About 60 days ago, I started the Insanity workout DVD series produced by Beachbody. They make multiple home workout programs that you probably have seen on television on infomercials after 11 p.m.
I just finished the whole series, and I wanted to give an update on my results and my commentary about it.
- The workout program is one of the hardest in which I have ever participated. It involves six days per week of total body conditioning using no equipment other than your own bodyweight. It could be best described as high intensity and impact interval training with a heavy plyometric component. Think about it as a mix of traditional calisthenics, football practices and military training.
- I have been a traditional “gym rat” that participated in free weight resistance training along with cardiovascular machines (elliptical, stationary bike, etc.). This workout changed my body shape and did result in significant improvements in my overall fitness.
- Surprisingly, even though I only performed weight training once per week during the series, my weights on all free weight exercises increased 15-20%. I attribute this to the high emphasis of the program on core strength, neuromuscular improvement and synergistic muscle development.
- I noticed a definite improvement to my posture, flexibility and muscular endurance.
- My knees and legs need a rest from all the jumping over the past 60 days.
- My body shape changed. I am leaner and don’t feel as muscle-bound.
- I would recommend this workout to anyone that is able, but there are a great number of people who are probably not ready for this workout if they do not have an established level of fitness.
The skinny: try this workout if you need a change of pace. I am looking forward to getting back to my traditional workouts for the next few weeks. However, I will continue to supplement my routine with these workouts from time to time because the results were fantastic.
