Recently I received an email from an old client, which went something like this:

Joe,

Lately, I’ve restricted my gym routine to body-weight exercises, staying away from heavy lifting. Basically, I do variations of pull-ups, push-ups, dips, squats, ab work, and some additional stuff with a TRX. This might be a loaded question, but what do you think of the general philosophy? Is TRX legit or BS? If it’s easier for you, perhaps you can just direct me to a book or some literature?

Thanks,

MZ

Thanks for the question and thanks for offering to let me just send you some literature, but I’d prefer to field this one.  When the TRX (Total Body Resistance EXercise) burst onto the scene a few years back I didn’t think much of it, at least in a positive sense.  I thought to myself, ” Big deal, I’ve got rings and my friend has a jungle gym.  It’s just the same thing with some cheesy marketing and a get “Navy Seal fit” mantra.”  Then, it seemed like every moron that got certified online and owned an Under Armour shirt had their clients tangled up in one.  Instantly it began to leave a bad taste in my mouth.  But, it can be used well, and like anything else it can be used very badly.  The TRX is simply a tool; sometimes it’s right for the job, sometimes it’s not.  To use the TRX properly, it should be used as part of a sound and properly progressed program.  For example, before any of my clients do even one of the most basic TRX moves, the push-up, they will first have to complete all of the following progressions (without the TRX):

Hands Elevated Push-up (hands on a bar in a rack or on a bench)

Regular Push-up

Feet Elevated Push-up (feet on a box or low bench)

One Foot Elevated Push-up

Loaded Push-up (weight plates, chains, or weight vest)

Loaded Feet Elevated Push-up

Loaded One Foot Elevated Push-up

Now could you have someone perform TRX or any other suspension trainer push-ups before mastering all these progressions?  Yes, but I like to err on the side of caution. I want my clients’ push-ups to be perfect, and if I program the TRX prematurely things could get ugly.  If this happens I then have to regress them and nobody’ss ego can stand this.  Unfortunately, the TRX is not always used in this vein and seems to attract the “enter-trainer” as it looks flashy and complicated, and must surely help with “core strength.”  So, if anyone out there is using the TRX to help sell their bogus services or telling you it’s the only workout equipment you’ll ever need I’d have to disagree.  If you are, however, looking to pick up a suspension trainer I do highly recommend the TRX as I find it to be much easier and versatile than the rings and jungle gym.

Have a question or comment that might make good blog fodder? Let me know via email or in the comments below.

Until next time,

Joe