Insanity Reviews: Max Cardio Conditioning
I write this Insanity Review as a graduate of the Insanity program. That’s right! I finished my 60 day program! This has been a journey. It is the most challenging cardio program I have endured and put myself through. I must say, having completed the program, I REALLY have a sense of accomplishment. I still plan on writing a couple more Insanity Reviews, the next will likely be my final thoughts and overall review of the program. Looking back I noticed I had not yet reviewed Max Recovery. I may go back and pick up that one up as well. So I will save the rest of my thoughts regarding the entire program for another review, and keep this one focused. Max Cardio Conditioning, is a favorite of mine. I think of all the MAX workouts, this is the one I like best. I can’t put my finger on the “why” exactly. I like to refer to Max Cardio Conditioning as the Pure Cardio workout on steroids. 
Insanity Review: Max Cardio Conditioning
The entire workout is 48 minutes. Once the main workout begins, it’s a non-stop workout until the end. Of course, you may take your own personal breaks as needed. Of course, with every workout, the goal is to keep pace with Shaun T, and take breaks as he gives them. So even now, with completing the program, I could still continue the program and continue to work towards that goal!
The warm up lasts approximately 9 minutes. The warm up consists of 3 rounds. The first two rounds are just under 4 minutes each, and the last round is approximately 1 and a half minutes. The last round has a slight variation in the exercises, and the last round is as fast as you can go. The first two rounds consist of the following exercises:
- Jog
- Jumping Jacks – Arms Up
- Jump Rope S-S
- High Knees – Arms Out
- Switch Kicks
- Hit the Floor
- S-S Floor Hops
The last round of the warm up is is approximately 1 and a half minutes and slightly different than the first two rounds. The last round exercises are:
- Sprint
- Jumping Jacks
- Heisman
- 123 Heisman
- High Knees
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 workout starts.
The main part of the workout is approximately 29 minutes. Remember, there are no scheduled breaks until the last move of the main workout. Each move lasts approximately 1 minute. The exercises are:
- High Low Jab with Squat
- Football Runs
- 8 Ball Shots with Squat
- Right and Left Kicks
- Diamond Jumps
- In-Out Push Up Jacks (4 in-outs/4 push-up jacks)
- Suicide Jumps
- High Knee/Low/Floor Sprints (8 high knees/8 sprints/8 floor sprints)
- Ski Abs
- Kick Step Back (1st Recovery Exercise)
- Squat Twists (2nd Recovery Exercise)
- Over the River Hops (Last Recovery Exercise)
- Attack
- Power Knees
- Ski Down Hooks
- Belt Kicks
- Forward Back Suicides
- Push Up Abs
- Plank Punches
- 8 Jump Ropes/8 Hop Squats
- Squat Speed Bag
Finally……The cool down and stretch. You have definitely earned this! The cool down and stretch lasts about 4 minutes, and at the conclusion of that, you are done!
You may have noticed above that I have listed 3 exercises as Recovery Exercises. These exercises are designed to allow you to recover slightly, and then move forward again with intensity. You don’t stop or take a water break, but the moves are at a slightly slower pace.
Again, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this review. As I stated in my last 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. Tell me if you have graduated! If you have, you may be interested in my next workout plan, which is a hybrid workout including Insanity and Tony Horton’s One on One workouts. I also have a modified Insanity and P90X hybrid. I look forward to hearing from you, until then…. DIG DEEPER.
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January 24th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
I was reviewing what you have here, and I’m curious to know if there is any particular pieces of equipment one needs to begin the Insanity program. From everything I’ve seen in the advertisements and on the official website, I don’t see anything in particular that says you do, but I don’t see anything that says you don’t either.
January 24th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
No equipment is needed to complete Insanity. I completed the program in a 8×8 square area.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:09 am
i’ve just started the insanity workout this week and wowsers. i’m 39 and it’s kicking my butt, but it feels so good when i progress thru the dvd’s. i’ve completed the first five dvds.
so far i can tell that my cardio is getting better cuz i’m able to make it thru the warmup without having to take a slight breather. the cardio recovery is interesting and really works. the next day my legs felt great until i had to start my next dvd, haha.
anyway, so far so great, i love the workouts.
March 7th, 2010 at 12:29 am
Can you tell me about strength increase? I’m hesitant to start a program of strictly cardio. I want to be increasing muscle mass to some degree although I am not concerned about building mass. Thanks
March 7th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
I think you may see a slight increase in muscle mass, but this program is more likely to tone and tighten. I think a person can maintain their muscle, but I wouldn’t expect an increase. P90X, however, is a great program for adding muscle.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
I was wonder, in what order to do you progress through the DVDs? Can’t find a list anywhere online, do you just pick a DVD for that day and that is it? Trying to decide if this is for me. I would like to take a look at the workout progress sheet too if anyone knows of where I can see one. Thanks
March 10th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Ryan, the entire program is setup for you. You just follow the calendar, and the nutrition manual. You can download the workout calendar here. http://www.extremely-fit.com/fitness-tips/2010/03/insanity-fit-worksheets-calendar/
April 12th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I just started the Insanity program today, and I’m worried! I’m 40 years old, sit at a computer all day in my office, and have done pilates in the past (not lately!) I’m 5’7″ and 120 lbs. I’m not overweight at all, but I definitely need to tone up! I couldn’t even keep up with the fit test this morning and ended up dropping down and doing pilates for a couple of the tests. I DID resume after about 5 minutes, but felt sick to my stomach. My husband wants to continue, and I really do too, but I’m afraid it’s too much for me since I haven’t exercised in so long. Is it okay to just keep at it, and do what I did this morning? I keep thinking “anything is better than nothing”, but will the program be effective if I have to modify it to work for me?
April 13th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Justine, Insanity is the absolute hardest program I’ve gone through. I had to take extra breaks in the beginning. And still took them when I needed to throughout the program. I would not recommend this program for people just starting out. HOWEVER, I have had customers start this program as a beginner and prove me wrong. With that said. You could continue, take breaks, realize that you won’t be able to keep up with the crew on the DVD just yet,and keep pushing play, and you will improve over time. The important thing is, don’t overdue it. Take breaks. I might even suggest a heart rate monitor so you can take a break when you reach a high heart rate. It’s possible, just be cautious. You could also make Insanity a long term goal, and start with a more basic program such as Power 90. This is made for people just starting out, or getting back into shape. You could tackle either. Keep us posted, as I’m sure you are not alone. Good luck, and congrats on taking the steps to get back into fitness!
April 25th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Thanks for the help, Robert. I am so PROUD to say that I just finished week 2 of insanity! After the first (and second, and third) day, I was really unsure. BUT, I stayed with it and on day four, I felt like I was able to keep up. I’ve actually even been doing the insane abs on day seven (my rest day) just to keep moving. I feel GREAT! Tomorrow is another fit test, and I’m sure I’ll do well. Actually, if I make it through the test it will be an improvement from last week. It’s amazing how the challenge has motivated me. I know that working out with my husband has been key for me. We get up at 5:30, stretch for 15 minutes, and begin the workout. The kids are asleep, so it has actually given me some much needed “me” time. I feel super, and would again like to thank you for your reply. I’ll keep you posted. The only thing I’m confused about is that in the first week, I went from 120 lbs. to 124 lbs. I’m now back down to 121. I thought I would LOSE weight?
April 25th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Justine, you are VERY welcome. I’m glad I can help anytime. Always one of the benefits from being a customer, always a place to go with questions, support etc. Congrats on week 2. Here is a great article that might shed some light on your temporary weight gain. Also take measurements, alot of time you may be adding some muscle and losing weight, and it counter balances actual fat loss. Take measurements too along with weight. Here’s the article.
April 25th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Thank you Robert, that article is invaluable! I also wonder if that is why my ankles have been killing me! I’ve never had a problem before, but this article may be the answer I was looking for. I even tried working out barefoot (not a good idea) and thought about buying a new pair of shoes. Hmmmm, maybe DOMS? I printed the article to keep my husband motivated (he also gained weight!) God bless!
April 25th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Keep us posted.
May 10th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Hey Rob. This is Joe Im a graduate of insanity and I loved it… It was hard and good but now what? I havent tried p90x yet but I like the cardio in insanity I dont think Tony Horton does enough of that…. maybe I should start over and just do insanity again…. lol Im pretty fit …and after this work out but I want more…. Can u give me a direction where to go?
May 10th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Hey Joe,
It’s only my opinion, but I would jump in with P90X, or some One on One workouts. I have even heard of some people doing ChaLEAN Extreme workouts. Use the weights or resistance workouts of each program to get some weight training in, and then use Insanity for the cardio portion. We can set you up with a hybrid workout plan once you decide what you want to do. Let me know. Now that you are a graduate, have you thought about being a coach? Just a thought, if interested, go to: http://www.robertharden.com then click Coach for more info. If it sounds interesting, contact me for more info. Congrats for finishing one crazy insane program!
June 7th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Joe,
You can do both P90X and Insanity together. I finished my 1st round of Insanity and decided to do both. I’m following the calendar and so what I do is, I do insanity in the morning and p90x in the evening. If I can do it, trust me…you can too.
June 7th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Lo, Thanks for the suggestion, I think thats a great idea if time allows!
July 1st, 2010 at 5:02 pm
I did both. Insanity and P90X. They were a great combo together. Between Tony and Shawn it was great motivation. I am in the best shape of my life. I am even ready to give birth to my first Child in a few weeks. After he is born back to both these truly fabulous workout systems. I am even going to try the new Turbo Fire. I love Chalene. Turbo Jam was just fun to do. I saw great results with her also. I am excited to get back to my working out. I am high risk pregnant, so I was unable to workout. Although my Doctor says wow you have great stomach muscles and probably could of worked out thru your whole pregnancy. But I didn’t just to be careful. So reading the reviews and up on these programs again makes me truly excited about getting back into my Hoss workouts again! Bottom Line, Insanity is a great program!
July 1st, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Also one other note. I highly recommend women working out and getting into superb shape before they get pregnant. It has made a difference my doc says. She says cause of the shape I am in, that is why its been easier to carry a child, also for child birth, and bouncing back is going to be a breeze. I also haven’t racked on all the pounds or got stretch marks. I loveeee these workouts. Can’t wait until I can do them again!
July 1st, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Lacey, I don’t think it can get any better with P90X and Insanity, and now since I added Turbo Fire, I really have a mix of workouts to keep me in top condition. Congrats on your baby, and come back to let us know how you are doing!
July 19th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
I am currently in the recovery week following the first month of insanity. After I finish this program, I wanted to start P90x but I’m worried about if I’ll be able to keep up with the resistance training aspect of it being that I haven’t done resistance training in quite some time. I was considering starting some resistance training on my own for a few months to build myself up and then do P90x. Should I do that or just jump right into p90x.
July 20th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
I would jump right in to P90X. If you took on Insanity, you can take the X too.
If you want to, do the first week using just half of the weight workout. Get a feel for it, and see how you feel. Then jump up to the full length the 2nd week. You want to push yourself, but you want to be smart as well. Don’t cause injury by trying to do too much too soon. I think you will be fine. We give free coach support for our customers, so if you want to take us up on that, just make the purchase from our store. Good luck!! Let us know how your last month of Insanity goes.
July 21st, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Hi,
Wife and I started this program together and are in our 5th (recovery) week. Her cardio/abs were better than mine when we started and I was better on the strength exercises. I have seen vast improvements and trimming down like never before. My wife started without being able to do a single push-up (started doing push up moves on knees) she can now complete the push-up jacks in proper form. Looking forward to the the next four weeks, then repeat
July 21st, 2010 at 5:05 pm
John, CONGRATS to you and your wife. I’m excited to see such positive results. The next 4 weeks will push you, stay with it, and then come back and tell us more great news!
August 13th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Hi, I ordered insanity two days ago & am waiting to get it in..I have recently went from 128 to 150 & on my 5’9 frame it’s not that bad but I am looking to get in better shape and look better.I have read Manu articles saying it helps their condition of staying in shape better but does it really help you look better also?
August 15th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Jessica, When you get Insanity, read the nutrition guide carefully. Figure out how many calories you get per day, and follow the guide. YOu will find that the meal plan has some GOOD food. If you can stick to this guide, you will look fantastic. Be consistent and persistent each day, and over the 60 days you will look great. For the best results, sign up for a free Team Beachbody account, and I can coach you along the way! http://bit.ly/b0f1YM