Insanity Max 30 is one of my favorite programs to date, for a variety of reasons - results being one of them.
Insanity Max 30, just as the name implies, is a condensed version of Shaun T's popular fitness program Insanity. By condensing the program to 30 minutes (vs the 40-50 minute average of Insanity) one thing had to go: breaks! So, it is non-stop and intense with the goal of getting you to "max out" - take a break.
Contrary to the name, I ABSOLUTELY recommend this program to anyone beginning their fitness journey for one primary reason - A DEDICATED MODIFIER. What does this mean? Many other programs have modfiers, but most of the times the camera follows the trainer meaning that you are left wondering how to modify a certain move. This program has the option of selection the "modifier track" - allowing you to see and follow the modifier for the entirety of the workout.
The program is divided into two months, for a total of 60 days.
What you get:
Month 1
The first month of Insanity Max 30 focuses on Tabata - a version of HIIT that usually uses a 2:1 ratio. For example, you do push ups for 20 seconds, followed by a 10 second rest period. Monday, Wednesday and Friday's workouts focus on cardio, while the workouts for Tuesday and Thursday focus on strength (building muscle).
Cardio Challenge
You start with this workout on Day 1, followed by every Monday. It provides you with a baseline to track your progress and assess your level of fitness.
Tabata Power
The first strength training workout, following the traditional tabata style of 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off. Talk about feeling the BURN!
Sweat Intervals
This workout is a bit more difficult than Cardio Challenge and, true to its name, you will sweat more than you thought you were able to. I have a love/hate relationship with this workout because it is quite difficult, but you feel amazing afterwards.
Tabata Strength
You won't see this workout until week 3 and 4. Similar to Tabata Power but NO REST. Yes...it's painful, but so worth it!
Friday Fight: Round 1
This workout is more a battle with your mind, than with your body (or Shaun T for that matter). Most of the moves are ones that you will encounter doing the other 4 workouts, but there are definitely many "Are you kidding me?!" moments. Push through, and remember...TGIF!
Insanity Max 30, just as the name implies, is a condensed version of Shaun T's popular fitness program Insanity. By condensing the program to 30 minutes (vs the 40-50 minute average of Insanity) one thing had to go: breaks! So, it is non-stop and intense with the goal of getting you to "max out" - take a break.
Contrary to the name, I ABSOLUTELY recommend this program to anyone beginning their fitness journey for one primary reason - A DEDICATED MODIFIER. What does this mean? Many other programs have modfiers, but most of the times the camera follows the trainer meaning that you are left wondering how to modify a certain move. This program has the option of selection the "modifier track" - allowing you to see and follow the modifier for the entirety of the workout.
The program is divided into two months, for a total of 60 days.
What you get:
- 12 Workouts
- Nutrition Guide
- Max Out Guide
- Wall Calendar and Tracker
- No Time To Cook Guide
- 2 Bonus Workouts
Month 1
The first month of Insanity Max 30 focuses on Tabata - a version of HIIT that usually uses a 2:1 ratio. For example, you do push ups for 20 seconds, followed by a 10 second rest period. Monday, Wednesday and Friday's workouts focus on cardio, while the workouts for Tuesday and Thursday focus on strength (building muscle).
Cardio Challenge
You start with this workout on Day 1, followed by every Monday. It provides you with a baseline to track your progress and assess your level of fitness.
Tabata Power
The first strength training workout, following the traditional tabata style of 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off. Talk about feeling the BURN!
Sweat Intervals
This workout is a bit more difficult than Cardio Challenge and, true to its name, you will sweat more than you thought you were able to. I have a love/hate relationship with this workout because it is quite difficult, but you feel amazing afterwards.
Tabata Strength
You won't see this workout until week 3 and 4. Similar to Tabata Power but NO REST. Yes...it's painful, but so worth it!
Friday Fight: Round 1
This workout is more a battle with your mind, than with your body (or Shaun T for that matter). Most of the moves are ones that you will encounter doing the other 4 workouts, but there are definitely many "Are you kidding me?!" moments. Push through, and remember...TGIF!
Month 2
Take Month 1 and make it more extreme...and you get Month 2! The format is the same with cardio on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and strength training on Tuesday and Thursday. This month still follows the Tabata style, but the intervals get longer with the rest periods staying the same.
Max Out Cardio
You will find that the workout follows the tabata style...followed by a kicker: the "power move". Just when you thought you were done, you get to discover a move that you get to do for one minute (think burpee lunges).
Max Out Power
Though there is a focus on strength in this workout, the focus is on strengthening your legs. Well, what better way to strengthen your legs in a limited amount of time? Yes...Plyometrics (think more lunges with jumps)!
Max Out Sweat
Truly the most sweat I have ever seen after 30 minutes. Shaun accomplishes this by a combination of cardio and plyometic moves.
Max Out Strength
My favorite workout, but wow...my arms were on fire after this workout. For some reason, this workout also goes by quickly for me. You'll do variations of push-ups and triceps dips that you did not know existed!
Friday Fight: Round 2
Eeeek. My least favorite workout, probably because it really is the hardest one. The moves, again, are ones you've seen in the other workouts. The combination in which you have to complete them, however, is unreal. Iron legs, for example, stay true to their name. Again...TGIF!
Other/Bonus Workouts:
Pulse
This is a great recovery workout, scheduled for Saturdays (optional). It's a combination of stretching and pulsing movements.
Ab Attack: 10
Ten minutes focused on your core. You can intensify your workout calendar by basically adding this workout on Mondays and Wednesdays. I like peppering this workout in when I am feeling like I have 10 more minutes in my tank. Don't be surprised to max out 2 minutes in!
Take Month 1 and make it more extreme...and you get Month 2! The format is the same with cardio on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and strength training on Tuesday and Thursday. This month still follows the Tabata style, but the intervals get longer with the rest periods staying the same.
Max Out Cardio
You will find that the workout follows the tabata style...followed by a kicker: the "power move". Just when you thought you were done, you get to discover a move that you get to do for one minute (think burpee lunges).
Max Out Power
Though there is a focus on strength in this workout, the focus is on strengthening your legs. Well, what better way to strengthen your legs in a limited amount of time? Yes...Plyometrics (think more lunges with jumps)!
Max Out Sweat
Truly the most sweat I have ever seen after 30 minutes. Shaun accomplishes this by a combination of cardio and plyometic moves.
Max Out Strength
My favorite workout, but wow...my arms were on fire after this workout. For some reason, this workout also goes by quickly for me. You'll do variations of push-ups and triceps dips that you did not know existed!
Friday Fight: Round 2
Eeeek. My least favorite workout, probably because it really is the hardest one. The moves, again, are ones you've seen in the other workouts. The combination in which you have to complete them, however, is unreal. Iron legs, for example, stay true to their name. Again...TGIF!
Other/Bonus Workouts:
Pulse
This is a great recovery workout, scheduled for Saturdays (optional). It's a combination of stretching and pulsing movements.
Ab Attack: 10
Ten minutes focused on your core. You can intensify your workout calendar by basically adding this workout on Mondays and Wednesdays. I like peppering this workout in when I am feeling like I have 10 more minutes in my tank. Don't be surprised to max out 2 minutes in!
Pros
Cons
Overall, this program kicks ass on many levels. For me, it works because it is difficult to make an excuse for not being able to do a workout. It's 30 minutes! I think this workout is truly a full body workout with the perfect mix of cardio, plyometrics and strength training. You will see results - there are over 150 new moves, which means that your body's muscles will be confused leading to more gain. Check out the video below and feel free to reach out directly for questions, challenge groups or anything else that comes to mind!
- 30 minutes/5 days a week
- Perfect combination of cardio and strength training - I was able to tone up more using this program, than others (I discovered my biceps!)
- Dedicated Modifier track, which is imperative for someone just embarking on their fitness journey
- Max out times are a great way to truly track your progress and hold yourself accountable
- No time to cook guide is great for ideas on the run.
Cons
- The warm up/stretch times are minimized to allow for the 30 minute schedule. I recommend stretching a few minutes extra before and after your workout
- No 90 day option. It would be great to have an optional month 3 for added training and more workouts
- It is fast paced, which allows for your form to suffer. Shaun does point to this frequently - form is most important to see results!
Overall, this program kicks ass on many levels. For me, it works because it is difficult to make an excuse for not being able to do a workout. It's 30 minutes! I think this workout is truly a full body workout with the perfect mix of cardio, plyometrics and strength training. You will see results - there are over 150 new moves, which means that your body's muscles will be confused leading to more gain. Check out the video below and feel free to reach out directly for questions, challenge groups or anything else that comes to mind!
RSS Feed
