It’s just about time to swap woollen sweaters for tank tops and winter jackets for bathing suits, are you ready? If just the mere thought of showing some skin makes you want to run and go into hiding, it’s time to take a deep breath and relax – but only for a moment.
Have you heard the popular saying floating around social media these days that ‘Summer bodies are made in the winter?’
Despite what you may think about Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., there’s definitely a lot of truth to this trendy adage.
Forget saving your beach-body programme for the six-week summer boot camp dash. Instead, make it easy on yourself and start now. Also, who needs to spend all their dough on a personal trainer when there are a plethora of highly effective workout programs you can do in the comfort of your own home, including P90X and Insanity.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past five years, chances are you’ve heard of these two intense video workouts. However, you may not be clear on which of the two is better for you. Let’s take a good look and compare the two.
P90X
What is P90X?
Want to transform your body in just 90 days? P90X is a complete 90-day home fitness system designed to get you in the best shape of your life. Created by trainer Tony Horton, the program includes 12 intense workouts that use resistance and body-weight training, cardio, plyometrics, ab work, martial arts and yoga, along with a three-phase nutrition plan, fitness guide and workout calendar.
How Does P90X Work?
The true secret of how P90X works lies is rooted in muscle confusion. This intensive workout program uses targeted training phases so your body keeps adapting and growing. Constant change means your body will never get used to the routines, making improvements, slow down or even stop.
The Pros of P90X
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It’s affordable.
Let’s face it – gym memberships can be costly. And for those who have young children at home, there’s also the added worry/fee of daycare or childminding. While P90X may seem like a big expenditure up from, it will cost you roughly around $125 to $150 for the program. Then, you’ll need to purchase a yoga mat, resistant bands and a pull-up bar. But don’t worry, it’s an investment that will quickly pay off.
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It’s convenient.
With this workout program, you don’t have to worry about driving across town to a gym. Instead, you can work up a sweat in the comfort of your own home at any time of day, wearing whatever you feel comfortable in. Going on holidays? Simply bring your P90X DVD collection and gear along with you.
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Avoid the Dreaded Plateau.
Short training cycles constantly challenge your muscles with variety and intensity. And, P90X maximizes fat burning and muscle sculpting in different ways every day. By constantly changing up your workout routine, you’ll avoid the plateau effect – meaning each phase of P90X is going to be as effective as the first.
The Cons of P90X
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It’s Not a Quick Fix.
While there are numerous speedy workout videos on the market, P90X is definitely not one of them. Be prepared to spend the next 90 days for anywhere between 43 and 90 minutes, daily, with this fitness program. For the average 9 to 5 worker, this is going to be getting up at the crack of dawn or sacrificing your evening wind-down time in the pursuit of a more toned and slimmer you.
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The Equipment Factor.
As mentioned above, you’re going to need to invest in the following fitness equipment if you don’t already have it at home: resistance bands, a yoga mat and a pull-up bar. The pull-up bar is often a deterrent for many as you’ll need to utilize a solid door frame and drill it into the drywall.
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Maintaining Motivation.
Unless you’re doing this program with a workout buddy, there’s zero accountability. With no one to look over your shoulder or encourage you, the workouts can quickly become a painful slog and those three months will move at a snail’s pace.
Insanity
What is the Insanity Workout?
Not for the faint of heart, the Insanity workout by Shaun T is another top contender in the home workout realm. This interval-training program is packaged as 10 high-intensity workout DVDs, or you can get the ‘deluxe’ version with an extra couple to make 12 DVDs.
In just 60 days, Insanity promises to help you build muscle all over and trim body fat for an incredible change in appearance in just two months.
How Does The Insanity Workout Work?
Rather than exercising at a moderate pace like running or spinning, you work flat out in 3 to 5-minute blocks, and take breaks only long enough to gulp some air and get right back to work. It’s called Max Interval Training, because it keeps your body working at maximum capacity through your entire workout. You keep pushing your limits – so your body has to adapt. The program also includes a detailed nutrition plan that allows for an increase in calories during the second phase.
Pros of the Insanity Workout
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Less Time.
While P90X is a 90-day commitment and can take up to an hour and 15 minutes to complete a session, Insanity is just 60 days and the average workout is 45 minutes.
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Convenient.
Similar to P90X, Insanity is convenient – well, maybe even more so. (See #3).
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No Weights, No Equipment.
Forget having to go out and purchase any equipment or drill any holes in your door frames, Insanity requires no equipment at all.
Cons of the Insanity Workout
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Not for Novices.
We’re not going to sugar coat it, Insanity, like the P90X program, is tough stuff. It’s not designed for anyone with health conditions like pulmonary, metabolic, or cardiovascular issues. Also, anyone with diabetes, severe obesity or orthopedic problems will struggle with this strenuous program. Instead, Insanity is geared towards individuals who already lead an active lifestyle and wish to take their fitness to the next level.
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Get Ready to Sweat.
P90X breaks up cardio with weight training – that’s not the case with Insanity. Insanity is almost solely focused on cardio, which might not give you the lean, chiseled look you desire. Warning: be prepared for leg fatigue as a strong cardio emphasis will be on your lower half.
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Can you Stay Motivated?
If you easily grow bored of home-based workouts, Insanity may not be the program for you. As with any solo fitness program, you’re going to have to practice some serious inner strength and will to keep going – especially on those days your legs feel like wobbly Jell-O.
And there you have it, a rundown on two home workout programs that are taking the fitness industry by storm. Take the pros and cons of both into consideration and don’t forget to factor in your current lifestyle. What works for one, might not necessarily work for the other.
Before you get started with these or any fitness program, make sure to consult your physician if you suffer from any health problems. Good luck and happy slimming!
