Trying to decide between P90x and Insanity is not an easy task. One has to decide what their goal is, and how dedicated they are willing to be-- because these workouts are not only extreme but polar opposites.

To lose weight or to get ripped-- that is the question.

                “Trying to compare P90X and Insanity is like comparing apples to bananas. They are two completely different workout programs,” health blogger Jonathan Register said.

            For a beginner, or someone who hasn’t hit the gym in a while, P90x is ideal. It has three stages: Classic, Lean, and Doubles—to really personalize a workout. P90x was designed to be an intense fat-burning exercise with enough cardio to improve endurance and build muscle. With just “12 extreme workouts” Tony Horton, elite trainer and creator of the P90x workout, promises results in 90 days.

            But how does it work?

            The science behind this extreme workout is muscle confusion, homeostasis. When the same stress is applied to a muscle over time one must constantly vary their sets, repetitions, and exercise to avoid their muscles accommodating, or plateauing, to the routine. P90x uses specific training phases so one’s body continues to adapt and grow—and not plateau.

“Your body will never get used to the routines!” Horton advertises.

With variation and no plateau, each phase of P90x is as effective as the first and pairing it with better endurance means stronger and better workouts. This is how results can be seen and felt within a three month period.

“P90x also offered different workouts like kenpo and yoga, besides the normal back chest and other muscle workouts, so it was more fun. I didn't stick to Insanity long enough and you have to stick to a diet for it to really show, but p90x really did show progress quickly, maybe within 2 weeks,” Brian Morejon, aspiring firefighter and college freshman said.

The downfall to P90x is that one needs to buy equipment to do certain workouts. Although most of this at-home fitness program involves simple exercises (i.e. push-ups), dumbbells and a chin-up bar, among other simple equipment, are required to complete other intense drills. Unfortunately, to do the P90x program properly cash needs to be spent. Exercise is money in this case.

Trainers argue that Insanity and P90x are not on the same intensity level, and therefore cannot be compared. P90x targets fat as well as muscle, Insanity’s goal is to build muscle within a short period of time. In 60 days results are sure to appear, but it is not without buckets of sweat and a low-glycemic eating plan called Shaketology .

“I ended up doing the Insanity workout after several rounds of P90X. My weakness has always been cardio, so I figured Insanity was just what the doctor ordered. After 60 days of doing the Insanity workout, I’ve got to say that I was shocked as to how much my endurance and cardio strength improved. Cardio definitely isn’t my weakness anymore!” Register said.

Like P90x, Insanity is a full-body workout but is more focused on cardio/jump training and quick intense movement. This is all part of the program’s MAX Interval Training.

MAX Interval Training is a highly advanced training technique in which one performs extensive high intensity moves followed by brief (about 30 seconds) periods of rests. Each workout keeps the body engaged as it switches from aerobic and anaerobic workouts. This makes it possible to burn 1,000 calories per hour and develop a chiseled physique in a short amount of time, because the breaks are short as well.

“My husband and I are ACE certified personal trainers. We completed Insanity and LOVED it! We never missed a workout and our eating was already good and even WE saw great results! We recommend this program and are anxious to do it again,” personal trainer Jennifer Bertoldo said.

This workout is meant to push a gym rat to his limits-- and beyond.

With Insanity, no weights are required. Creator Shaun T designed the program so that one’s own body is used as a weight, and with exercises such as ski jumps and heismans, they will seem ultimately useless.

“This program is NOT for beginners. Shaun T is the trainer and he is tough!” Bertoldo said.

            Insanity isn’t for everyone, beginners can try it but it is recommended that they try P90x first. The forms and intensity are a bit difficult, and one won’t get the most out of the 60 day challenge if they need frequent breaks or can’t do as many reps.

            The only thing these two workouts definitely have in common is that they are both created and sponsored by BeachBody, otherwise each at-home fitness program has its own pros and cons.

            It is important to remember that with any workout water is a necessity, and so is eating right. Before jumping into an insane workout or preparing for 90 days of extreme power, be dedicated and be healthy and definitely be aware of personal fitness levels.