member
    Hi! You've gotten great advice here already - go at your own pace, modify and take breaks as you need to, get cross trainers as opposed to running shoes, etc

    I just started month 2 last night of my 2nd round of Insanity. I love it. It is hard as all everything. It does not get easier, but you will get better. My profile pic shows my round 1 results. I started over 200 lbs as well; ended up losing 8 lbs and 27 inches overall. I also have a round 1 progress video on youtube: http://bit.ly/insanityround 1

    My weak area was (and still is, haha) upper body strength/push-ups. I started out doing maybe 1 or 2 and the rest on my knees. Push-up jacks (you'll know what these are soon enough :laugh: ) - ha, barely got out a few on my first fit test. By the last fit test - I did 40! Be sure to check out the Insanity progress and update thread. It was a life-saver when I started. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/728531-insanity-updates-progress-new-group?page=6

    Feel free to add me and others who are doing Insanity. It definitely helps to have that support and accountability on the days where you'll feel like skipping it! Probably 1/2 of my friend's list is made of insaniacs, haha. Good luck!
  • basslinewild
    basslinewild Posts: 294 Member
    You'll be fine if you go at your own pace and modify the moves you need to.
  • thanks quite excited and cant wait for it to arrive