Insanity and Bodyrock
Hi friends! 🙂 How’s your morning? Hope you’re having a wonderful day <3
I’ve found a pretty good dinner method for the nights that I teach. Teaching on a superfull belly is no picnic, so I’ll usually have a smoothie or protein ice cream before class:
(1 C almond milk, 1 C organic strawberries and raspberries, 2 scoops protein, cacao powder, some GF oats for texture)
and the rest of my dinner after:
(Organic chicken with Dijon maple sauce, steamed broccolini and two slices of brown rice toast)
The chicken monster threatened to get scrappy with her bird again if I wouldn’t share any with her. Lucky for her, when I baked the chicken a couple of days ago, I made a special plain piece with her name on it 😉
So I’ve received quite a few questions about Insanity and Bodyrock via Twitter and the comments section. Last spring/summer, I completed Insanity (you can check out the final recap *here*), and absolutely loved the program. Since then, I’ve also done TurboFire (probably my fave out of the Beachbody workouts), and just recently started tinkering with Bodyrock as a way to shake things up. It’s been extremely convenient on days that I work early and won’t have time to make it to the gym.
Since Bodyrock is *kinda* similar to Insanity, I thought it would be fun to do a side-by-side comparison for those who are interested.
Bodyrock vs. Insanity:
| Bodyrock | Insanity | |
| Accessibility | Bodyrock workouts are found at bodyrock.tv, along with recipes, meal ideas, and other fun stuff | Purchased through Beachbody, or Amazon |
| Workout variety | Workouts change everyday | Alternate between 10 workout DVDS |
| Motivation | All your own! | Shaun T. will push you through the workouts |
| Instructor | Hot superfit girl (Zuzana) | Hot superfit guy (Shaun T.) |
| Equipment | Interval timer, dip stand, chin-up bar, sandbag, jump rope (about $200-300 total) | No equipment required- all you need is your own body weight |
| Cost | FREE! | around $140 |
| Beginner and modification-friendly | Yes- Zuzana gives alternate exercises and many modifications | No- this program is for people who are already athletic and have no injuries or physical limitations |
| Intensity | As intense are YOU make it | Same |
| Frequency | I wouldn’t recommend doing these workouts everyday | Can be done everyday if following the program |
More thoughts:
As you can see, Insanity and Bodyrock are pretty much equals are far as potential for a killer workout goes. Like almost all workouts, it’s up to you and how hard you want to push yourself to get the results you’re looking for. I find that for the Bodyrock workouts, I have to motivate myself to finish them, instead of depending on Shaun T, but it’s also nice to have the variety of constantly changing workouts. I’ll watch the Bodyrock video, blast some music (usually the Muse station on Pandora) and get er done. With Insanity, by the end, I could tell you everything Shaun T was going to say during the DVD- they get a little redundant after a while.
He’s always very nice to look at, though 😉
I love how convenient both of the exercises are. They can be done at home, or while traveling with minimal equipment. This weekend I’ll be traveling, so I’ll stash a jump rope and my interval timer in my suitcase in case I feel like cranking out a Bodyrock workout.
The reason why I don’t recommend doing the Bodyrock workouts everyday is because they’re High Intensity interval workouts, which take your heart rate to the max for a short burst of time and then you recover and repeat. This is an amazing method for fat loss and quick calorie burn, however, you’ll get better results in the long term if you don’t do this style of training everyday. Insanity is MAX interval training, which means that you spike your heart rate up and sustain it for much longer, with a short recovery time. The program does a pretty excellent job of alternating between interval and steady state or toning (strength training) days.
All in all, I give both programs two almond butter covered thumbs up. Always research workout programs to see if they’re a good *fit* for you, and check with a doc before starting anything new 🙂
I’m off to breakfast with my mom and nana <3
Have a lovely day!
xoxo
Gina
Something to read:
Healthiest fast food breakfasts
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Thanks for the comparison! You rock! 🙂
I love the Insanity workouts! I didn’t follow the program, but just added the workouts to my weekly routine. It really helped me lose a ton of weight and gave me the confidence to join the gym. So I would definitely recommend it! I’ve heard you talk about Turbofire before – I think I may check it out! I need something new for days when I can’t make it to the gym 🙂
I’ve tried a few Bodyrock workouts and to be honest my back always hurts the next day — I’m sure it is my form + the repetitiveness of the workouts. Doing 500 side lunges side to side (or a challenge similar to that) is not something I enjoy doing!
Do you have all that equipment? (dip station, etc?)
I’ve never tried any of these workouts but I always see you doing them on here. They seem crazy hard but fun. I might have to give bodyrock a try…but I already teach Piloxing classes twice a week, which are interval as well. So maybe I will wait until summer when I’m not teaching. 🙂
I also like the “Beachbody 10 Minute Trainer” with Tony Horton. The exercises are quick, effective, and as challenging as you want to make them.
I really want to try “Insanity”. I don’t think I’d enjoy the “Bodyrock” workout because I suffer from a serious lack of motivation, so I need people like Tony Horton and Shaun T. to yell at me 🙂
great recap! i love bodyrock– she is freaking awesome! i was thinking of buying insanity soon.. its always nice to change things up!
OHHHhhhhhh Insanity. That was a doooosy!!!! 🙂
Beware of the Chicken Monster! Ha!
Thanks for this post, Gina! I was wondering about Bodyrock since you started talking about it (I’m a big fan of Insanity already) and this cleared up my questions.
These workouts scared the bejesus out of me! I don’t think I’m quite there yet. Zuzana is pretty amazing though.
I agree, Bodyrock should not be everyday but the truth is most people most likely are not pushing to the max anywyas and may have off form so I think it is important to really watch Zuzana’s beginner moves and start there. :)Just my opionion. She makes things look easier than what most newbies could do, don’t you think?
Excellent chart- thank you for sharing. I haven’t done any Bodyrock workouts at this point, but I do check in to Zuzana’s website occasionally because her body is crazy motivating (does that sound pervy?).
Did you miss lifting weights while completing Insanity?
yes, so i’d add in a couple of light weight training days when i was doing the program
and ps. her body is out of control!!!
Hey, So I love insanity and p90x and turbofire. I have all three. I recently saw this http://www.rip60.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_15101_18902_65002_165453 rip60 with jillian michaels i was wondering if you have heard of it and your thoughts on it.
i haven’t heard of it! is it new? have you tried it?
im glad you posted about this! ive been debating on starting insanity or not, for the days i just dont have time to get to the gym. I like the fact that you don’t need equipment. I might do this thang! i’ll post if i do.
Great comparison! I have done Insanity and I can see where they got the name…. The first time I did it I thought “these people are insane that they think I could do this”. It’s HARD but worth it 🙂 I’m dying to try TurboFire too, glad to hear good things.
Thanks for the comparison! I only do bikram yoga right now and am feeling a bit burnt out by it. I saw the Insanity commerical on tv the other nght and it seemed like something Id love! ( I destest gyms and lack motivation!) Do you have any advice for a beginner or just dive in and have fun? Thanks so much for the chart !
LOVE bikram! i haven’t been in a while and miss it. i actually don’t recommend insanity for beginners. if you’re just getting started with strength training or cardio, i’d make an appointment with a trainer to make sure you’ve got form down before going at it on your own at home
I have been doing both for a long time & love em! esp Shaun, hihi 😉
What about the equipment you need? That’s what turns me off from at home workouts. I want to be able to do it all just with me!
You DO NOT need to purchase any of the equipment that Zuzana has in her clips. The only thing you need is a timer – and there are lots of free Tabata iPhone apps that will do the job.
NB. The older clips have zero equipment – just bodyweight.
She states this clearly in the clips – the summary in this blog post regarding equipment needed is incorrect and should be changed to reflect that equipment is optional.
I have done both Insanity and Bodyrock for several months. I prefer BodyRock because it’s short, sharp and never boring. I also do 2-3 BodyPump and 2 Body Attack classes per week.
Personally, of everything I do, I would have to say the Pump (Body Pump) actually give me the best results.
i love insanity! i haven’t done the complete program, but i love using those workouts as a killer way to work up a major sweat when i don’t get to the gym. 🙂
I have done both and think they are both awesome workouts. Most of the bodyrock workouts are shorter, but it is because she doesn’t break that much. I’ve actually been missing my insanity workouts and plan on dusting of the DVDs this week. Oh, Shawn T, I’ve missed you so <3
I’ve never heard of either workouts, but they sound great. I think maybe someday I might look back remember and try these out, but for now the gym is right across my street and it gives me my daily sweat fix.
Great post! I love BodyRock.
I have a question I’d love you to post on – what do you mean by ‘toning’? I’m reading New Rules of Lifting for Women at the moment and that contends there isn’t any such thing as toning – rather, building muscle and burning fat is the way to get lean. I see a lot of women’s mags etc talking about toning and wondered from your personal trainer experience, what it actually is/whether it exists! Is it just a term that the industry dreamt up so that women wouldn’t be scared of ‘building muscle like blokes’?
Thanks!
toning exercises= strength training exercises
it’s just a fluff term more than anything- you’re right in saying that “toning” is the combo of shrinking fat cells and building muscle
tHanks for the comparison. I’ve been considering Insanity for a while. I LOVE P90X. Are Bodyrock/Insanity straight cardio, or is there some muscle-toning involved?
I watches some if the bodyrock workouts…they look killer!
I like this comparison!! I have never heard of body rock but it’s awesome that it’s free!!
hey gina!
i’ve noticed people often leave comments regarding their own personal goals in the comments section. I think it would be fun if you did a post and pulled random comments from 2009 or 2010 to see if people completed whatever goal they said they were going to do – not to call them out, but to be an accountability partner!
just an idea 🙂
that would be a lot of fun! let’s see what comments i can dig up– maybe from my inspiration board from 2010 post?? thanks for the idea!
I love all the interaction between bodyrockers on their site! That is motivation in itself. They have some great recipes too! Thanks for the review.
😉
Thanks for this review Gina! I’ve visited the Bodyrock website but haven’t done any of the workouts yet. I think I might just have to give it a try!
Mmm, broccolini is one of my favorite veggies! It cooks so quickly but keeps such a lovely crunch. Yum!
Interesting comparison. Would you recommend TurboFire over Insanity? I’ve always been curious about these workouts and if I’m going to invest the money in one I want to get the best one 🙂 Also, one that my husband would be interested in as well!
if you prefer dance and kickboxing for cardio, go with turbo. if you like more bootcamp style moves, go with insanity
I’ve been able to do the bodyrock workouts with a just a jump rope, interval timer (things I wanted to buy anyway). And then I use chairs and a broomstick for dips and reverse push-ups.
Curious, if you don’t recommend doing bodyrock every day, how often do you think?
Also, extra loves to your cute puppers! What a nutbar lol.
i think every other day is perfect 🙂
bella said thank you- i gave her a snuggle for ya 😉
Just to clarify- are you saying to not do it every day because it’s too intense, or because it’s not giving you as long of a workout as you really need?
I’m a little curious if Zuzana really gets that bod from 12 minute workouts- doubtful…but…she’s doing something right!
it’s because the type of workout it is (hiit), should not be done everyday. it’s not good for your heart and you’ll plateau more quickly
Thanks for the breakdown. I’m in search of new home workouts and these seem like they’d actually *keep* my attention.
Question about your protein powder. When you say “scoop”, how big is your scooper? I’ve made recipes with one scoop of my Jay Robb protein before and it turned out dry, causing me to believe that a Jay Robb scoop isn’t the same as some other powders!
it’s a heaping tablespoon
As a mom who works fulltime (at a job and at home!) Bodyrock workouts are great! Before I got pregnant with baby #2 (due this week!) I was bodyrockin about 3-4 days a week with about 2 strength training days at the gym. I was getting into great shape! I can’t wait to get back to her workouts.
Also, for those that are worried about not having the workout equipment (sandbag, chin up bar, dip station), which I don’t have either, you can sub all kinds of stuff. I do “pullups” off the dining room table (feet on the floor stretched or bent knee, pulling myself up), use kettlebells instead of sandbag, for dips, I either do a different exercise or use our living rooms chairs. I also like her new exercise challenges..fun ways to get in your cardio! Thanks for this post Gina…I did Insanity too but got bored and didn’t have the time once my daughter didn’t nap as long! Bodyrock workouts are short enough that she can play outside while I work out beside her..she often gets down on the ground and does her 2 year old version of mountain climbers. It’s so cute!!
PS – I’m a counselor who works with service members and their families…I often refer spouses to your site!! Great info!
thanks girl! <3
i also sub a lot of the exercises- don't have a sandbag or dip station either 🙂
xoxo
I heard on the radio that Shaun T is coming to a nearby place and they are selling tickets to workout with him. He’s like a rock star! 🙂
i want to go!!!
Well, just book a trip to Fredericksburg, VA 🙂 Or wait for him to come to a town near you!
This is a great comparisson! I’ve been toting with spending the money for insanity or p90x but wasn’t sure. Next winter when I can’t workout outside I may do it (unless there’s something better then). Thanks!
This is super helpful 🙂 Thank you!
Every time I see pictures of Bella it puts an insta smile on my face. 😀
every time i look at her, it makes me smile. she’s so cute and SASSY
I have wanted to try Insanity for forever. Maybe I will have to look into Bodyrock until I can make the splurge for the Insanity program.
Gina this is an amazing side by side comparison…THANK YOU for doing it!!!
About a year ago, the crazes over P90x, Insanity, Turbofire…well…it was crazy 🙂 Everyone was doing one of them, it seemed. And I remember your final thoughts/Insanity post. I loved hearing what you thought of things.
And now this new comparison is great b/c all I hear about it people doing Bodyrock, but since I’ve never done any of the workouts, or any of the previous crazes, i have no basis for comparison on what to expect, difficulty of workout, intensity level, enjoyment level, etc…til now. So thank you 🙂
Also I had no idea that for Bodyrock, $200 worth of equipment would be required. I thought for some reason it was just a “bring your own body weight” type set up. That info you gave is KEY in making decisions.
Have a wonderful day…thank you for this 🙂
Thanks for the heads up-they both sound fab 🙂
Thank you for not being one of those weirdos that won’t give their dog people food! I had a friend that wouldn’t allow me to give her dog a piece of an organic turkey burger, but then she feeds her dog iams and pedigree! That stuff is horrible for your dog!
if i had the time, bella would always eat people food! she loves chicken, salmon, chickpeas, green beans, carrots and peanut butter 🙂
she eats blue buffalo dog food, which is pretty good stuff
Great comparison of bodyrock and insanity, thanks. I haven’t tried either yet, but am curious now. For some reason I feel I’m not getting as good of a workout with home videos, silly I know.
Great post, Gina!
I have to say: I LOVE BODYROCK.TV!!!
I’ve been doing their workouts since september 2010 and I’ve never before seen and felt such a huge transformation in my body sculption and my energy level. It gets you really high! Followed with a healthy diet it is THE KEY to a happy mind, fat loss, muscle building and to obtain & retain a slim, toned body. I can nothing but recommend it 🙂
I have never tried Insanity but hear good things! Have you ever worked out to a Jillian Michael’s DVD? If so, do you think Insanity workouts compare?
insanity eats jillian 😉
My cousin’s wife did Insanity before their wedding and totally injured her back. She had to take months off work because of it. (She’s an RN.)
A small/medium gym bag filled with bags of rice = Cheap DIY sandbag! 😀 I stole that idea from my sister, who is also the one who turned me onto Bodyrock.tv a few months ago.
I’ve never done Insanity workouts, but I love me some Bodyrock! I just don’t like how all of the screenshots from the videos are of Zuzana arching her back and looking behind her. I’m all for sex appeal, but it’s a little much!
you are a genius 🙂 (your sis is and you for sharing the tip)
You know, if you had a magazine, I would totally subscribe to you. Think about it, The Fitnessista magazine. 😉
How do you make the protein ice cream into ‘ice cream’? Do you use frozen berries? It looks sooo yummy. I’m always looking for more ways to use my protein powder.
And thanks for the comparison. My hubby bought Insanity about a year ago and between the two of us we’ve probably done it a total of 10 times. I love the concept but am not able to push myself that hard when it comes to cardio…or maybe that’s just my excuse. 😉
thank you- that does have a fun ring to it 😉
i just use way more berries than milk- it’s soooo good
it’s definitely more challenging to push yourself at home!
oops, I meant subscribe to it (the mag). I already subscribe to your lovely blog!
I love the side-by-side comparison! Great post – thanks for the info!
Thanks for the reviews! I’ve heard good things about Hiphop abs as well. My husband wants to buy it, but I’m not ready to throw money at it just yet.
(i couldn’t finish hip hop abs without laughing- it was so goofy!! you can youtube pieces of it)