Insanity Reviews: Pure Cardio
As promised, here is another Insanity Review. I have previously reviewed Plyo Cardio Circuit, and Pure Cardio (like Plyo Cardio) is a monster. I just completed this workout this morning, so the workout is fresh on my mind. My Insanity Review will be based on my personal thoughts, and break down the workout for you to see. I promise you this, you can not fully appreciate this program, unless you try it. I can tell you about it, it is hard…. but until you try it for yourself, you can never fully appreciate the hard work. When starting the Insanity Workout: Pure Cardio workout dvd, the disclaimer states plainly…its an intense program, that you should take breaks, get your doctors approval, and that its an advanced program. There might be some other items in there too, but I admit, I paid little attention. What’s a workout without a little pain and suffering. 
So the overall workout length is 38 minutes, 16 seconds. I know there might be some die hard P90X fans out there saying, “WHAT, only 38 minutes?” I can relate, we’re used to longer workouts pushing 60 minutes. However, after 38 minutes of Insanity, you’re thankful for the cool down and stretch.
The Insanity Pure Cardio workout begins with a warm up (cough cough), if you call that a warm up. It’s just over 10 minutes, but if you started the warm up, and someone walked into the room, they would swear you were right in the middle of the cardio portion. Don’t think you’re going to take a nice walk, or a little jog, maybe throw your arms around a little. By the time you finish the warm up, you’re already sweating like crazy, or at least I was. So the warm up is 3 rounds of about 3 minutes and 30 seconds each. There is no break between the rounds. Each round is slightly faster than the last, and the last round is “as fast as you can go” pace. I know, Insane. The warm up is very similar to the one in Plyo Cardio. Each round you move from a Jog, Jumping jacks, Heisman (jumping side to side), 123 Heisman (moving side to side with 3 fast small steps), Butt Kicks, High Knees (running in place, with high knees), and Mummy Kicks. When that’s over, you get your first water break, a whole 20 seconds, of which each second is precious and dear. Then the stretch. Which leads me to another thought. In what other workout program or cardio dvd have you actually worked so hard during the warm up, that you NEEDED a water break after it was over? This fitness program is being stated to be the hardest fitness program on dvd. And I think they mean it!
The stretch is more like a “Power” stretch. A lot of times when you stretch, you use your hands on the floor as you stretch your legs. Spread your feet apart, rest your hands on the floor. Runner stretch, hands on the floor, etc. With Insanity, you stretch your legs and lower body, while your hands are straight out or up. Which means your legs are working, and your upper body is not taking any of the weight. So Power stretch seems to work for me. However, I really like the stretch, it’s thorough, and does what its supposed to do, gets you ready for the workout. The stretch lasts about 5 minutes and 50 seconds. Nice. Then guess what. A water break. I felt like I needed it. If nothing else, I needed to get myself prepped for the rest of the workout, and if the warm up is an indication, I know its going to be intense.
So 21 minutes are left on the clock. Now if I hadn’t already seen what Shaun T can do to a man or woman in that span of time, I might of thought, NO PROBLEM, PIECE OF CAKE. Don’t be fooled. The main part of the workout is 15 minutes. 15 moves, 1 minute each.
Sounds easy. The hard part is, you’ve seen your last water break until all 15 moves are completed. The moves are not easy either, they require plenty of effort, and once completed, you’re completely exhausted. Even Shaun T rolls out on the floor! The 15 moves are:
- Suicide (side to side touching the floor)
- Switch kicks (exhausting)
- Wide football sprints
- Stance Jacks
- Pedal (two lunges, then sprint, followed by 2 more lunges, etc)
- Hooks and Jump rope (8 hook punches, several high jumps, 8 punches etc)
- Power jacks (like jumping jacks, but you go deep in a wide lunge)
- Level 2 drills (these get me every time. 8 push ups followed by 8 run lunges, repeat)
- Frog Jumps
- Power Knees (switch every 30 seconds)
- Mountain Climbers
- Ski Down (jump side to side as if skiing)
- Scissor Runs
- Suicide Jumps (squat down, jump back to a push up, stand up again)
- Push up jacks (push ups with wide feet)
Some of those may be hard to imagine, and are a little difficult to explain. But my hope is not that you can get through the workout on what I write, but get an idea of the workout itself.
Throughout the 15 drills, many of the cast members are taking breaks. I took breaks. It’s tough, mentally challenging, physically challenging. Shaun T would walk around the room, and often tell a cast member to take a break. It’s ok. But my personal goal is to complete each workout from start to finish and take breaks at the designated break times. Like I said, at the end, everyone is exhausted. Many are on their knees, and some just roll out on the floor. I got the biggest kick from the little text prompts that says “Never stop moving”. Shaun T is lying on the floor, and then you see “Never stop moving”. It’s comical.
You finish with a 1 minute water break, then you take about 4 minutes or so to cool down and stretch.
From reading this Insanity Review, you might think… Sounds too tough for me. It may be. It’s an advanced program. As said by Beachbody. Insanity is to cardio training, like P90X is to resistance training. But if you have done P90X or Chalean Extreme, I think Insanity is within your reach, and can push you into another level of fitness. As always, I’m here to help you, answer your questions, etc, just drop me a line. Feel free to comment and post your thoughts. Until the next Insanity Review…
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July 23rd, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Hello,
I have three questions which I want to figure out before ordering the product; regard to your experience with Insanity.
1. Could you tell us when should we start the workout? morning is better? night? afternoon?!
2. Please give us information about having these moves before meals or after?
3. Do I need to have Mat because my floor all covered by carpet (what do you suggest).
This is crucial I think especially for Insanity. I might add something the reason I really interested in Insanity is you don’t need to but weights, bands and etc. Therefore, please answer these questions in details kindly and with your passion.
Regards,
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Hi Mark. I’ve only had the opportunity to do Insanity a few times. But I’ll answer your questions based on my opinion so far.
1. THis is going to be personal preference. I work out first thing in the morning. Some people like this, others do not. It might be a little more challenging in the morning because you body is sitting on “empty” first thing. You might want to have a snack before working out for fuel. I would prefer afternoons, but my schedule does not allow this option.
2. I would eat 1-3 hours before your workout. Depending on the length of time for how much. 3 hours before, you could probably get in a regular meal. 2 hours a snack. 1 hour maybe something like protein. After the workout, I really enjoy the P90X Recovery Forumula between 15-45 minutes after the workout. And then another meal about 30 minutes or so after that.
3. I’m currently working out on carpet, in my living room. A mat might be a good addition for some extra padding, and also to keep the sweat (lots of it) off your carpet. Have a good pair of shoes for comfort.
Hope this helps,
July 24th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Hi Robert. Thank you for your reviews. They are very thorough. I am definitely interested but scared! I’ve been active for most of my life and I’m coordinated so I don’t find exercises confusing to follow. Just scared of the hard work. Haven’t tried the p90x for the same reason and I didn’t even know about Chalean Extreme but have enjoyed Turbo Jams. Are these workouts planned out? Does it tell you which exercises to do for, let’s say, the first week? Or does one just do what they want? Thanks.
July 24th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Hi Lilia, Chalean Extreme is EXCELLENT. I really enjoyed the program. The entire program is planned out for you. You know exactly what to eat, when to workout, which workout to do. Very professionally done! Here’s a link to an article I wrote about which Chalean Extreme program to choose:
http://www.extremely-fit.com/fitness-tips/2008/12/chalean-extreme-program-selection-guide
I have also thoroughly reviewed Chalean, you can find the categories top right. Let me know if I can help you further! Keep me posted on how you are doing!
Robert
July 28th, 2009 at 3:43 am
I need to know if you need a lot of space for the Insanity workouts. I have a small living room and that is where I complete my DVD workouts.
Please advise.
July 28th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I used a 6′ x 6′ area for the first three workouts with NO problems. A small place will be fine.
July 31st, 2009 at 9:46 am
Hi,
Just wanted to say thanks for posting these reviews. I just started Insanity (Today is day 5) and it really helps to read these reviews before-hand. I liked to be a little mentally prepared as if that’s even possible with this workout.
To explain how I feel about this INTENSE and INSANE workout, I’d have to quote Tony. I HATE IT BUT I LOVE IT.
Thanks again,
Jess- a fellow Insanity addict
October 19th, 2009 at 10:24 am
I have to agree with Jess and her quoting Tony, I hate it but I love it! It is INTENSE!! My husband and I are doing the Hybrid schedule and now P90 almost feels like a break…almost
Between the two workouts, I feel like I am in the best shape I have ever been in. My whole family and all my friends are noticing the changes.
Thanks for the reviews…it helps to know what to expect when I am doing Insanity that night.
I’m Hooked!!
October 19th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Jess & Niki. Thank you for the comments. I appreciate you both stopping by. Please come back again. And if I can help along the way, please let me know!
October 20th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hey i am waiting for my insanity workout to come in the mail and i am reading all of these reviews…Is it going to be hard for my to start insanity first without going through p90x because i kinda wanted to start with insanity since it is only 2 months and then after use p90x…thx for doing a review it really convinced me to buy it!
October 20th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
No problem Jamie. If you need any help or have questions, let me know. We appreciate your business as well. Good luck!!
October 20th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Jamie V,
I have never done P90x and I still jumped right into Insanity and got results.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
okay thx for ur help!
October 20th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Jamie,
I think you will be fine. I did the Insanity workout and I haven’t done the P90X workout. Good luck!
October 29th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I just started insanity this week, and I did pure cardio today. I used to run 5-6 miles a day before my ankle was injured and went through a round of p90x this summer(I’m 19 ~160 5′11).
Not only did I rest 3-4 times, but at the end of the workout I sprawled out on the floor like everyone in the video. The level 2 drill was insanely difficult while my heart was going ~160, and pushup jacks were pretty much impossible to do the whole way through.
Anyway, my question is, according to the equation I should be consuming ~3100 cal a day(~2000 BMR x 1.7 multiplier or something) but I think that’s insane! I’m in college and it’s hard enough to eat healthy as it is, but how am I supposed to stack on 3100 cal a day? Is the equation accurate? I’m currently eating 2200-2500 and I don’t feel fatigued due to hunger or lack of carbs during the workouts.
Also, I’m afraid I’ll lose muscle mass from doing this(I’m around 9-10% body fat). Although it’s supposed to tone your muscles, I really don’t feel much of a pec/bicep/tricep burn(my shoulders are sore as I speak). I’m still intaking ~100g of protein a day, so should I be worried at all about losing muscle? Will I simply get more toned from this?
In addition, I use(or try to) my core throughout the workouts as instructed, but right now I feel more sore in my lower back. Is that expected due to the large number of lunges/squats/suicides?
Finally, I just wanted to comment on this amazing program in general. The fact that even shaun rests throughout this workout is a little more encouraging than p90x(I remember in p90 when I was doing those forward/back lunges in the leg/back routine and Tony started taking a nap while I was shaking uncontrollably and literally on the verge of tears due to the burn). Everyone in the workout has insane(haha) core muscles, and I can’t wait to see results!
October 29th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Bob, Thanks for commenting, I’m going to send you an email.
October 30th, 2009 at 2:14 am
hi..
my baby is turning one soon and i feel like i have not got rid of my pregnancy weight..and i haven’t been active since back in 03 since hs…do u think this a good routine for me?? for me to lose weight and build nice muscle?
October 30th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Hi Jessica, Thanks for visiting. Insanity would be too difficult starting out. I would choose a beginner program such as Power 90, Turbo Jam, or Hip Hop Abs to start off. Here is a link to compare some programs.
November 28th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Hi,
I’m wondering if you’d say the same thing for me as you did Jessica on the 30th? I’ve dropped from 225 last winter to 200 lbs now, and I’m 5″9″. I’m naturally athletic, having played college level baseball, and still play softball 2-3 doublle headers per week, but I’m sore. I ski once every 2.5 weekends in the winter, as hard as I can. I have to take breaks on the side of the hill here and there, but I go hard. I love the idea of being fit in 60 days, but haven’t done a serious workout since college and I’m 30. What do you suggest?
November 29th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Tough to say Marc, it sounds as though you have been active. I know Insanity is extreme and challenging. You might benefit more from something like P90X first, it’s a 90 day program. P90X is an advanced program as well, but I have known several people to start with it and do well. After P90X go for Insanity. This of course is only my opinion.
January 13th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
hi i was wondering if it would be okay to sart another round of insanity right after i complete my 60 days on it? i only got about 2 weeks left of insanity and wanted to know whats next? i really like doing insanity but would it be too hard on my body if i did another 60 days after i complete it?
January 15th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Hi Gloria, I sent you an email response as well, but in short for other readers that may come through…. I think it’s fine to do a 2nd round of Insanity. Eventually I would like to see a 3rd round with some sort of mix Insanity and another program. Email me when the time comes, and I can help out. Good luck and keep me posted!
January 15th, 2010 at 9:29 am
Thank you for the review. I am in the first week of Insanity and I absolutely love it (though I hate it at times, usually the warm up). I agree that this really is the toughest program I have utilized. Folks who have not seen the videos (or info on TV) think I am lying when I tell them about the warm ups, then their jaws fall when they hear about the rest of the moves. I def agree that folks who have not participated in a consistent (and fairly vigorous) work out routine would get no benefit from this system (and would probably end up getting hurt). Again, thank you and I enjoyed the review.
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Hi! I have a quick question. I’m on day 6 of Insanity & I have to agree with you it’s INSANE! I feel like I take too many breaks (1-2 per move) but when i’m not make no mistake i’m putting in 110% effort. Also, i’m young still in my teens so I find the nutrition guide difficult to stick to at times especially when i’m out hanging with my friends. However, i’m trying to abide by the ‘concept’ of eating 5-6 small meals a day to keep the metabolism going. My question is will I see results? I plan on doing 2 rounds of Insanity before Summer gets here & obviously continuing on from there. So by Summer should I be somewhat toned? I hope so lol. Thanks in advance!
January 24th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Jen, your amount of breaks will diminish in time. As you continue, you’ll get better and better. Keep going 110%! As far as results. I think being a younger age, helps, but if you are not seeing the results you want, and you are still going 110%, then it’s without a doubt your DIET. So, with that in mind, diet will make and break your results. Eat clean as OFTEN as possible, stick to the 5-6 times per day. Even with your friends, you can usually find a healthier alternative when out and about. Pack a shake or a protein bar to take a long with you, eat the grilled chicken at fast food with no mayo. Skip the fries, get a salad with low fat dressing (sparingly). There are ways to get around the diet when out and about, be creative. Let me know how your results are going!
January 26th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Hello, I’m considering getting Insanity but I have a few questions. First, how much space is required? I saw in an earlier post that you work out in a 6×6 area. I live in a college house with a basement that has an area that size, but the ceilings are pretty low (approx. 8 feet). Will that be a problem? Also, is it alright to lift weights in addition to doing Insanity?
January 26th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Hi John, you can modify to make this work. There are a few moves that you jump in the air, and reach upwards. I modified this where I jumped up, but left my hands lower or at my sides to make it work. You can also lift weights with Insanity. I would start with just Insanity and see how you feel, then add weights in of you are feeling good. Thanks for stopping by, feel free to come back and let us know how you are doing! http://www.extremely-fit.com/insanity.html
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I am on my 3rd week of Insanity…I absolutely love it!!! I get up every morning about 4am and do it, normally after a few days of working out in the morning I start to loathe it, but I am so addicted to the adrenaline high that I am ready every day. This workout challenges you mentally and physically and leaves you with tons of energy throughout the day! I cant wait to start the “MAX” workouts!
February 5th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
I am on my fifth day of Insanity. The name fits it perfectly! It is a great workout, and I am already feeling and seeing results! It is amazing!
February 11th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
i have 3 letters for this workout: O.M.G…haha..Insanity is the correct title for this workout. Im on my 5th day and i feel the soreness. Question though: i know with a diet and everything, when do you actually start seeing results? I have a buddy who does this workout with me, and we motivate eachother to keep going. The first day i took alot of mini breaks, but i noticed since that day my breaks have been diminishing. I feel my back tighter, and my calves, but i dont feel anything in my core area? what do you suggest on this?
February 11th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Bianca, I don’t think the cardio abs starts getting added into the rotation until later, however, you could probably add it in now, once or twice a week. Another thing is to start focusing on your core. Now that your breaks are starting to diminish, start contracting the core during plank movements etc. See if this helps.
February 18th, 2010 at 2:43 am
Hi there, thanks for this review!
I just finished my 3rd day of Insanity. I noticed that you told a girl earlier that she probably won’t see results from this workout becuase she hasn’t worked out in a while, and I was wondering if you would say the same thing for me.
I am in my Freshman year of college and I haven’t really worked out since my Sophomore year of high school, but this past December I got a gym membership and went multiple times a day, working on cardio and some weight training. It was hard because I hadn’t really worked out in a while but it felt good. Also, this semester I’m doing a Yoga class for stretching, balance, and flexibility.
Anyway, I started Insanity on Monday and after the Fit Test I felt like I was going to puke. I didn’t (haha), but I got a huge adrenaline rush and I loved every second. Yesterday I did the Plyo Cardio Circuit with my Aunt and I took a few breaks between but I kept up good. Today I did the Cardio Power and Resistance and I took less breaks than yesterday. I feel great, I can feel my muscles tense up and I feel like I’m really going to get results from this.
I’m just afraid because I don’t want to put all this effort in if you guys think it won’t do me any good. I know I haven’t worked out in a while but I feel like this is at least giving me something.
Sorry its so long, but I’m really curious. I don’t want to waste my time. Haha.
February 18th, 2010 at 2:45 am
Sorry, I meant that I went to the gym multiple times a week in my last post! I didn’t notice that until I submitted it!
February 18th, 2010 at 8:10 am
Mariah,
I think anyone can get results from this program, or any program. It depends on two things. Working out hard everyday (which you will do with Insanity), and what your diet is like. If you calculate your calories in the nutrition guide, and follow the diet it recommends, then I think you have every reason to believe you will get results! Just keep working out, have patience, and eat right! Good luck and post or email anytime with questions.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:13 am
Hello Robert,
I read in a previous post about modifying the workout because of having a low ceiling. I’m 6′3, I have a 7 foot 1 inch ceiling. Will I still be able to get full results?
February 21st, 2010 at 1:01 pm
There are places in the workout where you squat and jump straight up. In the video, they jump and reach upwards. I modified and jumped up, but kept my hands to my sides. So the question would be, how high can you jump straight up from a squat. I think you can still modify and do this program with great results, even if you did have to modify the exercise with the squat jump.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
I love a good workout but I was sidelined by an injury for about six months. Then I started working full time and attending college. Long story short, I have not worked out for about eight months. I really want to get back in shape and look amazing. I have already purchased Insanity but should I start out small and work up to Insanity or will I be able to power through it??
February 25th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Kirsten, If you had not purchased Insanity, I might have said, consider doing a program like Power 90 first, and then Insanity. Power 90 is a great basic program focused on weight loss, and is perfect to getting back into working out, or starting out. But since you have it, I would try it. You will know right away once you start, whether you should consider another program. I have customers that have really dedicated themselves and pushed themselves and got through it, others who thought it was too much too soon. You will have to take breaks with Insanity, even more advanced people have to take breaks, its an extreme program. Try the Fit Test DVD, first. See what you feel like at the end of that. The Fit Test DVD is about half of a regular workout. Let me know how I can help.
February 26th, 2010 at 12:07 am
Thanks Robert! I am definitely going to be dedicated. I have the type of personality that doesn’t like to give up on anything. I am excited to start Insanity. I happened to catch the infomercial and I was interested. A friend of mine has recently started the program and he told me it was the hardest workout he has ever had. I will keep in touch as I progress through the program. I will definitely let you know if I have any questions. Your comments were much appreciated.
March 1st, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I finished Insanity and am starting again. I only lost a few pounds overall (I didn’t follow any of the diet stuff), but I lost 8 inches total between chest and waist. My core is way more firm and the cardio is great.
Be ready to sweat and pant. The absolute worst day is the first day of week 6 when you do a fit test and start with the Max workouts – Brutal!!!!
In going back to the first month workouts, I can now pretty much make it through without big breaks. The warm-ups actually feel like warm-ups and not full workouts in themselves – which feels good.
This program demands a healthy level of fitness before starting and is certainly not for everybody. If you have joint troubles (especially hip, knee, or back) I’d suggest major modification to the workout or find a different program. The plyometrics are likely to cause injury unless care is taken.
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:05 am
Congrats on finishing Insanity. And starting again! Thanks for the feedback. Let us know how the second round goes.