The Nike Field Reporter

Acronyms have become very popular, especially with the increase of text messaging, instant messaging and commenting on social network sites. I personally love OMG, LOL, and POV. These shortcuts save time, energy, and space. However, there are no shortcuts with TRX.

Never heard of TRX? Neither had I until I read about the system in a fitness magazine. TRX stands for total body resistance exercise system designed by a former Navy Seal. The apparatus is really just a nylon webbed strap that has two handles at the bottom (which also double as foot harnesses). The system can be used for athletes and novices alike, and can be set up anywhere. Whether it is in the gym, in a park, or in your house, all that’s required is an overhead anchor point that will support your body weight. There are over 300 suspension exercises which you can switch to and from in a matter of seconds. And depending on what part of your body you want to strengthen or how hard you want to challenge yourself, you can change the resistance level just by adjusting your body positioning. Incline more and you burn more.

My own experience in the group class I took at my local Crunch gym was extremely challenging. Unlike my usual weight training routine where I focus on one muscle at a time, the TRX system required me to control the resistance by tightening my core, varying the angle of my body (while in a straight plane), and control my stability through foot placement (wide or narrow stance, single leg), all while pulling myself up, out or down (depending on the exercise). OMG! I could feel each movement working multiple muscles and joints simultaneously, firing not only the major muscles, but also the micro secondary ones. Ironically, one of the more difficult exercises was a static plank position with my feet in the straps. When the class was over, I was tired, but satisfied, because I had been able to feel the power of using my entire body at once. In fact, our instructor, Stephanie, said this feeling was the reason she became a trainer in this system.

I definitely recommend trying a TRX class sometime, ASAP. In my POV, while it was challenging, it was not so difficult that a beginner could not complete the class. For more information, check out the TRX website for upcoming classes/workshops.

-Ashley Ceaser