Convict Conditioning How to Bust Free of All Weakness—Using the Lost Secrets of Supreme Survival Strength By Paul "Coach" Wade 304 pages. 8.5 x 11 paperback Ordering Information Read Customer reviews of: Convict Conditioning Average Rating: 9.6 in 221 reviews Email:

Read Convict Conditioning foreword by John Du Cane

How Do YOU Stack up Against the 6 Ultimate Measures of a TRUE Man?

According to the tenets of Convict Conditioning a TRUE man can achieve:

Well, how DO you stack up?

Chances are that whatever athletic level you have achieved, there are some serious gaps in your OVERALL strength program. Gaps that stop you short of being able to claim status as a TRUE man.

The good news is that—in Convict Conditioning—Paul Wade has laid out a brilliant 6-set system of 10 progressions which allows you to master these elite levels. And you could be starting at almost any age and in almost in any condition!

Paul Wade has given you the keys—ALL the keys you'll ever need— that will open door after door after door for you in quest for REAL physical accomplishment. Yes, it will be the hardest work you'll ever have to do. And yes, 97% of those who pick up Convict Conditioning, frankly, won't have the guts and the fortitude to make it. But if you make it even half-way through Paul's Progressions, you'll be stronger than almost anyone you encounter.

If you're a 3-percenter, in particular, then this book is for you. Have at it!

Here's what you'll get when you invest in Convict Conditioning:

Part I—Preliminaries

Introduction
A journey of strength

• Can you meet these 5 benchmarks of the truly powerful?... Page 1

Becoming strong

• The nature and the art of real strength… Page 2
• Why mastery of progressive calisthenics is the ultimate secret for building maximum raw strength… Page 2

The forgotten art of bodyweight training

How I learned my craft: Doing time

• A dozen one-arm handstand pushups without support—anyone? Anyone?... Page 3
• How to rank in a powerlifting championship—without ever training with weights… Page 4
• The scary heritage of Joe Hartigen and the Mighty Atom… Pages 5—6

2: Old School Calisthenics

The Lost Art of Power

• Calisthenics as a hardcore strength training technology… Page 9

The ancient art of bodyweight training

• Spartan "300" calisthenics at the Battle of Thermopolylae… Page 10
• How to cultivate the perfect body—the Greek and Roman way… Page 10

The tradition of strength

• The golden era of the modern strongmen… Pages 11—14

Twentieth century greats

The end of an era

• The difference between "old school" and "new school" calisthenics… Page 15
• The role of prisons in preserving the older systems… Page 16
• Strength training as a primary survival strategy… Page 16

The origin of Convict Conditioning

• The "secret history" of old school calisthenics, and the role that prisons have played in preserving these arts… Page 16

Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!

3: The Convict Manifesto

Bodyweight Training vs Modern Methods

• Modern physical culture—a bastard child… Page 20

Kill the gym

• The futility of the gym machine... Page 20
• The charade of high-rep low-weights and the dangers of "macho" bodybuilding… Page 20
• The modern fitness scam… Pages 21—22
  
  
• The 6 basic benefits of bodyweight training… Pages 22—27
• Why calisthenics are the ultimate in functional training… Page 23
• The value of cultivating self-movement—rather than object-movement… Page 23
• The real source of strength—it's not your muscles... Page 24
• One crucial reason why a lot of convicts deliberately avoid weight-training… Page 24
• One of the most damaging problems caused by modern forms of strength and resistance training… Page 24
• How to progressively strengthen your joints over a lifetime—and even heal old joint injuries… Page 25
• Why "authentic" exercises like pullups are so perfect for strength and power development… Page 25
  
  
• Bodyweight training for quick physique perfection… Page 26
• Why the "Perfect Man", John Grimek preached the value of calisthenics… Page 27
• How to normalize and regulate your body fat levels—with bodyweight training only… Page 27
• Why weight-training and the psychology of overeating go hand in hand… Page 27

4: Convict Conditioning

• How Ronnie the hack inspired Paul the con to create Convict Conditioning… Page 29
• The best approach for rapidly strengthening your whole body is this… Page 30
• Why these Big Six exercises are THE Big Six when you're looking for that godly body… Page 30
• This is the most important and revolutionary feature of Convict Conditioning…. Page 33
• A jealously-guarded system for going from puny to powerful—when your life may depend on the speed of your results… Page 33
• The 6 "Ultimate" Master Steps—only a handful of athletes in the whole world can correctly perform them all. Can you?… Page 33

Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!

Part II—The Big Six: Power Moves

5: The Pushup

How to forge armor-plated pecs and steel triceps… Page 41

• Why the pushup is the ultimate upper body exercise—and better than the bench press… Page 41
• Benefits of the pushup… Pages 41—42
• How to effectively bulletproof the vulnerable rotator cuff muscles… Page 42
• Why "perfect" technique is individual-specific… Page 42
• Observe these 6 important rules for power-packed pushups… Page 42
• The optimal speed for developing maximum strength with your pushups… Page 43
• When fast is good and when slow is better… Page 43
• The importance of smooth technique to develop higher levels of pure strength… Page 43
• The dangers of speediness… Page 43
  
  
• How basketballs, baseballs and kissing-the-baby all translate into greater strength gains… Page 44
• What's best? Palms, knuckles, wrists or fingers?... Page 44
• How to guarantee steel rod fingers… Page 45
• Do you make this stupid mistake with your push ups? This is wrong, wrong, wrong!... Page 45
• Why, in all strength training, progression is the name of the game… Page 45

STEP ONE: Wall Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 46

STEP TWO: Incline Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 48

STEP THREE: Kneeling Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 50

STEP FOUR: Half Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 52

STEP FIVE: Full Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 54

STEP SIX: Close Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 56

• Why the close pushup is an essential tool to help you in your journey to mastering the one-arm pushup… Page 56

STEP SEVEN: Uneven Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 58

STEP EIGHT: Half One-Arm Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 60

STEP NINE: Lever Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 62

STEP TEN: One-Arm Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 64

• Many athletes claim to be able to do this exercise without any problems, but don't be fooled—their pushups are a joke. How to become a member of the endangered species… Page 64
• How to achieve 100 consecutive one-arm pushups each side… Page 64

Going Beyond the One-Arm Pushup… Page 68—74

• This kind of training is murder and will really take your workouts up a notch… Page 68
• This little fella will really separate the iron men from the baby-weight pumpers!... Page 69
  
  
• Dips… Page 70
• Decline pushups—do you really need them?... Page 70
• Wide pushups—to bust your pecs… Page 70
• Why Superman pushups should be saved for Lois Lane… Page 71
• These Gecko pushups truly separate the wannabees from the real thing… Page 71
• The pros and cons of Plyometric pushups… Page 71
• How to perform a one-arm clapping pushup—for the very brave and the superbly conditioned only… Page 71
• Stretch pushups—waste of time?... Page 72
• Why Jackknife pushups are killa for MA… Page 72
• The plank— The old timers loved this exercise, and not without reason… page 73
• Incline tiger bends—when you insist on bulging arms… Page 74
• Maltese pushups—for gymnasts only?... page 74

Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!

6: The Squat… Page 75

Going up!— how to build elevator-cable thighs… Page 75

• Where the real strength of an athlete lies… Page 75
• This is the ultimate example of total body power… Page 75
• Most athletic movements rely largely on this attribute… Page 76
• The first thing to go as an athlete begins to age—and what you MUST protect... Page 76
  
  
• Why modern methods can de-train the legs… Page 77
• THE best way to develop truly powerful, athletic legs… Page 77
• The many, many muscles worked by the squat… Page 77
• The phenomenon of Lombard's Paradox—and it contributes to power-packed thighs… Page 78
• Why bodyweight squats blow barbell squats away… Page 79
• The enormous benefits of mastering the one-leg squat… Page 80
• 15 secrets to impeccable squatting—for greater power and strength… Pages 81—82

STEP ONE: Shoulderstand Squats—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 84

STEP TWO: Jackknife Squats—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 86

STEP THREE: Supported Squats—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 88

STEP FOUR: Half Squats—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 90

STEP FIVE: Full Squats—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 92

STEP SIX: Half Squats—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 94

STEP SEVEN: Uneven Squats—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 96

STEP EIGHT: Half One-Leg Squats—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 98

STEP NINE: Assisted One-Leg Squats —correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 100

STEP TEN: One-Leg Squats —correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 102

• Transform skinny legs into pillars of power, complete with steel cord quads, rock-hard glutes and thick, shapely calves… Page 102
• How to achieve one hundred perfect consecutive one-leg squats on each leg... Page 102

Going Beyond the One-Leg Squat… Pages 106—112

• Why the quest for extra poundage in your squats can be a really BAD idea… Page 106
• Why strength is NOT everything—but what is... Page 107
• How to add conditioning, speed, agility and endurance to legs that are already awesome…. Page 107
• Why it's a mistake—and very unnecessary—to mix up your squat stances… Page 108
  
  
• Lunges—the classic squat substitute and great for martial arts… Page 108
• Leg press lunges—for delicious, searing pain in your quads… Page 108
• Sissy squats—a useful addition to your arsenal… Page 108
• Hindu squats—the good, the bad and the ugly… Page 109
• Plyometric jumping and dead leaps for greater explosive power… Page 110
• Stair/hill sprints—the more intimidating the better and fabulous for combat athletes… Page 111
• Car pushing—for dangerous levels of strength-athleticism!... Page 111
• Fireman sprints—wonderful torture and great for the whole body… Page 112

7: The Pullup… Page 113

How to construct a barn door back—and walk with loaded guns… Page 113

• Why our culture has failed to give the pullup the respect and attention it deserves… Page 113
• Benefits of the pullup—king of back exercises… Page 114
• The dormant superpower for muscle growth waiting to be released if you only do this… Page 114
• Why pullups are the single best exercise for building melon-sized biceps… Page 115
• Why the pullup is THE safest upper back exercise… Page 115
• Pullups vs chinups… Page 116
• The ideal range of motion for a pullup… Page 116
• How and why to keep your shoulders tight in pullups… Page 117
  
  
• The best grip position when hanging tough… Page 118
• The single most important factor to consider for your grip choice… Page 118
• The best possible kind of grip for more advanced pullup techniques… Page 118
• Why you need to avoid the crime of "Kipping"—except in this one instance… Page 118
• Your bodyweight and pullups… Page 119
• Serve your time—to succeed with pullups… Page 120
• To progress quickly, SLOW DOWN—here's why… Page 120

STEP ONE: Vertical Pulls—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 122

STEP TWO: Horizontal Pulls—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 124

STEP THREE: Jackknife Pullups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 126

STEP FOUR: Half Pullups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 128

STEP FIVE: Full Pullups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 130

STEP SIX: Close Pullups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 132

STEP SEVEN: Uneven Pullups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 134

STEP EIGHT: Half One-Arm Pullups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 136

STEP NINE: Assisted One-Arm Pullups —correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 138

STEP TEN: One-Arm Pullups —correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 138

• How to earn lats that look like wings and an upper back sprouting muscles like coiled pythons… Page 138
• How to be strong enough to rip a bodybuilder's arm off in an arm wrestling match… Page 138

Going beyond the One-Arm Pullup… Page 144

• Dips and Bench Dips for greater lats, pecs and triceps… Page 144
• Recruit sentry pullups—and add explosive power to your arsenal… Page 144
• Elbow presses—an interesting, effective and little-known exercise… Page 147
• Bar pulls—an old convict favorite for good reason… Pages 147—148
• How to break out of jail free—using the Hulk pull… Page 147
• How to work your entire torso with the Bow pull… Page 147
• Time to deliver the final bullet to those aching muscles: the Crucifix pull—brilliant and very painful!… Page 148

8: The Leg Raise… Page 149

How to take a trip to hell—and steal a Satanic six-pack… Page 149

• The 5 absolute truths that define a genuine six-pack from hell... Page 150
• Crunches and other modern madness… Page 150
• The myth of "upper" and "lower" abs… Page 152
• Why it's important to think in terms of the "midsection" or "waist" rather than just the abs… Page 152
• Old school ab work: sit-ups and leg raises… Page 152
• This is the REAL way to gain a six-pack from hell… Page 152
• 3 big reasons why—in prisons—leg raises have always been much more popular than sit-ups… Page 152
  
  
• Why the hanging leg raise is the greatest single abdominal exercise known to man... Page 153
• The leg raise series… Page 153
• 10 waist training secrets to help you master the hanging leg raise… Pages 154—155

STEP ONE: Knee Tucks—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 156

STEP TWO: Flat Knee Raises—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 158

STEP THREE: Flat Bent Leg Raises—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 160

STEP FOUR: Flat Frog Raises —correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 162

STEP FIVE: Flat Straight Leg Raises—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 164

• Why flat straight leg raises are a favorite in military training camps and martial arts schools alike—but why they are invariably performed without full benefit... Page 164

STEP SIX: Hanging Knee Raises—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 166

• Why hanging ab work is vastly superior to ab work on parallel bars or similar devices… Page 166

STEP SEVEN: Hanging Bent Leg Raises—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 168

STEP EIGHT: Hanging Frog Raises—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 170

STEP NINE: Partial Straight Raises—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 172

STEP TEN: Hanging Straight Leg Raises—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 174

• How to correctly perform the greatest all-round midsection exercise in existence… Page 174

Going beyond the hanging straight leg raise… Page 178

• Setting your sights on the most powerful midsection exercise possible—the V raise…. Page 178
• How to develop abdominal muscles with enormous contractile power—and iron hip strength… Page 178
• When—and only when—you should attempt V raises… Page 178
• The pros and cons of sit-ups… Page 180
  
  
• Janda sit-ups—for extra intensity… Page 180
• Incline sit-ups… Page 181
• Roman chair sit-ups—a favorite in the golden days of American bodybuilding… Page 181
• Why you should just say no to regular twisting sit-ups… Page 181
• Russian twists—for a fun and profitable variation… Page 181
• L-holds—a cool little trick… Page 182
• Why you need to put medicine ball work back into your future… 182
• Side leg raises… Page 182
• Twisting leg raise—the ultimate specialist exercise for the flanks of the torso—just one set is worth more than a thousand sets of side crunches… Page 182
  
  
• Why a hammer works so much better for exploding your muscles than a pencil… Page 183

Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!

9: The Bridge

How to combat-proof your spine… Page 185

• Why the bridge is the most important strength-building exercise in the world… Page 185
• And ask yourself this: how big are your spinal muscles?... Page 185
• Why your spinal muscles are the most important voluntary muscles in the body, bar none… Page 185
• How to train your spine—as if your life depended on it… Page 185
• NO! THIS is the most important organ of the human body… Page 185
• And THIS is the second most important organ of the human body… Page 186
• Develop this first line of defense against spinal injuries… Page 186
• The 3 most devastating effects of spinal cord injuries—and how to avoid them… Page 186
  
  
• The spine and athletic qualities… Page 188
• Why you should sell your barbell set and buy a cushioned mat instead... Page 188
• How to absorb punitive strikes against your spine—and bounce back smiling… Page 188
• Why lower back pain is the foremost plague of athletes the world over… Page 189
• The benefits of bridging… Page 189
• Why bridging is the ultimate exercise for the spinal muscles… Page 189
• How to expand your ribcage—and have the lung capacity of a stallion… Page 189
  
  
• How Bruce Lee blew out his back with weights and got it back with calisthenics… Page 190
• The culture of bridging… Page 190
• How to cut lower back pain and spinal disorders by 99% in a single generation… Page 190
• The 4 signs of the perfect bridge… Page 191
• How to master the bridge… Page 192
• Obey these important caveats before you start bridging—or risk injury… Page 192
• There are good and bad versions of all exercise techniques, but this is particularly true when it comes to bridging. What to look for… Page 192
• How to own a spine that feels like a steel whip... Page 193

STEP ONE: Short Bridges—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 194

• Why the short bridge is wonderful therapy for those who have suffered disc injuries… Page 194

STEP TWO: Straight Bridges—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 196

STEP THREE: Angled Bridges—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 198

STEP FOUR: Head Bridges—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 200

STEP FIVE: Half Bridges—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 202

STEP SIX: Full Bridges—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 204

STEP SEVEN: Wall Walking Bridges (Down)—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 206

STEP EIGHT: Wall Walking Bridges (Up)—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 208

STEP NINE: Closing Bridges—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 210

STEP TEN: Stand-to-Stand Bridges—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 212

Going beyond the stand-to-stand bridge… Page 216

• How the bridging series will grant you an incredible combination of strength paired with flexibility… Page 216
• 9 must-have benefits that belong to all master-bridgers… page 216
• Why bridging stands alone as a total training method that facilitates development in practically every area of fitness and health… Page 216
• The plusses and minuses of weighted bridges… Page 216
• Why you should avoid the scorpion—with very few exceptions… Page 216
• If you are looking to go beyond stand-to-stand bridges, there are 2 key avenues to explore… Page 217
• Try this little-known way to make stand-to-stand bridges harder and increasingly more explosive without adding any external resistance… Page 217
  
  
• The Bow hold—a classic spinal exercise that will develop the contractile ability of your back, as well as training the vertebrae and their surrounding ligaments… Page 217
• The Camel hold… Page 218
• Gecko bridges—a slightly harder version of the full bridge… Page 218
• Hyperextensions—and what they work so well… Page 218
• Reverse hyperextensions—of real therapeutic value to athletes with bad backs… Page 218
• Prone hyperextensions—a brilliant exercise to refresh the back if you have to hunch over a desk at work… Page 219
• Back handsprings and backflips—how cool can you get?… Page 219

10: The Handstand Pushup… PAGE 221

How to look exceptionally masculine—with broad, etched, and powerful shoulders… Page 219

• Those vulnerable shoulders—why they ache and the best way to avoid or fix the pain… Page 220
• Arrest these arch-villains of shoulder pain… Page 223
• How to choose authentic over artificial shoulder movements… Page 223
• Why you DON'T have to "learn to live with" shoulder pain anymore… Page 223
• Why do weight-training movements cause so much shoulder pain?... Page 224
• The two worst offenders when it comes to shoulder pain and injuries… Page 224
• Why an understanding of instinctive human movement can help solve the shoulder pain problem… Page 224
• Remove these two elements of pressing—and you will remove virtually all chronic shoulder problems… Page 225
• The ultimate solution for safe, pain-free, powerful shoulders… Page 225

The mighty handstand pushup… Page 226
Using the handstand pushup to build incredibly powerful, muscularized shoulders in a short span of time… Page 225
How to strengthen the vestibular system—using handstand pushups… Page 225
Strength, muscle, agility, and health—all in one exercise. What more could you possibly ask for?... Page 225

• Perfect form = perfect strength… Page 226
• 8 secrets to help you perfect your all-important handstand pushup technique… Pages 228—229
• The handstand pushup series… Page 229
• Why you need to master close pushups, before even beginning Step 1 of the handstand pushup series… Page 229

STEP ONE: Wall Headstands—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 230

STEP TWO: Crow Stands—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 232

STEP THREE: Wall Handstands—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 234

STEP FOUR: Half Handstand Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 236

STEP FIVE: Handstand Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 238

STEP SIX: Close Handstand Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 240

• How to develop extremely powerful tendons, particularly around the elbows, forearms and wrists with close handstand pushups… Page 240

STEP SIX: Close Handstand Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 240

STEP SEVEN: Uneven Handstand Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 242

How to develop huge arm and shoulder power, as well as Olympian rotator cuff muscles… Page 242.

STEP EIGHT: Half One-Arm Handstand Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 244

STEP NINE: Lever Handstand Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 246

STEP TEN: One-Arm Handstand Pushups—correct performance, x-ray detail, training goals and perfecting technique… Page 248

• Discover the ultimate shoulder and arm exercise… Page 248

Going beyond the one-arm handstand pushup… Page 252

• How to embark on the art of "free" hand-balancing work, away from the guiding plane of a wall… Page 252
  
  
• Marion pushups—an intense, progressive form of decline pushup… Page 254
• Isometric presses… Page 254
• Windmills… Page 255
• How to hand walk… Page 255
• Tiger bends… Page 255
• The master of this old technique will have elbows strong as titanium axles… Page 255

Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!

Part III—Self-Coaching

11: Body Wisdom… Page 259

• The cast iron principles of Convict Conditioning success… Page 259
• The missing "x factor" of training success… Page 259
• The best ways to warm up… Page 260
• The most efficient way to warm up… Page 260
• The myth of the cool down… Page 261
• Why it's important to start slow… Page 261
• How to create training momentum… Page 262
• How to put strength in the bank… Page 263
• The dumb, fickle, want-it-yesterday way to fail in your long term Convict Conditioning training… Page 263
• The smart way, the patient way to great success long term in your Convict Conditioning training… Page 263
  
  
• This is the real way to get genuine, lasting strength and power gains… Page 265
• Intensity—what it is and what it isn't… Page 265
• Why "cycling" or "periodization" is unnecessary with bodyweight training… Page 266
• How to handle your training when sick… Page 266
• How to make consistent progress… Page 266
• Troubleshooting… Page 267
• 5 powerful secrets for busting through your plateaus… Page 267
  
  
• The nifty little secret of consolidation training… Page 268
• How many work sets?... Page 268
• If you want to get strong doing calisthenics, think like a ______—not a _____…. Page 269
• How long to rest between sets… Page 269
• Recording your training… Page 270
• The 5 major benefits of recording your training… Pages 271—272
• Writing in your training journal… Page 272

Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year!

12: Routines… Page 275

Workout Programs… Page 275

• Living by the buzzer—and the importance of regime… Page 275
• Training in the outside world… Page 276
• 5 major Convict Conditioning training programs… Page 276
• The New Blood training program… Page 278
• When to move on… Page 278

The Good Behavior training program… Page 279

The Veterano training program… Page 280

The Solitary Confinement training program… Page 281

The Supermax training program… Page 282

Hybrid programs… Page 283

Hybrid training routines… Page 284

The three-day split… Page 284

The home training day… Page 284

• Bodyweight as a plateau-busting tool… Page 284
• Of flexibility and of freedom—how not to become a victim of routine… Page 285

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Customer reviews of: Convict Conditioning Average Rating 9.6 in 221 reviews

A Strength Training Guide That Will Never Be Duplicated! Rated 10 out of 10 I knew within the first chapter of reading this book that I was in for something special and unique. The last time I felt this same feeling was when reading "Power to the People". To me this is the Body Weight equivalent to Pavel's masterpiece. Books like this can never be duplicated. Paul Wade went through a unique set of circumstances of doing time in prison with a "old time" master of calisthenics. Paul took these lessons from this 70 year old strong man and mastered them over a period of 20 years while "doing time". He then taught these methods to countless prisoners and honed his teaching to perfection. I believe that extreme circumstances like this are what it takes to create a true masterpiece. I know that "masterpiece" is a strong word, but this is as close as it gets. No other body weight book I have read (and I have a huge fitness library)...comes close to this as far as gaining incredible strength from body weight exercise. Just like Power to the People, I am sure I will read this over and over again...mastering the principles that Paul Wade took 20 years to master. Outstanding Book! Rusty Moore - Fitness Black Book - Seattle, WA The Best of the Best Rated 10 out of 10 I have read several strength-fitness books lately, some of which I have been asked to review. But nothing has impressed me nearly as much as this little number. The problem with most strength authors is their lack of capacity for systematic explanation. Many are entertaining or motivating writers; some are even good writers. But hardly any seem capable of really expressing all their dense years of knowledge into a coherent system. This is not the case with this book. At first sight, Convict Conditioning appears to be a glib attempt at generating some interest in the bench press efforts of incarcerated tough guys or urban thugs. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book is a well-oiled machine of exercise ideology; nothing else I've read even comes close to it's power and elegance. This book is about a method. There's no ambiguity here; none of the ubiquitous "choose whatever exercise you prefer" or "select a rep range you feel suits you". No. There are six movements. That's all. But, like all great physical art-forms (dance, gymnastics, etc), each of these basic forms is altered and expanded into many more, thanks to minor technical alterations. You learn them from all the ground up, with the most excruciating focus on form and performance. It's much more closely akin to a painstaking martial art than a work out approach. When do you move on from step-to-step? When Wade says you can! Initially there were many questions about the efficacy of Wade's training ideas, so different are they from the norm. However the book has been Dragon Door's best-seller for months now, and some of the "before-and-after" reports are so radical as to be disbelieved. This prison stuff really works. My only minor bugbear is in the text found in the exercise descriptions. I hate to mention it, but there's no getting around it. In the earlier and later sections of the works, Wade's voice--that of a gruff, no-nonsense ex-convict--shines through with great vibrancy and character. The exercise descriptions, however, are harshly clinical. They have clearly been very heavily edited; in several sections they even appear written by another hand. However this is a small niggle given the quality of information therein. All in all, if one purchases a book by a man who was a career criminal, and incarcerated for decades, one must expect that he had significant support during the editing phase. Do I agree with Wade's basic premiss that body weight strength training is totally and unassailably superior to training with weights or machines? I'm not sure I do; but that's not the point. The point is, this book is a convincing, focused, 100% ready-for-war manifesto, written by a man who has clearly spilled buckets of sweat forging his body into a powerful machine under the most ghastly circumstances one can imagine. It's challenging, invigorating, and completely unforgettable. It's like striding over hot coals or swimming through icy water. You might hate it, you will possibly come to love it, but if you are a serious athlete you cannot fail to be changed by the experience! Ten out of ten! Mike Slattery - Madison, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES Thank you Coach Wade for creating the perfect blueprint to build a truly functional body. Rated 10 out of 10 If only this book was available when I first thought it was time to start using dumbbells and barbells 20 years ago?! Honestly, if you can not move your own body through the exercises and progressions detailed inside, why add any other resistance? I will be making my way through the stages qualifying and determining my level my athleticism or lack there of over the next several months. Looking forward to posting my progress as I make it to the master step in each of the Big Six. Shawn Reed - Pittsburgh, PA I've packed all of my other training books away! Rated 10 out of 10 I read CC in one go. I couldn't put it down. I have purchased a lot of bodyweight training books in the past, and have always been pretty disappointed. They all seem to just have pictures of different exercises, and no plan whatsoever on how to implement them and progress with them. But not with this one. Yes, there is at times some cheesy prison themes, but who cares!!!! The information in this book is AWESOME! I like to have a clear, logical plan of progression to follow, and that is what this book gives. I have put all of my other training books away. CC is the only system I am going to follow. Bodyweight vs barbells? Who really knows. What I do know is that bodyweight training is what I like, and that's what I'm going to do. There have been some passionately negative comments about this book on forums all over the internet, and I have to admit that this nearly stopped me from buying CC, but I'm so glad I listened to guys like Zach Even-Esh and Pavel, and not some faceless, self proclaimed "guru" who's got some weird problem with the title, or the fact that Dragondoor is !!! shock horror!!! promoting one of their products. This is now my favorite training book ever! Lyndan - Australia a must for all martial artists Rated 10 out of 10 As a dedicated martial artist for more than seven years, this book is exactly what I've been looking for. I really adore the classical forms, both hard and soft, of my chosen art (hapkido). I also love the breathing and inner development that goes with classical martial arts, as I love the independence and spirituality that come from the body only methods, generated in solitude. For a while now I have trained with machines at my local gym to improve my muscle strength and power and get to the next level in my training. I always felt that the modern health club, technology based exercise jarred with my martial art though, which only required body movement. Finally this book has come along. At last I can combine perfect body movement for martial skill with perfect body exercise for ultimate strength. Some of the amazing pictures in this book remind me of how the ancient shaolin monks used to train. Just the body and spirit in unison. All fighting arts are based on body movement. This book is a complete textbook on how to max out your musclepower using only body movement, as different from dumbbells, machines or gadgets. For this reason it belongs on the bookshelf of every serious martial artist, male and female, young and old. Gino Cartier - Washington DC US Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Fascinating Reading and Real Strength Rated 10 out of 10 "Coach" Wade's system is a real eye opener if you've been a lifetime iron junkie. Wanna find out how really strong (or weak) you are? Get this book and begin working through the 10 levels of the 6 power exercises. I was pleasantly surprised by my ability on a few of the exercises...but some are downright humbling. If I were on a desert island with only one book on strength and conditioning this would be it. (Could I staple Pavel's "Naked Warrior" to the back and count them as one???!) My only criticism is that the description of Uneven Squats and the accompanying pictures didn't quite seem to jibe. Could be my own interpretation of the instructions, but it all worked out in the end. Thanks Dragon Door for this innovative new author. Just goes to show you..."what's old is new again"! Jon Schultheis, RKC (2005) - Keansburg, NJ A lifetime of lifting...and continued learning. Rated 10 out of 10 I have been working out diligently since 1988 and played sports in high school and college before that. My stint the Army saw me doing calisthenics, running, conditioning courses, forced marches, etc. There are many levels of strength and fitness. I have been as big as 240 in my powerlifting/strongman days and as low as 185-190 while in the Army. I think I have tried everything under the sun: the high intensity of Artur Jones and Dr. Ken, the Super Slow of El Darden, and the brutality of Dinosaur Training Brooks Kubic made famous. All were worthwhile in their own way. I have to say though that I have never seen anyone in any gym, at any time, who could do all the master exercises in Paul's book. There are A LOT more people who can lift big weights in the gym (with the help of great genetics and anabolic drugs) than can chin themselves 15 times or do even 1/2 of a one legged squat. Back bridges? Are you kidding me? That takes flexibility which most people are sorely lacking. This is one of the BEST books I've ever read on real strength training which also covers other just as important aspects of health; like staying injury free, feeling healthy and becoming flexible. It's an excellent book. I like Matt Furey's writing too but Paul has him beat hands down. He tells you the why and the how with his progressive plan. This book is a GOLD MINE and worth 100 times what I paid for it! Horst - Woburn, MA This book will revolutionize you Rated 10 out of 10 I teach martial arts and body weight excercises are key to developing strength and agility. "Coach" makes it simple to follow and easy to learn. Use it and you will become unpredictably strong. shaun simpson - portland, Oregon United States Single best strength training book ever! Rated 10 out of 10 I just turned 50 this year and I have tried a little bit of everything over the years: martial arts, swimming, soccer, cycling, free weights, weight machines, even yoga and pilates. I started using Convict Conditioning right after it came out. I started from the beginning, like Coach Wade says, doing mostly step one or two for five out of the six exercises. (Be sure to read the sections titled "The Smart Way" and "The Dumb Way"). I work out 3 to 5 times a week, usually for 30 to 45 minutes. Long story short, my weight went up 14 pounds (I was not trying to gain weight) but my body fat percentage dropped two percent. That translates into approximately 19 pounds of lean muscle gained in two months! I've never gotten this kind of results with anything else I've ever done. Now I have pretty much stopped lifting weights for strength training. Instead, I lift once a week as a test to see how much stronger I'm getting without weight training. There are a lot of great strength training books in the world (most of them published by Dragon Door), but if I had to choose just one, this is the single best strength training book ever. BUY THIS BOOK. FOLLOW THE PLAN. GET AS STRONG AS YOU WANT. Wayne - Decatur, GA My Second Review Rated 10 out of 10 I wrote a review of this book when I first bought it about 6 months ago. I'd been doing b/w training for a while and found Convict Conditioning to be by far the most thorough and informative book on the subject. Finally a book about bodyweight training that had a pure strength focus and did not require 300 repetitions of each exercise! OK, I'm being a little sarcastic...although MF might have taken me seriously :) I'm writing a second review to say that not only has my view of this book not changed, but that the more I train using the techniques in CC, the more enthusiastic about it I become. Since sticking with Paul's programs my strength has increased far more dramatically than when I was weight training, and I used to focus on the heavy stuff - like Bill Starr's 5x5 routines. Don't get me wrong, Bill's stuff worked, I got way stronger, but Paul's stuff works better! I've built a whole new body in the last 6 months using Convict Conditioning and I am sticking with this forever! Paul - thanks so much for writing this book, mate! Can't wait till the next one. Cheers all, Mark Mark Robinson - Aussie in South Korea Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! See all reviews of Convict Conditioning 3 Weeks Into It Rated 10 out of 10 So far, this is a great workout. I stopped doing weights for strength and decided to devote myself to this workout for a while, to see what effect it has. I have to say it has been great. I'm a 55 y.o. male, fairly strong, with a long athletic background. I have numerous ankle injuries and a mild shoulder injury from volleyball, and a moderate knee injury (LCL and ACL) from judo, and wrist pain from somewhere that makes push-ups on flat palms too painful to do. Stopping weights seems to have helped my shoulder, it feels better than it has in years, the pain has virtually disappeared. Initially, close squats hurt my knee, but by zooming ahead to step 8, the half-single leg squat (2 sets of 5 per leg), that pain has disappeared, and my knees actually feel great as well! My wrists are still an issue for regular push-ups, but they don't hurt doing the close push-ups, so I have hopes the one-armed push-up will be painless for them as well. Another thing that is great about the workout is that I'm only spending about 10-20 minutes a day, 6 days a week, doing strength work. That leaves me a lot more time and energy for flexibility and aerobic work (time is hard to come by sometimes, with a family, house, and yard, and working 50 hours a week). I've ordered Pavel's "Super Joints" and I plan on replacing my light calisthenic and hathayoga morning routine with that, if it works for me. To sum it up, "Convict Conditioning" is a great workout, so far. I will post again a few months on and let you know how it's working then. Rich in Nor Cal - Northern California Finally, a strength training program that makes sense. Rated 10 out of 10 Finally, a strength training program that makes sense. I am so encouraged by the common sense of this book. The program makes sense physiologically and it's graduated progression should help anyone build strength naturally. I appreciate the no nonsense approach. Thank you Kay H. - Creswell, Oregon Best book I have read in years. Rated 10 out of 10 Fantastic for those who do not go to a gym or like being around people. Dennis Bortnem - Clinton Township, Michigan United States Gloriously Infectious Rated 9 out of 10 Paul Wade is a cornucopia of knowledge. His vast experience and years of calisthenic experimentation have made for a "must have" book. I am a fan of repetition for instruction, like paul ingraining in your skull that you must be patient and start with step one of all of the "Big 6". I will oblige. However, I don't need to be told countless times that bodybuilders are useless and swimmers are weak etc. Once is enough. That being said this book is thorough and would make anyone strong. A Note to Dragon Door: What I would like to see from Pavel or DragonDoor or anyone is a complete program. To include kettelbell conditioning to calisthenics to loaded stretching. Now that would sell. Harold - Ontario, Canada the most complete regimen i've read Rated 10 out of 10 paul wade knows what he is talkin' 'bout. he explains in detail how to become "no ordinary man". his work is better than matt furey, that ross guy, john wood, etc... michael - south jersey, nj Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! zero to hero Rated 10 out of 10 book is amazing, gives very precise and detailed explainations of all workouts and really helps understand how the body works and why bodyweight is much better and healthier than weights. designed for athletes of all fitness levels, from the weakest among us to the elite. brandon w. - st.louis, mo...gulfport, ms...rota, spain Stop hesitating and buy the book now! Rated 10 out of 10 Are you not making progress? Is it your program? Is it the amount of weight you use? No, it's your technique. If you can not lift yourself, why do you think you can lift a weight? This book should be the starting point for anyone, yes, anyone - man, woman, or teen who wants to improve their health. Do not get me wrong. You can change your physical appearance with a bodybuilding-type approach, but if you want command of your physical actions, confidence in yourself and a lifetime of progress then learn calisthenics first. This book has become a foundation to improve my technique. Are you bothered by the title? Get over yourself. James - Richmond, VA My New Bible Rated 10 out of 10 Best exercise book i ever read, and i've read em all. I felt like the author was talking to me personally. I like the honesty and truth the author wasn't afraid to expose. You made the right decision by allowing this book despite the word "convict". Who cares about that anyway.....if your looking to get in shape. Better than Pavel's stuff, which i find difficult to understand due to the over technical and confusing use of american metaphor's by a russian. Joe Ramos - Vallejo, California THIS BOOK IS "THE" TRUTH PERIOD!!!! Rated 10 out of 10 Just because the exercises in this book are all body weight exercises doesn't mean it's cake (and that's a good thing). This book is platinum!And before you even get half way through, I promise you, you will slap yourself! Coach Paul brings up a valid point when he mentions the Spartans and Gladiators. THESE MEN WERE BEASTS and they never used weights or machines (because they weren't around back then). Only THEIR BODIES, and Coach Paul shows you how too. Even if you have never done a pushup or pullup, Coach Paul gives you the blueprint to not only make doing these exercises possible, but make you a master at doing them. I can honestly say I haven't felt this strong in years and you'll be saying the same too. And besides, what's not to like about a strength training program you can do anywhere at anytime? Gerrod - Radford,VA USA Great program Rated 10 out of 10 I was looking for a way to increase the intensity of my workouts without joining a gym. I love the progressive program he has outlined in this book. I will have plenty of challenge for years to come. Laurie - Lake Oswego, Oregon Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Fantastic book - one of the best I have read Rated 10 out of 10 I read almost everything I can get my hands on concerning fitness. For example, Athletic Body in Balance by Gray Cook, Advances in Functional Training by Michael Boye, Periodization by Bompa and Haff, Periodization Training for Sports by Bompa and Carrera, and many others. I purchased this book after reading the reviews and am not disappointed. The quality of the book itself is quite high. Dragon Door really does a nice job on the page quality making this an excellent self reference. The best thing about the book is the progressions for the six main exercises and alterations. I have been attempting to do pistols and free standing hand stand push-ups for quite some time without much success. Now, I can start at step 1 (although I can easily start much higher, but it isn't advised) and I feel confident that I will be able to progress as far as I am disciplined enough to go. This book provides a nice contrast to everything else out there. Tons of books cover weights, tons of books cover functional movement, tons of books cover body weight exercise without the explicit focus on strength (although Ross Enamait's Never Gymless is quite good as well, but different). Overall, this book will be one of few top references, along with Gray Cook's and Michael Boyle's work! Jason - Lexington, KY Great book Rated 10 out of 10 I have enjoyed reading this. I mainly went straight to the exercises and skipped all the prison information, whys and science behind it all. The progressions make sense, and you get a feel that this is something you can accomplish if you are patient and persistent. John - Flower Mound, TX Priceless Rated 10 out of 10 This is true exercise. This is the natural way. This is how it should always be. Being true and natural is THE way, nothing else matters. This book is the Alpha and Omega of exercising. Nature does not use weights to get strong, ask any Polar Bear or Bald Eagle do they use weights. This is what natural man should come back to. Priceless book, even my crew can not comprehend on the simple yet hard to master techniques. I recommend this book to all. Forget the gym, save your money, save the space, save our planet, and lets focus on being natural. That's the formula. J. Bagley - San Diego, CA I'm a big fat bag of blubber. Rated 10 out of 10 I work, I sleep, I eat. Then I repeat. I am stressed out. I hurt all over. I have no time for anything but my job. I hate gyms. I hate weights. This book is going to save my life. I read it straight through. Couldn't put it down. You can do this anywhere, anytime. It is as addictive as crack cocaine! Lol. I took a before photo. I'll show it to you in a year, along with an after photo. In time I will be a mutant. My body is already changing. Karl Grossman - Columbia, SC Convict Conditioning Rated 9 out of 10 Great book! Just started the work out not long ago and have already felt a little stronger. I cannot wait to see what it does in the long run! Johnny - Ohio Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Great Book Rated 10 out of 10 This is a great book to get any person with the right work ethic and determination to get super strong. It gives you the proper progression to achieve unbelievable bodyweight feats. Travis Glover - Aiken, SC USA Every co-worker is now reading/living by it... Rated 10 out of 10 Since I bought this book 4 months ago more then a dozen co-workers have borrowed it and then bought it. In 4 months co-workers have progressed to the point where even they are surprised by their strength increases. I stopped working on heavy bench for gains and started my one arm push up routines. In two months time I tested my bench gains- from 275 to 355. Amazing for not doing one rep of bench in two months? That is just from pushups! Just think about what I and co-workers have accomplished from the other big 5? You will look at weight training and true strength very different after reading this book. Enjoy. Alex - Everett, WA UPDATE--THE MUSCLE KEEPS COMING! Rated 10 out of 10 I got this book after it first came out about 7 moths ago. This is my second review. Just wanted people to know that I am still following the book, but not quite to the letter. I now vary my rep speed (and pauses) as I move through steps, plus I have added some flexibility work. Other than that I'm following the book very closely. Previously, when working with weights, I hit a "wall" quite quick, but I am still improving week by week pretty much, using Con Con. I have no idea where it will stop, although I guess it must! In seven months I've gained 12 pounds (this is after lifting weights on and off for years, remember), and people at work actually tell me I look much better. My bad shoulder is now my good shoulder, and now I can do more chins than any of the other fathers! This book has changed my life and I will still be using it when I'm a very healthy (and strong) 80 year old great grandfather. Thankyou Dragon Door. J.C. Marrin - Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Can Train everywhere pain free Rated 10 out of 10 I have always had my workouts at home, but due to a busy schedule, many times I was caught away from my bars and dumbells. Besides I use to have pain in my joints or back due to the use of weights, so I decided to give convict conditioning a try. I am in the program for a month now and a great deal of the pain has disappeared while I have found weaknesses in my body that did not know where there. It is amazing how I can have a good workout almost everywhere now using the principles of this book. Fantastic! Manuel Bento Falcon - San Juan del Puerto, Spain The Best Fitness Book I have read. Period. Rated 10 out of 10 In the last year I've read fitness books by Steve Ilg (TBT), John Peterson (PYTP), Pavel Tsatsouline (NW), Ross Enamait (NG) and although all of them took me forward and helped me grow, all of them left me hanging for... something else. Something to tell me exactly what I have to do! CONVICT CONDITIONING does exactly that and is much more than all those books. I think the approach to training found in it can be used for anything e.g. I am a musician and will integrate the training principles into my music training. It is exactly the book for me. It's perfectly in line with my whole philosophy on life. Ultimately, it's a book about patience and all the fruits that can be grown when it is truly and deeply cultivated. I do admit that I was originally put off by the "overhype" and over the top marketing which all dragondoor products suffer from. Seriously, it's annoying. But after several months and not finding what I was looking for, I gave in and ordered it. I read it in a few days. Now it's a new month. I am starting the program from the bottom steps. I am in this for the long run. I don't want no quick fixes. I want a simple program that will build me up little by little. I look forward to reporting my results in my training journal. Great book. PS. you guys better get this thing on Amazon! I am sure it will sell. Jakob - Finland Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Overweight out of shape and short of money! Rated 10 out of 10 This was exactly what I was looking for. Six months later i'm stronger and slowly shifting the weight. An essential requirement if i'm to hit those master steps! Russ - Leicestershire,UK Definitive guide Rated 10 out of 10 I bought it 6 month ago and now I've converted my training to bodyweight only - with no gadget to steal the focus, the results are simply better: real-world strength, movement quality, definition, the works. If you only want one book on training, this is it. Kim Bach Petersen - Denmark BACK TO BASICS Rated 10 out of 10 I am very impressed with the message of Convict Conditioning. I have practiced strength training for the past 30 years, mostly with weights. However, this book shows one the proper method to strengthen joints and tendons as well as muscles without weights or machines. After only a week, my knees and shoulders are already feeling better. Thank you Coach Wade for reintroducing true strength building techniques. I will surely be preaching the word. Joel Vittori - Ellicott City MD Kick ass!!! Rated 10 out of 10 It works. Period. I'm a martial arts and rock climbing enthusiast and the system Paul developed and published in this book has helped me tremendously. I feel much better than lifting weights; as a matter of fact, I haven't touched a weight in 6 months and feel awesome! Thanks "coach" for such a kick ass book. I'm definitely a happy customer. Victor - Columbus, OH Lived Up To The Hype Rated 10 out of 10 Everyone serious about strength training or being in shape should have this book. It definitely isn't your average calisthenics book. I like the progressions for each exercise so that anyone can benefit no matter thier current level of strength/fitness. Coach Wade makes his point that you don't need fancy equipment. I'm doing the hybrid workout combining it with my kettlebell training. I have a number of Pavel's books and have never been disappointed with any Dragondoor products. Bob Bitmead - Lancaster, N.Y. Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Excellent step-by-step training program Rated 10 out of 10 This is an excellent book. It gives you a step-by-step training program, from easy excercises your granny could do, right up to the master steps. It gave me, for the first time, a roadmap for how I can achieve some of these excercises (like pullups) without struggling to do full pullups before I am ready for them. I don't know if the author has ever done time in jail or if it is just marketing - it is not important. What is important is the training advice and program, both of which are excellent. Paul Doherty - Munich, Germany Great stuff with some fluff Rated 8 out of 10 The exercise progressions are fantastic and harder than expected. An experienced kettlebell guy, I can press half my body weight etc... I am finding the early steps a lot harder than expected. Looking forward to mastering these old time feats of strength. A valuable and challenging book for those intersted in building real, useful, true strength. The first three chapters could have been condensed into one short one, the reptition of the basic facts is unecessary. The underlying premise of the book and value of the exercises is compelling enough! Tim T. Chiropractor - Delmar, NY USA I found the type of book I was looking for Rated 10 out of 10 I train muay thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a recreational (and sometimes also at an amateur competition) level. I like to do some other type of strength and conditioning training on the side. With the excersises and training plans from the book, I feel that my pure strength is increasing. I am hoping to reach the master steps in all the six excersises. I think it will be possible with some hard and determined work, and with the help from the book. Magnus - Sweden Even better than I thought Rated 10 out of 10 I can't believe how great this book is. The progressions through all the exercises are logical and prepare you for the later/harder stages. I'm 40 years old and after only 6 weeks or so on the program I feel stronger and more flexible. I'm going slow and steady and not in a big hurry, just following along and doing the exercises strict with no cheating. Paul Wade has really laid out an easy to follow plan, and this isn't a "get huge in a hurry" type of book. It's a realistic plan for true strength and flexibility that pretty anyone can follow. Johnny - Baltimore, MD This book sets the standard, ladies and gentlemen Rated 10 out of 10 It's difficult to describe just how much this book means to me. I've been training hard since I was in the RAF nearly ten years ago, and to say this book is a break through is an understatement. If you are looking for just another book selling something (supplements, weights) or saying the same old thing, this is not that book. How often do you really read something so new, so fresh. This book contains a complete new system of callisthenics drawn from American prison training methods. When I say 'system' I mean it. It's complete (rank beginner to expert), it's comprehansive (all the exercises and photos are here), it's graded (progressions from exercise to exercise are smooth and pre-determined) and it's totally original. Whether you love or hate the author, you have to listen to him. And you will learn something. This book just makes SENSE. In twenty years people will still be buying it. Andy McMann - Ponty, Wales, GB Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! OK addition to the library Rated 3 out of 10 Was largely unhappy with this purchase. Nothing really new here. Although valid, it's not fresh material. Pavel's 'The Naked Warrior' is a much better option. Dragon Door's range is vast & of excellent quality, but I would have steered clear if I'm honest. If you're interested in strength & might look no further than Marty Gallagher's 'The Purposeful Primitive'. Next to Pavel's 'Beyond Bodybuilding', you have all you need. Both are modern day classics & essential reading in this field. Dan Wait - Lincoln, UK straight up and as honest as you'll ever get. Rated 8 out of 10 The whole lay out of the book is very simple and easy to read. I found it really inspiring that a guy in that situation can end up doing something so useful with his spare time. What I liked the most about the book was the fact that he was not trying to sell any product, only his theory. Its so refreshing to see a way to get an all over workout without using a single piece of gym equipment. If only more people could grasp this concept of training they would be so much better off. Matt Anderson - South Westland. New Zealand It delivers! Rated 10 out of 10 This is a great book, the progressions and general fitness tips are fantastic. Five months in and there is already a significant change in my physique. One of this books best features is its convenience. with a bit of thinking, you could perform a workout virtually anywhere!! All in all, this is a great book that delivers everything it promises. Kaled M.M - Manama, BAH An excellent book ! Rated 10 out of 10 This book has really given me the body weight training i need. With its genius well put together progression of exercises, you get the full body max strength without using weights. Espen - Norway A must have! Rated 10 out of 10 Very good, the progressiosn alow you to go from whatever level of strength you are now and get to elite level, if you put in the work of course. You must master your bodyweight first, and this is the best guide to do it that I have found so far. Cesar Boavida - Olhao, PORTUGAL Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! The best exercise program I've read Rated 10 out of 10 Even though I'm a martial arts practitioner and instructor, and not new to the field of bodyweight exercises, this book has realy impressed me and brought very good results to my workouts. I've toned down my exercises according to Paul Wade's advice, and my joints stoped aching and I'm enjoying my workouts much more. The program is very detailed and meticiolous on one hand, and very simple to follow on the other, which makes it easy for anyone to follow provided they have enough patience and look at the long term goal of improving real core strenght and flexibility. A very good book definitely worth working with. Alex Y. - Maagan Michael, Israel more than what i expected Rated 10 out of 10 great information, guidelines, and training protocol. definitely would recommend this book to someone serious about getting stronger and better at bodyweight movements. CTN - Richmond, VA USA This book has changed the way I view conditioning Rated 10 out of 10 I am a 22 year old college student who has been very unsatisfied with my previous workouts...I needed a change badly. My brother recommended Paul Wade's book to me and I was definitely intrigued. I ordered it the next week and have been going through the progressions for a few weeks now. I already feel stronger than I can ever remember feeling and it is amazing. I am going to continue with this book until I reach all of the measures of a TRUE man. This book is full of absolutely amazing material and everybody who is interested in improving their fitness should go out and grab a copy. You will never look at conditioning the same again. Sean Wells - Ellensburg, WA Foolproof plan for inhuman strength Rated 10 out of 10 One day I would like to meet Coach Paul Wade because he is a master of bodyweight strength and also a master author! He clearly and concisely outlines a plan to improve your ability from average or even "couch potato" fitness all the way to freakish, show-stopping strength and conditioning. In addition to the great explanations of the exercises and progressions, he also provides routines, interesting historical notes, a great philosophy, and very helpful pictures. Since starting this program I have not only gained size (and lost fat) but the muscle I have now feels like steel instead of merely flesh...Get this book and start this program ASAP! Gabriel O'Keeffe - Jacksonville NC An excellent guide to strength training from old school methods beat modern day hype. Rated 10 out of 10 Like most other people who saw the title of this book, I was skeptical. Thinking about it, when you see "convict", images of the weight yards go through your head. So, for someone to put out information about old school methods of strength training got me curious. It was a definite pleasant surprise. I find that not only is Coach Wade very knowledgeable with the forgotten methods of "old school" calisthenics but has put it into an easy to understand step by step methods anyone could follow. The "Big Six Methods" are a great way to comprehend the strength training for the athelte who wants to learn how to totally control your body in ways you'd only could dream about. Being a combative artist in this day in age, I found this book to be a valuable necessity for strength training the combative athlete to the reality based fighting arts practitioner. James B. - NYC Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! A great book regardless of your training level Rated 10 out of 10 My wife and I heard about Convict Conditioning through our kettlebell instructor and were intrigued enough that we decided to give it a look. Am I glad we did. Regardless of your fitness level this book will work for you, the simple, plain language makes it an easy read and with the focus primarily on a slow progression throughout the exercises, there's no way you can go wrong. But the key is you have to follow the progressions, no skipping ahead. We've both embarked on our own "convict" conditioning journey and we look forward to seeing the end results once they are achieved. Lee D - Ohio I read a lot of exercise books and this one is AWESOME! Rated 10 out of 10 I can't stop reading and re-reading this book. It is going to get dog-eared and old-looking in only a month or two due to use. I used to think that body weight conditioning was only traditional calisthenics but Coach Wade has opened my eyes to the many ways of upping your strength using body weight only. His breakdown steps are priceless. I am actually getting close to a one-arm chin and his techniques are giving me direction to help me get over the plateau I am at. There are 6 basic bodyweight exercises to train with and all of them are quite hard to do but I can see their applicatioin to real world survival and pure strength situations. This book is not about endless reps of push-ups. It is about developing "tear-your-opponent's-arm-off strength." I am working on all 6 bodyweight exercises and working on getting superstrong. One quoate Coach Wade made was that it may take 3 years to master some of the strenth progressions. At that time you will be superstrong. And you were planning on being 3 years older anyway, right? So why not arrive at the 3 year mark with superman strength. I am shooting for that. And these exercises are so fun they are crowding out my gym routine. Buy the book! Lewis Cone, DC Lewis Cone - Dallas, TX A 'Must Have' Volume Rated 10 out of 10 I've been working in fitness for two decades, and designing and patenting exercise equipment for eight years of that. During my time, I've been exposed to many clever, well thought-out ideas. This is the best. Six exercises, ten levels. All progressive, all doable by anyone at any level, from coming out of surgery to near super-human. The exercises are all highly effective, develop the nervous system and muscles as well as cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. To top this off, they can all be done at home. Amazing system, bathed in lucid photos (sadly only black and white), and dressed with enough writing (yes, there's *writing* in this Dragon Door book!) to make everything easy to understand and follow. A pleasure to read. My only concern, as I work in the fitness equipment innovation industry, is that this kind of workout could very well put me out of business! Andrew F - Sussex, England For those who wish to be functional. Rated 8 out of 10 An absolute must for those in Law Enforcement, especially Corrections.The theory & methods I found in this book are on point. The system is definitely applicable, although some may find it difficult to integrate into their existing fitness schedule. Worth it's weight in gold. W. I. - Pennsylvania I wish my physical education teachers knew 10% of what I learned just reading it Rated 10 out of 10 Words cannot describe the excitement I felt while perusing through Convict Conditioning at first. A few days after, I sold my dumbells to a friend, with a word of caution ! I truly wish my physical education teachers knew 10% of what I learned just reading it. Despite of its relatively small size (288 pages with the acknoledgements) it's the most complete reference work on bodyweight training I've ever encoutered. It's infused with the author's wealth of experience, plus it's a good read. Go get it, it's priceless ! Bruno Heroux - Montreal, Quebec, Canada Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Art, science and steel... Rated 10 out of 10 An indispensable collection of exercise progressions geared toward human perfection. The amount of work that went into this manual is both staggering and inspiring...worth every penny and some serious change--highly recommended. Okami - Northern Illinois Changes everything for me Rated 10 out of 10 I was given this book during a trip to see family in the states. I'm currently based in Ramla, where I teach KCC (Kapap Combat Concepts). I have been interested in Dragon Door's fine books since I read the incredible Hoffmekler book, The Warrior Diet. I devoured both books in a single evening. We've been experimenting with weights training at our KCC center, but as soon as I take this back I'm going to make this form of elite-level body weight training the core of our strength work, with running and sparring for fitness. This book represents a complete system for optimizing strength, agility and most importantly the ability to move your own body around, and it does all this while protecting the joints. I will be teaching this system exclusively to all my students and fellow instructors, who train KCC to defend their lives and the lives of their families. That's how much I beleive in this system. Horovitz, Yitzhak - Ramla, Israel Great Resource! Rated 9 out of 10 Having been a strength coach for many years, I have read about everything and let me tell you...this book is a keeper! I have seen all of the exercises presented here before, but the progression is by far the best I have seen for them. This is a must for ANY serious athlete and/or coach looking for another piece of the puzzle. Get this book or be weak! Your choice... Coach Perkins - Flagstaff, AZ Easy to read and understand, packed with knowledge and wisdom. Rated 9 out of 10 I feel like I understand so much more about working out after reading Convict Conditioning, all because the exercises follow a simple yet novel progression from embarrassingly easy to seemingly impossible. I'm a 27 year-old who, until exposed to Convict Conditioning, has never really taken working out seriously, mainly because I never knew anything about working out. The logical flow and progressive nature of the workouts gives me a clear path to follow, making it easy to envision myself completing some of these superhuman feats. For example, I've always been to weak for classic pushups and pull-ups, so I never tried to work on them. Now I can see myself mastering these basic strength exercises and beyond! Mitch - Birmingham, AL USA best book of it's type Rated 10 out of 10 when i was incarcerated back in the nineteen eighties, i also practised body training like this, but nothing so sophisticated. an excellent book, well worth the effort of getting hold of this copy. Martner - Uk, Originally Oslo, Norway Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! great progression Rated 7 out of 10 if you have the time and patience to maintain the schedule, the progressions in this book will allow you to reach your goals with, not just great muscle strength, but good joint health and tendon strength as well. well worth the read. dr. cj - Pa One of the BEST progressive systems of strength! Rated 10 out of 10 I come to this review after having Mr. Wades book in my hands for only two weeks. A little background; at 16 I discovered power lifting and then sadly blew 3 disks in my lower back. I never thought I could ever get back my strength or fitness levels until now. I always thought the bridge was a big no-no with my back, to the contrary, it RULES, just do the progression! After only two weeks of starting with the first stage progressions my spine feels a million times more flexible and resilient. If you want true full body strength you must get this book! If you have a bad back you NEED these exercises, your body will thank you. Thank you Coach Wade! Phil - Chicago, IL Great read for those wanting some time off from the gym Rated 9 out of 10 I read this book with the intention of taking some time off from my gym this year--especially now that the weather is getting better--and I was very satisfied with my purchase. The best part about this regiment is that you can do these exercises virtually anywhere, and as long as you continue to challenge yourself and keep decent records of your workouts, the progress will follow. I thought the book was a little wordy and repetitive (certainly not written in the tradition of the Naked Warrior), but I did appreciate a thorough explanation of the benefits of body weight exercises as well as the history. One of the things I still wrestle with is the suggestion that you start at the beginning, with exercises that feel pathetically easy. I have struggled with wanting to skip steps and continue to do so, but I haven't given in...yet. All said and told, this is a great book, and I am hoping that by the end of this year, I'll be able to complete all the master level exercises, and become a strongman in the fine tradition. Peter D. - New York, NY Excellent read! Rated 10 out of 10 One of the best put together books I've ever read. Step-by-step instructions and demo's to increase strength and performance. Highly recommended. David - Atlanta, GA Progression is King Rated 9 out of 10 My interest in functional strength has led me to look at the use of body weight exercices as my primary means of strength and conditioning. I have another "conditioning" program, and various other body weight programs that are on the market. Paul Wade does something with his program that I found to be lacking in the others that I have utilized to achieve my goals in functional strength..."WHERE AND HOW TO START". Each exercise has 10 progressions, each progression is build upon by the basic exercise proceeding it, in other words you crawl before you walk, and walk before jogging,and jog before sprinting. You learn to be patient, building strength, real strength, not "all show and no go" muscles that are soo prevelent in today's "gotta have it now" mentality. If I understand the progressions, this process takes almost a year to complete properly, all the time building the strength and physique that you want.One word to describe this book would be "AWESOME". Thanks Paul,for putting your knowledge down on paper! M. Kotter - Arden, NC USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Great Material Rated 10 out of 10 In this book Paul "Coach" Wade has given the world a comprehensive and intelligent system for building strength with minimal equipment. I highly reccommend Convict Conditioning to anyone who is interested in bodyweight exercise. Mike Spease - Sandpoint, ID USA More than meets the eye Rated 10 out of 10 I was reluctant to buy into the convict conditioning movement that I kept seeing on the Dragondoor forum. It didn't seem worth the trouble to give up the kettlebell workouts I normally do. I saw some Russian "parkour" and realized I could move iron around pretty easily, but couldn't move myself around without struggling. I bought this book more out of curiosity than anything else, and I am now an ardent follower. I've been at it for a month, working patiently, and hopefully conditioning the joints (I'm one who strength-wise could jump in anywhere between stage 6 and 10, but am putting my time in at stage 1 and 2). I've had numerous positive changes, some of the shoulder aches I had are gone, and am increasing flexibility and mobility in my ankles. Since I'm in no rush, I can't comment on how strong I can get off this program but I've no doubt I will due to the improvements I've seen in such a short time already. All in all, the concepts of the book are simple, to the point of I wonder why I didn't think of that. The progressions and stages are what make the whole thing fun. That's the best part of it, there's nothing overwhelming or complex...just do the work and improve. Ken J. - St. Louis, MO Honored to own it Rated 10 out of 10 I'm crazy about this book, and am incredibly pleased that I bit the bullet and picked up a copy. I'm proud to have a whole shelf of the world's best classic training books at home (everything from a first edition of 'Only the Strong Shall Survive' to Hinburn's great re-releases), and I'm actually honored to give this new release pride of place. My only real criticism is, like 'The Purposeful Primitive' and so on, Dragon Door makes their books too tall to fit alongside regular books. (Seriously, this book is the size of a clipboard and the weight of a Bible.) This is a small critique though, given the content. I know that this book has been surrounded by controversy, but honestly, it's very hard to imagine anyone who is into training or coaching picking up a copy and not loving it because it genuinely has something for everyone. If you like old ideas, you will love this book. (the strongman stories, the history of traditional kalisthenics, etc) If you like exciting new ideas, you will love this book. (the big six, the ten steps, the Paul Wade system) If you like your books wordy and full of smart, interesting training discussions, you will love this book. (There's an interesting idea on every page) If you prefer your books to be all about the hands-on training, you will love this book. (nearly half the book is big, clear photos, and the exercise explanations are easy-to-follow) If you like building big, scary muscles, you will love this book. (the extreme unilateral loads x relatively high volume) If you are more into functional strength, you will love this book. (the tactical body weight techniques; pull-ups, leg lifts, bridges, etc) If you like complex training theories, you will love this book. (the in-depth biomechanics, anatomy, little-known but useful concepts like 'Lombardo's Paradox', etc) If you prefer to keep your workouts and training approach simple, you will love this book. (it doesn't get easier or more simple than following ten steps for each movement) Basically, I love this new book and you will too. Do yourself a favor and don't be the last one to get your hands on a copy. Better yet, get two. If Dragon Door ever discontinues this book because of the controversy surrounding it, the bastard will be worth a fortune on e-bay. Steve D Steve D - Boston MS, USA Back to Golden age Rated 9 out of 10 Paul Wade gives great history lesson on bodyweight strength training. Provided with good looking progression plan to achieve true strength. I would probaply be more suited to evaluate this book after a year, but after doing the excercises 2 months I have feeling that they are effective and virtually without equipment. Also liked the writing style. Tuntematon Sotilas - Finland Irreplaceable, totally breaks the mould for bodyweight strength Rated 10 out of 10 This book is the mutts nuts!!Think about a book on building muscle and strenght with weights that presents everything you'de ever need to know. That book would be the most awesome book in the world. Well this is exactly what you have with this book written by a prisoner who trained using only his body for 20 yrs. You have the only book on bodyweight strength and muscle you will ever need. If you arent inspired by this book, you are probably six foot under! Tim O' Brien - Dublin, Eire Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Good, but not quite great Rated 8 out of 10 The book presents some really good information. The progressions are invaluable. However, the book itself is lacking. The writing is wordy, the book could have easily been a third shorter. And I've yet to meet anyone that can come close to a one arm handstand push up. I find it doubtful that the author, or anyone else, was doing this for reps at any point. Jim - Pikeville, KY USA A really good workout book Rated 10 out of 10 I really like this book. It does a nice job of explaining each exercise of the workout and some photos for additional clarification. Each 'core' exercise has progression levels which is fantastic. When I first read through the book, I thought I could start at level 4 or 5. As suggested in the book, I started at level 1 and it's been tough! The progression keeps you motivated and working towards the Master Level. The best part is you can do the entire workout at home and very little equipment is needed. In just a couple of weeks I've seen improvements in my strength and I'm excited to continue on. If you're reading the reviews you're already intrigued and you should buy the book, it will not disappoint. CClark - Madison, WI USA Awesome book Rated 10 out of 10 This book is well written and gives you plenty of ideas of how to get in the best shape possible. He regresses each exercise down to the basics so anyone can do them. Great book. James - Woodstock, GA USA One step at a time. Rated 10 out of 10 I really enjoyed reading "Convict Conditioning." I'm already following Paul's advice and have started from the beginning,which is really easy. I just hope that I have the patience to continue following the program to the end. Like all Dragon Door books I have read so far. I find Convict Conditioning easy to understand and inspirational. Thanks Paul for writing the book and Dragon Door for printing it. Oh yeah, I find the looks I get pretty funny when people find out what I'm reading and the title of said book. Charlie - Salt Lake City, UT Convict means FREEDOM!!! Rated 10 out of 10 It's amazing the amount of freedom that comes to your life when you can work-out virtually anywhere, without ever having to worry about getting to some type of equipment regularly. And who better to learn the raw fundamentals from than someone who "had" to get strong or die? Seriously, if the work we've been doing doesn't enable us to move our own body-weight with ease in any plane, then what good is it really doing? The progressions are amazingly effective and clear. This book, combined with all of Pavel's teachings, brings it. Mark Hanington - Huntington Beach, Ca. Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Reboot your thoughts on training! Rated 10 out of 10 Having ran the gauntlet of heavy weight training, and made all the stereotypical mistakes that most young guys make, I needed a change. Even after correcting those mistakes as I got older, bodybuilding style training had gotten very stale. It can be great for some, but was becoming unhealthy for me. A few minor training injuries were slowly getting worse and going lighter didn't help. Being a tall lean guy, blessed with great genetics for gains, but cursed with small joints, I realized I needed to reprogram my mentality to ensure comfortable training for the rest of my life. My search for something new brought me to CC. As soon as I got this book I could tell I had something unique. The sheer volume of training data was incredible, and got me excited immediately. That alone was worth the cover price. From the progressions, to the the self-coaching, and even the history of calisthenics got me hooked, and fired up to start training again. What got me as well, was how it made me rethink to some degree, what has been banged into everyone's head through the years about what training should involve. While there are alot of great training methods out there (weight training included, if done properly), this style is VERY valid, and if one can put ego aside and be honest with one's self...the sky is the limit. After a month and a half of using only CC, i'm much stronger already and have a feeling of vitality, not to mention 5lbs of new muscle. People ask me "so your lifting again eh?" without me mentioning it and when I say "nope", the resulting quizzical look is priceless. My joints are great and my training motivation is through the roof! Don't let any issue with the title, or the author's view on weights, or what the latest T.V. or magazine trainer of the month says is the 'only way to work out' stop you from trying this book. Open your mind a bit...and the rest could be history. S.Moore - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada These pages are POWER PACKED! Rated 10 out of 10 I've basically been playing around with bodyweight exercises for the past couple years. As a Physical Therapist who has messed up my shoulder pushing iron I've found that I can do bodyweight exercises without any problems! The results have been outstanding in that I can still press 110 pound dumbbells for reps despite having not touched them after close to a year! This book, however, gives me a whole new recipe with which I can train to become more powerful than I ever imagined! After purchasing this book 2 weeks ago I've now set my sights on performing exercises I never dreamed I could do - one armed pushups, single arm handstand pushups, one legged box jumps. These are more than just party tricks. This is true FUNCTIONAL strength. When it comes to sports it doesn't matter how much iron you can move. What matters is how well you can move your own butt around! Get this book to be truly strong! (You should also get Pavel's The Naked Warrior - which I also purchased!) Jason Goumas - Lexington, KY Worth your time Rated 8 out of 10 Seems you either love it or hate it. It's gotten enough reviews from people I respect (like Zach Even Esh) that I bought it. Want to know if it works? Check the dragondoor forums - people are posting their progress their daily. As for myself, I'm sticking with it for a year. If it produces the results it says, I'll be stronger than every one of the naysayers. If it doesn't? It's worth trying for a year given the sheer volume of rave reviews, isn't it? Opsahl - Missoula, MT Finally, a great strength training program for runners! Rated 10 out of 10 As a long distance runner this is exactly what I have been looking for in a strength training program. Convict Conditioning has it all laid out in a highly progressive and very thorough manner. Those who have the patience to work through Coach Wade's program will definitely reap huge rewards at having developed all around functional strength. Greg M. Silverman - Minneapolis, MN USA The Single BEST Conditioning Book!!!! Rated 10 out of 10 I am a 55 year old retired Airborne, Ranger, Infantryman---fitness has been very important in my life and still is. This book focuses on a few key exercises and SHOWS HOW TO BUILD UP FROM BEING IN VERY POOR SHAPE TO BEING IN GREAT SHAPE. Very well done, highly recommended to beginners and advanced fitness folks. Again--the book focuses on a few key exercises and how to build up from nothing to being in great shape. The only exercise I would add is the burpee/squat thrust/8 count push-up. Walt Wilson - Texas Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Fantastic! Rated 10 out of 10 Simply the best book on bodyweight training ever written. Paul Wade gives a sound and effective progression for 6 groups of exercises which train the whole body. Anyone can take advantage of this book, increasing own strength and building up a fine physique, without using weights. I highly recommend this book to any athlete. Gian Carlo Bonfiglioli - Roma, Other Italy This is THE difinitive,'must have' training tool. Rated 10 out of 10 I have never seen a more complete training tool in my entire life. Anyone from toddlers to seniors can safely perform exercises within each of the stages of progression for all six of the skills. There is literally almost no end to the implications for the rest of us. What this book can teach you about your own body and how to safely take it to freakishly strong and coordinated levels of training is simply astonishing, yet so incredibly simple in it's approach . If you do not have this book yet, what are you waiting for? If you are a fitness professional and you actually think you don't need it, you should find another line of work. Eric Sommers BS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, RKC - Hudson, WI USA Follow the Progressions Rated 10 out of 10 The progressions are the key to success in Paul Wade's program. I believe the emphasis on conditioning the joints and putting in the time will pay off for me. In a society where we want, and unfortunately are often granted, instantaneous results, Convict Conditioning helps you to understand that true strength and fitness gains aren't made overnight, but rather, with months, and maybe even years of concentrated effort. I can't see how anyone could go wrong purchasing this book, or following the progressions. Joe Eynon - Rocky River, OH Bare essentials for muscle mastery Rated 10 out of 10 This book stresses essential movements and progression. Even if you are physically capable of jumping ahead in the progression, "Coach" tells you to follow the progressions he has honed through the years with his "clients." Mastery of the more advanced movements does not happen overnight,it takes several months of dedicated practice. There is not a doubt in my mind that following the progressions he has laid out will lead anyone to their strongest body. Ross - Michigan I either like it, or don't like it. Rated 10 out of 10 After a month, I feel brand new. I dedicated everything I had, and changed my lifestyle to try and get the best results. And while it's ONLY been a month, results I've had. I feel like the things around are getting weaker haha. But I'm happy with my purchase, but now I need to somehow combine this, The Naked Warrior, and 44 pound Kettlebells altogether, to try and maximize my training. I need a schedule that's what I need. ^.^ Ivan Palacios - South Beloit, IL USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! A NEW CHALLENGE Rated 9 out of 10 THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN FOR MEN, HOWEVER FOR A LADY I AM UP FOR THE CHALLENGE. FOR ALL FEMALES PLEASE GIVE THIS BOOK A CHANCE. JUST TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME IT CAN BE DONE. ROBINA - LINTHICUM,MD Bodyweight Strength for Life Rated 10 out of 10 I thought I knew a thing or two after years of bodyweight training, but this book blew me away. Convict contitioning will be a part of my fitness and strength training for the rest of my life. Even the first step exercises are worth going back to no matter how far along you get. S. Smokey - Lawrence, Kansas Be more than you ever dreamed you could be! Rated 10 out of 10 Excellent knowledge of the human body. Why break your body down with heavy weights when you can accomplish so much more. Paul Wades plan of attack is full proof and will bring even the worst body back to shape. I have lifted heavy all my life and will give my word that I will not use weights anymore! This is the real deal!! Brett - Dinwiddie, VA Good info., but questions Rated 8 out of 10 Overall, this was an excellent book to add to my training library. The modified exercises and progressions were very helpful,however I found I was unable to progress past certain steps despite having achieved the progression level of reps. I also had some concerns about the book's authenticity. Nowhere is there a picture of the author. Instead, someone from another fitness web site is seen demonstrating the exercises. Why? If the author is who he says he is and can perform these exercises why did he not appear in the book, even in an author's bio? I also question the fact that the author advocates only 2 sets of each excercise with low reps, but in one passage tells how he was observed doing pushups for over 40 minutes. The strength building strategy, however, is something I have included in my own training and believe is a sound philosophy. John T. Skulski - Douglassville, PA Best Fitness Book Ever!!! Rated 10 out of 10 I read it cover to cover, twice! Paul shares with us not only the secrets of prison body weight exercise, but also a motivating perspective on why weight room culture fails most people. He gives a historical perspective on these calisthenic methods which in itself was eye opening for me and added to my motivation, especially as a Martial Artist. Coach Wade has laid out these 6 exercise progressions in a logical training series and he provides valid reasoning for starting from the beginning, even if you think you are already a "strong man". These calisthenic series are exactly what I needed to accompany my RKC minimum and to put all my plates away. This book is a wealth of fitness culture and is a most have for everyone's library. Jeff Cox, Iron Dog Gym - Sacramento, California, USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Excellent Product Rated 10 out of 10 The only thing that can make this book and it's contents fail is the failure to patiently follow the progressions. I have noticed an increase in my over all strength after just several weeks of doing the basics. Anyone that submits their ego to the chronological progressions is going to get real strength. I use the easier steps as a supplement to my kettlebell and suspension workouts so that I don't get bored with the ease of it, but I do'em. Once I get up to the more challenging steps they will get their own time slot. Jim Brown - Ohio, U.S.A. Convict Conditioning/Tendon Strength Rated 10 out of 10 I was lucky enough to receive my personal copy of Convict Conditioning straight from the author himself, signed by his own hand. We have been in correspondence since early 2007. We have a mutual interest in the old time strongmen, although we come at the subject from opposite "sides of the pond". Whereas Paul has an interest in many of the old-school American strongmen (in particular and Warren Lincoln Travis and Joe "The Mighty Atom" Greenstein), I'm more interested in the Victorian strongmen of Great Britain. European strongmen were much more muscular than their American counterparts before tissue-building drugs were invented. Bill Bankier, the Scot, had the world's largest arms, and held the record for half a century before PEDS came onto the scene in the 1950s. I'm lucky enough to be related to the great Thomas Inch on my mother's side. (Some of you might remember the famous "Inch" dumbbell.) Although Paul does not advocate the use of weights, his mind-set and training ideology is very similar to many of the old-timers. This is noticable in his book in three ways. First, he advocates building the tendons and joints primarily. Second, he advocates total-body strength feats, like one arm chinups and tiger bends. Thirdly, he advocates the gradual increase in training demands, to allow the joints, cells, heart and internal organs to slowly and safely adapt to heavy stregth training. If you train like this you will never need drugs to get big and strong. I have always found Paul to be incredibly helpful and generous in his advice. His knowledge of training techniques and history is beyond belief, and when it comes to bodyweight body building skills he is surely the world's greatest expert. Nobody who ever buys his book and reads it with an open mind will regret it. Henry "Hank" Ross Henry Ross - Glasgow by way of Yorkshire, ENGLAND So Far So Good Rated 9 out of 10 I've been following the program for about 2-3 weeks now and I'm liking it so far. Okay, except for maybe when I'm cursing out the program when I'm doing my squat sets in the morning. The exercises are simple to learn, but still quite challenging to carry out and master. I'm not sure how I feel about these 6 exercises working all of my muscles, but it's still early. For example, I don't really feel my hamstrings or biceps challenged that much, but that could just be a matter of my weaker muscles catching up before the stronger muscles get worked. I'll stick with it and see. I've still got a long way to go... Joe - Omaha, NE USA A THIRD WAY OF BODILY TRAINING Rated 10 out of 10 I began my training as a gymnast in high school and I went on to powerlifting in my early twenties. I'm a bit of a theorist at heart as I think a lot of ideas are totally wrong that are around right now. I had a lot of good ideas for making gymnastics training better for strength. This book very much coalesces everything I've learned. It combins the long productive recovery periods and pure brute strength of extreme powerlifting with the control and movement knack you get in gymnastics. A wonderful 'third way' which will be of value to anyone who trains. I've been out of the game for years as I focused on aikido, and this is just the way back into the strength world I need. Interestingly I have found some of the ideas I learned in advanced Japanese martial arts in this book! I defy anyone not to benefit from it. "Speedy Tom" - Your location here S, AU Best book on bodyweignt conditioning I've seen Rated 10 out of 10 I am 47 years old former college basketball player looking for a way to stay in shape without spending hours in the gym pumping iron. This is the best book I have seen on bodyweight conditioning. I love the progressions. Greg Nimmo - Cincinnati, Oh Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! talk to the cops Rated 7 out of 10 i have nothing against the title or the fact that the author did time. i was shooting the breeze with an elderly 'community service officer' the other day, he said he himself didn't manhandle any drunks or crooks, but he gets to go through all the various training seminars and updates that the department has. he said he raised three boys and rassled around w/ them as they grew up, and he learns all the takedowns and cop-style wrestling when the dept. holds training sessions. "now the REAL cops," he says, "of course they all lift A LOT of weights, they have a REAL good weight room" he says, "because of course they NEVER want to lose. they CAN'T lose." he says. and he had a point. this book is great to bring your BW moves up to speed. but i wouldn't bank on JUST that, if i had weights too. o.d. brown - minneapolis, mn, usa Very nice exercise descriptions, poor programming advise and propaganda Rated 7 out of 10 Interesting insight, great exercises, and great description of progression. However, critical reading skills are must. Here are two examples why. Obviously the author himself has lifetime experience coaching people who can and do dedicate lots of daily time to exercising. However, he now has to advise general population (folks hitting gym 3 times a week for 45 min), and the coaching experience doesn't carry over. One ridiculous example of this is the programming advice that implies most people can achieve one hand pullup mastery by doing pullups just once a week, for couple of sets (few minutes). Also, the comparison with traditional exercises is unfair. For example, the diagram that shows how handstand pushup is superior to overhand barbell press shows incorrectly done barbell press (that is inviting injury). Basically, too much strawman through all comparison examples. George D. - Sunnyvale,CA a deadly challenge!!! I love this book!!! Rated 10 out of 10 I know a lot of gym rats like me are going in every day just trying to push your iron up in the squat, bench, curl and military. Well I was the same until I read this awesome book!! IT has opened my eyes about the true d nature of real body strength. I have a 12 week challenge for you! Forget the heavy bars for a while, and for 3 months focus on getting 6 examples of geniune body stregth. The one leg squat/one arm pushup/five strict pull ups/five strict hand stand push ups/five good full bridges/ten strict leg raises off a hanging bar. Despite squatting over 400 I failed at all these first time of asking, but in just 2 months I could do them all. If you try this like I did and the coach reccomends, you will never look back and your strength speed and looseness will be better than batmans!! Posts as "squatninja" - Milpitas/CA/United States The Real Deal Rated 10 out of 10 As a Soldier in the U.S. Army I am constantly searching for new ways to improve my strength and fitness. Being the loyal Dragon Door customer I am, I decided to purchase Convict Conditioning by Mr. Paul Wade. It is one of the few books that I've read in one sitting. It's filled with practical, proven and useful information that anyone can understand and apply to their fitness plan. This book has completely changed the way I work out and has definitely "schooled me" in the true meaning of functional strength. Thank you Dragon Door and Mr. Paul Wade! SPC Rivera, Juan - Ft. McCoy, WI wonderful work Rated 10 out of 10 this book was a birthday gift to me from my great uncle. he has a lot of experience in hindu wrestling the best in the world and this system is very very good also. reminding of the old indian body only warriors. recommeded for all readers to learn new good things. P Uppal - islington london Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Fantastic. Rated 10 out of 10 it will be my fitness bible for a long time... steve - NYC Amazing Book. Working Rehab Moves and Real Functional Strength Rated 10 out of 10 Really, really, really love this book. I've been working through the progressions for the last two months. I'm getting stronger and looking forward to total shoulder rehab and getting to the advanced progressions. I've read and tried many different programs of body weight and weighted exercise with lots of focus and intensity going back at least 25 years. So far this program is totally excellent and very worth the investment. Mike C - Union City, CA Here's how to get in peak condition without any equipment whatsoever! Rated 10 out of 10 Bodyweight training is definitely the best way to get your body in peak condition and achieve true functional fitness. Unfortunately it is not being taught in the majority of commercial gyms, where members instead are 'dumped' onto isolation machines instead. If you want to find out how to get in really great shape without the use of any equipment whatsoever, I definitely recommend this book.The basic movements are well explained in a progressive manner, so that any individual at any fitness level can get started on this program. If you need a solution of how to train if you dont have time to attend a gym, or if you're travelling, this book has the answer. Richard Geres - Malta, Europe All you need to have enviable strength and conditioning Rated 10 out of 10 Convict Conditioning is packed with useful information to get strong all over in terms of strength-to-weight ratio no matter what fitness level you are currently at. The author, Coach Wade guides you through these exercises while being safe and explaining the principles behind it in detail. I am 20 years old and I will do all these exercises in the book until I am 80. Best investment I've made in fitness and health. Chris - Sydney, Australia Superbly - works for Me and my Dad Rated 10 out of 10 I have been strength training for a good 3 years, i mastered Enter the Kettlebell and was looking for something a bit different. Having never tried bodyweight training exclusively!! I love the fact this book starts at the very beginning and builds up to some very extreme exercises!! This was perfect for me...someone who has never really done bodyweight exercises...but also for my old man who has suffered with being overweight and back problems for aslong as i can remember! And a complete novice when it comes to any sort of training. after only a couple of months he is noticing his strength change and because he is thinking about his body it has helped him to start to lose weight! Every execise explained and broken down! all in all i love this book! my new bible! Ben the convert! - Bridgend, South Wales UK Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Great book! Rated 9 out of 10 This book is great! Goes over building a solid foundation which many including myself lack. Full of information. Mike - Wyckoff, NJ USA brutally effective Rated 10 out of 10 this book will take you to new places in discomfort when you get past the seemingly boring 'easy' phase of build-up training - seemingly snail-paced, agonising reps are actually just controlled and good form! the focus on form and stabilisers opened my eyes to the shoddy technique some supposedly strong men use in rocketing high reps scott - indonesia Very inspiring Rated 10 out of 10 Convict Conditioning is the ultimate guide to body-weight strength training. Showing the way to super strength through body-weight-only exercises in a way that not even "The naked Warrior" managed to do. After reading this book, even a dedicated weight-lifter like me start to question the necessity of external loads to build overall and complete strength. Apart from being an excellent guide and the ultimate "handbook" of calisthenics this volume is full of great information, facts, tips and tricks on strength training, health and prehab, and these sections alone are worth the buy. It is also a great source of inspiration and can give a kick-start to anyone moving in circles with their training. Highly recommended! David Josefsson - Sweden Police officer saved by convict! Rated 10 out of 10 I am a 35yr old police defensive tactics instructor in the UK with 12yrs experience. For the last 5yrs, I have been plagued with injuries and illness from pushing myself too hard in the gym with weights and fighting with offenders during arrests. I am more than just battle scarred, 'to say the least'. I was getting to the point where I thought I would have to take up a desk job position, as my body had just about had it. That was, until, I found convict conditioning. Having read hundreds of reviews and threads at Dragon Door, I think that the book may be very underrated and misunderstood by many. It is actually a very insightful, science based text. It starts with high volume easier steps, that promote joint health, correct physiological movement and some sarcoplasmic hypertrophy. These things have all allowed my battered body to recover and feel healthy again, for the first time in years! As you progress through the steps, the volume decreases and muscular tension increases; there is a subtle and imperceptible shift of bias, towards myofibrillar hypertrophy and neuro-based strength gains rather than sarcoplasmic, strength-endurance based training. The clever bit, is that if you have stuck to the programme and not skipped the first few levels, your body will be fully prepared to tackle some heavy duty strength work that may have caused pain,injury, bad posture and soreness, if you had tackled them straight off. I suspect that most people will dismiss the first stages as too easy or 'for beginners'. To do so, will completely miss the whole point. The first stages are the key to moving smoothly and uninjured through the entire programme. I am now feeling healthier and stronger than I have done for years, and I have a convict to thank! I am used to putting them behind bars, not praising them! R.D.A - Midlands, U.K The clearest and most concise workout book I have ever read Rated 10 out of 10 Six weeks into the program and I have been humbled. Don't get me wrong I have made progress. In fact the only exercise that I have not graduated from ar the dreaded knee tucks. The above having been said let me tell ytou a bit about me and where I am coming from. I work full time a critical care R.N., part time photographer and trainig a ina few martial arts. At my strongest I had a #500 bench press. At my strongest I couldn't do a 1 arm push up. Moving around and witching shifts has kept me out of th egym and the dojo. Let's just say I am not at my strongest. LOL Six weeks into the program my waist is down, my stamina is up and I'm getting positive feedback on my body changes. Yes I have changed my diet as well but the program is easy to keep up, it's hard to say you don't have time when you can knock it out in 20-30 minutes without leaving the house. As far as who wrote the book go , frankly I don't give a damn. I take knowledge as it comes keep the wise, dump the rest. This book is a keeper. A clear, concise well written full body program. E.O. Ford - Las Vegas Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Toss your weights in the trash Rated 10 out of 10 The ideal companion for the minimalist minded athlete. This book is a breath of fresh air in a world overrun with tired gimmicky gadgets. Kudos to Paul Wade for writing this mighty book. Benny - Long Beach CA For real strength - you need this Rated 10 out of 10 To me, anyone who wants to get strong, and has to start at the basic 100 lb weakling level, let alone even semi in shape, then this is the place to start. Barbells, dumbbells, kettle bells, are the next step up and are for those who are already strong enough to start at a higher level. For those of us who are young, old, and anywhere in between, and want to get in shape, this is the best resource ever. It takes you from 100 lb weakling to what ever level you want to go to. If you then want to go to weight lifting after you are in shape, you will at least be strong enough to be able to do it with out hurting yourself. This book is cutting edge, and needs to be in anyone's library, and be put to use. It should be the text for any gym trainer, if they really are there to help people, but of course, using it would get them thrown out of there, as it is not about using gym equipment, and it would not bring in customers who would use their equipment. IT IS THE BEST!!! Buy yourself a copy, or more. bruce robinson - everett, wa, usa Excellent & Comprehensive Rated 10 out of 10 I am very pleased with the Convict Training. Its like a Breath of fresh air. Paul Wade takes you step by step. I highly recommend this book. Fred - GoodFrend in NY The Real Deal Rated 10 out of 10 It does not get any better than this book. Just reading it you can tell it will work.I have read them all and this is by far the best. From zero to hero and you can do it, just follow the plan. John C - Greensboro, NC A coherent progression to the Big Six power bodyweight exercises Rated 8 out of 10 I travel a lot to weird locales, and need a workout program I can do anywhere, with nothing. This is that program. Provides a clear-headed approach to building the strength necessary to master the big six power bodyweight exercises. Although I'm fit, I started at the beginning and I'm putting strength in the bank as I move through each progression. I'm building power and getting leaner, but the biggest payoffs are the improvements to my posture, elimination of joint pain, and general feelings of well-being and being "in my body." I'm committed to following this book through to the mastery steps of each exercise. UnderCover in LA - Long Beach, CA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Crappy title...GOOD book! Rated 10 out of 10 This exercise plan is designed to take a year or more to complete. That was refreshing to hear. Most plans promise "insane" results if you work your butt off for 90 days, give or take. I have enough things in my life causing mental trauma without adding my exercise plan. Slow and steady is usually more reliable over the long term. Each exercise is broken down from a very basic beginner level to very advanced. My 3 & 4 year old daughters can do a few of the beginning exercises. I can't do any of the top level ones. The advise in the book is to start with the basics and advance a level each month or so. In about a year, you should be in the advanced levels at that pace. If you start with the basics at the number of reps required to advance, I believe that you will feel it. They are working something I don't normally use, even though my basic exercises before would fall into the mid level exercises in this plan. If you have the attention span of a gnat, this is not for you. If you get off on lifting things in front of a mirror and telling/listening to gym stories, this is not for you (try The Purposeful Primitive). If you are looking for something to build a solid body for a lifetime, this is what you are looking for. Andy M. - Martin, TN, USA Complete system and its simple! Rated 10 out of 10 I love this book. I am pretty fit already but I haven't found a system that works for my body type until now. At first I thought the innitial exercises were beneath me since I can grudgingly squeeze out a single one arm pushup but after just trying it I realize the significance of his approach. It is easy for me while still getting me to work hard. Plus the workouts are very intense/strength style and don't take a 45 minutes to an hour to complete which honestly can be a pain in the a$$. I give this book a 10/10 because there is very little fluff, it is easy to understand and most of all it works. I keep it near by bed as a reference whenever I have a question. I look forward to my new fitness. Thanks Paul Wade! Blessings, peace and power to you all. P.S. I also recommend The Naked Warrior by Pavel as a supplement to this book. Jean-Pierre - New York City Best thing since Naked Warrior Rated 10 out of 10 This book is one of the best. Anyone who finds it remotely interesting should buy it. I'm sure other reviews give more detail, but this work is perfect for developing great strength (and all other necessary physical attributes) in the most bare-bones set-up possible. The first work from DragonDoor which I purchased was The Naked Warrior (by Pavel). It changed my approach to everything. The book itself only covers two basic exercises, but gives enough information on training for it to be useful for any sort of routine. Convict Conditioning gives exercises and routines to make anyone with a functional body, no matter its condition, a master of strength using a well designed program and progression. It, however, does not go into great detail on the strength techniques found in the Naked Warrior. It does not have to, as the progressions will cause one to "discover" them as needed, but it would serve the would-be strongman well to buy both this book and the Naked Warrior. I would bet money that one could surpass anyone with these two books, or even with just one of them. Herr Mannelig - Pennsylvania the best ever writen on body weight conditionong Rated 10 out of 10 THIS BOOK ROCKS I HAVE LOTS OF TRAINING BOOKS AND DVD ON BODY WEIGHT TRAINING BUT THIS KNOCKS THEM DEAD . THE PROGESSION THAT COACH WADE HAS LAYED OUT IS JUST RIGHT. SOME OTHER BOOKS (MATT FUREY) CAN NOT COME CLOSE . GREAT JOB "TRAIN HARD FIGHT EASY" AL C. GROSSMAN - AUGUSTA GA. If you are looking for a strategy to get strong, this is it. Rated 10 out of 10 I was a teacher in an Illinois medium security prison for nine years. I talked with convicts about training every day. I was also able to watch them train in the gym and yards. So I know that Paul Wade's Convict Conditioning is the real deal! If your desire is to be functionally strong (REALLY STRONG!), Paul's book shows you the way...step-by-step. Mike Joplin - Southern Illinois, USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Great book. Rated 10 out of 10 Something new and different, yet tried and true. It's simple to follow and to the point. No one will be disappointed who buys this book. A must read for anyone who takes strength and fitness seriously. Ben Schneider, RKC - Traverse City, MI USA Excellent book for strength training for anyone Rated 10 out of 10 I thought this book was going to be a good book for people who were already in good shape and wanted to get into better shape. It does that, but it's also the best book I've read - and I've read a bunch - for people who are completely out of shape and want to get into better shape. Very well written, very easy to follow. mleger - Madison, WI USA BEST BODYWEIGHT TRAINING BOOK SO FAR! Rated 10 out of 10 I'm a martial artist and I've been training for years with a combination of weights and bodyweight training and had good results from both (but had the ususal injuries from weight training). I prefer the bodyweight stuff though as it trains me to use my whole body as a unit, much more than weights do, and I notice the difference on the mat and in the ring. Since reading this book I have given the weights a break and focused purely on the bodyweight exercise progressions as described by 'Coach' Wade and my strength had increased more than ever before. So far I've built up to 12 strict one-leg squats each leg and 5 uneven pull ups each arm (the heaviest curls I've ever done - 60kg at 70kg bw - were a piece of piss compared to these buggers!) - my goal of course is the master step of complete one arm pull ups). I've never achieved this kind of strength before - and this stuff builds solid muscle mass as well. It's very intense training. I also apply the various high body tension and GTG techniques that Pavel outlines in 'The Naked Warrior', which I know has enabled me to make more rapid progress. I am so confident in and happy with the results I'm getting that I've decided to train for a fitness/bodybuilding comp just using his techniques, no weights, just to show for real what kind of a physique these exercises can build. In sum, I cannot recommend 'Coach' Wade's book highly enough - it is by far the best of its kind ever! Mark Robinson - Australia, currently living in South Korea Saving my spine....one progression at a time! Rated 10 out of 10 I love to train my body. But sometimes my body rebels and calls forth the ghosts of injuries past. Recently that injury manifested in herniated discs and pinched nerves. Training comes to a screeching halt. "You should try yoga" my wife says. Yeah right. Then I stumble upon Convict Conditioning. I read the reviews about the progressions and I give it a shot. Boy am I happy I did. Most body weight conditioning books make lots of promises, but never give accurate instruction on how to achieve the mystical strength goals that are promised at the outset. In Convict Conditioning, this is not the case at all. The progressions are the key, at least for me. Even though you may be ready to tackle a higher level progression, by starting at the bottom and working my way up I am actually increasing my strength and rehabing injuries at the same time. I honestly can say that my ability to walk upright like a normal human at this very moment is not due to my physical therepy sessions, it is because of the bridging progressions in Convict Conditioning. For that chapter alone I will be forever grateful. Nemiah - Wappingers Falls, NY PRISON TRAINING VS GYMNASTICS Rated 10 out of 10 I was introduced to this book by a buddy who bought three copies. When I read it, I immediately went to my truck and fished out some cash to buy one of them off him. Anyone who has skimmed through this book will know why! After six years of on-off work in both in a commercial gym and my basement, I became intrigued by gymnastics and began researching it deeply. My first brush with body-weight training came oh, about a year back when I bought Coach Sommer's 'Building the Gymnastic Body'. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!! Man, what a disappointment! I had hoped for some solid ideas about building strength and power as an adult, but what I got was a flimsy, badly written brochure full of a bunch of photos of hyper-mobile eight year old boys. Nothing for adults. 'Convict Conditioning' is the book I wish I'd bought first time around. It's a complete system of strength training for MEN. (And women!) One of the things I disliked about gymnastics was the faggy dance/posing element of the floor routines. Coach Wade talks about how gymnastics and old school callisthenics started from the same source, then split up many years ago. Prison callisthenics retained all the dangerous, brutal strength techniques used by warriors rather than the pretty dance routines. Inspiring stuff, and it makes PERFECT sense to me! I've heard gymnasts bitch about how a one armed handstand push up is IMPOSSIBLE. Yeah, right...it probably is to gymnasts, because they don't train for it. They train for what they get judged on...elegant moves, not ugly strength. But for really dedicated strength athletes who shoot for this goal, it IS possible. People said the five minute mile and the five hundred pound bench were impossible, until people kept doing them under official conditions. Are you seriously telling me that at the Olympics guys can clean and jerk close to 600lbs overhead, but that a 190lbs guy can't kick his own body-weight up with one arm?! Take off!! An elite goal, sure. But NOWHERE NEAR impossible. Belief becomes reality. As soon as we are seeing one arm handstand push ups on youtube, there are going to be a lot of red-faced gymnasts eating crow. (Let them go play with their ribbons.) There's a load of controversy surrounding this book, and I LOVE it! It's all smoke and mirrors though. All the chatter will be helping Dragon door sales, but I will remind you that all the controversy is around superficial stuff...the qualifications of the author, glamorizing crime, and so on. None of it has to do with the real meat and bones of the book, which is 24 karat gold. Even the nastiest reviews of this book (and there will always be some) admit that it is pretty damn good! John Senerchia B.A. J Senerchia - Toronto, Ontario CA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! This is THE body weight strength training manual Rated 10 out of 10 This is just a terrific book. The progression of exercises is laid out so clearly... it's got me believeing that if I stick to it, I might actually make it to the master steps. Far too often I have seen vague suggestions about how to make the jump from common exercises like push-ups, pull-ups and squats to their elite single limb equivalents by changing the leverage but I never got there. Convict Conditioning has the intermediate steps you need to bridge the gap. Pete - Golden, CO USA Perhaps the greatest book ever written on physical culture? Rated 10 out of 10 I wish this book was about when I was 18! It contains vital information that would have saved me from making countless mistakes and having the wrong attitude towards strength training; or self improvement for that matter. Still, it is a blessing that I have found it at 29, rather than 39. This great work takes you from Step 1, and explains how to train! Most books I've read, start at step 6 or 9, give you a load of random exercises and expect you to be able achieve the physique of a greek god. This book does no such thing! It is also very realistic, in that the author states 12 months+ will more than likely go by before you are ready to attempt, a one armed pull-up for example. There's NO quick fix bullshit; which is so refreshing. It has taken me many years to realise that "Short cuts make long delays". Anyone who diligently follows the programs set out in 'Convict Conditioning' will surely achieve, over time, their genetic potential strength; and have a superbly powerful body. Calvin Klein models need not apply! I should add for UK buyers: I bought this and Viking Warrior Conditioning (I have a kettlebell, but am in no hurry to start swinging it about). With postage, both were expensive books. ALSO, I got charged 16.20 (pound sign is invalid here) Customs by Royal Mail, 8 of which was VAT. So, CC prob worked out at 40+ pounds. Expensive for a book, but absolutely worth every penny!!! Standard shipping was quicker than I expected. Approx 2 weeks. If you were to only have one strength/fitness book, this should be it. A nearly lost art, brought to those of us who will pay heed. An absolute treasure and the greatest gift. I am extremely thankful for Paul Wade, and all those at Dragondoor who made this book possible. J Lewis - Lancs, UK Excellent Book Rated 10 out of 10 An excellent book. So much work has gone into this that even if you never use the great ideas inside, you will still get a lot out of the purchase. P.M.H. - Cambs, England, UK Misleading and in some cases outright falsehoods, but some great info as well. Rated 4 out of 10 Dragon Door specifically asks that we "Focus on the product's content and context" and "include not only whether you liked or disliked a product, but also why." I have done so. The one arm push up,pull up, SLS, and bridge progressions are great. The ab section is weak and nowhere near the quality I'd expect, and the last few steps of the one arm handstand progression go from misrepresenting the model's ability to an outright falsehood on the part of the author in regards to HIS ability. It is not acceptable to say you could do unassisted one arm handstand push ups when you were doing elbow lever kips. That may not have been intentional, but it is the author's responsibility to verify his information, his editor's responsibility to make sure the author didn't make mistakes, and the publisher's responsibility to make sure that content they stamp their name on lives up to their reputation. These responsibilities were not fulfilled. When I look at a photo in an exercise book, I expect the person in the photo to actually be performing the exercise. Jim Bathurst, the model and a well-known figure in the online fitness industry, can not even come close to performing a one arm headstand push up. Not even close. He barely manages a few decent single repetitions of the assisted version using pretty heavy assistance. It doesn't look like he does if you don't work wall handstands, but I'm 6'2 and 227 lbs, and I can do what he's doing. Watch the fingers bend. Watch the assisting dumbbell stop as he bends his arm and pushes up. He can't even do the lever version for one rep. In my opinion, this is the same as lying to your consumers. I certainly expected that photos taken were legit. This particular progression of exercises is about as realistic as the building-jumping scenes in Iron Monkey or Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. After discussing this with one of the coaches of the USA Jr. National team, who was himself a professional gymnast, it appears that there has never been a true one arm handstand push up. Ever. To not mention this, to not be straight forward in explaining the particulars behind the author's claim, which turns out to actually be a kip from elbow lever to one arm handstand, is inexcusable for anyone, but far more so for a company of Dragon Door's size and reputation. Here's a direct quote from Jim's youtube account, on the video. Dragon Door doesn't allow me to post the URL, but if you search for "Assisted One Arm Handstand Pushup" and check the video by the user "beastskills" you can look at all the comments and see for yourself. "BeastSkills (4 days ago) BarStarzz: I was the model for Convict Conditioning and directly asked Paul about this exact feat. He said his were done from a one arm elbow lever with a kick (like Tikhonivich's). An amazing feat which we'll have to trust he once did." THIS MAKES THE PROGRESSION A LIE. Not only can the model not even do correct single repetitions for the last three exercises, even the author can not perform the move as shown in the book. Popping up from a one arm elbow lever, while incredibly impressive, is not even close to the same thing as staying in the handstand. None of this is mentioned or even hinted at in the book. It's disheartening to think that Dragon Door has allowed such blatant misleading photos and ideas to be spread to a trusting consumer base. The ab progression is also a joke. As shown, it's incredibly easy. I was expecting to see body levers, full range HLL with the back against bars, etc. Nope. I think the one arm push up progression is pure gold. The one arm pull up and SLS progressions are similarly well laid out, and I love the advice given regarding the tempo that should be used during the exercises. It would be better if the author explained more about how important this is to building joint strength and why fast movements should not be used until a surplus of joint strength is developed, but he's got it right. The bridge I have some issues with, because Paul specifically states that the arms and legs should be straight, yet the photos clearly show the model to be unable to do this. There are better people, like Ido Portal, who shows a perfect bridge in his youtube video "passive flexibility tests." Still, it's a great exercise progression. In addition to the other outright incorrect and unverified information regarding the one arm handstand push up, there is the issue of the author being completely wrong in his photo and explanation of the "Planche." He shows an elbow lever, which is not even remotely close to a planche. A planche is a push up position with locked arms, hands on the floor hear the hips, and a perfectly straight body that is held horizontally in the air. It takes truly monstrous strength, unlike the elbow lever. I can barely hold a 10 second tucked planche on the floor but I can do an elbow lever no problem. The author and the editor both failed their audience in this regard as well. I think that this book is overall very good, but I CANNOT give a high rating to such blatant disregard for the truth. I am disappointed in Dragon Door. In total, my review is 998 words. I am putting this here, along with keeping an original copy of my review just in case this review somehow gets misrepresented. I have reviewed their guidelines carefully, and I have typed nothing that violates their guidelines. I suppose they could say I am being spiteful, but spite is defined as "a malicious, usually petty, desire to harm, annoy, frustrate, or humiliate another person." It is not defined as "Explain and provide evidence of the falsehoods in this book." Joshua Naterman - Atlanta, GA USA Excellent Rated 10 out of 10 Excellent book. I have no doubt that by the time that I am through with this program I will have great functional strength. Who wouldn't be strong when you can do a 1-handed push-up, 1-legged-squat, and 1-handed pullup? I can actually feel my body becoming more Bruce-lee-like compared to my regular program of bodybuilding. I am currently around level four out of ten toward the 1-handed variations. Although I have a decent home-gym and myriad of equipment, I'm pleasantly surprised by how much you can do with just a chin-up bar and your own body-weight. It's an expensive book, but well-worth the money if you just buy one workout book this year. Lew - Chicago, IL USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Simply fantastic Rated 10 out of 10 Great content on how to go from imbalanced to balanced and very strong. Working great... Corry - Oklahoma City, OK Rocks the Casbah Rated 10 out of 10 I've not even dusted the surface but CC keeps it simple. 6 exercises, 10 progressions for each. You don't need much & I purchased the perfect pull up bar which has worked nicely on the pull-up progressions for those considering the book. If you wan't to train calisthenics there isn't a source that compares IMHO. I wish "Coach" Wade had a blog/forum resource to discuss it. Jack - Philadelphia PA Excellent Progressive Bodyweight Exercises Rated 10 out of 10 I rate this book as a 10. Progressive exercise descriptions are excellent. After completing my bodyweight exercises I felt energized. I was exercising on a daily basis and found that I do better when I do these exercises every other day. I am 63 years old and look forward to mastering these exercises. I would highly recommend this book to anyone willing to put in the effort. Charles - Sugar Land, Tx Great book Rated 10 out of 10 This book gets you pumped up just reading it. You have constant goals to meet which always keeps you motivated. You can be an out of shape couch potato and still begin the exercises. You really can see yourself meeting the seemingly impossible goals. I constantly recommend this book to my friends. Keith - Slidell, LA very please with convict conditioning Rated 9 out of 10 i have prior books on bodyweight exercises. this book which is a complement to the naked warrior is a great,well thought out book that shows how u can develop functional strength without any equipment or machines. Reaching the master level in all six sections is a goal of mine...all in all Paul Wade shows to be very educated in this terrific book. Ray R. - Cincinnati, OH USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Bodyweight exercises for strength?!? Rated 10 out of 10 This book changed my viewpoint completely on gaining strength through bodyweight exercises! The progressions are solid, the program templates are easy to follow, and I can't wait to see the results after a year of using this book as my main program. I highly recommend CC to anyone regardless of their current physical capabilities. I'm already looking forward to the rumored CC2! Luke - Denver, PA USA Bullseye Rated 9 out of 10 This is really a brilliant book. Anybody can use the progressions and make immediate gains. His emphasis on working slowly and getting plenty of rest is spot on. My only hesitation is on the initial squat. A shoulder stand is an advanced yoga position and is not easily done correctly. If you don't look exactly like the picture, go even slower. Dan Peven - Berkeley, CA Doing healthy porridge Rated 10 out of 10 This is a great book for demonstrating how to maintain & gain fitness and strength in a small space without any costly equipment.It is possible to achieve definition and fitness with body weight exercises alone.Now, can you let me out of this cupboard? Mikey Poos - London, England The Real McCoy - Wondering "will this work?" YES, IT WILL. Rated 10 out of 10 I am 51 years old and have done nearly every workout there is. I recently did the P90x series (twice). I've also participated in Kenpo Karate for 6 years, played soccer for longer, spent 10 years as a competition level bodybuilder, played basketball and lifted all types of weights for more years than I care to remember. I'm only two weeks into the program outlined in this book and I can tell you it's the most complete, common sense strength training system I've been exposed to. After many years of building bulky muscles with insufficient connective tissues (ligaments and tendons), I tried yoga and found out I wasn't as strong as I thought. I suddenly realized there were some major core weaknesses in my body in spite of being big and scary looking. This book and this program have been the NEXT STEP for me. After only a couple weeks following the progressions, I can tell I'm strengthening areas that I've neglected way too long. And it's the right kind of strength. If you think you can't get strong using just body weight, think again. I would recommend this program and this book to anyone that's interested in developing true all round strength and not just bloated vanity muscle. That's not a knock on anybody, that's just my own personal experience over the years. Get it. Read it. Do it. Your body and your joints will thank you for it. A high quality, no B.S. product that does what it says. Keith Williams - Austin Texas Brilliant- This is a book you want to buy. Rated 10 out of 10 Paul Wade writes in a way that is vastly entertaining and informative. He backs up all his training philosophies with a solid knowledge base of anatomy and personal experience. You will learn more from this book than you would in a university classroom or another "expert" in the field. Coach Wade's "big six" progressions are exciting, making his "master steps" less intimidating and seemingly achievable. His method is simple, but by no means easy. This a program you should be on. Convict conditioning is a book you should own. Christine Bonekamp - Ontario, CA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! prison chic a bit much but good solid content Rated 10 out of 10 I really liked this book and could not put it down. Well written, fun to read and inspiring at the beginning and end. I was really interested in the idea of setting progression goals for each move, so you know when to move on and where to. The training is nothing really out of this world, very basic. But genuine strength training really is. In powerlifting we only have three movements. Here there are six. All heavy lifters could benefit from at least something here. People with an open mind to new ideas and approaches will appreciate this book. Dickwads and fat sofa surfing slobs will be intimidated and cry like bitches because they won't get anywhere near the moves in this book. Deadlifter - gripping a bar the very best book of its type!! Rated 10 out of 10 I love this prison training book! If you, like me, have experimented with bodyweight exercises but never really got the best out of them and wondered how to really use them to the best of their potential then this is book you really need! A complete white belt to black belt program in bodyweight strength! Dan Croft - Rockville Maryland USA a TOP read Rated 10 out of 10 I have been dedicated to training for about five years now, and have even worked as a p.t. in two gyms where I recently moved from. My main goal is muscle mass but strength and explosive speed are secondary goals. I learned the value of fast moving power when I played Aussie footy (a real "man's game") back when I was at school. To my mind strength is also crucial even for body builders, because the weight you can use properly on body building movements (to build your muscle bellies) is mostly dependent on strength. This is how I first became a fan of the evil one. Anyone who wants to build muscle should read his "Power to the People" and adopt his methods as a cornerstone of their approach. I also really rate Parillo and Poliquin. (If you can dig out "The Poliquin Principles" from an old book shop, you wont ever regret it. After all this time and training, I now have a "little black book" of training ideas and useful tips up in my brain. I still read some fitness and body building books, but most of them are the general "mens health" bodgy type, which can perhaps teach some info to beginners (basic movements nutrition ect) but will gain you nothing if you are intermediate or more. To me, a "good" book is anything I can learn just one idea from that I can actually use to build muscle for my workouts. If I learn more than one little tip, then the book is "great". This book is "beyond great". I cannot tell you how much new, useful material I got out of this. For each chapter I got at least one piece of info I can use for different body parts in my weights work outs. I also thought I knew every type of kit free exercise in the world, but I picked up loads of new ones from the book too. Who ever heard of lever press ups, jack knife pistols, assisted one arm chins, frog raises or standing to standing back bridges? All really nice movements I can use or will learn to use but the most important new thing I picked up was the idea of "progressive calisthenics" (old school style), which to my mind is a whole new strength sport, like power lifting, kettle belling or odd lifting. I disagree mega strongly that weights work is bad for you, and will be pumping iron until the day I die. But this book has really added an exciting and motivating new dimension to my bulk standard work outs in the gym and that's as rare as. Ace book. Thanks Dragon Door, nice one! Ten on ten. Mick, "p.t." - Canberra, Australia Conditioning perfected! Rated 10 out of 10 This an excellent book with well-thought out series of exercise progressions that can safely help many people achieve greater levels of mastery, no matter where they are in their quest for strength and health. Each progression builds on the next and is accompanied by Paul Wade's tips and insights. This is one textbook that is several decades overdue. In a world where life itself can be a prison of sorts with all of our daily demands and stress, Paul Wade has diagrammed a successful path to freedom. I've already given away several copies to friends and patients. Leave it up to DragonDoor to come out with yet another incredible book to go along with Pavel's Naked Warrior. Jeff McCombs, DC, RKC - Los Angeles, CA Absolutely the best book Dragon Door publishes Rated 10 out of 10 I have purchased most of Pavel's books and videos and a smattering of the books that other Dragon Door authors have published. But hands down, if you can only buy one book, Convict Conditioning is the book for you. When I saw Pavel and others doing one-legged squats and one-arm pushups, I always wanted to do it. My weight and lack of physical training prevented me from making much progress, so I simply stuck with kettlebell workouts. Coach Wade's book succeeds where the others don't exactly because he breaks down the exercises into manageable steps that anyone can do. He also lays out a plan where you can measure your own progress and move on to the next level of training when you have reached his benchmarks. This is exactly the motivation I needed. It has so jazzed me up on working out that even my daughter has started doing some of the exercises with me when I work out. Thanks, Coach! Great job! Al - Chambersburg, PA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Training Revolution of the Highest Order Rated 10 out of 10 Nothing sparks up the spirit and the sinews like the excitement of revolutionary thinking. The word "revolution" means "going back to the start"; and this sums up John Ducane's achievements appropriately. Twenty years ago the kettlebell was consigned to the junk heap of training history. A decade back, the hottest new exercise guru on the planet, Pavel Tsatsuline, yanked it out. It now ranks as the premier training tool for all thinking muscle athletes. Just five years ago, true callisthenics was in a crumpled, defeated heap. Beaten, bloodied, it lay twitching at the feet of barbells, dumbells, and all manner of new training machines. Now, Paul Wade has given this ancient art a massive shot of adrenalin, and hot damn, it's back on it's feet and looks in pretty fine shape. Given the phenomenal internet-wide reviews of "Convict Conditioning", bodyweight training is more than just a competitor; it's actually a contender again. God help us. There might be some hope for the next generation of athletes after all. J Swanson - London, GB totally invincible Rated 10 out of 10 The greatest training book ever written. As a kickboxer, I always wanted to know some superior spine and hip training methods which would add real power and suppleness but not bulk. I began doing the bridging series and realised that the author really knew about old school training. Started the leg raises not long after. The next week I put my Weider weights bench on ebay and I haven't looked back since. My body has not felt this good since I was 16 and my girlfriend can't get enough when I take my top off now. Most noticably my arms pecks and shoulders, have really gained some meat. My goal is to look like the man in the photos, and I know I can do this by next summer. Thank-you Dragon Door and Coach Wade. Jacob - Scotland Review of Convict Conditioning Rated 8 out of 10 When I saw the title of this book I nearly puked. I'm a policeman and have met a lot of convicts in my time. They can be summed up in one word: selfish. They do what they do because they don't care about anybody else. Watch the prisons documentaries on Sky to see what a bunch of losers they are. Despite that I bought the book. I'll be honest and say that I quite like it. The author's style is easy to read and engaging. The information is presented in a well-organised fashion. His approach and rationale are explained clearly. The exercises are nothing new, however, the progressions are quite good although there are alternatives which are just as good. On the downside...First, here's a bit of macho talk but it goes with the territory. Second, there are some unverified claims, such as bodyweight exercises improving joint health. Says which medically-trained authority? Third, I'm not sure where he gets his suggested reps from. As we know 3/5 by 3/5 five is the best for strength so surely you should keep your reps within this range and adjust your progressions so that progress at an appropriate rate. On the whole I'm happy with what I paid for. But lads...you really need to watch the reviews you write. They're getting to the point of being ridiculous which means that no-one will believe them soon. The best review of this book was Pawel's. Short and to the point and not like "a thrust from a razor-sharp shank". Keith Sinclair - Wales, G.B. Simply Sensational!! Rated 10 out of 10 This Book has simplified the methods to strength production for the gym wary!! I will be putting my friends, family and clients through the convict conditioning experiment that i have begun!! Thank you very much Coach Paul Wade!! Shane Hunter - Melbourne, Australia One of the most sensible, practical, realistic strength books I have ever read Rated 9 out of 10 This is a book most anyone should read. It's easy to understand and the far reaching goals are true products of real world strength. The 6 exercise progressions are easy to understand and stress the importance of progression towards a strength goal. Oh and by the way....every exercise is a body weight exercise! Convict conditioning lays it out step by step. How to build your foundation so more advanced stuff will actually stick. This book even advises the advanced exerciser to go back to step one for a while to re build the base, travel back up the progression and refine the movement. Why? To give your tendons and ligaments time to strengthen again. How many of us devote the necessary time to that? I know I will from now on! As we learned in the karate kid. Wax on, wax off. My only complaint would be not enough explanation of exercise form, but you can certainly learn most of what you need to know there from The Naked Warrior. If you own that book and this one I don't see how you could ever fail. After reading Convict conditioning, I have decided to stick to this philosophy and so far it is working. I am slowly building up towards some major strength goals and I am turning 50 this year! Having patience with the process is always a must in strength training or any real fitness program. Use this book to help yourself stay on track during the process. You will always know what the next step is and you will be confident that you have built the foundation to succeed. Highly recommenced. Robert Troch - Brooklyn, New York Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! no bullshit, just training Rated 9 out of 10 I am from Germany and ordered the book because I am very interested in bodyweight stuff. I have a lot of weight training behind me and wantet to try something new! The great thing about this book is that you have one big goal at the big 6 exercises and 10 smaler goals to get there. So each session is an unique challenge and that is very motivational. I just find that the first 3 steps at the pull ups decreasd my ability to do pull ups. so i would start at step 4 if you actually do pull ups. Great book and great motivation! Thanks marcus stadelmaier - Germany Incredible Rated 10 out of 10 One of the easiest to follow,but most challenging workouts Ive ever done.Worth every penny. Rocco Destefano - Oh USA just what i was looking for Rated 9 out of 10 i've been looking for a new workout routine and this book was just what i've been looking for. i have no time to workout at a gym, but this book has shown me a new way to work out on my lunch break. i'm looking foward to achieving all 6 goals put forth by paul wade. the bikeninja - rocky point, new york It's ok, nothing wow... Rated 6 out of 10 A solid book with some novel ideas but not it's the be-all-and-end-all book it's probably described as...as so many are... Andrew Maclennan - Christchurch, New Zealand Patience to Power Rated 10 out of 10 I'm over 50 and bought this book for my sons and myself as Christmas gifts. I am really impresssed with its simplicity and its ability to challenge. If you are a "get stuff quick" kind of person, you best leave this one on the shelf. There is no way to short circuit the instructions and the method without running square into a brick wall. Though I am only on the initial steps of the big six, I am impressed with the slow but sure progressions. One of my sons tried the speed route and got stood up at step seven on the lunges after reporting an ability to "go all day" at step six. I expect that this is the natural result if one attempts to rush it. This appears to be a program that works in months rather than weeks but if one has the patience to take it slow, this is a program with awesome potential for full body strengthening that anyone can find a place in. In addition, you don't need to buy anything special to start and once you have the steps down, you can exercise virtually anywhere. The only caution is be prepared to be patient for the power. Scott - Alberta, Canada Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Implementable Rated 10 out of 10 First book focused on body weight that provides a step by step progression to truly implement the body weight concepts found in this and other books. John - Portsmouth, VA USA Perfect for the quick workout - no equipment needed! Rated 9 out of 10 Great read and a great book. The exercises in this book are your standout bodyweight ones such as the one legged squat and one arm handstand push up. Coach Wade does a awesome job by giving you 10 steps as well as progessions levels within each step. If you follow the levels and steps you should get there and be a warrior! As tempting as it is to skip steps, go through each step as this will help to build endurance for the next step. Richard Sanders - Sydney, Australia One of the absolutely best bodyweight training books !!!!! Rated 10 out of 10 What I like most about this book is the progression standards. This way you know exactly when to move up to a more advanced exercise. Some people might think that there might be too little work in the beginning since the exercises might be too easy. But if you do them in the prescribed speed, they will be a little bit harder but still pretty easy (for most people). There is however a reason for these exercises in the beginning and the author explains it in the book. And I am quite certain that once a person progresses to the more difficult exercises, the workout programs that are provided will be more than enough. I have many books on bodyweight training, including "Naked Warrior" by Pavel, "Building The Gymnastic Body" by Cristopher Sommer, "The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness" by Stewart Smith and "Never Gymless" by Ross Emanait. All of these books are great and I really recommend people to buy them if they are into bodyweight training, but I feel that Convict Conditioning, for me, is better since it provides a clearer path to master your own bodyweight. Per Nyberg - Gothenburgh, Sweden Good read to reach goals Rated 8 out of 10 Great material and provided routines that allow for progression that other literature is lacking. The layout of the reading isn't as linear as I would prefer and causes one to keep digging back into the book and flipping through the pages. Would of been nice to have a book that would open and lay flat so could look at pictures and recommendations while doing exercises. Maybe a poster included would be helpful or the ability to digital download the book so could print out routine and level one is at. The content is the most important to me and this is where the book shines. It works and allows a person to progress to higher levels with minimal equipment. Sean - Barrow, AK USA Groundbreaking Rated 10 out of 10 I've had this book for a week and it is difficult to put down. I have been lifting weight for 30 years and have been experiencing various pains: neck (barbell military), back, shoulder (rotator cuff) and recently patella tendinitis. This book is a breath of fresh air to read. Currently my rotator cuff is inflamed so this book came at the right time. If I had this two plus years ago perhaps I would not be suffering with patella tendinitis as I strained the tendon on a 1 leg squat to the floor? I will follow the veterano program for a year and assess strength and joint health next January (will continue with my KBs). I'm grateful that Paul Wade used his time in prison to produce a profound piece of strength and fitness literature. I'm looking forward to more information regarding diet, rest and stress. I always wondered how prisoners became so huge on their limited protein intake? Perhaps the huge protein intake is not a prereqisite to a strong and muscular physique? Fascinating, intriguing reading. Looking forward to healthy joints and a stronger, more flexible spine. Timothy Moorehead - Savannah, Georgia Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! An approachable common sense fitness system! Rated 10 out of 10 If you never did one exercise in this book at any level the intellectual content alone is worth the price! Wade's pragmatic insight into the human body historically, anatomically and developmentally are beyond impressive. This is, indeed, the one and only fitness "bible" you will ever need. I only wish the publisher would make the book more durable because, at least in my case, I know these pages will be turned many times through years. Rick - San Diego, CA Fresh Look at Bodyweight Exercises Rated 10 out of 10 This is a great book, I have used many exercise programs with weights, equipment, and Calisthenics; this book is one of the most complete that I have ever read, the exercises start whereever you are and build to wherever you want to be. Bill - Conway, SC Joint pain gone within four workouts! Rated 10 out of 10 I've been "working out" for years, with joint pain getting progressively worse. I'm 33 years old and have been worried about my joint health for a few years now. I've tried everything from light weights/high reps, to supplements, to specialized stretching sessions that last longer than most of my workouts. After I received Convict Conditioning, I loved how good I felt from workout # 1. And now after just 4 work outs, my joint pain is gone. Paul Wade has brought back a superior, more natural work out that men were foolish to ever change in the first place. Thanks, and the lesson that I glean is this; in all things having to do with our bodies natural is always superior. Will Cruthirds - Riverside,CA The Progressive Paradigm Rated 10 out of 10 When it comes to hard training, I'm probably what you'd call a "lifer". I started working out back in '91 when I was at MCG. (Is it REALLY nineteen years ago?) I began with body weight exercises and gradually moved to free weights work in an off-campus gymnasium. Now I still work hard in my own home gym (which is actually my wife's garage.) This book was a thoughtful surprise gift from my sister. If I had owned this manual back when I was a freshman, I would have stayed with the body weight exercises to this day. Over the years, it seems that all the real greats of coaching, the pioneers, always go back to the basic paradigm of gradual progressive training methods: you do some work, get stronger, try harder, get stronger, and keep going. This idea is at the heart of the work of Peary Reader, George Jowett, Bradley Steiner, Bill Starr, Arthur Jones, Mike Mentzer, Louie Symmonds, Stuart McRobert, Ken Leistner, Brooks Kubik and Marty Gallagher. The basic message of all these writers is actually fundamental, just keep trying harder things and getting stronger! It sounds like a simple message, but it's by no means easy to execute, and it's VERY easy to forget in the modern training miasma. The "progressive" paradigm is straightforward to apply to weights work. Just lift heavier and heavier weights. But the idea is much harder to apply to pure body weight work, as a very advanced knowledge of biomechanics, physics and anatomy is required. Mr Wade is the first writer to essentially and comprehensively apply the progressive paradigm to body weight training. As such, this is not simply "another" training book, it is the first of its kind. There will be copycats, no doubt. I am certainly no lover of the book's title, and I believe that there is far too much crime, and glorification of crime, in our great nation. Despite the surface appearance, I can confirm that this book is NOT a part of that disturbing trend. If Mr wade genuinely wishes to atone for his past crimes against society by helping honest, lawful citizens, then this book is a wonderful start. Thanks to his hard work, there will certainly be TONS more healthy muscle in the world over the next few short months, and it will be built SAFELY. I am no real fan of Dragon Door's generally flashy "comic book" promotional methods, but the company deserves great respect for releasing this important work. Not least because the book is decidedly anti-weight training, and Dragon Door makes the bulk of their income from selling weights (ie, kettle-bells). I think this shows surprising integrity. My respect also goes out to Mr Tsatsouline, who has endorsed this book despite the fact that it is clearly in competition with his own works. He must be a real man of honor. I had bypassed his publications up until this point because I found his apparently Soviet themes distasteful, but now I think I will give his books and dvds a try too. Dr. J.G.T. Lipman MD - Houston, Texas, TX US Lean Muscle, Real Strength Rated 10 out of 10 This book picks up where "The Naked Warrior" leaves off. I go home after work every day looking forward to doing more bodyweight exercises. I am slowly but surely progressing through each of the Big Six Movements. The instruction is easy to read and makes perfect sense. I have gone back to the beginning with both one-arm push-ups and single-leg squats and am developing better technique and greater strength. I am now also doing wall handstands, bridging, leg raises and pull up work. I am very methodical when it comes to exercising and so I love that the "Progression Standards" clearly let me know when its time to move forward. I know that by following this simple instruction, at some point in the near future, I will be doing one-arm pull-ups,one-arm handstand push-ups,stand-to-stand bridges and full straight-leg raises. I am watching my physique get better every day and I'm stronger than ever. Thank you for introducing me to Paul Wade. Alex L. - Orange County, NY Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! This is Outstanding Rated 10 out of 10 This has the best breakdown of how to get stronger with bodyweight conditioning that I have seen in a long time. The way the exercises progress have helped me get over the hump on several different exercises. It's clear and concise and I would recommend this book to everybody. David - Levelland, Texas College Conditioning Rated 10 out of 10 I bought a copy of Convict Conditioning for my youngest son for Christmas; He'll be going to university in the fall. He's one of those kids who enjoys all sports although volleyball is his favourite and he's been known to do a hundred or so situps when he's studying and losing concentration,so, knowing how small university dorm rooms are I thought Convict Conditioning would be great for him. We've both read it through by now and have started to apply the principles.Now I wish I'd bought two of them since I won't have one when he leaves. At least I can borrow his for the time being. I really appreciate that Convict Conditioning takes us from the most basic stages to the ne plus ultra since I am 63,80 pounds overweight and have arthritis in both legs, yet since I signed up for kettle bell training at IronKore, here in Toronto, I feel as if I've found a miracle cure - the miracle of hard work. And Convict Conditoning gives me something to do on off days. Thank You, Paul Wade! Kenneth Hodge - Toronto, ON Canada No more excuses! Rated 9 out of 10 Coach Wade provides the material that allows anyone to train hard in any location! As a frequent business traveller, I was always in search of a hotel with a squat rack, or heavy dumb bells. With the Convict Conditioning, there is no longer an execuse to skip strength training. No club membership. No weights. No track. No tredmill. No stationary bike. Just a man, some floor and something to hang from. I dont know a single person that will not find a challenging stage for each of the 6 exercises. The development of each exercise is simple and highly effective. I can not recommend this training strongly enough. I bought 10 extra copies two weeks after I started for my friends and co-workers. Matt Zerafa - Houston Texas Without Peer!! Rated 10 out of 10 Coach you've made me an instant fan! I'm combining "Convict Conditioning" with "Enter the Kettlebell" and now have the tools I need to all but throw away my barbell! Buy this book and incorporate kettlebells for "a heart of liquid steel" and longevity, inhuman strength, and battle-ready hardness, will be yours! --Without ever having to deal with the numerous shoulder injuries that barbells so often cause!! The ideal book for everyone from pro athletes to your mother!! David Clark - Brush Prairie, WA USA THE BODY BIBLE Rated 10 out of 10 I HAVE WANTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PRISON TRAINING METHODS SINCE WATCHING CON AIR WITH NICHOLAS CAGE, PARTICULARLY WHERE HE DOES THE UPSIDE-DOWN PRESS UPS AGAINS THE BARS. I HAVE SCOURED THE INTERNET BUT FOUND NOTHING ON THIS TYPE OF SOLO TRAINING WITHOUT EQUIPMENT BUT THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING I WANTED TO KNOW PLUS MORE. IF THERE IS A BODY-WEIGHT EXERCISE THAT IS NOT IN THIS BOOK IT IS PROBABLY NOT WORTH KNOWING. Frank Lowe - England, GB Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Top-notch training program Rated 10 out of 10 I have spent years studying martial arts and training with bodyweight calisthenics. Convict Conditioning is far and away the best program available regarding bodyweight strength training. "Coach" Wade created a scientific and systematic approach to strength training utilizing only ones own body. It's a great read with tons of knowledge packed into its pages. This program is perfect for the novice, and will also challenge the most advanced of strength trainees. Get this book today! Paul - Lafayette, LA USA This book is a Godsend! Rated 10 out of 10 This book is priceless! WOW!!! It is exactly what I have been searching for. It is laid out in a format that even a youngster could understand. I also really enjoyed Coach Wade's unique and entertaining writing style. I always recommend Dragon Door products to my friends and aquaintances as they have excellent materials. In my humble view, this piece of work ranks at the top of the mountain of any strength publications. Tim Stovall - Evansville, IN USA I was reading this at 3:00 AM this morning Rated 10 out of 10 I am a 67 year old who has been practicing yoga almost daily for over 40 years. For resistance training Pavel's instruction with russian kettlebells has been helpful in focusing on natural movements to enhance strength by bringing into play things like balance and coordination to muscular development that we don't see in isolation exercises. Now Paul Wade has added to this by bringing you the knowledge of a master regarding strength development. Trust me - this book is a bargain - do not pass on this opportunity as I almost did. You will be glad you did! John Hamilton - Salt Lake City, UT USA great progression program Rated 10 out of 10 I'm not a powerlifter but still want variety and to be in the best shape I can be in. This program can do just that forget gym class this starts you at a reasonable level and shows you how to intelligently progress. I have owned the book a few weeks and am already further than I have ever been with bodyweight exercises. Could I have figured this out by myself? Sure but it would have taken a lot of trial and error and time that I don't have. Not to mention probable injury of my 50 y/o body. Thanks for putting this together in one program. I look forward to safely progressing on to Master levels. D Zale, MD Doug Zale, MD - Valparaiso' IN Love it! Rated 10 out of 10 I bought this as a Christmas present to myself recently. I was floored! Why was I floored? Because I never expected that I was STILL falling short as far as being able to move my own bodyweight with considerable ease on certain exercises that I had already been doing (well, maybe just the pushup, period.) But, as I've accepted, most of us who've purchased the book thus far have ALL fallen short of this particular glory. Convict Conditioning gives you a new level of bodyweight conditioning to strive towards and I'm glad the author took the time to write this book and give us these precious nuggets to savor. A must-have for everyone's library. Leia Ingram - Hyattsville, MD USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Absorb the useful, reject the useless, for YOU! Rated 10 out of 10 This might sound contradictory, but basically I have both love and hate feelings for this book. I love the techniques, but I hate how the author says to use them! The techniques and progressions in this book are so powerful, I must give this book a big TEN out of ten. As I say, I hate how the author says to use them, but this is easily changed so I won't let it effect my score. The author basically states that you should begin using calisthenics for your whole body, and he gives six movement types for you to do this. I disagree. These six will basically be cut up and used by various different athletes, and I think that's how it should be. I mean: -Push-ups and hs push-ups will be used by body builders to heal the joints and gain new muscle and as a replacement to grinding damaging bench presses and shoulder presses. -leg raises and bridges will be used by martial artists and UFC fighters who require flexible strength in their core and spine. -The chin-ups will be used by marines, firefighters, and people who need that tactical strength to lift their body up. The big arms crowd will also quickly adopt these progressions. -The one-leg squat series will be of great use to track athletes, jumpers, kickers, soccer players. A truly awesome book to have in your training technology toolbox, but DON'T be mislead by the author into thinking you must use it ALL. Pick up what's good for you and basically melt it into your own training. Used properly, nearly as good as the legendary CK-FMS home course, but obviously different in scope. MK Wallage, PTscs, APTA - Cal US bollocks to the gym Rated 10 out of 10 I first brought this big old beast of a book on the strength of the reviews... not just reviews from experts in the strength field, but also everyday geezers who train. A lot of reviews of this book are labelling it a *future classic*, or even *the best body weight book EVER*. I disagree...I think Convict Conditioning is the best TRAINING book ever, full stop. I've been loyally doing the usual "Muscle and Fitness" and "Flex" routines in my local gym for about three years, and got bugger all except what is probably the precurser of mild arthritis, chubby tits (from all the whey shakes) and a big hole in me wallet. I'm a month into Convict Conditioning (only step two on some things!) and already my sixpack is coming through, my shirts are tighter around my biceps, and my right shoulder, left elbow and knee pain (both knees) is totally gone. Best of all, my body just *feels* better in a way that's hard to describe. Lighter...easier to move around. More pleasurable to own. Thankyou Dragon Door! Stephen Dean George - Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Great Britain 100 Grade A Awesome Rated 10 out of 10 I own a lot of books on bodyweight exercise and this is without a doubt one of the best ever written. The KISS principle at its best. I've no doubt I'll be banging off one arm pushups in record time with the progressions in here. Dan Lurie - Clifton, NJ Save your money Rated 3 out of 10 This book has some good progressions for bodyweight movements but I feel that there are better products out there such as Ross Enamait's Never Gymless and Chris Sommer's Building the Gymnastic Body. Also, I found it annoying that the author kept talking down weights and glorifying bodyweight exercises on every other page. Save your money on this product and buy one of Dragon Door's better products like Beyond Bodybuilding, Power to the People, or Enter the Kettlebell. Vlad - Columbus, OH Best book on bodyweight training I have ever read!! Rated 10 out of 10 I am a retired Marine infantryman and currently work as a police officer for the federal government. I wish that I had this information 15 years ago. Myself as well as my Marines would have been at a much higher standard of readiness. This book is Phenomenal!! I have completely dedicated myself to Convict Conditioning for the next year. I'm excited to see what I can accomplish. Thank you Coach Wade for giving me the tools to revitalize a very well used 44 year old body. Jay - Virginia/USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Insane! Rated 10 out of 10 This book has become the turning point for my life. There's always been something missing from my strength program, Convict Conditioning opened my eyes. I didn't put this book down from the time I received it in the mail untill I finished it the first time. This book will be given to by children as their bible! Rick - Broomfield, CO amazing concepts and workout ideas! Rated 10 out of 10 Paul Wade has introduced different ideas to me through his Convict Conditioning. I have been a traditional weights only lifter, but after receiving this book I have completely changed my workout routine. I am 19 years old and am fairly fit, but this book is able to give me a great workout with very simple, yet tough, lifts using only my body. I have taken many of the things he suggests in his book to heart, and incorporate them into my newly refined workouts. Just recently after doing one of these hybrid workouts (weights as well as calisthenics) i have never been more sore, yet had such a sense of accomplishment knowing that his techniques do work! I plan to use this book in my dorm room as well as when i go to the gym. I recommend this book to anyone who has either hit a plateau in their workout, is looking for a new way to work their body, or who has limited access to weights. It is an incredible book and I plan to use many of Paul's techniques as long as I continue lifting!! Thank you Dragon Door for publishing this manual on how to increase one's strength with such straightforward lifts! Curt Ware - Burnsville, MN USA my favorite training book Rated 10 out of 10 I've heard a lot about how training has changed over the years, but I never really understood it until I read this book. The book is the best book on strength and conditioning I've ever read. I learned an unbelievable amount I can really USE to gain power in my muscles, core and tendons. Not just a little bit, but by far. The only negative thing I have to say is that I would've liked the company to produce a dvd of the book but even so the book is the best. No kidding. Buy it. Jim (cobralats@hushmail.com) Jim Gryzbowski - Charm city (B'more, baby!) united states Good shit Rated 8 out of 10 Still too much Dragon Door propaganda, but the actual meat of this book is great. Make no mistake either there is plenty of substance and the progression listed are great. This book also does an excellent job explain the flaws with the way most people use body weight exercises. Why much of the information can be found for free on the web this book provide a clear and accessible way to train with out haveing to spend hours on Google and youtube try to put together your own program. Personally I think as with most dragon door products the price is a little much, but the material is great and if you actually put the book into practice then well worth it. Ben - Fort campbell KY A Complete Conditioning Atlas Rated 10 out of 10 This book is a must for anyone who is interested in or wants functional strength. Beginners to Advanced can learn from these writings of Paul Wade. It is a virtual roadmap to success for anyone who wishes to take the journey. A must have for any collection. Thank-you for bring it to us Dragon Door. Mike - Your location here Russell, KY Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! A Classic of Physical Culture Rated 10 out of 10 What others have already said is the gospel. For those who have been in this territory for a while, they will immediately recognize this as a "classic." Thanks to all involved for bringing this forward. Ron Wetzell - Minneapolis, MN. Exemplary of a perfect bodyweight conditioning training manual. Rated 8 out of 10 I give it an 8 because a 10 would have meant slick paper and color, that's all, as for the content that is what the 8 is for. This is all meat and bones, no funny money here ladies and gentlemen. Every bodyweight exercise that is fundamental is cited as being a part of the 10 steps up of one of the 'big 6' exercises. Hanging leg raise, one arm pull up, one arm push up, one leg squat, one hand handstand push up and drop into a bridge from standing and back up again for reps! The big six! This has mapped out how to get there if all you have is a toilet, bed, sink, maybe a grippable bar arm attached to a wall (or a wall made of bar) and if you need help some brick or a bball. That's it, hard work and grit. Prior to lifting weights (reading Power! To the People! and finding iron versions of those nifty Chinese weights I was exposed to)I hammered out only divebombers, pistols and did every drill on a swiss ball possible, these regimes would flatten my bodybuilder client. Now, I get why. Great book, just the basics and the facts, get it! Donovan Worland - Eugene, Oregon U.S.A. Best progression for body weight exercises I have ever seen. Rated 9 out of 10 Takes you from beginneer to advanced in a logical progressive style. It is also very humbling, you will think your above the progression, but if you fallow them you quickly realize they are very benificial and you are not as strong as you thought. By fallowing the progressions you can reach true strength you once only thought you had. This convict knows how to give you freedom with your body. Tim Dutton - Private Investigator - Macomb, OK. USA Train Like an Ancient Warrior Rated 8 out of 10 What I liked about this book is that it is different than most other books of this genre being produced today. Prior to the advent of Nautilus, and a mass of "new age" equipment that exploded mostly around the time of Schwarzenegger and others [1970's and onwards], we had Charles Atlas, Doug Hepburn, and others...and we had the well-known Royal Canadian Air Force Exercise Plans for Physical Fitness. This 5BX program was developed for the RCAF by Bill Orban in WW II and only stopped being used in the late 1980's. As well, the Fartlekking Training System was developed in 1937 by Swedish coach, Gosta Holmer. A variant of this training system is still being used by organized Sports teams such as Rugby, and others. All programs emphasized calisthenics I still have the 5BX book and the Charles Atlas Course. I also have a book that illustrates training programs of the Zaporozhian Cossacks of olden day Hetman State of Ukraine....the Cossack Dancing of today is really a warrior variant of being able to stay away from enemy sabres and lances. Think rapid squats, leg raises and jumping several feet into the air!!! There are striking similarities between these three books and the "Combat Conditioning" book. In conclusion, if you aspire to be truly powerful, not just look good at the beach, then this book is for you. It is raw and it is often brutal...but it works. David Repetowsky - Calgary, Alberta, Canada Great book. Rated 10 out of 10 This book is full great info, not to mention the progressions are easy and smooth in transition. It is put together and presented for outstandingly easy to follow improvement. Awesome book. Kevin - Kingston, NY Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! master your body! Rated 10 out of 10 In many martial arts it is often said that weapons are extensions of your hands, and that first, you must learn to use your hands. I find a strong parallel with Convict Conditioning. I have been using bikes, weights, and kettlebells- but I've never had a program that focused on mastering my body itself. This book is an excellent approach to achieving body mastery in strength training, mobility, and endurance. Of course, results are the important part, right? In 2 weeks, using just the beginning steps of this program, I have seen a dramatic increase in grip strength, usable upper body strength, and even noticeable changes in body composistion. I can't wait to work through the next 6 months! The book is dead simple- Do the (clearly explained) exercises. Do them slower. Do them again. When you can pass a self test, move on. But don't be fooled by the simplicity, it's a dynamite book, a masterful and complete program, and results WILL happen!!! Christof Harper - Davis CA Brutal Elegance. Rated 10 out of 10 I have been training and reading about training since I first joined the US Navy in the 1960s. (Training on a frigate is really no different to prison conditions.) I thought I'd seen everything the fitness world had to offer. Sometimes twice. But I was wrong. This book is utterly iconoclastic. The author breaks down all conceivable body weight exercises into six basic movements, each designed to stimulate different vectors of the muscular system. These six are then elegantly and very intelligently broken into ten progressive techniques. You master one technique, and move on to the next. The simplicity of this method belies a very powerful and complex training paradigm, reduced into an abstraction that obviously took many years of sweat and toil to develop. Strong minds will look at this inventive feat and say "I wish I'd thought of that". More feeble brains will look and say "well, I could've worked that out!". Trust me. Nobody else worked this out. This approach is completely unique and fresh. I have read virtually every calisthenics book printed in America over the last 40 years, and instruction like this can't be found anywhere, in any one of them. Some of the more popular books are dreadful (matt Furey), while some are quite good (Ross Enemait's). But Convict Conditioning is head and shoulders above them all. In years to come, trainers and coaches will all be talking about "progressions" and "progressive calisthenics" and claim they've been doing it all along. But the truth is that Dragon Door bought it to you first. As with kettlebells, they were the trail blazers. Who should purchase this volume? Everyone who craves fitness and strength should. Even if you don't plan to follow the routines, the book will make you think about your physical prowess, and will give even world class experts food for thought. At the very least if you find yourself on vacation or away on business without your barbells, this book will turn your hotel into a fully equipped gym. I'd advise any athlete to obtain this work as soon as possible. Bill Oliver, NY William "Old Sailor" - Albany, NY, United States Awesome and then some Rated 10 out of 10 I bought this book on the basis of its claims. I thought that if even half of them were true that it would be worth it. As a martial artist I noticed that my strength was lacking in a few areas and after following this program for only a few weeks i think this is exactly what i needed. Most body weight plans focus on high intensity for fat loss, and, while this is important so is strength. In my view as a martial artist this book is all you need for good strength training. With Convict Conditioning, a good stretching routine and proper nutrition a martial artist needs nothing else. Dylan - Rochester, NY Convict Conditioning Covers All The Bases! Rated 10 out of 10 While working in corrections, I have seen many inmates go from mini to mighty using bodyweight only conditioning. Many good books have been written about bodyweight conditioning, and they are valuable sources of knowledge. The downside to many of these books is that the beginner is left wondering where to begin. Convict Conditioning covers all the bases, helping the beginner out by offering programs, progressions, and ideas to implement training into one's life. Everything to be successful is given to you-all one needs is the will to carry it out. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to gain the skill to train anywhere, anytime, equipment or not...Convict Conditioning is a 10+ all the way! D.J. Schilling - Rochester, MN Convict Conditioning Rated 10 out of 10 The title and context notwithstanding, I found this book to great addition to my collection. The progressions are something that I found especially valuable. As a person who have drifted away from the gym over the past several years after finding the kettlebell, mace and club, a logical step for me (as I approach 50) was to incorporate more bodyweight work into my regimen. These progressions and protocols allow you develop the proper technique as you gain the strength to do the full movement. I highly recommend this book. Ron - SF Bay Area Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Great read Rated 9 out of 10 This book is great. Very easy to read, I read it straight through and then reviewed each of the big 6 exercises. The progressions are very good and the lowest step exercises are surprisingly hard. The only thing keeping it from being a 10 was the lack of an overall plan. It wasn't completely clear when to move up in the progressions. It gives levels and what is recommended before moving on, but not how fast you should add sets or reps. Coach repeatedly says to not go too fast through the progressions. But I really enjoy the book and am integrating bodyweight with KB for a great workout. Brad C - Blacksburg VA The best compliment? Rated 10 out of 10 What could be the best compliment to this book? How about... I started the program! After some 35 years of martial arts and 45 years of exercise (See page 34-35 Winter 2010 Hard Style Vol 6 No.2) and several years of kettlebells, I am returning to the foundational exercises that did as a kid! Well the Step 5 stuff anyway... albeit I did Stylone type of one arm pushups for a few years. Which I thought were cool until I saw Pavel do real ones! I have decided to start right at the beginning and go as slowly as Coach Wade suggests. I will continue to do kettlebells also but I am going to give free body exercises the focus and see that at 52 years old I can master these exercises. The book is a wealth of information, thoughtfully laid out and entertaining to read. IF you want to move forward with functional strength, what better way then using the gym you were born with? Enjoy the journey! David Zaharik - Vancouver BC Canada Very Good Progressions for BodyWeight Exercise Rated 9 out of 10 I have been doing Bodyweight routines for 2 years now and feel that this book is a great book for new BW enthusiast or old ones. Good tips and progressions. The workout schedule and worksets seems to be a bit confusing at first but eventually I figured out how it was supposed to work. Overall a great book, very glad that I purchased it!!! B. Biggs - Montana The bare bone's truth Rated 9 out of 10 Paul is real and that is rare in the modern world of fitness. I have not done a handstand pushup since I was 13 years old. With his book, I am anxious to get back at it after 33 years. Paul, I commend you for keeping Old School calisthenics and its history alive. Claude Rinke - Lincoln, NE The missing link Rated 10 out of 10 Convict Conditioning is the missing link in bodyweight training. The book is simple yet very complex. If you are looking for great material on this subject, look no further. Peter Lakatos, RKC team leader - Budapest / Hungary Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Easy to read and understand Rated 10 out of 10 This book is very well written- I've just finished reading it and can't wait to apply the methods that Coach Wade has laid out in the book. I've been lifting weights for years and have recently hit a barrier in my overall strength. I'm certain these methods are the answer to breaking through and achieving great functional strength. This book is very easy to understand and is an enjoyable read- a must have. Jeff Goddard - Phoenix, AZ Strength vs Momentum Rated 10 out of 10 Because of my years in karate training I trained for speed, because speed equals power. On page 43, Coach Wade states, "If momentum is doing the work, it means your muscles aren't." When I removed momentum from my workout I found my strength lacking and could not do as many reps Although it's good to do both types of workouts,I am now concentrating most of my workouts with controlled deliberate moves. I highly recommend this book. Thanks Coach Wade. Dominick Mattioni - West Chester, PA No excuses for real bodyweight strength Rated 10 out of 10 Coach Wade creates a step-by-step, all details included, method for training strength with nothing but your own bodyweight. Why the title? Well, where else in America are you confined to nothing but a cell with bars for hours on end only to be released day-in day-out having to fight for your own survival? His years in the confines of a penitentiary have forced him to learn to adapt and create survival strength for his entire body without the help of your typical gym implements. He starts from the ground up for the "Big 6" exercises and even develops a beginner, intermediate, and progression step for 10 different progressions within the "Big 6"! All in all, the book itself is very motivating and whether you plan to go all-in with the training or not it is still an excellent tool to have in your kit. Jon C - Washington, DC USA Forget the title, read the book! Rated 9 out of 10 I have always been a strong proponent of core training. I love the kettlebells, but currently I have a hip issue which prevents me from doing any ballistic exercises (the greatest advantage of kettlebells). I'm back to bodyweight exercises and find this book terrific. It is well thought out and documented. This is a timeless program that will work for everyone. Everybody will make gains following this program, no matter where you are currently. Just beginning the outlined program for about three weeks, I have already seen strength gains and a surprising, and unexpected, improvement in flexibility. Forget the title. Read what the author says, not necessarily how he says it. This is good stuff. This book and the Naked Warrior is all you will ever need. Dan Kentala - Ft. Lauderdale, FL A Real Break-out Book on Strength Training Rated 10 out of 10 No doubt, the best book I have read on bodyweight training & I have several dozen on my bookshelf. The 10 progressions on the 6 basic exercises are what make this book a '10'. Mike - Orange,Calif. USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Brilliant Rated 10 out of 10 This is the exercise regime I've been waiting 30 years for: easy build up, highlights weak spots without over-stressing (i.e. avoids injury), practice virtually any where, no equipment to buy or lug around, very accessibly written. Brilliant! Norman Duff - Seattle, WA USA REALLY GOOD VALUE Rated 10 out of 10 I bought this with some trepidation, firstly about the price, secondly about the "true man" bull in the advert. In fairness, there really is no male chauvanism in the book. The "true man" talk is all in the advertising. The writer only talks about "real strength" in the opening pages which as a woman I find much more palatable. As for price, nobody is going to complain about the value of this book. As someone fairly new to training, it's all in here, everything from warm-ups and programs to every exercise under the sun, plus guidelines on how to move forwards. There's no "now you have to buy this next book or d.v.d.", it's all completely wrapped up in one tall, thick book. Sell your gym membership and six second abs machine and buy this book. It'll actually save you money. Tania Gould - Portland OR USA Great tool and reminder of "total body mastery" Rated 8 out of 10 The progressions to master each drill/move force you to scale back and be humble so you can have a great neurological connection to each exercise, be it the push-up, squat or other. Just like pros and strength mutants going back to light weights, you're going to learn to truly engage and feel everything. I never thought I'd feel my lats and pecs fire as much as they did in simple sets of 50 wall-pushups, or my hammies and glutes scorch during the Step 1 bridge when following the prescribed pace. I do have some concerns about shoulderstand squats for the neck position, though I understand the need for it (especially if performed in a constricted jail cell). I personally would have started with step 3 as the 1st step, as it reminds me of the spine position and avoidance of spine flexion as in the Goblet Squat taught at the RKC and as demonstrated in Return Of the Kettlebell. I find it is a better way to progress someone with the squat. Same with the abdominal series of exercises, I would personally place the knee-tuck as a Step 2, and put Step 2 as Step 1, because of the safer position for the back. But again, that is my personal preference and comes from my observations and notes with clients for whom the reversal of these steps came at less lower back pain cost. That being said, this is a phenomenal book and the above comments are here to provide only a difference of opinion, not a criticism of the skills demonstrated and taught in the book. There is no substitute for good judgment and you may find yourself having to adjust certain steps without necessarily compromising your progress for mastering your body and building your "Convict Conditioning" as described. This is a book I bought and also gifted proudly to others, including family members, and I do like my family :) Philippe Til Tomaszewski - Los Angeles, California United States Pure Strength Rated 9 out of 10 This book is a great read and a no nonsense map to get strong. It is easy to understand,well organized,and well worth the money. Michael Gilleo - Hamilton,n.j. Incredible Information Rated 10 out of 10 I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to master the movement of their own body. Take a break from your current training program and try Convict Conditioning. I know you"ll love it. Ken B - Des Moines, Iowa Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! finally the prison system DELIVERS!!! Rated 10 out of 10 As a hardcore bodybuilder and a longtime fan of strength training, I was skeptical when I first received this book as a christmas gift from an American friend of mine.But what can I say?Clear, entertaining and amazingly logical.The prison trainee begins with 'easy' free-body exercises for hi reps to generate functional motion, skill, capillary health, core strength and tendon conditioning.Over time the exercises get harder and heavier, the repetitions drop and gradually more power and muscle is developed.By the time the final 'master' level exercises are reached, the trainee will be about as strong as any human on the face of the earth.This is the true meaning of convict codnitioning.The book will become a Classic for raw strength purists who will love it greatly. J.C. Marrin - Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada An UNBELIEVABLE superstrength manual Rated 10 out of 10 My training partner turned me onto this book. I really, really, really love the contents of this book. All the prison-based stuff aside, the method itself is something beyond belief. You really have to read it!The author (or his teacher) has taken dozens of simple callesthenics techniques and worked them into ladders. You jump onto each ladder (at any point) and just keep working until you're at the pinnacle of human power. and all you need is a basketball.I just can't blab on enough about how clever this system is. It must have evolved through many, many years of trial and error. I'm not talking about a handful of disconnected exercises like most training books. This system has been worked out to the tenth decimal place, and it shows. What's crazier is that a child could understand this book.My mom could pick this up and start tomorrow at her own level and so could a world class strength pro! Stunning. A lot of people will be turned off this book by the fact that the author (Paul Coach Wade) has apparently shunned any and all personal publicity. This may be hard to swallow for some, but in an age of blogging, youtubing internet gurus who often understand more about self-promotion than real training I honestly find it a god-damned relief.Others will proabablyattack the author for calling himself "coach" with no formal qualifications or recognized fame but hell this isn't a man who coached people to win a local championship. He coached prisoners to stay strong and survive in unbelievably violent conditions. I want to hear what he has to say! A magical, once in a life-time training manual. If it inspires and informs you the way it did for me, you'll gladly pay ten times the cover price, I PROMISE. Mike C - Corpus Christi, South Texas WONDERFUL,PRACTICAL, WELL -STRUCTURED INFORMATION Rated 10 out of 10 WOW !!! WHO NEEDS A GYM WITH THIS INFORMATION, ALL YOU NEED IS YOUR OWN BODY AND A WILLINGNESS TO DO THE PROGRESSIVE EXERCISES. I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE MY RESULTS. JOSE DUMAS - LOS ANGELES,CA USA The Verdict is in! Rated 10 out of 10 In Convict Conditioning, the author has created the blueprint for effective bodyweight training. Along the way, he has created a rather interesting, if not somewhat controversial, literary ambience that makes for great, that's right, great reading. Have no fear, this book is all training, but a little pulp goes a long way to excite and inspire! Gil Flores HKC/ACE-CPT - San Mateo, CA Great book for beginners to advanced Rated 9 out of 10 The book is well layed out and gives rationale for choices of exercises. The progressions are excellent. tydoron - Hollywood, FL USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! What I've been waiting for Rated 10 out of 10 It's a labor of love, that's what it is. How often does a detailed instruction manual of secrets come along? I can't think of any in the last 50 years, for training or for any other discipline. I realized a long time ago that if I can use a bodyweight exercise like the one arm pushup that it would be harder than weight training and I would be able to do it anywhere. I was already familiar with GTG and low-rep high-tension complex motions for strength, with great success over the years. But I have in the past injured myself doing bodyweight exercises for strength (as opposed to endurance). CC provides the path that safely leads to the Big Six listed on the marketing materials. Not all strength trainers will agree, but those who have done their homework and have calculated percentages, ratios etc. will agree. Each chapter ends with a "Lights Out" section where the author provides perspective and encouragement. These are a must-read. At some point the author almost begs the reader "please don't quit," knowing that people often come to him for guidance, but ultimately resort back to weight training. He talks about training alone in a quiet place. It's inspirational. There is one weight training exercise that I would add to this program and that is the deadlift. The only defect that I see with bodyweight-only training is that it does not place enough weight on the skeletal system, which some believe is a requirement for bone strength. It is also natural for the human body to occasionally pick heavy things up from the ground. And it will improve your grip strength, which will help you with CC. For that reason, I am going to augment CC only with deadlifts from Power to the People. For those in the know, this one's a gem , and I'm not exaggerating. Steve - California POWER TO THE PRISONERS? Rated 10 out of 10 I should preface this bit with an apology to my girlfriend. She caved to my begging and bought me this title for christmas. But I couldn't wait and started reading it the second it arrived!!! I first got hooked by the deluge of opinions about this book by reading some forums on another website. EVERYONE has an opinion about this book. About the title, the marketing, the prison connection, the author's cedentials, yadda yadda. In fact this book is becoming an internet phenomenon in certain circles. This kind of reminds me of the Pavel backlash in the old days..."who does this commie think he is!" lol. Marketing genius aside, this book really, really, REALLY does deliver. Once I'd read page one I knew I was hooked and read the rest in pretty much one go. There was waaay too much to take in, so I'm going to be reading it again (and again) through the weeks to come. Once I got my skull round the coach's basic idea-that body-weight work should be used for muscle and power, not stamina-the rest of the book was a real eye opener. It's changed EVERYTHING for me. But be prepared to hate yourself for not having this book when you started your training. PS. This book really DOES go wonderfully with The Naked Warrior. I was astonished that there was no overlap between these two. If you buy one, I'd advise you buy the other. TNW taught me a lot about body tension, breathing and GTG; the Coach's book has taught me every single exercise I'll ever need, for every muscle in the body--biceps to abs to delts to spine! Plus some incredibly useful workout routines. I'd KILL to see a sequel written by Pavel and the Coach!!! Another unbeleivably hi quality book from the people at Dragon Door. Well done. Chris Machin - Boulder, CO THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC Rated 10 out of 10 I can't speak highly enough of this book. It is jamed packed with useful bodyweight exercise information. Nothing more need be said if you are looking to get strong and healthy for life. Every important exercise is detailed completely. It is a throughly understandable good read. In my opinion one cannot go wrong if one buys this book. Mike N. - BLF Hills, MI USA OLD SCHOOL FOR THE NEW REVOLUTION Rated 10 out of 10 This is a great book. The best part about this book is the 10 steps to mastery. These steps alone are worth the price of the book 10 fold. The only thing that i would change that i would make would be using GTG strategy. But with most of my comrades knowing this secret already, applying it to this lost art form will make a major change in your strength and conditioning. Putting this program with VIKING WARRIOR CONDITIONING would to me be the ultimate in strength and conditioning. This is a MUST HAVE BOOK. eddie sanders - Raleigh, NC USA This Is A Great Book Rated 10 out of 10 I have read many books over the years on physical culture-weights,odd objects,body weight,you name it.CC is the best one I've come across.The book does not glorify the incarceration system at all.Rather,it explains the virtues and principles of "old style" bodyweight training for acheiving extreme fitness and strength which has been lost in the 21 century.The progressions ranging from easy to master/elite are superb-clear,concise,well-planned and easy to follow along(but not easy to achieve!). The author's passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge for his subject is obvious and makes for extremely compelling and enjoyable reading.He certainly earns his nickname "Coach."There is no fluff -it is clear that Coach Wade disdains BS and it shows with straight to the point pearls throughout. For anyone especially interested in bodyweight training,or fitness and strength in general;this book absolutely needs to be on your shelf.Its a gold mine of information that will never be obsolete.I applaud John for making it happen and would look forward to any other material from Coach Wade. Steve - Florida,USA Yes! I am ready to take my strength, energy and health to undreamt-of new heights thanks to Convict Conditioning. I want to order Convict Conditioning NOW and understand that I am ordering with ZERO RISK because Convict Conditioning comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for one full year! Beyond The Hype Rated 10 out of 10 I was lucky enough to be able to read the Coach's book a while before it came out, because my combat instructor (who'll remain nameless!) received a copy for review some months back. He thought I'd get a kick out of taking a look at convict conditioning and I did. (I should point out that the version I got to read might be a little different from the new version with the flashy cover I saw on the DD website.) The first thing I should say about the book is that there's a real dichotomy between the title and all the heavy DD marketing and the book itself. Having been one of the lucky band who've read the book page for page, I'm quite surprised by the ad copy on the website, and some of the Dragon Door forum discussions are a little misleading. This has made me shoot a review to hopefully help any interested athletes who might be a bit confused. There's no glamorizing of jail going on here. There's no ghetto slang, no romance about the brutal environment, no attempt to make prisoners out to be a "super tough" breed. If you want a "gimmick" prison workout book, this one's not for you, I'm afraid. In fact the only references to convicts are not entirely flattering. The author is clearly not some screaming psycho, but a thoughtful, knowledgeable fella who has made his share of mistakes. You can tell by his vocabulary and choice of words that he's no hotshot super-genius like Pavel; more like an average Joe who's learned by a lot of mistakes. There's almost a gentleness to the way he writes. He's certainly not pushy or intimidating; quite self-deprecating actually. The method is incredibly easy to follow, but I would also say that the book has clearly been quite heavily edited by somebody other than the author, to put the text into a clearer format than was probably originally the case. As the first few chapters make clear, the author is a man (not a young one, judging by the dates) who has spent many, many years working out in prisons. Whilst incarcerated, he clearly became obsessed with exercise as a survival (and sanity) mechanism. (I hope the author doesn't take that the wrong way. I don't mean it negatively.) While "behind bars" the author learned various cal techniques from numerous sources. The most interesting of those he cites were the "former generation" of older convicts, who apparently retained a vast amount of knowledge on bodyweight power work. Read the book and you realize that this is no idle claim! Most books are collections of techniques, but this manual presents an entire system of training which clearly predates the author himself. I was astonished by the volume of data in this book, and a huge amount of it has changed the way I look at training altogether. I commend Dragon Door for having the guts to publish this man's work. The book is a rare, wonderful find; the kind of jewel of a book you can really use and learn from, which only comes along a few times in your life.I began using this system immediately under the advice of my instructor. Several other students are using it too, and have achieved significant results. I do also use kettlebells, but the author gives guidelines for developing one's own "hybrid" systems, so this is not a problem. I'm hooked, frankly, and in the best shape of my 20 year training career. the most amazing thing about this method is that it's radically increased my strength levels whilst reducing or actually curing old injuries I've been carrying a while. Just one more point which might be meaningful to some long-time DD adherents. Former DD products I've purchased have all contained excellent, super-high quality information, but they've been criticized by some as being quite light on ink. Nobody could accuse this book of being light! This time around, there's no large font, no blank spaces, no repetition and hundreds of photographs. At well over 300 pages I got the impression that the editor was trying to cram information in, rather than spread it out. The book really is a complete encyclodpedia of a massive and incredibly sophisticated training system. There's too much to review here: everything from history and philosophy to techniques, progressions, workouts, psychology. You name it. In summary; ignore the title, ignore the marketing, and ignore the gossip. Insead, read the comments (in yellow boxes) splashed around this page by the genuine well-respected fitess experts. Buy, borrow, loan or steal this book, and you'll still be reading (and using) it ten, twenty years from now. Wonderful stuff! Greg A - CA USA See only the first 10 reviews of Convict Conditioning

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Rated 10 out of 10 A Strength Training Guide That Will Never Be Duplicated! I knew within the first chapter of reading this book that I was in for something special and unique. The last time I felt this same feeling was when reading "Power to the People". To me this is the Body Weight equivalent to Pavel's masterpiece. Books like this can never be duplicated. Paul Wade went through a unique set of circumstances of doing time in prison with a "old time" master of calisthenics. Paul took these lessons from this 70 year old strong man and mastered them over a period of 20 years while "doing time". He then taught these methods to countless prisoners and honed his teaching to perfection. I believe that extreme circumstances like this are what it takes to create a true masterpiece. I know that "masterpiece" is a strong word, but this is as close as it gets. No other body weight book I have read (and I have a huge fitness library)...comes close to this as far as gaining incredible strength from body weight exercise. Just like Power to the People, I am sure I will read this over and over again...mastering the principles that Paul Wade took 20 years to master. Outstanding Book! Rusty Moore - Fitness Black Book Seattle, WA

Rated 10 out of 10 The Best of the Best I have read several strength-fitness books lately, some of which I have been asked to review. But nothing has impressed me nearly as much as this little number. The problem with most strength authors is their lack of capacity for systematic explanation. Many are entertaining or motivating writers; some are even good writers. But hardly any seem capable of really expressing all their dense years of knowledge into a coherent system. This is not the case with this book. At first sight, Convict Conditioning appears to be a glib attempt at generating some interest in the bench press efforts of incarcerated tough guys or urban thugs. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book is a well-oiled machine of exercise ideology; nothing else I've read even comes close to it's power and elegance. This book is about a method. There's no ambiguity here; none of the ubiquitous "choose whatever exercise you prefer" or "select a rep range you feel suits you". No. There are six movements. That's all. But, like all great physical art-forms (dance, gymnastics, etc), each of these basic forms is altered and expanded into many more, thanks to minor technical alterations. You learn them from all the ground up, with the most excruciating focus on form and performance. It's much more closely akin to a painstaking martial art than a work out approach. When do you move on from step-to-step? When Wade says you can! Initially there were many questions about the efficacy of Wade's training ideas, so different are they from the norm. However the book has been Dragon Door's best-seller for months now, and some of the "before-and-after" reports are so radical as to be disbelieved. This prison stuff really works. My only minor bugbear is in the text found in the exercise descriptions. I hate to mention it, but there's no getting around it. In the earlier and later sections of the works, Wade's voice--that of a gruff, no-nonsense ex-convict--shines through with great vibrancy and character. The exercise descriptions, however, are harshly clinical. They have clearly been very heavily edited; in several sections they even appear written by another hand. However this is a small niggle given the quality of information therein. All in all, if one purchases a book by a man who was a career criminal, and incarcerated for decades, one must expect that he had significant support during the editing phase. Do I agree with Wade's basic premiss that body weight strength training is totally and unassailably superior to training with weights or machines? I'm not sure I do; but that's not the point. The point is, this book is a convincing, focused, 100% ready-for-war manifesto, written by a man who has clearly spilled buckets of sweat forging his body into a powerful machine under the most ghastly circumstances one can imagine. It's challenging, invigorating, and completely unforgettable. It's like striding over hot coals or swimming through icy water. You might hate it, you will possibly come to love it, but if you are a serious athlete you cannot fail to be changed by the experience! Ten out of ten! Mike Slattery Madison, Wisconsin, UNITED STATES