Total body Resistance eXercise (TRX) Training is a type of bodyweight exercise in which a variety of multi-planar, compound exercise movements can be performed. These are done with the aim of developing strength, balance, flexibility, and joint stability simultaneously.
Physical Therapy & Injury Specialists use the Total body Resistance eXercise (TRX) for core strengthening and work reconditioning. Not only does it work the core, but it also can be turned into an excellent cardiovascular and flexibility workout. Therefore, we can tailor the exercises to meet an individual’s needs!
TRX stands for total resistance exercises and is a special type of exercise routine. TRX uses a set of bands and straps to engage your body. Technically, it’s a type of suspended exercise. You spend a lot of the session leaning against and pulling on straps. This allows you to use your own body weight to train your muscles.
This type of training works well for people looking to up the difficulty of their workout. However, it’s very intense, so it’s not a common choice for those who need something gentle. The program initially comes from a U.S. Navy SEAL and is popular with CrossFit fans.
Usually, people get the benefits of TRX training while attending classes. Having a teacher show you how to do the motions helps to prevent injuries. Classes are also useful because they ensure your equipment is safe. Since you hang from straps during TRX, you need sturdy anchors to hold your body weight.
To get an idea of how it works, it’s useful to go over some common exercises. Here are typical things you do during TRX training:
- Squats: You hold onto the straps as you slowly bend your legs into a squatting position.
- Plank: You suspend your feet from the straps while holding your body parallel to the ground.
- Bicep curl: You lean against the straps and curl your biceps to pull your body upwards.
- Tricep extension: While holding the straps and standing, you bend your arms to slowly lower your body to an inclined position.
- Hamstring curl: You lay back with your feet in the straps and bend your legs to pull the straps towards you.
What are the benefits of TRX Training?
The perk of TRX training is that it requires a lot of stabilization. Since the straps move around as you exercise, you have to engage your core well. In addition to building muscle, this also helps you practice flexibility and balance. Some of the reasons people choose TRX include:
- You’re bored with traditional workouts and want a challenge.
- You prefer whole-body workouts that train multiple muscle groups at once.
- You want to boost your coordination and flexibility.
- You’re hoping to correct muscle imbalances.
- Your main priority is improving your core muscles.
- You’re trying to reach athletic goals.