Tell us your Success Story!
* Required Field
Name
*
City, State
*
Image (Optional)
(Jpeg images only)
Comments
*

Enter the code in the image to the left (Case Sensitive):
      Page 1 of 2  »»
"Thank You for your Inspiration"
I purchased the pit work out as a brown belt in Kajukenbo ( emperado Method) at age 48. Though am now a Black belt ( same age), I wanted to thank you for your inspiration and the Pit work out tape. The black belt test was approx. 4 hours ending in brawling and sparing. I was voted most outstanding at age 48 and the oldest participant in the test on 3-27-2009.
Please accept my thanks.
Continued success in all you do.
I could not have done it with out you.
G.Sonny Beasley
Los Angeles, CA
"1001 Submissions"

I am enjoying the 1001 Submissions video series!

Jim
Pound, VA
"Great Workout"

Great workout!! I've lost 16 pounds in about 7 weeks. Love it! I'd recommend it to anyone who can keep up and handle the initial pain. (My husband was done after the first day!) You have to have a good level of fitness to begin with. If you do have good base fitness this workout will take you to the next level. Has improved my overall cardio as well as strength.

Girls Kick Ass!
Canada
"in shape in a hurry"

I received the pit workout DVD last year and was immediately intimidated by the workouts. This year I finally decided to get into weightlifting more seriously and boxing too. So I got a bag, a couple dumbbells and got to work. At first, I couldnt even finish a workout. But I didnt give up and I continued doing both workouts and I am very happy with the results. These workouts have conditioned my body and helped out immensely with my cardio and also with muscle building and I would most definitely recommend this DVD to anybody looking to get in shape in a hurry.

Cameron
Monticello, Indiana
"1001 submissions"

I am an older grappler/cage fighter and always looking for new ways to improve. Was excited to find the DVD 1001 Submissions ... And, I'm really anxious to receive it in the mail.

p.s. - I'm also team captain for the Firestorm Fight Team. Hope to share what I learn with my teammates. Thanks for producing a great product!

http://firestorm-fightteam.webs.com

Jim
Pound, VA
"Very Tough"

i want to say that i'm in kickboxing and enjoy greatly but i still feel that i'm out of shape...i'm 43 and feeling a little slower and not as strong as i was in my 30's....so i purchase a PIT WORKOUT and it change my outlooking about being slower & stronger...this workout are great and very tough....so i want to say thank you for making me feel young again and getting me in the shape i was in my 30's ....the wor kout rock & kick you butt into great condition shape and make you feel better about yourself......i would give this workout to anybody who "think there in shape" those workout will prove that point....keep up the great work JOHN & "YOU ARE THE MASTER"....THANK YOU C.SMITH

chris smith
appleton,wisconsin
"Healthy Lifestyle"

 

"I've tried the pit workout on two separate campaigns to lose weight and both times I lost around 6-8 kilos (12-18 pounds) or there about. These time frames were only around 4 weeks worth of training. Unfortunately all it took was 1 night out on the booze and I put off doing the pit, then I got lazy drank more beer ate wrong foods and after about 7 days I did the 1st upper body routine on the 1st pit series.
I couldn't believe it all that hard work I put in for those 4 weeks was gone I was back to the first time I did it. Point of story is I've learned now that you must eat healthy drink in moderation and do the pit workout at least 3 times a week. I just started the pit again today and this time I'm going to incorporate it into my life, I know my life will change for the better. I just need to beat the beer and food demons. John Hackleman Thank you for the tools.
116kg 19/1/2011. To be continued...."

Harry Talor
Queensland Australia
"How I heard about The Pit"

I live in Ferndale, WA and started Hawaiin Kempo last year. Although I cant afford classes right now, I have a drill bag in my living room and continue to do The Pit Workouts. I have lost 52 lbs since I started in October of 2009!! My nephew has started classes now and  his self esteem, grades, and confidence has dramatically improved!!!

Thank you!!
Kelli Eshuis
Washington
"The program is great"

I heard about The Pit and MMA Roots thru a sticker that is on my walllocker in Iraq. I'm currently deployed there.  I tried the Crosspitt workout and fell in love with the programs.  I got the Pit Workout and am doing that for a 90 day period.  So far the program is great.

Matthew Johnson
Oahu / Iraq
"Great Workouts"

Our Krav Maga School has been using the Pit workouts and the Pit Cards for a few months now, and I must say that I have noticed a dramatic improvement in everybody's total fitness level and our fighters have have improved their fight conditioning as well. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more great workouts from you guys.

Britt Jesperson
Aurora, CO
"The Pit Workout - Skills and Drills DVD"

You’ll probably have a hard time finding someone you can shadow box with like Olympic gold medallist Howard Davis, however, you can still feel the complete body burn of this featured 45-minute intense workout.

Make sure your body can handle this before attempting.

One of six workout DVDs in The Pit Workout – Master Boxset, designed to get you in top shape and hone your cardio and fighting skills simultaneously. Trainer John Hackleman, aka The Pit Master, even guarantees at the beginning of the Skills and Drills DVD that this workout will improve your skills as a fighter. Hackleman encourages anyone that questions, disagrees with his methods, or if you have a problem with the way his students perform the skills and drills, send him an email!

While a list of recommended gear is listed during the opening messages and on the back of the DVD case, Hackleman does show you ways that you can work around that in your own home. No replacement for Davis is given, but his idea of filling sand in a bag instead of having a real punching bag, is just one of many neat innovations he suggests.

One of the greatest exercises in the DVD is ’The Luke.' It completely works out ever part of the body by doing a set of techniques intensely for only a minute and 20 seconds for three sets. For those looking to be burning all over once their workouts are done this will give you that sore sensation. I found adding this to my core routine really adds to the toning of my body. It will be quite a shock for your body if you’re doing bodybuilding training. This workout is highly recommended for those looking to improve their strength conditioning and lose a bit of weight.

Hackleman not only offers advice to those in an MMA environment, but also to those that street fight as well. The banter he gives to his students adds a sense of realism to the production, and more often than not is timely when it looks like they are slowing down.

This DVD is meant for those that already have at least a basic skill set when it comes to fighting. The DVD extras contain different striking combos with slow instant replays, but does not go over the many different types of punches and kicks. That will be looked at in another DVD review in this boxset, entitled The Pit Instructional Vol.1.

By Johnny North writing for Ringside Report
www.ringsidereport.com
"The Pit Workout - Twenties DVD"

Grueling and torturous best describes the three workouts presented in John Hackleman’s The Pit Workout: Twenties DVD as he will work you for long periods of time and then max out whatever you have left to give.

As with The Pit’s entire workout DVDs, make sure your body is fit and able to handle these routines. In this one, you will definitely become light-headed and disoriented if you start without a solid warm-up or have not exercised in years.

The first 20-minute workout Hackleman shows you is called ‘The Pit Chelsey.’ Basically he starts you off doing a variety of exercises you have to do in just two minutes. Punching a bag, head kicks to a bag, push-ups, squats—he pretty much works your entire body. After that he maxes you out by performing a single one for 45 seconds, followed by a small break, and then you switch to another exercise.

Hackleman stresses throughout all of the workouts that the most important thing to keep in mind is form and intensity. Extremely difficult to pull off considering how draining these workouts are. It’s amazing how well-conditioned his Pit Monsters are as none of them puke, although one could question their form, skipping a rep or two, and missing a sprawl seemed quite common in the second workout. Hackleman states that he will accept any emails if you see one of his students doing anything wrong. The punishment of a spanking does not seem as harsh compared to when he sees one of his students cheating as he yelled, “GET OFF THE FENCE!”

While the first workout requires a medicine ball and a punching bag, the second one pretty much revolves around a punching bag. Called the ‘Building Bag Lines,’ it is designed for three people where the one in front will start off with quick punches and a sprawl while the one in the back does a sprawl. You get a bit of a rest by being in the middle. If you are doing this solo, Hackleman suggests you put a cone in back of you to give you the idea of a line. This workout is one that starts off quick, but progressively becomes more challenging to keep up with as more reps and exercises are added on. One can really get a difference in their striking as you have to be explosive, but versatile all in a small amount of time. While having other people might slow you down, it also pushes you as you don’t want to be the slacker in line.

The last workout known as ‘The Alves’ is one huge long circuit where you have a lot of exercises for the majority of the 20-minute workout. Bag slams, clean jerks, push-ups, and much more, are followed by tabatas. This workout is more suited for those with advanced strength-conditioning that are looking to challenge themselves.

Unlike other workout DVDs, The Pit Workout is more than just improving your cardio and making you look defined—these workouts will seriously push the limits of your striking power and how fast you react to sudden fight situations. If you’re looking to test yourself as a fighter or want to push your abilities, these workouts are for you. The extras in the DVD are more striking combos that were not featured in The Pit Workout: Skills and Drills.

By Johnny North writing for Ringside Report
www.ringsidereport.com
"props to the guys"

I go to MMA training 4 times a week but got my shoulder injured 2 weeks ago in a triangle choke. Doctor said I will have to keep away from sparring and grapling exercises. I need to do something ! I can't just stay at home and not train !!! So I decided to get these DVD's. The biggest surprise my coach will get when I return back to the gym will be that I am 2 or 3 times faster, stronger and way more explosive than when I got injured ! Everyone will want to know which rehab center I went to ! LOL

You're amazing !!!

P.S Props to the guys doing the exercises on the DVD's as well.

Carlos Fernandez
Geneva, Switzerland
"THANK YOU"

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for a great product and making your years of experience and knowledge available to me and my Troops. Prior to my arrival to FT. Shafter, I was stationed in Pittsburgh, PA where we took on an agressive PT and combatives program in preparation to an overseas deployment. Not only did this program increased me and my Soldiers PT score an average of 50 points(Based on Push-ups, sit up and the 2 mile run) but it prepared them to pass the program as well as for a "real fight"

Andres Sepulveda
Aeia, HI
"The Real Deal"

I do blue collar work 13 hours a day 6 days a week. I thought I was in shape! Just got laid off so I want to keep my figure and stay fit. Read about this video and HAD to have it. This workout is THE REAL DEAL! THANKS FOR CHANGING MY LIFE

Kutty Kutruff
PA
"Gassing Out Is Not An Option"

What can I say that you have not heard
before. I will try..
Cool man! Class act!!
Because of you I know gassing out is not
an option if you dont want your face
smashed in.

Thanks man!

david Liverman
goldsboro n.c
"The Whole Pit Family"

I started Pit workouts in Texas Kickboxing Academy in July 2009. I have lost 55lb in the first 2 months. Currently, I have a blue belt in Mua Thai Kickboxing Mixed Martial Arts. Cross-Pit workouts changed my life. I am stronger, healtier, younger and happier than ever. Talented Texas Kickboxing Academy instructors and their amazing Cross-Pit workouts provide me the best achievement in my life.  Thank you very much to the whole PIT family

Emre
Katy, Texas
"THANK YOU SO MUCH"

WOW, THIS WORKOUT IS GREAT. I'VE TRIED A LOT OF OTHER "WORKOUT DVDS" IN THE PAST AND I ALWAYS BECAME FRUSTRATED WITH THE LACK OF RESULTS. NOT THE PIT WORKOUT!! I'VE BEEN USING IT FOR TWO WEEKS AND HAVE ALREADY SHED 9 LBS!!! MY CONFIDENCE IS BACK AND I'M SO MUCH HAPPIER WITH LIFE!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! JOHN YOU ARE THE MAN!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A GREAT PRODUCT!!

JOSHUA DAVILA
NIPOMO,CA
"Worth Every Penny!"

I really enjoy these workouts and have incorporated them into my weekly training. They are very challenging and I would recommend them to anyone serious about staying in great shape and pushing yourself.Another great thing is the price! These workouts are worth every penny!

Scott Gloede
Roswell , Ga.
"Enhanced My Cardio"

WOW! This dvd is amazing. I love it. It's fun and it works. I use to think i was in good shape cuz I would run 5 miles a day, but after this dvd I found out I was wrong. This dvd enhanced my cardio by a long shot! It's a good Pain! Anyways this dvd is alot of work but the thing is it WORKS! So Buy it!!!

Manuel G.
Peoria, AZ
"Pit Indiana"

I have a friend who works out with the pit Indiana. I have been in martial arts for over 20 years, my passion is breaking. I just orderad a pit t-shirt but i am a fan of the iceman. service was fast and shipping was not through the roof. thank you for your time.

anthony
walton,In
"The Pit Pushes Your Body Harder"

I completed 90 days of P90X and had great results but wanted more of a challenge and even more results. The Pit workout does it and is more fun for me because I am interested in MMA for general fitness. I am noticing a higher level of strength and fitness, and getting a little more cut. P90X feels like aerobics compared to this! I still mix in the weights DVDs from P90X, but the PIT pushes your body harder. And you are still using just your body and don't really need equipment. John Hackleman is a cool dude and is helpful and instructive with no BS.

Kaveh Saidi
Philadelphia, PA
"The Pit F#@k'n Rocks"
man, Ive been kicking and punching for 30 yrs, did every workout out there , John hackleman, you da bomb,, nothing complicated, just lots of sweat and a great work out, the Pit F#@k'n rocks
Pete Solomon
Cadillac MI
"kicking my ass"
Just started the workout this week I am a 344 lb out of shape guy i love the fact its kickin my ass i love that its old school i will write back in a month and tell you more its the spark i needed
Jason W.
Quinton, Va.
"kick ass workouts"
Just wanted to say I love these workouts. No fluff, no frills, to the point, hardcore kick ass workouts. Isn't that what everybody wants?
Peggie
Pierre,SD
"Very Realistic and Applicable, Real World"
I picked up a dvd of the first workouts. Took it home out of curiosity. I run a non-profit boxing club for youth. I expected a run of the mill aeorbic type workout for housewives. Wow! was I wrong. Great old school workouts!! Very Realistic and applicable, Real world. Added a new dimension to our conditioning. Puts your cardio OVER the top.Hard work and sweat not for the faint of heart or feeble. This is the REAL THING!!!
jorge luis
cornwall ontario
"My Power Is Overflowing"
This is the best workout in Planet Earth! Im traning The Crosspit Workout for 1 month and I see the results.I combinated with my own traning and now, my power is overflowing.

Thanks for everyone in the Crosspit Workout.

Greetings from Turkey.
Ahmet Alravy
Turkey,Bursa
"100 Burbee day"
Aloha,
I have been training for 20 years with Professor Bob Anderson. 2 years ago my job, where I sit on my A$$ all night got the best of me. I gained a couple extra pounds, ok, 70 extra pounds. My heaviest weight in was 235lbs. I decided enough was enough and between Mr Andersons boot camp and THE PIT workouts I am now at 175lbs walk around weight. THE PIT workouts really were a lot of fun and inspired me to try and get better times for the things you put in front of me. I feel amazing now, in fact every Saturday is 100 burbee day, which I consistantly get done in under 6 minutes, best time 5:34. I'm shooting for better. Anyway, I look forward to following your workouts and I can honestly say, I am in the best shape of my life, and I owe a big share of that to THE PIT workouts. By the way, I will be 50 years old this year, so thanks again.
Richard Klein
Ferndale, WA
"It All Started With The Pit"
Hey Guys (its the "you guys suck" guy) this is like my third or fourth time to order Pit products. This time I bought the "Twenties" DVD and all of the "Workout Cards" which gives me all of your dvds now. I still love them! They have been a spring board to other fitness options for me too. None of which are as tough as The Pit! Long story short, to date I have lost 66 lbs and am in the best shape of my life and it all started with The Pit! Thanks!!!!!!
Chris Lohman
Pasadena, TX
"This Workout Is For Anyone"
Just wanted to let everyone know the Pit Workout is awesome! If you give it 100% the entire workout, you will be in great "fighting" shape. Also, this workout is for anyone. Whether you are a world class fighter or a beginner, just go at your pace, give it all you got and achieve a new personal best. Congrats John, great job!
ROB LIGHT
ST. PETERSBURG, FL.
"great for conditioning"
this is a awsome work out just started two days ago simple workouts that burn like no other i love it its great for conditioning
mike caughlin
mt.vernon wa
"Told All My Buddies"
Ordered the box set and it was here several days later. Did the first 60 minute workout and my ass was kicked! Had a fan blowing on my workout area and I was still soaked. My shoulder muscles were killing me the next day, but a good hurt.

I'm in the military and workout all the time and I still had a hard time keeping up towards the end.

I do workout #2 tomorrow and can't wait. Also love the DVD showing fighting techniques.

If you love fight conditioning and MMA this program is perfect. Best workout I have had since I don't know when. Love it, this will be my main workout program from now on.

I will buy all DVD's produced by The Pit and have told all of my Army Buddies about your program.

Thanks and keep it up!
Jeramy
Fort Polk, LA
"Ruthless Little Brother"
I started with p90x, finished that program and was looking for something to keep me motivated for a healthy lifestyle. I thought P90X took fitness to another level. But the Pit Workout in short is P90X's "Ruthless Little Brother" that wants out!
Brandon
Texas
"TPR"
THE PIT ROCKS.
Ry Simmons
Cape G, MO
"Variety and Challenges"
Just finished "Skills and Drills" DVD, feeling pumped! This is what happened with 15 seconds to go ... (see photo).

Pit Master you rock! ... but the wife hates you, the cord that didn't break whipped her on the back.

Loved the variety and challenges of the new DVD, lots of fun. It makes you push yourself to new highs. Top marks.
James
VIC, Australia
"EXTRA EDGE OVER THE CRIMINALS"
John Hackleman your workouts are incredible. I am a police officer and wanted an extra edge over the criminals. Your workouts have increased my strength and endurance dramatically. I have been doing the workouts for about 6 months now and have already lost 25 pounds and I am now 6'02" 190 pounds. These workouts will make anybody a better warrior and increase their confidence.

However John, you really need to learn how to count :) When I think I am done with all the sweat and tears I have already given you, I am only beginning. Keep up the great work and take care!
BJ
Denver, CO
"I AM IN AWE"
WOW, what a workout. I was a member of the local gym - but funds got tight. I purchased this video to save money on my gym membership. I am a minor league baseball player, so I need to keep my strength up for next season.

This video is better then my 2.5 hour workout using a full gym.

I AM IN AWE.
Brian N. Beers
Lyleville, Pa
"John Looked Mean"
I bought the pit workout because I was bored and John looked mean. I thought I was fit before but the Pit has taken me to a level of fitness and muscle tone I never imagined possible! These are the most hard core workouts ever! I bought a wavemaster recently and just love punishing that bag! John and the team you all totally rock! Thank you SO much! I've just ordered your new DVDs can't wait to try them out! I do however request old school Pit t-shirts to be made for girls too! No pink necessary!
Vanessa
Melbourne, Australia
"You Guys Suck!!!"
You Guys Suck!!! Part 2...
I've been doing The Pit Workout for 2 months now and have lost 30 lbs. Not sure if it could have been done any other way. Mr. Hackleman has a unique way of keeping you engaged and a strange sense of humor. Like he keeps reminding you that you're "almost done", no matter which set you're on. "WTF" Took me a minute to catch that one... The best part is that after 2 months I still hurt after every workout. As I get better I just turn up the intensity level and......OUCH!!! (But its a good pain) So I'd like you to pass my THANK YOU on to Mr. Hackleman and all of the PIT Crew. Starting now I'm changing the You guys Suck to You guys Rock!!!!
Thanks,
Chris
Chris Lohman
Pasadena, TX
"you are the real deal!"
Master Hackleman you are the real deal!I too think ChucL has more fights in him, Hua was a flook, and you will make him be ready for those fights as always. I've never seen a fat Iceman in the cage. We have a work out group of guys that have got together to train. I am the oldest member (45 years old) and i feel like the youngest. I have put guys younger than me over a bucket heaving and some others have broken away and not returned. I use your saying all the time, "its not tai chi, tae bo (Where I intitally started and elavated my cardio so that I could last for harder work outs) and , or tae weird do ( I have had a black belt in TKD since 1996), it is THE PIT!" Mixed martial arts has change my belief system on how to fight, what works, and how to train for the fight. Working out with you, we've coined a new phrase... we must become a "Martial Artheletes!" Thank you and God Bless you for helping me to turn back the clock, look better for my wife, give my family, and my karate students, a good example of a Dad/Sensei in shape, and just attaining better fitness for my life (I am a detective with our parish Sheriff's office). I have gone from 298 to to 238 over time, I'm in the best shape of my life and getting better with every workout, and I feel great! Know this everyone...It is better to be in shape then to get in shape!!!! God Bless, Don
Don Lirette
Eunice , La.
"I started P90X... then I tried The Pit!!"
I started out with P90X and I never thought a wourkout could get any harder! Then I tried The Pit!! Oh my GOD!!! When I went back to P90X I was bored because it seamed so slow in comparison. Then I got a wavemaster and The Pit Workout went to a whole new and even harder level. It was worse than the first time I tried it. I have spent a lot of time, sweat, and tears doing this video sieres and tell all my friends about it. Everyone that i have turned on to these have cussed and thanked me at the same time. So Thank You for the best and most grueling workouts ever! I am in the best shape ever!
WHolt
Morristown,Tn
"The Pit Into My Basement"
Once again, John Hackleman has successfully brought The Pit into my basement and has put me through old-school-hard workouts.  The Twenties are perfect for getting in a workout when time in the day is short, or for providing an extra workout on days I'm able to double-up.  Thanks again, and I encourage you and The Pit to keep coming out with DVD's.
 
Merry Christmas!
John Righeimer
"Increase my fitness and power"
I purchased the PIT workout dvds to help increase my fitness and power as I train heavily in Krav Maga. I followed the program for two weeks leading up to my grading, which is a brutal and intense 2 hour test.

I can honestly say the PIT workouts got fit enough in time for the grading and it continues to do so. I switch and combine the workouts on the Original Pit Workout DVD and the CrossPit DVD.

I have a lot more general fitness and a greater increase of power in my fighting techniques.
I have no regrets whatsoever.
CJ Abraham
NSW, Australia
"IT WORKS"
I have only been on the Pit workout for 4 days but let me tell you I have never sweat so hard in my life. The Pit has me sore all over I will train exclusively with the entire Pit Collection from now on. IT WORKS.
Brian K. Simpson (BEAR)
MARYLAND,
"Recommend The Pit"
I recently purchased the pit workout and the crosspit workout dvd's. If your looking to get into shape or build muscle i highly recommend The Pit!!! this is a great product that works!!!
William Bass
league city TX
"Best WORKOUT you'll ever do"
I just purchased The pit-crospit about two weeks ago; and MAN, it's better than the original pit workout. I can't wait to buy the rest and have the whole collection. This is the best WORKOUT you'll ever do. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jose Feliciano
Yauco, PR
"More In My Gas Tank"
The Pit is the best workout ever! I was worried that it wasn't going to work my conditioning enough and boy was I wrong, I have more gas in my tank than I have ever had before, great job MMA Roots!!
Justin Case
Limpton, Ice Tea
"Not Hitting The Wall"
Sensei Hackleman,(and the rest of the PIT crew)

I have now being doing the pit workout for close to six months. I frequently leave other students standing in awe at how much I can do without hitting the wall. At the age of 37 there is NO WAY a man should be beating guys and gals in their twenties...With the Pit workout you can ...EASILY.

Many thanks for a great programme !
Bryan Ward
NEW ZEALAND
"You Chenged My Life"
IVE lost 100lbs on the pit workout and im still going strong. i started at 225 and now im just 125 pounds of kicking punching muscle thanks pit workout you changed my life!!!
Cullen Schimminger
Hollidaysburg, PA
"You guys suck!!!"
You guys suck!!! And I'm in pain... If your ears were burning it is because I was cussing ya'll. It wasn't till I did my first workout with your video last night (I bought the box set) that I realized how OUT OF SHAPE I really was. I mean I knew I need some work but damn! It was an terrible site I am sure. However, I am excited to see where your videos take me.. Thanks, Chris
Chris Lohman
Pasadena TX