Hey everyone! How’s your Indian Food Wednesday going?
Holler to Bree, who enjoyed Indian Chicken and Lentils in honor of this special day 
(This is her photo)
I happy to say that it’s the end of the car insanity. I’ve been running around like a chicken for the past 3 days, old car is gone, new car is here, insurance is taken care of, car registration is in the process (I have until the end of June), and all is right in the world.
For those of you who have asked what kind of car I bought, here are two hints:
1)
(Source)
2)
(Source)
(Random trivia: A German Shepherd bit me when I was 3 years old and tried to hug my babysitter’s dog- his fang went right through my cheek. I’m still kind of afraid of German Shepherds.)
I still need to name my new car baby!
The week also marked the end of my Insanity workouts, which I’m actually pretty sad about. I joked on Twitter that you might be able to find me curled up in a ball with scratch marks all over my body from Insanity withdrawals. It’s *that* addicting, and *that* awesome of a workout.
You can read my Week 1 Insanity Re-cap *here*
Final thoughts:
- I’m going to go ahead and repeat myself by saying this workout is NOT for beginners, or anyone with pervious injuries. You have to be extremely careful while following this program- both of my friends Jeni and Ashley, who did the program with me, suffered injuries at some point during the program. I was fortunate to have no issues.
- It’s a lot of jumping, bounding, sprinting, toning and sweating! During Insanity, I sweat almost as much as I do during a Bikram yoga class.. except for the fact that the room isn’t heated. Crazy!
-This program leaned me out, but I also started to lose some muscle in the first month. The second month, I added in my weight training and it was an excellent balance. Even though the DVDs can be followed on their own, I recommend supplementing with weight training, which not everyone will have time for as the DVDs are 40 minutes – 1 hr. I’ll update this page with my change in bodyfat percent after I get in the bod pod again.
-This program dramatically increased my strength and endurance. I’ve never been able to crank out full pushups the way I do now, and last night when I ran, it felt great even though I hadn’t stepped on the treadmill in 3 months.
-Shaun T. is awesome. For real. He’s an excellent motivator, and during the 10 weeks of DVDs, I didn’t get sick of him… and all.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes, too 
-My review of all of the DVDs in the set:
- Dig Deeper & Fit Test: (30 minutes) This workout is done at the beginning middle and end of the program, to compare how your endurance has increased with time. It’s a great way to track your workout progress –each time, my numbers were significantly higher- and even though it’s short, it’s a full workout in itself. You have one minute to do as many of one exercise as you can (globe jumps, push-ups, etc) and you write down your numbers each time you do this workout.
- Plyometric Cardio Circuit: (40 minutes) This was one of my favorites. Lots of jumping and lower body work- loved the basketball drills at the end.
- Cardio Power & Resistance: (40 minutes) This utilizes a lot of power movements, jumping and squatting with upper body emphasis. Loved it!!
- Cardio Recovery & Max Recovery: (80 minutes) This are supposed to be *recovery* workouts, but they’re still workouts and will still make you sweat like a monkey and curse at the TV. It’s just a little slower paced.
- Pure Cardio & Abs: (40 minutes) This is the standard warm up and stretch, followed by full out, solid cardio with no breaks. At first, I thought this workout was impossible, but by the end, I could complete the DVD without taking any breaks.
- Cardio Abs: (20 minutes) At first I hated this DVD (because you do it AFTER Pure Cardio, which is a beast in itself), but loved it by the end. Jumping using tight abs, mat work and floor work- loved the new ab workouts and NO crunches!
- Core Cardio & Balance: (40 minutes) I did this workout for my recovery week in the Bahamas with the pilot. It still got our heart rates up, but wasn’t as jump-y, so our bodies could recover and get ready for month 2.
- Max Interval Circuit: (60 minutes) The hardest workout I’ve ever done in my life, hands down. Very intense- at the end I felt like I had nothing left. Probably my favorite.
- Max Interval Plyo: (55 minutes) Tons of jumping, lunges, speed work and HOLY PUSHUPS. You do every type of pushup under the sun and by the end, by shoulders and chest were on fire.
- Max Cardio Conditioning & Abs: (50 minutes) Awesome endurance training. I liked that we didn’t repeat any of the same movements in circuits, just constantly changed things up. Loved.
So there ya have it 
Insanity was an incredible experience and even though I’m giving my body a lil rest right now, there is a potential that I’ll be repeating the program in the fall. We will see what happens… my life is like a crazy roller coaster at the moment (whose isn’t though, right?) and so many things will change depending on how other things *work out*.
Speaking of working out… it’s cardio time up in herrre. I’m going to read The Help on the stairclimber and get ready for girl’s night.
Have a lovely evening <3
xoxo,
Gina
Something to talk about: Can you work out at home, or do you have to go to the gym? Before I moved to Valdizzy, I *had* to workout at the gym and it was SO difficult to motivate myself once we moved here and I noticed the lack of yoga and fitness classes. Have you ever completed a DVD workout program? What’s your fave? I’ve heard great things about P90X and would like to try that sometime, too
Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
Finished P90X in March and Insanity a few days ago. Loved them both. Just ordered TurboFire but this time will not be following the program so strictly because I will be training for my first half marathon.
congrats on being an insane graduate! your sweat glands got a good workout in
ahh, thanks for the insanity review! my favorite @ home workout is Zumba.
I’m debating whether or not to run a marathon this October. Do you think starting 60 days of insanity right now would interfer?
Also, I haven’t had trouble with my knees *knock on wood* but I do recognize the need to strengthen the muscles around them for running and such. Would you recommend insanity for this?
Thx so much for the recap!
i would not do insanity on top of marathon training
insanity will strengthen those muscles a little, but weight training would help more
Sound advice Gina! As someone who has done insanity and run a few marathons, both programs are too intense to do simultaneously, especially if you have knee issues. Like Gina said, it’s *very* easy to injur yourself doing insanity–lots of plyo moves! Personally, if I was going to train, I’d do insanity first with a few runs here and there to build fitness. Afterward (with all of the fitness built during insanity) I’d move into a marathon training phase. You’ll be in peak condition on a protocol like that.
Thank you both very much for the reply! Ironically, I’m watching Sean T’s infommerical now, and ya, it looks insane! I guess the choice is whether I want to be running throughout the summer or sweating it out in front of a TV…right now, the running is in my heart <3 Insanity might be good during the fall/winter months.
So nice to have the feedback here from you Gina, as well as your readers
I did ChaLEAN Extreme a few years ago. I didn’t like it at the time because it was a lot of strength training and plyo’s. At that time I need to lose about 20lbs of fat before bulking up. I will definitely do it again though, maybe in the winter.
Insanity sounds insane!
I’m guessing BMW!
ohh i wonder what kind of bmw you got!!!! bet it’s lovely…
did you know.. german chocolate cake is not actually German? it is just called that because the cake (and the chocolate) are named after a person named German?
hahah yes now that you mention it, i did know that! (thanks to alton brown!) i used that for the name though
I can workout at home, but honestly I get way more done if I go to the gym. I want to make it worth the gas! lol and I’ve never done any workout dvds the whole way through… is that bad?
I’m thinking about giving it the good old college try again though (:
Thanks so much for the review! I feel like just because I have to stop during the workouts, I’m not doing them sufficiently. I guess that it just comes with time and practice!! I sure do hope to see the same results from Insanity as you did!!
Thanks for that great review! I have only done Yoga DVDs, it is REALLY hard to get motivated at home otherwise!!
xo
Kris
I can definitely work out at home. Some mornings, there’s no way I could force myself out of the house and go to the gym! I love having my “mini” gym in the basement
So glad you loved Insanity! How did you substitute the weight training into your Insanity program, since the program itself is cardio everyday?
I always work out at home because I hate the hassle of having to leave the house, and pay for going to the gym, and wait for other people to get off the treadmill, and be with other sweaty people [who stare at you].. Hahah. Just my experience.
I love working out at home cause it’s so much more convenient and easy for me, and I can take my time. So far I’ve survived with just a yoga mat and a set of 8lb weights and 4lb weights. Haven’t bought any other equipment so far and my workouts are just fine. I’ve been dying to get those IronGym [pull up] bars though!
Have a great day, Gina!
i did weights 3x a week- tues, thurs and sat
My guess is that your new bar is an Audi or BMW – either of which would be amazing! Enjoy the new car my lady!
I loved reading your insanity review. I’m going to shoot you an email about p90x. Talk soon!
You should have gotten a Honda Fit! for the FITnessista! apologies for the bad pun if it’s already been done!
bahaha! my grandma has a honda fit
congratulations at kicking butt and taking names and finishing insanity!!!
i wish i could do the same but…le siiigh. i have knee problems and excessive lunging and squatting just doesn’t jive well with them
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You’ve pretty much got me convinced to try Insanity now. Except I hate working out at home and love going to the gym!
Thank you for the Insanity review! It sounds like it was a great experience
I would LOVE to try it but am apprehensive because of the price of the DVDs. Do you know of anywhere that sells them at a discounted price or do you know of anyone interested in selling their DVDs? Thank you!
new cars are exciting!! congrats on that.
reading about your insanity workout, makes me really want to try it out!
You should let me borrow it lol
I like going to the gym because of the atmosphere, it makes you feel less lazy, (but the gym i have a membership at sucks and is stuck up,6 more months until i am out of that place, even though i dont really go anymore.) I need something to kick me in the butt, seriously.
I’m hoping you got a Volkswagen! I love my Passat! But I’ll be excited to see whatever it is
GREAT review of Insanity, Gina. I enjoyed following along and getting inspired. It truly is a one-of-a-kind workout and SO. ADDICTING. I haven’t been this excited or motivated to workout in over a year. I am loving every moment!
Keep on keepin’ on, sista
Great insanity recap…I need to try it. I love to sweat like a monkey and curse. That’s right up my alley, seriously!
The car..Omg just spent the day at the CA DMV. Re-registered 2 cars in CA after being gone a mere 9 mos and did the CA license. Nothing like a good afternoon (not!) in the Dmv. With a 3 yr old. And we have to go back tomorrow w/ our smog certification. Oh joy. So I feel you on all that jazz!
Enjoy the wheels. I knew it would be German
Awesome review!
I just complete P90X and I have to be honest – I didn’t love it. In fact, I grew to dread it! The program has very little cardio (I’m a cardio lover and need it to maintain my weight) so while I gained muscle, I lost my endurance and jumping on the treadmill this morning for a quick 30 minutes felt very difficult. If you do try P90X, I highly recommend adding in some of your own cardio (which you probably would do anyway since you teach so many classes) otherwise you may end up losing the endurance that you gained in Insanity.
[...] there you have it. My newest challenge. Again, I am excited to join some super ladies who have done or are doing this [...]
Though it may be too beginner oriented for some, I gotta give a holla to my girl Leslie Sansone. She is amazing! Alot of work out videos start out too fast and only get faster causing many to get frusterated easily and quit too fast. Leslie does a great job of easing you into a workout program. I know many who have shed the lbs and kept them off because of her. Check her out!
I just started Insanity this past Monday. Today was my first “cardio recovery” and it was nice to get a break from the “go go go cardio”, BUT tomorrow I have “pure cardio” so we will see how that works out
I have been REALLY struggling this week even completing some of them. Is that normal? I can’t complete all of the reps without resting sometimes. Thanks for your review! I’me excited to see the results!
i love working out at home! I really don’t like going to gyms! i just get bored and theres always way too many people in the evening when i can go.
Your review of Insanity was great! I can’t wait to try it once I’m a little more “fit.” haha I’m FINALLY starting to workout consistently and it feels so good! Have you ever done Jillian’s Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism? That’s a great video too. Lots of plyometrics too. After Insanity tho, I’m sure it’d be easy peasy for you! ha
Hope you’re enjoying your new car!!
If it’s a BMW, I’m so totally envious! ha
I had a baby girl 7 weeks ago today….and it is also Hubby and I’s 4 year anniversary. How are we going to celebrate? P90x. We are starting today. I have owned it for awhile, but was working on getting back into good enough shape to start it!
We will have to let you know how it goes…
yes, keep me updated!
Oh, I need a new car so badly
Right now I’m on Day 3 of Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. It’s the first time I’m really forcing myself to follow through with a DVD workout, but I’m feeling good about it. I get up early before the boy and the baby and have that bit of time to myself to do something good for myself. My motivation to make it through the 30 days – buying Zumba or Hip Hop Abs (cause really, who doesn’t want to dance the pounds away?!)
How could you buy a foreign car when your boy is a military man???? That’s ok, just a little fun ribbing. I’m guessing it’s a volkswagon – I had a yellow bug when the first “new design” came out – what a fun car that was. Yes, you definitely have to name it . . . my car’s name is Gladys. A german name may be in order! Have fun with your new wheels – it puts a bounce in your step, doesn’t it?
haha! no it’s not a VW, but yes, definitely puts a bounce in your step!
I was thinking VW too!
A couple of questions regarding Insanity.
How much space do you need? I live in a small apartment and while I can move my coffee table out of the way, I still wouldn’t have a TON of space to use. (i.e. no laps in the living room)
What equipment do you need (if any)?
Thanks G, much appreciated!
Jessica fittalker.blogspot.com
you don’t need very much space at all
Glad you liked it! I want to give it a try! I don’t have to work out at the gym, in fact, sometimes I like to switch it up and do a DVD at home (especially for Yoga).
German cars are the go!!! I hope it’s a volkswagon golf GTI but I have no idea what the chocolate cake stands for!!
I have to work out at the gym. At home, I take it way too easy and never can think of enough to do. (I don’t do workout videos because of my injuries.) When I’m at the gym, I’m focused and push harder. My husband is doing P90X right now…and it’s definitely intense!
All I do is workout at home; I have no money for a gym membership! I just having my running shoes, a recumbent bike, an exercise ball, and a pair each of 5 & 10 lb dumbbells! There’s parts I love (its hard NOT to workout when its only five steps down the hall) and parts I hate (no treadmill, no weight machines…)
Congratulations!! I have to work out at the gym.. I can do a little bit at home, but I definitely don’t have the same stamina that I get from leaving the house.
oh gina just stop torturing us and show us your car
congrats on finishing insanity!
and congrats on your new car! i got an acura tsx 2 years ago and i absolutetly love it. i was so excited and i still get excited whenever i see one the street thats the same as mine…hehehe i know kinda dorky but when you find the ONE you just do!
Thanks for the shoutout
Liked the review of Insanity, too. It’s nice to get reviews from people who know their stuff.
I loved The Help!
Hi! Thanks so much for the review! I have really been considering doing Insanity when I get back from Europe (I leave friday!) What is the schedule like? Is it really just one hour (except for the 80 minute recovery) a day?
I’ve done so many different programs at home! I’ve done P90X (which I really like since it builds a lot of definition in your muscles, but not a lot of cardio), Physique 57, Jackie Warner, and the Exhale Core Fusion DVDs. So far my faves have been P90X for muscle building, and Physique 57 to lean out.
thanks for the awesome run down of Insanity! i’m currently hunting one on craigs list so hopefully i can begin soon!
i love to work out at home, makes everything so convienent!
and come on…tell us more about the car!
I bought myself a 2010 BMW 328i Xdrive in April and let me tell you, it was the best decision I have EVER made! I absolutely love the car and will never drive another car again. Congrats, you will not be disappointed!
I *can* work out at home if I’m in the right mind set. Usually there is some much happening with my (very active) kids that there’s no time at home. Thankfully, we have a little gym at work that has everything I need so I go there over my lunch hour to crank out some cardio. I have the 30 shred and loved it, but injured my ankles in the second phase on the mountain climbers. That was not fun.
Enjoy the new car!!!
Hey Gina!
Congrats on finishing Insanity! I always admire your determination and tenacity with things like that. Personally I have trouble doing DVD’s at home. I guess I need a little ‘friendly competition’ around to keep me motivated.
Yay for a new car! That’s always fun. I’m in the market for one too…just can’t decide which one.
Hey, where do I go to put in a readers request question? Sorry *duh* I just can’t see it anywhere
{
Thanks!
just send it to my email: fitnessista at gmail dot com
Congrats on finishing Insanity and thanks for the review. My husband and I are 1 month into our second round of P90X. We love it – I do a bootcamp class also. I had suggested that we try Insanity after this round just to change things up. Good to know we should add weight training – we’ve done really well at building muscle and don’t want to lose that. I’d like to run a 10k in October, so maybe Insanity would help me build up some endurance??
Um. Reading this has me TOTALLY itching to try Insanity this fall…after I run my first half-marathon. It sounds like exactly what I”ll be looking for after getting that half done – a new challenge! So – did you do the workouts 3x/week and then weights 3x/week? That’s what I would plan to do which is why I’m asking – dying to hear about your results!!
i did the workouts 6x a week and weights 3x a week
[...] Dinner tonight was in honour of Gina’s Indian Food Wednesday. [...]
I could see you in a silver BMW sedan! BTW I love your review of the insanity workout. It’s very helpful~ I’m a little apprehensive about starting something like that, but it’s a nice goal to work up to
So, I just discovered your blog thanks to Teri. I’ve been talking about Insanity for a while now, and I think you’re the first blogger who has actually braved it besides me! Did you actually follow the plan exactly the way they tell you to? I don’t at all, I do it more here and there. I’ve been doing it for a couple of months actually, and just the other day started into the Max set. It was INSANE! I am so addicted to this set, and workout DVDs in general. Literally haven’t been to the gym since I’ve started! Glad to meet another Shaun T lover! Have a great day. xxSAS
hey girl,
welcome to the bloggy!
i love insanity.. and shaun t, so so much. i didn’t follow month 2 exactly, but we did month 1 as we were supposed to. i just switched things around for month 2
Thanks for sharing your Insanity Review! My husband and I are in the first week of it now and it is certainly an A$$ Kicker, but I love it! We did P90x a couple years ago and had great results as well. I have to say I like Insanity better though. Shaun T keeps you moving constantly and doesn’t get annoying at all. Tony takes FOREVERRR to explain everything. We got to the point where we would fast forward through his yammering, and the workouts literally took 20-30 minutes rather than a whole hour. :0) Did you notice any weight loss with Insantity? I am 2 months postpartum with my first baby and have about 15 pounds left to lose. It’s been quite a struggle- I lost the first 12 immediately and haven’t seen it budge at all in the last 4-5 weeks, even with being given the Green Light to start working out again.