| I met Ali through her sister Jackie, who teaches at Penn's gym with me. Jackie always described her sister as someone who was full of energy. When I heard that Ali was looking for a new fitness program, I just knew Insanity would be a good "fit" for her! Ali joined me for the live version of the Insanity workout one day, and she was hooked! Read below to hear about her 60-day experience with Insanity! |  |
In early May, I decided to try Sean T’s Insanity 60 Day Program. Let me tell you, the program is aptly named. The only way I could describe the workouts were by using the word, “Insane.” However, I survived the 60 days and can now be officially be called “Insane” (though I’ve been called that unofficially for various other reasons long before).
What were your goals before starting the program?
I chose Insanity to get ready for summer and to challenge myself physically. Also, I was in one of those exercise ruts where I needed a change of routine. I learned that before officially starting the Insanity workout plan, Insanity has you complete a fit test and record your results. This test will be repeated 4 more times throughout the 60 day program. You are given a minute to complete as many reps of various cardio and strength moves as you possibly can. I recall being overconfident and considering skipping the fit test and diving in. I’m happy I took the fit test because it gave me quite the reality check. My goal then became to get through the fit test without slowing down or stopping during the minute intervals. Also, the competitor in my wanted to have more reps logged than Sean T’s "teacher’s pets" that were featured on the DVD.
How did you enjoy the workouts?
The workouts and I had a love-hate relationship, which for me is what I need and crave. I loved feeling accomplished when I completed the challenging workouts. Then I despised how out of shape they initially made me feel. Though Sean T reminded you to go at your own pace, I felt the need to keep up with him, which was not possible for me for some exercises. The workouts would repeat throughout the weeks and the exercises that I dreaded did become easier to complete as I became conditioned to the program and what it demanded from your body. The workouts all begin with a 10 minute cardio warm-up and are followed by a 7 minute stretch before starting the circuits. In the beginning of my Insanity journey the stretching segment felt too long for me as I just wanted to keep my heart rate up and power through the program. As the DVDs got progressively harder, I looked forward to those long stretches. I really enjoyed Sean T’s different ways to work your abs. Without any crunches, he gets the job done. All in all, I enjoyed the workouts.
What was the most challenging part?
The most challenging part of Insanity for me personally was the push-up component and the power jumps. The push-up sets were part of plank circuits, so your arms are already screaming before you get to the push-ups. Sean T’s push-up speed was also much faster than mine so I was really pushing myself to get faster. Additionally, the power jumps were tiring but also difficult for me because I had to really focus on my form. I tend to have lower back issues and had to really remember to tighten my core and land gently.
Did you meet your goals? I did meet my goals of feeling better about my body for the beach, and I certainly challenged myself. I also was able to crush my original fit test results while catching up and surpassing Sean T’s featured exercisers. Were there any unexpected benefits? I really felt accomplished at the end of completing Insanity. Of all my athletic feats, I felt the most proud of myself after completing the Insanity program. It was also fun to hear people’s reactions when you’d mention that you do Insanity. They’d look at you in awe. I actually took a celebratory picture of myself in my sports bra. I’ve always been very self-conscious of my body and Insanity gave me needed confidence. |  |
Have you ever tried the Insanity workout program?
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