Who is it for?
INSANITY Max: 30 is for anyone with a good fitness base who is looking for the ultimate fitness challenge. Even following the modifier is incredibly challenging. If you are unsure about your ability to do this program, perhaps consider FOCUS T25 instead.
What equipment does it require?
None, although a mat is nice. And you’ll definitely want a towel. Or two.
What does it mean to MAXOUT?
You “maxed out” the first time during the workout that you can’t keep pace. This doesn’t mean that you must keep up with Shaun. Go at your own pace. But once your form begins to fail at the pace you’ve chosen, you are maxed out for that workout. Note your time and then get back to work at whatever pace you can handle. Many/most people will follow the modifier for the duration of each workout.
Is it harder than INSANITY? Why would I do MAX: 30 instead of INSANITY when I’ve done INSANITY three times?
In many ways it is harder than INSANITY, though if you’re willing to follow the modifier, you can make it easier. It is a very hard program, no matter how you slice it, and you should only consider it if that’s what you’re looking for. It will be a challenge no matter what you’ve done prior to it. Even Shaun can’t make it through all the workouts!
What’s the difference between MAX: 30 and T25?
MAX: 30 is next level. T25, while not easy at all, begins at a much more moderate pace. It ramps up throughout but even ends at an intensity level that pales in comparison to MAX: 30.
If I am going full out but have to modify certain moves, does that count as my MAXOUT time?
Your MAXOUT time is up to you to define. Modifications are normal. Even Shaun can’t do an entire workout every time. You can modify from the first second and still MAXOUT, if that is your level of fitness. Just make sure that you do it the same each time. Once you get fit enough to reach your MAXOUT time without modifications, restart your MAXOUT time as a baseline.
Why is my MAXOUT time shorter than last week doing the same workout?
You might just be having a bad day. If it happens once, don’t worry about it. However, if your workouts are all getting worse, then you are training beyond your body’s ability to recovery. This is a sign that you need to back off. Take your intensity level down a notch (maybe follow the modifier), and consider adding calories to your diet. Consider asking for help from the experts on the Team Beachbody Message Boards.
What’s the perfect next step?
This depends upon your goals. INSANITY: The Asylum or P90X/X2 are natural extensions but you’ll be fit enough after MAX: 30 to tackle many different fitness options. We recommend that you take a break consisting of maintenance work before moving into your next hard program.
What is maintenance work?
It much harder to get into shape than it is to maintain that shape once you get there. You can generally maintain a level pretty close to peak fitness with about half the volume of your program. To maintain, you can utilize many different forms of training but the easiest is often 3-4 days per week of the program you just finished. It will decline over time, slowly, but you’ll probably pick another program or activity to pick up the slack after a while.