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TRX WORKOUTS for beginners

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INTRODUCTION[/su_heading]

By Myprotein Writer Simon Dawes

 

Gyms all over the world have began to realise the benefits of suspension training and have likely invested in a TRX system for the gym floor. Whilst some gyms require a specific induction to be completed before using the TRX, others allow members to use the equipment freely.

I appreciate however, that taking the decision to use a TRX for the first time can be a daunting one... Well it needn't be.

The whole premise of TRX is that any given movement can be performed at various levels of intensity. There are, of course movements that are more appropriate for beginners.

 

What are TRX workouts?

 

TRX Straps

The idea behind TRX is that your body provides the resistance and the TRX provides the leverage: leverage principles are already a huge part of resistance training so combining bodyweight and leverage serves to provide the benefits of both training methods.

Arguably, its biggest advantage is that it can be used in an extremely low impact manner which safeguards connective tissues and joints, ideal for those with joint injuries or those undertaking rehabilitation. However, to limit its use to just these movements would be a massive disservice.

Pretty much any movement you can perform on a machine or with free weights can be replicated on the TRX and in doing so add variety to your fitness regime. I believe this is where the most benefit is gained from its use - when used alongside other training methods.

 

 

TRX exercises

 

Give TRX a try!

Next time you go to the gym, ask one of the instructors if a specific induction is needed - this allows you to get familiar with the equipment whilst learning some fundamental teaching points.

However, if this option isn't available you’ll be amazed at how intuitive and safe a TRX is to use. The only things you should check are that the TRX is securely fastened to its anchor point and you have enough space around you.

TRX core workout

A good routine for a beginner would target all muscle groups and last somewhere in the region of 30 minutes.

To begin, you would warm up and mobilise as you would prior to any workout.

You’ll notice pretty much every movement involves abdominal activation, which is another huge benefit of using TRX - you get a great core workout with movements that ordinarily isolate one body part.

 

 

- 7 TRX Exercises for beginners -

 

TRX Row

 

Similar to: Low pulley row

Muscles worked:  Rear delts, biceps, lats, abdominals

 

 

TRX row for beginners

Method

 

a) Start by facing the TRX anchor point - take hold of the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other)

 

b) Take a step forward so the TRX is taut then lean back slightly so the TRX is supporting your bodyweight: Your arms will now be straight and you're ready to begin

 

c) Pulling through your arms, bring your chest to meet your hands bending at the elbows, squeezing your shoulder blades together as you reach the top

 

d) Lower yourself back to your starting point under control to complete 1 rep.

 

 

TRX Chest press

 

Similar to: Bench press

Muscles worked: Chest, triceps, abdominals

Method

 

a) Start by facing away from the anchor point - the TRX should be on the outside of your arms and your palms facing down

 

b) Take a step back to create a 45º angle with your body

 

c) Begin the movement by lowering your chest towards your hands by bending your elbows (like a press up)  **you must maintain a straight back throughout the movement

 

d) Return to your starting point by extending your elbows to straighten your arms.

 

 

 

TRX Bicep curl

 

Similar to: Barbell curl, dumbbell curl

Muscles worked: Biceps, abdominals

Method

 

a) Stand facing the anchor point, holding the TRX with a supine (underhand) grip

 

b) Take a step forward so only the TRX is holding your body weight

 

c) Begin the movement by bringing your hands to you chest by bending at the elbows: **Core stability comes into play here as you'll need to keep your back straight to allow the leverage to have its effect

 

d) Finish the repetition by extending your elbows slowly back to the starting point.

 

 

TRX Front delt raise

 

Similar to: Front dumbbell raises

Muscles worked: Front delts, chest, triceps, abdominals

 

Method

 

a) Begin in the position that you would doing frontal raise dumbbells: Face the anchor point to ensure the TRX is taut to provide adequate resistance

 

b) Place hands besides your hips with an overhand grip

 

c) Raise your arms (keeping them straight) above your head using the TRX to assist

 

d) At the top of the movement you should pause and allow a slow return to the starting point.

 

 

TRX Rear delt flys

 

Similar to: Rear dumbell flyes

Muscles worked: Rear delts, triceps, abdominals

TRX rear delt flyes

Method 

 

a) Begin by facing the anchor point with your arms straight out in front of you at shoulder height (hands should be facing in)

 

b) Separate your arms by squeezing your shoulder blades together: the further you spread your arms the more leverage you feel

 

c) Ideally at the end of the contraction both arms will be straight out at either side of your body

 

d) To repeat the repetition slowly reverse the movement.

 

 

TRX Assisted squats

 

Similar to: Squat, hack squat

Muscles worked: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves, abdominals

 

 

TRX assisted squats

 

Method

 

a) Begin by facing the anchor point - take hold of the TRX with a neutral grip to take all the slack, ensuring the TRX is supporting your bodyweight

 

b) Start the squat using the resistance of the TRX to assist you on the way down

 

c) Push yourself to squat slightly lower (think hack squat) which means more glue activation **the leverage supplied by the TRX should make this easier

 

d) Complete the rep by returning to your starting point with slightly bent knees.

 

 

TRX Lunge

 

Similar to: Bodyweight lunge

Muscles worked: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves, abdominals

 

 

 

 

Method

 

a) Facing away from the anchor, place your left foot through both TRX handles leaving your right foot planted

 

b) Begin the movement by allowing your planted foot to bend (as it would in a squat)

 

c) As your body lowers, begin to stretch the foot in the TRX backwards.

 

d) Avoid going deeper than 90 degrees as the main focus of this movement is stability.

 

 

Take home message[/su_heading]

 

TRX movements can be performed at higher rep ranges than their resistance based counterparts - meaning for each exercise you should look to complete 15-20 reps each set.

Try and be strict with rest times too as this is usually what dictates the intensity of a session.

 

I recommend:

- 45 seconds rest between each set and

- 1 minute between each new exercise.

 

This session can quite easily be performed twice weekly for around 3-4 weeks.

 

You’ll gradually increase core stability and balance and be ready to try some more advanced movements in no time!

 

 

Protein

 

 

Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.

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