Incorporating the myriad RMAX programs

[Doughboy]

I am one of those long-time members of RMAX/CST who happily owns most of the CST products and programs that have been offered (e.g. Intu-Flow®, FlowFit®, Forward Pressure, Clubbells, CSTGx, Kettlebell Foundation, Tacfit Commando, etc. and the various programs that Steer, Murdock, Hurst, etc. have put out,too). Thus, overfeed and satiated to no end, I am FRUSTRATED! I imagine that many of you are in the same boat as I, that is, and this is the gist of my question for the General Discussion forum, how does one incorporate such a wonderful cornucopia of deliciously designed fitness/health programs that Mr. Sonnon and Team have created into a single,continuing protocol?
For example, while in the middle of a Tacfit Commando cycle (I love,love, love TACCOM), I find myself missing using Clubbells, kettlebells and all the other myriad of exercise tools I have lying about. You just can't fit all these programs which I WANT TO DO into any 4X7 cycle. Yes, I imagine I could stay with one program for a month, say a FlowFit® 4X7 or the Big Black Book of Clubbells, or Forward Pressure and then move on to another, but like many of you, I love swinging Clubbells, love the gnarly nature of kettlebells, want to do gymnastic ring work.
One thing common to all of the CST programs is that they incorporate Intu-Flow® and compensatory yoga. That is a blessing since I love doing both (I am also a dedicated yoga student, going to a local yoga studio 3X a week; yes, I somehow incorporate that into my training, even into 4X7 cycles. Yikes!). I know that Tacfit incorporates the myriad of equipment, bodyweight and exercises of the CST compendium (but, at least to this working class man with familiar financial responsibilities it is expensive at $399.), but it not in my estimate and easily to engage, stand-alone program like most of the other RMAX-offered programs.
Am I grasping for straws/gasping for air in my "What to do next" frustration, or should I intuitively float into a program and satisfactorily content myself patiently there for say a month. Does anyone else have this frustration? Typical American frustration I feel. We want it all. I feel like the main character in the Iraq War film "Hurt Locker", who when back stateside he is standing in the cereal aisle of a large grocery store looking at the dozens and dozens of different cereal boxes and begins to cry.

[wiggy1]

Kevin,

You are not alone. It can be very daunting to try and decide which of the wonderful RMAX products to play with. I don't want to add to that frustration so I will just give three pieces of advice....

1. With CST it is better to go deep than wide. Pick a program and stick to it AS PRESCRIBED for at least one cycle, then switch to a different program. If you pick a stock program, like TacFit Commando, or the original 4x7, everything you need, including compensatory movements, etc. will be included and you will get to see the true magic of CST first hand.

2. With the above said, there is also another alternative... You can set up a 4x7 cycle, where you use Clubbells/Kettlebells or other tools on your Moderate (strength) day, then perform a MetCon type program, like TacFit Commando, FlowFit®, 6d Matrix, etc. on your High Day. This keeps the brain fresh and excited, while still hitting what your body needs. This is the approach I took to prepare for the last IC. I did the TBF movements on the Mod days, and FlowFit® on my High days. The only caveat I would make to this, is pick movments or programs in which the Coaches have already provided proper compensatory movements for, as this is the most important aspect of any program (IMO) but also the hardest to create.

3. And probably the most important..... What are your goals? Above all else, this will decide what program/s to use, and how to use them. You need to start with clearly defined goals otherwise you'll just be chasing your tail.

Hope that helps.

[HereBeADragon]

Brian's got you pretty well sorted out there. I do however recall coach Sonnon posting some links to articles about integrating clubbells and kettlebells into your TacFit Commando practice but I cannot find the links at the moment.

[Doughboy]

Thank you both Brians. I did know what you both relayed to me (believe me when I say I study CST methodology), I was just exhaling some frustration of having so many 'ice cream' flavors to choose from (or cereal boxes as in Hurt Locker). I am a man of many interests, especially in the physical movement or flowing realm. That is the beauty of the 4X7 protocol is that you have that flexibility to incorporate certain mixes into the fray because of the scaling beauty of your moderate intensity day and your high intensity. As for 4X7 cycles, I've learned to love all four days equally and take respite in all of them enthusiastically (I guess the oft-quoted statement, and song,"Love the one you're with" is pertinent here).
The great thing about Tacfit Commando is that it is so intelligently designed and thought-out that you just can't help getting noticeable (quickly, too) benefits and results from. I do add to it, admittedly, but I feel in an intuitively enhancing way without burning myself out or causing injury (e.g. pull-ups or long runs and hikes, but I am in shape and come from a school of thought on "toughing it out").
CST. What a unique, beautiful creature!

[Doughboy]

Mr. Bales, the article of integrating kettlebells into Tacfit can be found at the Tacfit Commando blog: http://www.tacfitcommando.com/blog/how-to-integrate-kettlebells-with-tacfit-commando
Thanks for the reminder. It's a fascinating and helpful blog.
Again, thank you kindly.