What is the Proper Workout Intensity Based On Your Fitness Level?

Although we’ve talked before about the differences between GSP RushFit vs. TapOut, the larger question in choosing a workout program or regimen is us against ourselves.

It is more than an old saying meant to confuse us. When we are talking about working out and reaching one of the Big 3 desired body outcomes our internal mental approach to the question of workout intensity makes a huge difference. What makes the question of proper workout intensity so difficult to solve is that it can not be settled in many cases by the trainer on a home program like P90X or Power Half Hour.

It is better suited to something very few of us will ever spend money on for any length of time: a live and in-person trainer. They know you that well over time that they can dictate pace and push (or pull back) when necessary.  The sales statistics for P90X as an example show that for millions of people looking to get fit, the one time expense and convenience of a home workout is a highly popular choice.

This article explores the idea of what is the best intensity for three of the more popular workouts on the market currently. I picked each workout based on my belief that they represent the best choices to help you reach either the goal of losing weight, getting really fit and ripped, or adding size and muscle.

Adding Size and Muscle: Body Beast

The issues of meeting the goal of adding bulk muscle is one that is hotly debated and Body Beast has not been without critics. One of the primary points of contention among serious body builders is that 90 day cycle. Many object to the idea that you can add 10 or 20 lbs of muscle in that time frame.  While we can debate whether their position has merit, I will tell you that proper intensity and excellent form is most important when trying to reach the goal of more size. The good thing is that Sagi Kalev does a very good job for a video trainer of teaching both form and intensity.  If you want to try Body Beast risk free, click here.

Here’s my rule of thumb. If you are a beginner or haven’t touched a weight for 5 years or more, master form and it will be intense enough. If you are someone that has lifted more recently but are looking to sharpen your approach and improve your results intensity is a concern. The Body Beast is a timed workout and it is pretty strict. Being able to keep up without pressing pause is a decent indicator of proper intensity.

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Getting Really Fit and Really Ripped: George St. Pierre RushFit or TapOut

I am big RushFit fan and I prefer it over TapOut for one reason: it includes weights where TapOut utilizes body weight only.  GSP RushFit is what is commonly known as a total body conditioning workout. It combines high intensity cardio, body weight exercises, dumbbell resistance moves, and challenges the large muscle groups  all in one. Plus it uses intervals or “rounds” to better duplicate the intense work done in an MMA fight.

My experience was just showing up and pressing play was taking you into a rough and tumble workout experience that never failed to get you ripped if you stuck with it for the 8 weeks. The beginner who hasn’t worked out in a while will likely fall in and out for the first few weeks. This is ok. Again, the focus needs to be on form because just by going along you are getting a major workout. This thing supplies the intensity. If you would like to try GSP RushFit risk free click here.

There have been some (albeit scant) criticism that the program might actually be too easy. To these folks I saw congratulations on staying so fit! If you are someone that is in super shape already, challenge yourself more and add to to your weight or intensity. Try to not only keep up with George beat him. This workout still holds much for you, plus don’t forget that there are three levels as well.

Losing Weight with Power Half Hour

I am a huge advocate of Power Half Hour with Tony Horton as a starting point for people who have basically not done much to stay fit for a very long time. The 30 minute Power Half Hour workout is just the right amount of time and has all the elements that made P90X great but with a lower degree of difficulty. Power Half Hour is the perfect workout for people who are trying to shed the initial weight or are looking for something to get them P90X ready. I haven’t heard anyone who is a beginner say it isn’t intense enough.  To try Power Half Hour Risk Free, click here.

If you are not a beginner and have done like P90X, just know that Power Half Hour isn’t as hard and you probably won’t be able to make it as hard. At the same time, many people in this category, have found Power Half Hour to be a great recover program for a couple months.