SummaryThis video is content based. It is not a video with a few quick exercise demonstrations. This video is 1 hour and 48 minutes. Topics such as program creation are discussed throughout the entire video (ex. why it makes sense to use an exercise, how it can be included within the plan, a discussion of various progressions, etc.).In addition, the manual goes into much more detail regarding many of the discussed topics (ex. the science behind the program, with references to numerous studies, journals, etc.). There are also detailed sections regarding program creation, with sample templates. If you are confused about how to include conditioning within your weekly plan, the manual will answer these questions in detail.
Where can I get it and how much does it cost?
RossTraining.com - Full Throttle Conditioning $25.00
Quality:
DVD
The DVD has very good production design. The video and sound quality are both excellent. I’m watching on a 42” LCD and there was no grain at all and the voice volume is largely consistent and easy to hear\understand with very little stuttering or “what’s my line?” moments. There are no times that Ross moves out of the picture and it’s clear that effort was put into the design to ensure a brisk pace throughout.
Manual
Spiral bound with sturdy paper. The type is easily readable and the margins are fair. The format is designed for a quick and easy read with a logical progression from front to back.
Review:
Contrary to the contents summary the DVD essentially IS a collection of exercises with demonstrations. There’s a brief introduction to why conditioning is important and some brief mentions of customizations and variety but there truly isn’t much in the way of methodology or explanation of why you’re doing what you’re doing. You could easily make the argument that there doesn't need to be a great deal of explanation for a minimalist approach to training, in which case I'd direct you back up to the summary that gives the distinct impression that exercise demonstration would be very minimal and explanation would be great.
The manual touches on the different energy systems and what they do then explains in detail different methods of conditioning set ups that were demonstrated in the DVD. The explanations are very clear and the reader would have to be pretty dense to not “get” what a minute drill is or “scriptless training” ect. It moves into a example templates, a nice collection of sample workouts, and a respectable FAQ.
If you're a fighter (whom the product was intended) then your bases are covered. Ross presents a minimalist approach to conditioning that's virtually dummy proof. The exercise selection and exercise implements are designed (and explained why) for your specific needs as a fighter. Customization tips such as "mimic how you fight" and how to determine if your conditioning load is too great are covered in adequate fashion. You should be able to take this and apply it towards your training virtually immediately.
If you're not a fighter and already have Ross's products then you might brace yourself for disappointment. Having “Infinite Intensity” (II) and being quite pleased with it I was expecting "Full Throttle Conditioning" to cover the hell out of conditioning and answer any and every question that I could come up with. Unfortunately this is not the case. While it’s not horrendous on any level it gives very little information not already provided in II or even go so far as present the same information in a different way. While II is presented as an item that most anyone regardless of training goals could pick up and apply to their own training\athletic pursuits FTC has an extremely tight focus on fighters, so much so that a non-fighter might struggle to pick out methodology or customize a conditioning routine for their own personal needs.
Should you buy this?
The price is good, the service is outstanding, the material isn’t bad by any stretch. If you’re a fighter that wants a tool to help you set up a conditioning program TODAY and aren't concerned with any other aspect of training then absolutely. If you're a non-fighter I'd be hesitant to suggest picking this up and direct you to a less distinct and broader product such as "Infinite Intensity" even if conditioning was your only concern.
I asked JP to delete the other one. After Ross's explanation of the items intent I didn't think it was fair to leave the original review up. While my opinion of the product hasn't changed, it'd be a dis-service to discourage those from buying it that might not be looking for something as comprehensive as I originally believed it to be.
It's probably not impossible to add Ross's comments to the original review to this one if folks think that, that would be appropriate. You guys can work that out among yourselves.
I liked that Ross came by and gave us his opinion. The fact that he cared enough to visit our forum impressed me, and his straightforward but courteous comments showed what a stand-up guy he is. Matt is joking, I know, but that other thread was never really very controversial. It was exactly the way we keep saying that differences of opinion should be handled on this forum. Don't others of you think so? So why should it be deleted? If Tony wants to change his review as a result of the conversation, then that's great, change it. It's cool that Ross' comments brought light to the topic, right? And even cooler that Tony changed his opinions somewhat as a result. So why shouldn't we see how we got there? Isn't it a good example of the process?
Tony, thanks for the explanation. I appreciate it and your willingness to rethink your review. I happened to have already purchased FTC before your review came out, but I’d have purchased it just the same.
I own all three of Ross’s books now. And, I’m not the least bit interested in, or even capable of, getting into combat sports. My fitness goals are very simple--to continually improve my mobility and general strength and conditioning so I can have a very functional life, physically. So, I’ve been taking his conditioning philosophies from all three books and am in the process of figuring out how to modify and then incorporate it into my workout goals, interests, and lifestyle. After a couple weeks of reading and re-reading through his material, there is no doubt in my mind that I can take his conditioning modalities and workouts and very much make them my own and end up with just as much of the benefits as an elite combat athlete would.
Cut the bullshit and just do the work, right? Something I'm trying to improve in myself, mainly because of Ross's books and his attitude toward it all. I love it...I just don't (not "can't") live it yet. But, I'm slowly getting there!
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On Krista mistressing the chin-up, "It's amazing", said one gym source, "considering that for months she just hung there like a dead fish."
I like Tony's reviews. He tells things as he sees them, which is awesome. There's enough back-scratching and ass-kissing going on in this field. It's refreshing to see somebody just flat-out speak his mind. That's why I'm so hated, myself
That said, it's also cool that he can re-evaluate his viewpoint. Ross is an awesome guy, and he puts out a lot of great info.
I didn't think the original review was all that harsh, but there you go. It wouldn't stop me from buying it; Ross has name-brand value as far as I'm concerned. Tony had his viewpoint, Ross elaborated on the product, and problem solved.
Gurus, take note: Put out a worthwhile product, don't be a prick about getting rich quick, and you'll get respect.
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Articles | Blog | Pirate my book. "Yeah, but you did your post grad thesis on trolling, so you don't count."
-JP, endorsing how awesome I am
I don't think either Tony or Ross thought that the original review was that harsh. Rather, Ross believed it was inaccurate, and then Tony adjusted it to be more accurate for Ross's intended audience. He still basically kept in many of the things he felt were negatives.
And PMDL, you sure that's the only reason you're so hated?
Gobbla...did you PM Ross? Let him know what you intended? Without an explanation that could look like censureship and do JP a disservice I think. Drop him a line - he's a cool bloke and open discussion saves the lack of context that internet communication can cause - plus it would be great to get him posting here more often!
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Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. -- Sidney J. Harris
The Internet attracts both good and bad. Some seek and share knowledge, while others spread garbage…
Unfortunately, the fitness world often operates in the latter half.
Those who spread garbage violate a unique set of commandments. Not the classical Ten Commandments, rather a list created by the honorable folks at St. Wilhelm’s (a worldwide sponsor of STRENGTH and POWER):
Despite the simplistic nature of this commandment, it is often ignored in cyberspace. Anyone can create a webpage. Anyone can create a blog. Keyboard warriors hide in anonymity as they feverishly peck at the Google search engine. Perhaps they believe in an imaginary Google-Bot Trainer certification.
Such Google-Bot Trainers (GBT’s) are easy to find. They often throw out insults on Youtube, or perhaps Google for answers to message board queries. Their responses are easy to identify, as they are often copied word for word from another source.
The GBT reminds me of the youngster who cannot figure out a basic mathematical equation without a calculator. They don’t actually understand math, but can find an answer when offered the calculator. Google-Bot Trainers operate in the same fashion. They don’t actually know anything, and may not even train. Give them a search engine however and they can fool many unsuspecting readers.
Oddly enough, these keyboard warriors would all but disappear if everyone followed the 5th commandment per St. Wilhelm’s. If you are really such a big shot, come out and show yourself. Stop pretending to train people that don’t exist and stop pretending to perform feats that you’ve never attempted.
Think about it, would you hire a surgeon who never performed an operation? Hell no! So why should anyone listen to a so-called coach, trainer, or athlete who doesn’t know jack about jack!
For example, I recently had someone (attempt to) critique a fighter’s conditioning program that I had created. I later learned that the individual had never fought, never coached, and had never even worked with ANY fighter from ANY combat sport. He had never done anything, yet proudly appointed himself as a subject matter expert.
On the Internet, people get away with this kind of rubbish. In real life, it would be a different story. Think about it…
Can you imagine a stranger entering your boxing or MMA gym? Upon entry, he tells the trainer that he is doing everything wrong. The trainer would then glance over and say, “Who the f_ck are you?”
The stranger would then announce himself as a Certified Online Blogger, and may even flash his Google-Bot Trainer card.
At this time, the stranger would likely find himself laid out on his back, or perhaps thrown through the door. It wouldn’t be pretty.
But hey, Google-Bot Trainers operate with a different set of rules. They don’t actually train, they just talk about training. The don’t actually train athletes, they just talk about training athletes. They don’t actually know anything, they just talk about knowing something.
So, if you come across one of these certified specialists, it is always useful to reference St. Wilhelm’s 5th commandment.
And ask yourself this simple question. Where would the Google-Bot Trainer be if the Internet vanished? I know that I’d still have a gym full of athletes waiting for me to train them. Can the Google-Bot say the same?
Ross
That's pretty much the way Ross feels about it I believe.
Too bad somebody with such a great reputation feels the need to "pull a Dos."
Maybe he should make people pass a test before he allows them to buy his products. Make sure they have sufficient expertise to comment on something they paid for.
No mention of your glowing review of II or that you never claimed to be an expert. Guess that doesn't fit the caricature.
This must not be the original review. I heard it was worse. There was a stir on some MMA boards where the reviewer was even called an imbecile. Please don’t attack the messenger. I found this site through one of those boards so I hope that I am not out of line by responding. I purchased this DVD before your review. It might have deterred me if I read it first, I don’t know. With respect to the reviewer, I couldn’t disagree more, and I also have Ross’s prior manuals. I’m a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student with limited, but growing experience in San Shou. I find the material to be as good as it gets when it comes to fight conditioning. The DVD offers succinct but detailed info, motivation, and top level instruction. Ross’s energy blasts through the screen. He drops golden nuggets from start to finish. The program design section from the manual is worth the price of admission alone. There are probably 20 or more peer reviewed journals referenced, mostly new from his other stuff. I give Full Throttle Conditioning 5 out of 5 stars, and this has been the consensus across the MMA boards. If no one objects, I would like to stick around this board. Everyone seems reasonable and polite. Jeremy
And to Ross's defense, he said the blog entry was about a boxing journalist who attacked one of his fighters in the press. I don't think it's about anyone on this board. He's been telling people to leave the reviewer alone and to respect his opinion. I emailed him about this, so maybe he can chime in.
I never saw the first one, but I still disagree with this review. I took away so much from FTC and I'm not kissing anyone's ass. I don't know Ross aside from a few posts back and forth on Sherdog. For a fighter, this stuff is gold. It really answered a lot of questions about programming that were bugging me even after reading Infinite Intensity closely. I liked the II book a lot, but there wasn't the specific details from a fighter's standpoint. This is where FTC went beyond the call. 25 bucks is a joke compared to what most of these knuckleheads would have raped me for.
I've never spoken to Ross directly but he's come very recommended from some guys I know that "think like me", and all the material he's put up online has been gold, so I'm fairly certain I'd be in strong agreement with you on that point.
That said, this review is not "negative" per se. It states that the product is good, just that considering his needs and the content of the other materials he already owns, it was redundant. I can't say whether I agree or disagree, since I haven't looked at the material myself yet, but take it for what it is: one man's opinion. It's not like he was biased in the review.
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Articles | Blog | Pirate my book. "Yeah, but you did your post grad thesis on trolling, so you don't count."
-JP, endorsing how awesome I am
Everyone has an opinion. The programming material for fighters was anything but redundant though. That was my point. Now, maybe someone who has zip interest in fighting would scan over these nuggets or not really understand their purpose or intent. That is more a matter of misunderstanding. I consider II's chapter on conditioning to be cliff notes. FTC greatly expands on it for fighters. Obviously if you aren't a fighter, it may not interest you. A lot of non-fighters dig his stuff on the boards though. I personally don't like seeing Ross knocked though, as I've taken so much from his material. He is one of the good guys. FTC is one of the best values I've come across, and I've bought more than most. It takes conditioning to another level.
I'm not a fighter, but I think Ross's stuff is awesome, hence my choice to feature his blog for one of the busiest months of the year in this forum.
Welcome to the forums, Jeremy. Your comments actually encourage me to pick up a copy of this (was sorta planning to anyway). One of my employees is newly pro MMA fighter who is 10-1 so far, and this would be a great gift for him as his career is just taking off.
As OldGuy said, check out the Martial Arts forum. It's not as active as some of the fighting-specific forums, but we have a few people who train like this who would probably love to have your input.
I think this is a bit of a storm in a teacup to be honest. I read the original review, and while there were negative bits, overall it was a positive review. Sounded like a well worthwhile product to me. Gobbla (even in the original) made it clear he wasnt a fighter and had no experience, so was reviewing it from that point of view. He never pretended (by ommision or untruth) to be otherwise. Once Ross pointed out it really wasnt intended for anyone other than fighters, and that it assumed knowledge that all fighters would have already, Gobbla rewrote this review to take that into consideration.
And to Ross's defense, he said the blog entry was about a boxing journalist who attacked one of his fighters in the press. I don't think it's about anyone on this board. He's been telling people to leave the reviewer alone and to respect his opinion. I emailed him about this, so maybe he can chime in.
yea, that wasn't a blog about the review or the reviewer
__________________ I Will Try
Open Competition Log
Yikes, this has grown out of control. Let’s break it down…
Here is what I wrote:
Quote:
For example, I recently had someone (attempt to) critique a fighter’s conditioning program that I had created.
Tony, as far as I know, you’ve never commented on any of my fighters. I don’t think we need to get into a discussion regarding singular possessive terms vs. plural possessive terms.
Quote:
That's pretty much the way Ross feels about it I believe.
There you go believing again
Do me a favor, if you believe I say something, please double check with me. Trust me, if I have a problem with you, you will be the first person to know about it. I don’t beat around the bush or send subliminal messages.
Once again, I don’t have a problem with Tony (thought that was pretty clear based on my responses last week?). I respect his right to an opinion, but fortunately (for me) I’ve counted 12 reviews from various sites that are all 100 percent positive, and my inbox and message board are filled with testimonials. I am very happy with the product, and others have expressed their gratitude, and I’m thankful for that.
With that said, I deal with a small niche. My entire squad consists of competitive fighters. That is my focus day in and day out. I take what I do very seriously. I will always stand up for my work, as I believe in it 100 percent.
if you respect his right to an opinion, why did you seem so upset about a review that was less than glowing? (it wasn't negative, so I'm not using that term)
I'm not trying to start shit, I've done enough of that. This just seems like it's being twisted a little bit. And I do think that there is a lot of learning that does need to be done in this inudstry (or whatever you call it) about universal acceptance. Not everything is going to get gold stars, just like in life. Everything isn't great.
live and learn and move on I guess.
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Quoth David Banner: "Like a pimp"
It's not a beer belly. It's a gas tank for a sax machine.
if you respect his right to an opinion, why did you seem so upset about a review that was less than glowing? (it wasn't negative, so I'm not using that term)
That is not true, not at all. I never was upset. I made this clear initially (others were actually saying that there wasn't enough controversy). I simply stood up for my program. That is what people do when they believe in their work. I will always speak up and defend my work, as I am 110 percent passionate about it. I don't have any ill feelings towards Tony. None at all.
Gobbla's Guides - Full Throttle Conditioning
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