Insanity vs. Tapout XT?

[Mac5500]

I'm thinking about getting one of these programs to do. I wanted to get peoples opinions about them before I go out and drop $120+ on it. If y'all have done one of them, what did you think of it? Was it worth it? and what were the pros and cons of each?

Also, if you've done both, which would you recommend more and why?

[WeaponZero]

TapouT XT is a very core-centric program. It's not entirely plyometrics based like Insanity. There's a lot of plank work in it and every workout will leave you feeling like you hit your core harder than any other body part. The individual workouts are very well put together but the schedule isn't all that well put together. The schedule makes absolutely no sense and having a dedicated ab workout you're supposed to do (their version of Ab Ripper X) makes no sense whatsoever when the main workout already slams your core hard.

I'd say TapouT XT is better because it's safer (not as hard on the knees or CNS) even though you don't burn as many calories per workout, but if you're willing to beat up your body to get better results sooner and potentially risk injury, Insanity is the better choice. But to anyone who is sensible enough to do a workout that is 10% less effective but 100% safer, Definitely TapouT XT.

[Mac5500]

I tend to agree with you from what I've seen. I think I will be giving Insanity a shot first though, as I have an uncle who has it. I can borrow it from him and maybe go through it. If I can I may buy TapouT XT somewhere down the line to give it a shot. Thanks for your answer!

[kheserthorpe]

Whichever you like. Neither are optimal, both are a hell of a lot better then sitting on your couch. If you like one, do it, you will gain benefits. If you want the best program possible, you'll need to build your own customized to your goals and current skills/abilities.

[Mac5500]

I know, that's the thing. I'm not sure exactly how to build an exercise program. If I try to just go to the gym and lift I get bored. I got a free trial to a cross fit program in my area and LOVED it, but it was WAY too expensive to keep up. Unfortunately, half of what I liked about it was the intensity and competition that you only get from being there, so it's hard to create that outside of the program. I feel like these high intensity programs might be a start. Thanks for your answer!

[kheserthorpe]

If you just want to sort of 'get fit' and like HIIIT then stick with it. Try to find some friends who'd be interested in doing crossfit WITH you. The WOD is posted on the crossfit site.

You might also enjoy Ross Enamait's stuff.

For the record, I don't think HIIT is the be-all-end-all: it provides very fast gains but the gains specific to HIIT plateau quickly. You _will_ still make other gains, just not optimally.

But it depends how particular you are about your goals.

[Mac5500]

Haha, that's kind of another problem. I'm heading off to college in about a month and a half and all of my friends are going to different places. I'm sure I'll be able to figure something out :) I'll definitely check out Ross Enamati though. Thanks for the info!

[Mac5500]

Now if I can get rid of the MASSIVE blister on the bottom of my foot I'll be able to get started :/

[may04]

I've never even heard of Tapout XT, but I own the Insanity DVDs.

Pros

It's challenging no matter what your fitness level

cheaper than other programs. You don't need to buy any additional equipment

The 2 disks used for muscle recovery were a great alternative to give your body a break and still workout.

Cons

I got burned out trying to follow the program daily. I ended up only doing 1-2 workout from it a week instead of daily

There's a lot of high-impact exercises, which I've got a bad knee so it got a little too strenuous for that

Overall I don't feel like Insanity is something that can be done daily unless your obsessed with working out. It's got some great sessions on the DVDs, but expect to mix it up with something a little more mellow after a while

[Mac5500]

I think I will be giving Insanity a shot. My uncle owns it and I think I'm going to borrow it from him. I've heard good things about Tapout XT though. It seems more core centered and it isn't as harsh on your body. Thanks for your answer though!

[Anonymous]

Insanity has proven to work while Tapout XT is more of an unknown quantity.

I wouldn't get on either program because my fitness goals are geared for long term stability. Going balls to the wall and having a crisp clean diet every single day might work for guys who live for fitness, but for the typical person you'll be out within a month or so.

[kheserthorpe]

To be honest, they're both not very good for people who 'live for fitness'/

[Mac5500]

I somewhat agree. Thank you for your answer!

[Anonymous]

My sister bought p90x , its extreme

[Mac5500]

We have P90X. I'm not a fan of Tony. He pissed me off. "I'm only doing 45 lbs, but you can do lighter if you want to." As I pick up my 25 lbs dumbells. Screw you Tony :P