I have been sitting on this review for quite a while, as I have had the INSANITY Max 30 set since last summer and am just posting a review of the first workout now.If you've been reading here for a while, I am a huge fan of Insanity (it's supposed to be all capitalized but I am going to leave it like this from here on out). I've done the 60-day program twice and some of the workouts here and there a countless number of times over the past 4-5 years. I also own Focus T-25, which I should really get on soon, but I keep coming back to Insanity!
What keeps me coming back to Insanity is:
- challenging but do-able workouts
- maximize time spent by working out different body parts at a rigorous pace
- no equipment needed
- doesn't require much space
- Shaun T is motivating
- workouts really do produce results in fitness and appearance if program is followed
So far, I have slowly cycled through a couple of weeks of the program, which actually translates to me doing each DVD a few times since that's how the calendar works. With all of my random starts, though, I've done the Cardio Challenge workout the most number of times, so I'm reviewing it now.
The Cardio Challenge workout, besides being an all-around good cardio workout, serves as a gauge of progress (Insanity veterans will know that as the "Fit Test"). Basically, you work out until you need to take a break outside of the ones given and then record that time as your "Max Out" time. The first time I did this workout, I "maxed out" at around the 7-minute mark, which was kind of demoralizing, but I started making it to 9, 12, and most recently, I miraculously didn't have to take an additional break at all through the 30 minutes. Maybe I wasn't pushing hard enough, because apparently this feat is not possible.
Much like Insanity, the workout starts with about 5 minutes of warm-ups, which don't really feel like a warm-up at all and just goes right into it. In fact, just like Insanity, the warm-up is one of the hardest parts of the workout for me. In this case, there is a lot of jumping-jack-type moves in the warm-up, so my calves already start to tighten up in the first few minutes, but once you make it to the first break, the rest of the sequences are considerably easier (hah!) to get through.
The folks in the video don't drink water during the first water break. I sometimes do, depending on how well I've hydrated prior, but I like to use the break to loosen up my legs. Then, there is a sequence of moves that is repeated three times, followed by another water break, and this pattern continues until the 30 minutes are up. The moves are reminiscent of those in Insanity but with minor changes. For example, there is this move called "hit the floor" that I really hated, but the reincarnation of this move takes out the "hands in the air" part of it, which makes the move easier but picks up the pace.
The great thing about these DVDs is that you can set it up so that you only see the "modifier" on the screen. This person shows the lower-impact version of each move, which can help lessen the blow of some of these workouts. Since I haven't had problems with the impact, I generally don't follow the modifier unless I really can't crank out another rep along with the rest of the gang. This happens mostly in some of the other workouts. I also like that the timer at the bottom is much more sophisticated and accurately shows the timing segments and the name of the moves, along with lines showing an upcoming water break. It really does apply the whole "breaking a task into small pieces" thing!
There is a quick cooldown at the end of each workout, which is an active stretching that is welcome after all that intensity. Cardio Challenge also has a 10-minute add-on called Ab Attack, which is 10 minutes. I sometimes have time to get to this, but man, it's a TOUGH ten minutes, or maybe my abs are still weak from baby-ing. The ten minutes alternates sitting/laying and plank ab moves that go on for a minute each, but I'm honestly dead by the third minute or so. Here is where I either modify or take more breaks than I should. As much as I dread these 10 minutes, it's still a short commitment. I keep telling myself that when I master Ab Attack, I might finally get close to my pre-baby shape... though at the moment, that all seems impossible.
I no longer wear devices when I work out, so I don't have a calorie-burn for this, but I would imagine that someone my size (petite, average BMI) would burn around 250 calories because it's 30 minutes of cardio that is more involved than running when you're following along correctly. I know some of the other DVDs are more strength-based, so the total burn would be lower. For 30 minutes, I think this is excellent, and more importantly, you definitely feel like the 30 minutes were well-spent!
As you can see, I definitely recommend Insanity Max 30 for anyone who is pressed for time. I can't say enough good things about Shaun T and am glad I have more variety that also involves being able to still work out with him. Besides how great shape he's in, I feel like his motivation is not annoying or cheesy at all.
I'll be back soon to review the other Month 1 DVDs!
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FTC Disclaimer: I purchased this product and was not compensated to provide a positive review. I am not affiliated with Beachbody in any way.
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