Insanity: Max 30 Journey Day 10 - Sweat Intervals

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 10: Sweat Intervals

For nine days, I had been committing to maxing out with Shaun T in the evening after getting home from work. As my journey hit Day 10, I changed course a bit. Instead of hitting play around 5:15 p.m., I was reaching for the remote at about 5:30 a.m.

I haven't mastered the workouts; I haven't peaked with my fitness and stamina; I haven't even gone half a workout -- let alone a full 30 minutes -- before I had to take a break. So, why not throw a monkey wrench into the mix?

Not only had I been working in good temperate conditions, I had an opportunity to wake up and prepare myself. Now, it's cold, dark and I woke up and went into it full throttle. Quite the change. Definitely cause for concern as I tried to surpass my Day 3 Max Out Time.

As expected, it was tough. Cardio always is for me. A week ago, I maxed out thee-quarters into minute seven. Today, in the elements, I was able to outlast that Max Out Time and make it a whole 32 seconds deeper into the workout. Pushup punches did me in. My legs were burning and holding that good plank while pushing up was too much for me. My knee hit down and I jotted my time down -- 8 minutes, 17 seconds -- and got back into it.

On another plus -- my Weep Time is getting better. After not having one a day ago in my Tabata Power workout, I managed to go deep into Sweat Intervals before cursing out Shaun T. It wasn't until the 28 minute, 46 second mark that I had my mini breakdown.

The whole experience was great. It's a different twist to working out. If you haven't done it before (I've only dabbled in early morning workouts) I strongly recommend it. You feel alive the rest of the day, and it leaves your post-work evening time wide open for anything. I think I'll cook a meal, spend time with the wife and daughter, and relax. Next up: Tabata Power (weekly rematch)

Recap

Workout:               Sweat Intervals

Max Out Time:      8:17

Weep Time:           28:46

Weekly Weigh-in:   Stay tuned for Day 15 of the journey

Monthly Photo:       Stay tuned for Day 30 of the journey