I’m a graduate of the Insanity program. I committed myself
to it for 60 days – no skipping days – and completed it this past May. I wanted
to try the program for a while but I didn’t want to spend the money for
it. I couldn’t bring myself to shell out $120 for workout DVDs. I finally took
the plunge this year after working out consistently for months with only
minimal progress seen. I told myself that if it didn’t work, I’d send it back. Well,
it worked. I finally started seeing greater muscle definition in my arms and
legs. I was thrilled! After I completed the program, I continued doing Insanity
for a few more months just cycling through the month 2 workouts. At some point
in August, though, I felt like my body needed a break. Insanity is a great
program and it is doable, but it’s also very high impact. High impact workouts
can place a considerable amount of stress on your joints and ligaments – the
tissue that connects your bones.
I knew that I still wanted intense and challenging workouts,
just ones that were not as stressful for my joints. In my search for high
intensity, low impact workouts, I came across the Exhale Core Fusion workout
series. The workouts include
a mix of strength training, toning, yoga, and cardio. I purchased the Core
Fusion 30-day sculpt program and the Core Fusion Barre Basics for Beginners. I’ve
been using them both for a couple of months at this point and I LOVE them. They
are serious total body workouts
targeting your core, arms, and legs. I especially love them for my legs since
they are most resistant to change. The best part is knowing that I don’t have
to sacrifice intensity for workouts that are kinder on my
joints. I still do love a good high-impact workout, so for me the key will be balance.
Takeaway message: It is possible to get an amazing workout that
is both intense and joint-friendly. If you’re looking for low impact, high
intensity workouts to try think swimming, yoga, weight training, or cycling.
Remember that intensity refers to the level of difficulty of an exercise and
the power required to do it, while impact refers to the pressure that is placed
on your joints and ligaments. What workouts are you currently doing that you
love? I’m always looking for ways to switch up my exercise regimen, so tell me
in the comments!
References:
Medline Plus, “Tendons vs. Ligaments”
Mayo Clinic, “Exercise Intensity – Why it matters, how it’s
measured?”
I'm currently re-starting the Insanity program. I, too, completed the whole program (without skipping) for 60 days this past May. The exhilaration for sticking to something was phenomenal, but I was kind of disappointed that I didn't trim (shred) down like I had wanted.
ReplyDeleteSo this week, I'm embarking on cleaner eating, so that while I tone up on Insanity, I'm also shredding due to my diet. The mechanics need to work out this time around! In terms of low impact, I really enjoy yoga and Pilates, but I'm certainly down to try low impact workouts. Insanity kicks my ass consistently ...right up until day 60! Whew
Thanks for sharing this!
I know exactly what you mean. After month 1 of Insanity I didn't see the changes I was expecting to. I looked at my diet and while I thought I was eating healthy (and I was), there was still room for improvement. Little things like snacking and eating later were adding up and negating all of my hard work. Once I made those changes it felt like my body changed overnight. It was kind of amazing. When people say it's primarily about the diet, they are right on the money. One suggestion is to look at your fiber intake. I may not know the exact number of calories I eat in a given day but I know how much fiber I get and I get a lot (30+ grams/day). It keeps things moving down there and that is very important!
DeleteHi Chioma!!! Great post, girl! I agree that balancing it all out is the key to a healthy and fit body. I love high intensity workouts like insanity, but have discovered that something like barre/ballet inspired is just as good if you rotate it with short bodyweight circuits on other days. I've been loooooooooooooooving Ballet Body by Leah Sarago and it's probably the only program I've stuck to for so long (through pregnancy and now). I feel like it makes my body feel balanced and it's even "elongated" the looks of my muscles. It really is workin', hah! ;) Have a gorgeous day~
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellie! I'll have to look into that. I heard barre was challenging but my goodness! I love it though. I just purchased another barre-based workout by Tracey Mallet that's supposed to be tough so I'm looking forward to it. Thanks so much for reading!
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