INSANITY

I have to tell you about Insanity because it has changed my life!  No, really.  I am changed!  For those of you who don't know, Insanity is a 60 day DVD work out program designed to put you in the best shape of your life.  I am a runner.  I have been running consistently now for 2 years and my goal is to run a half marathon.  I have trained and trained and trained and I always end up injured and defeated before I can achieve my goal.  Several months ago I was looking for something to help me build endurance and strength for long runs.  I accidentally ran into the Beachbody website and found Insanity.  I had never heard of Insanity.  I was astounded at the results that people were getting in just 60 days and I have to admit, I wanted to look as good as they did!  The program promises to help you build lean muscle for strength as well as endurance.  Ace in the hole!!!  A few days later I was at a friend's house playing bunko and I brought up Insanity in a conversation.  I found out that my friend just happened to have Insanity sitting on her media console and she was about to start the program!  I jumped at the opportunity to try it with someone else!  We went gangbusters!!  We were so pumped and excited for the challenge......until the very first day.  March 21, 2011, Day 1 consisted of a fit test--no workout--just a fit test.  Umm, I thought I might die that day.   The fit test consists of 8 exercises.  You have a minute for each exercise to do as many reps as you can.  First of all, I have never done these exercises before in my life.  They were all new and they were all very taxing and you had to do them FAST!  I wasn't pleased with my fit test results, especially when "Tonya, the Machine" (Insanity celebrity cast member) was doing three times the amount of reps I was!  I set some goals that day.  I took my measurements and some before pictures of my body.  I also made a commitment.  I promised myself that I would not quit.  I swore that I would not miss a workout.  I vowed to put my heart and soul into every single day of training to get the body and the results I wanted.  I also chose to follow the nutrition guide that came with the program.


Fast forward to May 22, 2011.  I finished the program and I kept my promises to myself.  I never missed a workout despite any obstacle or schedule derailment.  I wanted to quit several times throughout the 60 days, but Shaun T kept inspiring me to push play.  I threw myself into every workout taking my body to the limit.  It was INSANE!  I have never sweated so much in my life!  The first 30 days were childs play compared to the second 30 days.  The workouts are extremely difficult and crazy, but I got results!  During the 60 day program there are 4 fit tests, one every 15 days.  Here are my test results for all 4 fit tests.  You can see how I improved every 15 days.

One small thrill for me, on my very last fit test I beat Tonya at Power Jumps, Globe Jumps, and Low Plank Oblique!  These results look great on paper, but I know a lot of you really want to see the reveal pictures.  I am hesitant to post them on the WWW.  If you want me to email you or text you my before and after pics just let me know.  I am happy to share my accomplishment with you, just in a more private fashion.  I lost 4 pounds, 1.5 inches off my chest, 2 inches off my waist, 1/4 inch off my thighs, and 1.25 inches off my hips.  The before and after pics speak for themselves.

I went on my very first run yesterday since beginning Insanity.  I ran 3.25 miles in 29 minutes and some change.  It was awesome!  My legs felt so strong.  I took almost 30 seconds off my normal pace for each mile!  It felt great to know that all the hard work and sweat did pay off!

What's next?  I will do another round of Insanity and couple it with running.  After that, I will take a trip to the Asylum which is a 30 day program designed to put you in pro-athlete condition.  Check it out!

Please feel free to ask questions or comment.  I love talking about Insanity and I love inspiring others reach their fitness goals.  I believe God wants us to honor Him with our bodies.  My favorite scripture verse is Philippians 3:14

 "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

When I think about this scripture I envision a runner barreling down the track pressing toward the finish line to win the prize.  I see Jesus at the finish line waiting to embrace the runner and bid him well done.  I want to work hard for Jesus.  I want to be the best offering for Him that I can be.  There are many ways that we can worship God.  Sacrificing our flesh is one way and I feel that I am called to this kind of sacrifice in this season.  Hard work yields strength of character.  In the words of Shaun T, "It's get fit or get out people!  I ain't trying to hurt you, just trying to make you better."