The TRX system, also known as Total Resistance Exercises, refers to a specialized form of suspension training that uses equipment developed by former U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, which was founded in 2005. Randy got his MBA at the University of Stanford in 2001 and developed this tool to help millions of people workout more effectively. It has become the industry leader in its field, as TRX training and “suspension training” have become synonymous terms. Suspension training is widely used in gyms and homes throughout the world.
Some of the benefits of suspension training is that you can get an efficient full body workout with minimal equipment, as well as improve your body's natural functional capabilities. You can get a full body strength workout without picking up weights, since your body acts as the resistance. You have control over how difficult the workout is, based on your angle you can change the amount of resistance to create more or less weight. People who travel a lot for work or work from home, or even in an office, can utilize the TRX system to get efficient workouts in on the road, or on a lunch break. This equipment is also great for increasing balance and stability. Those who cannot stand on one leg without an anchor, for example, are much more likely to be able to with the extra support of the TRX.
Examples of exercises you can perform with TRX are endless. Many people believe you have to lift heavy weights and do extreme workouts to achieve results, however anything you can do with free weights you can do with just your body weight suspension. TRX creates the same muscle activation as when you are lifting free weights. It also gets your heart rate up to improve cardiovascular health just as traditional weightlifting can. Your body adapts quickly to new exercises, so the option of continuous modifications makes TRX great for achieving results. It is safe for all age groups, although I recommend talking to a trainer or trying out our new TRX team training class before jumping in on your own.
In Chesterton, our new 7pm Monday night TRX Team Training class is a great option for those who are interested in learning more about this type of training. The class welcomes all levels and will give you a 50-minute full body workout. Each week you will learn new exercises that you can utilize on your own time. In Chicago Heights, we offer TRX Bootcamp with Tammy every Friday morning from 9-9:50am. Franciscan Health and Fitness Centers has multiple TRX suspension trainers available for use during hours of operation. Who knows? Maybe you will find yourself liking TRX training so much that you will go out and purchase your own TRX equipment!