stopWatch So my current workout program is called Insanity.  This is a workout from BeachBody which is also the maker of the popular P90x program.  The premise behind Insanity is Max Interval training.  Let’s step back and define in general what is Interval training?

 

What is Interval training?

Interval training is a way of exercising for periods of time at or near your maximum exertion levels.  You then follow this up with either a rest period, or some low intensity exercise. The idea is that you go for a brief period of time and then rest for a brief period of time.  This has been known to increase cardiovascular strength and burning fat in shorter periods of time than it would traditionally take.  The going theories always suggested that long sustained cardio workouts for 30 or more minutes was the ideal way to burn fat. But most recent studies have shown that Interval training is the way to go.  The science behind it I will not go into as I am not an expert and don't want to pretend to be.  But i do describe it a little more further down. 

What is Max Interval Training? (Used by Insanity)

With the creation of Insanity by Shaun T. and BeachBody they came up with a bit of a flip to the Interval training concept.  The idea is that you go for longer periods of time at your maximum exertion level and only rest for short periods of time. So for example you go for 3-4minutes of high  intensity cardio and then take a 30 second break.  Then go back in and do it again.  You do this for 3 sets in each Interval and there are basically 3 intervals in the Insanity workout’s.  Shaun T. has flipped the concept around to get the maximum benefits out of Interval training if you follow the program.

So what makes the Max Interval training used by Insanity so successful?

In insanities workout’s you are potentially burning over 1000 calories (1k) in the hour long session that the max interval workout’s go for.  The idea is that by burning more calories you can lose potential weight faster as well as burn off the fat all that much quicker and reshape your body to look much more toner and lean.

Additionally it has been shown that these high intensity workouts from Max Interval training increases your RMR (Resting Metabolic rate) which in terms continues to aid in burning fat longer than just while you are working out.   Hours after finishing your workout you would be burning calories at a higher rate than normal.  It is the High intensity workout’s that aid in raising the RMR similar to what having more lean muscle mass does from lifting weights and you additionally get this from your workouts during Insanity.  By creating leaner muscles you aid in the increase in your RMR.

Overall you will see your athletic performances go up significantly from day 1 to day 60.  There have been many studies that show the positive affects that High intensity interval training provides to athletes.  Even in only a few sessions.  So it has many areas that you will see improved upon.   You’ll see your endurance go up, your ability to recover quicker and your overall energy levels will skyrocket. 

ConclusionHeart_Rate_Interval_Training

Now is it, insanity,  the real deal? For sure.  But you have to, and I stress this, you have to follow the routine which includes doing the workout’s to  the max each and every time and proper nutrition.  Following the food guide you will see the benefits at expected. Just like any workout routine or lifting program you are following, consistency is the key.  Focus and stay committed and you’ll get out of it what you put into it. There are no gimmicks here, no magical drugs or pills to help you lose weight, get fit and become healthy. Takes time, dedication and a lot of sweat!  insanity will make you sweat your booty off.

 

So if interested in learning more about Insanity and what it could do for you,  contact me.  I am a  big advocate of it and I am currently doing it and seeing results.  So let’s see if it is a match for you or not.  You can reach about my story here.