Hi again,
I would not ever combine a Combat workout with STS, its too much you'd likely injure muscles in your shoulders and back. SO, please don't do that, STS focus is on muscle building going heavy with low reps to failure. Please do not combine Tap Out XT with STS, again same thing. The first week I did a Combat workout I had major DOMS and was sore from the waist up and I did not do any weight work at all. I remember thinking wow, boy am I glad I didn't decided to add Xtrain strength workouts. I used #1 lb weighted gloves on each hand, so no definitely do not do a strength/muscle building workout with either Tap Out XT or Combat. I do not own nor have I done Tap Out XT but it a MMA Martial Arts inspired workout as is Combat and both are very core intensive and use upper body strength alot. So I don't mean to be a wet blanket but please do not do Muscle building heavy wet type workouts with either of those two MMA Martial Arts inspired workouts, you'll regret it and likely injure yourself, its not worth it to try it in my opinion.
I know that COMBAT specifically does not recommend lifting weights alongside their program for that reason, I headed their warning. Now that I have completed 60 day rotation experience behind me I agree with the warning. That is why the only weight workout I added to use with it was Pump and I used; pump challenge 25 min, pump'n burn 35 min, and pump'n shred 48 minute workouts.
The PUMP workouts are high reps, low weight and are divided into 5 minute tracks per instructor and focus on a body area per track so you are not going to failure on tri's or anything that is not what pump is about. I would definitely assume Tap Out XT will have a similar effect meaning you will be using alot of the same muscles if not the same muscles in it that you use in COMBAT and you will feel it the muscles will be worked hard. I would proceed carefully and cautiously understanding that to avoid unwanted injury. I wish you well with whatever programs you decide on.
I do know that Tap Out XT is a 90 day program & uses resistance tubing and probably about 40-55 min a workout and does not leave room to add on workouts beyond it. COMBAT workout times range from 30 min to 60 min on cardio and 20 min on core if you get the extra workouts (I recommend them for best results). There is also a 20 min stretch which is different than any ever done also in the extra workouts. COMBAT is more time friendly and easier to add other workouts on to if your wish like I did.
COMBAT is a 60 day program and everyday your entire core front and back is used and you will feel it everyday. There is a lot of upper body used everyday and lower body with kicks and knee strikes. I obviously love it and recommend it highly. Pump is an awesome workout I know I got it when it first came out over a year ago and I still reach for it often. In my opinion my best beach body purchases ever have been Les Mills Pump, Les Mills COMBAT, and Turbo Fire in that order. I rate them that way because I still reach for them long after the hype and still love doing them.
I have been eyeing Tap Out XT but I don't want to commit to a 90 day program, and I know there are only 4 to 6 workouts in it I'm interested in the rest I don't want. The cost is outrageous so I'm on the fence about that one, probably won't get it. I have also been looking at George St. Pierre's Rush Fit, which looks good the price is doable and its a nice complement to COMBAT and like Combat it has people showing correct form, has person modifying, and technique so a person can strive for that. I'll likely go for GSP's Rush Fit. I do know that Collage Video offers two different configurations of Tap Out XT. One has three workouts and tubing, the other has four workouts and tubing, prices are still alot if you divide the price per number of dvds. You will need to choose what makes the most sense for you, I wish you luck with all the intriguing choices right now. I'm right there with you on those too. Good luck and have fun in your fitness choices.
Nora
