All Gain, NO Pain!
No Kidding!
Earlier this year I took on the Insanity Workout Challenge (opens in a new window). I was completing my rebound from a near-death experience in December, 2009 and I wanted to test my limits to prove to myself and to others that I was indeed all the way back on a healthy track.
While I’m certainly proud of myself, not only for attempting the Insanity Workout but also for actually doing the entire 63 days of body-pounding torture, I have to be entirely transparent and tell you that I would NOT do it again. In fact, I would NOT recommend this workout for most people over the age of 40.
Do NOT Try This at Home
Warnings abound on the info-mercial and especially within the Insanity package. Every document and DVD includes very strict and serious disclaimers that go way above and beyond the usual, “See a doctor before starting this or any exercise routine.” They very clearly and explicitly state who the exercise routine is intended for and especially who it ISN’T for, like beginners and those with existing health issues.
They should have included 57 year olds! I’m going to suggest that there should be some kind of locking device on the DVD so that dumb-dumbs over 40 (like me) who refuse to believe they are no longer 18 can’t play the video, thus preventing unnecessary pain and injury. At least that would have given me a good excuse!
Pain Was My Only Gain
The pain from doing plyometrics (basically a lot of jumping and bone jarring movements) started right from day one. I endured the first three weeks knowing that my body would eventually adapt and adjust to the pounding. The relief – if I can honestly say there was any – was very minimal. Older bodies (like those over 40) lack the resiliency and ability to recover quick enough to keep up with the intensity of a workout series like Insanity.
And the pain from doing plyometrics continued for a good several weeks AFTER the 63-day challenge ended. I couldn’t walk without a noticeable limp. Heck, just rolling over in bed was a chore! However, eventually – THANKFULLY – the pain and stiffness DID subside and I was able to get on to better ways of keeping myself in shape.
There Is a Better Way, 40+
Maggie and I stay in shape with Bodylastics
These days I’m hooked on Bodylastics (learn more here). These versatile resistance bands allow me to build and maintain muscle while keeping a fit and lean tone. By varying the resistance, repetitions and speed, I get all the stretching, strength training and heart-pounding, dripping-sweat-inducing cardio I want and need.
GONE are the jumping and bone-jarring, crippling exercises. Because Bodylastics helps me to STRETCH through every move, I actually increase my flexibility while building strength and endurance. Not only do I think it’s the PERFECT workout for 40+, I would highly recommend this workout for ANY age.
The best part is that I both LOOK and FEEL amazing! It’s so nice to hear compliments like, “Dude, you’re 57? You could pass for 45!”
And you KNOW I Love That Feeling! 
P.S. Do you have an exercise experience you’d like to share? I know some folks who are getting amazing results with P90X. Having done all kinds of workouts, using all kinds of equipment from Inversion Tables, Treadmills, Stationary Bikes and Weight Machines, I can tell you that I wouldn’t trade my Bodylastics (learn more here) for ANY of them.
What is your favorite workout and/or piece of equipment? Please leave a comment below. Thanks for joining the conversation.
