Forget everything you've ever heard about high intensity workouts. This workout will take you to hell and back in 30-60 minutes while helping you reach new limits you never thought possible.
The Insanity Workout is a quick yet intense full on body routine working every single part of your body at a strenuous pace for six days of the week. It's also the hardest workout ever put on DVD. (No joke). But don't let fear hold you back.
Anyone can do it! Which is why we got talking to Group Exercise Manager at Reebok Sports Club London, Tanya Camilleri and in-house nutritionist at Lifesum, Lovisa Nilsson to find just exactly what this raved about training programme has to offer.
Here's what you need to know about this no-mess workout...
1. It helps improve your fitness performance
Founder of Insanity, Shaun T bases the programme on the concept of 'max interval training'. So while you're working at an intense pace you get short (and longer) periods of rest too, but here's where the tough part comes in. During the intense interval you switch from each move to another with little or NO break at all. Basically just enough to catch your breath.
But that's is what makes you stronger! Tanya says it "helps improve your performance by interspersing high-intensity work efforts (AKA, drills) with periods of recovery. It works both the aerobic and anaerobic system using the energy stored in the muscles as fuel."
Told you it was hardcore.
2. Everyone and anyone can do it
As long as you're determined (and not a winging not a couch potato) everyone can do it. This is the beauty of the workout!
"Anyone can do it, either in the comfort of your own home or as part of a group class. The group exercise adaptation of the workout has been designed to give participants a safe, challenging and results driven experience.
"It takes into consideration the special needs of the group exercise setting by providing a variety of modifications and instructor skills on how to provide the ultimate workout regardless of the varied fitness level of participants," says Tanya. Test yourself and push yourself to the limit. After all, that's what the programme's all about. That's when you start seeing that six-pack coming through.
3. You'll see results within 6-8 weeks of starting up!
Yeahuh, you better believe it. In fact, the programme claims to give you ONE year's workout in just SIXTY days!
"Max interval training workouts allow you to preserve hard earned muscles while ensuring most of the of the weight loss comes from the fat store", says Tanya. Hello, new ripped bod.
4. You can lose up to 1,000 calories
You may be busting ass everyday but the results are amazing! Besides nothing worth having is easy, right? Right.
Lovisa says, "Considering Insanity is a 6 day a week workout, that’s about 6,000 calories you’re burning per week. Which is equivalent to burning 3 days worth of food per week so the results are bound to show quickly.
"Additionally it allows your body to beat the stress adaption response meaning that your body won’t get too comfortable and used to exercising". Sounds like our kind of workout.
5. There's no diet involved
Now we're talking. Well, sort of...
"There isn’t a diet as such but more of a food plan where you choose a variety of 5 meals per day. The Insanity Meal Plan is designed to help your body cope with the intensity of the workout so a healthy balanced diet that doesn’t cut out or drastically decrease the intake of a particular food group is the key," says Lovisa.
So girls, no more faddy food habits. Just eating a variety of healthful foods will help you trim down faster and make you feel more energised and determined to get on with it and achieve your fitness goals.
6. You CAN eat more carbs
Upping your calories on the Insanity diet is a MUST. The harder you workout the more food your body needs for fuel. And if you're doing Insanity, you're sure as hell gonna need it.
"Your carbs intake has to support your training demands, therefore if you increase your training load, you may require more carbs", says Tanya. But this isn't a free ticket to visit the nearest Krispy Kreme shop! Be food wise. Here's a little peek into what it's really like...
7. You can do it at home or the gym!
Gym bunnies, don't worry. Insanity has rolled out across the country meaning you too can get a taste of what this workout is all about. Go to Rebook Sports London to find your nearest class!
8. You don't need weights to get ripped
One common misconception is that you need to do a vigorous cardio workout combined with some serious weight training, but the truth is, you simply don't! With Insanity you're building strength while literally melting off the fat allowing all that beautiful muscular definition we all have to show through, fast.
9. You'll sweat like no other
Don't go into a sesh half hearted. We've never sweated the way we have doing this workout. Yep, you'll be drenched by the end of it, but the satisfaction and shower afterwards will be the greatest high you'll ever get.
10. You'll have a kick ass body
Transform into a kick ass warrior in just a mere few months! If Tanya can give you one word of advice it's to go in there with no expectations! She says, "Give it a try, go with a friend for support and have fun!".
Are you up to the challenge? Tweet us @sofeminineUK!
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