Insanity vs T25
Which is which: INSANITY or T25?
How is your Shaun T workout experience? You probably are very familiar with the sweat that seems to pour endlessly; your heart thundering like horses in your chest; your muscles feeling like they are literally on fire; and your mind constantly questioning if you are actually gonna make it or even make it through the finish line. There is no question about it, the Shaun T brand of workouts are nothing short of tough. Some people would even claim that it can be insanely tough.
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Meanwhile, there is a powerful purpose behind the toughness and that is to bring you the transformation that you’ve always wanted in your body and in your life. There are thousands of testimonies of success that is credited to Shaun T’s workouts and how it delivers on what was promised. And for most people, INSANITY is that first ever Shaun T workout that has introduced them to the HIIT-focused, muscle-burning, and fat-incinerating experience. Because it has been such a hit, the same extremely popular workout and diet program have grown into a series to include INSANITY AYSLUM Volumes 1 and 2 and INSANITY MAX:30.
However, those are not the only Shaun T programs found in Beachbody On Demand’s library. There are some more that are not part of the INSANITY series and are not dance focused but are also high-intensity cardio workouts. The most noteworthy among them is FOCUS T25. So how do you know if it is INSANITY or its FOCUS T25 that is suited for you? Which among the two is going to give you total body transformation with the least time spent? Here are answers to some of your most important questions.
The important differences between INSANITY and T25
As mentioned earlier, INSANITY and T25 are both high-intensity workouts designed to burn fat, increase muscular definition, prolong endurance, and boost athleticism. But they achieve the same results in their own unique ways and each are meant for different audiences.
Duration
One primary difference between INSANITY and FOCUS T25 is the time or workout duration. With INSANITY, it runs between 40 to 60 minutes most of the days within the week and it tends to be longer on days where an additional core workout is included. With T25 on the other hand, duration is shorter at 25 minutes each time.
Intensity
Since FOCUS T25 workouts take lesser time, does that mean that they are easier? Well not really because you also have to factor in one’s current fitness level. In this category, INSANITY holds an advantage. It is one of the most advanced programs and is especially designed for those who already are in good shape but desire to take fitness to a higher level. So yes, expect it to be as grueling as you want it. In fact, the label has a warning that says that you have to consult with your physician first before you start with the program. But the motivating part is its promise of your getting in your best shape ever after you get through it.
That is not to say though that FOCUS T25 is way behind because it is tough in its own right and you do have to work hard to complete the routines effectively. It’s just that it was designed to cater to a different kind of fitness level. So it’s like, an exerciser who is at the intermediate fitness level is bound to find FOCUS T25 challenging while someone in the advanced level will be more challenged by INSANITY. The key is to be able to identify your fitness level so that you can narrow down your choice.
Design
INSANITY is the epitome of everything that is a HIIT or a high-intensity interval training. That is, you alternately do bursts of full-scale effort and quick periods of rest. Meanwhile, INSANITY gives you more than that because the work periods have been made longer and the rest periods have been made shorter than your typical HIIT workout. It is literally called “max interval training” because it is HIIT at the extreme level.
FOCUS T25 on the other hand likewise embraces the HIIT concept with its cardio sessions but it also involves strength workouts that is not included with INSANITY. In this case, you will find that there is a balance between strength training and cardio with T25. Consequently, it calls for more equipment to use for the workout.
The weight difference
You ask, “Can I do these programs without using any weights”? With FOCUS T25, resistance equipment is a must because of the strength training part of the program. Dumbbells are recommended but you can also go for resistance bands. In any way, you have to arm yourself with some levels of resistance such as different ranges of weights or bands so that you can work out those different muscle groups effectively.
By contract, INSANITY is all about using your own body weight and nothing more. But it is such an intensive workout program, that your body will be more than enough to help you build those muscles, enhance their definition, and burn the fat. If you should ever go through INSANITY, you will understand why you don’t need any weights in there because it is defined by explosive power, increased strength, endurance, and agility.
Program completion
Each program has a different number of days of completion. INSANITY takes shorter at 60 days and that already includes a recovery week that is mandatory when you have finished half of the program. Meanwhile, FOCUS T25 is longer at 70 days or 10 weeks if you are to follow the basic calendar. It is likewise composed of 2 phases that is the ALPHA and the BETA. The ALPHA is mostly focused on cardio exercises while the BETA does cardio as well as strength training. There is also a GAMMA phase that adds 4 more weeks for you to complete the program.
The “better” program
Asking which is better, INSANITY or FOCUS T25 would be like asking if a 10k run is better than a marathon. If you are a relatively new runner who has not logged 7 or more miles at a time, then you should never race 26.2 of them because you are looking at a wreckage there. What you will do is run a 10k first and build your stamina before you sign up for a marathon.
In the same way, INSANITY and FOCUS T25 cannot be compared in a literal manner. So if you are a newbie at working out or you have not experienced the intensity of HIIT just yet, then give FOCUS T25 a shot first. FOCUS T25 will help you develop the power, endurance, and mental grit that you will need to take on INSANITY. Once you get to your targets and you are in an excellent shape, go ahead with INSANITY and take your fitness to the optimal level.
But whatever program you choose, it will never work unless you follow the specific eating plan that goes with each program. Your workout performance has to go hand in hand with you nutrition and calorie intake so that it can facilitate fat loss, recovery, and fitness gains. All you have to do is follow the simple instructions that are found on Shaun T’s nutrition manuals and you are well on your way to success.
