What is INSANITY MAX:30? Your Most FAQs Answered – Edited after Week 1 in Red

maxing-out
Maxing Out 7:20

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

 

my-max-30-base-kit
Here is what you get with the MaX:30 base kit: workouts on DVD, workout calendar, quick start guide, nutrition to the max plan, and no time to cook guide.

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

max-30-modifier
I love the dedicated modifier window in the MAX:30 workouts.

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.


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86 thoughts on “What is INSANITY MAX:30? Your Most FAQs Answered – Edited after Week 1 in Red”

  1. Hey Bethany, I’m corious, is this progam for me if I’m a teenager? Is it too intense for someone my age (15) or is it for everyone? Because I really feel like getting in shape for only half an hour a day.

    1. Hi Cesar, I think I saw or read a disclaimer from Beachbody that under the age of 18 doctor/legal guardians you need to be talked to before beginning.

  2. Hi, i have started insanity max out 30 yesterday with cardio challenge and i was able to do only 15 min only with several breaks during this and i couldn’t do more than this
    When i take break i pause the video to start again at the same time when i took the break is that right,
    Did i need to finish the whole video to get the benefits ?
    Should i start today with the next video or play cardio again to finish the whole video ??

    1. Hi Mohammed, Pausing or walking it out is fine(I did both). You do not have to finish the entire workout to see benefits, you will get there. And you move onto the to the next days workout, then next week week you will try to last longer in the cardio challenge workout than you did the first. Bethany

  3. Hi Bethany,
    Is it normal to max out on a certain workout from insanity max30 when I didn’t max out on that workout the week before?
    Also, I have been doing all of shuan T’s abs. They are great. However i have been doing them for a long time. Do you have suggestion on a good ab workout?
    Thank you
    Debby

    1. I also maxed out on a couple the workouts that I previously made it through. I think it just has to do with pushing yourself harder sometimes and some of the moves I think get harder as your form gets better, but it is all good! If you have access to Beachbody On Demand the core workouts from Insanity: The Asylum I and II are really good workouts.

  4. Maybe it is because I am playing it on a PS4, but I can’t figure out how to turn on the low intensity modifier to stay on the screen. On the menu, I select modifier and then it wants me to select the music volume. I select normal, and it shows a 30 second or so beachbody logo thing and then takes me back to the main menu. Then when I select cardio challenge it just shows the regular workout without the low intensity lady always over to the side like the screen you show. Any ideas?

    1. Hi Tara, That is really strange. Unfortunately, I don’t have any ideas what the problem could e. Hopefully someone else might be able to help who sees this. Bethany

  5. Hi again Bethany!

    Just wanted to ask another question in regard to insanity max30 hybrid suan t’s upper bodyweight training. Do I just to the cardio parts of insanity max30 and skip the power and strength since i will be doing upper body weight training or do I continue with power and strength?

    Thank you
    Debby

    1. Hi Debby, I would do the power and strength workouts from MAX:30 to begin. You can always add them back in if you think you are not getting enough work, but I don’t think you will need to.

  6. hi bethany lyn

    I finished insanity max30. I just ordered suan t”s upper body weight training from the original insanity. I thought I would hybrid this with insanity max30? So I would 3 days of max30 (not the strength training dvd)just the cardio parts like max out sweat and friday fight etc. Bethany what do you think of this?

    Thank you
    Debby

    1. Hi Debby, I have not done the upper body workouts from Insanity(i’ll have to take a look at these), but I do like the idea of including weight training a few times a week. Just be sure to alternate days of strength training and cardio, which it sounds like was your plan. Bethany

  7. Hi I just started max30 and I make it to 25 min but max out 9min and that is just doing the modified. I am 5 5 198lb I was very athletic when I was younger I am 36 this yr. I wight was 115 to 120 after 2 kids I never had this problem until I had 2 more kids. I have 2 questions 1. If I just do the modified version for now will I still loss wight? And 2. I am having trouble with my diet part I eat healthy but I am just never hungry I know we are supposed to eat 5 times but I just don’t have an appetite for anything. Can I just do shakes and maybe a few small meals I get so busy I even forget to eat please help if you have any suggestions thanks cammy.

    1. Hi Cammy, You will lose weight with the modified version as long as you are burning more calories than you are taking in. Shakes are great and you can spread your meals evenly. Just be sure that you are eating enough, Max:30 is pretty intense and the better your nutrition the more effort you’ll be able to put into the workouts.

  8. i am having a problem with placing time for workout. i wake up by 5 AM for work and get home by 9 PM or 10 PM. I need to lose weight but cannot find time to do it. Please any suggestion?

    1. Hi Augusta, I would try experimenting with different times and see which works best for you. Maybe that means waking up a half hour earlier.

  9. Thank you. Well I took off until this Yesterday when I felt 100 % better. Now Yesterday and today after the whole workout Yes the whole thing I made it through lol I have not felt great at all. I mean sick to my stomach sick. Throwing up and dizzy head pounding and really just wanting to go to sleep because of it. What do you think the problem is and what do you think I should do. I don’t want to stop the workout. However I do not want keep feeling like this. Today I Felt so bad throwing Until I ate some veggie soup and chicken. Yesterday no matter what I felt so bad all day no matter what I did. I was wondering if it would be best instead of doing the workout at 6am I should do it in the evenings when I got time to have food in my system. Please let me know what you think thanks again.

    1. Hi Cassandra, You may want to try eating a meal or snack with a fruit that is higher in carbs an hour or two prior. Sounds like you are having some low blood sugar issues, if it continues I would consult a doctor, and take the rest of the workout off if it is causing you to get sick.

  10. Hi I started this insanity max workout today for the first time. I Have to say its the hardest thing I have ever done. I thought cross fit was hard. No comparisons at all! With that being said I have not worked out in well over a year. I am over weight and on top of that sick. I didn’t want the sick part to be an excuse for me to not get up and do this workout. So I gave it my all and I even was switching back and forth between the modifier. I maxed out in the worm up part lol At a whopping 1.44 seconds. I was only able to make it 15 minutes before I could not go no more at all. I mean to the point to where I felt like I was going to pass out and throw up. So what happens if I couldn’t make it the whole 30 minutes. Please give me an answer. Do I go to the next video or do I stay on the first one until I can make it the whole 30 minutes.

  11. Hello,
    I have one question. Is anything wrong if i have the energy to push with insanity twice a day. Or once a day is enough. This is my second time doing Insanity Max 30 and it feels amazing. Got enought energy to push in the morning and at the afternoon. Thank you

  12. Hello Bethany,

    I just “completed” Day 1 of Max 30. I say “completed” because I found your article after being ashamed that I actually maxed out at three minutes of the WARM-UP! LOL

    I continued on through most of workout but had to take long breaks and at one point stopped all together as I was going to throw up, lungs were on fire and feel ankle pain ( as a result of a motorcycle accident 8 months ago ). Prior to the accident I was fit and competed in both Marathons and Triathlons, so I assumed this would be a good starting point to test out my conditioning.

    It left me feeling pretty discouraged and ashamed that I had fallen so far. I used to be in such great shape and now I can’t even finish the warm-up? In an attempt to see if I was the only one, I went to the internet and found your article. What a relief to see that someone (…anyone?) had a similar experience. Thank you for sharing that as it alone is the reason I will keep going.

    I’m 6’2″ and currently 264 lbs. Prior to the accident I was a solid 225 so I have gained over 40 lbs while loosing muscle and total loss of my cardio conditioning.

    QUESTION: Is it ok to just stop if the program is killing me? Take some time to catch my breath and continue? Today I flat our stopped after 5 attempts to keep going and don’t think I could have continued, but my hopes moving forward are that those times will become less and less until I can continue without feeling that complete breaking point.

    1. Hi James, I know how you feel, maxing out during the warm up made me wonder if I should continue too. Cardiovascular strength improves quickly. Resting as much as you need is nothing to be ashamed of and don’t push yourself into any area where your form is suffering, you don’t want to risk injury. You may also want to consult with a doctor about the ankle if you are having pain or discomfort.

  13. When doing insanity max 30 the first time you stop this is your max out time time. What i want to know is when you get back into it after your max out time break do you record the 2,3,4… breaks you may need to take?

    1. Hi Sha! Your max out time is the first time you max out only – no need to write down any other breaks/numbers. After that, it doesn’t matter. The idea is to improve your endurance so much that after time, you are able to do the complete workout without needing to stop…or at least going as long as you possible can :) Hope that helps! Bethany

  14. I’m a bit confused with the idea of maxing out and also, what is the “modifier track” what is the difference between that and the normal videos?

    1. Hi Shrouk, Maxing out is when you lose form or need a break, you write down the time and the try to improve on that from workout to workout. The modifier track shows a split screen with a person doing the exercise in a modified move. My last image shows the modifier view. The normal video is a full screen of the program. Bethany

  15. Hello Bethany,

    F/31. I carry excess weight around my waist area. I am currently doing 21 day fix extreme and enjoying the workouts. Im currently on a break for 2 weeks and I have started hybrid of 21 day fix extreme + Max 30. The thing is, I have done 2 back-to-back workouts of Max 30 today. Since I have all the free time for 2 weeks, I am planning to do multiple workouts a day…. like 3-4 spread out throughout the day. I need your opinion.

    Also, please suggest the best workouts for ripped abs from BB.

    Thank You very much in advance for your time, JYO.

    1. Hi Jyo, Ripped abs require a very low body fat percentage. Your diet needs to be pretty much spot on. With that said, I really like the Ab Maximizer workouts from the Max:30 program, they are short, intense, work the entire core, and can be added on as an extra workouts when you have the time. 3-4 Max:30 workouts a day even spread out is in my opinion to much. Your body needs time to recover or you could end up over-training or even causing an injury. Bethany

      1. Thank You for the reply Bethany. Thank you for the valuable suggestion. I will definitely look into my diet.
        JYO.

  16. I did the original insanity twice and after round 2 immediately repeated month 2 of Insanity (after taking a week doing the light recovery workout).

    I lost a little over 35 pounds.

    Very pleased. Despite losing over 4 inches around my waist and so much weight, I still have a lot of fat to lose. The fat is mainly in my mid section

    I was worried I may end up being skinny fat. Therefore, I intend to do this for 3 months:

    Insanity upper body weight training 3 days per week + max40 cardio workouts on the other 3 days (yes, max40 ; I repeat the last 10 minutes of the workouts).

    Please let me know what you think of this routine of mine. I’m still fat and want to gain muscle. Due to the excess fat, I reckon I can stay in calorie deficit, having high protein meals. The stored energy in my body should be sufficient to repear muscles.

    Please advice!

    1. Hi Usman, Congrats on the weight loss, great job! 3 days of weights and 3 days of cardio is fine, if you are only doing upper body weight training, I would also advise to getting some lower body work in there too. Also, while it is possible to gain muscle while losing fat it is usually advised to concentrate on the fat loss first and then concentrate on adding muscle. Being in a calorie deficit will cause weight loss, but it is not good for muscle building tissue repair. You should be able to maintain your current muscle, get down to around 8%-%12 body fat and then concentrate on building lean muscle. Bethany

  17. Hello i started Max30 this monday i am a student i wake up all mornings at 6:40 and i am at school till 15:45. My question is what is the best time os the day to do the workouts?? ;) so far i am enjoying ;)

    1. Hi Frederico, There is no best time per say. My advice is to do the workouts when you feel the most energetic and can give them your best effort.

    1. HI Caitlin, You will get results, they may not come as quick, but if you really follow the diet too, you will still be able to make it work.

  18. Hi Bethany! I’ve just finished Week 3 of Insanity Max 30 and I simply love it (though I feel like dying after each workout), but I have a question. My period is coming up soon, and I was wondering if it’s a good idea to continue doing Insanity Max 30 while I’m on my period, since it’s so intense. Did you just push through while you had yours?

    1. Hi Kath, I continued with the normal program. But, we all are different, you could always follow the modifier if you need to lower the intensity of your workouts.

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