Resistance Training: The TRX Suspension Straps

One of my favorite forms of resistance training involves using the TRX Suspension Straps. These straps are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment that I’ve ever tried. I first saw them a few years back on “The Biggest Loser” television show and knew I wanted to try them. I wasn’t disappointed. They challenge your body in ways that are impossible without their assistance. For instance, doing lunges using the TRX straps allows you to do them much deeper, using a larger range of motion, resulting in the recruitment of more muscle fibers and a more effective workout.

The TRX Suspension Straps are appropriate for all fitness levels to use. By simply taking a small step forward or backward, you can adjust the angle of the straps, thereby increasing or decreasing the intensity of the exercise, making it compatible for beginners through hard-core athletes. Professional athletes from a variety of sports as well as our troops in the armed forces are avid users of the TRX straps.

In the gym setting, I’ve demonstrated the TRX to members who seemed to think the TRX looked kind of easy. After giving it a go, they are always surprised that it’s a lot harder than it looks. In addition to using your muscles in a deep, new way, the core is always involved when using the TRX because it’s always striving for balance from the instability generated by the straps. The other thing I’ve noticed when training folks on the TRX is the look on their faces. You can “see the wheels turning” as their mind tries to figure out how to tell the body what to do. New neural pathways are being formed before my very eyes, as their brain sends new signals to their muscles.

“Gym in a Bag” is the way Bob Harper describes the TRX and I agree. They are extremely portable and can be used almost anywhere as long as you get the optional door anchor, which I highly recommend. Your office, hotel room, the park and the monkey bars are all options for hooking up the straps. I especially like the fact that you can easily take them with you when you travel, so your workouts won’t suffer when you’re on the road.

The TRX straps are safe for most people, but I would issue one word of caution. If you have weak shoulders, shoulders that are easily dislocated or loose, I would advise using caution in a few of the exercises, such as push-ups or chest flys. The instability of the TRX straps requires your shoulders to support your body in various planes of motion and you could risk injury if your shoulders are unable to support you properly.

Resistance training using the TRX Suspension Straps is one of the best workouts you will ever have. You may be sore afterwards, particularly in new areas that have probably never been worked before. Plan accordingly and keep at it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your body responds to the TRX stimulus by growing stronger and more fit.

I offer online classes at www.physiic.com on the TRX Suspension Straps.