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The question I kept on asking myself before trying to decide between the INSANITY and P90X workout programs was, “oh my gosh, when did I get so fat?!” I knew it made my heart race to walk up a few flights of stairs, but when did I gain nearly thirty pounds?!
Yes, I was over 150 lbs when I made the decision to get back in shape again, so I wouldn’t be self-conscious about getting in a bathing suit. This is when I began comparing INSANITY vs P90X. I saw enough of the infomercials on TV, so I was intrigued.
As a woman, my goals were to lose weight and tone up without getting a professional bodybuilder look. Unfortunately, most of the real reviews I was able to find online about either program were written by men. My problem with that was men lose fat quicker than women, and men tend to like different types of workouts than women.
Anyways, below is my comparison of the top two at-home workout programs from a woman’s perspective.
And this is post is a comparison with the original P90X, I’d suggest reading my P90X Generation Next review which came out in 2026 befroe deciding whihc program is the best for you.
The Two Key Differences Between INSANITY and P90X
If I were to answer the questions, “What is P90X?” and “What is INSANITY?” in one sentence answers, this is what I would say this:
INSANITY is a 60-day intense workout program that is primarily a weight loss program where the workouts are performed 6 times a week and are 30-45 minute in length.
P90X is a 90-day total body workout program that consists of weight training workouts, cardiovascular exercise, and Yoga to help you not only lose weight, but also build lean muscle.
INSANITY vs P90X Comparison Chart
Being an art major(grad), I have always found it easier to take in information when presented visually, so I figured my chart comparing INSANITY vs P90X would be an easy way for you to see key differences between the programs and which is better at achieving which result:
| Fitness Info | P90X | INSANITY |
| Weight Loss | X | |
| Muscle Toning | X | |
| Abs | X | |
| Cardiovascular Health | X | |
| Flexibility | X | |
| Muscle Endurance | X | |
| Workout Variety | X | |
| P90X | INSANITY | |
| Fitness Trainer | Tony Horton | Shaun T |
| Schedule Length | 90 Days | 60 Days |
| Average Workout Length | 60 Minutes | 45 Minutes |
| # of Workouts per Week | 6 Days | 6 Days |
| Equipment Needed | Weights or Bands, Yoga Mat | None |
| Recommended Equipment | Above plus Chin-Up Bar, Yoga Blocks, Plyometric Mat, Heart Rate Monitor, Push-Up Bars | Plyometric Mat, Heart Rate Monitor |
| Diet | 3 Phase Nutrition Plan | Balanced Diet Plan |
| # of Workouts | 12 DVDs | 10 DVDs |
| Training Principle | “Muscle Confusion” | “Max Interval Training” |
| Workout Calendar | Included | Included |
| Workout/Fitness Guide | Included | Included |
| Effective | Yes | Yes |
| Guarantee | 90-Day Money Back Guarantee | 60-Day Money Back Guarantee |
| Price | $119.85 – Order Here | $119.85 – Order Here |
What Are the P90X and INSANITY Workouts Like?
The INSANITY workout program is based on something known as “Max Interval Training”, which is long-bursts of full blown cardiovascular exercise followed by shorter and lower intensity intervals of cardiovascular exercise. All of the INSANITY workouts will get your heart rate up and leave you pretty much drenched in sweat.
P90X bases its workouts around a training principle known as “muscle confusion”. The theory behind this principle is that, when you change up exercise order, workout order and even your diet, you don’t allow the body enough time to adapt to the training. This keeps you always moving forward with your health and fitness and not plateauing.
How the Workouts are Different
INSANITY workouts are high-intensity cardiovacular workouts that are not dance orienteted. You will be left in a puddle of sweat after these workouts from the plyometric moves that they incorporate with other physically demanding body weight only movements. Insanity workouts are done 6 times a week with no weights.
P90X workouts are also done six times a week. The program features three days of weight training, a plyometric workout, Kenpo(kickboxing) workout, and sweat inducing Yoga workout. The workouts are cycled in three week phases so you will not get bored with the workouts.
How the Diets Differ
The INSANITY diet plan is an easy-to-follow diet where you eat 40% carbs, 40% protein, and 20% fat. This diet is well-balanced and easy to stick with. Everything is detailed in the INSANITY diet plan, which includes a step-by-step guide to calculating your calories and a bunch of easy-to-follow recipes that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day.
The P90X diet is more complicated than the INSANITY diet. The P90X diet plan is a 3 phase nutrition plan. In phase 1 of the P90X diet, which is called the Fat-Shredder phase, you eat a diet high in protein, low in fat, and low in carbohydrates. During the first phase of the P90X diet, people often notice significant loss of energy from the lower carbohydrates, but also significant weight loss. The second phase of the P90X diet is called the Energy Booster and is similar to the Insanity diet of 40% carbs, 40% protein, and 20% fat. The third phase of the P90X diet is called the Endurance Maximizer and is nicknamed an athletic diet for this reason: unless you have extremely low body-fat levels, you should avoid this phase of the diet entirely and stick to the Energy Booster phase or you’ll likely add unwanted body fat.
What Equipment You Need for P90X or INSANITY
What I like most about the INSANITY workout program is the fact that it requires no workout equipment. This means I can just move my coffee table to the side, throw in a DVD, and start working out it minutes. You may want to add a heart-rate monitor to your workouts to make sure you stay in your target heart range.
On the other end of the spectrum, P90X requires lots of equipment if you want to get the most out of the program. While it is recommended you have at least resistance bands and a yoga mat to do P90X, you will really need a few more pieces of equipment. Pull-ups and chin-up variations are major exercises in P90X, which means you’ll need a chin-up bar, plus likely a chair to help give you a boost until you’re strong enough. You’ll also want dumbbells up to thirty pounds, push-up bars, a yoga block, and a heart rate monitor is always very handy to have. The only good thing is that weights up to thirty pounds, yoga mat and heart rate monitor are something you will always be able to use down the road, so think of them as more of an investment in your health overall.
P90X vs INSANITY – Which Program is Harder?
For one reason or another, people always want to know which program is harder when comparing Insanity to P9oX. I can tell you this: both programs are extremely difficult, and both programs if followed properly are extremely rewarding. They will whip you into shape in 60 or 90 days and start you on track to a new and healthier lifestyle. However after trying both programs, I believe INSANITY is the harder of the two programs if you were to go all out with either.
Price Point – Where to Get p90X or INSANITY for the Lowest Prices
The good news is you do not have to let price be the deciding factor when choosing between INSANITY and P90X. Why? Because they both cost the same!
The lowest price for INSANITY and P90X is $119.88 plus shipping. But, if you order through a Team Beachbody store, you get free bonus workouts that are not available anywhere else.
If you order P90X through the link below, you get two free bonus workouts: Fountain of Youth Yoga and Mammoth UML, which is an upper body workout. And, as of writing this, you will also receive P90X Plus (4 DVDs – 5 workouts) for free, which is a $130 value alone.
Ordering INSANITY through the link below will also get you a free bonus workout called the Fast and Furious workout. I love this workout, and the fact it is only 20-minutes long makes an awesome addition to my workout line-up…especially on those days when I am short on time.
Try Both Without Risk
March 2015, Beachbody created the Beachbody On Demand media library allowing you to stream some of there at home workouts to Internet capable devices.
This service is part of the Team Beachbody Club membership. Here is the link to a 14-day no obligation trial(scroll down to the bottom right for the offer), that if you have not had a Club account before you can use to try all of the Beachbody workout programs ever produced.
P90X vs INSANITY Results
INSANITY and P90X will undoubtedly get you real results. Both programs will help you lose weight, tone-up, and improve your cardiovascular health.
- For weight loss, I would give INSANITY five stars and P90X four stars.
- For toning up, I would give P90X five stars and INSANITY four stars.
- For cardiovascular health, I would give INSANITY five stars and P90X four stars.
The Simple Way to Decide
If I had to put it into simplest terms, if you like weight training, lots of pull-ups and push-ups then P90X is for you. If you do not like weight training and love high-intensity cardio INSANITY is your better option.
Still Need Help Deciding?
If you read this article and still are having difficulty figuring out which program is the one for you, please leave me a comment below. The more information you give about your goals and current fitness levels will help me figure out the right program for you.
Hello Bethany!
Please help, I am 119lbs, 25 and I actually want to gain weight (muscle mass, tone and sculpt my thighs, buttocks and arms). I am looking to gain about 10 pounds give or take. I have a hard time keeping weight on and I have been petite most of my life. I am 5ft 4in and very busy and stressful schedule with graduate school, internship and a part time job, so having a workout plan that’s time friendly 30mins-1 hour would also be great. Generally a lot of the workout plans that I have seen are geared towards losing weight rather than gaining healthy weight. Please advise me as to which one of these would be the better alternative for my situation! Thank you in advance for you continued support!
P.S: Please feel free to share if you know of any other workout plans that would better fit the bill for my situation. Also I have Acid reflux which sometimes interferes with exercising and can be a pain. Thanks again! :)
Hi Bri – I would start looking at how much you’re eating first. I know how hard it is to keep on weight when things are stressful and very busy, so I would suggest adding 500 calories to the amount you’re already eating per day, and see if that helps you keep weight on. As for workouts, it’s not so much the program (any of these programs will help you lose weight), but really how much you’re eating. If you eat enough while doing either program, you will gain weight – healthy, lean muscle mass weight, but weight nonetheless. P90X will give you a more defined, athletic look, while Insanity will slender you down and get you ripped. If you’re really crunched on time, you can also get a really great body with Focus T25 – it’s only 25 minutes each day, five days a week, which may fit more easily into your already hectic schedule. I hope that helps, but if you do have any other questions, please feel free to ask. As for the acid reflux, I’m sure you already know, but try to stick with lower fat, easier to digest foods that aren’t too acidic – also stay clear of fast and processed foods. Good luck!
Thank you! I will give it a go & see where I am a month from now.
Hi! Im so glad I found this review. I have P90x and Insanity at my disposal and I did half of Insanity last year and lost a lost of weight quick. I gained 15 pounds since then and I would like to lose 10-15 pounds now but I want to build muscle where Insanity didnt help me build any muscle I just got really skinny. My question is will P90x help me lose the weight I want to lose while building the muscle or should I do Insanity first to lose the weight?
Hi Brittney – I’d just do P90X – it will help you lose the 15lbs, while at the same time, building the lean muscle mass you want. I wouldn’t follow the phase 3 diet though – it’s way too high in carbs especially when you’re still trying to shed fat. I would suggest you follow phase 2 for the extra month. I hope that helps – good luck!
Hi Bethany. Your answers have been so helpful! I am trying to determine which program would be best for me and my fiancé. We are both 24 years old and former athletes who have sadly let ourselves go. He is 5’5 at 215 and I am 5’3 at 265. I have significantly more weight to lose than him. We want to do a program together for extra support and motivation. We both want to shed fat and get toned (but muscle growth is important to him) Which one would be best for both of us? Thank you!!!
Hi Jordan – I think Insanity would be a great choice for you guys, because of the two, it’s a lot easier to do together. Having each other to keep yourselves motivated will be really helpful – especially when you’re trying to eat good too. Insanity will help you shed fat and get ripped, giving him the muscular look he wants. And if you find it too tough, just do the workouts at your own pace – you will build up your endurance day to day, week to week, so just give every workout your all and eat a healthy, reduced calorie diet rich in whole foods. In no time, you’ll be going through the workouts thinking how far you’ve come since your first workout. Good luck! If you have any questions along the way, please let me know.
Hello, i am 24, 5’3, and now, im at 260, but last month i was 239. I never been big, but my weight started picking up about 2 1/2 yrs ago. I feel so out of shape, and im not happy with my appearance. So in 2012, i had p90x, and started to see results in less than 2weeks. But i stopped for a reason i dont remember. So now i want to change up, and have a nice body by the summer. I feel like im ready for a change now. i get tired just by going up a few flight of stairs. So which one would u recommend for me?
Hi dede – don’t be too hard on yourself…it happens. The most important thing is that you’ve decided to do something about it – that’s terrific. With what you’ve told me about your current fitness level, have you ever considered Focus T25? It will give you awesome results (fast weight loss and quick muscle toning), but in the beginning, it’s a lot easier to tone down to your current fitness level than P90X or Insanity. However if you’re totally not interested, I would suggest Insanity. It will get you the weight loss you’re looking for, while toning you up – and you can do it more at your own pace than P90X. Good luck – please let me know if you have any other questions.
I have P90X but I always seem to have problems commiting to the routine. I have to travel once a month for military and I cant take my required equipment with me. I am afraid to use the pull up bar because even with it secured in the wall it doesn’t feel secure. I tried using the bands on my bar but it seems a waste because even using the highest resistance band I could never get far enough from the bar to cause resistance because its in a narrow hallway (most of the doors in my house was designed for a wheel chair and are wider than normal so the bar wont work on any other door.) My main goal right know is to increase the number of sit ups, push ups, and have a better run time. (maybe loose weight too.) working on my cardio in insanity will help with the run but will it help me with the sit ups and push ups?
Hi Brandy – with everything you’ve told me, I would just to Insanity. You don’t need any equipment, and it will get you noticeable stronger…there are lots of push-up variations and core moves, which should all help with your sit-ups and push-ups. Plus, any type of cardio will help with your running, although Insanity isn’t focused too heavily on legs. You may need to add your own squats and lunges if you’re feeling like your legs aren’t strong enough while running. And Insanity will definitely help you lose weight too :) Just make sure to reduce your daily intake of calories and eat a well-rounded diet. Good luck – let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Bethany — thanks for a great post and for answering comments so thoroughly! I’m having the same question about which workout…I’m 40 years old, 5 foot 8, and about 170 pounds. I was an athlete in my younger years and still have that nice muscle base…so my ideal weight for my height and build is about 135 (below that I just look too skinny!). I haven’t seen that number in about a decade (I tend to oscillate between about 155 and 175)! I do remain fairly active through my job and semi-regular exercise (cycling, running, hiking, yoga and some cardio tapes like Jillian and Tae Bo) so definitely not a beginner…but not in outstanding shape either. I have a pretty demanding job but can allow myself 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day most days (I do need/want yoga to be part of that for all sorts of reasons but that is only about 30 minutes/day). Ultimately what I want is to both lose weight (30-35 pounds or so) and to tone up the muscle base that I already have…so definition rather than more bulk. And just as important, if not more, I want to be fit and gain some strength. I do know the importance of strength training though, especially at my age, and so having that element as well seems like a good idea (although I can do strength training on the side if necessary). The only negative is that I have some trouble with my lower back…but losing weight and remaining active all help that problem (though certain exercises aggravates the problem at times–but I’m careful to note that and modify if necessary). Given these goals, I feel as if Insanity would be the best workout based on most of what I have read but would love your opinion. Thanks in advance and merry christmas!
Hi Rachel – with what you’ve written in exceptional detail (thank you!), I do think Insanity would be the better option for you. The workouts will help you get rid of the excess fat with its plyometrics style workouts and tone up the muscle you have underneath without building a ton of added mass. I don’t think you should add in any other strength training workouts…you really shouldn’t need it since Insanity uses body weight exercises to build and tone muscle. Insanity should also help with your back pain, because there is a ton of core work, but definitely modify moves if you’re feeling any bad pain. Just be sure to always exercise at your own pace and pause the workout or walk it out when you need to. Yoga will be a great addition to the workouts to help maintain your flexibility and aid and/or prevent muscle soreness. Good luck!
Hi, I would like to know wich one of these is the best to lose the pregnancy weight. I’m curently 8 month pregnant and I’ve gain more weight than I would like to admit (50 lbs). Also, do you know when it would be safe to start one of these programs after birth?
Hi Cindy, I would consider starting to lose the baby weight with Focus T25 – it’s shorter in length each day (leaving you more time with your little bundle of joy!) and very easy to tailor to your current fitness level. Plus, it gives you great results. It really tones you up from head to toe, which will help you lose the weight faster. But you need to be careful not to rush into hard core exercise after giving birth, because your body has just been through a lot and will need some time to heal.
It is most often suggested to wait at least six weeks before beginning any kind of intense exercise after giving birth to promote healing and ensure your body is back to normal. At your six-week postpartum check-up, your doctor will be able to give you the official okay to start Focus T25. In that time, think low impact exercise right after birth like short, easy walks. I hope this helps, but if you do have any other questions, please let me know. Good luck, and congratulations!
Thank you for all of this wonderful information and pictures!
I am athletic- danced with many companies, yoga instructor and then had 3 kids. I have been doing Tae Bo at home for almost 2 years. I love it but I need a change. I have some good muscle definition, but I have gained some stomach fat that I would like to move and work my upper abs. Arms, well they can never be big enough! I am 5’6″ and 120, so I don’t want to loose weight but I need a harder workout for a challenge and I think it is time for a change. Both of these programs seem like a good next step but I am perplexed about just what to do. I have some great results from Tae Bo, but I think I am stagnating!
Thank you so much for your time.
Hi Kryan – I think it’s a great idea to switch things up if you feel like you’ve hit a plateau. With what you’ve told me, I would suggest trying Insanity. It’s a great core workout, which really targets all areas of your abdomen. It is also an awesome cardio workout, so you will lose any and all unwanted body fat by the end – including your pesky stomach fat :) I really think you’ll enjoy the change of pace from TaeBo, because it will offer your body and your mind new challenges that will keep you excited about your workouts and help you make forward progress again. Good luck – if you have any questions along the way, please ask!
A big THANK YOU! I am so glad you mentioned new challenges for my mind as well. I am excited to start soon!
Thanks for the article. I’m 50, peri-menopausal (ugh), and am 5’10” and 185 lbs this morning. It’s been a stressful year with family stuff, and I’ve added 7 pounds to my usual 178 (which is still not acceptable). Anyway, I’d like to get to 160. I carry weight in my abdomen and need to get rid of fat. I’m not obsessed with a number, but need to get some fat off and tone up. I have a good shape if I can get my gut taken care of. I have time to work out, if I can stay motivated. I love to go walking outside (weather is always nice here in San Diego). I also like doing weights, but have to modify for a crummy left knee (no surgery), and lower back issues. I think my biggest culprit is my eating; gotta cut out the sugar. Anyway, what would your suggestion be for me with regards to these two programs or others? Thank you in advance.
Hi Mom of 5 – with all you’ve said, I actually think Focus T25 would be a great place for you to begin your fitness journey. It offers a low impact version of every single exercise (just keep your eye on Tania!), which will help save your left knee and your back. It also is just 25 minutes a day to begin with, which will be easier to stick with and still allow you to go for walks outdoors when you feel like it. As more of the weight comes off your stomach and you strengthen your core, your back should start feeling much better. This program is really an overall body toner, so it should keep your already good shape and get rid of the excess fat. After you finish the program, I’d see where you’re at image-wise (scales are really not always the best indicators of perfection!) and how your body’s feeling – then, you can see which program you think you’re interested in doing next.
Also regarding your eating habits, you do have to commit to a healthier diet unless it’s impossible to get the results you want. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to stick with T25’s diet although the five ingredient meals are VERY easy to follow! My advice: don’t starve yourself and don’t deprive yourself – if you love chocolate, keep some dark chocolate in the house, and if you’re an ice cream lover, store some frozen berries and non-fat plain yogurt, and mix them together for an icy cool treat. You just have to be a little creative when you’re not eating the regular processed or refined sugar foods you’re used to. The good news is that the sugars in fresh fruits are very sweet and should satisfy your cravings. And make sure you’re eating enough calories. If you’re starving to death, you’re not going to be able to keep away from the junk food…trust me. Just be sure to always have cut up veggies or fruits easily accessible for when you need a quick fix. It takes a little bit of time to get used to…the first week is always the toughest, but after having five children, this should be a cinch for you :)
Bethany, thank you so very much for taking the time to answer my questions, and to do so so extensively! Thank you thank you! I’m looking forward to getting back in shape!
Hi there!
Thank you for a wonderful and honest written article. I am trying to decide between these two programs and would love your opinion. I am 5’3” and weigh 134. I am very active, I love turbo kick 5 days a week and lift and love to run but after my last race my knees haven’t been allowing me to run more than 3 miles :( I am looking to loose about 12 pounds and just overall tone up my body. Which do you recommend? Thank you so much!
Hi Haileigh, P90X sounds perfect for you. The high-impact moves in Insanity can be hard on the knees and you sound like you need to give them a rest. P90X is also in my opinion better for overall body toning than Insanity. Hope that helps, Bethany.
Thank you so much :)
Hi there!
I just wanted to say your article was really helpful. As a teenage girl, I would love to have a toned, and flat stomach. I’m currently 5’2 and 100 lbs so I don’t want to lose too much weight but just get into shape! I would really appreciate your opinion of which program I should get!
Thanks!
Also I’m not sure if this is helpful or not but I thought I would just let you know I would consider myself an active person for I run everyday throughout the summer and through the fall. So this exercise is more to keep in shape to start running again and building up more endurance, while again having a toned stomach! Thanks again!!
Hi Mariah – first of all, thank you for your compliments…I am glad you found the article helpful! The truth is that Insanity and P90X were designed for adults 18 and over, so not knowing exactly how old you are, I really can’t give you any sound advice without a heavy feeling in my heart.
These workouts are very intense and the diets are calorie restricted, which aren’t a good idea for a still-growing body. I would suggest trying something a little less intense :) You can even talk to your doctor about a safe exercise program to do in the winter or see if they think following one of these programs is safe for your age. Or if you have access to a treadmill, you can always keep up the running in the winter and do some core exercises like planks and crunches to get your abs flat – yoga and pilates videos are amazing for a strong core. I hope this helps, but if you do have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck!
Im 53 year old female, would like to buy p90x and insanity to work through. 5’2″ and 176 lbs.. Love being physically active but haven’t ever really exercised… Twenty years ago, used to put my exercise bike under my weight machine, lol.. Best shape i was ever in :-) advice for getting back at it?
Hi CeeTee! First of all, congratulations on your decision to get back into it – that is the MOST important decision you will ever make for the betterment of your health. As for doing P90X or Insanity, both are very difficult, but you can always tone them down to suit your current fitness level. Have you ever considered Focus T25? It’s just 25 minutes a day, which may not be a bad place to begin with after being away for so long – plus, it’s really tough and will literally kick your butt, thighs, back, and every other area of your body! My thighs never looked so cut until I did T25, however if you do have your heart set on Insanity or P90X (pending your doctor’s okay for intense exercise!), I would definitely suggest P90X for you, since it sounds like you enjoy lifting weights :) Just don’t do the moves as quickly as they do and pause as often as needed. Good luck! If you have any questions along the way, never be afraid to ask.
Hi! I’m 28, 5’4″ and 225 lbs. I’m a single mother working two jobs so I don’t have a lot of time for working out, but I’d like to find something I can squeeze in between jobs that doesn’t require many extra purchases. I’d like to lose weight and to be able to run around and play with my son at the park without getting exhausted. What would you recommend?
Hi Ashley, the program I think would be perfect for you is a new program by Shaun T called Focus T25. I wrote a complete review of Insanity and Focus T25 here – https://thefitnessfocus.com/insanity/insanity-vs-focus-t25 – leave me a comment on that post if you any questions about it. -Bethany
This looks like exactly what I was looking for! Thanks so much- I’m so glad I found your thread! I have my ten year reunion next year, and a trip to disney world the year after, and I want to start preparing now.
HI there!
Ok, so I am trying to decide between a new gym membership, buying an elliptical or getting a good DVD series. I was in really good shape 10 years ago; however, I got married, comfortable, and have had 2 children and developed horrible eating habits and now having a really hard time finding time to exercise. I weigh 198 and am 5’5″ and have high blood pressure that I take medication for. I have been yo yo dieting and yo yo exercising for the last 10 years, so I’m not totally out of shape, but close! So would you recommend the P90x, Insanity or something else for me to start my journey back to 135 and size 8!?
Hi Melody – congratulations on your decision to get healthy and fit…just this little decision you’ve made will make a world of difference in your life and your children’s! Because you’ve been yo-yo dieting and haven’t religiously exercised, I really think BBL would be a great place to start. It’s less intense than P90X or Insanity, and the diet is easier to adjust to. I would follow the Classic schedule to optimize weight loss.
Another alternative is Focus T25. I only suggest this, because it’s 25 minutes a day to begin with, which is very easy to get yourself into the habit of doing and leaves you with no excuse not to do it at the end of the day…25 minutes is easy to fit into any schedule! It’s also very easy to tone down.
When you begin to exercise religiously and eat healthier, you won’t need your blood pressure meds any longer. So there is more incentive for you to stick with the program than just losing weight – it’s your health. Use that as motivation to stick with it, and you’ll see yourself looking lean and toned up in no time. You have two wonderful reasons to live a long, healthy life for, so go for it :) I hope this helps, but if you do have other questions along the way, please ask. Good luck!
Thanks for writing this article! I am looking to get back into shape, I would like to lose about 10 pounds. I was,at that weight about two yea ago, and achieved that goal after a lot of hard work in the gym. My biggest problem area is my bottom half. I want to tighten and tone muscles. Any advice would be appreciated!!
Hi Julie, if you want to really focus on your bottom half, take a look at BBL, my review is here – https://thefitnessfocus.com/brazil-butt-lift-journal/brazil-butt-lift-workout-day-60-before-after-results – if you are striclty trying to decide between P90X or Insanity, I would choose Insanity for sure. Hope that helps, Bethany
I’m a new mother and enjoy running on the weekends.
Looking for a plan that I can enjoy weekly and help me tone and loose about 10-15 lbs.
Please let me know which you recommend.
Thanks, M
Hi Mikala, either Insanity or P90X would help you reach your goal weight while toning. But, since you are a new mother I would suggest Insanity, the workouts are not as long so you will have more time to sleep!
Hello Dear,
THANKS a lot for your article, seriously it motivated again to try either of these 2 program; Bur, again I am so confused :(
I am 26, 5’2″, weight 154 lbs. Have to loose 22 to 33 lbs. Actually in 2007-2010, I was at same condition, But in 2011-2012, I had lost 16 lbs just by eating clean and doing some JM workouts, BUT there was no visible change in body, i.e. no inches lost. After getting job last December, I have gained all those lbs, back to square one. I Eat clean (at least try 100%) and doing Tae-Bo, but sometimes I get bored with it although I alternate different tae-bo videoes. .
I now want total body transformation, I can work hard, I know that, may be it will take some time but I can definitely can. I want to loose all those 22-33 lbs and also some visible changes/shedding some inches; Not like last time, I lost weights, but was not noticeable for any before/after pic).
I will be very much grateful if you suggest me which one will be better for me P90X or Insanity. Or should I stick to Tae-Bo.
Thank you… :)
Hi Shopno, I know exactly how you feel. Your story is very similar to mine.
While I do like Tae-Bo(it’s fun) I think you would be better giving the Insanity workout a try! With Insanity you will work hard and you will push yourself, this sounds like what you want. With the Insanity workout you can surely lose 22-33 pounds as long as you do the program and follow the Insanity diet or something similar!
Hi there :-)!
Thanks for writing this article! I am 20 years old and have always been pretty sportive. Now, as I have been getting lazy a bit during the last months, I noticed that I put on some weight and I would like to get in better shape again. Currently, I weigh 115 lbs at a body size of 5 foot 2. Ideally, I would like to lose about 15 pounds and tone my body up a bit.. Nevertheless I would not like to have too strong arm muscles, like many women seemingly resulted to have after P90X. Also, I would like to actually get fit – do you think that these programs are focussed mainly on external results? Either way, it would help me loads, if you could tell me, which program you would recommend for me.
Tons of thanks in advance!!
Hi Maria, great question!!! The results you can receive with either program are not only external, you will feel better inside as well as look better on the outside! That being said, I think the Insanity program would be better for you if you are more interested in weight loss. -Bethany
Hi there! I’m 25 and I’m 5’9, female, and around 315lbs. I’m starting back at the gym Monday and I usually go 5 times a week. I want to lose a lot of weight but not have flabby or saggy skin. I’m in good health other than my weight. I’ve been like this since I was young. Any advise on which program would work best for me?
Hi Lindsey, congratulations on your decision to get fit! Losing weight by doing cardio activity and strength training without crash dieting will give you gradual and sustainable weight loss sans the leftover loose skin. It’s when you focus too much on cardio and don’t include strength training or crash diet that you tend to get the loose skin.
As for programs, I think Focus T25 would be a great place for you to start – there are modified moves throughout to adjust to your current fitness level, and the diet is reasonable. Best part – it’s just 25 minutes a day, which is great for when you’re first starting out any at-home workout program. Just be sure not to cut your calories too much or overdo it with the exercising. I think just doing the T25 workout would be a good place for you to start, see where you’re at after 60 days – whether you want to add in gym days after your first 60 days is up to you, but Focus T25 was designed to help you lose weight fast – it is not easy. You can read My Focus T25 Review if you’d like to learn more. Good luck, and if you have any questions along the way, please ask :)
I am in the same boat. Extremely over weight and want to loose weight. I just completed 21 day fix and lost 30 lbs! But I am now borderline 300 and want to commit to a more demanding workout than 30 min. So when push comes to shove, P90x or Insanity? Thank you :)
Hi Athena, Congrats on the weight loss. Either program really, if you just want hardocre cadrio then Insanity, P90X if you want to do some weight training too. -Bethany
I used to be a hard core ballerina and then became a teacher. I am 5’7″. With stress and other factors, I lost my muscle tone and went up to 150. I used to bounce around between 125 to 135, and still look great. I am currently 140. I’d like to tone my flabby arms, lift my butt, flatten my stomach, narrow my waistline (now 29 inches, want to get to at least 26) before my wedding. I’m 25, and my knees don’t do very well with running. What program do you think I should go with?
Hi Amanda, with your background and your goals I would recommend P90X for you. I think you would really enjoy the workouts as a lot of the moves are body weight exercises. Also Insanity can be hard on the knees.
When is your wedding? And congratulations!
Wedding is in about a year so I’ve got time, thank you so much!!!
Hi Bethany! I have thought about doing P90x or insanity for a while now but never went through with either. I just graduated high school and while I was very sporty in high school I have found myself being slightly more lazy because I don’t have sport practices to help me up and moving. I go running occasionally but it doesn’t seem to be doing anything. I am 5’4″ and weight 137 pounds. I have looked back at photos from my freshman year of high school and can very easily tell I’ve gained weight. I tried on my homecoming dress and could barely get it up let alone zip it.. I would like to fit in that dress again because I haven’t gotten taller just bigger and I was so much happier with my weight and physical appearance back then. I want to be tone and fit but weight loss is my primary goal. Do you think P90x or insanity would be better for me?
Thank you!!
Hi Haylie, either program can help you reach your goals, if weight loss is what you are more concerened with then Insanity might have a slight edge over P90X. But, the best program is one you are going to stck with and only you can choose which one you think you would enjoy more. -Bethany
Hi i am 21 i am 5’6 weighing 157 :/ i was doing good before lost 25 to 20 lbs after a bunch of things happened i stopped working out and gained it all back :/ so i bought the insanity workout but im worried its too many carbs my goal is to lose 30 lbs and fast what should i do? Stick with the meal plan in my calorie range or cut of the carbs for the evening i know carbs is a must after working out but idk how much i should take in i dont want to gain weight please help Xo
Hi Tao, With the Insanity series the higher carbs are meant to give you more energy for the workouts. I know when I missed a carb block I did not have as much energy with MAX:30. I would stick to how the the diet is laid out, the low carb diets do work, but most people believe in the health and fitness industry those diets work best for people who are sedentary. Weight gain is caused by excess calories not carbs if that makes you feel better. Bethany
Hello I am a mom of 4. 32 yrs. 5’7. I’ve been doing chalean extreme for a year now. I’m seeing toning but I’ve just lost 10 lbs. That was a few months ago. I’ve plateaued. I’m at 151. My goal is 145 but final goal is 135’ish. I’m a size 10 but want a 6. I have most of Chalenes workouts minus piyo. A friend of mine is letting me borrow p90x. I want to be toned but lose weight at the same time. I use the 21 day fix containers but use the healthy foods that I have. Advice?
Hi Cathy, it definitely sounds like you’ve plateaued. However, you should be really proud of your 10lbs lost so far – that’s really wonderful! As for exercise, try following P90X to change things up a little. It may be just what your body needs to start burning fat again. Anytime you tone up by doing cardio and strength training activities, you will lose weight.
And I would not only switch up your exercise program, I would also take a look at your calorie intake. Now that you’re 151lbs, you should be eating 1500-1600 calories each day. When you go below 150lbs, shoot for 1400-1500 calories. I do like the 21 Day Fix containers, because they help you eat controlled portions of healthy foods. You can definitely be a size 6…just stick with it and keep on pushing your hardest each and every workout. Good luck! – Bethany