Max Workouts vs Insanity – The Insanity workout and MaxWorkouts.com programs aren’t designed for those who are severely obese or have health issues. These programs are designed for the physically fit who want to push themselves hard and to build real muscle mass or to boost their aerobic strength. Because of the extreme nature of both workout programs, it is critical that you speak to your doctor and ensure that both of these exercise routines are safe for you. This is especially true if you have any heart problems as the intensity of these programs can put some serious strain on your heart and your cardiovascular system.
Max Workouts
First, we’ll look at Max Workouts. This exercise is designed for those who want to maximize their muscle gain in the shortest period of time possible. Cheaper than a gym membership, a single payment gives you access to the full plan with a 90 day money back guarantee.
At its core, Max Workouts is a 90 day exercise program that has four unique levels you’ll progress through. As you graduate between them, you’ll discover that they will increase in intensity. Each is respectively labeled Level 1 – Level 4 Workouts. Every three weeks, the program does have you graduate on to the next level. If you do find that you appreciate specific level of exercise, you can remain at that level beyond the three weeks.
Max Workouts does live up to its name. This isn’t your traditional set of push ups, sit ups a running in place. Instead, this is an intense workout that forces you to step things up from the start. Your first workout is designed to force you to workout harder and smarter than ever before. You’ll likely struggle through the first week and consider giving up a few times. However, once you hit that sweet spot, you’ll be performing the exercises like you never have before.
Before you flop down in front of the television to do this, realize that you do need some equipment. There is a need for dumbbells at a minimum, as this program does focus on working to build up muscle mass. A pull up bar is also recommended and if you have access to one, a gym is the best place to process through these exercise. With your iPad or laptop on hand, you can watch the videos as you progress through them.
There are specific exercises you’ll encounter as you go through this workout. They include the following:
- Weight and speed exercises with short rest intervals between. This allows you to quickly build up the intensity of the workout.
- Active recoveries that continue having you move as you prepare for the next set of high octane exercises.
- Create power by using workouts designed to boost your strength and leave you energized at the end.
Keep in mind that these are high intensity workouts. You need to carefully choose the weights your using to avoid serious injury. Ideally, you should begin with a 10 pound dumbbell and then work on increasing the weight progressively as you grow comfortable with the exercise routines.
That’s the Max Workouts in a nutshell.
Insanity Workouts
Insanity isn’t new to the market. This is one of the oldest and most challenging at home exercise programs on the market and there’s a good chance you’ve seen one of the infomercials for it. It is a total body workout that doesn’t require the any equipment, unlike the Max Workouts discussed earlier. Each exercise is based on what your body naturally has the ability to do. This helps to minimize some of the potential you can do. You can see the complete Insanity calendar here.
Another difference is Insanity focuses mostly on aerobics and max interval training. This is aerobic exercises that are done at a high intensity level for a burst of time and then you resume normal exercising. You then rest for a specific period of time in between. This allows you to burn as much as 1,000 calories in an hour. Typically, the breakdown is a 3 minute intense workout, followed by 30 seconds of rest.
Workouts also take a considerable amount of time to do. They are broken down into 10 different sets, with each taking anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes for you to finish. You also only take one day a week to recover, with the other 6 days focused on these workouts. Fortunately, the program only lasts for 60 days compared to the 90 in Max Workouts.
While on the program, you’ll go through several different assessments and exercise groups. They include:
- Fitness tests to determine where you are.
- Cardio power, resistance and recovery
- Max interval circuit, plyo and cardiac conditioning
- Plyometric cardio circuit
As you continue to progress through the program, you’ll notice targeted areas of the body improving. The most commonly targeted areas include each of the following:
- Arms
- Back
- Core
- Glutes
- Legs
Additionally, you’ll experience more strength and overall aerobic fitness than before you begin. It is important to note that stretching exercises while not included in the package should be included to maintain flexibility.
Because of the nature of this exercise routine, it is important that only those who are already physically fit attempt it. While a novice might be able to grow into the program, the intensity levels are high and this could prove worrisome for an individual with cardiovascular system concerns.
Finally, a person who is attempting the Insanity Workout should review the exercises at least once before starting them. These exercises require a precise form, technique and speed to accomplish them. Failure to follow them as they are recommended may lead to possible injury. It is important to keep that in mind as you determine whether or not the Insanity Workout program is the best choice for you.
How Should I Decide Which of These Exercise Routines is Right For Me?
A good starting point is to sit down with your physician. Review the details of both plans and have your doctor determine if you can physically handle these exercise programs. While you might be able to handle the Max Workouts routine, the Insanity Workout might be a poor choice for you. In some cases, your physician may make a recommendation that extends beyond either of these choices.
It is also a good idea to sit down and determine which exercise routine you can actually devote time to. Insanity Workouts require up to 60 minutes per session. The Max Workouts are completed in a fraction of the time. However, Insanity doesn’t require the weights like Max Workouts does. Both are factors you need to consider when you are deciding on the program that is an ideal solution for you.
Finally, determine where you want to be physically. Are you looking to build your aerobic strength or are you looking to build your physical strength. Insanity will help you to reach a new peak in your aerobic strength, while Max Workouts will help you to improve your overall physical strength. Based on all this information and your needs, you can begin to determine which program is right for you. After all, while they look like they are the same thing on the exterior, when you get into their actual mechanics, you’ll realize they are very different programs at their core.
Other effective programs to look at include The Three Week Plan, Fat Burning Furnace, Old School / New Body and The Renegade Diet
RELATED: Compare Max Workouts, Insanity, and P90x with this review.
