IGX

This DVD delivers everything that Pavel's "Fast And Loose" promised (but didn't deliver), and more.

Some of the RMAX materials can be a bit skimpy for the price. This one isn't; it has more than an hour and a half of lecture and demonstration. There are not of lot of 'graphics' - it's just Scott alone in an office, talking, with a little unobtrusive camera work to keep things from getting static and dull. I actually prefer this format to the slicker studio 'follow along' efforts with the background music loops, but that's just me.

Essentially; Scott brings together and fully develops most of the "control pause breathing" and "vibration training" info he has mentioned elsewhere (in "Maximology", "Fisticuffs", "Be Breathed", and other material I may not know about.). He discusses the reasoning and methodology behind it and then gives thorough, helpful demonstrations of each section of the program.

"R.E.S.E.T." is presented as a program for fighters who want to be able to recover quickly from training and to recover more quickly than their opponents in the ring. Scott presents it as a developmental program; each aspect should be mastered before moving onto the next phase - although some people will be tempted to just grab the "Throttle Up" part and go with it as a way to increase their energy.(Scott warns against this, BTW, and gives some very detailed and convincing arguments - based on physiology and biochemistry - why a trainee should not do this. "out of context".) However, I can immediately see how anyone could use this material to enhance their performance (and recovery) in fields such as Girevoy Sport, Oly lifting, track and field events, gymnastic, or even strenuous Hatha Yoga styles such as Bikram or Ashtanga...any sport or fitness activity that kicks your ass and leaves you wondering if you will be able to manage the next session.

Students of Hatha Yoga and Chi Kung will recognize many aspects of the breathing methods, and students of Russian fighting and training methods will recognize many of the "vibration training" drills. Scott acknowledges his debt to these lineages, but emphasizes his rationale for his choice of methods and ways to implement them. Given his track record and background, I think it's safe to say that you probably won't go wrong following his suggestions (although he does insist on getting a doctor's clearance for the program, especially the aggressively "yang" "Throttle Up" method.) The recommended time to master the program is set at 2 to 4 months, which seems quite reasonable given the unusual flavor or the material - I can almost guarantee you won't be seeing anyone else doing this at your local gym or health club.

The DVD begins with about 30 minutes of lecture and discussion to set the background for the actual method. Then Scott breaks his method down into progressive, developmental drills. There is a basic "predator's stance" you assume between bouts, the 'chugging', "shimmying" and arm screw methods, the limb shaking methods (similar to what Pavel showed in "Fast and Loose" but far more detailed and sophisticated), the 'Throttle Up" drills, and idling and cool down drills for after the fact. My one complaint is that I wish the camera had pulled back a little farther for a full view of Scott while he demonstrates the early material, but you can't have everything.

As an aside, I would like to say that Scott's presentation of his version of the 'Corpse' pose (and 'square breathing") is perhaps the best I've ever seen on the subject. I've read (and watched on video) at least a dozen variations on this, and I got something new out of his treatment of it.

In summary? This DVD really is an embarrassment of riches. If you like Sonnon's approach to training and conditioning at all, I think you will find this quite a treat. Even if you don't, if you are open to some new and relatively exotic ideas to enhance your health and athletic performance, you may find it worth while.

5 wolves out of 5.

Thanks for the great review, ABW!

Sounds cool.

I was a hater for a long time, but Scott has really hit his stride and figured out how to communicate effectively.

Fat Cat wrote:I was a hater for a long time, but Scott has really hit his stride and figured out how to communicate effectively.

Yep. And this one I am interested in- I work in shorts rounds all the time and would love to recover faster. I may just have to take a chance and spend my precious $.

Yes, I reviewed some of Scott's mobility stuff and I always add tools to my bag. Seasoning and personal growth really shine with your communication skills Scott.

I found the discussion on the impact of exceeding your maximum heart rate on your skills performance particularly interesting. I never heard it explained that way before but maybe I'm just way out of the loop