In the next few minutes, you’ll learn the comparisons and differences between these two rival “home workout” exercise programs.
The P90X exercise program used to be the only exercise program that everyone knew about thanks to early morning and late night infomercials. Beachbody recently added a new program to the game that some may consider a rival, that program is Shaun T Insanity.
But which is more intense?
Both are comparatively the same in their own right, but each training program takes a different approach to fitness.
I have personally used both programs and this gives me the rare opportunity to offer a first hand look at both the P90X training program and Shaun T Insanity. After this article, you will be fully equipped with the answers you are looking for.
Which one works better? P90X or Insanity training?
Great questions, although it’s hard to put both training programs side by side as it’s not a simple apples to apples comparison, but more of an apples to oranges comparison. Both programs are capable of offering a great physical challenge, but each has its own focus and its own results. I’ll explain.
The P90X training program is a 90-day system that could otherwise be considered “boot camp at home.” You will need a pull up bar, chair, set of dumbbells and/or bands, shoes, plus about 1 to 1 1/2 hours 6 days a week. The 7th day is an optional day of stretching or complete rest.
From first hand experience, I like to see P90X as an “all in one” program. It’s not designed just to bulk up, it’s not just to help you lose weight, it’s not just balance, and it’s not just cardio.
The P90X training program only includes a little bit of everything in the equation. You lift heavy one day (or light if you want);, another day you will be punching and kicking with Kenpo karate, and to top it off other days you will be doing 1 hour and a half of Yoga for a complete mind/body/soul adventure.
You will go through three phases of 1 month each in P90X and each month you will change it. Most of the cardio, stretching, and balance routines remain the same. The difference in each phase is that you switch up resistance workouts so your muscles are constantly challenged so they’re always receptive to training instead of stagnating.
Shaun T Insanity takes a completely different approach. The training program lasts for 60 days and is based solely on plyometric, basic and cardiovascular training. You will not lift weights, you will not do pull-ups, you will not need a chair, and the workouts range from 35-45 minutes for the first phase to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the second phase.
You will need very good shoes, preferably a jumping mat, and near perfect form to avoid injury.
You can already see that Shaun T Insanity is different than P90X, so how are they comparable?
The Insanity training program, although shorter in duration, is based on all-out interval cardio. Which means it’s all about fast, powerful and coordinated movements. You’ll still be doing push-ups like in P90X, but otherwise you’ll just use your body, gravity, and willpower to push yourself forward.
I’m telling you from personal experience, with Insanity you literally drip buckets of sweat, seriously! Just because it’s shorter than P90X doesn’t mean it’s not as intense.
You won’t be running in one place for an hour, you’re jumping, ducking, swinging, and crunching your core. Shaun T Insanity is on the same level as P90X, but the difference is that you don’t need additional equipment, you won’t be lifting weights, and the workouts are much faster.
Insanity is more for the leaner ripped look, while P90X will allow for more muscle size and strength.
If you’ve already completed P90X, I’ll tell you this. Shaun T Insanity is like taking P90X plyometrics, double the intensity, and do it 6 days a week.
So which is better, P90X or Shaun T Insanity?
I don’t think you’ll find one “better than the other,” but what you will find are two different approaches to fitness.
P90X is a longer 90-day program that has longer workouts but incorporates a slower pace compared to Insanity and offers more time to adjust and get stronger. You’re also lifting weights, so there’s more potential to gain muscle size and definition.
Shaun T Insanity is 60 days with much shorter, faster paced workouts, you won’t be able to adapt as quickly and you won’t get great results by pausing every workout. Insanity is a balls against walls style workout, it’s simple and fast, but it requires a lot of motivation and energy.
Both training programs are “combination” style, so each changes things up throughout the program so there’s no monotony.
One final note, if you have knee or lower body joint problems, Insanity may not be for you. It is based on a lot of jumping and can really tax your knees and joints if not done correctly. It’s a much bigger shock compared to P90X. That’s something to consider when looking at the two side by side.
Because of the approach that Insanity takes, I like to look at it this way. If you feel you’re capable of P90X and you’re in good shape, if you can do push-ups, pull-ups, and if you can handle interval cardio, then either program is a good fit.
If you can’t do some or all of the exercises listed above, it’s best to avoid Insanity until you can at least complete P90X. Insanity is not a workout for beginners, so if you’re just getting back into the fitness game, ditch the ego, start small, and build up.