Chrissa likes to sweat ya’ll. Chrissa tired but Chrissa gonna work! How annoying is it when people talk in the third person? Nails.on.a.chalk.board. But when you hear Shaun T screaming motivating you through the screen as you’re gasping for air while doing his famous Insanity workouts, it’s actually not that annoying. Because you know you’re getting a killer workout (plus Shaun T isn’t all that bad to look at). Today I bring you some of my favorite Insanity inspired workout exercises.
I’ve been through my fair share of workout DVD’s. There was a Jillian phase, I’ve got some Tony Horton P90X in there, 21-day Fix, and then some of course classic calisthenics. I know it seems like I have more fitness DVDs than shoes. Listen, this momma needs at-home options people! And variety. And wine (after the workout…)
If you’re still lost in the sauce about Insanity, it’s a high intensity interval training (HIIT) style DVD series that will increase your endurance, strength, and stamina. It’s HARD, but crazy effective. Below I’ve compiled some of my favorite Insanity moves. For the ultimate workout, sans the third person language.
High Knees
Lift your right knee up towards your chest and bend your elbows, fists in towards you shoulders, and bring your left elbow in towards your elevated knee. Next, hop to lift your left knee and bring your right elbow in towards that knee. Repeat for 60 seconds.
Free Runner
Start facing the side, arms at your sides and feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees into a slight squat position. Next, jump up to your highest position and extend your right leg in front, left leg in back as you bring your arms overhead. Land in the original position and do this for 30 seconds right leg in front as you jump, then 30 seconds with the left leg in front as you jump.
Squat Lunge Pushups
Start in a squat, feet wider than shoulder width apart, hands in front of your chest. Slowly ‘fall’ or roll down to your palms and complete a push up. Then, use your arms and abs to hoist your body back in to the original position, keeping your knees bent the entire time. Repeat for 60 seconds.
Jumping Burpees
Start with your feet and palms on the floor, knees bent in towards your chest. Extend your legs, executing a plank position with your body. Bring your feet back to the original position then jump up to your highest point, extending your arms overhead. Repeat for 60 seconds.
Butt Kickers
Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your right foot behind your body, trying to “kick” your backside, then quickly switch feet. Keep your arms bent, elbows glued to your sides. Do this at a quick pace, for 60 seconds.
Plank Jack Shoulder Taps
Start in a plank position, palms directly under your shoulders. Lift your left palm off the floor and tap your right shoulder as you hop your legs out, wider than shoulder-width apart. Place your left palm back to the ground as you jump your feet together and do the same motion with the other hand. Repeat for 60 seconds.
Tricep Dips
Place your feet flat on the ground and palms directly under your shoulders, fingertips facing your feet and hips lifted. Next, bend your elbows aiming them behind your body then straighten, executing a tricep dip. Repeat the dips for 60 seconds.
Side Hops
Start with your right arm extended out and across your body (elbow bent, right hand touching your left shoulder). Bend your knees into your lowest squat position. Jump up and out to the side, as you switch arms and land. Do this side-to-side hop for 60 seconds.
In and Out Abs
Start in a plank position, palms directly under your shoulders. Next, bring both feet in towards your chest, then jump back out to the original position. Repeat this for 60 seconds.
Do every single exercise in this order and take a 60 second at the end. Did you count it? 10 full minutes of a high impact, Insanity inspired workout. Do two or three more rounds for the ultimate cardio and muscle toning blast!
Love workouts like this? Then you must try the 10-Minute Tabata, Hardcore HIIT with Weights, or Heart Blast HIIT.
What is your favorite fitness DVD series?

Haha, so we were FORCED to do Insanity workouts in gym class Senior year…but really no one actually did them (you know how it is!) But even the minimal amount could still get your heart rate booming!
Ok that makes me feel so old! HA. But on a side note, I would HATE doing this for high school gym class! Insanity is a workout you do at home, in private. Because sweating, grunting, and moaning is a very personal, closed-door thing!
I’m with you — more DVD’s than shoes! Often, it’s the only way to squeeze in the exercise!
I’ve tried T25, but not insanity. Love these options!
Exactly! Moms ESPECIALLY get it! Funny, T25 is the only one I don’t have. I own the original Insanity and Insanity Max:30. But I assume they are all the same = HARD!
I am totally going to do these once I get off here!! I planned on jumping on the elliptical while baby is asleep after checking social media stuff so I think this came at the right time! I’m going to throw this in to the mix!! Thanks a bunch!! 🙂
It’s fate! I hope the baby took an awesome nap so you could bust this out Valarie. I’m so glad it came at the right time for you. And thanks for stopping by!
I love all your accompaining pictures!! Motivation. I am currently working my way through the 21 day fix. Home workout DVDs all the way.
Team DVD! Right up there with Team Physical Kitchness Blog Workouts, right? Hehehe. I dig the 21-day fix too. The plyo one is the BEST!
This looks like a tough workout! But I would definitely try it because I’m always up for a good challenge.
Super tough, but you are right, it’s a great challenge. One of those sweat sessions that you feel amazing about after you are done. You got this Autumn!
Okay this looks insanely fun/challenging/sweat-inducing!!! You go, girl!!
HA sweat-inducing is so right. Like, dripping. But oh how I love it. Thanks Jess!
You are just so adorbs. I love this. Anything to get some new idea, HIIT type moves into a workout is golden. Nicely done!
XO Thanks Heather. Luckily these shots don’t typically show me sweating like a pig! Hope you enjoy this crazy workout!
Looks like a great workout. I do have a few of those exercises already in my weekly workout routine! I can add a few more! Thanks for sharing!!
That’s awesome to hear Jenn! You’re totally on the ball. Shaun T would be proud 😉
Wow!! This workout looks amazing! Well done girl and thanks for sharing! Also, you’re so fit and toned!! Way to go with the fitness… I def need to up my activity game. So inspiring! 🙂