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Choosing between the Insanity and the Focus T25 workout is not easy, but I’m hoping this review will help you select the program that will get you the best results possible.
Everyone is different – even identical twins are different, so the program that is right for me might not be the best for you. This is why I have broken down the major pros and cons of each program, which will make your decision between the two easier.
If I were to compare Focus T25 and Insanity in two really quick sentences, it would be this:
Insanity is an extreme workout program where you push your body and mind to their limits.
Focus T25 is not quite as demanding as the Insanity workout, the workouts leave you with that “just had a really good workout” feeling.
Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Focus T25 is not just a shortened version of the INSANITY program nor is it an easier version. Focus T25 is based around the theory that 25-minutes of high intensity exercise puts your body in the range for optimal continuous calorie burn. This means your body will continue to burn more calories after your workout is over.
Quick Comparison Chart of Insanity vs Focus T25
| INSANITY | FOCUS T25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Length | 60 Days | 10 Weeks |
| Avg. Workout Time | 45 Minutes | 25 Minutes |
| # of Workouts a Week | 6 | 5 |
| Equipment Needed | None | Resistance Band (included) |
| Equipment Recommended | Plyometric Mat, Heart Rate Monitor | Resistance Band or Dumbbells, Mat |
| Diet | Balanced Diet Plan | Simplified Balanced Diet Plan |
| # of Workouts | 12 | 11 |
| Saying | “Dig Deeper” | “You Have to Focus” |
| Workout/Fitness Guide | Included | Included |
| Workout Calendar | Included | Included |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60-Day | 30-Day |
| Price | $119.85- Buy Here | $59.85- Buy Here |
Who These Programs Are Perfect for
The Insanity workout program was created for people who want an intense cardiovascular exercise program. It’s hardcore. The plyometric-based movements are meant to shred fat from your body and is great for people who want a more bootcamp style workout. Think insanely tough :)
Focus T25 is also high intensity cardiovascular training with some weight training mixed in for a full body toning workout that hits not only your core, but your legs, arms, and back. The workouts in Focus T25 are only 25 minutes long for 5 days a week, which is optimum for those with full time jobs, busy moms, etc.
The T25 program is perfect for those who want to get an intense workout with less time to spare each day or for those who just want to change up their longer daily workout routine for something shorter to maintain results.
Focus T25 Trumps Insanity in Modified Moves
The biggest drawback for me with the Insanity workout is that Insanity really has no exercise modifications. I understand the workout would not be as intense with exercise modifications, but I would rather a less intense version of an exercise than only being given the option to walk it out or jog in place until being able to continue with the workout.
If you’re not already in really good shape, plan on walking or jogging in place to catch your breath often when first beginning Insanity. The good news with this is that you do build up endurance quickly, so you will last longer each and every workout.
Focus T25 has modified variations of every single exercise move. Sometimes, the camera angle is not always the best for viewing the exercise modifications, but you do always have the option, which is especially nice when you’re doing spider push ups for the first time… yikes! I absolutely love having the modified moves to fall back on when I was out of breath or just couldn’t physically do the moves.
When I really feel like I can’t keep up, I drop down to the modified movements, and then when I catch my breath, I focus back on the real movements. The modified moves in Focus T25 are perfect for:
- Those who are not in that great of shape
- Those with bad knees – you never have your feet leave the ground with the modified exercises, because they are all low-impact variations :)
Workout Equipment is Minimal
Insanity has a leg up on Focus T25 when it comes to exercise equipment you’ll need. With the Insanity workout program, you don’t need any equipment. However, a heart rate monitor and plyometric mat are highly recommended.
On the other hand, Focus T25 does have some weight training workouts, which means you will need to supply your own set of dumbbells or use a resistance band. Luckily, the Focus T25 program comes with a 15lb B-Lines resistance band. I prefer dumbbells, although it’s a little bit of an investment at first, but something you can use for the rest of your life after you finish the program…an investment in your health
Workout Schedule Differences
The Focus T25 workout program schedule is 10-weeks long, and Insanity is 60-days. Needless to say, it’s not that big of a difference.
Both programs have two phases: the first phase preps you for the second phase, which is more intense than the first. The second phase workouts of Insanity are longer than the workouts in the first phase, while the Focus T25 workouts remain 25 minutes throughout the second phase.
There is also a third phase to Focus T25 called gamma (sold separately) that is more weight training oriented. I will review this phase in a later post.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
For people who put there all into the Insanity program, following the diet and workouts to a T, losing 20-30 pounds over the course of the program is not uncommon.
With Focus 25 being a newer program, there are still limited results to see. After a week of T25, I was already seeing a difference in my abs and my thighs. I could even see the beginnings of my lower abdominal muscles!
Here’s a short breakdown of what you can expect with both:
Insanity:
- Weight loss
- Improved muscle definition
- A ripped athletic looking body
Focus T25:
- Weight loss
- More toning and shaping of the muscles
- A well-toned body
Shaun T is Not the Same Trainer
Much like actors in different movie roles, Shaun T’s personality and training style is much different in T25 than it is in Insanity. He also slightly altered his appearance for Focus T25. Who knew he would look so different with hair?!
In Insanity, Shaun T is clean shaven (including his head) and has more of a drill sergeant personality than one of a fitness instructor. He does a lot of yelling and will scream at you to push it and dig deeper – not necessarily my favorite style of motivation, but for a lot of people it works, and it works very well.
In Focus T25, Shaun T is sporting a goatee and a full head of hair. Not only is his appearance different, he is more concerned about proper form and having you focus on your core muscles than in the Insanity program.
Which is the Better Program for Beginners?
If you are just beginning to work out on a regular basis after a long time away or just not used to working out, I whole-heatedly recommend beginning with the Focus T25 first. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, T25 shows you a lower intensity modification on every single move, which Insanity does not have.
Which Program Will Help You Lose the Most Weight
Ah, it all comes down to the big question and the most difficult to answer: Will you lose as much weight with Focus T25 as you would with Insanity? There are so many factors that go into this, it’s impossible to really answer the question.
You will lose weight with either program, if that is your goal. Weight loss is caused by a calorie deficit over time. As long as you burn more calories than you’re consuming, you will lose weight.
How Much the Workout Programs Cost
If you order Insanity or Focus T25 through Team Beachbody, you receive a free workout program with either program. This is something you can only get through Team Beachbody and is only available for a limited time.
Both workout programs are $119.95, plus any applicable taxes including shipping & handling.
To order the Insanity workout program with the free Fast & Furious workout, click here.
I have also included a direct link, so you can order the Focus T25 workout at the lowest price available online. Plus, it includes the free Core Speed workout (which I LOVE!) that you can get by clicking here.
14-Day Trial to BOD
Both programs are now part of the Beachbody On Demand member library, which means you get access to test both programs with online streaming. There is a 14-day trial(scroll down for offer after clicking the link, bottom right) to access the promotion.
Still Need Help Deciding?
If you still need help choosing between Insanity vs Focus T25, please leave a comment below, and I will do my best to help you decide. Please share as much information about yourself as you feel comfortable, so we can make the right choice for you.
Hi Bethany,
I’m not sure if you’re still answering questions but if you’re are then I had a quick one. I’m in my late twenties and have tried every diet fat and exercise routine out there including yoga (tapes and classes). The “freshman 15” was really the “freshman 30” plus 10lbs give or take and it’s been really stubborn to get rid of. I’ve always been interested in beach body but was never sure where to start. Now after reading a few of your reviews I’ve narrowed it down to Power 90, Focus T25, and maybe BBL. My question is I recently started a cardio boxing class that I really enjoy and I’m really looking for a supplement to boxing for my off days (MWF) since I go tues, thurs, and sat. My trainer said I should focus on strength training but I’m not sure which program is best. I’m in relative good shape even trained for a 5k that I never ran but my goal is building lean “tone” muscles, endurance, and speed since that would help my ultimate goal of transitioning to technical boxing. Any help greatly appreciated and your reviews are the best. Thank you P.S. I did try searching for my question first but didn’t see one similar to what I’m looking for.
Hi Jessica, With your goals, current schedule I would consider mixing in the T25 workouts to get started. An easy way to implement would be just to extend the T25 schedule. Monday would be T25 day 1, Wednesday T25 Day 2, Friday T25 day 3, and so on. Hope this helps. Bethany
Hello,
I finished T25 about three weeks ago before I went on vacation. I am back home now and wanting to get back into a routine. T25 was tough for me at first but by the end it was a lot easier. I wanted to see even more results and was wondering if I should just start the Beta cycle of T25 over again or start insanity instead? I like that T25 is only 25 min, it is the first program I have ever completed because of that, but I just want to more dramatic results. I’ve never had abs.. Im ready to lose my belly fat! Buttttt I also don’t really like working out so hard that I feel sick. haha.. Thoughts on what I should do?
Thanks
Sarah
Hi Sarah, I would either do T25 for another circle or look at Insanity MAX:30. Here is my final results https://thefitnessfocus.com/insanity/our-insanity-max30-after-results and if you go to the Insanity category on the site I have a few more posts about MAX:30. Bethany
Hi Bethany,,
I am 42 years old man with 164 cm height and 65 kg weight. I lost 14 kg fat in last five months just reducing fat and carbs from my diet. I look forward to loosing at least 8 kg of fat specially from the tummy. I have managed to reduce fat from my face, thigh, chest and arms but unfortunately not from the belly. Could you please suggest me the program to follow so that I can eliminate the stubborn abdominal fat and get toned body?
Hi Habib, Unfortunately for men, the tummy area is the last place that most will lose fat from. You can’t spot reduce from one area, the fact that you are losing fat from other areas means you are on the right track and will get there in time. Just keep going!
Hi Betthany,
I am 21 years old , I work out every day and burn about 500 calories a day. I usually do 40 min of running/sprinting , then biking and ab excercises. However , I am still not losing weight . I think my body has gotten used to my usual routine.I would like to drop 5 pounds and I am between doing insanity or T25. My body is used to burning almost 500 cal a day. The T25 program is only for 25 min so I am concerned that I won’t be burning as many calories as I need to to lose weight. I am in good shape and I like pushing myself. I do have a full time internship but I can also do 45 min workouts . I would just like to know which program you would suggest. Thank you !
Hi Ali, I owuld take a look at Insanity MAX:30, here is a link to my review. Bethany
I currently already have Insanity. However, have been unable to use it. Not new to working out, use to do crossfit and train consistently. However, I’m about 80 pounds from where I’d like to be, so I was planning on doing some P90X and Insanity at home to help get in shape again quickly. However, after looking at P90X3 and T25, I guess I’m trying to figure out if the results would be better with one of those programs. Obviously, I’d like shorter workouts to make life easier, but I care more about results and can just wake up earlier in the morning if th only difference is time.
Hi J.R., P90X or T25 sound like at his stage would be a better option. As far as results, the best program is going to be the one you are going to enjoy doing and will stick with. All of the programs will produce results so I like to tell people to choose a program that they find the trainer to motivational and like doing that type of workout. Bethany
Hi. I enjoy your comparison.
I did Insanity in 2010 and had INSANE results. After 2 stints of Insanity I did P90X, and it felt too easy, but the results were still good.
Unfortunately, I fell off the fitness wagon and gained back 70 pounds. Since October I’ve worked to lose 60 of those pounds and restarted Insanity. (Oh my GAWD!)
I am considering doing T25 and found your comparison very helpful. Thanks again.
BTW when people are considering which program to use, the key is to understand WHY you’re doing it. (i.e lose weight, look great, athletic performance) Most, if not all, of the Beachbody programs can make you look great. HOWEVER, where Insanity still rules is preparation for other physical activities or sports (both physically and mentally). The endurance and raw fitness, and ability to “dig deeper” that results is …. insane. Before Insanity there was a mountain that took me 3 hours to *hike*. After Insanity, I could literally *RUN* up the mountain in 20 minutes.
Again, thank you for your helpful comparison.
Thanks for sharing Greg!
hi im not sure which one to get i have been got to the gym now for 3 years I’m in quit good shape but I’m a plasterer and i have really bad tennis elbow now so i can’t lift the weight now but i want t get fitter more ripped and a bigger chest and arms still i have a good diet most of the time i all so have two bad knees which one would u suggest for me to get to get bigger n more ripped? can u email me please regards ted
Hi Ted, My first thought was Insanity, then when I read about the knees, Insanity might be to much jumping.
I AM 56 YRS OLD AND IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE. I HAVE DONE JANE FONDA FOR THE LAST 15 YRS BUT THAT IS JUST NOT GETTING RESULTS I NEED. HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF A BELLY ROLL AS I HAVE GOTTEN OLDER. WOULD LIKE TO TONE UP AS WELL AS LOSE 10 TO 15 LBS. I AM UP FOR A CHALLENGE AND WOULD LIKE SOMETHING FAST PACED TO WORK AT. WHICH PROGRAM WOULD YOU SUGGEST?
HI Karla, If you want to try the Insanity workout, there is the free trial of Beachbody On Demand that you might be able to take advatabe of. Here is the link to my review of that – https://thefitnessfocus.com/specials/stream-your-favorite-workouts-with-beachbody-on-demand
Hi Bethany!
I tore my ACL and had a reconstruction surgery a few years ago. When I was still an athlete, my priority was keeping my legs strong. It didn’t matter to me whether they looked big as long as I don’t get injured again. But now that I’m done with sports I wanted to trim down my thighs. Unfortunately, I’ve been having trouble with slimming my thighs for years since I retired from my sport. I’m scared of trying different workout plans because I don’t know if it will bulk up my thighs or if it will help me have slim but toned thighs. Which program will help me lose more fat from my hips and thighs but still keep them toned and strong? (I’m just 22 yrs old btw)
Thank you so much!
Hi Maria, Bulking or building muscle in your thighs you would want to use heavy weights with doing the squat exercises, lunges and similar. Since that is not what you want, you should avoid weight training exercises for muscle growth. Cardio workouts workouts will help you burn calories and reduce overall body fat levels.
Hi Bethany! Great advice! So is T25 perfect for my situation? Or do you have other workout program suggestions?
Hi Maira, For beginner’s or people who have been away from exercise for a while, T25 in my opinion is the better program to start with. You of course will want to check with a doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
Hi Bethany,
I’m planning to start off with Insanity workout as I’d love to push myself.
Do you think it would be a good Idea to do weights in the morning and Insanity in the evening.
TIA :)
Hi Amitha,I think that would be to much. The body needs time to recover, recoverying properly from your workouts is just as important as the workouts themselves. Maybe every other day of weights and the program. Bethany
Hi bethany, i usually do 1000 skips of a jump rope and i weigh 165 pounds. I also want to add a workout routine. Recently im observing the abdominal area fat which i never saw. Bt along with abdominal fat i want to loose my weight also. So suggest me whether to choose hiphop abs or t25 or insanity… Im really confused in choosing the workout that i need..
HI Hari, Here is a quick summary of each. Hip Hop Abs is for beginner’s, it contains danced based workouts. T25 workouts are all 25 minutes, includes cardio workouts and strength training for beginner’s/intermediates. Insanity is hardcore high-intensity interval training for intermediates/advanced. They can all help you lose fat with proper diet, it is more of what level you are at fitness wise and what type of workouts you enjoy most. Bethany
Hello Bethany,
I am on my last week of Focus T25 and just curious about what should I do after I finish it? Should I start the cycle all over again or stick with the gamma round? I don’t think I can commit to insanity yet because I really don’t have time…
Thank you!
Hi Elsie, It is up to you. I can say the gamma phase does contain more strength training if that is something that you would like to incorporate more of. Bethany
Hi. I’m 41, and 118 pounds. My clothes don’t fit anymore (my ideal weight was 102). I’ve been doing bootcamp on and off for the past 7 months (2-3 days/week) and lost zero weight. I stopped bootcamp because I just didn’t see any improvement. Was contemplating insanity and t20. I only want to lose 15 pounds. Would t20 hit that goal?
Hi Kim, I think you are referring to T25. T25 is good for weight loss and overall body toning. Bethany
Hi Bethany
Im 33 y.o, 5′ and 144 lbs :(
my husband and me had started the t25 workout but failed to complete it fully.. we’ve restarted it and are on day 3.. i’m not a huge junk food person but i do love my glasses of wine every weekend or so( my fave was vodka and tonic but i switched over to wine becos of the calories) we dont eat out much at all, i dont indulge in aerated drinks, i dont have a huge sweet tooth either. ive just discovered salads and i change them up by adding some chicken salami, sausage(lightly sauteed in 1/4 tsp olive oil), tuna , low fat cottage cheese, boiled chickpeas etc. ive tried the 5:2, 4:3, 16:8 diets etc but those didnt help much and i have finally realised that there isnt a short cut.. i need to exercise and eat right! my question is to really start losing weight and flab what should i restrict my calorie intake to? if i stick to t25 (which is approx a 220 calorie burn) and a 30-45 minute walk (which is about 150-200 cals burned) what should i keep my calorie intake at?
also i live in mumbai, india and sourcing healthy,lo-cal, low sodium blah blah ingredients is a little difficult and/or pricey :(
i would appreciate any help/ recommendations/ meal plans etc… that would be great!
thanks for this really informative and helpful forum.. appreciate it!
Hello, 1200-1500 calories a day should put you in the sweet spot for weight loss. You can always adjust by 200 up or down, but don’t go below 1200 calories a day. I would try to eat whole foods whenever possible, but I know that can be difficult. Bethany
thanks so much for your speedy reply bethany! appreciate it :) and keep up the good work :)
I am 10 months postpartum and am having quite a struggle losing weight. I have done both Insanity and T25 and lost a lot of weight with Insanity. I didn’t stick to the T25 as well. When I did it I didn’t feel like it was as good of a workout. But that I’m a new mommy, time is of the essence. I should also mention that when I did insanity, I followed the diet pretty well but have since become a vegetarian. I find it a harder to follow the program this way.
Thanks!
Hi Danielle, Thanks for the comment, diet is so important and can’t be understated. Bethany
Hi Bethany,
I am training right now for a marathon at the end of October. I really want to get a tight, lean body, but the running long slow distances just isn’t doing it for me (I run slowly and do not incorporate speed work or intervals into my runs…I literally just run to get the milage in for the marathon). Is T25 a good program to help tighten my body and lose weight overall?
Thank you :)
Emma
Hi Emma, T25 is a great overall body toning program. I’m not sure how it would fit into marathon training, I do not have any real knowledge of that area. Bethany
Hello Bethany
I tried the Insanity program a year ago and found i struggled to keep up and it was taking too much time up.
I am now 2 weeks in to the T25 program and loving it. I wake up every morning at 6:30am and do my 25 minute workout before heading to work.
However, 2 weeks and and ive put on 7lb’s and remained the same measurements across my body.
I am trying to be patient and cut myself some slack, but i workout very hard most days of the week and i am not yet seeing the results i desperately want.
I will not be quitting anytime soon and plan to complete the whole 10 week program, i just wondered when i should start seeing results and weight loss??
Thank you
Lisa :-)
Hi Lisa, Check out this post about body weight fluctuations – https://thefitnessfocus.com/health-nutrition/normal-body-weight-fluctuations-explained I think this will pretty much explain it. Bethany
Hi Bethany!
I, too, tried T25 and thought it was a little bit less intense than Insanity (which I kinda liked). However, I heard it can yield amazing results! Can you explain to me how it can feel a little less intense but still produce incredible, similar results to insanity? I bought T25, and still have the insanity discs, but I am thinking about foregoing Insanity and giving T25 a shot.
Hi Kristen, It sounds like from what you said it would be a good routine for you. If you have the program already why not give it a shot. Bethany
Bethany,
I am young, 23 years old, and have done 2 rounds of Insanity with great results. It became a little too much for me on the second round, where I was skipping workouts because I thought it was just too much and I became intimidated by it a bit, including the time it took to complete it (45-60 minutes of non stop heart pounding work?! Thats a lot). I am looking for something that can deliver comparable results but that is maybe just a little bit more manageable? Do you think T25 could be it?
Kara
Hi Kara, Yes it could be. Concentrate on diet and exercise and you will get results. Bethany
I want to lose 15 pounds, am in good shape. Where to start?
Hi Joan, T25 is the program that is better suited for people just getting started. Bethany