If you read the MHS Facebook page, you know that I’m venturing out of my comfort zone during my racebattical and trying out some new (to me) types of workouts.
Last week I hit up a Barre class. This week I went for the gusto and went to Insanity. 50 minutes of, well insanity. A brief warmup, followed by very intense rounds of exercise, divided into 3 blocks: Endurance, Strength and Power/Agility.
Let me admit this straightaway: I was scared. Not at all sure I could handle the intensity, let alone come away uninjured. I got to the gym early so I could secure the most hidden spot: I was torn between the back and near the door in case I needed to evacuate.
I figured a little warmup on the mill would be a good idea. Walking turned to running and before long I had 3 miles under my belt. I scurried to class to find all the prime spots already filled. I ended up close to the front next to the windows. Unlike the Barre class, there were no old bags in here…well other than me.
(source)
The instructor was well tanned and riiiipppped. I suppose one would be if one taught Insanity. We got started with a warm up. If I were on my own that’s probably as far as I’d have gone as it was quite vigorous.
Then came endurance. Four rounds of 4 exercises, one minute each. Oh the jumping. Incessant jumping. And squatting and shuffling. All good in moderation but this? Me no likey. And where did these batwings come from? Ugh. Tough winter.
We moved on to Strength, which I liked a lot better because it was chock full of pushups. All kinds of them: Spiderman ones, moving ones, ones you thrust up to a squat, ones that send you into cardiac arrest….ok not that last one, but almost.
Then it was time for Power/Agility. Home of the squat jumps and burpees. It all royally sucked. I made a deal with myself to do 4 high knees for every 2 squat jumps, or else I’d be out on a stretcher. The ripped instructor, bless her heart admitted this was crazy hard and said do “what you can”. Sweat dripped off my chin and I could feel my 6-pack coming into view…around 2017 if I just kept up the Insanity until then.
And then it was over. We were cooling down and all was right with the world. I was soaring on endorphins and floated out of there vowing to return. Except I pretty much couldn’t move the next day. Full paralysis of the posterior chain had set in. Maybe it’ll get easier? Or am I flirting with injury if go back?
What’s the toughest workout you’ve ever done? Any tips for Insanity? Did you enter my giveaway?
Sounds like a great workout! I haven’t tried Insanity yet but my son does it with the neighbor every once in a while. I’m tempted to join them;) While my son dies of embarrassment:)
Never heard before about this kind of workout. My toughest happened when I was in the Navy…. but that was a different workout….
You are one rough woman! While I do think I’d get a little further in a class environment, I don’t think I would have walked in there in the first place. I haven’t used an inhaler since I was 12 but I picture it making a reappearance for this. Way to go!
That sounds super tough and intimidating. I definitely work harder in a class than on my own.
You are a braver woman than I! I love trying new workouts but I’m not sure I’d be up for Insanity! My newest thing is T25.
Wow, and I thought what Becky makes me do was hard. Occasionally I’m nearly vomiting when we are done. I don’t think I want to do Insanity.
Never tried Insanity, but it sounds insane. My hardest workout ever was just this past weekend. Close to 4 hours total between bike and run. But the intensity was nothing like what you describe. I bet you would get used to it over time. If you like it, that is:-)
Now I think I need to drive to Chicago and go that class with you!!
I’ve done Insanity (the DVDs) 2x and Insanity the Asylum – love it!!
Not gonna lie, the first time I did it, that 10 minute warm-up blew me away – wasn’t prepared for that.
I would love to go to a class!
Are you going back?
look at you!! so awesome! insanity is insane. But i kinda get hooked!
There’s a reason that old bags don’t go to classes like that. It’s called stress incontinence!
I did kickboxing once – HARD!!! Way out of my comfort zone!
I did a boot camp for 2 weeks that had 6 days of classes like this for two weeks (slightly less intense I think). I was glad to make it out uninjured and set for 40. That said, I can’t handle all of the jumping. I wrenched my back at an alumni class and raised the white flag. I have been living the free smart workouts on my J & J 7 minute workout app! (See blog)
My husband does Insanity in the winter since he hates running on the treadmill or in the dark after work. It really is insane. I don’t think I’ll ever try it.
I used to do some pretty tough body pump workouts, but nothing like that!
Sounds challenging in the best possible way! I need to branch out from running, it’s a good way to mix things up– this workout looks like it would make you a stronger runner anyway- many reasons to try it out!
You’re doing great girlie! I think the best rule of thumb is to watch your FORM over SPEED of movement – Modify until you can master the form of the progressed movement completely and without injury – and to go at your OWN pace having fun and taking breaks as needed! 😉
INSANITY! Sounds like it for sure. Good for you.
That sounds BRUTAL. And fun.
ok, you do crack me up. I also did Insanity last week & the next 2 days I was so achy. However, I must admit that when I do it regularly, of course the pain goes away as I get into better shape. It’s really the best video I’ve ever done! Love Shaun T.