TRX® Suspension Training isn’t exactly new. I’ve been considering adding it to our arsenal where I work but it took some convincing from my new graduate assistant to make it happen. While I have spent the last few months purchasing it and getting it installed, I had yet to go and give it a try myself – until recently.
TRX® Suspension Training is hard to explain without actually seeing it. I have attached some pictures of myself participating. I loathe having my picture taken – but since I’m not actually looking at the camera, I guess I can deal with it. The TRX® website has a guy you may have heard of, Drew Brees, using it in a video on their website. I think he might have been an MVP of something, somewhere. Just kidding. I am a huge fan of his since his days at Purdue. Anyway…
I really enjoyed using the TRX® and definitely see what a great training tool it is and the potential it has. Here is my pro/con list on what I thought of it:
Pros
- Versatility: It can be used pretty much anywhere and has virtually unlimited amount of exercise options. It also allows you to modify exercises for different client types and abilities.
- Made with high quality.
- Can be used with clients one-on-one or in group setting (if you have the equipment).
- It was fairly affordable to purchase multiple trainers and install them in a commercial/recreation center setting.
Cons
- Although the manufacturer doesn’t necessarily require it, I feel that some experience with strength training is necessary. In my opinion, I think that a beginner could definitely get hurt if they don’t have the motor skills or physical strength to do even simple exercises. Good form is essential and this product requires a greater degree of skill than most.
- It’s expensive for an individual. At $200 you get the TRX® Suspension Trainer, Basic Training DVD, A Workout Guide, 2 bonus workouts: TRX® Endurance Circuit & TRX® Metabolic Blast, the TRX® Door Anchor, a Mesh Carrying Bag, a Suspension Anchor, and the famous “Workout in Progress” Safety Placard
Having said all of that, I do like this training tool. I am considering becoming certified as a TRX® instructor. One of the most attractive aspects of becoming certified is that there isn’t a hefty continuing education cost/process.. As I have talked about certifications in the past, something to think about when considering a new certification is whether or not the demand for TRX® is growing. I would say the answer is yes. Other things to consider include: does it meet your skill and knowledge set? Is it an opportunity to grow your income?
Although there are more, the few certifications that I am considering include:
TRX® Suspension Training Course – Level 1 $295.00
Learn the fundamentals of TRX® Suspension Training® bodyweight exercise and how to incorporate them into your personal training practice in this introductory eight-hour course.
TRX® Group Suspension Training Course – Level 1 $295.00
Learn the fundamentals of TRX® Suspension Training® bodyweight exercise and how they can expand your monetary potential and enhance the way you teach group fitness with this one-day, introductory course.
TRX® Sports Medicine Training Course – Level 2 $350.00
This course teaches you how to incorporate TRX® Suspension Training® bodyweight exercise as part of your individualized or group therapy, post-rehabilitation, prevention, and fitness programs.
TRX® has been marketing their Rip Trainer product and certification as well. I will have to get to that in a future blog post!
OMG…I’m doing TRX as well! It’s so amazing. I just started so I’m still trying to get the hang of it. It’s a lot of fun. I will post about it as well. I take classes at TX Fitness in NYC.
I really enjoy it too. The time flies and it allows you to work muscle groups in new and different ways.
I really like TRX too. It’s a new challenge and so different from anything I have done before.