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Book Review: Randy Couture's Xtreme Training

Randy Couture's Xtreme Training: The Fighter's Ultimate Fitness Manual

Reviewing Randy Couture's latest book Xtreme Training: The Fighter's Ultimate Fitness Manual was pretty intimidating for me, the quintessential non-athlete. Unlike the Couture's previous Victory Belt book Wrestling for Fighting, this one is focused strictly on his training regimen with only cursory attention to technique.

But it was obvious to me that no one was more qualified to write an MMA training and conditioning manual than the modern miracle Randy Couture. Anyone who wins the UFC heavyweight title at age 43 and continues fighting and winning up to the age of 47 has something to teach the rest of us about conditioning. He'll be putting his methods to the test, perhaps for the last time, against Lyoto Machida at UFC 129

The book, co-authored by Lance Freimuth and Erich Krauss does not disappoint. Weighing in at an information-packed 320 pages with hundreds of sharp color photos, it is the usual class A Victory Belt production. 

I found the introductory section particularly informative. Although it's probably information familiar to any jock who actually paid attention in class while earning their kinesiology degree, to me it was a very educational read. The section explains the science behind Couture's training philosophy and has the best explanations I've ever read of concepts like aerobic and anaerobic conditioning (including a discussion of lactic acidosis that would be very informative for Shane Carwin).

The training sections are divided up into a lengthy General Physical Preparation section with subsections on Metabolic Conditioning, Posterior Chain, Upper Body Push, Upper Body Pull, and Core excercises. Part two is a section on Sport-Specific Training divided into a Standing section with drills for Solo Power, Partner Takedown, Partner Striking and a Ground section (Solo Power and Partner Grappling). This section is a perfect complement to Andre Galvao's Drill to Win and its collection of jiu jitsu drills.

The excercises themselves require a minimum of fancy equipment. A few moves call for a grappling dummy but for the most part it's barbells, medicine balls and resistance bands (other than the obligatory sledge hammer and tractor tire) -- basic equipment most athletes can put their hands on.

The final section breaks down Couture's pre-fight training schedule with a 10 week calendar. I have to think this is the kind of information that aspiring fighters and MMA trainers should be memorizing. Couture clearly knows how to prepare himself for a cage fight and anyone looking to do the same should help themselves to his hard-earned experience. 

All in all,  Xtreme Training: The Fighter's Ultimate Fitness Manual is the strength and conditioning bible aspiring MMA fighters -- and anyone who wants to get into that kind of top notch physical shape -- have been waiting for.

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Hmm.

Might give this a look depending on the cost.

"Unless you can’t think of something intelligent to say, don’t reply and make the world as dumb as you are appearing to be." - mabel4life

by lowellthehammer on Apr 28, 2011 4:20 PM EDT reply actions  

How lengthy is it?

About the size of the BJ Penn Book of Knowledge?

"Unless you can’t think of something intelligent to say, don’t reply and make the world as dumb as you are appearing to be." - mabel4life

by lowellthehammer on Apr 28, 2011 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

it's a tiny bit thicker

as I said in the review 320 pages, I think BJ’s came in at just under 300.

Follow me on Twitter @KidNate

by Nate Wilcox on Apr 28, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Man...my reading comprehension is deteriorating already.

Appreciate the book review though, I’d have no clue this was even out there if you didn’t say something.

"Unless you can’t think of something intelligent to say, don’t reply and make the world as dumb as you are appearing to be." - mabel4life

by lowellthehammer on Apr 28, 2011 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Its actually better than I expected.

Bought it 5 months ago, and it has some good stuff in it. Actually added some of it to my routine. Should pretty much benefit anyone interested in improved strength, agility conditioning and overall fitness.

by Kung Foo on Apr 28, 2011 4:34 PM EDT reply actions  

That's what I'm interested in.
Should pretty much benefit anyone interested in improved strength, agility conditioning and overall fitness.

I’m not a fighter, have no desire to be a fighter, but I do like doing some MMA based workouts. Helps keep things interesting. Also like having plans written out for me as I’m terrible at sticking to it otherwise.

"Unless you can’t think of something intelligent to say, don’t reply and make the world as dumb as you are appearing to be." - mabel4life

by lowellthehammer on Apr 28, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Interesting, might have to give this a read.

On an unrelated note. A friend of mine just asked me to join his team for the Tough Mudder race in NorCal in September. I’m fucking excited that shit looks awesome.

"What do you know about my vision? My vision will turn your world upside down, tear asunder your illusions and send the sanctuary of your own ignorance crashing down around you. Now ask yourself: Are you really ready to see that vision?"
-Huey Freeman

by dgonz on Apr 28, 2011 5:19 PM EDT reply actions  

Not that I don't appreciate all the articles

but damn! Between Judo Chops, interviews, fight breakdowns, news/analysis, and now book reviews, do you ever sleep? Seriously, that’s a LOT of freaking writing.

by JiltedEmu on Apr 28, 2011 5:22 PM EDT reply actions  

I don't do any interviews

but no I don’t get a lot of sleep either!

Follow me on Twitter @KidNate

by Nate Wilcox on Apr 28, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

"Come on princess!"

"What do you know about my vision? My vision will turn your world upside down, tear asunder your illusions and send the sanctuary of your own ignorance crashing down around you. Now ask yourself: Are you really ready to see that vision?"
-Huey Freeman

by dgonz on Apr 28, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

THE ULTIMATE RANDY THE NATURAL COU-DOOR BY JAKE

"Unless you can’t think of something intelligent to say, don’t reply and make the world as dumb as you are appearing to be." - mabel4life

by lowellthehammer on Apr 28, 2011 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

you got a dore? you got a gym

by omegared07 on Apr 28, 2011 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

The book cover is cut off a bit in this picture

looks like it says “Andy Couture”

People who don't have the patience for the technical aspect of MMA should think about getting into another sport. THIS ONE requires BRAINS.

by i_am_awesome_o on Apr 29, 2011 1:05 AM EDT reply actions  

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