Equipment You'll Need

All exercises in the Max Workouts program can be done using just a pair of dumbbells and your own body weight -- no other equipment is required, and you can do the program at home or the gym as the workouts have been designed to require very little space. You can optionally use a barbell and a pull-up bar (more details below). Inside the program, suggested weights (load) for men vs. women are listed for each workout.

I include barbell exercises; however, a barbell isn't required because these exercises are also demonstrated using dumbbells. In terms of effectiveness, there is no difference between using a barbell vs. dumbbells; it just provides you with more options.

When it comes to pull-ups, I include substitute exercises in case you don't have a pull-up bar. These substitutes only require dumbbells and are shown in each workout. But don't let the word "substitute" fool you! These alternative exercises are just as effective. Max Workouts is designed to get you the best results possible without needing equipment besides a pair of dumbbells.

For the interval cardio portion of the program, you can run outside or use a treadmill, indoor bike, rower, or any cardio machine of your choice. Since the workouts are interval based, any modality that gets your heart rate up will work.