Marion Freijsen A blog about Sports, Fitness & Health

TRX training

In the last year, I have been introduced by my PT Nando to TRX training. Yesterday I continued on the learning path with Chris Dovale at Equinox San Francisco.

TRX training is a great way or working out and can literally be carried with you anywhere. I just love it. Instead of using all sorts of machines, or even dumbbells/weights, it uses your own bodyweight. The core system consists of two pairs of straps, hooked at an elevated level. That means, you can hook it over a door, a ring from your ceiling or even a tree branch outside somewhere (if you are sure you can get it down again once tossed over!).

On the end of each of the straps there is a sturdy handle. That’s it. Simple. The fun part starts here though. Once you have the straps in place, you can do all sorts of exercises from them. You can hang back, facing the suspension point and by leaning at an angle, pull up spreading your arms into a fly position. Keep your arms v. straight and don’t rush it, the suspension and your body weight are working your muscles. You can face away from the suspension point and holding your arms out front, do tricep exercises by bringing your lower arms/fists towards your forehead and back. For your legs, you can do one-legged squats. Stand straight, facing the suspension point holding the straps. Lean back at a 30 degree angel, now holding one leg out in front, squat on one leg using the straps to bring you back up. The possibilities are endless, I have hung on to the straps by my feet, doing push ups or body core exercises. Dangled by one arm doing obliques, by both feet doing a plank or see-saw and tons more. It is the most versatile piece of equipment that has come on the fitness market in a long time and is definitely a firm favourite in my exercise routine. And the best part is that the equipment itself is so affordable that you can create a home gym for less then an evening out!

If you want to find out more, see www.fitnessanywhere.com which sells the system. Or check on YouTube typing in TRX for videos of how to use the straps. You’ll have fun, even before you start using TRX!

Or contact Nando (nando@1-2-1-trainers.com)  or Chris (christopher.dovale@pt.equinox.com) and book a session with them to really get a thorough introduction to TRX. Just be sure to expect your muscles to ache the next day!