There are many different brands of suspension trainer, TRX being the first and most popular. It was founded in the Navy Seals by Randy Hetrick who came up with the idea whilst looking for an effective way to workout whilst on deployment.
The Benefits of TRX Training
The one thing that I like the most about the suspension trainer is how your core is engaged throughout. It requires your core to always be acting as a stabilizer.
Therefore even when you’re working a completely different body part, your also engaging and strengthening your core.
There are many other benefits to suspension training such as:
✓ Can help improve mobility and flexibility.
✓ Engages the core throughout.
✓ Can help to increases muscular endurance.
✓ Train anywhere with an anchor point
✓ Can helps to build lean muscle.
Setting up your TRX straps
We all know how repetitive and boring our abdominal routines can fall into if we don’t spice it up and add some variety into them. The TRX is brilliant to add some variation into your workouts and a brilliant way to quickly blast your whole core!
1) Firstly lower the straps so they are closer to the floor so you can be in a neutral position. Aim to suspend the handles at around mid calve height. You can perform the exercises resting on your palms or your forearms and depending on this you will need to adjust the height of the straps.
2) Once the straps are in place and both at a even height you can begin by putting your feet into the handles. Look at putting your laces onto the handles, which will secure your feet and stop them from slipping out. The most graceful way to do this is to sit on your knees and lean forward, putting your foot in the handles one at a time.
3) From here, work into a plank position – this is the first exercises and also the basis for all the other exercises. Ensure your bum is comfortable and neutral, if not slightly higher than usual to take any strain off your lower back.
4) Keep all your body tight – whilst concentrating on engaging your core at all times. It may feel weird at first as your legs can swing but focus on stabilizing yourself throughout the movements. Ensure you complete the movements slowly and in a controlled manner to avoid momentum to help with the completion of the movement.