In this P90X Vs Insanity workout review, we look at and compare these two popular BeachBody programs to help you decide which will be best for you.
I’d heard good things about both Insanity and P90X but wondered if the latter was better suited to guys. Some women want to build a lot of muscle definition. Others just want to lose body fat and tone up, without fear of ending up with a masculine-looking physique. For this reason, it’s important to know the aim of the program you are thinking of undertaking.
So I set about researching Insanity and P90X and comparing reviews from people, specifically women, who have completed both programs.
Keep reading to find out what I discovered.
* Read my full P90X3 review here
* Read my full Insanity review here
P90X Vs Insanity – The Aim
When it comes to assessing P90X Vs Insanity, knowing what to expect will enable you to decide which program will work best for you.
Tony Horton’s Beachbody P90X delivers a full body workout, consisting of cardiovascular, yoga and weight training sessions. A 90-day program, the main aim is to shed excess weight and build lean muscle. The workouts are done 6 days a week, and each is approximately 60 minutes long. A typical week comprises 3 days of weight training, one Plyo workout, one Kickboxing session and one Yoga workout.
With the workouts in P90x changing every 3 weeks, it’s unlikely that boredom will be an issue.
While muscle toning will result from regularly doing Shaun T’s Insanity workout, the primary aim of the program is weight loss. An intense program from BeachBody that runs for 60 days, the Insanity exercises are done 6 days a week. An average session is approximately 45 minutes long, though some are shorter and other longer. Workouts include cardio, resistance, plyometrics and more, with the pace markedly stepping up during the second half of the program.
While Insanity and P90X are quite challenging, with both, if the pace is too much, there’s the option of following a modifier who demonstrates an easier version of all of the moves.
What Style are the Programs?
P90X is based on “muscle confusion.” The idea behind this is that when the exercise you do is alternated, along with your diet, your muscles and metabolism don’t know what to expect next. As a result, you will avoid the dreaded weight loss and fitness plateau.
The Insanity workout program is based on “Max Interval Training”, this being extended bursts of intense cardio, followed by shorter, less intense cardio. The workouts will quickly elevate your heart into its maximum fat burning range and leave you drenched in sweat.
P90X Vs Insanity Comparison
What are the Equipment Requirements?
Equipment needed for P90X includes resistance bands or dumbbells and a Chin-Up Bar. While not a necessity, a yoga mat will make for more comfortable workouts. Optional extras which will be helpful but not mandatory are Push-Up bars, a yoga block, and a heart rate monitor.
P90X Vs Insanity Diet
The P90X and Insanity diets are quite different.
The P90X diet is centers on a 3-phase nutrition plan. Phase 1 of the diet, the Fat-Shredder phase, involves eating mainly high protein, low fat, low carb foods. This type of diet, especially when combined with regular workout sessions, usually results in significant weight loss, but also a decrease in energy due to the low level of carbs consumed.
Phase 2 is called the Energy Booster. It is similar to the Insanity diet in that your meals will contain 40% carbohydrates, 40% protein and 20% fat.
Phase 3 of the P90X diet is known as the Endurance Maximizer. If you have a lot of body fat to lose, it’s best to stick with phase 2, as with Phase 3, gaining body fat is a possibility.
More straightforward, the Insanity diet is not difficult to stick to. Simply follow the included step-by-guide, to calculate your daily calorie allowance. Also included with Insanity is a booklet containing some tasty recipes, that are quick and easy to make.
P90X Vs Insanity Results
When it comes to assessing P90X Vs Insanity results, if you put the effort in you really won’t go wrong with either program. Both will help you increase your fitness level, tone up and lose weight.
As far as weight loss goes, I’d put Insanity slightly ahead of P90X. I’d also put Insanity slightly in front of P90X for increasing fitness. When it comes to toning, P90X comes out on top for me.
Insanity or P90X – Which is for Me?
Insanity and P90X are both very challenging workouts, with the most difficult in my opinion being Insanity.
The workouts in each of the programs should be undertaken 6 days a week, and you can take one day off. Both are affordable, have a lot of excellent reviews from purchasers, and come with a money back guarantee.
If you enjoy doing cardio, but don’t like lifting weights, you will probably do best with Insanity. If on the other hand, you enjoy weight training, Push-Ups, Pull-Ups and the like, P90X would probably be a better choice.
