Insanity Workout Review

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I feel a little sore after yesterday's Fit Test. However, it is not very painful. It is the type of feeling you have when you exercise muscles you haven't used in a long time.

Post Workout Thoughts
Wow, the intensity of the workout is beyond what I expected. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised since it is called "Insanity." The workout starts with about 10 minutes of warm-up that gets increasingly intense. I was not able to make it through the entire warm-up without taking about a couple of breaks. Then the workout moves to about 7 minutes of deep stretching. My quadriceps begged for mercy on more than one occasion. Once the stretching is complete you dive into about 17 minutes of the plyometric cardio. It is nuts.

I have never seen a workout program where the super fit people behind the instructor get so worn out that they stop in the middle to take a break and get some water. I took multiple breaks to gather myself and then dove right back in. After the closing stretching session I sat on the floor for about 15 minutes to recover.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Well, I survived yesterday, so today can't be that much worse, right? Goal for this workout: Don't die.

Post Workout Thoughts
Hold on, it is hard to type when you are laying face down on the floor and can't get up. Have you ever done globe jumps, power jumps, and moving push-ups at your maximum speed? Me neither, until today. It was HARD. It was difficult climbing the stairs to go up and shower after this one.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Despite the intensity (insanity) of the workouts I don't feel too sore. Don't get me wrong, I can definitely feel it, but the feeling is more of a good pain than a bad one, if that makes sense. Something tells me that today's "Cardio Recovery" is more difficult than it sounds.

Post Workout Thoughts
It is not fair to use the word "Recovery" in the name of this session. Instead of Cardio Recovery they should call it "Hellacious Stretching." The lunging and squat routines, along with holding the positions put a real strain on the quads, hamstrings, and core. Sure, you get a break from the intense cardio, but just trade it in for trembling legs.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I am really starting to feel good the day after the workout. My energy level is up and I feel more at peace all around. I always lose weight in my face first, and when I looked in the mirror today my face looked smaller, so that was encouraging. We'll see what Pure Cardio has in store.

Post Workout Thoughts
At the end of this workout fitness instructor Shaun T exclaims, "That $hit is bananas, yo!" That really sums it up quite nicely. During the other routines you go super hard for three minutes and then get a 30 second water break before going at it again. That is not the case with Pure Cardio. Once you hit the workout you go straight through. It really is bananas (nanners), yo.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I felt phenomenal today after last night's workout. I had a ton of energy and even started to dance to some Florence and the Machine with my dog Lucie while I was working from home. The is the final day of workouts until the day off tomorrow. I find myself looking forward to and craving the workout. I am sure I won't feel that way during it, but at least I feel like that now.

Post Workout Thoughts
Insanity is a test of body AND will. It is such a mental challenge to get through it. This was the second go around on Plyometric Cardio Circuit, and I did feel stronger throughout. It is still exhausting, but it always will be, because you go at your own personal max. It is worth it.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
After the day off I am not sore at all! Somewhere in the materials that come with Insanity it recommends eating one hour prior to the workout. If you eat right before the workout your body will focus on digestion, and if you wait too long after eating your body may lack energy. It has been three hours since I had anything to eat and I am starting to feel hungry, but am going to give this a try anyway. I am concerned because cardio power and resistance has been the most difficult workout for me thus far.

Post Workout Thoughts
Oof. Despite having the previous day off and not feeling sore, I really lacked energy and power during the workout. There are two things to blame for this. 1. Exercising on an empty stomach. 2. Eating poorly on my off day. (Thanks for the giant Valentine's Day heart shaped cookie mom! And way to have 640 calories worth of Pizza for dinner Josh! I didn't have much of the cookie and the calorie content on the pizza wasn't so bad, but those foods don't provide good workout energy). A lesson learned.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I learned my lesson yesterday. Today I am eating a healthy breakfast and then exercising one hour later. On a non-workout related note, Whitney Houston died yesterday. In a sad way her life should inspire us to live healthy. I think it is safe to say that the Angelic Choir in heaven just got a lot better.

Post Workout Thoughts
That was much better. Eating an hour before the workout made a big difference! I was stronger through Pure Cardio this time, but still had to take a few breaks to gather myself. I started Insanity on a Saturday, so I workout Saturday - Thursday with Friday as my off day. Today is Sunday. I have three social events this week on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. That means I have to wake up early on Monday and Tuesday to get the workout in. I hate mornings, so that will be hard. I am also going to have to moderate alcohol consumption during these events or the workouts will be the end of me.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I took some time last night to dive into the Elite Nutrition guide that comes with the workout. It provides recipes and a meal plan to both maximize nutrition and the workout. The nutrition guide first has you calculate the number of calories your body needs to reach your fitness goals (weight maintenance, weight loss, or weight gain). It then recommends you eat 5 "meals" a day based on your calorie needs. To achieve weight loss it recommends I have 2,459 calories a day. Divided by 5 meals, that is about 500 calories per meal. I'll keep you post as to how it goes.

For the first time I am doing the workout in the early morning today. We'll see how it goes.

Post Workout Thoughts
Plyometric cardio circuit has a brutal stretch of exercises called basketball drills. This features a lot of squatting and jumping, as well as a push-up routine that pushes you to the limit. Overall it went well. My energy was solid and I feel like I am getting stronger. I can't express enough how one must also work on mental toughness and focus during this program. I also recommend not watching the TV after you get the form down. It is hard to go at your own pace when watching people on the screen going at a faster level. At some point I hope I am going fast enough where I can keep up with Shaun T and the crew.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Happy Valentine's Day! May Hallmark's profits soar today! One of my co-workers brought in donuts for Valentine's Day. That presents a problem because I don't like donuts, I LOVE donuts. However, I didn't have any. Every time I walked by the donuts I flipped them off. I am not kidding. Later tonight my wife are going to see the band Polica in concert. They are from Minneapolis. Check them out! Cardio Recovery offers a welcome break from the intense cardio workouts. I don't have much soreness at all, so hopefully the deep stretching goes well today.

Post Workout Thoughts
For the most part this workout went very well. I still have difficulty holding the squat and lunge positions for as long as Shaun T. asks, but it is getting better. However, you have to hold the positions for a loooong time.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
This workout is always a real bear and I am getting a very late start tonight. It is 10:45 pm and I am getting started shortly. I have drunk a lot of water tonight and my stomach feels full and heavy. I have a feeling the power jumps and globe jumps are going to get me.

Post Workout Thoughts
In the battle between Insanity and my will, chalk this one up to Insanity. I stuck with it but was really dragging tonight. My body felt heavy and I didn't have the normal spring in my step during the workout. I am also struggling to eat enough calories. The nutrition guide recommended that I heat 2,469 calories a day for weight loss. I am finding it hard to eat 5 times a day with 500 calories each time (while eating good foods, not junk food). I am coming closer to 2,000 calories each day.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I am really starting to feel the benefits of this workout. My energy during the day is good and my clothes are fitting more comfortably! I also feel much better heading into the workout today, and am anxious to try cardio abs for the first time!

Post Workout Thoughts
I think one of the dangers of Insanity for me is the temptation to pace myself through the workout so I don't get too tired.At times I feel like I am doing that, but maybe I am just getting stronger and it is coming a little easier? I still get totally exhausted and have to take breaks, but it doesn't seem as bad.

Cardio abs was pretty fun. You work the abs without ever doing a single sit up or crunch. One strange feeling I had during this workout for a brief moment was that I was going to throw up. I didn't, but I am not sure what caused it (continued contraction of the core?). Despite that, I really enjoyed this routine and look forward to it next time. Tomorrow is an off day! Woo!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
The interesting thing about the Insanity workout program is that I find myself regularly thinking about the next workout and how it will go. I think this helps me eat and drink better because I know if I stuff myself full of junk food the workout will PUNISH me. The company my wife works for had a party last night with an open bar. Fortunately I drank responsibly and should have no problems (other than the normal exhaustion) during today's workout.

Finally, my wife recently bought me a heart rate monitor that I am going to try today. My maximum heart rate is 189 bpm. The target you want to reach during a maximum intensity workout is 80 - 90% of that, so my target heart rate is 150 - 170 bpm. To figure this out you take your age x .8 and take than number minus 214.

Maximum Heart Rate for 31 year old male: 214 - (31 x .8) = 189
189 x .8 = 151 (80 % of max heart rate)
189 x .9 = 170 (90 % of max heart rate)

Target rate during maximum intensity workout: 151 - 170

Post Workout Thoughts
The Fit Test went well today! I improved in each area. See the picture below to view my results. As far as my heart rate goes, I stayed within my target range during each section except for Power Knees when it was at 180 when the exercise was finished. I also experienced some soreness in my ankles at the beginning of the Fit Test, but adrenaline quickly took over. I need to make sure I am landing soft on the high impact movements.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I am feeling pretty good today. I don't have much soreness from yesterday's Fit Test. I am also interested to monitor my heart rate for the first time during a "regular" session. I wonder how many sentences I can start with "I"? I bet quite a few if I really tried. I will be back in about an hour to provide my post-workout thoughts. I hope this goes well.

Post Workout Thoughts
No complaints today. I feel like I am starting to settle into the workout (in a good way). It was nice to monitor my heart rate. During the routines I usually kept it between 162 - 170, so I was right in the target range. Being able to check my heart rate also let me know when I could push it a little more, and when I needed to take it a little easier.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Happy President's Day! Since today is a work holiday I can get the workout in a little earlier. My legs and arms feel a little rubbery this morning, and I have a small amount of pain in my left ankle. I don't think it will impact the workout too much, but we'll see. I am excited to get another shot at the cardio abs workout today.

Post Workout Thoughts
The suicide drill (move quickly to the left, touch the ground, move quickly to the right, touch the ground) was killer today (no pun intended). My left ankle bothered me a little bit on some of the running and high knees movements, but was not too painful. The day of Cardio Recovery tomorrow should do the trick to restore the muscles and give my ankle a break from the high impact movements.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Cardio Recovery is just what my mind and body needs today.

Post Workout Thoughts
It is always nice when you notice tangible results when going through a workout program. That was the best Cardio Recovery has gone for me so far. Today was the first time I was able to hold the squat position for as long as Shaun T requires. I still fell woefully short on the lunge position, but maybe that progress happens next week! Tomorrow is the dreaded Cardio Power and Resistance.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Up to this point Cardio Power and Resistance has been the most difficult workout for me. Let's do this!

Post Workout Thoughts
I love it when I can feel myself getting stronger. Said like a girl on Facebook: I love, love, LOVE it when I can feel myself getting stronger! I pushed things just as hard and this workout wasn't nearly as difficult as it was previously. I highly recommend purchasing a heart rate monitor if you do the Insanity workout. Not only does it help you keep your heart rate in a safe place, it lets you know when you can push even harder, or back off when necessary.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
After today I will have officially done Insanity for 20 days without missing a routine. I am 1/3 finished! Through the years one of the most common excuses I have made about not exercising was that I just couldn't find the time. The one thing committing to Insanity has taught me, is that exercise or any other activity we want to do is not about "finding the time." It is about "making the time." Sometimes that means I exercise in the early morning. Other times it means working out late at night. Whatever it is that you want to do, make the time for it, because you will never find the time.

Later today I fly out to Las Vegas to visit my sister, brother in-law and 16 month old nephew Sawyer. Fortunately they have space where I can work out and keep current with the Insanity program. The real challenge will be maintaining my nutrition. My sister is a health fiend, but it is still Las Vegas. :)

Post Workout Thoughts
Plyometric Cardio Circuit now holds the dubious distinction of most difficult Insanity workout routine. The basketball drills (a grueling series of squats, jumps, and push-ups) brings me to my limit every time. However, I do feel like I am getting mentally stronger to push through when I hit the wall. See you tomorrow in Las Vegas!

Hello from fabulous Las Vegas!
Normally I post a picture of myself on my off day to show progress. However, I would feel awkward having my sister or brother in-law taking a picture of me without my shirt on (a duty normally carried out by my lovely wife who is currently in Minnesota). Therefore, a new picture will have to wait for another week.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I remembered to bring everything for my workouts with one important exception, tennis shoes. Whoops! Fortunately the room where I am exercising in my sister's house has a soft floor. We'll see how it goes.

Post Workout Thoughts
The workout went fine today. I had no problems with the shoe issue and I felt pretty strong through the workout. As I look at the calendar there are only 5 more workouts until "Recovery Week," which is five straight "Core Cardio & Balance" routines. I am afraid those are designed to lull your body to sleep so that it is shocked when you start on even more intense workouts, leading to greater results, I hope!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I always get a little concerned when my energy or strength level feel low going into a workout. I get even more concerned when I feel that way before Cardio Power and Resistance. Guess how I feel today?

One thing I find humorous is when I check my heart rate before I put in the workout disk. Then I check it again when I actually put the disk in. It generally shoots up 10 beats per minute out of shear anxiety for what is to come.

Post Workout Thoughts
I don't know if I will ever get used to the "up and down" movement during this routine. I really hate it. I persevered and gave what I had today, but I wish I could have pushed it harder.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Today is my last full day visiting my sister, brother in-law and 16 month old nephew Sawyer. Sawyer brought me three books to read this morning before my workout. I sure will miss these wonderful people when I fly out tomorrow, but look forward to seeing my wife Heidi when I return home.

From a workout standpoint I feel pretty good.

Post Workout Thoughts
Need more protein. My cardio capacity has definitely increased. I can push things more for a longer period of time without my heart rate shooting up too high. The major challenge today was power. I need more protein to burst through the workouts.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Exercise is good for physical AND mental health.

Post Workout Thoughts
The lunges never seem to get easier. However, today I noticed a significant improvement during the balance exercises.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Last night I returned to a snowy and slushy Minnesota after spending 6 days in 70 degree Las Vegas. The Insanity workout continues today! To be honest, I am really looking forward to recovery week and then transitioning into some new routines for the second half of the program. I am really proud that I didn't miss a day during the Vegas vacation!

Post Workout Thoughts
If you want to make someone really mad, try to talk to them while they are doing an Insanity workout. My wife has learned that lesson twice. Sorry honey. (Note from my wife Heidi: "If you want to hear horrifying noises for 45 straight minutes, listen while someone is doing Insanity"). I am thinking about ordering some protein bars and Shakeology for the second half of Insanity. I don't like it when my heart rate is in the target range, but I have to take a break because my energy and strength are low. This doesn't happen a lot, but more than I am comfortable with. The first half ends tomorrow with Plyometric Cardio Circuit.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
My final workout before a day off and the transition into "Recovery Week" followed by the second, more intense half of the program!

Post Workout Thoughts
Both of my ankles felt tender at the beginning of the workout today. I think Recovery Week is coming at the right time. So far I really like the Insanity workout but it is very hard. It is nice having regular exercise as an established routine in my life.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Ahhhh. Recovery week. I read a blog of somebody else who went through the Insanity workout and he indicated the the Recovery Week workout is pretty easy. I am skeptical about that because nothing about Insanity is easy.

Post Workout Thoughts
For the most part my skepticism was right. The workout is not an intense, but my heart rate was regularly 160 - 165 beats per minute compared to the usual 167 - 170. The main difference with this workout is that you move a little slower, and instead of having three minute sets it is a one minute set. It is not as hard, but it is not easy either. However, I will admit that it is not as much of a mental challenge as the regular workouts.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Today marks the official half-way point in the Insanity workout!

Post Workout Thoughts
I am now starting to see the point behind "Recovery Week." It is still a tough workout but the impact is MUCH lower. The soreness in my ankles and knees is getting less and less each day. I should be in good shape to ramp back up next week!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Recovery week continues. Overall my body feels good with no soreness in any muscles or joints. My main issue right now is nutrition. I am not eating bad things, but I am also not eating enough high protein, good foods.

Post Workout Thoughts
The hip flexor burner and shoulder burner movements in this routine are particularly difficult. My legs cry out for mercy during shoulder burners due to the extended period of time in the squat position.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
After waking up this morning I stepped on the scale and weighed in at 156 lbs! That is 12 lbs lower than when I started this program 32 days ago! I don't want to get too caught up with weight, but I haven't weighed in the mid 150s since 2005.

Post Workout Thoughts
My body is starting to adjust to this particular routine. The recovery feels good, but I still feel like it is a good workout that helps me progress. I didn't squat quite as low during shoulder burners today, and I really felt the burn in the shoulders instead of the legs for the first time. I am both dreading and looking forward to the increased intensity that will start on Saturday. These results are encouraging!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
It is a good thing that exercise is a natural stress reliever because it has been a rough week.

Post Workout Thoughts
I really like this routine. I have a feeling I am in for a rude awakening next week when it is time to go back to the real Insanity workout.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Boo. Today is the last day of recovery week. After the off day tomorrow it is into the more intense part of the program. I have heard the second half is where "Insanity" gets its name. I am nervous.

Post Workout Thoughts
The workout went well. I am now storing up physical and mental strength for Saturday when the intensity is ratcheted back up. God help me.

Let's check out my progress so far:

Starting weight: 168 lbs
Current weight: 156 lbs

Total weight lost: 12 lbs!

I haven't weighed in the mid-150s since 2005! Woo for Insanity!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Normally I am totally wiped out after the Fit Test, so I have no idea how I will do a 60 minute Insanity workout after the Fit Test is completed.

Post Workout Thoughts
I don't know in what meeting the Insanity creators thought it would be a good idea to have the Fit Test followed by a workout, but I question their sanity and respectfully ask them to reconsider. :) I read another person's Insanity review and they mentioned this issue as well, but he talked about the 8 minute Fit Test. The reality is that the Fit Test is a 25 minute workout when you factor in the warm-up, stretching, the actual Fit Test, and then stretching. All in all, this was an 85 minute workout.

The good news is that the Max Interval Circuit seemed really manageable if it is not preceded by the Fit Test.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I am pretty sore after yesterday's grueling Fit Test and Max Interval Circuit. I haven't felt sore in a long time, so this is a sure sign that I am back at it! I am sore in the shoulders and arms, but what hurts the most is my lower left leg. I am quite sore below my knee, and the leg feels heavy. Hopefully it will loosen up during the workout warm-up today.

Post Workout Thoughts
They should change the name of this routine to "Death by push-ups and jumping" instead of "Max Interval Plyo."

Pre-Workout Thoughts
At this point I have stopped being scared before Insanity workouts. It only took 38 days! :) At this point I have realized that the only failure is quitting. Though I may take breaks, I will not quit.

Post Workout Thoughts
There were times during this workout that I really wanted to quit, but I didn't. :) Mercifully there are a couple of recovery movements about 75% of the way in that help you get to the finish line.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
In only 38 days I feel like Insanity has really changed my life for the better. I have so much more energy during the day, I am mentally sharper, and now not only do my clothes fit better, they are all too big! All that said, I only got 5 hours of sleep last night, so I am glad today is a recovery day.

Post Workout Thoughts
There is a lot of arm work in this recovery exercise. Things like push-ups, balancing almost you entire body on one arm, etc. At the end of this week I plan to take another round of pictures. I am interested to see the progress!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Day 40 means I only have 20 days left of the Insanity workout program! At this point it is so ingrained in my routine that I plan to continue after the 60 days are over. The results and benefits are just too enjoyable to give up after this much hard work.

Post Workout Thoughts
With 28 minutes left in this routine I seriously considered giving up. I didn't, but I thought I might.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I am getting a very late start on the workout tonight. It is just after 11:00 pm and I am dragging. This should be interesting. This workout will end after midnight.

Post Workout Thoughts
Similar to last night I thought about quitting this workout. Except for this time I thought about quitting shortly after the warm-up started. I didn't quit and toughed it out, but it was a real challenge. I am proud of myself for sticking with it. I am on the home stretch now!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
These 60 minute workouts seem like a really large commitment. I need to remind my self that they are only 15 minutes longer. This right now is the mental battle.

Post Workout Thoughts
I had no major problems with the workout today. However, I am starting to feel some soreness in my knees when I walk up and down the stairs.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Getting ready to start Max Interval circuit at 10:15 pm. This is not something I recommend if you ever go through the Insanity workout program.

Post Workout Thoughts
That was an AWESOME workout! I felt strong the entire time and was able to push it on more movements than I ever have before. I am on a bit of a high right now which will make it difficult to get to sleep because it is nearly midnight. One thing I have done while going through this program is follow the nutrition and calorie recommendations (for the most part. Many days I don't get enough calories), but not purchase any additional supplements or formulas. There are so many sales pitches about those add-ons that it seems like you can't get through the program without them. I am determined to prove that one can and still get good results.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I have a sore right knee today. I mostly feel it when I go up and down stairs of when I stand up after sitting for a while. This type of soreness usually goes away once I get into the exercise. I hope that is the case today. Also, I need to take another picture to show my progress. This is the home stretch!

Post Workout Thoughts
I had a little more to eat than I normally do before a workout tonight. Throughout the past 45 days I have generally operated on a calorie deficiency. I was thinking that by eating a little more before the workout that I might have more energy to power through. I didn't notice any difference. As usual, the recovery day is right on time tomorrow as I have some aching joints.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I am glad that today is a recovery day because both of my knees feel sore. I hope the deep stretching takes care of the soreness.

Post Workout Thoughts
This was quite difficult tonight. Even though it is low impact I still felt light pain in my knees. We'll see how tomorrow goes with the Max Cardio and Cardio Abs routines.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
The deep stretching yesterday made a real difference! I don't have any knee pain today and am looking forward to a good cardio workout.

Post Workout Thoughts
I feel like I am getting stronger. I particularly noticed this during the ab workout when I was able to hold the positions for a longer period of time than before.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I was giddy when I saw that "Core Cardio & Balance" was on the calendar today. Yup, that is the same exercise that was completed during "Recovery Week."

Post Workout Thoughts
Sometime the workouts that are a recovery also show how much stronger you have gotten. I last did this routine two weeks ago, and I remember it being much more challenging at that time. It was so nice having the workout only last 37 minutes as well! That extra 20 minutes of the month 2 workouts makes a big difference. It will be interesting to see how the Fit Test goes after tomorrow's off day. I hate the Fit Test.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
My shoulders and neck are sore today. However, I am not that concerned because they will loosen up during the warm-up and then I will power through the workout. Once you get through the Fit Test and Max Interval Circuit days, everything else seems manageable.

Post Workout Thoughts
I have no complaints from the workout today. This is truly the home stretch!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I feel really well today! I have very little soreness and feel strong going into this workout. I hope the Insanity Gods don't punish me for typing the previous sentence.

Post Workout Thoughts
That was fantastic! That is the strongest I have ever felt going through an Insanity workout routine.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Max Recovery is always a welcome site on the calendar. However, there is some intense push-up work in this routine that always makes me cry out for mercy.

Post Workout Thoughts
Max Recovery is a lot harder than it sounds. The stretching is painful and the push ups are exhausting. On another note, did you know that Insanity is technically a 63 day workout? Liars!!!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I stepped on the scale today and weighed in at 151 lbs. That means I have lost 17 lbs since the beginning of this workout. Wow! I am now starting to seriously think about what to do next. I might try P90x, but none of the trim in our house is strong enough for the pull-up bar, so I am not sure what to do about that.

Post Workout Thoughts
59 minutes of pure hell.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I can't stress enough the importance of not only eating well during Insanity, but eating enough. Figure out how many calories you need for your goals and do the best you can to achieve them with good foods. I have not eaten nearly enough today. Thankfully it is Core Cardio & Balance which is a little easier.

Post Workout Thoughts
I made it through the workout just fine, but it would have went much better had I fueled my body with enough good calories. Either way, it is another day down with an off day tomorrow. There is officially one week left of Insanity!!!

Let's check my progress so far:

Starting Weight: 168 lbs
Current Weight: 151 lbs

Total Weight Lost: 17 lbs

I honestly never envisioned getting to this point, but I am happy that I am here. Thank you Insanity! Since I have done a poor job of taking pictures after the first month, I just decided that I would take one final picture at the end of the program in a few days.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
At this point I thought I would be sick of the workout routine/program, but I am not. It is now just a part of my routine and something I usually look forward to doing. Yes, there are some days that I don't feel like it, but I have come way too far to turn back now!

Post Workout Thoughts
I have a lot of favorite quotes, but I think my favorite is: "Whether you think you can or you can't, you are right." ~ Henry Ford
Even though he started the car company that ended up designing the Taurus, I have to give him credit for that quote. It has rung true for me both in this workout program and in many aspects of life. For me the quote is really about just trying something, sticking with it, and doing your best. If you do that you will have succeeded in some way. However, if you don't think you can, you will never start and that is the worst type of failure in my opinion.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
Today is day 58 of the program and I have already reached my fitness goals. I think I am going to skip today.....APRIL FOOLS! (Sorry, that was kind of lame)

Post Workout Thoughts
Another day, another insane workout.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I am getting a late start tonight for this 60 minute workout (10:30 pm), and I don't feel like exercising at all today. However, I will give it what I've got.

Post Workout Thoughts
It is Day 59, and that was probably the hardest workout for me yet. My body felt bloated, waterlogged, and heavy. I am note sure why. I didn't eat poorly, though I did have a heavier dinner than normal. Four more days!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I am feeling much better before the workout today. It is also nice knowing that it is only the 37 minute recovery week routine.

Post Workout Thoughts
That was pretty easy today (the Insanity gods are sure to punish me for that statement tomorrow). My effort was there the entire time and I felt strong. I can't believe there are only three days left until I have achieved my goal of completing this workout program!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
My level of excitement related to finishing this program is high right now! Two more full workout and then the final Fit Test.

Post Workout Thoughts
Max Interval Plyo went pretty well today. I think I was able to pump out more push-ups than I have in the past, so that was nice. Max Cardio Conditioning and Cardio Abs tomorrow marks the FINAL FULL WORKOUT. Woah.

Pre-Workout Thoughts
I have goose bumps as I am typing this. This is the final full workout in the Insanity program. Tomorrow's Fit Test is the final day. I can't believe that I haven't missed one workout for the past 62 days. Sometimes it has required working out late at night, and other times early in the morning. However, I have stuck with it and am very proud of this accomplishment. Hopefully I don't get injured during cardio today.

Post Workout Thoughts
That was a great workout! It was very motivating to know that this was my last full routine of the program!

Pre-Workout Thoughts
TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY OF INSANITY!!! TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY OF INSANITY!!! I DID IT!!!!! I DID IT!!!! And I never missed a day. Not even one! I hope that the Fit Test goes well today. I have a few goals I want to achieve today. Mostly my goal is to double the number of reps I had on Fit Test #1. I think I can do it.

Post Workout Thoughts
What a feeling of accomplishment! I reached or exceeded all of my goals during the Fit Test today and I have conquered Insanity. I am without question in the best physical shape of my life! You can see the results of my Fit Test below.

How long are the workouts?
During the first month the workouts are 40 - 45 minutes with the exception of pure cardio & cardio abs, which totals 55 minutes. Here is how it breaks down during the workout:

10 minute progressively intense warm-up
5 minutes of stretching
20 minutes of the workout (Pure Cardio, Plyometric Cardio, etc)
5 minutes of stretching
15 minutes of laying on the floor until you feel like moving again (optional)

The Fit Test is only 25 minutes. You have the 10 minute warm up followed by 5 minutes of stretching, and then approximately 10 minutes to complete the test.

In the second month workouts are 50 - 60 minutes followed by 10 minutes of laying on the ground from complete exhaustion.

How much space do you need?
Not very much. I exercise in a 7 ft x 6ft area and that is enough space for me. (The room I use is larger, but that is space I generally require)

I hear Insanity causes knee pain. Ooooh wee, what's up with that!?
I would call it knee soreness. The warning/disclaimer that streams before the workout says that people with a history of knee pain should not do Insanity. I highly recommend following that warning. My knees have felt sore when standing up from a chair or when going up and down stairs. They have always loosened up and never created a problem during the workouts, but your experience may very. Do what you can to land softly when doing all of the jumping movements (easier said than done, I know).

Does it require or recommend any equipment?
No!

What is the cost?
I purchased the 60 day Insanity program from beachbody.com without any add ons. In the checkout process you are asked to buy about 10 additional things (supplements, shakeology, etc). I didn't purchase any of them. After taxes and delivery my final total was $155. You can pay up front or pay over three months.

Should you try to talk to someone while they are doing an Insanity workout routine?
Not unless you want to get yelled at.