The sun is shining, the air is warm and it's time to head to the gym for a workout. Not so fast! Why keep yourself cooped up inside at the gym now that winter is on it's way out? The TRX is perfect to take with you to your local park, high school, beach or even your backyard, so you can enjoy spring without missing a workout. In this month's Ask the Trainer, we show you how to set up your TRX outside so you can workout anywhere. So what are you waiting for? Grab your TRX, and head into the great outdoors.
Q: "I'm excited to get outside with my TRX now that the snow is finally melting. I'm a little nervous to set it up outside, though. How can I be sure the TRX is set up correctly and in an area that is optimal for my workout.
A: For optimal use, choose a workout area roughly measuring eight feet long by six feet wide. Also, be sure you're on a flat, non-slip surface. For best results, you want to use an overhead anchor point that's seven to nine feet off the ground and strong enough to support your bodyweight.
To set up your TRX, clip the carabiner on the main body of the TRX to the bottom anchor loop of the yellow Suspension Anchor just below the black TRX badge. Do not clip it in any other loop of the Suspension Anchor. Attach the Suspension Anchor to the anchor point by wrapping it as many times as necessary to ensure the bottom of the Suspension Anchor hangs at about six feet from the ground. This is the ideal height to perform all TRX exercises.
Clip the carabiner in the Suspension Anchor into one of its intermediate loops, or around the Suspension Anchor itself, and pull it tight to make sure it’s secure. A tip for attaching the TRX to a smooth bar or pole is to wrap the Suspension Anchor several times around it to prevent it from sliding side to side. And always remember to weight-test your TRX before using it by pulling hard on it.
TRX Safety Guidelines
- Before each use, always inspect your TRX. Do not use a TRX with worn or damaged components. Replace worn or damaged components immediately.
- Do not attach your TRX to an anchor point with sharp edges. For example, certain overhead metal beams or door hinges. Rubbing against a sharp edge will weaken or cut nylon.
- Do not "saw" your TRX in a pulley-like fashion. Sawing will cause excessive wear of the TRX's stabilizing loop. If the yellow colored nylon begins to show through the black stabilization loop, replace your TRX immediately.
For athletes who perform sports outside such as tennis, soccer, football, cross country, track, etc., the TRX can be strapped to anything from a light pole, goal posts or chain link fences. Heading to the beach? Check out lifeguard stands, trees or volleyball posts. At your local park? Trees, calisthenic areas, posts or poles work great. The most important thing to consider when anchoring the TRX to an outside anchor point is to ensure it can bear your full bodyweight. Always weight-test before beginning your workout.
Lastly, make sure you have the right TRX accessories before heading outside to train. If your anchor point is either taller or wider than expected, use a TRX Xtender to accommodate those adjustments and ensure your TRX is still at optimal height. Have your best workout when you're being coached? Download one of our TRX workouts to take with you on your mobile device.
