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Insanity to build stamina, strength and endurance (as well as following a workout routine regularly)

NotForJustNowForever
NotForJustNowForever Posts: 6 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

I'm not fit. I was once, not so long ago but I am not anymore.

I did Insanity then. I didn't excel when I did it, but I did the best I could *every time* (and even allowed myself to get a little uncomfortable whenever I could - a move I was convinced I couldn't do, or waiting just a little bit before taking a break).

I love(d) it.

As a matter of fact, it is a workout that I end up smiling about when I'm done. Maybe Shaun T's personality, maybe the fact that the pace, everyone on the screen suffering (either it pleases the inner sadist or I just am glad I'm not the only one getting uncomfortable regardless of the fact that I am far from being at their level)... Whichever way, I've never found a routine I enjoyed half as much.

So I'm working on my health again. Logging in my calories in MFP. Diligently keeping a cap (1200-1300). And I want to get back to Insanity.

Keeping in mind that I recognize I'm not at that fitness level *yet*, but that I do want to increase my stamina, my strength and my endurance, while sticking to a program (basically re-building the habit of working out); is it better that I:
- Push myself and try to keep the pace, but take more breaks
or
- Follow my own pace (based on capacities as well as energy) but sticking to each workout until the end

As I get stronger, and healthier, I'm planing to follow the program as it is supposed to be more diligently (repeating the cycle until my desired level of stamina/strength & endurance). But until then, which one would you say would help me towards my goals?

Thank you :smile:

Replies

  • Raptor2763
    Raptor2763 Posts: 387 Member
    If you don't have the time to do an entire INSANITY workout, try Fit in 21 or P90X3. They're just as brutal, but don't take an hour
  • NotForJustNowForever
    NotForJustNowForever Posts: 6 Member
    It's less a question of time, more about energy and fitness levels (currently). It's getting back into the groove, into the habit first, also doing my best (while keeping in mind that it's not what it once was)...

    I also realize that there are countless other workouts out there, not even speaking of not following a video and just moving (walking, running, swimming, rowing, etc.) But for whatever reason, this specific workout makes me want to do my best and is one I enjoy... Even if my best isn't awesome, I still push myself more with this than I do with anything else.

    Will check out P90X3 one day though. Heard a lot about it.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,488 Member
    I haven't done many home videos, but when I have started a new class I prefer going at my pace- not trying to get in as many body squats as the rest of the class, just getting in as many as I can do comfortably. Over a few weeks I catch up with the others and have no injuries from pushing myself too hard too soon.

    So,if I were you, I would do as many reps as is comfortable right now, and work towards doing it along with the programme.

    If you do need a short break take it, especially during the first week or so.

    Make your goal to complete the programme as shown.

    If there is a move that you are not comfortable doing, don't be scared to substitute for something that is safer- more comfortable. You can always re introduce the move as your fitness level improves.
    (I find jumping jacks uncomfortable so do step ups instead)

    Cheers, h.
  • krissy5686
    krissy5686 Posts: 51 Member
    I loved Insanity - Shaun T is (for whatever reason) a great personality fit for me. But now I just can't make an hour fit every day. So I tried Insanity Max 30 and I LOVE it. I get the same amount of work in 30 minutes (and buckets of sweat). If you're looking to save time, I recommend it.
  • NotForJustNowForever
    NotForJustNowForever Posts: 6 Member
    middlehaitch wrote: »
    Make your goal to complete the programme as shown.

    Hey H. This sums up exactly what I want to do. My goal is really getting into the habit of working out again, doing something I enjoy. I know the point of Insanity (or many similar workout) is to get fit people even more fit, but I'm definitely wanting to use it to just keep at it and stay motivated. After a few cycles, I figure I'll get to a better endurance and will be to follow things much more like they are (while still pushing myself)!

    So thank you! Your answer gave me the confirmation I needed! Doing this at my own pace for now (and basically taking the Insanity out of it :| ), and as I grow stronger, doing it again more intensely (or, if that's what I feel like, doing something completely different!)

    The one thing I've learned from everything I've read about working out is that it's most of all about finding the thing(s) you enjoy doing and keeping at it. Inevitably your heart, your lungs and possibly your joints and your muscles will thank you for it :D Absolutely psyched up now! LOL

  • NotForJustNowForever
    NotForJustNowForever Posts: 6 Member
    krissy5686 wrote: »
    I loved Insanity - Shaun T is (for whatever reason) a great personality fit for me. But now I just can't make an hour fit every day. So I tried Insanity Max 30 and I LOVE it. I get the same amount of work in 30 minutes (and buckets of sweat). If you're looking to save time, I recommend it.

    Cool. Will keep it in mind. Time isn't the issue for me, it's rather my current level of fitness and energy. But will keep this in mind.
  • antennachick
    antennachick Posts: 464 Member
    I love the insanity workouts! I hardly get to do them mainly because I have to move furniture around for room and I do crossfit everyday anyway. But days I can't make it out to the gym, insanity is awesome! This post is making me want to do put a dvd in right now ;)
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