To decide which is better – P90X or insanity, is a daunting task. Both of these are exercise regimes devised by Tony Horton and Shaun T. The following article compare between these two exercise regimens and provides information about the same.
The obsession about weight loss and getting in shape seems to be turning bigger, better, and deadlier. Due to this weight loss obsession, every alternate day a new fitness regime is introduced in the market. From fitness experts for celebrities to health experts, all of them are creating their own unique fitness mantras. The latest to join the bandwagon are two fitness and workout programs, P90X and Insanity. An insight on the real deal about these 2 programs is given here.
The P90X – What is it?
Devised by Tony Horton in association with Beachbody, P90x workout routine or Power 90 extreme is a home exercise system. It was launched in 2004. This system or program claims to enhance fitness in 90 days through vigorous and intense training. It focuses on full body fitness and comprises strength and cardiovascular training. This is done with the help of circuits, plyometrics, intervals, and yoga. Stretching workouts are also an important part of this program and they are divided in three 30 day phrases. It comes with a P90x nutrition guide and dietary supplement plan. Most of the workouts need to be performed for an hour.
Insanity Program
Developed by Shaun T, this fitness regime includes cardiovascular exercises, plyometrics, sports drills, for improving on speed and reflexes, resistance training for upper body, and core exercises for abs. Fitness and nutrition guide is also included in this 60-day program. Cross training and intervals further make this program effective. The core of this regime is that moderate exercises are performed for a short period, while intensive and exhausting exercises are performed for a longer duration. Which is quite unlike the traditional way.
Which is Tougher: P90X or Insanity?
To begin with, both have been claimed as super intense and only for conditioned athletes. How hard you find either of these, totally depends on how much you workout regularly. It is very subjective. To be specific, Insanity workout by Shaun T has been found to be really tough, as it is all cardio. This routine is all about gut-wrenching cardio, where your own body weight is used as the primary form of resistance.
The key to fitness in Shaun T’s regime is aerobic exercises. The program demands that you perform intense aerobic exercises for half an hour to an hour at 85% of your effort minimum, for 60 days. Therefore, one has to decide considering his or her own body requirements and capacity which one to opt.
P90X, by Tony Horton, on the other hand, will put forth a testing time for you in terms of strength and training. While Insanity is all about cardio, P90x workout emphasizes more on weight resistance training. From pull ups to free weights, this routine consists of cardio and plyometrics (jump based routines), Here, you would be burning fat in a classic manner, by breaking down the muscle tissue. This will lead to muscle growth. Along with being fitter and stronger, your appearance will also change at the end of the program of 90 days.
Another consideration is that how much time are you willing to invest? Both of them are extremely tough, although in a different manner. Insanity might be extremely draining, because of its sheer pace and duration. On the other hand, P90x is incredibly tiring and drains out your energy because you are putting in 3 months of sustained effort. The longer duration and slower pace of P90X compared to Insanity demands grit and will power.
At the end of the day, it is all about your taste, and what do you plan to achieve from either of these programs. You need to first analyze and then decide which is better for you. If you are all for aerobic exercises and cardio, go for Insanity. If you are looking to build some muscles and want to get back in shape, P90X is a good option. Whatever you choose, stick to it and have a great time working out!
