63 Days of INSANITY

Due to my “insane” schedule of going out of town and having out-of-town guests almost every weekend starting toward the end of August, I’m way behind on posting.

On August 24, 2011, I finished INSANITY, a 63-day, intense, max interval, cardio, total-body conditioning program created by former track star Shaun T for Beachbody®. Because the end of August was the beginning of our weekend excursions, I finished the program 3 days later than scheduled.  (While the program actually says “60-days,” it really takes 63 days, assuming you stay on schedule.)

The first four weeks of the program helped improve my cardio and stamina while the fifth week was somewhat of a recovery week, which concentrated on exercises for stomach (core) strength and balance.

The real insane part were weeks 6 through 9.  Just when I was getting used to the first month, Shaun T. changed the workout for month two and upped the difficulty.  Actually, I did enjoy the new challenge.  In fact, the first workout of this last four weeks was called Max Interval Plyometrics, and it was by far the most challenging for me.  However, I also liked it the most, as it reminded me a lot of my kung fu classes.  I also burned more than 500 calories in the 55 minutes of this particular workout, which was many more calories than any of the other workouts.

All the workouts were mainly more intense forms of the first four weeks with some new items thrown in.  I highly recommend this for people who like short-term goals and boot-camp-style exercises.  BUT this isn’t for everyone.  If you have joint problems, I suggest you find a different exercise program.

INSANITY comes in different versions. I bought the DELUXE version with three extra DVDs because I wanted the Upper Body Weight Training (which requires weights). You can buy this set used on Amazon.com, for example, at a much cheaper price.  See my previous article on the first five weeks of this exercise.

Deluxe Version:

Ten Insanity Workout DVDs

• Dig Deeper & Fit Test: To start, Shaun T will put your body to the test and see what you’re made of (30 minutes)
• Plyometric Cardio Circuit: Burn fat with intervals of intense lower-body plyometrics and sweat-inducing cardio (40 minutes)
• Cardio Power & Resistance: Build lean muscle and upper-body definition with strength-training and Insanity workout power moves (40 minutes)
• Cardio Recovery & Max Recovery: Shaun goes easier on you once a week so you’ll be ready for the next round (80 minutes)
• Pure Cardio & Abs: Nonstop, extreme cardio workout (40 minutes)
• Cardio Abs: Do explosive intervals of cardio moves for rock-hard abs (20 minutes)
• Core Cardio & Balance: This workout lets you take a break after month 1 and gears you up for month 2 (40 minutes)
• Max Interval Circuit: With MAX Interval Training, this circuit is more intense than anything you’ve ever done (60 minutes)
• Max Interval Plyo: Push your legs ’til they beg for mercy with power and plyometrics, all at your MAX (55 minutes)
• Max Cardio Conditioning & Abs: Get pushed to your limit with this extreme cardio workout (55 minutes)

Four Bonus Gifts

• Elite Nutrition Plan: A food plan specifically designed to fuel your body for these intense workouts
• Fitness Guide: It’s short and to the point, with just the information you need
• Insanity Calendar: Track your progress through month 1 and month 2, set workout goals, and stay motivated the whole time. Plus, the Fit Test Tracker tracks your results as you transform your body
• FREE Online Support Tools: Stay inspired with round-the-clock access to fitness experts and peer support

Advanced Workouts and Tools

• MAX Interval Sports Training: Nonstop workout designed for elite athletes (55 minutes)
• Insane Abs: That six-pack was just the beginning (33 minutes)
• Upper Body Weight Training: Works your entire body–chest, back, arms, and shoulders (48 minutes)
• Pro-Grade Jump Mat: Protect your ankles, knees, and back
• FREE body fat tester: Keep track of your progress