To be perfectly honest when this product first hit the market in the mid-2000s my initial reaction was, “Meh.” From a distance it doesn’t the idea of hanging off of a set of handles was a bit of a head-scratcher but the first time I actually head on to the TRX Suspension Trainer and did some exercises it immediately made sense.
The TRX Suspension Trainer was develop by Randy Hetrick, a former active-duty Navy SEAL who needed a way to stay in shape while deployed to unfriendly parts of the world (to hear the story about how Randy created the TRX click here). The TRX is a relatively simply design that provides a number of benefits like strength training, improved joint range of motion and enhanced cardiorespiratory efficiency.
The TRX can be attached to any stable anchor point including door frames. The TRX Suspension Trainer kit includes an exercise how-to but it is advised to take a couple of classes a gym to learn how to create a full-body workout that takes advanced of it’s unique design features. The TRX is designed to allow the body to maintain one point of contact with the ground at all times; the hands can grip the handles while the feet stay planted or the feet can be placed in the cradles while the hands maintain contact with the ground. With one point of contact on the ground and the other gripping the system the rest of the muscles in the body will have to work overtime to maintain control of stability and move completely through a full range-of-motion.
One of my favorite features of the TRX is that it is completely portable, I have frequently traveled with mine which allows me to get a great workout even when a hotel doesn’t have a workout room. Also I love the fact that I can train outside, all I have to do is throw it in a bag or the bottom of my kid’s stroller and voila – instant gym at the park.
Benefits:
- Completely portable, can easily be transported anywhere without taking up much space.
- Very intuitive for creating exercises if you know your anatomy and how to involved multiple muscle groups in one movement.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive but worth the investment.
- Can be difficult to learn a number of exercises if you don’t have a strong knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology.
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