TRX (Total Resistance eXercise) is a relatively new but extremely popular form of suspension training. Developed by a former Navy Seal in the 1990's, and first introduced to the market in 2005, TRX training has become a favourite among people who frequently need intense, full-body workouts.
How Does it Work?
TRX is a type of suspension training, which means that using the weight of our own bodies is a major part of the exercise. TRX training kits are specifically designed to be as lightweight and portable as possible, enabling users to get an intense workout no matter where they are.
The majority of TRX workouts revolve around the use of their straps, which can be looped around or attached to different objects in different ways. This opens up the opportunity to do lots of familiar exercises, such as push ups, but against your own bodyweight. For example, pull ups can be done traditionally, upside down, at an angle, and in many different ways. The same can be said of push ups, and almost all major exercises.
The straps are made out of an extremely light but durable nylon material, meaning they are perfect for indoor or outdoor use. It is important to note the difference between TRX straps and resistance bands, as the two may look similar, but operate in very different ways.
Resistance bands are made of material that is both strong and stretchy. Many of the exercises with resistance bands will work by stretching them and trying to fight the resistance for a given amount of time. The straps used in TRX training are not designed to stretch, but to be durable. They are simply a way to allow you to get into the positions necessary for your workout, using your own bodyweight as a substitute for weights.
Apart from the advantages of being portable and not requiring the use of weights, there are many advantages to TRX training that may not be immediately obvious. For starters, it works out the entire body. Rather than moving from machine to machine at the gym and working out each section one by one, TRX can be used to train multiple parts of the body at once. Not only is this good news in terms of time, it also means that the workout is more effective. This is because you gain greater control over your body by using it in every possible way. Training different muscle groups at once helps ensure that everything is on the same level, and that your whole body is synced up when you need it. Other benefits include better stabilisation, joint stability, and posture.
Many of these factors that are unique to TRX training also help to reduce the likelihood of injuries. By working out different parts of the body, we reduce the likelihood of one part being unable to keep up with the rest and becoming injured. We also ensure that different areas of the body are not over or underused. It also helps to speed up the time and instincts of our reactions, meaning we are far better equipped to react when something goes wrong.
Who is it For?
TRX is a very versatile form of training, and can be used for any number of reasons. For training, it can be used for anything from gymnastics to Hell and Back. For personal use, it can be used to tone muscles, exercise muscles that are hard to work out, or to bulk up. It can also be used as a form of rehabilitation, although for most people, it is just a tough, effective way to work out.
However, most experts agree that TRX training is not for beginners. Although working out the core is a large part of TRX, good core muscles are necessary to even begin training on it. Therefore, TRX is really targeted mainly at people who already exercise regularly, and are looking to take things to the next level.