Success Stories

“I was trapped in the workout philosophies of the 80’s and 90’s…”

Shin,

I am a 30-year-old male with a wife and two daughters (2 and 4 years old).  I work as an Environmental Specialist for a private electric company in Tampa, Florida. I am also a certified trainer (even though it is not my full time job) and have been working out routinely since I was 14 years old. I maintained a pretty athletic build until about 3 years ago. Due to various life circumstances, such as having children and trying to juggle a professional job while finding time to spend with my family, I began to put on weight in the wrong places. I gained a total of 35 unwanted pounds in the course of three years.

The most difficult part for me was that I did not understand why I was gaining the weight. I still went to the gym (even though I didn’t workout as long as I used to), but I still felt sluggish and continued to put on the pounds. My diet wasn’t perfect, but it was no different than at any other point in my life. I would tell myself regretfully, “Perhaps you are just getting old and your metabolism is slowing down.” It was getting depressing.

I began looking into various training options and researching more up-to-date exercise techniques. My research led me to your web site. I wasn’t necessarily looking to purchase a program, but when I read your article I was enticed by the “realness” of your approach and intrigued by the idea of “intense” workouts.

Well, needless to say, I went ahead and purchased the basic package.and I am so glad I did! When I read MaxWorkouts, the scales fell from my eyes.the missing piece, the “key,” became evident to me. When you stated how you view all of your trainees as athletes and that generating power is the most important element in bringing about change, the light bulb went on in my head. See, I already knew how to workout intensely. I had been playing sports since middle school (basketball, football, martial arts, wrestling, tennis, softball, rollerblading) and have pushed myself to the limit for years.

However, for some strange reason, I never viewed this intense activity as a “workout.” I was trapped in the workout philosophies of the 80’s and 90’s (isolated exercises, time in the gym, standard cardio) and believed that performing these routines was the only thing that constituted truly “working out” and the rest of the stuff that I did (the athletic activity) was just “playing.” I loved sports. I would push myself to the limits of my abilities all in the name of “fun.”

What I am trying to say is that despite all of the “power” and “intensity” I produced by playing sports, I always had to perform my “routine” in the gym or else I did not feel that I was actually working out. At least five times a week, I would spend approximately 2 hours a day performing static stretching, isolated exercises, and the typical, boring, 30 minute cardio activities. I would do all of this IN ADDITION to playing sports.

Fast forward to 2006, my life truly changed with the birth of my children and the responsibility of taking care of them. When I tried to continue to maintain my physique under the time restrictions of my present life (obviously, I could not spend 3 hours a day working out and playing sports if I wanted to spend quality time with my family and help my wife out around the home), I defaulted to the typical gym routines while completely letting go of the intense sports. As it turns out, I released the activities in my life that were actually the most important in keeping me healthy, lean, fit, and energetic. No wonder the pounds started creeping on!

MaxWorkout’s philosophy and the ensuing exercise routines have helped me “see the light” in a way so simple I could kick myself for not realizing it sooner. The way you incorporate athletic training into the routines makes working out fun again and has restored my joy in exercising.  Since I don’t presently have time to routinely play sports (I have a full time professional job, a growing family, and one year remaining to earn my Masters Degree in Business), I am currently viewing my workouts as my “sport.”

In just 6 weeks, I have noticed incredible differences in my attitude, energy, physique, and strength. Without changing any other variable (ex. my diet) except for working out intensely using your program, I have already lost a total of 10 pounds (my goal is to lose 35 lbs to get me back to my college weight of 210 lbs) and I am working out 40 minutes less than I was just 6 weeks ago!

This is amazing.yet so basic. The fire is once again burning inside me. You have indeed, figuratively speaking, freed me from “The Matrix.” Thank you for your dedication to integrity and science in your training philosophy. Thank you for your broad and open-minded perspective on working out. Thank you for your inspiring and down-to-earth style of training. Thank you for the clarity of exercise explanations and well-structured website.

Here’s to the future.

With the Utmost Respect and Gratitude,

-- Eric Shryock, Florida

“I have been lifting for the last 14 years and have never found something that has made me so fit”

I do want to tell you that this is the first workout program that has really fit me! I have been lifting for the last 14 years and have never found something that has made me so fit in a whole body sense. I am now able to do any sport with ease because your workouts have trained all of my muscles to work together. Even though I have been working at it for the last 7 months, the workouts still continue to kick my butt if I push it hard - and they seem so adaptable to my body. Anyway, thanks for designing them! I plan to continue these workouts for many years to come!

-- Jon Jore, MN

“3 months ago I weighed 315lbs and today I am 230lbs and it is thanks to this program”

MAX Workouts has changed my life drastically. Three months ago I weighed 315lbs and today I am 230lbs and it is thanks to this program. I am in the best shape of my life and have never felt better. I am confident that by the end of the program I will have reached my goal weight of 199lbs. Thanks for everything and I will be back at the end of my program so I can get in on the daily workouts. Thanks for helping me be healthy again.

-- Steve Bentley, Canada

“I am no longer taking any creatine”

...I love the workouts, I have been working out along time, and for the first time I feel like I am actually getting the most out of my workouts. I am no longer taking any creatine, or Nitric oxide boosters. In a way I felt like I was addicted to the products, because I felt I would not be strong without taking them. I feel better, and my body is transforming the way I envisioned. I can’t wait to start the next level. Once again thanks for everything Shin.

-- Michael Aughinbaugh, Ohio

“my body is getting back in shape at shocking speed doing your workouts, in fact I have lost 20 kg”

...Since xmas I have been doing your program and also an hours low intensity cardio before it.

As en ex pro rugby player my body is getting back in shape at shocking speed doing your workouts, in fact I have lost 20 kg and I am going to give it another month before i go out a buy a whole new range of clothes as everything is too big now.

I can’t believe I let myself go the way I did but hey I’m on the right path now.

Thanks for your work it really is as we say in the UK, “the dogs bollocks”

-- Andy Kershaw, London, UK

“I see definition that I haven’t had before”

Shin,

I just want to say how great your workouts are.  I started in January and each one has been very challenging.  I have been working out most of my life and have tried different routines but this one has shown the most results.  I’m in my early 40’s and these workouts remind me of my days in the Marines.  I got bored with my usual routine of the 35 to 40 minute jogs and the isolating weight lifting.  I enjoy these because of the intensity and compound exercises.  Also I’m not in the gym for an hour at a time.

I have shed body fat and increased my strength (power).  I see definition that I haven’t had before.  I’m in the construction field and it sure helps with my work as I’m doing physical activities all day and makes you feel good also.

Thank you.

-- Karl Rajala, MI

“my arms and abs look better than ever before”

Hi Shin,

I know a lot of people comment on how skeptical they were when first hearing about your program, and I have to say that I was one of them. I’ve been working out for years and had found myself at a plateau-point where all I was doing was maintaining, but not actually improving in any area. I wanted and needed something new, and I really liked the sound of your approach and ideas. I just couldn’t believe that it could be done in such short increments of time.

I’m just now finishing up my second week of the Level 3 workouts, and I’m truly amazed. I was in good shape before, but my overall power and tone were a little weak. In just this short amount of time, I’ve gotten HUGE results. I can actually see my strength increasing from week to week, and my arms and abs look better than ever before. (And I’m not even doing any of the optional ab workouts!) 

I really believe that anyone can have success with this program, but you have to be ready to work for it. When you talk about high intensity, that’s exactly where it’s at. My husband and friends have commented on how my body has changed, and I’ve told them that it can all happen in less than 30 minutes a day, but it’s a pretty hard-core thirty minutes! This program is not for the weak, but if you’re dedicated and give 110%, you will see some incredible results.

I couldn’t be happier with your program. You provide so much variety that I never get bored, and my body is constantly working hard to adapt. Because the work out times are short, I’m able to easily fit the six days into my regular schedule. The only thing I regret is not starting your program earlier!

Thanks a million!

-- Sarah Rich

“My clothes are actually falling off of me…”

Dear Shin,

I am nearly 42 & throughout my adult life have always maintained a fairly even level of weight, diet & fitness level. I have always been between a size 10-12, as we know even at this size there is a lot of forgiveness in certain clothes. I have generally followed a lower fat, healthy eating diet.; I suppose a 40/30/30 mix.
 
This has always worked for me as I like to drink alcohol & have a sweet tooth.
 
The last 3 years I have had a full gym at my house so have had the luxury of being able to work out fairly regular, however, I live in Cyprus which is generally a very hot country so it can be quite gruelling at times to train at 40 degrees!!
 
Towards the end of 2008 I felt that even though I was training & for sure adopting a healthier diet in general I really wasn’t noticing that much difference in my body.  So…..
 
I purchased your MAX Workouts high intensity program….......well!!
 
I also looked at and read about how to eat far more healthier, all via your constant email campaign to help us health & fitness people.
 
On the 9th Jan 2009 I decided to start your workout. I printed off the 8 daily programs & stuck it onto my cross trainer, WOW.
 
Usually before I would do a good workout of 45 minutes, including warm up & down & use approx 350 calories, however, by following your program ( my favourite being 30 seconds 7-8 pace & 30 seconds 3 pace) I was working out for only 30 minutes, including warm up & down & using the same amount of calories. Plus I felt absolutely great afterwards. you  sure do sweat & get that heart rate up!! I stared to notice the difference within a few weeks, I seemed to keep burning calories on a constant basic. My hubby even noticed & after 25 years of being together that’s quite remarkable I would say!!
 
Unfortunately, I have had to relocate for a few months to the UK, so I’m first thoughts were, oh my god, no gym at hand, will I keep this up?
 
To cut a very long story short, yes I have & I have carried on doing the high intensity workout, the great thing is you don’t actually need a gym. I had already purchased the timer ( again recommended by you) so I can actually do it in the house. It’s so simple!! I do a total mix of things, I do stair jumps, high leg jumps, jogging & various other aerobic movements for the allotted time ( i.e., 30 seconds/40 seconds) it’s easy to know your own level so keeping to 7-8 is easy. I then march it through, using big arms for the cool down of pace 3.
 
So, 5 weeks later…..............my body has totally changed. I would say I’ve got my body back to how it was when I was in my 20’s. My clothes are actually falling off of me. ( I can take pictures if you would like)
 
I am totally amazed.
 
Recently I met up with some friends who hadn’t seen me for more than 15 years, their comments were great “ wow, you don’t look any different, you are so lucky to not put on weight”!!! there is no luck involved it’s all down to Shin Ohtake is my answer….......................who they say…...................so I tell them all about it.
 
It has been a breath of fresh air & can’t wait to see the results in another 1 year, bearing in mind  have only been doing this for 7 weeks!!
 
Thanks very much, I love the workouts, exercises & all the diet tips, it really is exceptional.

-- Shelley, Cyprus

“Lost 63 pounds! But that’s not all…”

Transformation.  That’s the only word that describes what I am achieving using the Max Workouts program.  And the transformation is objective and measurable:

* Weight: Down 63 lbs. at a steady, healthy rate of 1-2 lbs. weekly.
* BMI: Down from 40.5 to 32.9
* Cholesterol: Down from 240 (high risk) to 160 (desirable) with excellent HDL/LDL/Trislyceride ratio
* Blood Glucose: Down from 162 (diabetic) to 92 (normal)
* Blood Pressure: Down from 160/110 (stage II hypertension) to 120/70 (normal)

These are the results my doctor and I were looking for, achieved without the use of medication!  (I was under the close care of my personal physician who monitored results with regular testing.) 
All indicators are now within normal ranges except weight, and that is only a matter of time. 

Obviously, I am thrilled with these results.  Here are some more:

* Shirt size: From 3XL to XL
* Waist size: From 50 to 44.

But here are the intangible results:

* More time.  I have more time in my life for the things that matter to me, and here’s how I get this time: (1) less time at the gym because my workouts are more efficient, (2) more energy for the activities of daily living, so I get more done in the same or less time.
* More sleep.  Or should I say, more real rest because my sleep is deeper and uninterrupted.  Hey, I’m tired!
* More vitality.  It shows up on my face as a smile.
* More attention to how I helathfully nourish and fuel my body every day.
* More motivation and dedication to achieving results by staying on my Max Workouts program.

-- Erik Jul, Ohio

“Never Looked Or Felt Better”

I have now tried the Max Workout program for only about a month, and even though I have been a very active and healthy person all my life - I have never been able to see such amazing results in such a short time!  Time spent in the Gym has gone from at least 90 minutes per day down to just half an hour (sometimes even less).  Yet, I have never looked and felt better with myself then I do now. I am really starting to see that true dream body developing in front of my eyes and I almost cannot believe the fast transformation myself. Less can definitely be more and here its all about quality before quantity.

Added to that, I simply feel better overall. I feel different when I walk, run, stand, sit.. My whole posture have changed into a stronger and prouder appearance, much thanks to the physical self awareness the simple but so effective exercises with the MAX Workout Program has given me.

I am sticking to this! I feel great!

-- Niki Krechnek, Sweden

Lost 5 Pounds, 2 Inches, and Cut Cholesterol

Shin, I can’t say enough about your program. In five weeks I have lost 5lbs, and 2” on my waist. I just received my lipid panel back from my physician, and after just 5 weeks on the program and adhering to a lean protein, balanced diet I have cut my total cholesterol from 204 to 149 and dropped my LDL by 25%. If you are on the fence about this program, pull the trigger and try it, IT WORKS!!!

-- Todd Lueke, Pennsylvania

A Must-Have Book

MAX Workouts is a MUST-HAVE book for anyone interested in getting in incredible shape and feeling great!!!  Shin’s approach is like no other and it gets the results you want quickly.  The issue is not quantity, but quality and for less than half the time of most workouts, you will see results immediately.  I have had many personal trainers in the past, but nothing came close to the simple but highly effective programs and exercises found in this amazing book.  It will totally change the way you have exercised in the past and show you the right way to get in shape now!!!

-- Christine Adzich, Redondo Beach, CA

“MAX WORKOUTS is without doubt the best of the lot”

I have seen and used many programmes on the web for fat loss, but in my opinion Max Workouts is without doubt the best of the lot, as it focuses on the core needs of busy professionals and those starting out on fitness, as well as intermediate level athletes

The work-outs are short, circuit-based and centred around functional total body movements and thus deliver not just rapid fat loss but real athletic, not just-gym, fitness, that will rebalance your body and remove many of the niggles and pains (especially back-pain) that most people suffer from.

The other advantage of the programme is its’ simplicity and clarity.  Shin removes all the fluff that surrounds many so-called fat loss programmes out there and focuses on explaining what works and why. In particular his nutrition guide is a must for those who are tired of reading hundreds of pages of diet advice or counting calories. In addition, Shin recommends exactly zero supplements

In addition to the written and pictorial descriptions in the programme, in the bonus package, Shin’s superb downloadable videos provide you with a full instructional guide on how to do all the specified movements.  I have never seen anything that compares with this elsewhere - it is like having a personal instructor by your side – in fact it’s much better as I guarantee the PTs at your gym are nowhere near as good as Shin!

-- Vaseem Akbar, UK

Your program has rocked my world!!

Shin—I have been a personal trainer for 3 years and have read and seen every fitness program out there, P90X blah blah blah. I decided to get your program a few weeks ago to get some new ideas for my clients and myself too!  Well, my clients all hate me but they love me. I have been using your workouts for training but also using them myself. Holy crap—just when I thought I was in pretty great shape! I can tell you I have not been this sore in a very long time!! I guess I too was one of the many people who fall into the chest/back day, leg day, steady state cardio… Your program has rocked my world!! I love the intensity and short workouts. Everyone in the gym thinks I am a “bad ass” seeing some of the stuff in your workouts. Your philosophy on training are spot on and I truly believe you have THE BEST program out there and I have read many! I had to take a day off today as I am THAT sore. Your videos and website are simply awesome and I look forward to seeing a new workout every day! Thanks so much!

-- Sue Wells

Boosts Your Confidence

I’m loving MAX Workouts sooooooo much, and yes I do already see a difference, I feel good and more confident in myself.  At first, I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d be able to do the workouts and keep them up as they are hard work, but as time goes on my technique is improving and the workouts are becoming easier, NOT EASY, easier!!...

-- Lydia Harris, UK

Bang For Your Buck

Shin, I can’t believe you are selling this book so CHEAP! For less than 40 bucks I didn’t expect to get so much information. This program is easily worth 5 times what you’re selling it for. I love the workouts and all the exercises. The program makes perfect sense and now I’ve got my girlfriend on it too. I can’t thank you enough.

-- AJ

Comprehensive & Results Oriented

MAX Workouts really is the most comprehensive workout book I’ve ever bought. No filler - it’s pure substance chock-full of exercise photos and descriptions, detailed workouts along with the schedule, nutrition tips, etc…everything you need is in this book. The workouts are fun and challenging—and the results speak for themselves.

-- C. Stevens

Superior To Other Workout Books

There are a lot of crappy fitness products on the internet these days. I can say from experience, that MAX Workouts is NOT one of them. My friend referred me to your website and told me I “had” to get your book. This has turned out to be one of the best purchases I’ve made. I’ve been telling everyone I know about this book!

-- Misty Evans

Challenging Workouts For Every Level

Shin, I just got through the first week of the intermediate workouts and I just want to tell you that the workouts are AWESOME. At first I went straight for the advanced workouts thinking for sure I could do it pretty easily. I’ll admit it, I was dead wrong. You have really developed quite the challenge…

-- Kevin Scott

She Ditched Long Cardio For Good!

I’m so grateful to have found your program. In the past, I always spent my time doing mostly cardio or moderate lifting. I really thought I was doing all the right things. I guess you could say that you proved me wrong…and I couldn’t be happier about it! With MAX Workouts, I really learned to push myself and do more than I would have ever guessed I’d be capable of. And now I’m totally addicted to kettlebells!

-- Megan Ross

Recommended By Trainers

I’ve been a fitness professional for years and your no-nonsense, cut the “fluff” approach is exactly what I was looking for. My only regret is not finding it sooner! I love your program and so do my clients. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us.

-- James Brook

Training The Trainers

Shin, thanks for making your program available as an eBook. I can honestly say that this is the best training program I’ve EVER tried. I’ve literally had trainers come up to me at the gym and ask me about what I’m doing

-- Shelly Moore

Step-By-Step Instructions

MAX Workouts showed me exactly how to do each exercise. I really needed the extra instruction and Shin’s book really delivers. It was like having him right there with me, telling me what to do.

-- Jamie Serion

Workouts Scheduled For You

The information and workouts in this book are awesome. I don’t have think about a thing when I go to the gym. I just look at the workout schedule and see what I’m doing today. It’s a real time-saver. Thanks so much.

-- Brian Kenning

No More Excuses

I work in the office a lot, which means I’m sitting at a desk pretty much all day. I work long hours, so I don’t have a lot of extra time for working out. I thought I’d give the MAX Workouts program a try and that has turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m always telling people about your program. Fantastic!

-- Rich Evans

Shorter, More Efficient Workouts

I have to admit, I was skeptical at first because the workouts seemed so short…but MAX Workouts completely changed the way I view fitness. I’ve never been in better shape—even in my prime.

-- Jay Walt

Based On Science

Max Workouts is the best fitness program available today. So many people still think that long cardio or slower-paced weight lifting is the answer. It’s not. Shin’s program is based on science—and that’s why it works.

-- Ron Edwards

Cuts Workout Times By Half

I can’t believe how the MAX Workouts program has changed my daily life. I’ve transformed my body and actually cut my workout times by more than half. It’s nothing short of amazing

-- Joe Susu

Interval Training At It’s Best

MAX Workouts is interval training at it’s absolute best. The workouts are fast and intense. You can’t possibly get bored with this program…and you will get in phenomenal shape

-- Erin Silva