Pit Workout: Cross Pit [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

The Pit and it's Master have succeeded again in creating a brutal but highly effective set of workouts. I have been doing the original Pit workout since July 07' and have lost ten pounds while significantly increasing my level of fitness. As those familiar will note, these workouts are hellish (read: not fun and "not Tae-Bo") but absolutely extraordinary and TRULY results-oriented.
If you really want to get in shape these two workouts will go right along w/ the other three on the original workout (i would recommend doing those first and then moving onto these after about three months). The Crosspit workouts are shorter but equally relentless and intense in simulating the experience of "going five rounds." Moreover, a little bit more equipment is required but if you don't have a pull-up bar (used in the second workout) you can use a resistance band with a door-mount.
There are a few recognizable faces from the first work out (besides John) and the production values have increased (it looks and sounds better overall). Also, John assumes a bit of familiarity with the original Pit workout thus, again, i think it is best to do the Crosspit after a few months of the first DVD (especially if you are coming in out of shape [like I did!] or only in "decent" shape.). In addition, there is an interesting set of extra features that expound on what exactly the Pit Workout is, how it works, where it came from, and how to do it best. Once again, HIGHLY recommended for those serious about fitness and results!!!

For those unfamiliar with the original Pit DVD workout, they are lead by John Hackleman, trainer of UFC great Chuck Liddell and highly touted MMAist and grappler, Glover Texiera. Hackleman is an expert in Hawaiian Kempo. The basic principles of the Pit workout is to exhaust the body with rounds of body weight exercises, such as pushups and squats, and then further train your exhausted muscles and anaerobic capacity by punching and kicking a heavy bag.

I didn't like the original Pit workout very much for a few reasons. Firstly, the workouts were too long. At about 70 minutes, not only were they inconvenient, but grueling past the point of quick recovery. Also, there was a lot of wasted time/ overly repetitive movements which made the workouts boring (3 straight minutes of squats into front kicks followed by three straight minutes of squats into sidekicks, for example). Lastly, the original Pit DVD was divided into an upper body day, a lower body day, and a complete body day. This is a concept borrowed from body building where muscles are intentionally isolated. It was odd when applied to a martial arts where movements are not designed to be isolated.

The CrossPit DVD addresses many of these concerns. Although these workouts don't resemble the actual Crossfit program too much to my mind, Hackleman used some of their training philosophies to give his Pit workouts a much better structure, which was the biggest weakness of the original DVD. The CrossPit DVD is divided into two workouts. The fist focuses on the Tabata structure of 20 seconds of all out work followed by 10 seconds rest. (This format has become very popular in "cutting edge" workouts in the last few years... athough calling it "Tabata" is somewhat of a misnomer, because the actual Tabata protocol is much more specific that just a 20/10 breakdown of work and rest. Google "Tabata Protocol is you are curious where this concept comes from).

The second CrossPit workout follows the Chelsea pattern, where you have a given amount of time, either 30 seconds or 60 seconds, to complete a certain amount of work. It is up to you to pace yourself most effectively (ie. Do you want to get the work done in an all out sprint and then have a good chunk of time to rest, or do you want to adopt a slow and steady approach?)

Both of the CrossPit workouts are full body workouts that incorporate pushups, squats, squat thrusts, pull ups, ab work, punching and kicking; Hackleman abandons the goofy upper body/ lower body split. Also, both of these intense anaerobic workouts can be completed in about 35-40 minutes, a much more reasonable amount of time than the original Pit workouts required. Overall these workouts are much better paced and a lot more fun. They are challenging, and you'll be dripping with sweat, but you won't be so ruined that you just want to sit on the couch the next day (Google: Symptoms of over training :) You might even have the energy to do some of the Crossfit WOD's (workout of the day) on the off days. See crossfit.com for the WOD's.

I completed 90 days of P90X and had great results but wanted more of a challenge and even more results. The Pit workout does it and is more fun for me because I am interested in MMA. I am noticing a higher level of strength and fitness, and getting a little more cut. P90X feels like aerobics compared to this! I still mix in the weights DVDs from P90X, but the PIT pushes you harder. And you are still using just your body and don't really need equipment. John Hackleman is a cool dude and is helpful and instructive with no BS.

My only criticism is that you should do some jump rope or jacks while John talks before each set cause he stretches the water break about a minute too long sometimes.

Get all the videos, you will have a more interesting choice of stuff to do to avoid boredom.