TRX Suspension Training Review – Good for beginners, but challenging!
The TRX Suspension Training system is used by those who want a home gym alternative, for travel, and for athletes looking for an edge. It’s charm is simplicity, but it’s gained popularity because it will test even the most veteren athletes.. Because it’s easy to use, it’s great for beginners, people trying to burn calories, and novices wanting to get back in shape in the privacy of their home. However, TRX is a great for athletes and veteren fitness hobbyists as well. TRX has a challenging array of exercises that are not for the timid.
The TRX Suspension Training system was invented by TRX founder Randy Hetrick, a Navy SEAL. The story is that Randy was tired of not having any exercise equipment or space to perform exercises for his whole body while on tours of duty. Randy Hetrick graduated from college at USC, and afterward spent 14 years serving as a Navy SEAL commando. During that time Randy experimented with surplus equipment, hung his handmade contraption over a door and discovered a versatile tool for exercising – later to become the TRX Suspension Training® bodyweight exercise tool.
What you get
TRX suspension training system comes with a pair of adjustable straps, a pulley system, and handles (or stirrups) at the end of each for your hands or feet, and a DVD to help learn exercises. Each of the straps is about 6 or 7 foot long and made of extremely heavy-duty nylon that allow for an adjustable length. The handles at the end are soft foam which allows for a good grip – very important for long workouts supporting your weight. The straps are anchored to something solid like a beam, the top of a door in your house (doorway anchor accessory is extra), or even a tree trunk. And, since the complete kit is small and compact you can pack it with you anywhere.
How does it work?
You use this pair of straps to position yourself in different ways, so that gravity and your body weight work together to provide resistance when you exercise. By changing the angle you’re at, you can adjust from beginner workouts to more and more difficult positions until it’s an extreme challenge for even the most fit! It is rather easy to adjust for both simple or complex exercises and workouts. The TRX will provide a punishing workout with a tweak of the straps and your body position, and letting gravity do the rest.
Ease of use
Once you’ve learned a few simple techniques it’s a piece of cake. TRX is designed to be easily adjustable. It really is no hassle to lengthen or shorten the straps. The TRX suspension training workout DVD also offers a run through of over a dozen exercises to help you get started.
Of course, many of the exercises aren’t nearly as easy as they look in the demonstrations. And, some aren’t as challenging as you’d think either. Once you’ve had some experience using the device it does get easier to judge.
For beginners, the TRX can be challenging enough to warrant lessons from a personal trainer to get the most use out of it. While writing this review I noticed the YMCA was offering TRX classes for a small fee. This would be a great place to start. As with any strenuous workout devices there are technical issues, such as making sure the straps don’t slacken and the posture is correct, that are best explained by an expert. Believe it, or not, my 70 year old mother (she’ll kill me for telling her age) worked out with the TRX Suspension Training system for a few months. Although she was comfortable with most exercises she tried a few exercises, without a personal trainer to help, and stained herself a bit. Therefore, it shows anyone can do it but as you advance be careful. TRX is not like following a Jane Fonda workout video, and can be very strenuous as you advance.
Home and Commercial Gyms
Since the suspension trainer takes up little space, and is relatively cheap, so it’s great for those wanting a home gym alternative. It’s great for outdoors, the garage, or in any room in the house. Don’t let the costs, and stresses, of going to a gym stop you from fitness that will help you achieve your goals!
TRX suspension training is now also used by many commercial gyms, and are popular for training classes. Personal trainers can also benefit from having the TRX in their arsenal of fitness equipment. The TRX suspension training system is a unique form of exercise that allows the personal trainers to expose the client’s body to new stressors helps the client to not get bored with repetition. So, don’t be surprised if your personal trainer has a TRX soon, or something just like it.
What’s great about TRX
- Beginner to advanced use – There’s a lot of different exercises to do with it. Once you’ve passed the novice phase, you create more complex workouts that will keep you extremely challenged. Perhaps that’s why athletes and fitness trainers give it the most complements.
- Well made – The materials are tough and heavy duty; there’s nothing flimsy about it. Yet, it’s designed for easy use.
- Portable and compact – Great for your home gym in small places, or for travel.
- Uses all muscle groups – Your core and many other supporting muscles get a workout – not just one isolated set of muscles.
Not so great
- Challenging for some novice users – If you’re new to fitness it’s a great tool, but you may want to consult a fitness trainer to get full use of the device. TRX can be a challenge for those who are just starting out. Many of the exercises aren’t nearly as easy as they look in the demonstrations.
- Expense – TRX “Home” retails for $199. For some that may seem high for a pair of straps to workout with. However, considering the cost of a gym many can rationalize the expense easily enough. And, if used properly, it can take the place of several other products.
- Muscle isolation – TRX works out the core muscles the most, but is not a substitute for free weights or weight machines found in a gym to isolate certain muscles you may want to target and build.
Recommendation
The TRX suspension training system compact size and convenience make this a great choice for home exercisers – novice and veteran athletes alike. TRX is great for travel, and for those who have a small place to work out. It strengthens your core muscles, as advertised, and is a great addition to your workout to add variety. We recommend the TRX to those who are dieting, and who would rather not attend a gym, as a great alternative for working out in the privacy of your home. Don’t limit yourself to conventional workouts like the local gym, or jogging. Devices like TRX suspension training help to add new, and convenient, workouts to your routine that are key to achieving your goals.
Read more about TRX Suspension Training at www.TRXTraining.com.