Explore Fitness: Explore More

TRX. Created by Navy Seal Randy Hetrick, TRX suspension training is a simple idea that allows us to take destabilized suspension training wherever we go. Hetrick was a  bored Navy Seal that took some webbing and  an old belt and created the first model as way to stay in shape on the road.

This concept is not entirely new. Think Olympic gymnast rings. If you've ever used one, you can see the versatility of this device.

But why do we need suspension training? Doesn't nature and our urban playground give us enough tools to use? I think TRX is a useful addition for a few reasons:

1. The system is immensely portable. It fits into a sack about eight inches by four. I can easily fit a TRX trainer into my 12liter backpack that I use for cycling. All you need to set it up is any object that is sturdy and above six feet tall. Trees, lamp posts, railings... etc.

2. The system allows us to destabilize one or two limbs at a time, and do so in a controlled fashion in a place of our choosing. Destabilizing limbs forces the body to use joint specific stabilizers (think plantaris/popliteus in the knee, or rotator cuff in the shoulder) and intrinsic core stabilizers to perform the action. This exposes dysfunction and strengthens these smaller more profound (deeper) muscle groups.

3. The system allows us to perform medial and lateral adduction of the humorous aka "rowing" or most simply pulling actions from many different angles. This allows us to work the posterior chains; a proposition that is usually difficult, especially for those with limited or poor core and upper body strength.

4. The system doubles as an excellent flexibility tool.

The list could go on, but for the sake of brevity, I'll just let you find out for yourself at the next Explore Fitness workout.

Nate Lawrence