I recently began Beachbody's Insanity workout series.

Like all of their DVDs it's a series that pushes you to transform your body in usually 60-90 days. This particular program is 60 days. Back in 2005, I completed Beachbody's Power 90 the DAY before being diagnosed with Lupus. I had great, though short-lived, results: I got VERY ill (read HERE), subsequently gaining 20 lbs from water retention in my legs, only to lose 30 lbs in the three weeks following my hospital stay.

Out here in Los Angeles, I've grown to love my body. With the approach of Spring, I've stocked up on tank tops and plan to wear one as often as possible. While I appreciate my progress, the new goal is to increase strength and buld upon all this Zebra Cake-fed sessy right here.


The basic concept behind INSANITY is to follow a different cardio-heavy workout six days a week, recovering on Sundays. The program comes with 14 workouts (including the Fit Test), rotated on a schedule, with varying degrees of difficulty.

Check out the commercial:



It's NOT easy at all. As mentioned in the clip, as I read everywhere, you will need to push yourself to places you may not be ready to go. I like the DVDs because you get to see real people workout along with you. I even spotted someone I know from New York (hey, Shernita!) sweating it out in the front row beside Shaun T. On Team Beachbody, you can upload before pictures (which I won't do here, no ma'am), schedule and track your workouts, share your story, and connect with others with similar goals. You can even virtually workout with hundreds of other people at any given time of day. Great for motivation.

Also included is a workout calendar, meal plans (which I'm not following), and a Fit Test log. Personally, the Fit Test log is the most important piece of this program. While the videos give guidance, the fit test allows you to quantify your results as you go. The Fit Test consists of eight exercises performed for one minute for maximum reps, with one minute rest in between. I'll admit, I consider(ed) myself to be pretty "fit", but this was a workout in itself. Here is one woman recording her Fit Test:



I will also admit that her Day 1 numbers are mostly higher than my Day 15 numbers. She's clearly more athletic than I, but that's okay: my dick is bigger than hers.

Here are my results for the Fit Test after Day 15.

Date	15-Mar	29-Mar
Move	Fit Test 1	Fit Test 2
Switch Kicks	70	110
Power Jacks	55	61
Power Knees	70	109
Power Jumps	41	49
Globe Jumps	6	8
Suicide Jumps	9	14
Push-Up Jacks	33	46
Low Plank Oblique	25	49

I feel great. There's progress all around. Those damn "Globe Jumps" are dark-sided as hell. In addition to this workout, my personal goal is to be able to do 75 pushups in one set. So far,  I'm up to 55. By the summer, I should be there.

Though there are NO excuses, I slacked off a few days last week. This week: two a day whenever possible to make up for the three workouts I skipped. I'll let you know how that goes.

A few months back after dropping some holiday poundage, I got a free session from a trainer at my gym. While I am aware of what goes on in the gym, how to work out "properly", I was honestly intimidated and didn't hit the weights again for quite some time. The difference between what I was doing, and what he suggested that I do for the best, quickest results was drastic. Unfortunately, I felt into a state I'm quite familiar with: analysis paralysis. This is my tendency to become obsessed with the PREPARATION to do something. Whether it's finding the BEST workout, the BEST diet, or the BEST business idea, I look up weeks/months later...and I'm still getting ready to do/begin said thing. Foolish.

What I've come to accept lately is that it matters not which program is "better" or works the best. What is most important to grasp is that something is better than nothing as far as exercise goes. Even if your workout leaves much to be desired, even if you're just starting out and haven't built up amazing stamina or achieved perfect form, taking a small step and STARTING is most valuable.

Best of luck to all in whatever it is you're "about to do." Do your self a favor: take that first step. Do SOMETHING. You'll thank yourself later.

~colored boy

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