Archive for Rushfit
I am Rushfit
Posted by: | CommentsIn the words of Mike Goldberg, “It is all over!” I have made it to the end of my eight week program doing the Rushfit system and I feel great. Early on in the program I struggled to find time and motivation as I got deeper into each week, but eventually started getting up around 6am and getting my workout done before breakfast which made it a lot easier. The decision to start the program on a Saturday also proved to be a good one as it meant Friday was a rest day.
Overall the program is challenging, fun, but most of all achievable. As I’ve said before, almost every exercise is given with a less intense alternative for those just starting out, which makes it very accessible for the beginner. As I started on the intermediate program, I found these a welcome relief in the early going but eventually went on to the regular, and in some cases the advanced versions.
Progress through the program was steady, I increased the weight on my dumbbells at the half way point and noticed that some of the exercises I struggled with became much easier. One thing that didn’t become easier was the explosive power training workout, unlike Georges, I am built for endurance not speed and as a result really struggle with plyometric workouts. Sure it was fun and I saw some gains, but overall that workout continued to be very difficult for me to keep up with.
Some highlights:
- Once I learned the combinations in the fight conditioning DVD I found it was nothing but fun. The rounds just seemed to melt away and I found myself looking ahead on the schedule to see when it would come up again.
- The first time I made the full 60 seconds for an iso squat. Like I said, I’m built for endurance not power so naturally isometrics are another weak point.
- Matching a world champion movement for movement for 3 rounds. I simply don’t have the genetics to be like Georges St Pierre so keeping up with him for 15 minutes gave me a great encouragement.
- Getting through 11 sets of 10 air squats and 5 Hindu push ups in five minutes. In some respects I wish I hadn’t because it was the first round, but as a personal best it’s still a high point.
The one mistake I made with Rushfit was I didn’t take any measurements or pictures for before and after comparisons. All I can really say is my clothes are looser, I feel better and I move much more easily. This is not a mistake I intend to make on my next program. What is it? Stay tuned for more updates.
We’re half way there
Posted by: | CommentsOver the past four weeks I’ve been working out six times a week (I’ve only missed a couple) using the Rushfit DVDs. It’s been an interesting ride with pain, stiffness and some real progress.
I actually tried this program earlier this year but had to bail out at the end of week three due to skipping three workouts in a row then breaking my foot.
Rushfit is a mixed martial arts based workout that uses “functional fitness”, or natural body motions and provided a tough workout in just 45 minutes. I’ve finally managed to do all the DVDs, one doesn’t show up on the schedule until week four, I can say that they are all tough, all challenging and all fun.
There’s a good warm up using nothing but body weight and motion, followed by five five minute “rounds” in which you work hard, then a minute’s rest in between. Two so called bonus workouts don’t quite follow this pattern, one focusing on stretches and the other on balance and agility.
My favourite is the Fight Conditioning DVD which uses kick boxing and jiu jitsu techniques to push you and more than once has left me utterly exhausted. Although I was also able to match a world champion movement for movement for three rounds which was a fantastic feeling.
I’ve found certain exercises I struggled with initially are getting easier, in fact this morning I managed to last the full 60 seconds in an isometric squat for the first time ever. I’ve also noticed that everything I do in my everyday life is easier and I feel more athletic.
I’ve still got another four weeks ahead of me but I’m really looking forward to it. Looking at the program, it looks to get a little tough from here on in, but I say bring it on!