TRX Basics

What is the TRX?  Let's break down the basics of TRX:

What is it?  A form of Suspension Training that uses your own body weight as resistance.  It allows you to adjust the intensity during each exercise incorporating strength, balance and flexibility.

Who made it?  U.S. Navy SEALS, founder Randy Hetrick

Who should use it?  Everyone!  It can assist with squats/lunges or challenge an elite athlete at a one legged push up.  Other elements such as golf swing rotation, Pilates ab series, or yoga stretches can also be performed using the TRX.  You can workout at your own pace during a group class and is great for rehab clients.

Some famous names who use the TRX: Mary J. Blige, Drew Brees (NFL), Bob Harper (Biggest Loser), Jennifer Lopez

What are some advantages?  This type of workout is one you can take with you (hence the company name of Fitness Anywhere).  The TRX itself weights less than 2lbs which makes it portable and can be setup in seconds (to an overhead beam, door frame, tree, ect).  The best part is that its a full body workout no matter which one of the 100s of exercises you do!  

You can also include other pieces of fitness such as standing on a Bosu while doing upper body work with the TRX or holding onto a weighted ball while performing single leg lunges.  This makes it highly functional and great for Bootcamp sessions.

In addition the company has recently come out with the TRX Rip Trainer meant for those who wish to specialize more in power and rotation movements.

Ready to check it out?  Watch this video to see the TRX in action!

TRX/Pilates Fusion

TRX exercises can help make your Pilates workouts stronger and vice versa.  It is also a good way to add variety to class for more advanced clients.  Both forms of fitness (TRX and Pilates) focus on the core, strength and stability.  Get creative with your workouts and see amazing benefits when you blend the two together.  Here are some examples:

• Ab Series of 5 or 100s: feet or hands in the straps at mid calf length

• Bridging/Pelvis Press: mid calf length
• Standing Cadillac Arms such as Circles or Butterfly (see video for reference):  mid length
• Atomic Push Ups/Pikes: mid calf length

• Boomerang (Click for video demo): mid calf length
• TRX Squats (Ballet Leg work + pulses, Russian Squats): mid length
• Teaser: hands or feet in loops, add in a twist at the top, mid calf length

• Side Planks/Hip Dips: mid/mid calf length

• Curl Ups/Roll Ups: resisted or assisted, mid calf length
• Oblique Leg Raise (Tick Tock/Corkscrew): mid calf length
• Body Saw (prep for Long Stretch): mid calf length

Want to learn more about how TRX and Pilates compliment each other?  Click here

New Year, New You: Update

A little over a month into the plan and feeling great!  My legs are feeling more toned and the ab work feels much stronger already.  I'm shaking less with the ballet bar work so that has to mean that I'm progressing.  I will admit the running was challenging at first, but thanks to Hulu I'm able to watch my shows and get the time in before work.  I've already checked online and am planning for a half marathon by the end of this year.


I've also started to expand my career by getting into TRX (certification in March) as well as learning personal training.  That means I'm doing a Pilates session or TRX once a week and it has been kicking my butt.  I've never felt core so much!  


Stay tuned for more updates and the final results in the months ahead!

Field Trip: TRX (Suspension Training)

I had the opportunity to take a combination class at a Pilates studio that began with a half hour of TRX suspension training and finished up the rest of the hour using Gratz Towers.  Needless to say the TRX was a wonderful compliment by working the full body and lots of stability.  It was designed for the military and can be used in a variety of locations with its simple, adjustable straps.  I can honestly say that it fatigued my muscles to make the Pilates section more challenging.  My core was very sore the next day (which is hard to accomplish for someone who works out on a consistent basis).


The class began with simples squats, lunges, lying hamstring curls with bridging, chest presses, planks, and push ups.  Over time balance work was incorporated to provide an extra challenge.  Near the end some jumping worked to increase our heart rates.  We even did the whole Pilates ab series lying on the floor with our hands in the straps which left me dewy in sweat.  


This form of fitness is geared to any level, however I feel it is meant more for healthy, athletic individuals (without serious injuries).  The next week I took the same class again which made the coordination of the movements easier, yet I still achieved the same muscle fatigue.  This is a workout that will not let you plateau with its many variations.  Your body works against gravity adding mental focus to this form of functional training.  Unlike Pilates, this workout will leave you exhausted yet excited at its fast acting results.