Insanity

Options
nene51983
nene51983 Posts: 13 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I am 26 at 250. I have back problems but really want to kick start my weight loss and energy. Do you think me trying the new Insanity work out plan is a good idea?

It looks real hard but I want to challenge myself and get that jump start to keep me motivated.

Replies

  • vhuber
    vhuber Posts: 8,779 Member
    Options
    Have you BEEN exercising? I have been into fitness for many years and I must admit that this is TOUGH! I am into the eighth week and I still think it is! But I love a super challenging workout where I am drenched when I am done and this does it in almost every workout!
  • jwilson56
    jwilson56 Posts: 39
    Options
    I have a bad back and had a couple disks removed 2 years ago. I have decided to use a recumbent bike to exercise with. I am able to do so with minimum back pain. I also use some weights to work the upper body some. So far I have surpassed my goals so I guess the exercise I get on the bike is sufficient. It sure is a much lower impact than others.
  • nene51983
    nene51983 Posts: 13 Member
    Options
    I do try to exercise as much as I can. I tend to use the eliptical machine and do circuit training. I find things such as the torso twist and crunches or ab workouts on the floor are where I hurt the most in my back. I have 2 herniated disks and a pinch sciatic nerve. With the weight comes more pain but now Im in pain so much I cant really exercise the way I want to.
  • slimmingmom
    slimmingmom Posts: 297
    Options
    Think of Biggest Losers on TV...they go from NEVER excersising to this hard core, hour after hour workout plan and they end up feeling SOOO good and proud of themselves and the scale shows AWSOME results! I say go for it and trust you body...if you feel like you're going to pass out, take a break...if you feel a STRONG burn pat yourself on the back and keep going!!!
  • nene51983
    nene51983 Posts: 13 Member
    Options
    Wow, I am a big fan of the Biggest Loser and you are SOOOOO right. They go from doing NOTHING to kicking major butt. I think I may have to invest in that Insanity Program and see if it will work for me. Thanks for pointing that out!!!! :tongue:
  • CinthyNair
    CinthyNair Posts: 261
    Options
    A note to ponder on TBL show, each contestant has a special exercise regime catered for their body. You say you have back aches. Do be careful on embarking on an exercise regime. We want to be able to heal and not aggravate the situation. I too suffer from nerve pinches and had a slip disc a couple of years back. Suffice to say, ab crunches is totally out of the picture now.

    I use an exercise bike which helps me workout, and carry weights for strength training. Yoga is suppose to be helpful as it's low impact, but ensure you are guided properly on the positions. Many have told me, the safest exercise to begin is walking and swimming.

    Good luck!
  • sneetch
    sneetch Posts: 9
    Options
    I also have back problems. A couple of years ago I ruptured a disc at the L4/L5 level. I can definately relate as it makes working out pretty difficult. I find that alternating between treadmill walking and an upright stationary bike provides the best workout for the least amount of pain. I generally don't spend any more than 5 minutes on each one and alternate that way for about an hour. Unfortunately, there IS still pain though. My specialist tells me that with a chronic condition such as this, additional pain does not mean additional damage, so that is some comfort.
    I'm impressed that you're able to do ab work at all. For me it causes such a lot of pain, it's a bit difficult to stick to a routine, which is pretty frustrating when all physiotherapists and the like will tell you that you MUST do them if you want to get better.

    How did you injure your back, if you don't mind me asking?
  • InTheMoney
    InTheMoney Posts: 249 Member
    Options
    Wow, I am a big fan of the Biggest Loser and you are SOOOOO right. They go from doing NOTHING to kicking major butt. I think I may have to invest in that Insanity Program and see if it will work for me. Thanks for pointing that out!!!! :tongue:

    Insanity is something that you work up to. The company has a variety of programs that will give you the results wothout the extreme workouts. I have been through 2 rounds of P90X and I am hoping that I can do Insanity properly. If you get it and can't do it, it will be a waste and you will be frustrated even more.
  • singfree
    singfree Posts: 1,591 Member
    Options
    Just a few observations: Insanity is not a workout for those who are beginning a fitness routine. This is a very high impact, advanced workout for people who are fairly fit already. Try Slim-inSix or P90X first. Insanity is a great add-on AFTER completing those programs. I am 55 and very fit. Insanity kicks my butt every time. If you have health issues like back problems, Insanity might be too strenuous. Best of health!
  • sandy429
    sandy429 Posts: 2,779 Member
    Options
    I agree with InTheMoney & singfree. Insanity is something you work up to; it is not a beginner's program. I had been through four rounds of P90X, and Insanity still gave me a swift kick in the bum. Insanity brings the super-fit to their knees. A program like this will surely cause further injury; there is A LOT of jumping.

    Start with something like Slim In 6 or Power 90, then do a couple of rounds of P90X, and then try Insanity.
  • nene51983
    nene51983 Posts: 13 Member
    Options
    High school softball injury. Dove to catch a ball and have been suffering ever since. The sciatica was pretty intense for the first 2 years. Nobody was able to tell me what the heck was wrong so it went undiagnosed for that long. And trip after trip to the chiropractor did nothing but make me feel worse. This injury occured in 2001 and it is now 2009. When I was thinner, it seemed to go away. But now that I have gained about 50 lbs, I am back to being in pain 100% of the time. :ohwell: :ohwell:
  • sandy429
    sandy429 Posts: 2,779 Member
    Options
    I can understand you wanting to lose the weight and be pain-free, but Insanity is not the program for you right now. Insanity is intense; there is a lot of plyometrics at a very quick pace. Beachbody has several programs that will get you started on the path to a pain-free life. Check out Slim In 6 or Power90; both are geared towards beginners.

    On the 1st page of the Insanity guide, it states that you should seek your physician's approval and be injury free. The worst thing you could do is to attempt it only to injure yourself further.

    Feel free to send me a message if you have questions about any of the programs. You can check them out on my site too (www.beachbodycoach.com/sandy429).

Categories