TRX Training Here at Brock

What is TRX the suspension trainer?

Suspension training provides a adjunct to traditional weight training utilizes body weight in a number of challenging positions. Since it also incorporates balance and coordination of the core abdominal musculature, it is perfect for any age. It also has the benefits of being low impact for arthritic and unstable joints.

BACKGROUND

The device was created almost by accident by one Randy Hetrick, a Navy SEAL who was trying to get in some fitness while deployed using only jujitsu belts and some spare parachute webbing. This early, rudimentary TRX caught on quickly with friends and colleagues. Hetrick completed a post-deployment stint at Stanford business school, and after a whole lot of prototypes, a version made of high-quality nylon is in gyms everywhere. (Worth noting: Although plenty of competing TRX-style suspension trainers are on the market, you’ll likely see the signature yellow-and-black straps in most training facilities.(1)

BENEFITS OF TRX AND RIP TRAINER SYSTEMS

Pretty much any exercise you do without TRX -- like a plank or a pushup, a crunch or a chest press -- can be made more challenging with it. You can get a serious workout in a relatively short period of time. Intensity Level: Medium If you take TRX to the limit, you can push your body really hard. You’ll sweat for sure. But if you're not that fit, you can back off on the intensity and still get a challenging workout. It all depends on how you position your body. Areas It Targets Core: Yes. No matter what exercise you’re doing on the TRX (and there are hundreds), almost every one of them challenges your core. Arms: Yes. There are many possible arm and upper body exercises to do on TRX. Legs: Yes. You’re almost always working your legs in some way with most TRX exercises. Glutes: Yes. Your glutes get a lot of work with most suspension exercises, and you can always choose specific butt-targeting moves if you want. Back: Yes. You’re using your entire core, including your back muscles, at all times to maintain stability.

THE BOTTOM LINE

TRX is a super-intense workout that can be adapted, but it's not for everyone. You need to have a basic level of fitness and coordination to get the most out of even the simplest TRX workouts and to be safe. You should have a trainer working with you to be sure your technique is on target to help avoid injuries. It is a great workout for you if you have limited time and space and are trying to get in or maintain top condition. If you are out of shape or new to the gym, go for a slower, beginner TRX workout to build strength and muscle. Add a good aerobic activity like walking to get you in top shape before lunging into using TRX as an aerobic workout.

(1) Emily Abbate. A Beginner's Guid to Your Gym's TRX Suspension Trainer System.GQ 2019 April 2; online article.

(2) Ratini Melinda M.D.. TRX Suspension Training. Health and Fitness WebMD 2023 Mar 23;online.