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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.
I am almost 40 years old, I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. I now see these bad habits being passed on to my preteen & teen. Will either of these workouts be something I should consider for a whole family life style change?
Hi Michelle, While T25 would be more family friendly, I would take a look at the 21 Day Fix workout program. It teaches healthy eating habits that whole family can benefit from. -Bethany
Hi there,
I am looking for a workout to get toned, but not necessarily “bulked up.” I am a 25 year old woman and have been working out in spurts (I go for a few weeks and then stop for a few weeks-have a hard time sticking to anything), so I’m not in that great of shape, but not bad shape either. Another thing is that I’m looking to gain weight (in a healthy way) rather than lose it. I am very thin naturally and so all of the talk about losing weight in the reviews for both of these workouts have me shying away. Mostly, I want to be healthy and tone my butt, thighs and arms. Do you think either program would be good for me? Or do you think I should find something with less cardio? Thanks for the advice!
Hi Lauren, Any program can be adjusted to maintain weight and tone. You just need to up your calorie intake of healthy foods. Basically, you create a calorie deficit you lose weight, calorie surplus you gain weight, consume as many calories as you burn and you maintain weight. As a side, T25 sounds like it would be a better program fit for you. Bethany
Hi! Do you have any insight on the t25 versus the insanity max 30? thanks!
Hi Kasey, I just started MAX:30 four days ago. I’ll write a a more in depth comparison, but for now. In MAX:30 Shaun T is more intense, the workouts are more intense, the dedicated on screen modifier with Max:30 is a great addition. One thing to note is with T25 you get some workouts that use weights, MAX:30 is all strength training. Check the Insanity category on this site to read about my first impressions of MAX:30. Bethany
Hi there!
I read one of your comments that really piqued my interest because of the problems I’ve been having with my flat feet. I haven’t been to the pediatrist yet to figure out if it’s flat foot syndrome or Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (I had never heard of that before) so I still don’t know what is really going on, but I have intense shooting pain in the balls of my feet (and flat feet) so I have a feeling it stems from lack of arch to even out the pressure of walking/working out on my feet. I am going to go with your advice to start with T25, but my question is about what you said about taking the time to fix your feet first. You said not to worry about 500$ orthodics and expensive doctors, so I am really hoping you can tell me or point me in the direction of how you went about tacking your foot problem? As long as it takes, I have patience, and I want to do it the right way. Any help or guidance would be so incredible and very much appreciated. Working out hasn’t been causing any foot pain, it’s really just being on my feet for long hours (I’m a server and on my feet for 10 hours), so hopefully T25 will be a great way to start.
Thanks again for all the helpful information on this site, it’s very thorough.
Best, Dana
Hi Dana, tarsal tunnel syndrome is often caused by fallen arches, so you will want to visit your podiatrist to find out what’s going on first, and then figure out what to do about it. For all you know, you could have a small cyst resting on a nerve that is causing the shooting pain. Anytime you experience pain like this, you should always see your doctor first.
I have $500 orthotics that I never wear, because I am able to control my symptoms without them by making sure my arch is activated and daily exercises. It requires me to be aware of how I am walking and standing, which comes from the help of actual doctors. I feel like orthotics allowed my arches to weaken, because they were constantly supported, instead of correcting the weakened arch issue. HOWEVER, I did not have such serious issues with pain as you do, just very intermittent pain that I could manage with the exercises the physical therapists gave me and Tai Cheng.
Ultimately, you may need the orthotics because of the severity of your pain and the fact you’re on you’re feet for hours. In fact, it was standing on my feet for hours that alerted me to the fact that I even had fallen arches – never had any issues before that. You really need to visit your podiatrist to find out exactly what’s going on before self-diagnosing and treating the wrong issue.
And if you want to try some alternative healing in addition to receiving traditional treatment, you could try Tai Cheng. I hope this helps. Good luck! Bethany
Hi there,
Thanks so much for the reviews.
To get straight to the point. I am 160 lbs, 5′ 8” tall, an intermediate bodybuilder, I started building my body 1 year ago and just want to shed up some fat (since I have 22% fat) out of the muscles I gained. So my intention is not to lose WEIGHT, but to lose only FAT out of that weight rather (target: 14% fat) , since I am not overweight.
I read in many posts about the FAT BURN ZONE and FIT ZONE
and definitely those two programs fall into the FIT zone since it can push your heart rate near its max and hence you’ll lose a lot more carbs than fat.
my question is, if i wanna tone my body and lose much fat, should I worry about the fact that these programs burn carbs more than fat? should I look for a lower intensity program?
Thanks
Hi Moh Hus, both programs will help burn calories. Unfortunately, I’m not quite sure what you mean by the workouts burning carbs vs fat. Working out burns calories, it does not distinguish between fat calories or carb calories, unless you are talking about simple carbs which I do not believe you are. Honestly, if you are at 22% bodyfat you need to lose fat first, if you lose some muscle that is okay because it will be easier to add muscle once you get below 15% body fat. Lower intensity programs are good for when you have lower body fat, sub 8%, and just need the final touches. Bethany
Hi Bethany!!
So I purchased Insanity about a year ago and I did the first workout and was pooped haha. I am 20 years old and I am on the rugby team at my college. (Go Koonducks!) I want to get the abs/ body of a lot of my teammates. I always feel self conscious when I see how toned they are and how it helps them succeed. Like I said, I do currently own insanity. I have been working out at the gym and haven’t seen the results that I want. I would like to switch back to Insanity but want to make sure that the investment of time is worth it! Will I see the results that I want?( abs and muscle growth) Or would I be better off with a different program. I do not want to spend the money if not necessary! Also, I have a hard time keeping myself motivated through the process. Any tips on how to keep on track? Thanks again for this awesome information!! :)
-Evan
Hi Evan, I would definitely switch back to Insanity. It will not only help you get ripped, but it will also help increase athleticism. Just be sure to watch your calories and what you’re eating…six-pack abs don’t come from exercise alone. You really have to feed your body the right kind of fuel and make sure you’re eating enough, but not too much.
As for keeping yourself motivated, you should read my article on 101 Motivational Tips to Keep You Working Out or 7 Ways to Stick with a New Exercise Program. It takes a little bit of work on your part, but one other important thing – always remind yourself why you’re working out, especially those days when you just don’t feel like it. This will help keep you going, because you will never reach your why if you don’t push yourself each and every day.
I hope this helps, but please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks! Bethany
Hi Bethany,
I’ve done insanity and obtained great results with the 1st month, but too difficult to stay motivated and the workouts are long. I never moved on to the 2nd month, I just repeated the 1st month. I was 125 lbs and went down to 117 lbs. I also own 21 day fix, I enjoy the workouts as they are short, but dislike that I have to do it 7 days a week. I didn’t see a lot of results with this program like I did with Insanity (probably because i wasn’t eating right), even though I did four rounds of it back to back. I wasn’t even sure of how much weight to increase by on the weights. So I was too easy on myself, I didn’t push as hard as insanity. I was 130 and stayed at 125. I am looking to purchase T25, do you think it would be worth purchasing or go back to 21 day fix and follow the eating plan closer, I would only go back to insanity if i really have to (at one point I got shin splints) ? Thank you. -Janette
Hi Janettem, sounds like T25 would be a good fit for you. It isower impact than Insanity so it should not bother your shins. T25 minutes are only 25 minutes long and the five day a week schedule, so you will not have to work out seven days a week. Just be sure to get your diet right as this will account for half your results. -Bethany
Hi Bethany, I am 5’3 and weigh around 160lbs. Want to lose weight.
My physical fitness is very bad and have a very hectic job.
Which program would u suggest if i have to lose around 10Kgs and tone my Arms and Thigh
HI Meena, T25 sounds like the better fit, 25 minutes a day five days a week and you can get the results you are looking for. -Bethany
Have been doing t25 since begining of June just increasing the weight ( at 25 now ) and only redoing phase 2. I still have excess weight that I want to lose. Should I continue this or do insanity? ( I have both )
Hi Luc, I would recommend completing your current round of T25 and then give Insanity a shot. -Bethany
Hi Bethany!
I’m a 15 y.o girl who weighs 168 lbs. I’ve lost 20 pounds already by going to the gym, but at the moment I don’t have time to work out since I’m busy with school and my exams (im doing a harder school program next to the regular one). This made me gain 10 pounds back and I really dont want to weigh 176 lbs again. I need my confidence back and I want to feel good about the way I look.
I thought I should give T25 a try, but I want to lose around 27 pounds to be on a healthy weight for my age. It doesnt matter if I see results fast, I just really want to lose those 27 pounds before im 18 (however if i can lose it in a year that’d be great). Would you recommend T25 or Insanity for my weight loss goal?
Thanks!
I’m really sorry Amy, but I am not able to give advice to those under the age of 18. Almost every Beachbody program is designed for the adult. -Bethany
Hey, I have done T25 alpha and beta.. beta now for two rounds. I am trying to decide between t25 gamma or insanity 30! I don’t need to lose weight.. I just want more definition. I am 38 and always worked out. Just don’t know which one to do! I feel like at my age I need some resistance training or I get soft! I have also done Kettle worx for a year prior to T 25. Any suggestions?
HI Booke, I would suggest the T25 Gamma phase as it is strength training based. I’m not sure about Max 30 yet, it looks to be more weight lose oriented, but will see when it is released. -Bethany
Hi Bethany,
I have done t25 one time through completely, another time doing just beta and gamma, and then random workouts from t25 here and there. I took breaks and did other workouts in between the sets. I haven’t done any workout from t25 in about 2.5 months (although I have been working out). I was planning on doing t25 again before maybe trying out max30 and I am wondering if you think I should start over with alpha, start with beta, or do some sort of combination for the first month. I have a good base level of fitness so it is more deciding if alpha would be worth it to start over with.
Thank you!
HI Alex, I think the Alpha phase is worth giving a try, if you do not find it intense enough you can alsways switch to beta. -Bethany
Hello Bethany. I do insanity for 6 months, I like it because it works I whant to buy te new max 30 and now I see the new T25.. What must I buy? I can’t decide.
Hi Christel, Max 30 has also peaked my interest. I think it is going to be a lot harder than T25, but only five minutes longer. We will see. I’ll have them all in my library at some point, mixing your workouts up can’t hurt. -Bethany
Hi Bethany,
I was hoping you could help me out with deciding what to do next. I am 23 years old, 5’7″ and 154 pounds. I work out almost every day, but my diet has not been that great recently. I have a lot of muscle, but a layer of fat on top of it! I want to lose weight from my thighs and love handles/stomach. I would love to get back to 120 pounds!
I have done t25 about twice through (did alpha-gamma once and delta and gamma the next). I have also done Insanity (first month through and then random videos for a few months). I really enjoy the shorter workouts in t25 and I remember being rather tired with Insanity.I now work full time and so shorter is definitely nicer. I didn’t notice much change with either program, but I also wasn’t eating my best, although I was drinking Shakeology.
I am wondering what you think I should do to lose weight and also keep my toned muscles as well. I would love to take off that fat and reveal the muscles!
Thank you for your help!
Hi Sarah, Sounds like you answered your own question. Diet is going to account for at least fifty percent of your results and you really can’t out train a bad diet. I would suggest tracking everything that you eat for a couple of weeks with myfitnesspal.com or similar and see how many calories you are taking in and then make adjustments from there. -Bethany
Hi Bethany,
Thanks for the advice. Do you think one of the workout programs would be better?
Thanks,
Sarah
Hi Sarah, Sounds like T25 fits you schedule better and the best workout program is one you are going to be able to stick to. -Bethany
Thanks Bethany!
Oh alright thanks I though p90x would of been more suitable but I’ll give body beast a shot.
P90X is a better option than Insanity for weight gain, but it is still geared to weight loss with muscle toning rather than muscle building. Good luck with the Beast. -Bethany
Hi I am wondering what’s the best program
To help someone put on weight/muscle like I’m 140 pounds and I’m 22 6ft 1
But I want to be bigger?
Any advice?
Thank you
Hi Luke, Body Beast is far and away the best at home workout program for putting on muscle mass. Sagi is an amazing trainer, you can look more into the program here – https://thefitnessfocus.com/recommends/bodybeast
Hi iam 46 years and iam 155 cm and 60 kg and every day I have a yoga exersice but I try losing weight to 53 kg what can I do for loosing and t25 is good for me and please some explaine abut this program an d tell me which dvd is good for me xxxx
Hi Adik, if you are a fan of Yoga, there is a new program that combines Yoga and Pilates called PiYo. There is a review on the hompegae of this site that you might find helpful. Bethany
I have the Insanity DVDs and also the Insanity Fast & Furious DVD and Fast and Furious Abs DVD. I have started the Insantity program a few times but due to other things coming up have not been able to complete the 60 days. The Fast & Furious are good for days when I want to do some weight training and then I do one of those 15 minute workouts. My question is how would you compart the T25 to the Fast & Furious? Should I stick with that for wanting to tone up and shed some lbs? Or should I give T25 a try?
Hi Don, yeah, I think you would probably get sick of doing the Fast and Furious DVD all the time. Maybe T25 would work better for you. And they do compare kind of, but not really. Sorry I can;t be more helpful, but if you like the Fast and Furious workout from Insanity you should love the T25 workouts. Bethany
Hi I am a mother of 4 and 32 years old weigh 112 pounds. I run 4-5 days a week at least 6 miles a day. I have been doing this for four years. I am not looking to lose weight at all. I am however wanting to increase my race pace and build up my endurance and cardio. I am looking for something that will help me with my cardio as well as building muscle in other areas of my body. I currently own Insanity but was considering getting the T25 would this be a good fit for me or should I stick with Insanity???
Hi Melissa, that is hard to say. I’m thinking since you have Insanity and sound be in great shape, T25 might be less intense than what you are looking for. But, then again T25 Gamma(3rd phase of T25) might be something to consider. Bethany
Hi
I’m 54yrs and completed the Insanity programme Feb/March this year after putting on a lot of weight and years of only a little running as my form of excercise
Within the first month I got a little disheartened as I couldn’t see a massive change but all that came in the second month…….total weight loss 33lbs in 60 days
I then went onto T25 Alpha as I couldn’t continue justify taking an hour out of family time each day
I find T25 Alpha ( and now Beta) the perfect balance……I’ve maintained 156lbs now and am embarking on free weights programme parallel to T25
Anyone can fit in 25 mins of HIT……..if I can at 54yrs of age, anyone can
Congrats Les! And, thanks for sharing. Bethany