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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.
Hey, I workout about 5 days a week in the gym. Im not in great shape by know means but I’m trying to figure out if insanity or t25 would be better. I’m trying to loose weight and get toner
Hi Levi, I would consider T25 as it is a five day a week program that could fit right in with your current schedule. -Bethany
Bethany,
I think you’ve developed quite a successful blog here! Congratulations on being fit and paying it forward!
As a compliment to your blog, I’d like to share my experience with INSANITY, then explain why I just selected FOCUS T25 for this summer.
I am a 49 year old man with a wife, 3 kids, 3 pets, and 3 jobs. How do you spell stress? I just did. At 5’11” I weighed 241lbs 2 years ago. I was having blood pressure and sleeping problems. My doctor said I had better make an extreme lifestyle change or I was in for some serious health problems. Enter the world of Shaun T and INSANITY.
I made the commitment to my wife and kids that I would take better care of myself, so one late night I ordered the INSANITY workout after watching the inspiring infomercial. Could I really do this workout? I would never know until I tried.
At this point I must be honest with everyone reading this, doing the Fit Test nearly killed me and also nearly caused me to quit the program before it even started. Fortunately for me, my football days reminded me that things would get better if I fought through the pain. I could barely catch my breath during the first week. I took lots of breaks and watched my heart monitor like a hawk.
Folks, if you are overweight and haven’t worked out in a while- BUY a Heart Monitor and use it!! And…don’t be ashamed to press pause! Please also be very aware that PLYOMETRICS is not for everyone! You will be jumping and jumping and landing and landing over and over again. It is very taxing on heavy guys knees, ankles, and feet.
Well, I made it through the 64 days without missing a single workout! I lost a total of 41lbs! I earned the t-shirt and went on to run 5 and 10k races. Sadly, I hurt my knee running a road race. Here I was in the best shape of my adult life (even when I played ball) and I injured myself in a fun run! Life isn’t fair at times. My Dr. recommended knee surgery, but I insisted taking enough time off would heal me.
Now, here I sit typing to you all sharing that I will be embarking on a T25 journey cautiously. I’ve put on 32lbs of the weight I lost simply by terrible eating habits and not doing any workouts of any kind. My plans are to complete T25 then do INSANITY over again, then follow up with P90x or T25 Gamma. At this point I want to throw all my meds away and take care of my body by changing my lifestyle completely and sticking with it. Results will not stay in place if you don’t continue your journey. I’m living proof of that!
I will be turning 50 in October and want to be in the best physical shape of my life for my wife and children. They deserve the maximum energy I can expend on them. Bethany, thank you again for sharing this space which serves as mental therapy and support for many people who strive to restore their bodies again. You are ALL so worth it! WE are all fearfully and wonderfully made! God Bless!
Greg
Thank you for sharing Greg! And, good luck with T25. -Bethany
Hi Bethany,
Thanks for all your advice:) I just finished with T25 last week and started with P90x this week. I loved T25, but I didn’t get the results I was hoping for. I think because I didn’t follow the nutrition plan. I have 3 kids and work full time with long hours as a nurse, so it is really hard to not only change eating habits but also to eat healthy 100% of the time. I was debating about starting T25 over again or going for P90x. I decided to try P90x for the summer since I have more time and then do T25 over with the gamma or give insanity a try. Thanks for your encouragement and advice to not beat yourself up over not being able to always eat right. My problem is my abs and obliques after my last baby, which are better after T25. I have had a hard time finding time to work out the last few years with work and kids, and T25 is awesome for that. The workouts are different everyday, so I didn’t get bored. The first week killed me, but I stuck with it and a noticed improvement every week. Good luck to everyone!!
Hi Chante, congratulations on your progress! You’ll get there! I’m glad to hear that T25 worked into your schedule. I also like that you are switching it up with P90X over the summer now that you have more time. And thanks for checking back in. -Bethany
I need a workout that is low impact because I have had 3 hip surgeries. I’m still having a little trouble with my hips, but I need to do something. I’m wondering if T25 would be a good fit?
Hi Kellie, the nice part about T25 is all the moves have modifiers so you should be able to follow along, if a move does give you problems just walk it out. Be sure to get clearance by your doctor first of course. -Bethany
Hi Bethany,
I’m Nick and I’m a High School Cross Country and Track runner. I’m pretty tall (5ft11) and also pretty skinny (140lbs). I’m a very good runner but not THE BEST. I would like to go back to Cross Country next year and be in really good shape. As a long distance runner, I don’t want to look buff, because that adds a lot of extra weight, but I can’t be as skinny as I am now. I want to have a toned body by next september by doing the running workouts my coach gave me, and I’m also thinking about adding t25 to my summer plan. Do you think it’s a good idea for me? Or is this program aimed more towards people who are overweight and trying to loose weight? Thanks!
Hi Nick, this is a question that I think would be better for your cross country coach to answer, just explain to him your goals as you have to me and he should be able to help you. -Bethany
Hi! I have purchased both the Insanity & T25 workout programs. I have an event to attend in 1 month and would like to know which program will get me the most weight loss/results in 1 month. Thank You!
Hi Mosha, you can get weight loss resules with either program. For optimal weight loss you should be burning 500 calories more than you are consuming a day or 3,500 calories a week. This will result in a 1-2 pound weight loss a week. -Bethany
hey so i actually want a workout that give me quick results I want to loose weight but also build muscles. I’m really looking forward into tone abs , legs and butt .. which one do you think I should do ?
Hi Lee, either program will get you quick results…this is where it’s more about the time you have to commit to exercise and what kind of shape you’re in. Both programs will give you toned abs, legs and butt with the proper diet, but whether or not you want to work out 25 minutes a day or 30-60 minutes a day is a determining factor, as is your current fitness level. I personally like Focus T25 better, because it’s easy to fit into the busiest of schedules. Hope that helps a little, but please let me know if you have any questions.
Hi, this will be my first time really working out on a regular bases. Im around 150 and looking to tone up and gain some upper body strength more than anything because I can barely do 5 push-ups consistently I’ve never tried either program my concern is losing more weight than I want to because all I want to do is tone which do you think will help me?
Hi Tiffiany – definitely go with T25. It’s the better of the two workouts for those have been away from exercise for a while or the sheer beginner. Just do the workouts at your own pace, there is always someone in the video who is doing a less-intense version of the exercise moves that you should follow. Don’t worry about the fact you can’t do 5 push-ups right now, because with each passing week, you will get stronger. And you will lose weight regardless and tone-up, just be sure to watch your daily calorie intake and eat a healthy, whole foods diet. Hope this helps – good luck!
Hello,
I’m 5ft5.5″, 21y.o., about 147lbs, and looking to drop at least 21lbs to have a nice flat tum for my college graduation (in 2.5 months). I know I probably won’t achieve this goal- but which workout would be best to see results fast? I only really have fat on my tummy and want it gonegonegone!
Thanks
Hi Ruby, congrats on graduating! With two and half months you might be able able to hit your goal or you will be very, very close as long as you put your all into the workouts and follow the diet plan closely. As for a workout suggestion, I would decide more upon what type of workout stlye you like. YOu will see weight loss with either program, so if you like more of a boot camp stlye workout I would recommend Insanity, if you have limited time then T25 would likely be the better of the two options. -Bethany
Hi my name is Matt, I have been working out for years and am trying to cut up for the summer. I am currently 190lbs. I have never tried either program, but my biggest concern would be losing muscle during one of these programs. Which would you say would help build more muscle or at least sustain what I already have ?
Hi Matt. as long as your diet is good you should not lose muscle with either program. Sounds to me like you might enjoy the intesity of the Insanity workouts. -Bethany
Hi,
I am an average weight women. I dont want to loose my weight much (5ft hight and 100lb weight), but still want to do excercise to tone body and burn fat on my tummy. I also have lower backpain. Can you please suggest which one will be good for me. it looks like T25 is better option for me, but what about the weight lose? If I do this exercise, will I lose my wait more? Because I dont want to lose my weight more. Thank you.
Hi Ranjana, I believe T25 sounds like the better program for you. Be sure to get that back pain checked by a doctor before beginning. Weight loss is controlled by calories in verse caloties out. Meaning if you are burning more calories than you are eating you will lose weight, eat more calories than you burn and you will gain weight. Sounds like you want to stay around the same weight but tome up so I would advise consuming 1200 to 1400 calories to being. If you start to lose weight add another 300 calories to your diet. Hope that helps, Bethany
Hello,
I want to lose weight in like, 50days.
Do you recommend Insanity or FocusT25?
I’ve seen this comment before, and you say it doesn’t matter.
But really? Isn’t one of them more targeted at weight loss then the other?
Or isn’t one of the two working faster?
Hello, weight loss comes down to creating a calorie deficit. It does not matter how this deficit is created, it could be through diet, exercise, or a combination of diet & exercise. Both programs are designed to help you lose weight. I suggest choosing a program based upon your fitness level, amount of time you have, etc. Hope that helps. Bethany
There are actually 3 phases of T25 if you are willing to spend the extra $
1. Alpha (1st Level)
2. Betta (2nd Level)
3. Gamma (3rd & Hardest Level)
Thanks Trent, Gamma is a lot of weight workouts and is a good option for people who want to take it up a notch. -Bethany
Hi Bethany,
I am 17 and I play volleyball. I am interested in finding a workout that I enjoy doing but will also challenge me and help me lose weight and get in “volleyball” shape. I am slightly overweight but am athletic and in relatively good shape.
I did Insanity for the first 4 weeks and if wasn’t awful, but when I continued onto the second part it was way too difficult for me and it made me feel very defeated. I always dreaded the thought of doing it. Along with that I felt like it was very bad on my knee and ankles.
So, what I am wondering is if you think T-25 would be better suited for me taking into consideration the stress on my knees and ankles as well as being easier for me to keep up with and stay motivated to do it.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Lauren
Hi Lauren, Beachbody’s at-home workout programs are intended for those 18 years or older, so I would hold off for now. That being said, you should definitely not be doing Insanity if you have problems with your knees and your ankles – its high impact moves can aggravate already bad knees. Opt for something lesser impact until you’re feeling better. Losing weight and foam rolling can be tremendously helpful depending on what is causing your discomfort.
Hi,
i am currently in the process of trying to conceive after 3 miscarriages. i am overweight at 16 st, so i know losing weight will help us. i am looking for the quickest results for weight lose. i dont like exercise so would prefer to work out for less time, however i am willing to do anything to boost our chances of having a baby. cant decide between the two as im not totally sure what the results difference would be.
hope you can help.
Hi Megan, I would suggest T25 – it will help you lose weight fast in only 25 minutes a day. Just make sure to eat a reduced-calorie healthy, whole foods, well-rounded diet, which will not only help you lose weight, but the healthy foods will help your body get in optimum shape for getting ready to try again. When you’re ready to try again, just make sure you’re enough calories.
And quite honestly, the results people get from Focus T25 are comparable to Insanity with a lot less of time effort. I hope this helps, but if you do have any questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck – my sincerest wishes that your next pregnancy is a successful one and leaves you and your partner with a healthy, happy baby.
Hi Bethany! Thanks for the review. I have been doing Insanity for the past month, but recently just got the Focus T25 and did my first workout with that today. Honestly, I really like both. I don’t really have any time constraints, but I just wanted to change things up and see which one I liked better. I was a competitive swimmer for 16 years (6-22) and swam D1 in college, so working out and staying healthy has always been a big part of my life. I’ve been “retired” for two years now and really only get in the pool maybe once a week because once you’ve swam for that long, you like not having to do it daily anymore. I’ve been having a hard time finding a different method of exercising that I enjoy and that also keeps me as fit as swimming did. I’m able to withstand a high level of cardio, I’m really just looking to tone up again overall. I was wondering which program (Insanity vs. T25) you think would work best for someone in my position, or if maybe just doing a hybrid would work best?
Thanks!
Hi Kylie, I would switch it up by doing Focus T25 if you found it enjoyable after doing Insanity for a month. The shorter workouts are easier to fit into your schedule – plus, you’re still getting a tough workout. It also has noticeably different phases, so that the workouts change from month to month, which should curb boredom. I think after T25, you could move on to an Insanity/T25 hybrid or just Insanity – it’s entirely up to you. I hope this helps, but if you do have any other questions, please feel free to ask. :)
I did insanity a year ago and loved the results, but hated how long the workouts were. I was just seeing abs when I finally finished insanity. I’m on more of a tight schedule this summer so I plan on doing T25. T25 doesn’t really focus on getting you abs like insanity does, so would a hybrid be good? Like t25 as normal but throw in the insane abs video from insanity a few days a week, and maybe a weekend run of an insanity video? Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Hi Brad, one person I coached got amazing results by adding Insanity Abs in after every workout. Insanity abs is only an extra 15 minutes so why not try it after every T25 workout! -Bethany
Hi Bethany!
Awesome site and great information. I’ve read everything and understand all that you have to say, and appreciate the advice. I just have a couple questions! While I want to change my lifestyle and become healthier and more active, I also want to lose weight in a very short amount of time. My wedding is less than 2 months away. I had a personal trainer but I recently moved and haven’t had time until now to get back into working out. My question is, regardless of which program I purchase, if I choose to do more than one exercise a day (45 min for the insanity exercise or 25 min for the T25), will I get faster results? Since I don’t have 60 days. Will that be beneficial to me? After the wedding, I won’t need to cram in a lot of exercise in a short amount of time, but for now would you recommend that I do a couple exercises in one day to make up for the time that I don’t have before the wedding? I have all day 7 days a week with an open schedule so, time/work schedule isn’t a factor at all.
If you don’t recommend this, do you have any suggestions for me to boost the exercising or do anything in addition? (On top of dieting and eating clean)
Hi Jessica, while I love your enthusiasm I have to warn you that exercising too much is not good either. Pushing you body past its limits can lead to overtraining which will hinder your results. With that said, one Insanity workout a day with one rest day a week is more than enough exercise to get you looking good for your wedding(congrats). Like you said, you also have to be on top of your diet to get the best results. -Bethany
I am a 19 year old girl, 5’6″, 123 pounds. I have been working out (treadmill and floor exercises) every day for about 4 years…very very dedicated to a schedule. I am looking to become more defined and fit. I originally planned on doing Insanity and was about to order it but my sister just told me about the T25 workout…I have time everyday for about an hour workout so time management isn’t a problem for me. Which program do you think would be better for me? Insanity or T25?
xoxo Thank you
Hi Kayla, sounds like you could do either program, so I would make the decision based more upon which program you are going to be able to stick with. Insanity or T25 will help you get more fit and defined. -Bethany
Hi Bethany! I have done the Slim in 6 Series mixed in with RevAbs and various other workout series for a number of years. In the beginning I lost 30lbs. But now I feel like my routine is not giving me results anymore. I haven’t been as strict in working out over the past year and a half due to personal matters and such but once I jump back in I’m not seeing any results and I’m bored with the workouts. I have gained weight back which I would like to lose, but I really would like to see muscle definition too. I feel like the Slim Series helped me tone but not really much definition. I don’t want to bulk up either, which I feel like my legs easily do with all the squats Debbie loves to do :) I’m intrigued with T25 for the shorter workout times. Do you think it can give me the weight loss and muscle definition I’m looking for and to get me out of this plateau? It’s frustrating to put so much time and effort into something and never get the results that I am striving for. Thank you for your advice!
Hi Kelly, I do think a change-up is a great idea to get you out of your workout rut. T25 is an excellent choice. Its shorter and very intense workouts will definitely help boost your weight loss and get you headed in the right direction again. And did I mention that the workouts will give you awesome definition? After just one week, I was beginning to see real definition in my thighs – an area that’s very tough for me to define. So ultimately, I think you will get the results you want and reach your weight loss goals following the program. Just make sure to follow a healthy, reduced-calorie diet too because diet is just as important. Good luck – keep pushing!