The TRX Suspension Trainer: 6 Reasons This Is One Of The Best Pieces Of Workout Equipment I Have Used As A Personal Trainer

The field of fitness is filled with various types of workout equipment.  Some machines and devices date back decades or longer, and some are relatively new.  The TRX is one of those pieces of workout equipment that is somewhat newer to the fitness industry.  You may have seen the TRX suspension trainer advertised on television or you may have seen people using it in the gym or fitness facility that you workout at.  I purchased my own TRX after seeing the commercials for it on television.  As I will explain in this article, many of my clients have come to enjoy the challenging workouts that can be done using the TRX.  I have also greatly enjoyed using it in my own workouts and found many of the exercises to be both challenging and a nice change from my normal routine. 

 

The TRX suspension trainer functions primarily off of using your own bodyweight against gravity.  As I have stated in other articles, I am a huge fan of exercises that utilize moving your own body mass against gravity.  Since we all must move our own body mass against gravity on a daily basis, movements that require moving your body are both demanding and helpful for everyday activities.  There are six reasons in particular that I have come to be a big fan of the TRX.  Let’s take a look at those reasons.

 

Reason 1:  Durability

 

As someone who has been working out for over twenty years and done thousands of hours of personal training sessions, I have run across my share of equipment.  I put durability as the first reason because one thing that irks me more than anything is when I come across cheap equipment.  Cheap equipment to me means that the manufacturer doesn’t care about the quality of their product, or they assume that the people who purchase it will either give up on using it after a while or cease with their workouts.  If the person stops using it, this typically either means the person is not motivated long term, or simply doesn’t like the product.  If the person doesn’t like the product than that doesn’t say much for the product.  If a product is made to only a last a while because the manufacturer only thinks it’s users will use it for a short time, than that’s not saying much of what the manufacturer thinks of it’s potential customers.

 

When I first got my TRX, I immediately examined it for quality.  I was pleased to see that the components are made of solid materials.  The parts that clamp the straps into place are made of solid metal (not plastic) and the straps themselves are made of solid material as well.  With normal care it should last a very long time if it is taken good care of.  The entire thing came with a nice netting type bag that is great for storing and transporting it.  It would be vary clumsy and annoying to carry the TRX around if not for the bag they provide for it.  Additionally, the TRX came in a nice box with some instructional materials.  Again, this is all indicative of a product whose makers care about both the quality and perception of their product.

 

Reason 2:  Working The Core

 

One of the great aspects of the TRX suspension trainer is that virtually all of the exercises utilize core muscles in one way or another.  Some of the exercises require a little bit of core use, while others are demanding and challenging for even the most serious of athletes.  Certain exercises with the TRX specifically target various core muscles.  Many of these exercises can be done in a similar way using machines and/or weights.  The unique thing about TRX exercises that target the core is it’s unique ability to challenge the muscles due to a lack of stability.  Whether you’re a beginner, seasoned athlete, or experienced weightlifter, the TRX has exercises that can challenge your core in new and unique ways. 

 

Reason 3:  Appropriate For Different People

 

One of the aspects of using the TRX relates to its fundamental use of gravity as a means of resistance utilizing body weight.  Because of this, changing the angle at which the TRX suspension trainer is used can accommodate the needs and abilities of many different people.  While not all exercises are appropriate for all people, the TRX can allow people of differing ages and abilities to modify the setup so that many of the exercises are practical for them to do.  I have a client in her sixties that loves doing some of the TRX exercises.  Of course if you have any questions regarding what exercises are appropriate for you or how to do them, make sure to work with a good certified personal trainer who is familiar with the TRX and your own background and abilities as they relate to fitness. 

 

Reason 4:  Easily Transported

 

The TRX suspension trainer is very light and takes up very little room.  It can easily be transported to and from the gym or fitness facility you train at if they don’t have one there.  If you travel a lot for work, you can easily take it in the car with you.  It should fit fine in most luggage and not take up much space.  If you stay at hotels often, there is an attachment that the makers of the TRX sell that makes it so you can use a door fixture for the attachment point.  Many hotels don’t have workout facilities at all, or if they do they are very small and offer little equipment.  The TRX can be your means of working out on the road and help prevent you from neglecting your fitness routine. 

 

Reason 5:  Variation Of Exercises 

 

The way the TRX is made, the average person can work pretty much every major muscle group in the body.  Many of the exercises are multi-joint in nature.  Such exercises naturally pull in more muscles to do the work.  Whether you want to work your arms, chest, back, quadriceps, glutes, or pretty much an other major muscle group, there is a TRX exercise that will target it. 

 

Many of the TRX exercises available stem from other exercises.  Lunges, squatting movements, and rowing motions can all be done on weight lifting equipment and free weights.  The TRX adds a new and challenging dimension by requiring the person using it to move their own body mass rather than a fixed weight or object.  While this may not seem like huge difference, those who try out the TRX will notice a substantial difference after using it compared to standard weight lifting exercises. 

 

Reason 6:  Lack Of Stability

 

The lack of stability may be the TRX real claim to fame.  I have had clients who have been working out for years that are strong and in very good shape and have found TRX exercises to be very challenging.  In my opinion, the reason many of these exercises are so much more challenging is due primarily to the lack of stability.  When a person uses a weight machine, the movement or range of motion is controlled for them.  Even when a person moves a bar or dumbbells, it is not quite the same as moving one’s own body mass against the force of gravity.  The lack of stability forces it’s users to exert a level of strength and muscular control that is not found in many machines and even free weight exercises. 

 

Final Thoughts On The TRX Suspension Trainer

 

The TRX suspension trainer is a great piece of workout equipment whether you like to workout in a gym or in your own home.  The TRX offers a durable product that provides a great workout for the core.  There are different exercises for people’s ability’s, and it is easily transported.  The variation of exercises and lack of stability make the TRX a unique piece of workout equipment.  I don’t use the TRX personally as a replacement for other exercises, but I do use it regularly in conjunction with various other forms of exercise.  I have had numerous clients request to use the TRX after training with it because it is such a unique and great workout tool.  Always check with your doctor before engaging in any workout routine for any restrictions or precautions you should take.  Also make sure to work with a good certified personal trainer if you have any questions on proper technique and form.  Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check back for more great fitness related articles.