Insanity Pure Cardio Workout – Initial Impressions
Insanity Pure Cardio Workout – Initial Impressions
Oct 5th, 2009 | By Coach Nancy | Category: Digging Deeper with Insanity
I’ve managed to work my way through the Pure Cardio workout twice now. Like all the Insanity workouts, at roughly 40 minutes (it’s actually more like 38 minutes), it’s shorter than the P90X workouts which tend to run a good hour. But just because it’s a good third shorter as far as time goes, don’t think you won’t get a great workout.
Shaun T has you start out with warm up session that runs about 7 minutes. Now if you are thinking that doesn’t sound that tough, try it. It’s 3 cycles of exercises that include running (3 versions), jumping jacks, heisman jumps (2 kinds), and mummy kicks. Each cycle Shaun has you moving faster than the previous cycle. By the time you finish, you are already sweating.
Then you move into stretching which lasts 5 – 6 minutes.
Now you move into the main session. It runs about 15 minutes long. Not long enough you think cuz you’re kind of fit already? Think again. It’s so intense you won’t be able to do it any longer than that.
I’ll post up all the exercises you run through in another post but what you do need to know is that this cardio session is intense and focuses on moves that engage your core. I noticed this same core focus when I tried the Plyo workout. In my opinion, the Insanity program’s success in ripping fat off of your body is attributable to the sheer intensity and the core focus.
What I like best so far about Insanity is that even the uber-fit guys and gals who are doing the workout with Shaun have to take breaks.
- I had to take several breaks.
- You will have to take breaks.
- It’s OK to take breaks. Even with breaks it still is one heck of a workout.
I’m still finishing my first round of P90X (I’m in Phase 3 now) so I’ll be doing Insanity workouts as I have time and energy to do them. That means my posts on Insanity won’t come daily but I’ll work at getting a new Insanity workout review up weekly.
Click on the Related Post link below to find out more about the Insanity program or click on this Digging Deeper with Insanity link to read more of my posts on doing the workouts.
you’re crazy doing both at the same time! I mean crazy in a good way as in having a case of INSANITY! I have just started Insanity myself, one week tomorrow, but I find myself doing Ab Ripper X and I am considering doing P90x Back and Biceps since these two muscle groups seem to be overlooked in Insanity by virtue of no equipment required.
I think it’s great that you’re posting your progress. I find your reviews of the sessions I’ve done so far to be right on target. Yeah, I liked the fact that even Tonya has to take breaks!
As they say in the 9th Infantry, “Keep Up the FIre!”
Hahaha! I probably am crazy – I sure felt that way this week.
I like your approach with Insanity. I find Ab Ripper X really gets my midsection working and at this point am somewhat on the fence about Cardio Abs. I did that one once and I expected it to be more cardio than it was. I also like your idea about adding in the P90X Back and Biceps workout.
When I’m done with this first round of P90X, I’m going to put together a combo routine with Chris who works out with me. He’s working on putting on more muscle while I’m about to move my primary focus to fat loss which will make it tricky to get right for both of us. For the first 2 phases of P90X, I was focused first on muscle growth myself knowing that I’d still get a large amount of fat loss anyway. I’ll keep you appraised when I’ve got that mapped out and I’d love your input.
Thanks for being part of our community here.
Nancy
I am on day 3 of insanity and i dont think my calfs have ever been this tender. Thats a good thing! My sister told me about it and i figured that it wouldnt be that big of a deal since i went through two a days for four years. i was wrong. I will keep yall posted on my results in the upcoming weeks. If you THINK you are in shape I dare you to try insanity.
I love Insanity…after you get through that you should try Asylum! Have fun!!!