Max Built Workout Review: My First Impressions of Another Shaun T Weight Lifting Program

When I first heard about Shaun T’s latest weightlifting program, Max Built, my first thought was, “again…really?” I was skeptical. Mostly because it seems like he’s had quite a few weightlifting programs recently and really, what more could he do? But I was also intrigued, because how could it be different enough from those that it required another complete workout program? Now I don’t have much insider info yet, but here’s everything I know so far about Max Built. 

Shaun T’s Transition to More Strength Training Focused Programs

Fun fact: Shaun T’s first at-home workout program was Hip Hop Abs. And if you’re already familiar with his name, you most likely know him from the workout program that launched him into fitness fame was Insanity. The results people got with that program were so unbelievable, the program went viral before viral was a thing. Shaun T has also done several other plyometric cardio workouts after that along with some dance-based workouts.

It was only since 2023 that he started creating strict weightlifting workouts. Before that, it was mostly body weight workouts with some weight training mixed in.

The change happened I’m guessing, because he suffered an acute shoulder injury that required surgery in 2022. As part of his treatment, his physical therapist transitioned him from joint-focused plyometric-heavy moves like burpees or power jumps and tucks to strength training exercises. That’s because weightlifting is beneficial to your joints when done correctly, which is what Max Built seems to be all about. All along with that classic Shaun T feel of pushing you to your limits. 

Eventually, Shaun T fell in love with how his body felt and looked after focusing on strength training and took up bodybuilding. And so the shift to designing effective weightlifting programs began.

What is BODi Max Built

Max Built was created to teach you how to lift smarter by focusing more on the exercise you’re doing, helping you keep proper form, helping you maximize every rep, and reminding you to constantly challenge your muscles by lifting heavier whenever you can. 

Dig In and Dig Deeper are already solid weightlifting programs, so how is Max Built better or even different? 

Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to give you an answer to that yet, since I was taking a break from BODi when Dig In and Dig Deeper came out. My sister loved both programs, so I’m curious how Max Built will compare once she starts it. The only thing I know for sure is the workouts are shorter in Max Built than Dig Deeper and there it seems to be all about simple effective moves.

Here’s what I else I can share with you.

The Max Built Workout Schedule

I don’t have all the details yet like the names of the workouts, but here’s some useful information:

• The Max Built workout program is 9 weeks long. This is a great length to start seeing and feeling results without feeling like a huge long-term commitment.
• Workouts are 30-40 minutes long. This is an easily doable length that can fit into even the busiest, most hectic days.
• There are 5 workouts each week with an optional Core workout. This allows your body to recover between intense workouts.
• The program has a 3-Phase progression schedule. These phases are designed to maximize building muscle without having to do overly focus on complex movements like we’ve all experienced at some point if you’ve ever done any strength training-based at-home workouts. 

The Training Principle Behind Max Built

Shaun T’s Max Built uses what he’s named, The Max Built Protocol. Here’s a quick breakdown of it:

Phase 1: Foundation of Strength: In this phase, you’ll do a series of 5 exercises for 8 reps. Doing less reps than the usual 12-15 reps we often see in at-home workouts means you can and should use heavier weights.

Phase 2: Muscle Density Development: In this phase, you’ll do more reps for more burn. This is the phase where you’ll begin to see and feel a real change in your body.

Phase 3: Power & Intensity: This phase blends phases 2 & 3 for a hybrid that is designed to maximize your results.

Shaun T made this program extremely simple to follow, so instead of worrying about whether or not you’re doing the moves correctly, you can concentrate on what you’re doing. This means knowing what weights to use and knowing how to pace yourself to get the best results possible.

What Equipment You Need

Right now it’s saying there’s pretty minimal equipment, which is common for weight training-based programs:

• Weights: You need a wide range of weights regardless of your current fitness level. For a program like this, I feel like adjustable weights are a great idea if you can afford them, because they save space. Plus some sets go from 5-52.5lbs or even up to 90lbs depending on which ones you look at and/or need.
• Adjustable bench: I would highly recommend having an adjustable bench for a weightlifting-based program like Max Built. There aren’t many programs I tell you you’ll need one for, but this is one of them. While using a chair, low table or even the floor is mostly doable, an adjustable bench will make it possible to do every move exactly as shown. There’s just no way to do an incline curl or press at home without an adjustable bench. Here’s my favorite adjustable bench that won’t break the bank.
• Yoga mat or core comfort mat (not listed as needed): This is not listed as officially needed or even as officially optional, but if there are any moves done on the ground like the push-ups in the Arms 1 workout, a mat is essential to your comfort even with a carpet or rug, especially if you’re on your knees modifying like I was the entire time.

How The Sample Workout Went

I tried the sample workout, which is the actual Max Built Arms 1 workout from the program. I will not lie to you – it was hard. Even after just completing two rounds of the 30-Day Booty Boost and despite using lighter weights than I should have (I didn’t want to be too sore for too many days after!)

I didn’t go up in weight often like they did, but I did my best. And with Shaun T’s infectious optimism and energy, you will always want to keep pushing yourself as hard as you possibly even when your muscles are on fire and you feel like quitting.

For this particular Arms 1 workout, think mostly pretty straight forward moves like three different types of curls, overhead triceps extensions, and a close-grip press superset with push-ups. There were four sets of 8 reps with the tempos varying. And then it finished with a 45-second cooldown, which didn’t quite feel like enough after the hard workout. Luckily I know how to cool down on my own if the workout isn’t enough, which isn’t hard to do if you feel like the cooldown isn’t long enough. 

A Focus on Proper Form

One thing I really love about Max Built is that there is a huge focus on proper form. So if you’re a true beginner, you will easily be able to follow along. Yes, it will challenge you, but just do the best you can. Shaun T shows you the moves while giving thorough instructions and reminds you that doing the exercises the right way is more important than how heavy the weight is that you’re using.

My Overall Impression of Max Built

I liked the sample workout, and I think it’s going to a great weightlifting program. Max Built is all about simplicity and keeping the workouts doable. At this point in my life, I just don’t have enough time in the day to do an hour-long workout as a busy working mom of three, so the 30-40 minutes works for me. 

I can tell you Max Built is going to be a comprehensive strength training-based at-home workout program and that it will challenge you in the best possible way even if you’re more advanced. Shaun T programs are notoriously never too easy for anyone. Even he dropped to his knees to modify on the final reps!

Max Built has everything you need to be successful with an at-home workout program from a Quick Start Guide to help get you started the right way to weight trackers and a workout calendar. 

Who I Think This Program is Going to Be Best For

This is one of those workouts I feel could appeal to the masses whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, young or old, male or female.

It’s one of those programs that’s going to be all about how much you’re willing to put into it that will dictate how much you’ll get out of it with proper nutrition being super important.

I’m excited to do this program mostly because I know women are going to worry they’ll get too big and be afraid of trying it out. And I want as many women as possible to feel the benefits of exactly what weightlifting can do for you and your body, especially as we all get older.

Because the truth is that even if you lifted the heaviest weights possible, you will never get big like a man. Yes, you’ll look more athletic, protect your bone density and burn more calories naturally with all the lean muscle, but you will not get bulky. It takes a lot of dedication and nutrition to get a lean, muscular female bodybuilder physique that doing this program just won’t do for you after 9 weeks.

So who would Max Built be best for? From what I’ve seen and know so far, here’s who I think could benefit from Max Built: 

• If you like Shaun T.
• If you like weightlifting workouts.
• If you like workouts that challenge you.
• If you want to start lifting weights and don’t know where to start.
• If you want to level up your strength training.
• If you want to build muscle and lose weight.
• If you want to lose weight but not injure yourself trying.
• If you like structured workouts that are designed to help you succeed.
• If you’re over 35 and looking to start weight training to age healthier, lose extra weight, and/or protect your joints.

You are never going to get big like Shaun T in a little over two months, but you will be able to build some muscle while burning some fat, which will leave you leaner and more toned looking. 

And if you’re a guy looking to get bigger, you’re likely to look noticeably more muscular development depending on how you fuel your body while doing the program.

Overall, I’m interested in seeing what this program brings. I do think results are going to depend greatly on how you’re fueling your body throughout the nine weeks and beyond if you’re inclined to do more than one round. There are two nutrition plans to choose from to help make eating healthier easy that come along with the program.

Where To Get The MAX Built Workouts

Like all of Shaun Ts other workouts, MAX Built workouts will only be available to stream on BODi. The program fully releases September 1, 2026, but you can access a sample workout now. Below are a couple of the most popular BODi membership options.

And if you join BODi before now and September 8, 2026, you can get your initial annual BODi membership for just $99. This is part of the Bring Back the Spirit of Beachbody promotion that also gets you 14-servings of chocolate Shakeology at no cost if you choose to take advantage of the offer. This promotion is only available through a BODi affiliate link. Just click the link below the video, and you’ll have the promo price automatically applied to your Cart page.

I hope this post helps and if you have any questions or just want to let me know how the program is working for you, please make sure to leave a comment below.