Kendall Giles

So I mentioned that I am evaluating a TRX suspension system, by Fitness Anywhere, via a 12-week fitness program (FORCE). This is a wrap-up of the FORCE program (84 days).

I finished the TRX FORCE program last Sunday, but I've been on travel and so haven't had a chance to post.

Overall, I was happy with the TRX FORCE program. I felt it gave me a jump-start at developing overall body functional fitness, and the final week 11-12 routines are ones that I will come back to now and then during my alternate training days. The program takes a bit of dedication to get through, since it is 12 weeks-worth of exercises, but if you can stick it out, then you *will* see results.

I did not do a pure experiment though -- I started out doing kettlebells, just kind of teaching myself, but at the same time enjoying this really efficient and useful exercise system. But I didn't want to go too far too fast without consulting with an RKC, so I took up the TRX FORCE program to work on until I could meet with one.

At about mid-way through the TRX FORCE program I was able to meet with an RKC (thanks Sandy Sommer!) and got some instruction that enabled me to move forward with my kettlebell training. But I didn't want to just quit the TRX, so I tried doing kettlebell workouts in addition to my TRX FORCE program workouts.

Then, from out of no where, I decided I wanted to run a 10-miler, a couple months hence. Note that I am not a runner. So I began to incorporate training for the 10-miler plus the kettlebells plus the TRX FORCE program.

Ugh.

I made it through the TRX FORCE program, and am now easing back a little to let some body parts heal and to re-assess where I want to go from here.

I still have the 10-miler coming up in a few weeks. The farthest I've ever run is about 7.5 miles, and I am still recovering from that run - especially my ankles, for some reason.

I also want to work on sustained performance - being able to do kettlebell lifts (especially snatches and swings) for many repetitions in a row. Up until now I've been working on several reps + rest for many minutes, but I've discovered this is not exactly the same as many reps + no rest.

So kettlebells plus running will probably be my focus going forward, using the TRX FORCE week 12 workout now and then to shake things up. I've also started using a rowing ergometer, and have been happy with the cardio plus strength benefits.

And I am hoping to heal some - over-doing it is not as risk-free as when I was younger.