Adding Insanity Max 30 to Running plan - question

sarahjones015
sarahjones015 Posts: 2 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Would love peoples thoughts,

I am training for my second Half Marathon (and loosing weight in the process) my running training plan has cross training on there, but I want something to keep me interested, last time I knew it would help but found I lost interest in that bit of the plan and just stuck to the running bits.

I was wondering about adding in some Insanity Max 30, (I've completed it all before) with Piyo (Pilates yoga mix) on one of the other days.

I know which of the Beachbody Piyo routines the trainer Chalene Johnson recommend to enhance running, but what are peoples thoughts on Insanity Max 30?

Do you think it will help? or should I stick to more traditional cross training like cycling/swimming like last time and just try to be more strict with myself?

Thanks
Sarah

Replies

  • vespiquenn
    vespiquenn Posts: 1,455 Member
    edited July 2016
    Essentially, cross training is meant to keep you active while using other muscles than just those used in running. If it is something you can stick to, go for it. Just pay attention to how your body feels. If you notice your runs suffering, tweak it until you find something sustainable.

    I do not have experience with Insanity, but I can say that workouts that target the core are most benefitial for running due to the extent running uses it.
  • singletrackmtbr
    singletrackmtbr Posts: 644 Member
    edited July 2016
    Are you planning to run your marathon at a pretty steady pace? If so, Insanity is probably not the best choice. That said, there are a ton of benefits from doing HIIT, and if you're planning on turning on the jets at certain points in the race (such as hills), then Max 30 will make a big difference in your active recovery.

    If you do incorporate it I would dial it way back as race day approaches. There's a nice recovery workout included in the program. Good luck!
  • cmcostello23
    cmcostello23 Posts: 23 Member
    Just a word of caution, they are both high impact exercises and especially hard on your knees, ankles and feet. I trained for a full marathon and did insanity at the same time, led me to an ankle injury and I was almost unable to run the marathon. So just pay attention to how your body feels and exercise smart! Goodluck!!
  • sarahjones015
    sarahjones015 Posts: 2 Member
    Thanks guys will try something with less impact :)
  • singletrackmtbr
    singletrackmtbr Posts: 644 Member
    edited July 2016
    Insanity Max 30 is much lower impact than the original. Also there is a person who does non jumping modifiers for every single exercise. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't do it, but if you don't it shouldn't be for this reason.
  • cmcostello23
    cmcostello23 Posts: 23 Member
    singletrackmtbr wrote: »
    Insanity Max 30 is much lower impact than the original. Also there is a person who does non jumping modifiers for every single exercise. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't do it, but if you don't it shouldn't be for this reason.

    True, it has less impact than the original, but there is still quite a bit. Doing the modified version is a great idea. My only recommendation is to be careful because any impact added to that much running can lead to injury. Doing both is just fine, you just have to be cautious.
  • angelwowings23
    angelwowings23 Posts: 128 Member
    Honestly, I'm a huge proponent of anything Shaun T. However, you should be meeting your cardiovascular needs with the running. I created a major plateau for myself earlier this year when I was going overboard on my cardio. What you should do is find a strength training program that will complement your cardio/running routine. That's my suggestion. Cross training is huge. You need to implement different types of exercise in order to make progress in a physical aspect, as well as in endurance.
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