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I wrote this post after day 1’s MAX:30 workout. After day 5’s workout, I felt this post already needed an update, I have a new appreciation for this program. Updated text is in red.
INSANITY MAX:30 will definitely be the craziest half-hour of your day. Why? It is so extreme and so high energy, plus you’re going to be pushing yourself above and beyond your limits each and every workout. It is seriously INSANE and tons of fun!!!
Trust me, I just finished Day 1 of MAX:30 workout yesterday, and I actually think my lungs and chest are sore today from breathing so heavy from this Cardio Challenge, which is why I had to write about it.
Initially, I did not plan to write any articles about the new MAX:30 program, because honestly, at first I thought it was just going to be a revamp of the original Insanity with a modifier. But boy…was I wrong!
So…What Exactly is MAX:30?
INSANITY MAX:30 is not just another sequel to Insanity – it is much, much more than that, and so much better. It is a revolutionary new way to work out and is designed around the concept of maxing out.
What does it mean to max out? Maxing out means that you push as hard as you can for as long as you can until you can’t do anymore (such as when I first needed a quick break to catch my breath and slow my heart rate down slightly) or when you begin to lose proper form.
I will sadly admit that after Day 1’s Cardio Challenge workout, it took me a total of 2 minutes 56 seconds to max out, and I am not in horrible shape. Obviously, my cardiovascular conditioning is not at a peak level.
Once you max out, you quickly write the time you maxed out down and start right back up into the workout without pausing the DVD. This will require you to push yourself beyond what you ever believed possible as you strive to go longer during your next workout. The good news is that your cardiovascular condition improves significantly in just days and challenging yourself becomes a fun competition.
Give It Your All
This is another program that you will need to put in 100% effort to get 100% results, and it really is not for the faint of heart. It’s all about pushing your limits and going beyond your previous day’s max out point to get yourself a killer body in just 60 days.
If you’re not in it to win it, don’t even bother – this is all about beating your previous time. The entire concept around this one is to keep challenging yourself. If you’re not up for that, you should definitely choose another workout program to follow.
The Most Insane 30 Minutes of Your Day?
“INSANITY MAX:30 IS THE HARDEST WORKOUT I’VE EVER TAUGHT.” – Shaun T, creator of INSANITY and FOCUS T25.
I didn’t believe that statement after having tried Insanity, Insanity: Asylum, and Focus T25 , because seriously, how much crazier of a workout could you get? Well…holy moly did my opinion change after the very first workout, because oh my gosh, it gets a whole lot more insane. But you must remember, it is insanely fun as well. When I’m ready to start swearing because I feel like I couldn’t possibly do more, I start laughing at myself, because really? it’s a workout.
The first time I did the program, I maxed out when it wasn’t even officially the workout portion, lol…it was just the warm-up! The good news is that on Friday Night Fight’s workout, I was able to push to 7 minutes 48 seconds, and that was definitely the toughest workout of the week. So, don’t be discouraged. If I can build up my cardiovascular endurance in that short amount of time, so can you!
Funny side story: My boyfriend and I were doing the workout. He was laughing hysterically, because he thought I was going too fast. It literally looked like I was going in fast-forward. But I wasn’t going too fast, that’s just how crazy-fast the speed of the workout is, including the warm-up!
What You Get with the INSANITY MAX:30 Workout Program

The workout program is available in two pretty meaty packages. Here’s a breakdown of what you get with each one:
INSANITY MAX:30 Base Kit: At $119.85, this kit includes:
- 12 workouts: With over 150 new moves and workout sequences, get yourself ready to be strong, lean, and fit in just 60 days.
- Month 1: 5 workouts that include 2 cardio, 2 strength, and 1 challenge. Shaun alternates fat-shredding cardio with Tabata-style power workouts to prepare you for the end-of-the-week challenge, Friday Fight: Round 1.
- Month 2: 5 workouts that include 2 strength, 2 cardio, and 1 challenge. You’re going to feel like you just started the program, because the workout sequences get longer, but the 30-second rest periods stay the same -yikes!!!
- Nutrition to the Max Guide: Like the 21 Day Fix and PiYo, this is about portion control. This really great eating guides teaches you how to eat what you love and still reach your fitness goals – and it includes some tasty recipes!
- Max Out Guide: Learn all the secrets of MAX:30 to get you the best results possible in this informative guide.
- Max Out Wall Calendar: If you were worried about keeping track of your max out times, don’t be. The calendar shows you which workouts to follow each day and its max out tracker has a very easy-to-use format to keep you pushing further each day.
- No Time to Cook Guide: This is a great book for anyone who’s short on time or always on-the-go, so you won’t have to worry about eating healthy. From fast food to fine dining to frozen foods, this guide covers it all and lets you know the best options, so you can MAXimize your results. This is a liveable eating guide to help you easily stick with long after you’ve finished the program.
- Freebies: Yes, you do get a few free items with the workout program, which is why you always want to order directly through a Team Beachbody link:
- Pulse: Shaun T’s idea of a recovery workout combines low-impact moves with stretching and pulsing. Think that sounds fun? Think again…this is designed to give you a super burn.
- Ab-Attack 1.0: This 10-minute workout will feel like an attack on your abs, but don’t worry, it all is meant to give you six-pack results.
- 24/7 Online Support: Keep motivated and stay focused with the free online support where you will also have access to fitness-minded individuals like yourself and health experts.
- Sweat Fest: Your FREE bonus workout DVD you will only get by ordering here from Beachbody.
Link to Order INSANITY MAX:30 Base DVD Package with Bonuses
INSANITY MAX:30 Challenge Pack: Retailing at introductory rate of $180.
- The MAX:30 Challenge Pack is a surefire way to get the best results. Why? Because this base kit also comes with Shakeology on home direct shipping, and quite frankly, Shakeology makes it more likely you’re going to stick with the program, because one meal each day is taken care of. Plus, Shakeology really helps curb cravings and boosts energy levels with all its natural vitamins and nutrients to make sure you’re pushing your hardest each and every workout.
Link to Order INSANITY MAX:30 Challenge Pack
INSANITY MAX:30 Deluxe Kit: Retailing at $239.70, this package comes with the tools you need to get the abs you’ve always wanted. Here’s what you’ll receive with the Deluxe Kit:
- Everything Included in the Base Kit: Please see above.
- 3 Additional Ab Workouts: MAX OUT: 15, MAX OUT ABS, and 360 ABS.
- Ab Maximizer Workout Calendar: Want that six-pack? This will definitely help you get it. It basically adds an ab workout to your daily routine – as if the half-hour isn’t enough!
- Shaun T’s 7-Day Ab Maximizer Plan: Use the same 7-day plan Shaun T does to get photoshoot ready. Can’t wait to try this one :)
- Core Comfort Mat: This is awesome for the floor-based core routines whether you have hardwood or carpet flooring. It will literally make your back and bum say thank you.
- Body fat calipers: These are an awesome tool to help you measure and track the fat you’re melting away each and every week. Even if you are not losing weight, your body can be changing, so this is often a better indicator of changes in your physique than a scale.
- Unique portion-control tools: These are portion-control containers, so you won’t need to measure or weigh anything any longer. You simply shove your serving of protein or carbs into the color-coded container, and voila!, you’re ready to eat and easily track your daily food. You will also get a protein shake or Shakeology shaker cup for convenient and easy mixing.
Link to Order INSANITY MAX:30 Deluxe DVD Package with Bonuses
There are also various add-on options if you prefer to purchase the base kit and deluxe options separately. You also have the option to opt in to the various deluxe options that interest you most. For example, if you already have a yoga mat you love like me, but really want the Ab Maximizer Package to guarantee you have the best mid-section of your life, then you can easily purchase those separately.
Who INSANITY MAX:30 is Good For
Beyond the obvious results you’ll get, it’s particularly aimed at those who are looking for a no-nonsense, no-dance or fancy choreography, hardcore workout.
A Big Plus: Always a Modifier

The good news is that you don’t have to already be a fit person who runs up hills for fun to be able to enjoy this program. Anyone can follow and benefit from this program, because you can use the version of the workout that shows a modifier on the right third of the screen during the entire length, so you can always follow a less-intense version of the moves that will be much easier on your body and on your heart rate if you’re new to exercise or severely out of shape.
This always-on-screen modifier option is unique to the MAX:30 workout program. Other programs have the camera pan back and forth to the modifier, which can get confusing if the moves change when the modifier isn’t on camera. This way, you can easily follow the modifier when you need to and know exactly how to perform the modified move in real time. You can also hide the modifer, it you do not need the modification help.
While the moves are modified, don’t think they’re easy…they still get your heart rate up! The good news is if you’re not in great shape, you can easily go a lot slower than the modifier is moving. Take it at your own pace to get the best results ever.
You don’t have to already be in good shape or have completed any other INSANITY program to follow the INSANITY MAX:30 workout.
I would recommend beginning with the modified versions for at least one week if you’re totally new to working out. It will help you ease into the real movements on your own timeline, because quite honestly, the modified version is tough enough and would get anybody great results even if that’s all you did.
This workout is something you can try if you’re ready to finally get off the couch, regain your shape, or if you just want to push your body and mind beyond what you ever thought possible. It can be for anyone. Just do it at your own pace when you’re first starting out. Cardiovascular endurance increases exponentially.
You will get stronger with every passing workout, so there’s no need to overdo it the first time and never want to do the program again.
You Don’t Have to Love Extreme Workouts to Enjoy MAX:30
Honestly, hardcore cardio is not usually my favorite style of working out, because I’m not really into high intensity, extreme workouts or pushing my body to its max in that way.
However, it is insane how much fun I’m having following this program now that I’m one week in. I’m not sure if it’s me enjoying beating my previous time…I am not usually competitive, but I think I like competing against myself and winning :) This is one of the few programs where I’ve actually been excited about doing the daily workout.
I will be following this program and sharing my results along the way, because I really think it is a very unique concept and such a well put together program thata ton of people are going to benefit from doing it – mentally and physically.
What Equipment Do You Need for INSANITY MAX:30?
This is one thing I really like about the INSANITY programs – you don’t need any equipment. That’s right…you don’t need anything but your own body to follow the INSANITY MAX:30 workout.
While a yoga mat and the portion-control containers are extremely helpful, they are not a required.
My MAX:30 Conclusion
The main focus of this program is for people who want a killer body overall a nice set of abs and with its fat-burning moves to shed the fat and show the muscle and ab-maximizing options. It’s all about keeping your heart rate up, which means it scorches body fat and gets you in the best cardiovascular shape of your life.
Mark my words: INSANITY MAX:30 program is going to go viral. People are going to LOVE this program, because it is put together in such a complete fashion with an awesome concept and an even more awesome diet and nutrition guide to follow. There is no guess work to getting that toned, more athletic, agile, and feeling better overall body than it is with this program.
With an easy-to-follow portion diet plan, it is pretty much foolproof – as long as you stick with it for the duration. After all, who doesn’t have a half-hour, five days a week to dedicate to bettering themselves?
Just remember to always do the workouts at your own pace, and if you need to follow the modifier after the first five minutes, then do that. Getting in shape is not a race, it’s a process.
And while I don’t know anyone personally who’s finished the program just yet, after doing the workouts for one week, I can tell you that you will get real results, and you’ll be seeing mine soon. I have already lost a noticeable amount of fat and am looking more toned. My boyfriend has lost 1/2″from his waistline (the area where he wants to lose the most fat), and his six-pack is starting to show.
Have a MAX:30 question or helpful information? Please leave a comment below.




Hello Bethany! Thanks for your feedback. Im just a little concerned.. Began insanity max30, im on month 2 already, llost a lot of inches and I feel so much better, but I gained some weight :( that feels so disappointing you Know.. And I dont really know what to do cause I need to lose about 10kg to be in my ideal weight.. Should I worry about this weight gain? What Im doing wrong? This means Im storing muscule? Thanks bethany ;)
Hi Anna, If you are gaining weight but losing inches you are more than likely losing fat and replacing it with lean muscle. That is pretty much the same thing that happened to me on this program. I barely lost any weight but my inches went way down, my clothes fit better and I felt amazing. I would not saying you are doing anything wrong, sounds like you are getting amazing results to me. Here are a couple links that I think might help you, the first is to my results – https://thefitnessfocus.com/21-day-fix/21-day-fix-workout-schedule-portion-control-diet-sheets and the second is to a post about fat loss verse weight loss – https://thefitnessfocus.com/fitness-tips/measure-body-recomposition-true-progress
Hello,
I’ve recently started doing Insanity Max 30 but i follow the moderator as I’m overweight and not used to a lot of strenuous exercise. I was wondering what i should do in place of all the exercises in the push up position, as my toe was injured a few months back and it can’t take the pressure. All exercises done while standing,jumping,squating are doable. Thanks
You could do them on your knees or even against a wall. Bethany
So I have both T25 and insanity max30. I just started insanity max30 and looking forward to the results when I’m finished. I was wondering if T25 is more ideal for long term use then occasionally alternate insanity max30 for best results? I’m a working single mom so 30 minutes a day is literally all I have to give…other than chasing my kid around :)
Hi Tara, Yeah, MAX:30 might be a little much to do for the long term and would be good to break it up with T25. I do think T25 would be a good maintenance program too. Bethany
Hi. When I do the Max:30 I write down my first max out time. But when I do the workouts I find myself maxing out several times after the first time… Does this mean I am not pushing hard enough? Or is this normal, do other people also max out more times than just the first time? Im only at day 8 and I really dont want to loose motivation this early on… Please help.
Kind regards,
Maiken
Hi Maiken, It is completely normal to Max Out multiple times. The second time should come quicker than the first. Cardiovascular endurance improves quick and you will be amazed at the end of the program how much yours will improve. Bethany
Thank you so much Bethany :-)))) !!!
Hi,
I have an ankle injury and going into surgery in 2 months. I have started doing Insanity Max 30 modifier version only as I cannot do jumps on this ankle. I need to lose a few pounds before this surgery. Will doing only modifier help me enough to lose weight or should I add some supplemental cardio as well?
Thanks
Jello, Were you cleared by the doctor for exercise. With an upcoming surgery I would be very careful. Maybe just concentrate on your diet to lose weight for now. If you were cleared by the doctor then yes, the modifier is still pretty intense in MAX:30 and will burn lots of caloires on its own. Bethany
Hey Bethany – I started doing Max 30 and have noticed that my waist size has increased a bit, is it because I am developing AB muscles or is it because I am working hard enough. I am watching what I eat, but after a hell of a workout, I should loose inches not gain? Can you help.
Hi Manny, I would not worry at all. It definitely could be building ab mass, that is what will make your abs pop in the end. Are your MAX Times increasing? Bethany
I’M A LITTLE CONFUSED ON THE DVD’S. DO I USE THE CARDIO FOR ONE WEEK THEN GO TO THE NEXT DVD FOR THE SECOND WEEK/ AND SO FORTH UNTIL I FINISHED ALL 5 DVD’S? THEN GO ON TO THE NEXT FIVE DVD’S THE SAME WAY? THANK YOU PHIL
Hi Phil, There are five different workouts for the week and the optional recovery workout on day 6. The program comes with a calendar that you can refer to. Bethany
I am almost finished with insanity max 30. Do you recommend continuing program? If so do you start back with month one or two? Thanks, Dana
Hi Dana, How did your first month go?
I just finished with program. I don’t think you could go wrong starting over at month 1 or 2. Personally, I would probably start over on month one just for variety, month one workouts are still intense enough for an amazing workout. Another way you could do it is to do a week from the month one calendar, and then a week from the month two calendar and repeat.
I did the original insanity workout and promised myself not to do it again ! omg it was a big challenge . I went on to do t25 the 3 stages and then p90x3 but nothing compares to the feel good feeling of insanity. completing the 60 day challenge changed my life completely ( at work and in my personal life ) because I felt I could achieve anything. I bought insanity max30 and for 2 months it was in my rack like a piece of furniture. I just managed to convince myself to start and now I am on day 10. I started with the modifier but now alternate between both moves. my worry is that I am not able to burn up to 1000cal no matter how hard I push. I use a heart rate monitor and I am in great shape albeit weighing 87kg. what could be the matter?
Hi Kelly, I would not be concerned with burning a 1000 calories in a single workout, that would be near impossible in 30 minutes. But, the high-intesity nature of the MaX:30 workouts means your body burns a higher amount of calories after the workouts that you otherwise would. Bethany
I’m currently doing insanity max 30 I thought that that if you start off non modified and move to modified ur still good unless you completely stop for max time im confused What you told someone else
Hi Brittney, I could be mistake, but I thought Shaun T said in a Facebook video when you can no longer follow the move you have maxed out. It is not a bad thing to max out, that is what you should push for. I htink as long as you stay consistent with how you write down your max out time you should be fine. Bethany
I am looking at the 21 day fix and the Shaun T program. I am a mother of 2 and need to loose 30 pounds. When I have worked with personal trainers they just make my leg muscles huge because I was an old soccer player. All I want to do is slim down and tone up. I want the feminine look not the cut muscle look. Can you please explain the difference in the programs. I like the containers in the 21 day fit program and the workouts are maybe more of what I am looking for as far as toning. Can you please explain the two and what program is for what results?
Hi Jessica, The containers are also available with MAX:30 in the deluxe package, just fyi for everyone. The 21 Day Fix is setup for overall toning and weight loss, it wants to get people into the habit of daily exericse and healthy eating for a lifetime of results. It is a program you could really do forever because it is so well rounded. MAX:30 is probably more for people looking to get that ripped/muscular look. my weight is up a 1-2 pounds with a decrease in inches, while my boyfriend is down about twenty pounds, so it does depend on where you starting also. Bethany
Hi
My goal is to lose about 35 pounds. In your opinion, which would be a better program to help achieve this: Insanity max 30 or 21 Day Fix? Thanks so Much!
HI Teresa, I replied to your email also. But, for people reading the comments, Max:30 workouts in my experience burn more calories, so it would lead to quicker weight loss. But, in the long term either program would get you to your goal. Bethany
I just started week 4, feeling much easier than the previous weeks but still sweating hard.
However, I didn’t loose a single pound. On the contrary, I gained almost 6 (yikes…)
I am not going to stop or give up, I was in good shape before the program and I am improving with this program, but the weight gain is demoralising.
Hi Maurice, I understand how weight gain can be disheartening, but if you were already in good shape to begin with, you probably didn’t have much, if any, weight to lose. Have you been keeping track of your measurements? I only ask because it could be muscle weight if you’ve lost inches – muscle is much more dense than fat, which is why actual measurements and photos are always much better indicators of fat loss. I am gaining weight with this program too, while losing inches and showing much more definition. Don’t lose hope – if you’re feeling stronger, you’re definitely making progress! Bethany
Hi there, can you clarify something? I’ve received my max 30 kit but am a bit confused about why you only get month one and two(8 weeks). If it’s 5 days a week for 60 days, what do you do in month 3?
Hi Steph, It depends! You could repeat the program or move onto another program. You’ll have a better idea after you finish the 8 weeks. Bethany
I’m a high school graduate I played sports all throughout high school I was always a big dude, I’m looking to drop about 40 or 50 ibs is this the right program for me or should I do the first insanity to drop a lot of weight??
Hi Dylan, You do not have to do the first Insnaity prior to the MAX:30 program. Your goal weight loss for either program should be the same, 1-2 pounds a week. This way you are losing body fat and the gradual weight loss will ensure that you keep the weight off for good.
I have a question? how i include the abs routines in the month 1 & 2, thanks!
Hi! I just ordered the insanity max 30 and I was wondering, when I am finished the complete program, when can I start it back up again? Should I wait a couple of months?
Hi Rachel, While I would not recommend a two month break, you could take a week or two off then begin MA:30 again or depending on the type of results you had, look at some of th eother programs. Bethany
If im doing the work out hardcore and switch to modified with no stopping and still going hard core is that a max out cuz i switched?
Ho Rocky, Yes, the minute you lose form or switch to the modifier you have maxed out. Bethany
Hi Bethany, I have too much weight around my waist and i am looking to lose 25 pounds. Rest of my body muscles also hardly cope up to the weight gain around my waist, so i need to develop a bit of muscles. I am an ex-smoker and I quite smoking for the sake of doing insanity.. Now i am in the recovery week of insanity and y knees hurt a bit with those frequent crackles! I think i better do Max 30 for modifiers and the time saving. The question is, is it suitable for me? Is it ok for my cardiovascular conditioning? Since now i can push through the first month of insanity?
Hi Arjun, Yes, Max 30 is in my opinion a better option for someone with sore knees. The Max 30 modifier is low impact moves, so I would follow them when Shaun T is doing a move that bothers your knees. And, yes you should be good cardivovascularly, I am amazed how much mine has improved in just over a week of following this program. Bethany
I just bought this program. i do however have 1 question. now i know this is a 30 minute work out pogram. it says to write down the time u maxed out at. my question is, since im just starting out, if i maxed out at only 6 minutes, doesn that mean i am done for that day? Or do i keep going until the 30 minutes is over? how does this work?
Hi Kevin, No, once you max out, you write down your time, then get back into it when you can. Personally, I will write down my max out time and then begin following the modifier until I feel like I can keep up with Shaun T again. And then, I go back and forth between Shaun T and the modifier for the duration of the workout. How do you like the program thus far? Bethany
I have a question.. I am interested in the DVDs but how to I start? which dvds do I do everyday?
Hi Summee, The DVD package comes with a schedule which tells you which workouts to do for the day.