... I guess this is where an introductory post should go, anyway.

  I'm a 42 year old male, probably 40 or so lbs overweight (5'10" and 210 lbs) with high cholesterol.  I'm looking to get back into shape in a safe, gradual manner, as I've been fairly sedentary for the last dozen years or so.  I work overseas with the military and work 6 x 12 hour shifts, so an efficient workout is paramount - I only have about 3 hours after work to eat and do any workouts, PX runs, studying, etc.  I'm not worried about building muscle mass, but in gaining functional strength, flexibility and toning - anything else is a bonus.

  I've currently walk between 1/2 and 3/4 mile a day (quarters to work is about 1/8 mile, work to chow hall is about 1/4 mile and includes stairs up a 40' hill).  I've been doing some isometric exercises and have made some progress in strength and toning, but I need something that is more of a full-body workout.  While I don't mind the isometric workout, it's very hard to gauge how much resistance I'm applying against myself.

  I've been reading reviews for the last week or so, and I'm looking hard at buying the TRX home system.  It seems like the core building programs would be a good start.  Any hints, help or advise would be greatly appreciated!! 

Hi Mike

 Welcome to the community! Check out the thread under military program. I think that you will find that the progression there will suit you pretty well from where you are starting. The run program will likely be a little too aggressive for where you are right now but the strength will be perfect and you will grow into the run program fairly quickly

http://community.fitnessanywhere.com/forums/23.aspx

Hi, Fraser -

Thanks for the response - I actually just pulled the trigger a few hours ago on the home version.  I figured that the programs with that one would be more suited for the physical shape I'm in (abysmal).  I'm thinking that after I'm in a reasonable shape, I should be able to transition to the military program.

Does that seem feasible?

You can always move to something more challenging like the military program once you get better. 

xenophon:

You can always move to something more challenging like the military program once you get better. 

Hey, Xenophon - that was exactly what I was thinking.  I was thinking that the military program would be TOO hard for me to do, just starting out.  The isometric stuff WAS doing some good for me, but I could never tell how MUCH good.  It's nigh-on impossible to figure out if you're using the same amount of effort as the last workout.  I *need* something that I can gauge myself against, or I feel that I'm not progressing and I stop. 

I'm thinking this gives me the most 'bang for my buck' - the home bundle gives me a couple of different programs that I can use to get used to the suspension training and get in reasonable shape, and then I can buy the military program to REALLY get me in shape, once I'm in condition to withstand the quicker progression.

Well, my TRX Home system arrived yesterday.  I will say this - it's built hell for stout!  I've brought it into work last night and tonight and have been experimenting with the warmup exercises and core strength exercises, getting an idea for what lean angles I'll need to be working at.

I'm also trying to figure out just HOW to set it up at the barrack - I think I can use the door anchor for at least some stuff, but the space is cramped - will it hurt anything if I'm not square to the door?  I'm looking for some sort of hook or eye-bolt that I can use in the ceiling that will get me more in the middle of the room, but no luck yet.