5 MOVES FOR A TOTAL BODY WORKOUT
General

5 MOVES FOR A TOTAL BODY WORKOUT

If you're looking to mix up your training and coaching routine with TRX, check out these 5 full-body moves that will give you maximum bang for your buck.  1. TRX Overhead Squat Purpose - Placing your hands overhead while you are squatting engages your core muscles as well as the muscles of your posterior chain (posture muscles) - the added result is an increase in heart rate.          Tip - Keep your arms straight and biceps in line with the ears. Keep the straps pulled tight from start to finish, this will engage your muscles, adding an awesome upper body challenge. For an extra burn, hold the bottom of the squat for one second. 2.  TRX Decelerated Push-Up Purpose - The slower deceleration movement combined with the explosive push keeps the muscles guessing.           Tip - Keep your plank solid! As you begin to fatigue the plank is often the first thing to go, ensure you are engaging the core by pulling your ribs down toward your hips. Flex your feet in the foot cradles pointing your toes towards your nose and push your heels into the handles for increased leg muscle recruitment. The stronger your plank, the easier your push-up. 3.  TRX Tricep Roll-Out to Extension          Purpose - By kneeling, you are reducing the strain without having to sacrifice the angle. This allows more isolation for the tricep and more control for the shoulders.            Tip - Keep the shoulders down and away from your ears especially at full rollout, and keep the elbows in tight to the body and pointed at the ground.  4.  TRX Crunch to TRX Pike Combo        Purpose - By keeping a loaded crunch before you pike, you activate the quads in a whole new way!            Tip - While setting up your plank, make sure to keep your shoulder blades set down and back.  Think about corkscrewing your palms into the ground, turning the elbows in to point at your knees.  Finally make sure once you crunch the knees under the hips, you push down into the top of the foot and go straight up and down for the pike.  5.  TRX Inverted Row  Purpose - To allow a deeper angle on the row and a bonus glute workout.  Tip - Keep the shoulders set in between sets. Even though the hips will touch down on the ground between reps, don’t lose the lift in your chest and shoulder blades pinched together.  This will add isolation throughout the movement.  Also, push the hips as high as you can to create a table top with the body, this will be sure to max out the glutes!  Try combining these exercises together for a full-body workout. Better yet, combine these exercises with other TRX movements. For inspiration, check out the TRX Training Club:
5 Essential TRX Moves For Baseball Players

5 Essential TRX Moves For Baseball Players

Like athletes in other sports, the boys and girls of summer are using the TRX to get in their best shape ever for America’s favorite pastime: baseball. But don’t bench yourself if you’re not a baseball or softball aficionado. The same movements that make you strong in baseball work for all spring sports such as golf, tennis, track and field or just day-to-day activities. Late last year, I went to Tempe, Arizona to reacquaint the coaches and trainers of Athletes’ Performance, a premier training facility for sports performance. With the TRX. Mark Verstegen has built a fantastic reputation in the sports performance industry using a “systems” based approach to athletic development based on science, best practices and professional ethics. After a few hours on the TRX, Mark and his team were excited about the possibilities of using the TRX with their athletes. The philosophy and execution of the following exercises filmed at Athletes’ Performance are aligned with TRX's approach to multijoint, multiplanar movements which incorporate an effective and functional core strengthening component. The TRX is used to develop strength and mobility needed for improved performance and to reduce the risk of injury for baseball players (or any sport that requires rotational force such as tennis or golf). Because you train in a standing position, traditional shoulder exercises become integrated movements from top to bottom of the kinetic chain. The first three exercises in the TRX Spring Training workout address the rotational and posterior (back) muscles of the shoulders, shoulder girdle and core. These muscles act as decelerators, or breaks, for the throwing and swinging associated with the game. Often, it is the imbalance of the stronger chest and anterior shoulders to the back muscles that can lead to reduced performance and injury. What makes the TRX Y, T and W Deltoid Flys more effective than isolative external rotation exercise is the integration of core or “pillar” strength and stability. The TRX Acceleration Load and Lift exercise resembles the TRX Sprinter Start but takes the rotary stability component up a notch or two. Trying to steal second or making a dash to catch a deep fly ball requires you to have good acceleration mechanics to cover ground quickly. This exercise also trains core strength in a single leg stance. Do not be surprised to see one side stronger than the other. Identifying and training to reduce this bilateral asymmetry will improve performance and reduce injury risk. The TRX Single Arm Row is another exercise similar to an exercise you TRX veterans have seen, the TRX Power Pull. Notice the TRX Single Arm Row demonstrated here separates the rotation from the row. This places a different demand on core, back and arm strength. Subtle differences in similar exercises create different training effects. As with all TRX exercises and programs, intensity can be adjusted for all fitness levels by modifying body position and foot placement. The TRX is an incredible tool for the beginner up to the elite athlete. It is “easy to use but hard to master” and appropriate for everyone. Use these exercises to supplement your training program for baseball, tennis, golf, track and field, for pre-hab, rehab, pillar strength and movement preparation. You will feel the difference TRX Suspension Training makes in the gym and in the game. TRX T Deltoid Fly Sets: 1 to 3 Reps: 6 to 12 TRX W Deltoid Fly Sets: 1 to 3 Reps: 6 to 12 TRX Y Deltoid Fly Sets: 1 to 3 Reps: 6 to 12 TRX Acceleration Load and Lift Sets: 1 to 3 each leg Reps: 6 to 12 TRX Single Arm Row Sets: 1 to 3 each arm Reps: 6 to 12 As the TRX Head of Human Performance, Chris Frankel draws from over 25 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach. He earned an MS in Exercise Physiology from the University of New Mexico, where he is currently completing his doctorate in Exercise Science. Before TRX, Chris was an instructor in the Department of Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of New Mexico. Mark Verstegen is the President and Founder of Athletes’ Performance and Core Performance. He serves as the Director of Performance for the NFL Players Association, and is an athletic coach for the German national football team. He also set a Guinness World Record with Sheraton Hotels for the World's Largest Resistance Band Strength Training Class.
3 Reasons Why Every Golfer Should Use the TRX Suspension Trainer

3 Reasons Why Every Golfer Should Use the TRX Suspension Trainer

Golfers at every skill level need clubs, gloves, shoes, and a bag, but the best players in the world know that the TRX Suspension Trainer is one of the most effective tools golfers can use to take their game to the next level.
4 TRX Moves That Will Make You a Better Skier

4 TRX Moves That Will Make You a Better Skier

Haven’t made it onto the slopes yet this season?? Well, it's not too late, with the record snowfalls that keeps coming you still have time. You may feel rusty on that first day back on the mountain, and your body may not be physically prepared for the demands.  
5 Essential Tools for Every Home Gym

5 Essential Tools for Every Home Gym

So you want to invest in a home gym. You've even found the right apps for in-home coaching. Now you have to decide what kind of equipment to buy. 
4 TRX Exercises For High Performing Hips

4 TRX Exercises For High Performing Hips

The word on the street is that if a player makes it to the NBA, they must be moving and performing at a high level from head to toe.  It sounds good, but more often than not, it’s far from the truth. 
4 Ways to Use Bandit for the Ultimate On The Go Workout

4 Ways to Use Bandit for the Ultimate On The Go Workout

TRX® has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to creating workout gear that goes where you go.
5 Common Questions About Installing the TRX XMount
TRX

5 Common Questions About Installing the TRX XMount

TRX Training If the thought of permanently affixing your TRX Suspension Trainer to your wall or ceiling makes you a little nervous, you’re not alone. One of the reasons the TRX Suspension Trainers are among the most popular fitness tools in the world is that you’re not required to drill, hammer, or construct anything to use them at home. But, while you don’t need to pull out your toolbox, some people prefer to install a TRX XMount to create an indoor workout space beyond the door frame. So if you're curious about the specifics, we’re here with answers to the most common questions about TRX XMount installation. Do I need to hire a professional? Maybe. If you’ve never used a drill or a stud finder, or you don’t know the difference between a nail and a screw, there’s no shame in calling a pro to ensure the job’s done right. Can I anchor my TRX XMount to drywall or plaster?  No. Your TRX XMount must be anchored to a stud to support your weight. Using a standard drywall anchor can destroy your wall and could result in injury. You can install the TRX XMount on concrete, but TRX does not recommend mounting it to brick or cinder block walls. What tools do I need to install my TRX XMount? You’ll need a drill with a ¼-inch bit, a stud finder, a ratchet, a pencil, and the included hardware, (two ⅜ inch x 3-inch wood stud lag bolts and two washers). If you’re installing your TRX XMount on a concrete surface, you’ll also need two ⅜ inch x 3-inch concrete lag shields, (sold separately at TRXtraining.com or your local hardware store). Where should I install my XMount? The choice is yours! You’ll need to find a stud in your wall, an overhead stud, or an overhead beam that is 7- to 9-feet off the ground. If you’re installing your TRX XMount overhead, position the mount at least 3 feet away from the nearest wall to allow for 360° movement for your favorite TRX exercises.  Does your home have extra high ceilings? You may need to add the TRX Xtender to ensure that your Suspension Trainer isn’t too high. The bottom loop of the Suspension Anchor—that’s the loop the Suspension Trainer carabiner clips into—should be 6 feet from the ground.  Does the TRX XMount come in multiple colors? Currently, the TRX XMount is available in white or grey, but you can always paint it if you want it to blend more naturally with your wall or ceiling. Because it’s made of steel, plan to prime it first, then finish with a coat or two that matches your wall color. For more help installing your TRX XMount, watch Zack Van Wagoner demonstrate proper installation in the video below, and be sure to read the installation guide included with your TRX XMount.    Where can I buy an XMount? You can buy an XMount right below along with the other TRX products you'll need to build the perfect home gym:   TRX® PRO4 SYSTEM BUY NOW TRX® XMOUNT BUY NOW TRX® DOOR ANCHOR BUY NOW Once you've installed your TRX XMount, your suspension trainer will be good to go. Use TRX Training Club to try some suspension-specific workouts:
4 Things You Should Think About Before Creating A Home Gym

4 Things You Should Think About Before Creating A Home Gym

If you’ve ever watched MTV Cribs or flipped through the pages of Architectural Digest, you’ve seen a celebrity home gym. They’re usually massive rooms with treadmills, stationary bikes, weight racks, and maybe a massage table or a pitcher of spa water in the corner. For a multi-millionaire athlete or entertainer, that kind of space may be the norm, but most of us don’t have1,000 sq. ft. to commit to our workouts. The good news? You don’t need a mega-mansion to create a top-notch exercise area. Whether you're outfitting a large room or a tiny corner, these are the four things you should think about before creating a workout space  What kinds of workouts do you enjoy? Close your eyes and imagine a type of exercise equipment you could keep in a home. Did a treadmill come to mind? Treadmills are great for a quick cardio workout, and they require very little instruction. (You already know how to walk and run, so you don’t have to learn a new type of movement.) If you enjoy running, but you find that weather and timing can interfere with your routine, then an indoor, climate-controlled alternative to your run in the park is appealing. But a treadmill isn’t right for everyone. If you dread running, buying an expensive tool to facilitate running inside isn’t a great idea—you’ll just end up with a large, expensive, unused piece of equipment in your home. Instead of trying to build your workout routine around a piece of equipment, create a home gym that’s focused on the types of exercise you actually do. How much space do you have? Exercise equipment can take up a lot of space. Before you start buying tools for your home gym, take a few minutes to measure how much space you have. Keep in mind, you don’t need a full room. For example, the TRX® Home2™ System offers a full-body workout, but it easily folds for storage in a closet, drawer, and or storage bin. TRX also offers an assortment of small, easily stored functional training tools like bands and slam balls. A Pilates Springboard™ would be anchored to your wall, so you don’t have to worry about giving up floor space or closet space if you want to purchase one for your home. For a larger item, like a weight rack or stationary bike, make sure you have enough floor space to store the equipment before you buy it. You’ll also want to confirm that your staircase or doorway is large enough to accommodate delivery. What is your budget? It’s easy to get carried away when you start shopping for home workout gear. Since you’re making an investment in yourself and your health, you might be tempted to push the boundaries of what your wallet should allow. Don’t get swept up in the moment—especially when you’re dealing with an overly-pushy salesperson at a sporting goods store. Start planning your exercise space by researching prices for the types of equipment you want, then research which brands or models are best for your price range. (For example, if you want to buy a treadmill, Runner’s World writes excellent roundups of home treadmills, complete with their prices.) Remember, you don’t have to buy everything you’ll ever need right now. Don’t be afraid to take a piecemeal approach so you can buy equipment that will meet your needs and last. Will an interactive feature help you meet your goals? There’s a reason group fitness is popular: many people want to zone out during a workout and let someone else handle the programming aspect. Historically, that hasn’t been an option with in-home fitness, but the Internet and app-based training programs are making it easy and affordable to work with a fitness professional in your home. For example, Peloton, the indoor cycling brand, sells a high-end stationary bike with a video screen mounted on the front for live, on-demand classes. (The company offers up to 14 live classes daily, and more than 4,000 on-demand rides.) While Peloton is leading the way in home cycling, it’s a significant investment: the bike itself retails for $1,995, while the streaming subscription service is $39 per month. TRX also offers a home fitness option. The brand new Home2 System pairs the latest TRX Suspension Trainer™ with curated workouts by world class trainers in the TRX App. The mobile app offers more than 80 workouts across a range of fields like Suspension Training, cycling, running, yoga and high intensity-interval training, a.k.a HIIT. (The app also works with most major wearables to access users’ biometric data, including heart rate, speed and distance.) While the TRX Home2 doesn’t offer live classes, it rings in at a far more affordable price: for less than $200, you get the Suspension Trainer plus a one-year app subscription. After the first year, the TRX App is only $3.99 per year. Home gyms and personal trainers aren't just for the rich and famous. Whether you're trying to establish a healthy lifestyle, or you simply want to maintain your routine outside of gym hours, there are lots of options for bringing your workout home. With a little time and research, you can create the space that's perfect for your budget and lifestyle.