Insanity vs P90X

Are You Insane, Extreme or Both? Deciding Between Insanity® and P90X®

Anyone looking for an intense, challenging and effective workout can easily find themselves caught in the middle of a difficult question: Insanity or P90X? These are the two most popular at-home workout programs and determining which one is the best for you can turn a seemingly simple decision into one of difficulty. First things first. There is no right or wrong decision when it comes to choosing Insanity over P90X or P90X over Insanity. Either way you’re getting a top workout with a top trainer. Both programs will push you to limits you’ve never gone before and give you results you never thought possible. But, there may be one that is better suited to your overall fitness goals and needs so let’s take a closer look at these two workouts to help you determine which may be the best for you.

What exactly are Insanity and P90X and who are they for?

Insanity: Welcome to an insane level of cardio conditioning brought to you by fitness expert Shaun T. If your primary fitness goal is cardio strengthening, power and endurance, losing weight and gaining a more toned, lean physique – then this is the better fit for you. Insanity focuses on Max Interval Training (MIT) which will push your body for longer bursts using high intensity exercises followed by shorter rest periods. By using the MIT method your metabolism will be sent sky high and will burn up to 1,000 calories a workout. Another great aspect of MIT is that it keeps your body blasting calories post-workout, as well as when you are resting. Insanity also doesn’t require any equipment. This program uses your body weight alone to sculpt and tone up your arms, legs, glutes and abs. This is a good feature for anyone not looking to become too muscular. Don’t get me wrong, you will still develop some muscle, but think more along the lines of lean, defined and toned. Besides, muscle is not bad! It burns more calories than fat and if you won’t always need someone else around to open that stubborn pickle jar for you. Another bonus of not needing extra equipment is it makes Insanity a very good travel partner.

P90X: Fitness guru Tony Horton brings you an extreme total body workout in one amazing series. If you want a program that gives you everything you need to comprise a well-rounded workout routine – cardio, weight training, yoga and stretching – while helping you to lose excess fat and gain serious muscle or really tone up then P90X is for you. Unlike Insanity, P90X focuses more on using weight training for maximum calorie burn. It’s no secret that muscle burns more than fat and with P90X you will shred fat and build muscle that will increase not only your daily metabolic rate but your resting metabolic rate. The results? A more defined, sculpted and stronger you. P90X does require some additional equipment to help you obtain optimal results. You’ll need a pull-up bar and a set of dumb-bells or resistance bands. And if you’re fearful of the words weight training or worried about getting too bulky or gaining too much muscle – don’t be. You have the option of choosing P90X Classic which is great for those looking to add more muscle, or you can choose P90X Lean which is great if you want to focus more on cardio, get lean and/or tone your body.

How much time does each program take?

Not much. P90X gets you in the best shape of your life in 90 days and Insanity does it in 60. Regardless of which program you choose the workouts take no longer than one hour out of your day. The even better part is you do them at home on your time.

What do I get with Insanity and P90X?

First and foremost you’ll get in the best shape of your life. These programs produce results and not only will you be challenged and pushed physically but mentally. In addition to the physical and mental benefits each program comes with the following:

Insanity: 10 of the most insane workouts you’ll ever do, an elite nutrition plan to fuel your body and optimize results, fitness guide, 2-month workout calendar and FREE online support to keep you motivated and on track.

P90X: 12 life transforming workouts, fitness guide, workout calendar, 3-phase nutrition plan to maximize results, and FREE online support to stay motivated.

Do I need to be in shape before I begin Insanity or P90X?

If you aren’t necessarily prepared physically then you most definitely need to be prepared mentally. Insanity and P90X are tough and there are going to be moments when you want to give up, yell at and curse Shaun T. or Tony, but this is what these programs are all about. It’s about pushing the limits of your body and mind to the next level. So while these are both advanced workouts and are geared more towards those who are already in good physical condition; not everyone who embarks on the Insanity or P90X journey is already in shape. And these workouts are hard even for those who HAVE been working out or are in good physical condition. So no matter who you are or what fitness level you’re at always, always, always go at your own pace. If you need to stop, rest, curse and/or get water – do it.

Still unsure?

Again, you can’t go wrong with either one of these as they will both get you in great shape and you will look and feel better than you ever have before. Don’t be afraid to try either one or even both. A lot of P90X graduates move onto Insanity and vice versa. And once you have completed both series you can even use the workouts together as a hybrid or mix them in with other routines such as jogging, elliptical, spinning, etc.