In the next few minutes you’ll learn the comparisons and differences between these two rival “workout at home” exercise programs.

The P90X workout program used to be the one workout program everyone knew about thanks to early morning and late night infomercials. Beachbody recently added a new program to the game that some might consider a rival, that program is Shaun T Insanity.

But which one is more intense?

Comparatively, both are the same in their own right, but each training program focuses on a different approach towards fitness.

I have personally used both programs and this gives me the rare opportunity to offer a first hand look at both the P90X training program and Shaun T Insanity. After this article, you’ll be fully equipped with the answers you’re looking for.

Which one works better? P90X or Insanity training?

Great questions, though it’s hard to put both training programs side by side as it’s not a simple apples to apples comparison, but rather apples to oranges. Both programs are capable of offering a great physical challenge, but each has its own approach and its own results. I’ll explain.

The P90X training program is a 90-day system that could otherwise be considered a “boot camp at home.” You’ll need a pull-up bar, a chair, a set of dumbbells and/or bands, shoes, plus about 1 to 1 1/2 hours 6 days a week. The 7th day is an optional day of stretching or complete rest.

From first hand experience, I like to see P90X as an “all in one” program. It’s not just designed to bulk up, it’s not just going to help you lose weight, it’s not just balance, and it’s not just cardio.

The P90X training program just includes a little bit of everything in the equation. You lift heavy things one day (or light if you want);, you’ll be punching and kicking with Kenpo karate another day, and to top it all off, other days you’ll be doing 1 1/2 hours of Yoga for a complete mind/body/soul adventure.

You will go through three phases of 1 month each in P90X and each month you will change it. Most of the cardio, stretching, and balance routines remain the same. The difference in each phase is that you change resistance workouts so that your muscles are constantly challenged so that they are always receptive to training instead of stalling.

Shaun T Insanity takes a completely different approach. The training program lasts for 60 days and is based solely on plyometric, basic and cardiovascular training. You will not lift weights, you will not do pull-ups, you will not need a chair, and the workouts range from 35-45 minutes the first phase to 1 hour and 15 minutes the second phase.

You’ll need very good shoes, preferably a jumping mat, and near-perfect form to avoid injury.

You can already see that Shaun T Insanity is different than P90X, so how are they comparable?

The Insanity training program, although shorter in duration, is based on maximum effort interval cardio. Which means it’s about fast, powerful and coordinated movements. You’ll still be doing push-ups like in P90X, but otherwise just using your body, gravity, and willpower to move forward.

I’m telling you from personal experience, with Insanity you literally drip buckets of sweat, seriously! Just because it’s shorter than P90X doesn’t mean it’s not as intense.

You won’t be running in one place for an hour, you’re jumping, ducking, swinging, and crunching your core. Shaun T Insanity is on the same level as P90X, but the difference is that you don’t need extra equipment, you won’t be lifting weights, and the workouts are much faster.

Madness is more for the slimmer ripped look, while P90X will allow for more muscle size and strength.

If you have already completed P90X, I will tell you this. Shaun T Insanity is like taking P90X plyometrics, doubling the intensity, and doing it 6 days a week.

So which is better, P90X or Shaun T Insanity?

I don’t think you’ll find one “better than the other”, but what you will find are two different approaches to fitness.

P90X is a longer 90 day program that has longer workouts but incorporates a slower pace compared to Insanity and offers more time to adapt and get stronger. You’re also lifting weights, so there’s more potential to gain size and muscle definition.

Shaun T Insanity is 60 days with much shorter and faster paced workouts, you won’t be able to adapt as quickly and won’t get great results by pausing every workout. Insanity is a balls-against-the-walls style of training, it’s simple and fast, but requires a lot of motivation and energy.

Both training programs are “combination” style, so each changes things throughout the program so there is no monotony.

One final note, if you have knee or lower body joint issues, Insanity may not be for you. It relies on a lot of jumping and can really tax your knees and joints if not done correctly. It is a much bigger impact compared to P90X. That’s something to consider when looking at the two side by side.

Because of the approach that Insanity takes, I like to see it this way. If you feel like you are capable of P90X and in good shape, if you can do pull-ups, pull-ups, and if you can handle interval cardio, then either program is suitable.

If you can’t do some or all of the exercises listed above, it’s best to avoid Insanity until you can at least complete P90X. Insanity is not a workout for beginners, so if you’re just getting back into the fitness game, throw away the ego, start small and build up.

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