Sunday, October 27, 2013

Cross Training and HIIT Training with FOCUS T25

**OK, no. I am not a rep or coach for Beach Body. No affiliation whatsoever.**

If you follow me on Twitter or you know me in real life, it is no secret that I love (LOVE!) Beach Body's Insanity program. Let's be honest here: Shaun T is a babe and he is extremely motivating. But I actually do believe Insanity does what it claims to do (tighten your sloppy ass up) if you are willing to follow the plan as it is designed - and that you are healthy enough to do Insanity in the first place. (There is a legit reason why it is called "Insanity." No, not everyone should do it.)
 
See what I mean? Babe.
I initially bought Insanity, because I wanted to replace my gym membership - so while the price for the Beach Body programs can seem expensive, it was a steal in comparison to my crappy and over-priced $$$ gym membership. I did the whole first cycle when I got it and I was hooked. My life revolved around those workouts. My favorite of all the workouts is Pure Cardio - which most people hate - but I'm an endurance runner, so cardio is a cake walk. All of the workouts were challenging, but doable - gradually building in intensity and length. By the time I finished, I felt strong, fit and energized. I didn't lose a ton of weight, but that doesn't mean that my body didn't change a lot. I leaned out in a flattering way and my muscle definition was much more noticeable. I felt lighter and faster.

After completing that first cycle, I got back to high mileage running. Ever since, I use Insanity as part of my cross-training regimen. I build it into my plan once or twice a week for a little bit of resistance training, HIIT (high-intensity, interval training) and muscle confusion. Cross-training is absolutely imperative if you're going to be a successful runner or if you are working towards specific speed goals...which brings me to my most recent purchase: FOCUS T25. I just bought it today and I am SO EXCITED. 


FOCUS T25 is also a high-intensity interval training program. What does that mean? It means that you are going to kick your own ass without breaks for 25 minutes a day. People see that number and think, "Oooh, I can get in shape in just 25 minutes a day! Sign me up!" Sadly, that is only partially true. Those will be 25 extremely intense minutes of the day and they must go hand-in-hand with a focused diet and lifestyle. There are never short-cuts, people.

The reason I purchased T25 is that I wanted something short to fit into my day without having to give up my runs. I can easily do a run and T25 in the same day (although I might be tired!) I think this program is perfect for an already fit person that is busy and still wants to get in a quality workout. I plan to use FOCUS T25 the way it was intended for the first round and then I will likely use it the way I use Insanity - to mix things up or to guarantee a workout on a busy day.

My package should come in the mail this week! I will track my progress here so you guys can judge for yourselves. :) Have a nice Monday!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU:

1. What sort of cross-training do you like to incorporate into your training?
2. Have you ever had success with a "boxed" fitness plan like Insanity or FOCUS T25?

18 comments:

  1. Never tried it but I firmly believe it works if you stick with it. Perfect time too with the weather changing. Keep us posted.

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    1. My thoughts exactly on the weather. I have just enough time to fit in a complete T25 cycle before I really have to buckle down on my Boston training. Can't wait to get started. I've been going nuts with my mileage down post-marathon!!!

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  2. I have never tried a box workout but am curious about Insanity. The high intensity intervals sound like they might be similar to a class I took at my old gym that incorporated Tabata. Loved those workouts!

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  3. I have a very hard time sticking to these. I have p90x and honestly never even did all the videos. However, the fitness studio I teach at offers an Insanity class...I may have to try that!

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    1. I really think you should try Insanity. It is so challenging, but it is also fun and addictive. :) Give it a shot!

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  4. This looks neat. I've heard great things about Insanity, too. I've done P90X workouts and liked them a lot, but didn't do the full program.
    For cross-training I dig Body Pump classes and swimming. Cycling, too!

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    1. I could never get into P90X - not sure why - but I really feel like Shaun T is the difference. That seems lame but he is really motivating. :)

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  5. so what happened with the training? Did you like it? Did you finish?

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  6. so what happened with the training? Did you like it? Did you finish?

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    1. I have been using the training - but not exactly as it is written. I am 4 months pregnant and that changed my training plans a little bit. I do LOVE it though. I find it to be very versatile, because they do have modifications for any moves that are too hard. The workouts themselves are tiered as well, so there is a gradual build up in strength and skill level. Highly recommended. :) Good luck!

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  7. I bought T25 about 6 months ago and I love it

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