IGX

OK, since the last fellow who posted here couldn't take the ribbing and left in a huff, I thought I would try to review it again so people will consider BER on its own merits, apart from the personality quirks of self promoting yo-yos. You guys can take all the shots at me that you want...I'm used to it.


Anyway...

$45+ for an e-book may seem like a lot, but it's very well thought out, very well organized (with a couple of editorial gaffes, but nothing critical), and you do get access to downloadable video clips that demonstrate the exercises and routines for each section of the book. The table of contents is almost as long as the book itself, which is nice when you are trying to locate a particular idea or concept. Steer and Murdock provide a website with a forum where you can ask questions or discuss ideas etc, and they are very good about answering posts within a day or two. The site itself isn't especially RMAX in its look and feel, and most of the posters are not hard core CST guys.

People who like Sonnon's approach to bodyweight exercise but don't want to drink the Kool-Aid will probably like this collection. The 4x7 training template appeals to my common sense (based on the book "Consistent Winning", but repurposed for strength/mobility/bodyweight exercise instead of distance running). It incorporates drills from "Flow Fit I", "Forward Pressure" and some of the other ideas Sonnon has introduced over the years (maybe he didn't invent them, but in most cases, his intro's were the first time I saw them) in a nice, progressive, sustainable format, and you can get through your daily program in a reasonable amount of time.

The programs include strength development, hypertrophy, fat loss, general athleticism, and longevity. (I find it interesting that the longevity program focuses heavily on the one legged squat/pistol). You can also used the template to implement other "generalized" programs - Flow Fit I fits nicely in this category.

Murdock and Steer appear to be very capable and display admirable athleticism and overall fitness in their clips. The editorial style has very little self puffery a-la Matt Furey - they just show you what they can do, and show you how to do it.

I'm working on the General Athleticism program right now, Phase I, and the Metcon workout for the high intensity day absolutely kicked my butt, but left me feeling pretty good. In a month, I'll move over to the Longevity program, then try the GA program again, etc.

I'm satisfied with the purchase and the program - it lets me incorporate yoga and JM and chi kung, so I don't have to give up things I enjoy doing, but lets me do hard exercise as well. YMMV.