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I’ve done P90X and Insanity both and everyone always asks: What’s the difference?  Which do you like better?

So below I’ve summarized my thoughts on both programs.  They’re both great for different reasons.  It’s what you’re looking for that will determine what is best for you!

P90X Summary:

  • Cost: $139.80
  • Length: 90 days
  • # of workouts: 12
  • Customized program options: yes! 3: Classic, Lean or Doubles
  • Nutrition book: yes!
  • Equipment needed: pull up bar, free weights (I can get away with max 15lbs., Mark likes to go up to 40lbs.)
  • Basic theory: simple with variety.  ”Muscle Confusion” is the term Tony Horton uses to explain why this program works so well.  Since your body doesn’t respond to repetition (eventually is adapts) they claim that by always mixing it up, adding variety, it keeps your body “on its toes” so to speak.

Insanity Summary:

  • Cost: $144.80
  • Length: 60 days
  • # of workouts: 10
  • Customized program options: no
  • Nutrition book: yes!
  • Equipment needed: none!  Just you.
  • Basic theory: maximum intensity exercises with minimum rest that keeps you constantly challenged.  Claims that you can burn up to 1,000 calories per workout (I believe it!)

1. Easiest? NEITHER.

P90X isn’t easier than Insanity.  Insanity isn’t easier than P90X.  They’re different.  Honestly? If you think either is easier, you’re body is probably stronger and you’re not pushing yourself very hard.  If you think BOTH of them are easy, you’re INSANE (and you’re lying).

2. Leaders – Shaun T vs. Tony Horton? SHAUN T.  Easy.

  • P90X: Tony talks a lot and after 90 days, you might go a little crazy.  He has an odd sense of humor, but again, after a couple of weeks……it gets old. Tony can get you excited, don’t get me wrong.  But he’s a little pompous at times.  If he didn’t talk as much, the videos would be shorter, which I think would be a plus since most of the videos are about 58 minutes.
  • Insanity: Shaun T does a better job of giving you a heads up for what is coming next.  All of his workouts seem to run flawlessly.   He works really hard during his workouts and I like that. I also like that he keeps count and tells you every move so you don’t have to look at the TV to see what is going on.  Most importantly, he keeps you motivated by focusing on you, how you can do it better and reminds you why you’re doing this to keep you going.

3. Background Cast Members? Insanity.

  • P90X: They show variations, which I like.  But they seem pretty quiet and not much personality (except for, of course “Drea.”)  I like that they’re fit, but they kinda remind me of gym rats and I can’t really “relate” to that mentality.
  • Insanity: These people get into it!  They’re working hard and pushing themselves and that makes me want to push myself, too.  This might be a little vain, but the women are really fit, but not overly muscular.  When I did Insanity, they motivated me because I wanted to look like them.  C’mon!  Have you seen Ariel’s abs? Geez.

4. Workout Lengths? Insanity.

  • P90X: If Tony talked less, it would definitely shorten the videos.  But with most of them around 58 minutes, it’s a looong workout and a big commitment.
  • Insanity: Some of the Max workouts are long but most of the other ones are around 35-40 minutes so before you know it, you’re covered in sweat and done.  I think it’s because Insanity warmups are harder and more of a workout themselves.  Insanity gets right to business though, which I like.  First time you do it, you’re lucky to just keep up.

5. Muscle Strength? P90X

  • P90X: They use weights, so if you’re looking to build muscles, it’s the better program because you have flexibility and can increase/decrease your weights.  Mark loves it for this reason.  He can decide how much or how little to push himself.
  • Insanity:  It’s cardio packed and definitely builds muscle, but you’re limited because you’re only using your body weight.  Once you get comfortable, there is little you can do to take it to the next level.  Don’t get me wrong – it will take you a LONG time to get “comfortable” with these workouts.  It’s also important to note that most Insanity programs also come with a “Upper Body” workout that does involved weights.  The guys love this one, and honestly I do too!

6. Cardio? Insanity

  • P90X: There are some workouts that are cardio intense (like Cardio and Plyometrics) but otherwise it’s lots of strength training.  I like to really work up a sweat and if that’s what you’re looking for, P90X is so-so
  • Insanity: Cardio at it’s finest.  You’re constantly moving, breathing heavy, sweating and trying to keep up.  Because of this, it burns a ton of calories.  I love that about Insanity.

7. Nutrition Guide?  It’s a tie!

  • P90X: I read the entire book and loved it!  It helped me transform my lifestyle and make big changes that led to big results.  In regards to recipes, P90X definitely takes the cake! (or takes it away, I guess).  We still use the recipe book because they are soo yummy!
  • Insanity: I love their nutrition guide because it is easy to read and simple to understand.  However, I think it does fall short on recipes.  Most of them were so simple that they were bland.

Summary: Either way, you’re going to see results with both programs – the important thing is to commit.  Personally, if you’re not in tip top shape, I would start with P90X because it can give you a good foundation to build off and you can increase intensity as you go.  If you start right into Insanity, you might get frustrated quickly and give up.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a Beachbody coach and I do NOT work for or get compensated by Beachbody.  In fact, the wouldn’t even agree to send me a program for free in exchange for my testimony and before/after pics. BOO!

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