TRX Suspension Trainer


The TRX suspension trainer is an excellent piece of equipment for building overall strength simply by using your body weight and gravity as resistance.

The TRX system is one of my favourite pieces of home gym equipment. I have one in my home gym and use it almost every workout. 

What I like most about the TRX suspension trainer

  • It’s easy to set up because it only requires one anchor point. Just attach it to the anchor point with the TRX carabiner type hook, then start your workout. 
  • It’s easy to use and adjust from one exercise to another, saving you time.
  • It’s versatile. Do a full-body workout with one piece of equipment.
  • It’s portable, so you can do a workout indoors, outdoors or anywhere, even while travelling.

I have used different types of suspension trainers, but nothing beats the quality and versatility of the TRX suspension trainer. 

Make sure when purchasing a suspension trainer always to choose a genuine TRX. Your TRX comes as a kit. This kit includes your TRX, anchors, and accessories. You also gain access to some awesome full-body workouts on the TRX website and their personalised training apps. You also have a host of training videos when you subscribe to TRX training on their YouTube channel.

How the TRX works 

When using a TRX, there are a variety of ways in which you can increase or decrease the resistance, intensity, and complexity of each exercise.

Base of support

Increase the intensity of the exercise simply by changing the body’s base of support and centre of gravity. 

For example, placing both feet on the ground with a wide stance will make you more stable, making the exercise easier. Conversely, a narrower stance or single leg on the ground will increase the intensity of the exercise.

Angle of resistance

Changing the angle of your body in relation to the ground will increase the intensity of the exercise. In other words, the lower your body is to the ground, the greater the resistance will be.   

Pendulum principle

The pendulum principle is used in ground exercises where the feet are placed in the TRX foot cradles.

The position on the ground directly under the anchor point is the neutral position or centre of gravity. Therefore, your starting position on the ground in relation to the neutral position determines the intensity of the exercise.

  • Photo A is the easiest because your starting position is behind the anchor point, and the assistance of gravity is pulling you back down towards the neutral position.
  • Photo B is moderate intensity because your starting position is directly under the anchor point and in line with the centre of gravity. 
  • Photo C is the hardest because your starting position is in front of the anchor point, and gravity wants to pull you back to the neutral position. 

A - easy

B - moderate

C - harder

Handles

Using both handles will provide the most stability and control of a particular exercise. Conversely, using a single handle can increase the difficulty and intensity of the exercise because it requires more control, stability and core strength to maintain the position.

Benefits of TRX suspension training

Total body workout 

You get an effective and efficient full-body workout. It helps build relative strength and power while improving your balance, coordination, and mobility. To make the exercises harder or easier, change the position of your body. 

Build a strong core 

Suspension training helps to develop your core muscles. Regardless of the exercise you perform or what muscle groups you’re trying to work with, your core will continually be challenged.

Burn fat 

Every exercise is a compound exercise, which means that multiple muscles and joints are involved. The more muscle groups you use, the more body fat you burn.

Safe to use 

Lowers the risk of injury because you’re using your body weight. You have total control of how challenging you want your workouts to be simply by adjusting the position of your body. It also provides stability to your muscles and joints.

Take it anywhere 

Never miss a workout. You can take it anywhere and do a full-body workout, especially when travelling. 

Setting up your TRX

The great thing about the TRX is you can set it up on anything robust, secure and sturdy enough to take your body weight.

It can be attached with a permanent anchor to the ceiling, on a beam, or high up on a wall. For example, I have attached my TRX to a beam in the garage using an anchor. 

You can also do your TRX workouts outside. Just attach it around a post or to a secure tree branch.

The TRX suspension trainer also comes with a door anchor so you can attach it to any sturdy door. The door anchor also comes in handy when travelling so you can get a workout done in your hotel room.


References:

‘Complete Guide to TRX Suspension Training’ by Jay Dawes, 2017.