View Full Version : Insanity
Sierra Echo
07-08-2010, 10:34
Has anyone tried this exercise program to stay in trail shape?
I'm starting today. Its suppose to be the toughest exercise program ever
put on DVD.
I was doing p90x and then p90x+. Tried Insanity...
Insanity is indeed an excellent set of butt kicking exercises, but with the weather being nicer, I am opting to ride my bike 3-4 days a week (20 miles R/T with a substantial hill climb) for my carido during the week. Coupling that with AbCore workout from P90x+ 2 days/week and some upperbody work from p90x and p90x+ 3 days a week.
Probably starting doing Insanity workouts again when the weather turns bad and bike riding is dicey.
The biggest complaint I've heard about Insanity is that it is an excellent Cardio workout..but doesn't have the weight training that is good for all around fitness.
Do the 90 day program..but you may to do a hybrid approach after the 90 days (Cardio and weights).
As with all programs DIET IS VERY IMPORTANT.
No matter how intense your exercise is it won't work if you neglect the nutrition part of it.
Anyway, since I've been doing an organized routine and paying attention to my eating habits, I find my hiking is stronger, my backcountry skiing[1] is better and my already good physical shape is now excellent. :)
Good luck with whatever routine you do. Too many ld hikers do the "get fat and happy" approach, complain how hard hiking is...and then tell everyone that hiking the AT is more difficult than Everest, the EcoChallenge and storming the beaches of Normandy combined! :D No matter what you decide to do, committing to being in good shape will make you healthier and enjoy hiking more! :sun
Good luck!
[1] When I was unemployed, I was backcountry skiing at least once during the week..and usually on both weekend days. One time I backcountry skied something like 10 out of 14 days in one stretch this past winter! All around best outdoor exercise!!!!!
Sierra Echo
07-08-2010, 15:10
I plan on doing the 60 day Insanity challenge, and then when that is over I will switch back to P90X.
I have P90, but that is probably the most boring exercise program in existence.
I would like to try skiing. I would probably break my legs or butt or both! :cool:
Megapixel
07-08-2010, 15:23
I'm on day 4 today of Insanity, as it is too hot in SW Florida to be doing much outdoors. I am hoping to follow it up with P90x, full pack beach and trail hikes... all in prep for my upcoming 2011 thru.
I can tell you that today every muscle in my body hurts, including my feet, and I've felt not only spent as a good cardio workout will do, but also I feel like I've gone to the gym and lifted. This routine of insanity is a very good one indeed! I've noticed a nice weight loss, and already an increase in muscle definition.
One complaint I've heard is that during the stretches there is nothing for the calves and that one should add calf stretches in the routine on their own... I myself have not experienced any calf soreness any greater than any other muscle group in my body. There is a lot of jumping though, so I can see how this can be important.
Llama Legs
07-08-2010, 15:35
Overall fitness is obviously paramount, but shortly before a hike there is no substitute for pack hauling.
2 to 4 weeks prior to hiking, start hauling a pack 3-5 miles at least 4 days a week. I usually set the training weight 10 pounds over my anticipated trail load. It's the only way to toughen the shoulders and other hauling muscles.
It wouldn't hurt to use trekking poles to get your hands roughed up as well.
I have done p90x in the past but i also play soccer and found it hard to maintain. I think i will get the insanity and see if i can stick with it a little better... or maybe i will go back to p90x and just work it in around soccer and what not.
Overall fitness is obviously paramount, but shortly before a hike there is no substitute for pack hauling.
I'm odd..I play outdoors all the time...I don't get ready for a hike..I hike! :D
I'm odd..I play outdoors all the time...I don't get ready for a hike..I hike! :D
The dude's a ****ing genius