Insanity: The great equalizer

Shaun T.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank one of Palau’s, and my, greatest benefactors: Shaun T. Five days a week the people of Palau are treated to a free presentation (possibly in violation of some laws) of Shaun T’s Insanity workout.

Spoiler: it’s insane!

When Jeff was here, he went to one class with me. In spite of being in preposterous shape after training for his last jiu-jitsu tournament (where he competed in a record eight divisions and won a bunch of medals!), by the end of 45 minutes of Shaun T, Jeff was no more than a puddle of sweat and panting flesh on the floor. It was a satisfying sight for all!

The best part about the insanity work outs, especially when there’s a real crowd, is the diversity of folks who show up. Not just racial diversity (though there's that too), but all kinda diversity.

First, there’s all ages. Lots of middle-aged women and men who are looking to get fit. High school and middle school age kids, some super athletic some not. Even some little kids who mostly just watch us sweat and occasionally dance around in a more playful version of Shaun T’s sadistic routine.

Then, there’s all sizes. Even though Shaun T’s crew on the video looks like a sweaty Lululemon catalog, the folks who show up to Insanity at the national gym look like Real America – er. Real Palau. And Shaun T leaves all of us equally writhing in pain by the end.

Finally, and most amazingly, it’s incredibly parent-friendly. Most group workouts in Palau are. There is no expectation that you leave the kids at home. While this can be a little grating in the last moments of Yoga class; at Insanity, it always makes me feel warm and fuzzy. There is one woman who, I kid you not, brings her four children, all under ten, and occasionally takes breaks to breast feed her youngest. No joke. It’s awesome. She’s a badass.

So, thank you Shaun T. We are all closer together in our shared agony, thanks to you.