Cage Match: P90X vs. "Super Slow" HIT

Today's Cage Match: P90X vs. Super Slow HIT (High Intensty Training)


I am a big believer in working out to the point of muscular exhaustion for the best results- which as I understand it is a hallmark of HIT.

I know there are several types of HIT now. I used to do a form called 'Super-Slow.' It was developed by the Nautilus founder, Elliot Darden.

In Super-slow, you worked one-on-one with a trainer (at about $45 per half-hour session) in a room full of custom designed machines. In most of them you were tightly secured with straps and bars so you physically could only move or work one joint at a time. (Not recommended for people who are claustrophobic!!!)

One in particular was scary because you had a padded bar at the top of your thigh preventing your leg from moving up. Then your feet were put on a steel plate. They raised the plate with a huge screw, moving it up toward your knees until you cried uncle! It was like a medieval torture machine.

The workouts were short, but intense. One set, 10 seconds up and 10 seconds down for each rep until complete muscular failure- exhaustion. (All on machines, no free weights.) Then on to the next body part. At the end of your half hour you are reduced to a quivering mass of jello!

The most you were allowed to work out was 2 times per week.

I saw good strength gains, but never saw any change in my body composition. Still, I am a believer in Super-Slow as a very efficient form of exercise. Probably the best possible in only 60 minutes a week.

But I have two problems with it.

The trainers actively DISCOURAGED cardio exercise. And I believe both cardio and resistance are essential to get the best results- from a looks and a health perspective.

Secondly, when I think of the cost of Super-Slow versus the cost of the X, it is no contest. If I did 90 days of super slow (13 weeks) at 2 sessions a week, it would run a whopping $1,170.

That is 10 times the cost of P90X for inferior results.

I'd consider going back there for a few months from time to time to change things up. But IMO as an overall fitness program, P90X beats the panties off Super-Slow.

-Doc

Kevin Kane, MD
The Fit Doc
Diamond Team Beachbody Coach