TapouT XT Logo

The biggest question that seems to be asked when it comes to the TapouT XT workouts, is what bands do I need for the workouts. It helps to have the bands out and ready before the workout, rather than scramble to find the band mid workout.  In addition to which workouts require which bands, I’ve also included a list of which workouts to wear the gloves and where you can purchase 3rd party of each item.  The workouts are listed in order that you do them during the program

Third Party Items

ProSource Resistance Band Set of 5

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005D7GJQE/ref=oh_details_o05_s02_i00

GoFit Power Loops Set of 3

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DOCRSE/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00

j/Fit Weighted Cardio Gloves

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P2O7F6/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

TapouT XT Logo

In the previous product review of TapouT XT, I was just 10 days in. Now, 20 days later, it is time to see how well this program is working. But before we get into results, it’s time to tackle the workouts that have been added due to the increase number of days.

At day 10, the Cardio XT DVD hadn’t been put in yet, but finished that second week’s worth of workouts. This is a lot of people’s favorite workout, and rightfully so; it’s just a good old fashioned get the heart rate up and keep moving workout. This is also the only DVD that was filmed in a different location and only has test group people in the video. Because of this setting change, personally it is one of my favorites. Additionally this video actually shows people having to stop mid workout to either get water, remove the hand weights, or just take a breather. Because of these things, people will be able to relate to this video a lot more.

Continuing on the next new DVD was Buns & Guns on week 4, day 2. This is the shortest workout, but just because it is only just over 30 minutes long, doesn’t mean you won’t get a workout in. The workout is broken down into three segments, buns, guns, then more buns. Ideally this DVD would be extended in future releases to be another 10 minutes or so to include a second guns routine. Because of these things, several people on message boards have mentioned they do the workout twice.

The next day Muay Thai is on the docket and it is a fun workout. Much like Cardio XT, this is just a get your heart rate up and keep moving. Nothing that wasn’t doable in this DVD and nothing that you wouldn’t see in a standard gym class offering the same thing. The benefit to this one though is it is at home. If you want a good sweat, this is one of the three videos that will bring it out in you.

The last video to complete of the 12 that come with the package is Ripped Conditioning. This workout is a lot different than the other workouts in that it is run more as a strength training session, than a cardio session. There’s a lot of great movements and band exercises, but getting the heart rate up doesn’t seem to be the goal here. Instead it is all about building that muscle.

So after 30 days there’s been a lot of mental changes for me with regards to the DVDs. Plyo for instance was always a bad one, but for whatever reason on day 29 it clicked and became a lot of fun. Ultimate Abs is always a killer and it seems to go back and forth between being one of my least favorite fifteen minutes to being able to crush most of it.

Hand weights are essential for several of the workouts and while they don’t come in the box, they are worth getting. Amazon has them for $15 and once you do a workout with them on, you will be asking yourself why aren’t they on for more. Seriously, I am thinking of wearing them during the next plyo workout.

The leg band is still a pain, but a trick to keep it from sticking to itself is to cover it in baby powder. The only downside is that likely by the halfway point of the workout, you will need to do it again, or just deal with the rolled up band like many.

The normal band that comes in the box is a good starting point, but likely by day thirty you will either be wrapping it around your feet a lot, or have gone out to buy more bands. Mike is always saying to use the right band, and this makes a huge difference.

Results are in after thirty days and the photos are below. When I started this journey I weighed in at 179.0 pounds, had a 40.5inch chest, 40inch hips and a 39inch gut (belly would be too nice of a word). At day 10 the weight was dropped down to 170.2, chest down to 39inches, hips down to 39inches and gut was at 37inches. Add another 20 days to the day 30 results and we have the following crazy results. Weight is 168.6, chest is now 37.5 inches, hips are 38.5 inches and belly is now 34.5 inches. In total in 30 days I lost 9 inches and 10.4lbs of fat.

TapouT XT Day 1 to Day 30

TapouT XT Day 1 to 30 Side profile

TapouT XT Day 1 to 30 Flex

TapouT XT Logo

The hardest part of any new workout or diet program is starting it and continuing it for the first ten days. It’s because of this that nearly every 90 day program wants you to take results at the ten day mark. But first, let’s take a look at what TapouT XT offers and how it differs from other 90 day programs.

Because of the name TapouT it’s obvious that they are trying to tap into the mixed martial arts fan base. And rightfully so. Many fans will automatically connect with seeing some of their favorite fighters not only in the promotional materials, but also working out. TapouT XT also says that there are no weights, no pull ups and no gym memberships. This is a great cost saver for those that have considered P90X which does require weights and a pullup bar.

Everything one needs is in the box for TapouT XT. This includes 13 DVDs, a nutrition guide, a 10 day slim down guide, 12 week workout guide, two resistance bands, a towel and some promotional materials. What’s not included in the box that are extras are hand weights and tighter bands.

The first thing one needs to tackle is the nutrition guides. They are vital to your success. I started with the 10 day slim down guide and I was a bit disappointed. Yes it had 10 days worth of meals planned for me, but it was in the form of Breakfast, Snack, Lunch or Dinner. Yes the last part said Lunch or Dinner. Was this supposed to be a “pick one meal to have and skip the other” or was I supposed to pick a lunch or dinner from a different day for the opposite meal?

Because of how I was eating prior, I opted to have three meals a day and up to two snacks. Most every meal I ate was modeled after the 10 day slim down guide; few carbs that weren’t a fruit, and a lot of salad and protein.

The regular nutrition guide is not without it’s flaws either. This guide doesn’t include snacks, but does offer the benefit of stating three meals per day. One thing that becomes immediately apparent is the portion size and what is really needed versus what we are used to eating.

Ten days worth of workouts and you tackle a variety of them. One great thing that is said a lot in the videos is that you shouldn’t be able to keep up with the people in the video, that they have been doing it for 90 days. Mike mentions taking breaks when you need it, which is a good thing for those just starting out.

Previous workout plans that I have tried to tackle seemed to focus on working specific muscles each day without overlapping much. TapouT XT likes to make you think that’s the case, but in doing the workouts, you realize that nearly every workout is a full body workout. While the first workout is Cross Core Combat and works your core, you will likely be sore everywhere. Moving onto day two of Strength Force Upper and Ultimate Abs, your core is still sore but you must push through it.

The third day is arguably the hardest workout in Plyo XT. This workout is made harder for a variety of reasons that could be fixed. Mike consistently calls the workout Legs instead of Plyo. He only mentions that it is Plyo one time. Additionally there are some edits in the video that make you wonder if your pace is completely off as they cut from person to person.

After Plyo, you are treated to a nice day of stretching in Yoga. Yoga will likely be the hardest day for many. Maybe not from a calories burned stand point, but it is very difficult to hold a pose for as long as is needed. And after the previous day’s Plyo, one of the first poses is a genie pose and one’s legs and gluts are on fire the entire time.

Legs & Back and Sprawl & Brawl round out the first week and these seem like cake walks compared to the previous four days. They aren’t easy workouts by any means, but they are placed there to make you feel like you are getting better. Repeat the first four workouts, and that’s where I am at after ten days.

So what are my results? In ten days I dropped 8.8lbs, lost 1.5 inches around my chest, 1 inch around my hips and 2 inches around my belly. By no means am I anywhere close to what they are calling a TapouT body, but maybe by day 90 I will get there. Next update will be at day 30 and look for videos and pics to be posted by then as well.

Top UFC Lightweight Jim Miller, who is set to fight Nate Diaz at the UFC On FOX 3 event in his home state of New Jersey on May 5th, has officially signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Tapout. TapouT is the leading apparel company in the sport of mixed martial arts, and has been running a very popular branding campaign entitled “My Fight Matters.”

While Miller has his eyes and training focused on beating Diaz in front of his friends and family in May, there is another fight that Miller is also focused on. However, This fight isn’t taking place in the UFC Octagon. Miller said “My 2 year old nephew, Daniel, suffers from recessive polycystic kidney disease (PKD). I fight everyday to raise money and be there for Daniel so that he has the care and support that he needs. That’s why my fight matters.”

In the past, Tapout has rallied around different charities, but when the matters strike close to home they respond accordingly. For his May battle against Nate Diaz, TapouT is creating a limited edition ‘MY FIGHT MATTERS’ shirt and will donate a percentage of the proceeds to the Daniel James Miller Foundation. The shirt will be sold exclusively on TapouT.com.

Historically, whenever a special charity or situation like this has risen up with a fighter in the sport of MMA, the fans respond with a tremendous outpouring of support. When news broke about Daniel, who is also the son of UFC middleweight Dan Miller, the response from the fans and the UFC was no exception. To support Miller in his upcoming fight against Diaz, fans are being encouraged to pick up the shirt and help a very worthy cause.

To learn more about the Daniel James Miller Foundation, watch Jim Miller discuss the importance of the charity and the support from the MMA community: