If you have been keeping up with my Insanity Reviews, you may have noticed that my last review was for the Max Interval Circuit on the 9th of September. The Max Interval Circuit review was my first Max workout. Since then 9 days have past. Why so long between Insanity Reviews you may ask? Well…. my first week of the Max workouts, I’ve been sore. Real S-O-R-E. lol. This week, is much better. I pushed through the first week of the Max workouts. Even though I was tired and sore, I knew that I could push through, and I did. It’s actually quite amazing. Let me tell you why. 
First a recap. You start Insanity, and work out for 4 weeks. Now these 4 weeks are not easy by any means. Still some very challenging cardio. At least that’s what I thought during those 4 weeks. Then you take a recovery week, where you are not doing hard cardio, but still working out fairly hard. Then the Max workouts start and continue for 4 more weeks. Now the first 4 weeks of Insanity seemed, not easy, but definitely EASIER than the Max workouts. The Max workouts are crazy hard. You’ll be challenged mentally and physically. My first week of Max workouts… I was sore, walking sore, moving sore, trying to sit down sore. (If you have done some Max workouts, you know what I mean). So that brings me back to the amazing part. Once I got past the first week of the Max workouts, the soreness has not left, but its that good sore feeling. Like you just accomplished something great feeling. The workouts are still crazy hard though.
As a Beachbody fitness coach, I have been asked quite a bit lately whether or not a person could start with Insanity. At first I thought, MAYBE. With the right mindset, and will power, a person could push through Insanity, and make it work. I felt like a person may have to take more breaks, but felt like it was possible. Now after doing the Max workouts, I have decided that NO, a person should not start with Insanity. Insanity is being promoted as an extreme workout, and it’s extreme, and should be left for those that have completed at very least a beginner-to intermediate program, an advanced program is probably best. This is only my opinion however.
Insanity Review: Max Interval Plyo
The entire workout is 55 minutes. Since I went a little longer than normal above, I’m going to be fairly brief on the workout overview.
The warm up lasts approximately 10 minutes. The warm up consists of 3 rounds. The first two rounds are about 4 minutes each, and the last round is approximately 2 minutes. The last round has the same exercises as the first two, you just perform a faster/shorter duration. The last round is as fast as you can go. The exercises are:
- Jog
- Jumping Jacks – Arms Up
- 123 Heisman
- Jump Rope S-S
- High Knees – Arms Out
- Switch Kicks
- Hit the Floor
- S-S Floor Hops
At the end of the warm up you get a 30 second water break. The water break is followed by a good stretch, which lasts just under 5 minutes. This is followed by another 30 second water break, and then the interval workout starts.
The main part of the workout is approximately 39 minutes in length.
The first set of exercises consists of 3 rounds. Each round has 4 different exercises. Each exercise lasts about 45 seconds. Between each round you get a 30 second water break.
- Switch Jumps
- Squat Push Ups
- Wide In – Out Abs
- Power Jumps
You’ll repeat this sequence 3 times. At the end of the 3rd round is a challenge move. One-Legged V Push Ups. Approximately 1 minute. Take a 30 second water break.
A quick note on water breaks. As a general rule, I consume my P90X Recovery drink after my workout. But I have since started mixing 1/2 a serving of the P90X Recovery Formula with about 16 ounces of water, for my water breaks, during the workout. Then I take the last half at the end as a recovery drink. I think this helps me stay hydrated during the hour long workouts.
The second set of exercises is completed in the same manner as the first set, however, the exercises are different. They are:
- Pogo
- Power Push Ups
- Globe Twists
- Level 3 Drills
Again, this is repeated 3 times, a break between each, and after the third set, you have a challenge move called Power Lunges/Hop Squats. Then another break.
If you made it this far, you can make it all the way! Only 12 more minutes to go, and you have 4 more exercises. Go go go. Grab that last bit of strength, get your last bit of energy. Do these 4 and you’re done!
- Side Push Ups
- Kickstand Touch the Floor
- 8 Power Knees/4 Diamond Jumps
- Balance Push Ups
Congrats, take a 4 minute cool down and stretch, pat your self on the back for accomplishing something spectacular. Not just anybody can get through these Max workouts, you are among the few. At least in my opinion.
If you are reading this review, I WANT to hear from YOU. Email me at robert@extremely-fit.com. Tell me your thoughts, your reviews, how you feel. Click that email link, and tell me you’re doing Insanity. Or tell me your thinking of Insanity, or just bought Insanity. Remember I said a few can do Insanity, so if you are one of the few, email me! Talk to you soon!!
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Good luck and keep us posted!!
Insanity is on it’s way to me in the mail as I type this! I am a beginner looking to achieve my own ultimate fitness goals. Call me stubborn, but I am determined to complete this program! Unless you are training for some kind of competition, there is no reason why a beginner couldn’t attempt this at their own healthy pace and achieve results. I plan on ordering p90x as well, so I can use both programs simultaneously. Robert, I want to thank you for leaving a little wiggle room out there in your review – as I have found that so many people are trying to talk me out of it.
I am not trying to lose weight – just tone, tighten and build up cardiovascular health. I am not concerned with being on a time-line. My ultimate goal is to pursue a hobby as a fitness model. I like the “drill” style of Insanity, and I get so pumped just watching the teaser video! I promise to check in and share my results as I continue through the program. If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s that goals are about YOU and not other people. It’s become somewhat of a “mantra” for me…
Thank you
Jill, I have no doubt that with your attitude and determination that you can finish Insanity. Push yourself to do your best and keep pushing play every day. Watch your nutrition, and results will follow.
Please keep us in mind when purchasing programs and supplements as we carry all Beachbody products too in our store. I look forward to hearing your progress reports, whether you comment or email, let me know how you’re doing! 
Today will be my third day of Insanity! I get cold chills as Shaun T pushes me harder and harder to reach my limit! If you like high-energy workouts, this is for you! I feel great so far, and a “good” sore. Right now I’m focusing on making sure I’m taking in enough carbs, as I’ve learned the importance of fueling my body for such a program. I’ve also been instructed to purchase a supplement for glycogen replacement – so I’m going to order the P90X Results & Recovery Formula from your store
I hope you ship to Alaska!
DIG DEEP, my friends…
Jill, I’m glad you are enjoying Insanity so far! The Recovery Formula is a big part of my workout and fitness program. I think you will find it helpful too! I used to mix half a serving in water, extremely diluted, for my breaks DURING the workout, then I would drink the second half immediately after.
Thank you for your support and ordering from the Extremely-fit store.
This is my 3rd go round with insanity – the first time I did it last year I lost 55 pounds I didn’t think I had 55 pounds to lose but looking at before and after pictures you can see a difference (i mean there is a 6 pack there now)….
I’m on my last week of Insanity and I used it to train for a 5K mud obstacle run and then a 10K Philly MS Run which I kicked total you know what in both thanks to Insanity. While others were breaking and out of gas I was able to push pull, dig deep and finish with the heats before me (thats 35 minutes prior to my start time)….
Anyone thinking of doing insanity– definately do it– you will not be disappointed!! I am offically insane and love it!
Frank. Fantastic!! Insanity is crazy hard, and completely worth it! I’m glad to hear about your success, thank you so much for sharing! 55 lbs. AWESOME!!
I love these reviews. I just started the Max workouts today, and it is great to know what I am in for tomorrow. I did the first max workout (max interval circuit) today and was spent. However, I think I was holding back a little not knowing exactly what was to come – trying to pace myself. I am 47 years old, have been running marathons for years and considered myself pretty fit until Sean T. got ahold of me. I’ve realized I’ve got a long way to go.
Hey Kris, Awesome job on hanging in there with the MAX workouts! Thanks the for the kind words on the reviews. I had a lot of fun writing them! Come back and let us know how you’re doing!
Hey Robert, you are doing a great job with your reviews.I am 13 years old and i do insanity workouts everyday(or try to anyway).I just started the 6th week of INSANITY and i feel great i even workout with a personal trainer on the off day.It is a great program and i feel great and hav had pretty good results.But anyway thanks for the reviews and i hope to read more of them.Thanks!
Thanks Stephen! Keep up the great work!
Which works you harder: The Insanity Max Plyo Circuit or the Insanity Max Circuit workout?
I think of the Max workouts, the Max Cardio Conditioning is the hardest. But none are easy.
Hm. Interesting. I though Max Plyo workout was harder. Have not seen Max Interval Circuit yet – that CD came damaged in the package.
Did you get Insanity from us? If so, we can look up your order number and try to get a replacement to you. Let me know if we can help!
Thanks. That has been taken care of.
Cheers.
Hello
Im after your advise please! I am currently on day 12 of the asylum at the moment, would you advise going back to the max part of insanity after i complete asylum before i go for the asylum/insanity hybrid? Thanks, (p.s. love ALL of your reviews.)
Michelle,
I would do a recovery week, the Insanity Recovery week will be fine, then jump right into the Asylum/Insanity hybrid. I think you will do fine with that. It will still be challenging, don’t get me wrong.
But if you wanted to, you could always go back and do a couple of weeks of the MAX, then do a recovery, then do the hybrid. It’s very flexible. Let me know how you do!
Hi Robert. Thanks for the reviews. I recently had my 2nd baby. I did 8 weeks of chalean extreme and then began a chalean/insanity hybrid. I have seen great results! The program is 14 weeks long, currently in week 9 and haven’t missed a workout yet. Have gotten back to my prepregnancy weight plus lost 7 more lbs. Have 9 to go to get to my ultimate goal. I am not following the diet exactly, but counting calories as I have to be sure to eat enough because I’m a nursing mother. Thanks for the reviews!! And I couldn’t agree more max cardio conditioning is the toughest for me too- it’s such a mental thing. Thanks
Melissa, I very much appreciate your review. I’m so proud of you for taking charge of your weight loss and getting back to where you want to be! I’m sure you are an encouragement to others that have had children and want to get back into shape again. If I can help with anything, please let me know! Keep going!
I’ve started insanity on my 6th week. Before I was extremely out of shape. I used to get tired just running around the house! But I’ve already lost 17 pounds in 6 weeks sticking to my diet really helps also. I’m planning on doing it another round with ankle weights to continue pushing myself! I’m only sad cause I borrowed the discs and I won’t get my shirt!
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