What if I were to tell you that one item is enough for you to have fun, flexible, and effective workouts at home and on the go? And what if I were also to suggest that the item isn’t a fancy power rack with a built-in pull-up bar or an expensive set of adjustable dumbbells?
It’s difficult to believe, right?
The good news is that such an item exists and is called a TRX suspension trainer.
Read on to learn what TRX is, how it works, and why it is a fantastic workout solution.
WHAT IS THE TRX SUSPENSION TRAINER?
Short for total body resistance exercise, the TRX suspension trainer is a type of workout equipment developed by former US Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick.
As the story goes, Mr. Hetrick was looking for a more engaging way to train while deployed overseas, so he developed the first version of the suspension kit from parachute webbing and a jiu-jitsu belt. (Talk about being badass.)
The idea is that, rather than lifting external weights to overload the muscles, the trainee’s body provides all the resistance they need.
HOW TRX WORKS: A BRIEF LOOK
The way TRX works is quite simple. You anchor the suspension kit to a sturdy object, grab the pair of handles, position your body for the movement you want to do, and get started.
For instance, if you want to train your back muscles, face the TRX trainer, grab the handles, lean your body back, and pull yourself up repeatedly. The activity is known as an inverted row and develops the back, shoulders, arms, and midsection.
You can pick from various exercises that emphasize different areas of your body: the shoulders, triceps, biceps, quadriceps, etc.
Most TRX activities target several major muscle groups, which allows you to have quicker and more efficient workouts. Instead of doing a dozen exercises, TRX provides the same stimulus with just a handful of movements.
THE PRACTICAL EFFECTS OF SUSPENSION TRAINING ON YOUR BODY
(And Fitness Outcomes)
A notable benefit of TRX is that it allows you to work effectively at home without investing much money in expensive training equipment. The simple suspension kit is enough for you to do many exercises and seamlessly switch between them while doing a circuit routine.
For these same reasons, TRX allows you to work out on the go. Whether outside or in a hotel room, you can anchor your suspension kit and stay consistent with your training plan. It is light, compact, and fits nicely inside a travel bag or backpack.
One massive benefit of TRX over other training methods is that it develops your functional fitness––your ability to tackle everyday challenges with grace. TRX is a form of functional training that teaches your muscles to work together, which has a great carryover to everyday life and sports.
Final Words
TRX is a simple but incredibly versatile fitness item that allows you to have fun, enjoyable, and, most importantly, effective workouts at home and on the run.
The suspension kit isn’t revolutionary, but perhaps its simplicity makes it so desirable and versatile.
Quick reminder: If you like to get a TRX product from TRX Training, use my code and you'll get a 15% discount at checkout: TRX15ANDREAT