Many people have seen them, a few have had the experience of training on one, but the real question is: Do they work?  I’m referring to the extremely popular TRX-System. Training facilities are catching onto the growing popularity of the TRX-System and are now offering group classes to cash in on what’s becoming the next fitness craze.



The company has been around for 7 years.  I had the opportunity to pilot one of the first TRX-System classes in San Francisco, California.  The product has definitely taken off since then and having used the TRX for quite some time now, I can definitely tell you that it’s not good, it’s GREAT! The TRX is a body weight suspension training system, which teaches and allows you to use your own body weight as a form of resistance.  But just as with every other training tool out there, there is a right and wrong way of using it.

Below is a list of benefits for the TRX-System:

  • Extremely easy to use and to adjust the degrees of difficulty
  • Portable
  • Can train all muscles of the body
  • Teaches body awareness and control
  • Can be used for strength, cardiovascular, and flexibility training

There are two problems people run into when using the TRX-System. First, they think the TRX is the answer to every problem area they have and they end up turning into a “TRX Groupie”. These are the people that run to every TRX class offered and think just because Superbowl MVP Drew Brees trains on a TRX, they need to as well.  Drew Brees incorporates the TRX-System into his training, he doesn’t limit himself to only the TRX.  Make sure you realize the difference.  The second problem you see people having when using the TRX-System is that they have no control over what they are trying to work.  Like I’ve said in previous posts, our bodies are extremely efficient at whatever we attempt to do, and we can always find a way to get things done, even if it’s not the correct way.

Body weight training (which the TRX-System is) can be a phenomenal way to train if done properly.  Think about some of the most effective movements that have been around since the beginning of time:

  • Push Ups
  • Pull Ups
  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Plyometrics (jumping & bounding)

We use these movements every day, over and over again.  Training yourself in a way that not only makes you stronger at these movements, but more efficient, should be a partial goal of any exercise program.  I’m not saying to do all your workouts on the TRX (because then you’ll turn into a groupie and we’ll make fun of you), but incorporating some of the movements in a controlled manner, will stimulate your muscles in a completely undiscovered way.

Below is an effective and challenging circuit using the TRX-System.  It consists of four different movements combined in a circuit training fashion.  Before you tell me it’s easy and doesn’t look too challenging, try it out yourself and then get back to me.  The workout is as follows and be sure to check out the video to see exactly how it’s supposed to be done.

TRX-SYSTEM FULL BODY BLAST

(Created by StupidGymShit.com)

A1: Single-Leg Suspended Lunges (15-20 reps each leg)

A2: Push-Ups (12-15 reps)

A3: Squat Jumps (15-20 reps)

A4: Inverted Rows w/ Hip Extension (12-15 reps)

*Rest 30-60 seconds & repeat circuit 4-5 times

If you’re interested in purchasing a TRX-System, click on the link to the right: TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack