Plentyoffish dating forums are a place to meet singles and get dating advice or share dating experiences etc. Hopefully you will all have fun meeting singles and try out this online dating thing... Remember that we are the largest free online dating service, so you will never have to pay a dime to meet your soulmate.
     
Show ALL Forums  > Health Wellness  > "P90X" vs. "Insanity" - Which workout program is more effective?      Home login  
 AUTHOR
 Justmytypewriter
Joined: 2/8/2011
Msg: 1
view profile
History
"P90X" vs. "Insanity" - Which workout program is more effective? Page 1 of 2    (1, 2)
Have any of you first-hand experience with both the P90X program and Shaun T's "Insanity" workout? If so, would you be so kind and tell me about your personal pros and cons of each of those programs?

Some of my friends have used "Insanity", others have used "P90X", and everyone seems to be thrilled. However, nobody I know is familiar with both of those programs, so maybe I get lucky and some of you have tried both and can actually compare and let me know about advantages/disadvantages.

I am currently in the decision-making process of which program to order, and I am leaning towards "Insanity" (not going insane just yet, though ;-D), however, from what I gather in reviews, "Insanity" puts a lot of strain on the knees, and I have a somewhat murky left knee due to a motorcycle accident many years ago. While the knee is functional, there are limits to how much strain I can put on it.

Looking forward to anybody who could shed some light on the pros and cons.
 satx78218
Joined: 10/30/2007
Msg: 2
view profile
History
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/4/2011 6:32:31 AM
As with education, or anything, any variability in results depend on the greatest variable, you.
 MsMuscleChick
Joined: 5/31/2011
Msg: 3
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/4/2011 7:05:33 AM
Like Sax said , it will depend on you. I do not care for either of these, but I do a whole different thing anyway. I found what works for what I want.

And do not forget, you can do either of these, but what you eat will be the end result of any program you choose.
 Paddy_o_Lantern
Joined: 12/9/2009
Msg: 4
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/4/2011 7:27:56 AM
Insanity" puts a lot of strain on the knees, and I have a somewhat murky left knee due to a motorcycle accident many years ago. While the knee is functional, there are limits to how much strain I can put on it.


Then quite simple find an exercise program that does not put much strain on the knee. There are plenty of classes and exercise programs that have come out in the last 10 years that I consider to be high impact workouts. These are fun to do and not harmfull if your joints and connective tissue are healthy enough for them and can be damaging otherwise.

I eliminated all high impact exercises about 20 years ago due to degeneration in my knees and lower back. I stopped running, playing squash and tennis and other stop start/sports. You can still do plenty of different things - I still ski and windsurf and cyle and work out but I do it smoothly and in a controlled fashion and take the impact on my muscles and not on my joints.

So find an exercise program and a diet that works for you - there are no quick fixes it's about changing to a more healthy lifestyle that you can stick with.
 Justmytypewriter
Joined: 2/8/2011
Msg: 5
view profile
History
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/4/2011 1:18:46 PM

And do not forget, you can do either of these, but what you eat will be the end result of any program you choose.

And you actually believe that? :roll:

Anyway, I didn't ask for advice on my meal plans (I eat healthy), nor was I looking for yet another outdoor activity such as surfing or skiing. I have already stated that I am cycling as well as running regularly. I also occasionally paddle, and I am a former competitive athlete, medal-winning even, so I am well aware that the respective individual's goals and abilities matter. I am also aware that there are "other programs" out there and that there are no "quick fixes", but that's not the topic of this thread either.

My question was specifically geared towards the P90X vs. the Insanity program, so if someone actually has something helpful to say on this specific topic, please do.
 MsMuscleChick
Joined: 5/31/2011
Msg: 6
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/4/2011 1:47:09 PM
Yes, I do believe that whatever you eat will be the end result of any program. There are a lot of people who feel just because they exercise they can eat like crap.

For such an award winning former Athlete, why even ask which is better? Talk about a major :: roll::.


Good luck.
 Paddy_o_Lantern
Joined: 12/9/2009
Msg: 7
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/4/2011 6:41:06 PM
I have to agree if you have that much of a background in athletics why ask the Forums dwellers for their opinion you clearly know everyting there is to know about training, diet and thier effect on your body our input would only be valuable to us average everyday people.

Try both yourself and feel free to give us your expert opinion!
 Kellz85
Joined: 10/28/2009
Msg: 8
view profile
History
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/6/2011 8:29:09 PM
i did P90X for about a 4-6 weeks until I switched departments at work and didn't have the time. I lost about 20lbs during that time.

as for insanity, it's a lot of plyo and jumping around so if you have bad knees it may not be the best for you.

there's also a cardio heavy exercise called Turbofire that is also by Beach Body that is said to burn 700+ calories an hour.
 Paddy_o_Lantern
Joined: 12/9/2009
Msg: 9
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/6/2011 8:43:28 PM
I lost 16 lbs in 4 weeks just by changing to a diet with less junk food and more food that is easy for me to digest. That was 5 yrs ago and I have not returned to that weight no Insanity or P90X required and very easy on the joints. Does that mean I could have lost 36 lbs in 4 to 6 weeks if I included insanity in my weight loss plan? The insane are not all thin but if you are a very nervous/anxious type you are likely to burn a few extra calories.
 FrankNStein902
Joined: 12/26/2009
Msg: 10
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/7/2011 5:19:14 AM

My question was specifically geared towards the P90X vs. the Insanity program, so if someone actually has something helpful to say on this specific topic, please do.

The pace, intensity and duration of what you do matters much more than what you do.


ie. - you could spend the day flipping tires and lifting rocks and still get the same benefit.


Also these programs are not weight-loss programs, they are fitness programs.
 shakeitupbaby2012
Joined: 8/12/2010
Msg: 11
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/7/2011 10:11:51 AM
That's true, they are fitness programs.

Consistency is the key. Good diet- consistently. Regular exercise. Fresh air- consistently.

Positive thoughts. :)
 Justmytypewriter
Joined: 2/8/2011
Msg: 12
view profile
History
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/7/2011 2:40:08 PM

MsMuscleChick wrote:
Yes, I do believe that whatever you eat will be the end result of any program. There are a lot of people who feel just because they exercise they can eat like crap.

As I have stated before, I am a healthy eater. Which part of that didn't you understand? And I wasn't looking for dietary advice. Why is it so hard for you to stay on topic (or not to comment if you don't have anything to say on topic)?

For such an award winning former Athlete, why even ask which is better? Talk about a major

Your comment doesn't make any sense. Regardless of whether I have won medals or not, I am not a psychic, so I can't foresee things, yaknow. Just because I was in competitive sports for many years doesn't make me an expert on each and every home fitness program out there. Which is why I am asking those of you who know both of the programs mentioned in the title to share their experiences. You are clearly not one of them, so why even bother with this thread? I honestly don't get it.


Paddy_o_Lantern wrote:
I have to agree if you have that much of a background in athletics why ask the Forums dwellers for their opinion

Because my background in athletics doesn't mean crap if I don't know the programs firsthand. Duh.

you clearly know everyting there is to know about training, diet and thier effect on your body our input would only be valuable to us average everyday people.

B*tchy much, aren't you? Go, have yourself a cookie. Or take a chill pill; whichever works best for you.


Kellz85 wrote:
i did P90X for about a 4-6 weeks until I switched departments at work and didn't have the time. I lost about 20lbs during that time.

Finally! Somebody knowledgeable on the topic! Thank you for your comment, Kellz!
The time requirement of P90X is actually what would worry me. I think it would be much more realistic to commit to Insanity in that regard. Which is one of the reasons why I am leaning towards Insanity.

as for insanity, it's a lot of plyo and jumping around so if you have bad knees it may not be the best for you.

That's the downside of Insanity. I wonder if there is a way to substitute some of those exercises that put a lot of strain on the knees. I am fine with jumping like there's no tomorrow, but when it comes to exercises like squats and lunges, I am someone limited in how much I can do.

there's also a cardio heavy exercise called Turbofire that is also by Beach Body that is said to burn 700+ calories an hour.

Thank you for the Turbofire idea, I'll look into that. I like the cardio-intense workouts (which is a + on the Insanity +/- list...).


FrankNStein902 wrote:
The pace, intensity and duration of what you do matters much more than what you do.

I am aware of that.

ie. - you could spend the day flipping tires and lifting rocks and still get the same benefit.

I am not looking to flip tires or lift rocks. I am looking for a workout program I can do in my home. I am specifically looking to purchase either Insanity or P90X. Why is it so effin' hard for some people to stay on topic?

Also these programs are not weight-loss programs, they are fitness programs.
Yes, they are fitness programs. Brownie points for you for figuring that out. I'm impressed, really. And guess what: I am looking for a fitness program to increase - guess what - my overall fitness. I am not looking for a weight-loss program. *gasp*


So Write wrote:
That's true, they are fitness programs.

Consistency is the key. Good diet- consistently. Regular exercise. Fresh air- consistently.

Positive thoughts. :)

Yes, So Write, you're so write ... um so right about all of that. But, again, none of that was my question.

Thanks to Kellz for giving an answer that was actually helpful.
 FrankNStein902
Joined: 12/26/2009
Msg: 13
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/7/2011 3:08:49 PM

I am not looking to flip tires or lift rocks. I am looking for a workout program I can do in my home. I am specifically looking to purchase either Insanity or P90X. Why is it so effin' hard for some people to stay on topic?

Probably because you are asking on a dating web site not a fitness based forum.





Yes, they are fitness programs. Brownie points for you for figuring that out. I'm impressed, really. And guess what: I am looking for a fitness program to increase - guess what - my overall fitness. I am not looking for a weight-loss program. *gasp*

As early stated, it does not matter what one you do, as your fitness is not based on what you do but the intensity, duration and pace you do it.

Any athlete would know that, along with knowing these programs are nothing more than slick marketing for people that lack imagination and self motivation.
 smittin
Joined: 11/6/2010
Msg: 14
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/7/2011 6:15:29 PM
I have done both programs. Well, all of one, and part of another.

P90X is more time consuming, but for me it was more doable. There were moves I had to modify, but it's designed with that in mind. Tony Horton talks all the time about how to modify exercises for your level. I grew to love him....
You need more equipment for this program than for Insanity.
My husband has done it, and he has had serious knee issues. Arthroscopic on both knees. Left knee total replacement.

I had to modify Insanity to the point that it didn't much resemble Insanity. Maybe more like Neurosis. It was over my head. The pace is quite literally, insane. I'm sure you're in better shape than I am, though. It was so hard that I dreaded it, and eventually discontinued the program. Ya I quit.

My experience was that P90X was better for me, because I could actually do most of it. I liked keeping track of sets and reps and pounds and seeing improvement over time. I started out unable to do one standard push-ups. I got to the point where I could do multiple sets of 20 and more.

As far as knees go, in P90X there is a "legs and back" day with lots of slow leg strengthening moves and a plyometric day that develops power and cardio fitness. Those were my 2 faves. Insanity has lots of plyo too and those whatcha callits ...squat down, jump into pushup position, pushup, jump back, jump up....god, it's even tiring to describe. In my recollection all the exercises involving knees in Insanity are quick moves.

Insanity is impressive, and I would like to try it again when my weight comes down some more and I grow some courage, but right now it's out of my league.

Brings back Compare and Contrast essay assignments.....

Best of luck in your program of choice.
 Paddy_o_Lantern
Joined: 12/9/2009
Msg: 15
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/12/2011 8:05:42 PM
OP you may want to message the OP of the following thread to get his views on Insanity

http://forums.plentyoffish.com/datingPosts14645209.aspx

he is definately a proponent of this program
 SEK.
Joined: 9/8/2011
Msg: 16
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 9/13/2011 9:24:28 AM
It honestly seems to me like you have NO clue what you are doing. Diet IS more important than exercise, and I know this for a fact (I used to be into figure bodybuilding). I think you would benefit from Starting Strength or even a cross fit program to be honest. You are not going to get maximum results with a program at home, especially if you were once an athlete (but a real athlete would know this)

Can I ask why you want to increase your fitness level? Is it more for the purpose of appearance or general health?
 steelejr
Joined: 7/13/2009
Msg: 17
view profile
History
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 10/18/2011 12:40:23 PM
I agree! I've done P90X, and you can definitely tell it working as long as you commit. For most of the programs they are only about an hour to an hour and a half. Yoga takes about 2. As long as you set some time aside, ours was always early morning, you'll be ok. I have a bad knee, but I was able to modify the moves so it was doable.

Insanity is definitely a higher impact one on your joints. Both will give you good results, but if you have bad joints P90X is easier to complete if you modify. I've had friends that have done both, and I've seen more drastic changes from P90X between them. Either is a good choice though! Best of luck, and remember to keep your head up! Changes don't happen in a day! I lost 30 pounds doing P90, but when I started I felt like I wasn't feeling anything but pain. Then I remember looking in the mirror one day and actually noticing the change. It's all worth it!
 tomlift
Joined: 10/6/2010
Msg: 18
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 10/25/2011 7:58:26 AM
If these are your two options I would say P90X. I did P90X for a little while and it wasnt bad on my joints. Worked out pretty decent but at the end of the day wasnt for me. Insanity is very high impact. Dont see it being all that fun with bad knees.
 FITANDPLAYFUL
Joined: 9/19/2011
Msg: 19
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 10/25/2011 1:08:43 PM
For those of you who have seen the late nite infomercials on P90x and the insanity workout, I have a testimonial for you. KEEP FIT PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING AND GEORGE OFFERS AN INCREDIBLE 10 MINUTE WORKOUT THAT BLOWS AWAY BOTH PROGRAMS. Not only is george a great trainer,and has trained many of Chicago's top Pro athletes but his workout is unmatched in terms of fitness, gaining strength and blasting fat. i personally recommend his services. He's located in the oak brook area and also makes house calls to the north shore.
 nashbear66
Joined: 5/23/2011
Msg: 20
view profile
History
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 11/2/2011 9:24:15 PM
I have done both programs. Both are good programs. P90X has a lot of lifting. If you do not have the equipment (home gym) it is cheaper to get Insanity. With Insanity you only need your own body and a towel. If you have a home gym including chin up bars, P90X will increase your Muscle mass. (build bigger chest and arms) Both programs will increase your muscle mass and decrease your fat mass. The key is finding one that you like.

With both I had to modify the exercises at first. I also have a bad knee. I modified with the goal of someday not having to modify. I made great strides in endurance, flexibilty and strength.

Tony (P90X) irritated me. I did not look forward to listening to his mouth for an hour a day. Shaun was less irritating to me and seemed more motivating. But this is a personal preference.

Any of the fitness systems will work for you if you just press play everyday...except for the one rest day. Good luck.
 creme_ofthecrop
Joined: 3/9/2011
Msg: 21
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 11/13/2011 2:55:03 PM
i think theyre both garbage, i have NEVER used any and i eat a lot of junk food, my pics are very recent..i simply create a workout regime i can FOLLOW, not trying to follow other peoples schedule that doesnt fit my schedule, and in time like everything else, you will achieve your desired physique..

fyi the human body wasnt designed to lose 50 pounds overnight naturally
 modivin
Joined: 8/21/2011
Msg: 22
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 11/13/2011 4:38:44 PM
Out of curiosity creme of the crop....how would you know they are garbage if you have never used either? What works for you, works for you. Many have had success on both P90X and Insanity. Last time I checked, you had the option to modify P90X to fit your schedule. But if you already have something that works and the attitude of both programs suck, then obviously don't do it. The OP was looking for advice from those who had tried them. Chill out.
 StealthyNinjaKitty
Joined: 11/8/2011
Msg: 23
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 11/13/2011 9:17:18 PM
Insanity is great! I still dropped 15 lbs in the first month, and I had to modify a LOT of the moves. Shaun T is motivating without being condescending or fake, and I love that in the dvd's you can see him and the other people dropping like flies at the end of some of the workouts...I think for me it's heartening to know that even people in great shape are worn out at the end too. Plus, you don't have to buy any additional equipment. P90X was a little too hard-core for me personally, but I know several people who have done both and liked both, although I've noticed the men tend to prefer P90X and the women tend to prefer Insanity.

If you've got a bad knee, some of the drills may be difficult, but like I said, modification to those moves still produces results! And if you decide to try Shakeology...stick with the chocolate, the green stuff looks, smells, and tastes like swamp water.

Good luck to you!
 CrazyCanuckz
Joined: 11/1/2011
Msg: 24
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 11/15/2011 9:05:57 PM

i think theyre both garbage, i have NEVER used any and i eat a lot of junk food, my pics are very recent..i simply create a workout regime i can FOLLOW, not trying to follow other peoples schedule that doesnt fit my schedule, and in time like everything else, you will achieve your desired physique..

fyi the human body wasnt designed to lose 50 pounds overnight naturally



I agree, 1 to 2 hours workout? Who has the time for that? lol Most of my workouts are at max. 20 minutes, that's not including warmups and cool down. I wouldn't be able to stick with it if I had do it that long.
I use HIIT with rope skipping, burpees, etc. That's all I need I do need to spend couple hundred dollars plus equipment to figure out a good workout.
 unYOUsual
Joined: 8/11/2011
Msg: 25
P90X vs. Insanity - Which workout program is more effective?
Posted: 11/16/2011 10:50:36 AM
It takes me at least twenty minutes to feel my muscles are warmed up enough to work hard...lol
Show ALL Forums  > Health Wellness  > "P90X" vs. "Insanity" - Which workout program is more effective?