Maggie's Farm

Like our editor, I am more interested in vigorous fitness for functional life and endurance rather than in conspicuous muscle mass. However, it has not escaped my notice than some mass has a signaling effect on females.

Limitations I have found in my (recent) mixed cardio-resistance-endurance program are strength and power in my extremities, ie forearms and lower legs. Those tend to be neglected in resistance work. They are more or less expected to respond in strength to the other things you do.

That is true to a point, perhaps, but, for examples, but my dead lifts and kettlebell walks are limited by my grip strength. Lower leg strength is needed for everything you do, posture and agility, and especially to prevent injury.

What I am learning is that I have to strengthen everything to pursue my maximum functional endurance. The two go hand-in-hand.