The benefits of TRX Suspension Training

TRX Suspension Training is not a new piece of kit, but a recent study has revealed that using the suspension trainer can reduce a user’s risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by more than 89 percent over the next 30 years.

TRX stands for total body resistance exercise, and was invented by Navy Seal Randy Hetrick, who needed a portable way of continuing his strength training when on tour. The system comprises a dual-ended nylon strap with large and small loops for hands and feet, and it works by leveraging gravity and the user’s own body weight in hundreds of different exercises, from planks to push-ups.

The ACE study also found links between TRX training and a decrease in waist circumference and body-fat percentage, with a session burning an average of 400 calories. But how does such a simplistic looking bit of equipment get such impressive results?

The answer probably lies in its versatility. For strength training, the straps can be used against your body weight for bicep curls, tricep dips and everything in between, while killer mountain climbers, burpees and pikes with your feet suspended takes care of cardio. Most of the exercises also incorporate a core workout – even more so when your stability and centre of gravity is thrown off with one foot elevated in the strap while lunging or squatting. In short, a session with a TRX strap can tick off strength, balance, core and cardio requirements for a total-body workout.