Super Slow strength training developer Ken Hutchins has, apparently, left the SuperSlow Zone personal training franchise.  While speculation abounds on blogs and web posts as to the reasons for his leaving and what the future may hold, Hutchins is widely regarded as a pioneer of high intensity training championed by fitness technique developers such as Ellington Darden and Arthur Jones.


The SuperSlow method arose from Hutchin's involvement in osteoporosis research funded by the Nautilus Corporation at the University of Florida in the early 1980s. Hutchins sought to develop a weight-training method that increased the bone density of retirement-age women diagnosed with osteoporosis by building muscle and improving circulation without harming joints. Since then, the protocol has been used by in physical therapy for the elderly and physical training by a number of athletes.  As the name implies, the method uses very slow repetition speeds when compared to traditional resistance training methods. The  workouts can consist of one set of as few as two to up to eight exercises, often primarily compound movements, performed with little rest in between.

Hutchins documented the program in the 1989 how-to manual, Super Slow: The Ultimate Exercise Protocol for the use of SuperSlow instructors. Hutchins also began building his own line of custom exercise equipment. According to Hutchins' one-time colleague Drew Baye, Super Slow as two words has come to be used generically for exercise methods that slow repetition speeds. 

Proponents say slow lifting has an advantage over standard weight-training techniques in that it places greater demand on the muscles. This, in turn, burns calories faster while cutting down on jerking motions that can cause injuries.

Critics say that while slowing down on a weight bench might lower the risk of muscle damage, there is scant evidence that slow lifting outperforms standard weight training when it comes to building endurance or strength .

Super Slow has been suggested by a number of trainers as a useful addition to a repertoire of fitness techniques. Some trainers point to super slow as another method to be used in conjunction with other strength training methods where slow repetitions might benefit those with injuries or those who must deal with physical conditions that call for extra caution.

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