You’ve probably seen those brightly-colored yellow and black straps hanging from the ceiling of your local gym or stowed against a wall. But what are they, and can they really help you get a better workout?
TRX, short for Total Resistance Exercises, is a training system that was developed by former U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick over 20 years ago. It quickly spread in popularity and is now used in gyms and training facilities throughout the world. But why is it so popular? Here are just a few of the top reasons:
- Improve balance and stability
- Challenge muscles in new ways
- Beat boredom with variations on familiar exercises
- Quickly build muscle strength
- Develop functional strength and mobility
In the rest of this article, we’ll talk about each of the points mentioned above in more detail. This will help you get a sense of the benefits you can expect from TRX training, and figure out if it’s the right choice for you. So, let’s get started!
5 Reasons To Try A TRX Suspension Class
Improve balance and stability
One of the most popular reasons that people love TRX workouts is that they help develop balance and stability. Lots of TRX exercises involve holding your body on an incline and on different angles that challenge you in ways that aren’t possible with traditional free weight workouts. Plus, increased balance helps you avoid injury during any other type of exercise.
Challenge muscles in new ways
As previously mentioned, TRX workouts will get you moving in different and unique ways outside of the usual forward, back, and side-to-side motion. Not only does this keep things exciting, it also helps you find and use muscles that you might not have even known you had!
Beat boredom with variations on familiar exercises
If you’re someone who gets easily bored with classic exercises such as planks, squats, and pushups, TRX workouts just might be a game-changer. Although these classes use many of the same exercises as more traditional workouts, the addition of TRX straps create endless opportunities for exciting variations.
Quickly build muscle strength
Don’t let the lightweight nylon straps fool you. Since it’s a type of instability training, TRX workouts can actually help you build muscle even more quickly than using free weights. That’s because, in addition to using your body weight to strengthen your limbs, you’re also constantly engaging your core to keep your balance.
Develop functional strength and mobility
If you’ve ever been concerned that your usual routine of lifting heavy weights has left you strong, but without much functional strength, you might want to try TRX training. Functional strength training involves working out multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This creates strength that supports your body as it moves through ranges of motion commonly used in everyday life.
We hope this article gave you a better understanding of TRX training and what it can do for you! As with any new training program, it’s a good idea to first consult with a personal trainer so you can choose the best program for your needs.