One of the first things you see when you walk into my Pilates Studio is my brand new toy: A TRX Suspension Trainer.
The TRX is all about strength. You need it and you gain it when working with the TRX. It looks a little reminiscent of the long ropes that used to hang from your elementary school gymnasium ceiling, except you won’t fail this class for not climbing to the top.
Two yellow straps hang from one of the giant beams on my studio ceiling. Hanging on the end of them are two soft-grip handles and two foot loops hanging below them. The straps adjust up and down easily to accommodate the multitude of exercises one can perform on the TRX. I am intrigued by the possibilities this simple piece of equipment offers. My upper body strength has improved. My shoulders are more defined. My back is stronger and my ABS, well, let’s just say they know a good challenge when they see one.
So what’s the deal? Try doing a plank position on a mat. Pretty challenging to hold for extended period of time. Now imagine doing that with your feet in two swinging, unstable straps. Fuggettaboutit. Challenging gets a new definition. This is the beauty of a TRX workout. The straps are never stable so you naturally engage and recruit more muscle groups to keep yourself balanced, still and aloft. And no weights to lift, only the weight of your own body. Come and give it a try. I guarantee your need for challenge will be satisfied as well as your secret desire to feel like a kid on the ropes again.
