Beachbody On Demand’s INSANITY and INSANITY MAX:30 appear to be almost identical at first glance. Both are the brainchildren of Beachbody Super Trainer Shaun T, the routines are based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), both last 60 days and don’t require any equipment, both will push your endurance and test your limits, both are available for streaming on-demand.
But INSANITY and INSANITY MAX:30 is not the same workout. Some key differences will affect your success with either program as well as your long-term fitness goals. If you’re trying to decide between the two programs it’s important to understand these distinctions so you can make your choice wisely.
In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast two of the most popular programs – insanity vs insanity max 30. In the end, you should have a good idea of which program is right for you. So let’s get started!
What is Classic Insanity Workout?
Beachbody’s original Insanity program redefines high-intensity interval training (or HIIT) with an extreme fat-burning twist. Each 40–60-minute (average) session in Insanity may burn up to 1,000 calories and drive your heart rate into the fat-burning zone — a range of 60–80% of your maximum heart rate where you can still talk but cannot maintain a conversation.
This is an advanced program for experienced home exercisers who already have reasonable fitness levels and want to take their conditioning, speed, agility, and strength training to the next level. If you’re looking for a fitness test that tries to push your limits and maximize your effectiveness in the shortest possible time, you might want to check it out.
Skill Level Required | Advanced |
Program Goals | Weight loss, aesthetics, stamina, strength, power |
Equipment Needed | None |
Days Per Week | 6 |
Program Length | 60 days |
Length of Workouts | 45-60 min |
Unique Workouts Available | 29 |
Schedule Options | one |
What is Insanity MAX 30?
MAX:30 is a 60-day program for people who are already fairly fit and looking for more challenges in their workouts. Rather than the long cardio workout days found in Insanity, Shaun T created shorter, more intense 30-minute workouts that use some of the most effective strength training exercises (like push-ups, pull-ups, and crunches) to burn fatter.
MAX:30 workouts are based around “pyramids.” You do an exercise for two or three minutes then drop back down in weight or move to a harder variation of the same exercise. For example, you’ll start with push-ups on your knees, do push-ups on your feet for two minutes, then move to elevated push-ups. Each exercise is just 30 seconds long, with 10 seconds of rest in between.
Like most Beachbody workouts MAX:30 progresses by increasing resistance or difficulty rather than by adding more time to the workout.
Skill Level Required | Advanced |
Program Goals | Weight loss, stamina |
Equipment Needed | None |
Days Per Week | 5 |
Program Length | 8 weeks |
Length of Workouts | 30 min |
Unique Workouts Available | 150 new moves |
Schedule Options | one |
Difference between Insanity and Insanity max 30
Before identifying winning workout, let me share some of the key differences that make them completely different workouts;
- The length of the workout is one of the most significant distinctions between insanity and Insanity Max 30. While the following insanity, you must push your limits for about 40-60 minutes each day for at least four days in a row. In contrast, Insanity Max 30 workouts demand that you sweat for 30 minutes unless you implement an ab optimizing plan, which adds extra 10-15 minutes of the workout.
- The misconception that insanity 30 is simpler because it is shorter in duration is incorrect. The whole Insanity max 30 workout, as well as the muscle confusion of the original Insanity workout, which lasts 60 minutes, is compressed within those 30 minutes to create a truly insane experience.
- Insanity max 30 is absolute madness, not just because of intensity but also because of the additional 150 moves focusing on strength structuring and belly fat burning.
- The diet plan is rather flexible in classic insanity, but it’s tough for novices. In contrast, Insanity 30 requires you to adhere to a very strict diet.
- There are no cheat days in Max 30 Workouts, whereas Classic Insanity has rest days.
- The final aspect that makes Insanity Max 30 stand out from Insanity is the greater focus on sculpting and strengthening exercises. These exercises were added to create muscle balance and symmetry. Also, the moves are more challenging than those found in classic Insanity.
Classic Insanity Vs Insanity Max 30 Workout – Comparison
Let me break down the comparison with facts so you can make an informed decision.
Goal:
Insanity and Insanity Max 30 workouts have the same goal — to help you lose weight quickly — but they differ in how much time is needed for this goal.
Classic Insanity workout focuses on fat burning and does it with less resistance, whereas Insanity max 30 uses progressive intensity training (PIT) to continue burning more calories long after you’ve burned the fat.
Time period:
The Insanity workout is designed to provide 40 minutes each day for six days in a week. On the other, Max 30 workout requires just 30 minutes of PIT routine every day.
Insanity eat plan is specifically created to be followed along with the workout. In contrast, Insanity Max 30 brings many eating plans that you can mix and match.
Exercise difference:
The first and most important difference between Insanity and Insanity Max 30 is the difference in exercise.
Classic insanity exercises are short and less intense compared to those found in Insanity Max 30 which demands more resistance, strength training, and increased intensity. This is the main reason that Insanity max 30 burns more calories than classic insanity workout does.
Though Insanity Max 30 includes strength training, it lacks yoga-based flexibility workouts. However, Insanity has both strength and flexibility elements in its six 30-minute workout sessions.
Workout Preference (Which one suits you the most?):
Both Insanity and Insanity Max 30 workouts are much harder than any other commercial fitness program, so it’s difficult to determine which one will be more effective for you.
If you prefer fat burning to muscle building, go with the former. If you want a balanced mental and physical challenge, then try out max 30 workouts instead of classic insanity.
How effective is Insanity Max 30 compared to the original Insanity?
The Insanity Max 30 workout is, without a doubt, one of the best workouts to burn fat. It is not only similar in its effectiveness but also has been proved to be equally successful as classic Insanity. In fact, many people who have already completed the original Insanity workout are satisfied with their results and feel that Insanity Max 30 is easier.
The main reason for this is that you don’t spend more than 1 hour doing anything in Insanity Max 30, unlike classic insanity workout where you’re pushed to the limit for 60 minutes. This allows you to push yourself harder, and get greater results in less time.
Will “Insanity Max:30” be as intense as the original “Insanity”?
Yes, the Max:30 program is as intense and challenging as the original “Insanity” workout. However, you’ll be doing 30-minute workouts five days a week instead of 60-minute workouts for six straight weeks like in Insanity.
In addition to being less time-consuming than its predecessor, Insanity Max:30 is much more flexible. You can add or remove the ab-focused exercises that are included in the program to make it more intense, giving you an even greater chance of success.
For example, if you’re really struggling with push-ups and planks, then this is a great option for you because it allows these moves to be done one arm at a time, making them easier and more manageable.
What are the benefits of Insanity Max 30?
Insanity Max 30 helps you to achieve a better physique by burning fat, building lean muscles, and strengthening your core. It is important to note that this workout will not increase the bulk of muscles as quickly as Insanity does.
The results from this program are great for people looking for a more toned and slender body, improved balance, and cardiovascular endurance. Once you advance from the beginner level, however, the program will not be adequate for getting ripped and toned body. In this case, people are advised to rather go for Insanity workout or Chalene Extreme.
Is it advisable to do insanity max 30 in the evening?
Yes, it is advisable to do an Insanity Max 30 workout in the evening because you will be much more energetic and fresh after work and before sleep. And this will help you perform better during the workouts as well as give your body enough time to recover from fatigue and stress caused by work.
Is there any side effect of insanity max 30?
It is better if you consult your doctor before starting this workout because several people have reported that Insanity Max 30 is not suitable for them. This workout is likely to result in a sprain, muscle pulls, and other injuries if it’s not done properly with proper form.
Some of the participants have also complained about feeling sick after completing the workouts. This is because of the lack of rest periods between exercises.
Will Insanity Max 30 workout help you lose weight faster than the original insanity program?
Yes, Insanity Max 30 will help you to burn calories faster than a traditional insanity workout because it includes high-intensity interval training (HIIT). But, if your goal is to lose only fat, you are advised to go for the original insanity workout.
Is it bad to do Insanity max 30 every day?
It is not advisable to perform Insanity Max 30 every day because if the demands of this routine are met, many people will experience muscular pain. There is also a risk of injury if you don’t take enough rest days between workouts.
Is it possible to do Insanity and Max 30 at the same time?
No, it is not possible to perform both Insanity and Max 30 simultaneously because you can’t do them on the same days. Doing this will increase your risk of injury and burnout. And if you want to lose weight quickly, we recommend that you combine cardio exercise with either Insanity workout or Max 30 workout to get better results.
Who Wins in the Battle of Insanity Max 30 vs Classic Insanity?
Both Fitness Programs Are Tough!
Besides, both workouts are designed to be tough individually. If you’re looking for a challenging physique and fitness program that will get you ripped then one of these two programs is definitely what you need.
If nothing seems suitable for your needs, there’s nothing to worry about. There are many other fitness programs out there, which can be a combination of both Insanity and Insanity Max 30 workouts.
By the way, I’ve tried all three workout programs, and here is what I found:
If you want intense muscle building and the fat-burning program then “Insanity Max 30” is the right choice for you!
If you want mild, less resistant muscle building and the fat burning program then “Insanity” is the right choice for you!
However, an Insanity workout requires 60 days to see visible changes in your body. In contrast, Max 30 can change your physique within as little as 30 days.
Insanity Max 30 is a full-body muscle building and fat burning program, including a workout schedule of four weeks, whereas Insanity includes a six-week schedule divided into two phases.
Both workouts provide the same results – Increased lean muscle mass and decreased fat! The only difference is the increase in intensity from Max 30 to Insanity.
