PiYo vs. Insanity Max 30 - Cross Training for Runners

Cross-training, or taking part in alternative forms of exercise, should be part of every fitness plan because it helps reduce the risk of overuse injuries, improves muscular balance, targets your muscles in new and different ways, and aids in muscle recovery. By doing low intensity cross-training instead of running, you can not only help heal injury, but also prevent it to begin with, by giving your running muscles a day to recover. Whereas, high-intensity cross-training can also help you improve your running performance, especially for endurance athletes and distance runners.

That being said, I’ve been conducting my own little experiment using both Low Intensity (PiYo) and High Intensity (Insanity Max 30) cross training with my running over the past 6 months and here are my findings.

PiYo – Low Intensity

I started PiYo in August and did 2 different rounds of it (1 round is 60 days so 2 rounds 120 days) as I prepped for Thunder Road ½ Marathon in mid-November.  This program really helped me strengthen the supporting muscles for running – hips, knees, hamstrings and core muscles.  It elongated my hamstring and kept me loose and free of injuries.  PiYo was very restorative to my muscles and joints, which helped to balance out the impact of running and ended up setting a new PR by over 10 minutes in the ½ marathon. 

Official program stats are listed below.  

**Keep in mind that I was very early on in my transformation journey and more weight to lose when I started PiYo**

Weight Lost	29.4 lbs
Inchest Lost	30”
Body Fat % Change	21% reduction
Running Pace	Went from an average 10:19/mile pace to 8:50/mile pace

Insanity Max 30 – High Intensity

I decided to try Insanity Max 30 in December since I knew I would be focusing on shorter distances over the next couple months.  This program has greatly improved my running speed due to the plyometrics and moves used that are complimentary to running itself.  Many of the moves have really strengthened my quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles – all very important when building speed.  I completed the Village 10K on Saturday, January 31st and was able to hold a 7:46/mile average pace and place 2nd in my age group.

Official program stats are below.  When I started this program I had already lost all of the baby weight and was at my lowest weight and size as an adult, so I had less to lose here but the results.  I am very happy with them, in particular the impact on my running that this program has had.

Weight Lost	6.4 lbs
Inchest Lost	7”
Body Fat % Change	5% reduction
Running Pace	Went from an average of 8:50/mile pace to 8:05/mile pace

What’s Next?

I’ve decided for the month of February that I am going to do a hybrid of PiYo and Insanity Max 30 because I will be preparing for my next half in March – Corporate Cup.  I want to try taking the best workouts of each program and using them in combination to maximize my performance, as well as be restorative to my muscles and joints.  I’ve been nursing a slight calf strain for the last month and I want to ensure that doesn’t get any worse and has the time to heal.  I will report back how that plan goes and am happy to share the schedule with anyone who wants it.