Infinite Intensity will change the way athletes approach training. This program integrates a lifetime of in the trenches experience, coupled with years of extensive research.
Don't expect a picture book filled with secret exercises or bogus promises. There is nothing new under the sun. This 250 page manual will outline a complete system, from A to Z, covering all aspects of physical training.
The philosophy behind this program is simple. If it works, we will use it. This program is not limited to one training style (ex. bodyweight exercise vs. weight training). This manual incorporates the best of both worlds.
A sample 50 day routine is provided which applies the principles detailed throughout the manual.
Topics Include: Dumbbell training for power and strength Advanced bodyweight exercises Isometrics Weighted and bodyweight core movements Low budget options for homemade training equipment Heavy bag drills for enhanced punching power Conditioning drills to enhance each energy system An analysis of periodization for combat athletes Research from world renowned sports scientists Commonly neglected areas such as the hands and neck A 50 day training program And much, much more...
Infinite Intensity will enable the athlete to optimize strength and endurance based on the unique needs of the individual. This program will teach you how and why to incorporate strength training and conditioning, without allowing one objective to interfere with another.
I've boxed on and off since 1990 and been an athlete in one way or another my whole life but adding many of Ross Enamaits fitness ideas to my routine have helped me take my conditioning to a whole new level. Ross has a background in boxing so the focus is getting yourself in shape for combat sports. If your active in boxing, mixed martial arts, Olympic or Greco-Roman style wrestling, kickboxing or any other combat sport Ross will help you take your conditioning to a whole new level. Whereas Infinite Intensity, while far from neglecting bodyweight exercises, has a lot of stuff with dumbells, Never Gymless focuses on bodyweight/calisthenic exercises and various routines using and variations of the exercises in this book. In his books he also goes in depth with interval training, circuit training, wind sprints, jumping rope, plyometrics, isometrics, sand bag training, there's even stuff on exercise bands. But whats really important is not just the individual exercises or routines , but the ideas pertaining to getting yourself in condition, and how they relate to combat sports. I don't care if your a world champion fighter or at an elite level of fitness, the workouts laid out in his books will kick your ass and take your conditioning to a new level.
I think the only thing I disagree with him on is he downplays, if not out and out excludes distance running opting for interval runs and wind sprints. While I agree 100% that intervals and sprints should be a part of a fighters routine I can't help but remember that the greatest feats of conditioning I have ever seen in a boxing rings conditioning regime had more to do with distance runs than any other facet of training. Ali and Fraizer in their fights, incredibly conditioned fighters like Henry Armstrong or Ray Robinson, and Rocky Marciano who was probably the best conditioned heavyweight ever and he would sometimes run as much as 15 miles in a day while training for a fight. So while I agree that sprints and intervals should be used, and yes there is such a thing as doing too much running, you can't really argue with greats like those whose conditioning surpasses any boxers fighting right now that I can think of. He also includes a chapter on nutrition in Never Gymless, which instead of focusing on for lack of a better phrase "sports nutrition" he focuses on long term health going into the dangerous gmos, the harmful additives/chemicals that are put into the food, pesticides used on the crops, hormones and other drugs given to the livestock and the harmful effects and why they should be avoided. He gives alternatives (he's big on organic food) to the poisonous products while still being realistic and not fanatical.
I highly recomend both Infinite Intensity and Never Gymless. If you want to get in shape to fight both are the best money you will ever spend.
I love this book. When I start overthinking things and picking apart the minutae of training techniques, Ross is like the trainer that brings me back to earth, slaps me on the side of the head, and reminds me of the basics. And what really matters.
I've been boxing for about 15 years now. Infinite Intensity is my go-to conditioning book. There's a 50 day plan included, which I've used about 4 times now. Every time it's come through for me, and spit me out the other side a well conditioned machine.
Nowadays I use the various individual workouts from the book (GPP, Warrior workouts, Track work) and use them in conjunction with my weight training program (tactical barbell). I plan on running another 50 day II standalone in January (gotta work off Xmas lol).
Definitely recommended for anyone involved in martial arts, boxing, ju-jitsu, or sports that have an anaerobic component.
A very good guide to working out. Includes tips on just about every aspect important to an athlete. Strength, conditioning, core and more. The training methods and exercises described in the book are focused on low-tech and high-effect so you don't need access to a fully equipped gym to apply in real life what the book has to offer. I truly recommend it!
It's a great book with lots of information on fitness. He outlines clear ideas on how to combine the various exercises in order to achieve your goal. All the time highlighting the philosophy that it's important how you create resistance as long as you put it into a good framework. So no matter if you use weights, bodyweight or other equipment, if you use it right, you will have success.
In addition, I love how the author puts little tidbits of knowledge on biological mechanisms of fitness into the text to explain the why, not just the how.
I only gave 4 stars, because it was not directly clear that he argues from a fighter's point of view and because serveral of the basic exercises require equipment that can be expensive to purchase (range of dumbbells, rope, sledgehammer, etc). He outlines, many many bodyweight exercises, so it's not a deal breaker, mind you.
I have not read it yet, but his book "Never gymless" most likely will extend on this topic. (On my reading list)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ross is quite strong (he does one legged weighted squats!). He, however, is not brilliant and as such the book comes off as experiential not researched. Not that there is much wrong with that, but this book should probably be balanced with other books that understand kinetics,etc.
My main worry is that some of the explosive movements could be dangerous if done wrong. I would feel more assured if the book didn't have statements saying that dumbbells are the way to exercise because certain body builders only used dumbbells. This is an extremely flawed argument (though its conclusion may be right) and casts doubt on other statements.
That being said, this is an excellent book on body weight/dumbbell exercises and definitely worth a read
Just as I consider Starting Strength and Tactical Barbell top of the line, reliable, "go-to" strength training books - Infinite Intensity is the King of Conditioning programs. You'll find unsurpassed conditioning workouts designed to develop your cardio, anaerobic and aerobic ability. Muscular endurance? Yup. Ross really makes me remember why I got into training in the first place, and is excellent to slap you out of training-consumerism. Ross reminds you that you need to sweat and work hard to become a machine - not rely on gadgets, fancy diets, or supplements. You will benefit from his mindset alone. If you're caught up in the latest fad diet, supplments or workout gear and want to remember what that spark felt like back when you first started training, read this.
Ross Enamait is fantastic. His writing is researched, supported, and positive. He doesn't make promises about miracle shortcuts, optimal results from minutes per week training programs, or any of the other garbage polluting the fitness industry. If all you got from this book was the 50-day training program, you'd do well. If you took the time to learn how to use that program and swap out exercises from time to time, even better. If you made use of the entire book and took complete ownership of your physical training, I'm hard pressed to see how you could do better. Highly recommended.
My conditioning bible. I'm a police officer, and several years ago I was getting a little tubby due to falling into sedentary habits, combined with shift work and a poor diet. I finally decided to smarten up and get myself back on track. I ran the 50 day program, and it delivered. I ended up losing around 10lbs, and felt like a million bucks after it was over. Nowadays I have a steady lower intensity workout program (strength training + cardio 3 x week) but once a year I try to run the 50 day plan to keep me on my toes.
Phenomenal book. For those that want a practical approach with real world results, this book along with Tactical Barbell II are the standard for all around elite fitness in my opinion. Just enough theory to provide understanding, and then its all hands-on training that will propel you to the next level.
The training in this book is challenging, if you're looking for a book that promises easy results, this ain't it. You have to put in the work. And it is totally worth it.
I ran the 50 day program in this book improved my vo2max dramatically, and lost close to 10lbs of fat.
An invaluable and mandatory book for mma/combat athletes. I enjoy and benefit greatly from running the 50 day program in this book a couple times a year. My one very small criticism is the lack of progression when it comes to the "strength sessions/days". But, as Ross points out, maximum strength isn't at the top of the priority list for combat athletes.
Excellent book if you're interested in results (and really everyone should be). Down to earth, no-nonsense and pretty much guaranteed results. If you do the 50 day sample program within, you will come out vastly improved on the other side. One of the best all around conditioning books on the market.
This an outstanding how-to book on physical fitness. The author provides thorough explanation of the exercises along with a bit of humor and a large dose of motivation. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their level of fitness.
Excellent. On par with Tactical Barbell II and far better than most conditioning programs out there. If you're looking for "quick results" look elsewhere. If you're willing to put the work in, you'll be hard pressed to find a better general conditioning program.
Excellent, excellent material. I've removed one star only because it is slightly dismisive of aerobic long steady state/ road work. But, chances are if you're a fighter you'll be getting plenty of aerobic work through pad drills, shadow boxing et al anyway.