Insanity Reviews: Max Interval Plyo
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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October 15th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I did this one again last night. (I’m in my second week of the second month.) It’s one of the tougher insanity workouts, in my opinion, mainly because of the jumping (that third set of power jumps really makes you work) and the arm/shoulder work. And every time, I finish the second set of 3 rounds of 4 exercises, I think, “Wow, I still have 3 rounds of 4 more exercises. I hope I make it!” And then after the balance pushups, when it’s time to stretch, it’s a real relief. Thanks for the reviews.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Park, I agree it is a tough one! Keep up the hard work! And keep me posted.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I have started with Insanity from no workout program. It has been tough but it is doable. I am just about done with my recovery week and look forward to the Max portions. I expect it to kick my butt, but I know deep down ill be able to push through. Ill keep you posted next week once thats starts.
October 30th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Hey Josh, please do keep me posted! The MAX workouts are TOUGH. Normally I don’t recommend Insanity for beginners, but there is an exception, those that are determined, have their mind right, and are a little bit crazy.
You can do it!
December 5th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I started Insanity without a previous program, as well. The MAX workouts are tough, but not so much I feel like I can’t do them or that I struggle. Boredom is a bigger issue with me (and I’m only just done with month2 week2) as the workouts use similar moves. The plyo is a bit tough on my knees, but as I’m almost done with Insanity it won’t slow me down. Granted I wasn’t in terrible shape before Insanity, but I was (and still am) 20 lbs overweight and only 5’4″.
It seems to me a lot of people are trying to talk other people out of doing Insanity, claiming it’s ‘too hard’ and ‘not for beginners’. I’m not saying that everyone should or can do insanity, but it isn’t as elite a program as it’s being billed as.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Sounds like we have another exception.
As I was telling Josh above, I still wouldn’t recommend it for beginners. But I am getting reports from beginner’s tackling Insanity and doing well. Which I think is awesome. 
Cindy, on the weight, have you lost any weight? You mentioned being 20 lbs overweight. How is your overall nutrition? Are you at a calorie deficit to help lose some lbs? Keep up the good work!
December 6th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Well to update everyone. I just finished Insanity Earlier this week. I couldnt be happier with the results. I lost 30lbs and several inches across my body and 2 pants sizes. I havent been in this kind of shape since I highschool and that was 15 years ago. I still have another 15 pounds to reach my goal weight so I am redoing the last month before starting P90x. My goal was to lose 45 lbs and to be 2/3 there in 2 months is outstanding seeing that I got stronger along the way! As stated above I started from no workout regiment at all. It was a shock to my system to say the least. Breaking my eating habits though was the hardest part. Once you get into the habit of eating better the results will take care of themselves. I started seeing a difference in the mirror in the first few weeks which just made me buckle down and push even harder and it really paid off. Like any other program you get out of it what you put in to it. If you slack off or dont eat right dont expect a miracle because its will not happen. But if you eat right and follow the workouts pushing yourself to the Max everyday you will have no choice but to get into the best shape of your life. Robert thanks for the support along the way I will definitely stay in touch as I make my way through P90x starting around New Years.
December 6th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Congrats!! Well done Josh.
December 13th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I haven’t lost much, maybe 5 lbs (OK, I don’t look like I weigh 150..so loosing 20 lbs is just a benchmark but I carry most all of my excess weight in my thighs), but have leaned out my legs a lot dropping a jeans size and have lost most of my gut. I had a 3 week recovery week (terrible cold) and have 1 week left in month 2. But I have a hopefully minor case of jumper’s knee and am taking a few days off to ice it and such. So I haven’t been doing the program in the ideal manner. My first month was pretty clean eating wise, then I was sick and lost a lot of strength due to lack of appetite. Month 2 has been harder on the eating front (damn you holidays!) but am avoiding the big temptations so far
February 21st, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Going to agree with Robert on the Insanity NOT for beginners. It a tough workout, I couldn’t even make it through the warm up. So I’m going to start with something more mild. Love the packaging and looking forward to trying it again at a later date. For now its back to rocking body or hip hip abs (love shaun t) for me! For all you beginners that attempt Insanity and succeed…you rock!
February 27th, 2010 at 9:53 am
My twin sister and I have just begun this – insane – program. We watched a few of the dvds before we actually started and much laughing was going on at the intensity of this workout (laughter due to how crazy these people seemed to be as even the in-shape people were dropping like flies near the end of the workout). However, my sister and I USED to be die-hard workout girls. Gym memberships and running were our old cup of tea. We have not worked out in quite a longggg time. I have a 4 month old and am looking to get back into my old body! (or as close as I can) I needed something that was fast-paced. I get bored quickly- and hate using weights and pull-up bars. I wanted something that was possible wherever I was.
We completed the fit test and day one. It took me back to old track interval days. Completely nuts and worth every ounce of pain.
I had to take many many breaks and was rather disappointed in how out of shape I have let myself get. I was in no other workout program before this, and am determined to get through this workout. I do agree that it is not for everyone. If you are one of those people who watch tv while running on the treadmill, or not ready to breathe hard, have your muscles freeze up on you and somehow manage to keep pushing out whatever your body can do- this is definately not for you. However, if you know that you can keep going when you don’t think you can- I believe beginners can do it- because I’m going to do it, no matter how hard it gets. But I also understand my body is going to be pushed where it hasn’t been pushed since track season over 10 years ago!
But I guess we will see- today’s workout lies ahead. Both EEK and BRING IT ON!
February 28th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Jamie, I LOVE your attitude and commitment. Stop back by in a few weeks, and give us an update from a beginner’s perspective. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know or email, robert@extremely-fit.com
February 28th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Glad to hear another Beginner giving it a shot. Keep it up Jamie. Yes it will be hard and you will think you cant do it. But if youre dedicated and refuse to give up even when your muscles are screaming at you to stop, I dont see anything that will hold you back. After 3 weeks or so, those brutal workouts are not so brutal anymore…..yeah they are still a beating but you find yourself getting stronger and lasting longer each day.
An update on myself. After a 2 week off period after redoing Insanity, it was time to start P90x and I was very disappointed in the Cardio side of it coming from Insanity so starting tomorrow which is the start of Phase 2 for me I will be switching gears to the Hybrid Insanity/P90x routine. I love the muscle building change of pace that P90x brings and its funny how slow paced other programs are after Insanity…..
April 12th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Well – I have to agree with Josh, this isn’t for beginners! I was pretty active and would run about 4 days a week prior to starting. The first month kicked my butt!! However, I kept it up and did my best and I made it. I finished my recovery week and I am starting the first day of the second month today. I am terrified!!!! I am so scared to start because I know how mentally challanging it was the first month. I almost cried a couple of times because of the fight between your body and mind. However, I am can not give up because I have made it this far. Wish me luck!!
My only issue is I am not losing weight which I think is super weird. But, I believe I am a mutant anyway
so…I am not surprised. Even though I am not losing weight, I have seen a positive difference in my stamina and my stomach has really changed and I see definition. My thighs are more toned as well. The overall results are not what I thought it would be with how tough this has been but, it is what it is. Overall, Insanity is not easy and I wouldn’t just jump into if you haven’t exercised in a while. Good Luck everyone!
April 13th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Congrats on Month 1 Michelle. I know its tough, don’t give up! Double check your calories, and make sure you are eating enough/not too much. I am glad you are seeing some positive results though. Keep us posted!
April 13th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
I agree with Rich, double check your calorie intake. You still have to follow a good diet if you want to see the best results. Not eating enough can be just as bad as eating too much since your body will hoard what you eat if your not eating enough. I work out first thing in the morning too which tends to burn more fat since its on an empty stomach and all my carbs were burnt off sleeping so my body hits fat as an energy source. Month two is much harder than month one so be ready but if you have made it this far I am confident you have what it takes to make it the rest of the way. Also the 2nd month was when I saw the most results so maybe you will too. Also dont pay attention to the scale it doesnt always tell if you are getting in shape. Take measurements before and after since you may be adding muscle which weighs more than fat. Keep up the pace and like Rich said keep us posted!
April 14th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Thanks for the encouragement and advice! I totally agree with you about eating and I have been eating healthy but not good enough, I must be honest with myself. Partly b/c I just got braces put on
so I have been living off of shakes and soft foods for about a week. Anyway, could you recommend something I can buy at a local store like GNC or something that I can take that will give me energy and protein that I can take during or before my work out? I would order the recovery drink, but it won’t get here in time.
Thanks in advance!
April 14th, 2010 at 10:06 am
The Whey Protein from Walmart works fine in my experience. Take it within an hour after your workout, not before or later than an hour. During that 1st hour after a workout your body is like a sponge soaking up whatever you put into your body. As for other supplements the sky is the limit on those, there is stuff Hydroxycut, Xenadrine, Lipodrene, etc… that are all fat burners and energy boosters and they no longer contain Ephedra. You may get the jitters though so use with caution. Personally I dont use any of them except the protein. I do my workout in the morning and while I may be worn out on my way to work I get and energy boost later once my body recovers.
April 14th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Michele, Protein is always a good source for a quick snack, and/or after workouts. On the recovery drink some people like the 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein. Some studies indicate that it works the best. Of course, there are studies about studies.
Consider other options for meals and snacks too that are easy to grab and go, I couldn’t get by without my P90X protein bars and Shakeology.
April 14th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Thanks for the advice! I hope to be a success story for Insanity!
May 3rd, 2010 at 11:19 am
I love Insanity! I am a beginner to the whole exercise bit and I just completed the 1st month and the recovery week. I just started my 2nd month yesterday with the Max Interval Circuit. It was very difficult and HARD but I finished. It definitely wore me down. Insanity isn’t for everyone but anyone that is determined I believe can finish it. I am an extremely determined person when it comes to finishing anything no matter what. Once I start something, I will finish. It’s like a rush while I am doing the insanity program, I get this extreme high. I love it!
May 3rd, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Kim, this is great news. I know that we get questions all the time about whether beginners should or should not try Insanity. I always tend to lead people away from Insanity who are beginners, only because I know how hard it is, and how determined you have to be to complete it. I do believe there are beginners out there that are determined, and am thrilled to hear you are one of them! Keep up the great work, and if you have questions, please let us know. Also please come back and post more, as I’m sure other beginners will find your input valuable. Good luck on month two!
May 14th, 2010 at 4:09 am
I’m almost done with my 6th wk of Insanity, wow……, this is truly insane, my body hurts soooo bad, I almost feel like I’m sick, but at the same time I love it, It seems like I had amazing results in the first 4 wks, then the 5th wk (recovery) I think I might have gained a few pound, not sure though, but I think I’m starting to see some changes again, the 2nd phase is way harder than the 1st, but I am really looking forward to the results. As far as beginners doing this, I think it depends on how determent someone is. I do think it’ll be pretty difficult for someone that hasn’t done anywork outs at all.
May 14th, 2010 at 6:58 am
Angelique, Thank you for coming back and giving us some feedback. I know our visitors will certainly appreciate your testimonial. Come back again when you finish and give us your overall results.
Hang in there, I agree 100% that if someone is determined they can do this program, but it’s INSANE too. Keep up the great work!
May 14th, 2010 at 11:25 am
I know it’s only been a couple of hours since I left a reply, but I have a question, I just got done with Max Interval Circuit, and I had a really hard time keeping up today, I took a lot of breaks, my heart rate seemed to be kind of high, it went all the way up to 190 and then almost consitantly stayed between 178 & 185, I don’t know much about it, but any info on that would be appreciated.
Robert, thank you for responding so fast.
May 14th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
I LOVE~~~~~~~~ THIS MADNESS….. I am getting into phase two, and Max ANYTHING IS hard…but its awesome because you feel so accomplished when you complete the workout …it honestly is true INSANITY. My results are great…but I would like to see more weight loss as well, my diet is consistent 6/7 days a week and my water intake is high.
May 14th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Bethany, I’m thrilled you love Insanity, it is addictive isn’t it.
. we can take a closer look at your diet, I’ll send you an email. Come back and keep us posted!
May 17th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Your reviews are awesome…my Insanity is on its way and I can’t wait. I don’t plan on doing Insanity on its own, I’m going to start off with a P90x-Insanity Hybrid Program. I really like the P90X strength training and don’t want to lose that progress but I want to mix up/step up the cardio training. I’m so looking forward to a fresh butt-kicking.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Matt, Excellent! P90X and Insanity are a great mix! Come back and keep us posted!
May 23rd, 2010 at 8:03 am
I just started Insanity this morning. WOW!! I just found out how out of shape I am
I want to do this, but am wondering if I should do the fit test a few more times before I start the program? I don’t want to give up. Looking for advice
May 23rd, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Tony, unfortunately this program was not meant for beginners, it is DIFFICULT. There would be nothing wrong with jumping back to a program designed for beginners of weight loss, such as Power 90, you can find it in our store. I personally started with this same program. On the same note, beginners have started with insanity as a beginner, and finished it. This will be a choice you have to make. If you are struggling with the fit test, you may opt for Power 90. You could try the fit test DVD for 3 or 4 more times, then try the First DVD. If you decide to stick witH it, take as many breaks as you need to, and try to improvemeach day. Keep me posted, I’m happy to help!
May 24th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Thanks Robert, I am going to try it a few more times and see if I can handle it. Maybe I will have to go to a beginner CD first, but either way I am doing Insanity by years end. Thanks again!!
May 24th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Tony! I love your positive attitude! Keep me posted, I’m happy to help you through it.
June 9th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
I would love some feedback on the Insanity workout. I am in “ok” shape. Could probably lose about 15lbs. Haven’t worked out in a couple of months due to work, kids, illness and lots of other stuff. All excuses I know but I really want to get back. I have always loved workout DVDs and get bored. I like high energy!! However, I can only devote about 3-4 days to working out hard. Can I still do this workout? Will I still get results? I have great muscle memory and am looking to slim down, tone and tighten. I was going to get P90x but don’t want to bulk up. I have a lot of energy and liked what I saw on the infomercial for Insanity. Again, I just want to make sure that I will still get some good results doing it only 3-4 days/week. Any advice/feedback will be greatly appreciated!!
June 10th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Cher, You will still get results, but they will come at a slower rate than those doing the program 6 days a week. However, if you work out at east 4 days a week, I think you can still see the benefits. Especially if you eat right and watch the nutrition as the nutrition guide explains. I would do all I can to get at least 4 times a week. Keep us posted on your results!
June 11th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
I am on Day 41 of Insanity and am so excited about the progress. I’m finally getting a hold of the nutrition part (was confused on that) but here’s my question. After completing Insanity what should I do next. I have Chalene Extreme and P90X but am unsure as to which one would benefit me after completing such an intense program such as Insanity. I’m looking to tone more and lose possibly a little more weight. I like the cardio in Insanity but also miss weights. Any suggestions?
June 13th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Cassandra, Congrats on your hard work with Insanity!! I have done a comparison on P90X and Insanity. You can read the review here. Several graduates are combining Chalean and Insanity and P90X and Insanity. SO I would recommend reading the comparison article, making a selection and doing the same. On both programs, you can do the weights of either P90X or Chalean and then add Insanity for the cardio. Let me know what you decide and let us know your thoughts. Good luck, stay in touch!
June 15th, 2010 at 8:30 am
I have just started Month 2 and I LOVE Shaun T and Insanity. My roommate and I are already planning a second round after we finish this 60 days. We have gotten several friends into the program as well. I just wanted to say thanks for the downloads and reviews, especially of the Max workouts. They really helped ease some fears about what is to come. Do you know if Shaun T is working on another Insanity program or some more workouts to add to this? After completing this program I am not sure I will be able to go back to less intense workouts. Thanks!
June 15th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Alexis, There is a rumor that Shaun T is working on a new, possibly add on, program called “Insane Asylum”. This is not confirmed, just going around the circles.
If it is true, you will find it here! I’ll probably doing it as soon as its released. 
June 22nd, 2010 at 10:10 am
Yay!! Insane Asylum, even if it is not confirmed, is the best news ever! I am only on day 38, but I am an addict.
June 22nd, 2010 at 5:43 pm
When it’s released make sure to get it from us.
July 8th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Shaun T posted a facebook comment that he was in rehearsals for Asylum, so it’s something definitely in the works. It’ll be on my Xmas list for sure! I heard it’ll be something similar to the Tony Horton One-on-One program. But don’t take my word on that…
I’m about to wrap up month 2 on Saturday. Tonight is my last time with Max Plyo. I’m going to take a week off for recovery and let my joints breath for a bit, then start round 2 on the 18th. This time, I’ll try to eat better. It took me a while to realize I wasn’t eating enough in month 2… I wasn’t hungry, wasn’t energy deprived, but the scale didn’t move. I basically force-fed myself for a week and dropped 5 lbs instantly!
Alas, that’s all I lost during this round, but 15 inches and 2 pant-sizes works just as well for me! My goal was to feel better and I do. So, total success. I ordered Shakeology, so I’m going to try that with round 2… see what kind of difference it makes.
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Hey All,
I just started month 2 of insanity, loved max interval training, loved it. I started beginning of this year with Power 90, then P90x, then P90x plus and now Insanity. I lost over 40lbs and a ton of inches. I am 5’10 and weight 220lbs so I still have a goal of losing 20 lbs. I have 2 questions to those insanity veterans:
1. I am eating 1800-2000 calories a day, is that enough?
2 . Do you so the scheduled work out right after the fit test in Month 2 or do you do one in morning and one in night.
Thanks for the info
August 3rd, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Dan, Fantastic! I’m thrilled to hear you are having such great success with Beachbody products. I would be happy to help you with your calorie intake. I almost have all the information I need. Can you tell me your age and also what kind of lifestyle you have. IIf you don’t mind, send it to me in an email. robert@extremely-fit.com
I split mine up, but have known people to do it back to back too. I would say whichever works best for you! Talk to you soon!
August 24th, 2010 at 9:26 am
I am 5′ 9 and 134lbs. I have done 90x & RevAbs. I am now doing P90X and Insanity simultaneously. I have never really followed a diet and I work out 4 or 5 days a week. I do not want to loose any weight, just to get defined/cut. Do you think I need to follow a diet?
August 25th, 2010 at 6:27 am
Carla, I think you will have more success getting defined and cut, if you follow a diet. The Insanity Nutrition guide is awesome and has great food choices and meals. Thats the one I would follow. Use the guide, determine your calories, and go with that diet, you’ll start seeing results in no time!
August 25th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Thanks Robert! I was just afraid that if I followed the diet and workout the way I should, I will loose too much weight.
August 25th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Carla, I understand, once you find your calories from the guide, try it out for a week or so. If you notice you are losing weight faster than you want, then add calories in increments of 100 or 200 per day. The guide also has some great 100-200 calorie snack ideas that will work well for this. Let me know how it goes.
August 26th, 2010 at 8:00 am
Great advice Robert! I will keep you informed.
August 30th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
I just ordered Insanity today. I used to be in really great shape but after starting medical residency I have just lost any will to work out and have gained approx 20 lbs of stress weight. I know that insanity is not touted as a beginners workout, but I konw that it is just what I need to push myself out of a rut. Can’t wait to post my initial experiences!!
August 31st, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Good luck and keep us posted!!