Disclosure: this page may include affiliate links which may earn me a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
HI,
I have been looking at both programs, but really don’t know which to choose! I started a weight lose journey about 1.5 years ago. I started weighing in at 256 lbs, and got down to 170 lbs, since December I have gained around 9 lbs (not bad, but I am not happy about it!). I am board with the routine, which really only consisted of 35 mins on and elliptical several days per week. I am not coordinated at ALL! I bought zumba because a friend of mine loves it, but I cant follow, I have six left feet, all going in the wrong direction!!! So, I want to lose about 20lbs, must be left foot friendly, and can not be all about push ups and pull ups, no upper body strength! I love food, healthy and unhealthy, but have been maintaining! Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!
Hi Jesslyn, thank you for sharing all this detail, it is very helpful when trying to give you the best advice that I hope will help you reach your health and fitness goals. Now, congratulations on your weight loss so far – that is incredible! I hope you’re proud of what you’ve accomplished so far, because it’s amazing.
Who cares about the 9 lbs? The fact is you know it, you owned up to it, so now you’re going to keep pushing forward and finish off those last 20lbs. You already have a really great attitude.
As for a workout program I think you would like that does not involve dancing or too much upper body moves, I would strongly suggest Focus T25. It is NOT easy (which I feel like some people believe because it’s just 25 minutes each day), but it does have toned down moves, so if you’re not in the best shape upper body-wise, it offers you alternatives. You can get really great results in the 25 minutes a day with T25 – it really is no joke. There is no doubt in my mind that you can finish off the rest of your weight loss journey with this program. And if you want, you can even opt into the Gamma phase for an additional 30 days of working out with the program. I just feel like Insanity is going to be too much upper body push-ups without any lower impact versions to follow, and P90X has A LOT of upper body activities, so unless you have a bench that you can kneel on while doing your pull-ups, you are probably not going to enjoy it. You can read my comparison of Insanity vs T25 here.
With eating, just try to be as mindful as possible about what you’re putting into your body. I would suggest using myfitnesspal.com to track your calories and keep you on track.
I hope this helps, but if you do have any questions along the way or need any help, please let me know. You are a serious inspiration, so remember that while you’re pushing your hardest during your workouts. You’ve come this far, so just keep up the good work, and you will reach your goals. Good luck!
Thank you! I will check this out! I am very proud of how far I have come, just have fallen off my wagon and need to get motivated to lose the remaining weight! Again thank you for your time and suggestions!!! :)
You’re very welcome :)
Hi Bethany,
Wondering if you’ve tried Insanity Asylum? And if so, how does that compare to P90X?
In a nutshell, I have about 10 to 12lbs to lose (after having a baby). I just dusted off my Insanity DVD’s, and have been back at it for a week and I’m lovin it! I’ve always been a workout junkie and strive to push myself at the gym but Insanity has made me realizes my stamina and cardio conditioning needed to challenge.
Anyways, after I lose the weight — I’d like to maintain my weight lose AND tone up. Wondering what program would be better for that – Insanity Asylum OR P90X?
Thanks so much — looking forward to hearing from you.
Emily
Hi Emily, if you’re having trouble with Insanity, you are not going to enjoy the Asylum. It is much more difficult. Instead, I would suggest following P90X – it will definitely help you lose those last 10-12lbs and get you toned and looking better than ever. It’s definitely not easy either, but a bit more manageable than Insanity Asylum. I hope this helps…good luck!
Hi there,
thanks for the article! i was just wondering, i’m 18, weigh around 133lbs- i did insanity last summer and lost 10lbs however I have partly put some back on in these winter months and would like to lose around 8 lbs and tone up for abs etc- i have been working out all year round so my muscles are fine but just need to tone up slightly and lose the fat layer! i have both insanity and p90x and don’t know which one is the best one to embark on? Thanks, Lucy x
Hi Lucy, I think either program would allow to reach you goal. It really comes down to what type of exercise program you want to follow. P90x is weight training and cardio while Insanity is mostly cardio. -Bethany
Hi Bethany,
Thanks for writing the side by side comparison. It was straightforward and very easy to digest.
I’m 5 foot, weighing at 115lbs looking to get fit, shave off some inches and slim down. I’ve always been active and sporty but like everyone else have fallen victim into the college slump and gained quite a bit (loose arms and tummy). I’ve now done p90x and whist I feel stronger and can see some definition; there’s still a lot of stubborn fat on my body obscuring the muscles. Starting to think it might just be me that’s the problem!
What would you recommend next: insanity, a second round of p90 or something else entirely? Looking to lose about 10lbs or so.
Thanks so much
HI Angie, I would recommmend changing it up with the Insanity workout. This shhould help you lose that last bit of fat and look lean. -Bethany
I think I should do Insanity. I have about 50 pounds to lose. Maybe p90x after to start building muscle.
THe hardest part is making the decision yo get started. Good luck, Bethany
Hi Bethany,
So glad you posted this. I am between 5’3 and 5’4 and I weigh 128 pounds. I teach spinning classes once per week (but will be taking a break for the summer) and I do hot power yoga classes twice per week. I have always been athletic and active (I sometimes run, and always enjoy trying new workouts). I get bored really quickly with workouts, and I only enjoy doing really tough workouts (hence the hot power yoga and spinning). I was leaning towards P90X because I think I need weights in my workout plan. I would really like to tone up my arm flab and stomach. I have a strong core, but don’t like the way I look in a bathing suit. I think I could stand to lose about 10-12 lbs. My lower half is really strong and toned from spinning and playing soccer my whole life…but my abs aren’t completely visible, obliques could use some work, and my arms definitely need some work (the one area of my body i’ve never figured out how to tone properly). I think a 60 day workout plan would be better for me than 90 days since I get bored easily…but Insanity seems to be geared more towards weight loss and less towards toning so I was thinking P90X? Would Insanity get me these results? Which would you recommend?
Also, I don’t want to stop doing my hot yoga classes twice per week…could I work those into to either Insanity or P90X workouts?
Thanks so much!
Hi Sara, I would recommend P90X. I believe it fits in more with your goals and I think you would like the workouts more. Don’t worry about getting bored either, the premise of P90X is muscle confusion so you wil get plenty of workout variety. -Bethany
And, instead of P90X Yoga replace it with your hot yoga class. -Bethany
I actually went ahead and am trying Insanity for now. I’ve started by testing a few of the workouts but am not starting the 60 day challenge until next week…maybe P90X will be my next challenge, but I’m hoping to lose the weight and tone up using Insanity. Do you think Insanity will show me results?
Yes, it will. Good Luck, Bethany
Hi there,
I’m a 38yr old mom, 5’7″ and 174lbs. I do HIIT running, 1/2 marathon training, and I lift weights (hammer curl @ 25lb, back squat 125lb, chest press 100lb – just to give you an idea of my weights). I eat 95% clean, with no processed foods. I’m looking to loose about 10lbs but also want to gain lean muscle. I’m not a beginner to exercise and have been at the gym for 10yrs now and have often worked with a personal trainer. Not sure which program would best suit me.
Hi Shannon, I would recommend P90X to you over Insanity. Sounds like it would be a better fit for your style of training. And it will help you obth lose fat and add some muscle at the sme time. -Bethany
Hello,
I just came across your blog and I love how intricate and wise you are with your experiences! I’m currently 19 years old and lately my freshman year of college and its stress have gotten to me- I now weigh 133 lbs. I used to be a dancer and my arms are very toned for my body size. I would like to go down to 110-115 lbs by the end of this summer. My long time goal has been to achieve abs- not the crazy muscular ones, but the nice toned ones. What program do you recommend for weight loss and ab toning, Insanity or P90X? Thank you so much for your time and effort!!
Hi Ashley – freshman year has the same effect on so many others, so it’s nothing to worry about. It’s a total lifestyle change.
I would recommend Insanity to get you toned, but my only qualm is that at your size, it may get you that very low fat, muscular look it sounds like you’re not necessarily looking for…P90X would definitely have that effect on you.
I’m not sure if you’d be interested, but Brazil Butt Lift was specifically designed to get you that longer, leaner look of a dancer – or a well-toned supermodel. It won’t get you ripped like P90X or Insanity, but it will get you streamlined. You can read my official BBL review here.
Honestly, as long as you’re following a reduced, healthy diet and the at-home workout program of your choice that you’re going to like and stick with, there is no doubt in my mind you will reach your weight loss goals. Good luck! You’re young, so you’ll spring right back into shape in not time :)
Hi Bethany –
I loved this post. I am 5’4, 28, and weighing in at a whopping 236. I started taking control of myself back in February and did a cycle of Insanity through April. I enjoyed the workouts thoroughly as I love love love the high intensity exercises. I could feel my legs getting stronger and really slimmed down my back and arms as well as my stomach (see my progress at IG: foodiegirlgetsfit). In total I lost exactly 15 lbs over the course of insanity. I did slack a little bit the last 2 weeks because I was so busy with work I think I only did 4 workouts per week (I’m a CPA and I worked out through the entirety of tax season which was a real feat for me and then I think I just need 2 weeks to decompress). I took 2 weeks off to decompress after tax season was over and just this Monday I started P90x. I know that the more muscle you have the more cals you burn. I want to be thin and muscular eventually with a reachable goal weight of probably 245 given that I’ve always been muscular and at 245 and muscular I’m a size 8. After the first few P90x workouts this week I am not sure if its right for me. I am a woman with high testosterone so I am slightly concerned this getting bigger more quickly than other women because of that factor but am doing 12-15 reps of lighter weight rather than 8-10 with heavier. I just kind of miss the Insanity workouts I guess. P90x plyo was good. I really don’t like yoga as its really very long and boring for me. I wonder if maybe I should sub some insanity workouts in for the cardio and yoga p90x workouts? Also, do you have any experience with very very very overweight women with high T doing P90x Classic? My current BB coach is a guy and I’m not sure he understands me or my needs really (he’s a very nice guys though).
Thanks so much, any input would be helpful!
Ummm goal weight of 145*** NO, I do not want to be 245 – haha sorry. I guess its been so long since I’ve been in ONEderland that I make those mistakes!
Hi Lauren, congratulations on your progress so far – that’s awesome…be proud of what you’ve accomplished! And it’s okay to take a break if you need it. Working long hours can really put a damper on your body, so taking that two weeks was the right decision.
As for P90X, it’s okay to add some Insanity workouts in, but to me, it sounds like you’re not enjoying it that much. Have you considered Insanity Asylum or something like TurboFire/TurboJam? They’re not as weight-based as P90X, so I think you would feel more comfortable working out without having to worry about getting big. The truth is that even men will not get that big with P90X – the high reps really make it difficult. You will define and lose weight, but you won’t ever get huge – a program like BodyBeast and weight gainers will do that.
And remember, being overweight and having high T are two different things, so you have to treat them as such. To tackle your weight problem, I would suggest doing a program you’re not afraid is going to bulk you up, so you can have fun with it and eating a healthy, well-rounded diet full of whole foods. Drinking spearmint tea, eating rice, consuming soy, green and yellow veggies like zucchini and squash may also reduce testosterone levels, but you need to make sure they won’t interfere with what you’re already taking.
Good luck – just stick with your exercise program and a reduced calorie, healthy diet and you will reach your weight loss goals – I guarantee it. Good luck!
I am 31 and 136.4 lb at 5’3″. My previous resting weight was 118. I am most interested in getting back to that weight and building muscle definition especially in my core to improve posture. I understand that if the muscle builds I may not get as low as 118. I used to swing dance several times a week and while I didn’t have muscle definition I never gained much weight. Now I have a stressful desk job and quickly packed on 20 lb and lost my upper body strength. Which would you suggest?
Hi Stacey, either program would help, but if you are looking at building upper body strength I would suggest P90X. You may also want to consider Focus T25, there is a review on the right hand sidebar of my site. -Bethany
Hi I am 21 years old and 5 2. I currently weigh 135 and am trying to lose the last 10 pounds along with tone my legs and thighs. Which program would be better for me? I am also going to school full time, so I want something short like 30-45 mins. I have tried t25, no major results. I have been plateauing for the last 4 months. What should I do?
Hi Currie, I would suggest you try Insanity, since the workouts are shorter than P90X’s and will fit into your schedule better. Changing up your workout program should also help with the plateauing effect. You may also want to look at your diet and how many calories you’re eating. If you’re eating the perfect amount of calories in relation to how many calories you’re burning, it will also cause a plateau effect – so always make sure you have a calorie deficit. Good luck!
Hi Miss Bethany. As I’ve finished reading your post i was more interested in losing weight. I’m 18 years old and currently at 210 lbs at 5’5 height. Since it’s summer, i wanted to start a healthy lifestyle and i see myself as a failure due to the body shape i have. I hate going to gym since i feel everyone’s watching me. My goal weight is 120 lbs, is that achievable? What program/s do you recommend for me to attain that goal weight?
Thanks :)
-Mao
Hi Mao, of course your goal is attainable, but it will take time and a lot of dedication on your part. Insanity or P90X are likely to advanced for you at this time. T25 might be a better option for you at this point or if you like dance workouts, Hip Hop Abs is another option. -Bethany
Bethany,
Thanks for writing this! I started working out and watching my diet over a year ago. I have lost 41 lbs so far (yay!). I am currently at 5’2 and 137. However, my erratic nursing school and work schedules have caused issues with not only my energy levels but also my time to fit in good workouts. I currently work out 4 days a week. I run and do weights. I am getting very bored and need to stay motivated! I graduate in 34 days and would like to create a fresh workout routine. Would you suggest one of these videos or just to switch up my routine at the gym? I love doing the weights but also love fitness classes such as hip hop aerobics. I HATE yoga. My goal weight is 128, so I’m not far! I will also have plenty of time on my hands after graduation so longer workouts will definitely not be an issue.
Thanks!
-Tia
Hi Tia, congratulations on your weight loss so far – that’s really something to be proud of! You have so little to go :) For now with your current crazy schedule, I think T25(review in sidebar) might be a good program for you. Not only is it always good to change up your routine to keep things fresh, it’s also very important to keep challenging your body. The 25 minutes is easy to fit into even the busiest schedules, which would be good for you now and even when you start working full time. It’s also a really tough workout that will help you lose those last 9 lbs. After that, you could always move on to Insanity or something like TurboFire. P90X is very weight-based, but these other workouts I’ve mentioned all include some form of strength-training whether it’s using your body weight or actual dumbbells. I hope this helps – good luck!
Hi Bethany! I’m a 28 year old mom to two boys (6&2). I’m 5’1 and currently 138 lbs. That may not sound like a lot, but for my height and frame it’s not cute and really unhealthy. I was 118 lbs before my boys (which was heavy for me because I danced my whole life), I wore a size 4 and felt good. (now a 10-11-12) I bought insanity last year and kept at it for a good two weeks before I started to get shin splints and horrible knee pain. I tried to take a week off and get back to it, but it felt awful so…ultimately, I gave up all together. Its now 80 degrees here in the southern states and I’m embarrassed to get into a pair of shorts or even just a short sleeved shirt. I started the couch 25k program and made it through to week 4 until my knees started to hurt again. I still try to walk nightly, but that’s not enough. What would you recommend to drop that 20 lbs?
Hi Lia Marie, with everything you’ve told me, you need to do a workout that has low-impact exercise options so you’re not killing your knees four weeks in. Insanity is really not the right workout if you have bad knees. I think a good option for you to choose to drop those last 20 lbs would be Focus T25. There is a woman doing the lower impact moves during the entire workout, which will be much better on your knees. You could always try BBL too, but it seems like you like that more “feel like you had a really tough workout” than the fun, dance-inspired workouts of BBL. Just remember that a reduced-calorie, healthy diet is just as important as exercise when it comes to losing weight. I hope this helps, but if you do have any more questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck!
Hi Bethany ~ I am on my last two weeks of Insanity and am thinking of doing P90x when I finish. I am 45 years old, 5’9″ and weighed 160 when I started Insanity. I’ll be honest … I didn’t change one part of my diet when I fist started. Shame on me! But I began really watching calories and keeping a journal after that. My calories have ranged from (too low) 1250ish to about a consistent 1650-1750 currently. I’m a little bummed that I’m only losing 1-2 pounds (at most) a week though. Those first two weeks that I was eating so little I didn’t lose anything. After I increased my calories I lost 6 pounds immediately. I’m wondering if I’m eating too much – or too little again – now? I’m tracking everything with My Fitness Pal and am keeping my ratios balanced at 40/40/20. My calories, though, are at 1650 – 1750 max and I’m in the second month of the videos. So, I guess I have two questions. 1) Why would I not be losing (at least!) 2 pounds a week right now? 2) If I stick to my current diet plan will that work for – or against – me with P90x? Any help you can give me would be SO appreciated!
Hi Rachel, congratulations on your weight loss so far – that’s something to be really proud of – nice job!
You have to remember that how much weight you lose each weight will fluctuate – that’s just how it happens. Such things as the amount of sodium you consumed the night before you weighed yourself and hormones can really have an effect. If you’re consistently losing weight like you are, you shouldn’t worry about how much you’re losing… In fact 1-2 lbs of fat per week is optimal weight loss. Anything more than that and you’re losing water weight or muscle!
I think where you’re at a good calorie range right now if you’re still losing weight consistently, although I might switch up your ratios to something a bit more sustainable such as 40/30-35/25-30 (carbs/protein/fat). I hope this helps, but if you do have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck, and keep up the good work – congrats!
Hello I just need an opinion too on which one would work better for me… My arms and belly is my trouble areas I wanna shrink my belly and lose weight and inches off my waist
Hi Courtney, sounds like your main focus is weight loss. Insanity is probably the better option for this goal. -Bethany
Hi, im 16 and would like to get in better shape for sports. Im 5’5″ and 130 lbs, what would you recommend?
Hi Erin, sorry I can only give advice to those 18+. -Bethany
For those older who may be reading this. It would be sport specific, Insanity would be be better for cardiovascualr based sports, and P90X for those that require more strength.
Hi Bethany!
I’m so glad I found this article, but I still can’t decide on which to purchase. I’m 5’2 and weigh about 220. I want to lose weight quickly but I also want to tone up and I like lifting weights. I live in a place where the closest gym is 20 miles away but I hate going to gyms anyway so I’m anxious to find an at home program. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks.
Hi Dawn, out of the two programs, I think you’d enjoy P90X a lot more than Insanity, because it combines a lot of the weightlifting you like with fat-burning workouts. That being said, P90X is tremendously difficult. The first time I tried it, I was so sore after the first workout that I had to take a week off before I could open my arms again to the fullest extent, which is why you may want to consider starting with another program that is similar to P90X but slightly more doable for those of us who have been away from exercise for a little while – it’s called Power 90. It’s the predecessor to P90X, so it will build up your strength and endurance so you can kick P90X in the butt when you start it without having to take a week off after the first day :) It’s still a tough workout, and you’ll still get great results, but I really think it might be a better fit for you right now. I hope this helps, but if you do have any other questions, please feel free to ask!
Hi Bethany,
I’m 5’3 and I weigh almost eight stone (I have always been petite but I eat like theres no tomorrow!) However I have not got a washboard stomach, my problem is that any extra-weight sticks to my hips, my stomach and my thighs, not evenly over my body! Theres no definition at all. I was really excited to start Insanity however now I am worried that, with my fast metabolism, this may cause me to lose weight. However, great abs is primarily what I want to achieve – and Insanity looks like the best thing for it. I’ve seen pictures of people with my build finishing this 60 day challenge and looking amazing. What would your advise be? If I made sure to eat 2000+ calories per day and stick to the meal plans would this be suitable for me? I also wanted to ask if Insanity was the key to a toned/fuller bottom? My legs and arms are also needing a bit of shape. What would you recommend? I’d really appreciate it! Thank you in advance!
Hi Samantha, eating 2000 plus calories should keep you from losing weight with Insanity, if you do just increase your calories in increments of 300 until you maintain body weight. Brazil Butt Lift is a program that is more suited to toning your bottom half, so that is another program you might want to consider. -Bethany
Hi Bethany –
I am 24 years old, 5’6″ ft, and 153lbs. I have both of the programs, but was having hard time choosing which one to go with. I am so glad I came across your blog, because now I can see the comparison of the two programs. BUT I am leaving you a post, because I still don’t know which program would be right for me.
My goal is to tone up and lose weight. You mentioned that Insanity is primary weight loss program and P90X is both for weight loss and building muscle. Does this mean Insanity doesn’t offer any strength training? It’s only based on cardio, thus I will not gain muscle or tone up? I am little confused by this because from what I was told, Cardio only speeds up fat burning but does NOT actually burn fat also it can actually reduce muscle mass. Building muscle is what burns fat… Could you help me get a better understanding of this? Thank you so much!
Hi Julie, there is no strength traingin with weights in Insanity. There are push-ups in Insnaity, but it is a cardio based program. You will lose wieght with Insanity so the muscles will become more visible as you lose more fat.
Cardio burns calories. For example, an Insanity workout could burn 500 calores. If you did 6 Insanity workouts a week burning 500 calories a time you would burn an extra 3000 calories a week. Now if you couple the workouts with healthy eating you could burn more calories. A reduction of 3500 calories a week gives about a pound of fat loss. If your diet is good you should not have to worry much about muscle loss. Muscle loss can occur when not enough food is eaten. But, as long as you eat a healhty diet or follow the Insanity diet program this is not something that you need to worry about.
And for muscle burning fat. It is actually muscle burns more calories. An extra pound of lean muscle mass is said to burn about an extra 50 calories a day. So, if you put on a pound of muscle you would burn 350 more calories a week. -Hope that helps, Bethany
Hi Bethany,
Oh wow, now everything makes sense. I was taking in so much information from the internet, but I was still confused and did not understand how everything works. Thank you for clearing that up for me. I really appreciate it.
After leaving you a post last night, I actually came across your other blog “Brazilian Butt Lift Workout vs Insanity”. I was very surprised by your results from BBL. I never thought BBL would be also a great weight loss program. My bottom (butt and legs) have always been problematic since young. Even when I was lighter few years ago, I would look disproportionate because my top was skinny compare to the bottom. My legs are composed of mostly ‘fat’, too. :/
So if I want to lose about 20lbs by end of the program and tone up especially in my legs, what program would you recommend? Will I get the results by just doing BBL? Or should I consider doing a hybrid of Insanity and BBL?
Also, can you please become my beachbody coach? I’ve been helped a lot already just by reading your blogs, and I would really appreciate if you could continue to help me during my journey. I made a teambeachbody account, but I was assigned to a random coach whom I haven’t heard back from. How can I change my coach? Thank you.
Hi Julia, BBL does sound like the program for you. Can you lose 20lbs by the end, that depends on so many facotrs I can’t tell you. But it will defintily produce results as long as you stick with and also focus on your nutrition. I will send you an email about how to change coaches. -Bethany