When you think of Navy Seals or Special Ops Teams, you think of people who are in tip-top physical condition. Have you ever wondered how they stay in great fighting shape?

For decades it was barbells and dumbbells, but more recently it has been thanks to TRX Suspension Training, an exercise device developed by Navy Seal Randy Hetrick, which he developed to help himself and fellow Seals to continue exercising when deployed.   This revolutionary invention began stealing the spotlight as the newest, hottest functional device to hit the fitness arena in years!¹

The TRX is one of two suspension-training devices on the market today (Inkaflexx being the other).  The device is nothing more than two long adjustable straps with handles joined by a metal clasp. Once you lock the clasp around a freestanding pole, bar (i.e., a chin-up bar), or even a thick tree branch outdoors, the handles “hang free.” Then, by gripping the handles, you can either lean back away from the anchor or suspend your feet in the straps while performing a variety of exercises.

The beauty of this type of training is you MUST engage your core to steady yourself with each movement. The exercises use your body in opposition to gravity, which intensifies the workout.  A simple biceps curl becomes a full body weight exercise when in suspension. Simply put, the amount of body weight that is in opposition to gravity will dictate how much resistance you will be working against.²

The workouts are short, intense and progressive, but in as little as 30 minutes you can exhaust your entire body from fingernails to toenails using only your body weight and it’s position against gravity.

I have added suspension training to my personal workouts as well as using it with my clients now for about six months and I love it! It is a great tool for balance training, muscular strength, core strength, and stability in one 30-40 minute workout.

Some critics warn that you can easily injure yourself due to the instability of the straps, especially if you have joint or back issues or a weak core.  However, that is true for any new exercise modality one undertakes.  As with any new exercise device, if you decide to try a suspension training system, take time to learn the proper way to use the system.  I suggest you start with the simplest of exercises and slowly progress to more challenging moves as you adapt and get stronger.

The TRX basic product bundle can be purchased for $149.95 on their website, fitnessanywhere.com.  The kit includes the TRX suspension trainer, a 25-minute workout video, a foldout fitness guide, and a lightweight storage bag.

Having over 25 years experience in the health and fitness industry, I have seen quite a few trends come and go.  While suspension training is not for the faint of heart, for anyone with a good base fitness level who is looking for some variety in his or her workout, it is challenging and fun. So in my opinion, this one is a keeper!

References

1. nytimes.com/2007/02/01 Fashion & Style.
2. fitnessanywhere.com/resources/article.

[Ed. Note: Melissa Hawthorne, RN, BSN, CSCS is the owner of Priority Fitness Personal Training and Wellness.  She is a Master Trainer for the Resist-a-ball Company, ISCA Personal Training, Kick-boxing, and Beamfit.   Melissa serves as a fitness consultant for the LaValle Metabolic Institute.  To learn more, click here.]

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