Insanity

Music Monday: Power Through Anything Playlist

December 10, 2012 at 9:29 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

Long-term home workouts like Insanity and P90X have been around for a few years now, but their appeal hasn’t faded since they hit shelves. Interested in giving one a whirl? In Insanity, a fun, fast-paced diagnostic test is recommended to help determine your starting level so you can watch your progress soar over the next 60 days. And yes, you’ll be repeating the test periodically to gauge how quickly your fitness level reaches rock star status. The test is plyometric madness (they call it Insanity for a reason!), but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Various studies prove that music can boost performance, so we’ve rounded up six of the strongest tunes to help you muscle through that 25-minute diagnostic test, ready for anything Shaun T throws at you. But if six just isn’t enough, we’ve added four bonus tracks to keep you working hard for 40 sweat-dripping minutes. Now punch play and crank out those reps!

Now you tell us: How do you get pumped for a tough workout?

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Insanity’s Shaun T Has ZERO Excuses

October 4, 2012 at 9:34 am
By Lauren Cardarelli

You’ve probably seen this guy before, kicking major butt in infomercials and on daytime talk shows (he’s Dr. Oz-approved!)—or maybe you’ve cleared your living room furniture out of the way to workout with the fitness legend, himself. Regardless, one thing is for sure: Shaun T is insane. In an amazing, fat-blasting way.

We felt the Insanity burn first-hand, thanks to Shaun T’s Max Interval Training techniques, at a recent POWERADE ZERO Excuses event. Power Jumps, sprints and a glimpse of Shaun T’s glistening 6-pack had us echoing the lyrics of one of the Rihanna workout tracks, “Where have you been all my life?” After toweling off our sweat, we sat down with Shaun T to talk about fitness fuel, recovery and his gym bag essentials. Here’s what we learned from the personal trainer/choreographer:

It’s all about the finish. Any Insanity or Asylum fan will tell you that Shaun T’s Beachbody workouts are tough. Instead of giving in to those aching muscles, focus on ending your workout on a high note. “How you finish your workout is how you’ll start the next one,” Shaun T reminded us throughout the class. “All you have to say is I can do this.” Fight through that last set for future fab results!

Work out when it works for you. “For me, I always find it better to work out when I’m most motivated,” said Shaun T. “Working out in the morning feels great because it starts me off on the right track.” Find your best performance time, schedule exercise accordingly and stick with it! After completing his 60-day challenge, Shaun T suggests taking about two weeks of recovery for ultimate toning.

Boost your energy. To give yourself the most fit advantage, Shaun T suggests fueling up with five meals a day, especially when increasing your training. The more fit you are, the more energy your body needs! Shaun T enjoys granola and peanut butter or cinnamon oatmeal in the morning, 30-45 minutes before exercising. Read more

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