The Pit Workout [DVD]

Great workout video.. and I've tried a few. This is *exactly* what I've been looking for. A MMA/Kickboxing/MA workout--and not the "marie" ones that punch & kick the air and have all these complicated 8+ count flailing around moves that do nothing more than hypnotize your potential opponent--as long as you don't get tied up in a pretzel knot first. These old-school workouts will inspire you and kick your a**.I also love John "The Pitmaster" Hackleman's style of leading the workout. Very realistic, well thought out, well put together, executed, etc. He's also got a wicked sense of humour. I kept laughing at his comments; "Okay almost done.. only 19 more sets to go.." and "oops, I lost count again. I always do that..", "19..19..19..19.." Seriously cracked me up. And John, no, burpees aren't *my* favorite. :-DHe's also the "real deal" advanced martial artist (10 Dan) as well--which is a huge plus for me. There's so many clowns out there that try to teach [M]MA and generally their techniques not only suck, but will injure you as well. I also respect his association with Chuck Liddell and the other MMA fighters from his "Pit". Def a genuine group of guys (and gals).Yes it's sure not a TKD or Tai-Chi workout. Can't say I've ever done Tae Bo, so I can't compare. Can't say it appeals to me. Maybe it's the tights. And you know how that eyeliner tends to run when you get all sweaty.. so much hassle.This workout set is great tho. I'm afraid to even open the crosstraining one. I've been training as a martial artist for almost 10 years now. And this workout laid me out. The last couple years I've been focusing on more/harder impact work Muai Thai, Kickboxing, MMA, and these workouts fit perfectly with those disciplines.Again, Very very very satisfied with the DVD set. If I had one regret it's not buying the entire boxed set initially. But overall very very happy with this purchase. Best workout DVD I've ever purchased.Thanks John H. (and others) for producing them.

Most serious martial artists and combat athletes understand the importance of physical conditioning. While there are numerous methods to improve physical fitness, such as weight training and long distance running, one thing to take into consideration is the fact that self defense and combat sports are more anaerobic than aerobic. Rather than spending a small amount of energy over a long period of time, martial arts instead requires multiple short burst of maximum exertion.In The PIT Workout DVD, trainer John Hackelman clearly understands the physical demands placed on the combat athlete. As the trainer of former UFC champ Chuck Liddell, his results speak for themselves. Hackelman gives shows three workouts in his two set DVD; one for the upper body, another for the lower body, and then a killer full body workout. Each workout incudes a good mix of calisthenics and plyometrics. The upper body workout focuses on several variations of hand and elbow strikes and different methods of push ups. The lower body workout of course has a lot of focus on kicks and knee strikes, and the full body workout mixed the two.While perhaps not completely necessary, you will need a few pieces of equipment in order to get the maximum benefit out of The Pit Workout. Luckily, most martial artists will already have most of these items. If you can, pick up a jump rope, bag or mma gloves, and a heavy bag. The striking combinations may be done in the air, but it would be much more beneficial to have something to actually strike to help build power.This is a fantastic workout, and if you don't have access to a gym, this will get you in shape. If you already have an established conditioning program, then this is an awesome way to supplement that program. Highly recommended!

I got this DVD to break up my work outs at the gym when I had lite days with CrossFit. The 2 DVD set gives you a upper body, lower body and total body work outs along with tips on punching hand wraping and other useful information for a beginner. Each work out will run from :50 - 1hr:10min long. If you plan on doing this in the house on a rug I would buy a mat as well because you will form a pool of sweat. I think if you were to only do each work out 2-3 times a week you would still get into great shape.You will have to have a set of MMA style gloves and hand wraps if you plan on hitting a heavy bag like they do on the upper/lower body work outs. Another item needed is a jump rope. The heavy bag and gloves are not mandatory as you can still do the work out by shadow boxing but to get the full effect I would suggest the items mentioned.FYI this DVD is no joke! If you follow along you will have to be in above average shape just to keep up. I have seen guys try to jump into this DVD thinking it was some sort of TV informercial deal and that they were going to show everyone how hard they were and in the process only ended up puking in the waste basket and leaving the gym in shame. If you are just starting out go at your own pace and before you know it you will be yelling at the TV to pick it up and stop resting so much :)

I don’t have time to always workout at home. This DVD helps me keep in shape, so when I do get to go to actual training I never really get behind in the workouts

A good dvd all round,well rounded upper and lower exercises.good for both starters and advanced athletes.