All that hype you’ve heard about Insanity–it’s true.

Insanity is a ridiculously intense workout that truly can transform your body in two months.

For the most part, Insanity is marketed on infomercials and online. Despite the skepticism I have about programs advertised on infomercials, Insanity is an excellent value.

The program costs around $150 (with shipping) on the official website. The complete program includes ten workout DVDs, nutrition plan, workout calendar, fitness guide, and online support. The DVDs feature a fit test, high intensity cardio workouts, and several recovery workouts. The workout calendar gives what workouts to do on what days; the program is designed to last 60 days.

The cardio workouts are (yep) insane. The setting looks like a gymnasium, and trainer Shaun T leads a “class.” The cardio workouts are described as “maximum interval training.” The idea is that you push hard for three or four minutes and recover for thirty seconds–then repeat. Even the warm up is tough. The workouts run about 30-60 minutes.

No equipment of any kind is needed. A huge plus, especially if you have no equipment at home or are traveling.

Shaun T is extremely encouraging. He’s not exactly a drill sergeant…he’s too calm and cool for that. But, he motivates you to dig deep and then deeper still. Yet, he also emphasizes correct form. If you can’t maintain proper form, he says it’s time to take a break. The workout is so tough, the participants on the DVD can’t keep up and have to take water breaks.

At home, you can also press the pause button. You might have to pause it for other reasons as well. One of my friends quipped, “I had to pause the workout to wipe the sweat off the floor.”

The nutrition plan isn’t anything special, but the online support can be useful if you have questions. Support comes in different ways (i.e. chat, Facebook messaging).

Things to consider before purchasing Insanity:

• Yes, you can get stronger using the system, butInsanityis mainly a cardio workout.
• That being said, you can lose some of the cardio and strength benefits of the workout if you take too many breaks. Modifications aren’t given, so you might want to take a break or pause the workout if it gets to intense. And you might be tempted to linger…
• You must be committed and very self-motivated to keep up with the 60 day program!
• The cost. I do think that this particular program is a good value right now, but I also think we may see the price drop after awhile.
• This workout is not for everyone. Since the program doesn’t offer modifications, it’s not ideal for beginners.

If you are searching for a beginner or low intensity program with no weights required, Denise Austin’s Shape Up & Shed Pounds features two low-impact workouts–a thirty-minute aerobic workout and a twenty-minute toning session.