Hello friends,
Michelle and I have finally finished our Insanity workout dvd challenge the other day.
For those of you who are new to our blog (welcome we hope you stay around for awhile!) Michelle and I were in a little workout ‘rut’ and needed something different to jump start our love of working out again. And we had heard of Insanity through a friend! We thought we will give it a try!
We had a few bumps in the road during our 60 day challenge. Though, we kept pushing through and never lost sight of the end! I admit I got frustrated when I was not feeling ‘my best’ and realized I might have been over hydrating myself. Thanks to Earth Mother for pointing that out to me.
I learned my lesson and was more careful of how much water I was having before, during, and after my workouts. Luckily, I made it through the remaining month 2 series of Insanity with no more problems 
So, looking back of when we first started our 60 day challenge our end date is a little extended. But that is ok because we did not give up, just took a break and picked it right back up when I was ready!
Pure2Raw Insanity DVD Program Review:
The Insanity program was great! Michelle and I really enjoyed ourselves during the whole 60 days. This was our first time ever doing a DVD program at home like this before. Therefore, we do not have another program to compare it too. All we can give is how we felt, how we did, and how we overall liked the program.
We both would recommend the program for people who like high intensity workouts. The Insanity program is intense and difficult at times. If you are someone looking for workouts that really challenge you and gets your heart rate up for majority of the workout then Insanity is for you!
Shaun T does a great job in keeping you motivated and digging deeper 
Are we happy with our results?
YES and NO!
What do I mean by this.
Well, we both fell stronger physically and mentally from the program. Insanity definitely made me push myself to my limits each day which I loved. I really enjoyed feeling my muscles burning and seeing my body change I admit there were days when it was tough to keep up but I did my best.
I did not get as “lean” as I thought I was going to from the program (like everyone in the video). But I have seen some improvements in my overall appearance. I started to see my abs, legs, and arms get better definition in them. But I realized I just have to keep going and I will get toned over time!
Overall thoughts:
- program is intense
- be ready to SWEAT
- 2nd month videos are about 50-60 minutes long compared to 30-40 minutes in month one
- can be hard on the knees
- if you have hard floors you will make lots of noise from all the jumping
- some dvd’s did not work (like max interval sports training dvd)
- fit test helps you keep track of progress which was nice to keep up with
- not the best background music to keep you going
Would we do this program again?
Probably.
If you are interested in doing the Insanity program but aren’t sure if you are ready for it. Michelle and I were thinking anyone could possibly do Insanity. Just take YOUR time with it. You do not have to necessarily have to do it in 60 days, you can take your time and do it at your own pace. Maybe mix it into your daily routine to add something new ; )
Any Cons?
Yes. The workouts did get a little repetitive even though you do a different dvd everyday. The one part that always got boring to us was the warm-ups…but once we got through that we were ready for the workout. We would get frustrated that it was this move again or that one, but we also realized knowing the moves allowed us to push ourselves harder. Our body knew what to do, we just had to mental get over it, which was tough!
Certain dvds we liked better than others. But you cannot like everything ; ) And that is why it is a challenge, right? But as a whole set, it was what we needed to get out of our workout rut!
What did we usually eat before our workouts?
We either had some of our workout truffles (hope to start selling these soon).
Or some type of mush or puddings as we like to call them. If you remember our training for our marathon we ate these a lot for pre-workout meals.
We always eat before we workout, does not matter what type of workout. Even if it is just a handful of blueberries or something. We feel fueling your body is so important! Do not be afraid to eat before your workouts. What you eat and how long before your workout you eat all depends on what you are doing. During these months of doing Insanity we would eat our pre-workout snacks about 15-20 minutes before hand.
What did we eat after our workouts?
We would always have a small shake of some kind. The basic parts to our post-shake are:
- green (spirulina or chorella)
- sugar (usually frozen berries)
- protein (hemp, vega, or brown rice)
Blend together with water!
Do you eat before your workouts? What about after? What are your favorite workout meals?
If you were involved in our 60 Day Challenge, how did you to do? Did you complete your 60 days of trying something new? Did you have any issues along the way? What did you learn during the challenge?
What are your thoughts about mini challenges like the Insanity? Do you like or dislike them?
Don’t forget about our Twin Cakes Bakery sale for free shipping on orders over $75. And to answer many of your questions about our products. Yes they call can be frozen or refrigerated for longer shelf life. And for our dry mixes the crackers are made to be done in a dehydrator but can be done in an oven. The other dry mixes are made to be baked in an oven. If you have any more questions please just email us.
Thanks.
Till next time,
Lori
Pure2Raw Twin
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad to hear your thoughts on Insanity! I definitely liked the intensity of the workouts, but the repetitive warm-up was definitely annoying after a while! I also didn’t see results as quickly as I would have liked, although I did feel my cardiovascular fitness improve! Good job on sticking it out for the whole 60 days!!
I’ve got my own mini-challenge going on right now– it’s called “fit into a tight bridesmaid dress in 6 weeks!” Ha ha. Pretty much just trying to keep my eating as clean as possible, and getting into a consistent fitness routine again!
Megan, you will do great with your mini-challenge! The dress will fit perfectly!
Hey sweeties! Congratulations on finishing your Insanity programme. You did it!
Great review. I’ve been feeling ill today and your blog never ceases to cheer me up.
I’m currently training for a marathon and find it difficult to eat before a run so I usually eat afterwards – a mixture of protein and carbs, often in a smoothie like yourselves. I also love coconut water to rehydrate after a long run. If I’m doing spinning, aerobics or a circuit class I usually have a handful of nuts/seeds/dried fruit beforehand. This doesn’t affect me like it does when I do a long run! I’m thinking of ordering some Sun Warrior protein to add to my smoothies….currently I use maca and hemp protein in my post workout shakes to give me a boost
I’m gonna post some workout reviews on my blog soon. Just tried a FAB one!
Hugs x x x
Emma, when we run we normally eat about an hour before hand, just something small, easy to digest like a pudding or fruit. Running in general always upsets my stomach not matter what though. ; / Look forward to your reviews!
Thanks for the thorough review. I’ve got P90X, but I’m not terribly happy with it since it often requires so many weights or bands. I’ve been thinking about Insanity because it is all body weight, right?
Kara, yes Insanity is all body weight. We never used any equipment beside a mat.
I normally eat a banana or some dried fruit like dates before my work-outs. My stomach unfortunately does not tolerate much during my runs.
Juliane, we are the same with our runs. We have to eat at least an hour before hand and it usually is fruit or some type of pudding.
I usually eat about an hour or 2 before I workout. I have a very sensitive stomach, and I most likely will puke if I time it any earlier than that.
Pre Workout meals:
GF cereal
shakes (GM or protein shakes)
larabars
salads
GF toast w/ pb
really anything except for desert before working out.
Nicole, yes we have sensitive stomach too, which is why we keep our pre-workout meals small and in an easy form to digest (usually liquid based). But when we run we usually eat about 1-2 hours too. Thanks for sharing your pre-workout meals!
Such a balanced review of the Insanity program! I’d love to give it a go for 60 days, but with my bad knees, it’s just not possible. My brother and I do have the DVD set though, so I’d like to start incorporating it into my workout routine more often!
Gabriela, I think it would be great to incorporate into your workouts. It is hard on the knees at times, but maybe if doing on carpet it might be less intense.
I posted an Insanity review today too, with a nearly identical question…how funny.
I was working out first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for years (weights or cardio, didn’t matter), but after the first day of month2, I realized I needed something beforehand. I ate a banana about 15 min before starting today, and it seemed to be a bit “easier”. Except all those damn pushups!
Katie, we used to not really eat much before working out too a few years ago when we would workout at 5am in the morning. But lately we like to have something, even if it is small
I agree with those push-ups, Shaun T went crazy with them!
Wow, I really have to hand it to you for hanging in and completing the 60 days, particularly since you were feeling so crummy there for awhile. Bravo!
I’m not big on eating pre-workout. If I do, I’ll have some fruit or perhaps a fresh juice. Afterward, I’ll usually do at least a 32 ounce smoothie with greens, fruit, and hemp protein.
Earth Mother, that sounds like a delicious post smoothie
Gotta love hemp! Thanks again for watching out for me!
Thank you so much for this review. I have never in my life done a workout at home dvd. My life workouts have been yoga for 12 yrs, just doing my own thing or taking classes, running/walking, and in the past 6 mos, lifting at the gym. But I have never done anything at home other than yoga b/c, well, it seems like I wouldnt get a good workout in, or Skylar is hangin on me, or whatever. But after seeing your review and Katies (makingfoodfunstuff) and some other ladies, I really do want to do Insanity.
Let’s face it, Shawn is hot and that helps to motivate
I love your brutal honesty though..not just saying it’s “amazing” when there were a few things that for you two, werent amazing.
Sorry for the long comment but you put such thought into the review, i wanted to tell you Thank you!
and anyone who eats truffles as workout fuel..well, i love ya both
Thanks Averie, we love ya too! I am glad you like our review, and I think you would like Insanity for something different and challenging. I agree truffles are the best even before working out LOL
ive never done insanity but i really want to try! Im actually glad to hear that you didnt get very lean from it, haha, cause i dont want to lose any weight!
LOVE those truffle looking things!
Katie, no, we gain some weight, hopefully muscle ; )
Hey girls!!
Just wanted to let you know I’ve given you an award! Check it out on my blog!
~Alyssa
Thanks for the Insanity reviews! I enjoyed your journey through the challenge and I know if you you’ll see those results you want! And too bad we couldn’t look like those on the videos after 60 days!
But really, you are perfect the way you are! Just the fact that you can do the videos says something about your fitness- which is the most important part! Great job!
Before a workout, I usually have a banana with almond butter or a date with some almond butter- something easily digestible and able to fuel my body. And after, a green smoothie does the trick EVERY time!
Lori, thank you! We are very happy that we even did Insanity. And yes after our protein smoothie we have a huge green smoothie a little later!
Thanks for the review! I was curious about these workouts. It looked like lots of fun in your pics. Love dripping sweat – nothing tells you that you’re working like it. You lost me at the knees though. My knees are precious knobby old lady knees that can barely get through an hour of power yoga.
I used to do a coconut water before working out and a kombucha after. Now, I do Lifetime protein powder before and a coconut water with arnica tincture after. The coconut water is hydrating to the muskles and the arnica prevents soreness and cramps. It’s changed the way my body handles hardcore yoga.
Weren’t you ladies into maca for energy for a while? Are you still doing that?
Fartygirl, we used to have coconut water after workouts too, but it just got too expensive so we had to cut back on it. Never heard of arnica, I will have to look into that, thanks for sharing. Yes maca is something we still have, but cut back on it. We mainly used it for hormonal balance and since we both are getting better, we decided it was time to cut down on it.
Congrats on finishing your insanity, and I agree that that was a wonderfully balanced review. Love the truffles thing also!
As I understand it, it’s good to eat a little ‘sugar’ before cv workout, and protein afterwards, because when your muscles are all pumped is when you can best absorb protein. I’m not really working out at the moment because of chronic fatigue issues but I’ve tended to have a hard time eating beforehand – but a little low glycemic fruit and spirulina seems to be ok. And afterwards, some sort of protein shake or home made energy bar…
love
Ela
Ela, yes a little something of sugar helps before a workout! Hope you are able to workout soon, I now chronic fatigue must be very tough. Hang in there.
I bought the DVDs recently to do as my cardio workout two times a week in addition to a solid weight training regimen. This is working out great! I absolutely love the hardcore workouts (I just pick a DVD randomly) and can tell my lungs and abs are stronger already
I don’t know if I could do the DVDs six days a week because they would be too hard on my joints, but two days a week is working out (no pun intended) great.
Congratulations on making it through the whole program! That is a huge accomplishment.
Thanks Jessica! Yes doing some of the dvds mixed in with your regular routine sounds great!! We are thinking of doing that now too.
Congratulations!your blog is nice and informative.I hope you will visit mine too.
Yay, congrats on the program! I’m doing it right now, and I can’t do the whole thing through without taking breaks between segments. It’s almost been a month and I don’t really think I’ve seen that much change in my body, but I think a lot of it has to do with what I’m eating. Sometimes I think I’m overhydrating, but I drink when I’m thirsty, so I don’t know….
Claire, hang in there girl. Take your time with each segments! You should soon start to see some changes in your body, your endurance should get better too
Just calculate how much you drink and keep track of it, I was drinking too much in a short period of time. Good luck, sending hugs!
thanks for the great review on insanity. i definitely want to check it out
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