Insanity: Max 30 Journey - Day 3

During the course of two months, I'd like to take you into my journey as I strive to retain a healthy lifestyle through a healthy balanced nutrition program and Beachbody trainer extraordinaire -- and Men's Health cover man -- Shaun T's brand new workout regimen Insanity Max 30.

Day 3: Sweat Intervals

I got to be honest, I thought I was a little better at cardio than I actually am -- especially as soccer being my go-to sport throughout my childhood and into college. But where I'm not strong, I'll push harder to have that weakness become a strength. Sweat intervals certainly tests your cardiovascular limits. It's all part of the process!

If you are not one for plyo (I, for one, am not), then Shaun T is going to push you to the limit -- not only with Sweat Intervals, but with everything. Throughout the 30-minute, sweat-inducing jump fest, you are going to be doing (in most cases, attempting) to lift yourself in the air and control your legs to do complex maneuvers.

Here's me jumping through the air with relative ease

It could be as basic as power jumps followed by pressing to the floor; it could be a novice squat jump to left and right while throwing two jabs; it could be a moderate squat jump and scissor your legs (crossing your body) followed by landing and throwing two jabs; or it could be advanced by squatting, jumping and kicking one foot in front of you, the other in back, but then landing in a squat. I know that last one may sound simple, but it was a mental and physical struggle for me. I'd love to know how you fare in this one.

Here's me, moments later, struggling to get off the ground

All in all, my advancement in Max 30 through three days has improved a little each day. While in Day 1's Cardio Challenge, my fitness was challenged and most definitely was poor, just a day later in Tabata Power, improvement was obvious. Day 3, I improved my Max Out Time by another 57 seconds to 7 minutes, 45 seconds. My weep time, however, came down significantly with an emphatic "Oh god!!!" at the 18 minute and 13 second mark.

In Sweat Intervals, the warmup almost brought me to the brink. My calves were on fire; I was huffing and puffing; and I almost called it an early Max Out Time. But then as I'm doing some cross jacks, I see my little one stomping her tiny legs and spinning around trying to emulate her Papa and it helped me push through. And, for the second time in three days, I got a high five. I could get used to this. Next up: Day 4 - Tabata Power (the weekly rematch).

Recap

Workout:                Sweat Intervals

Max Out Time:        7:45

Weep Time:            18:13

Weekly Weigh-in:   Stay tuned for Day 8 of the journey

Monthly Photo:       Stay tuned for Day 30 of the journey