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What Exactly Is TRX?

Is it like FML?

If you thought that TRX was the new LOL or FML when you first heard then you weren’t alone. We racked our brains for what it could mean but came up stumped. Maybe it was a new rapper we should know about? Or some sort of tech speak like CMS or HTML? HTM-HELP more like.

So we’ve laid out exactly what this hit, kick-ass workout actually is so you can stop using it at the end of WhatsApp messages like a dum dum. We didn’t do that, YOU DID.

BUT FIRST, ALL YOU NEED FOR A GREAT WORKOUT IS A SKIPPING ROPE....

What is TRX?

When we heard that TRX (Total-Body Resistance Exercise) was what Navy Seals used to get in shape we were scared AF but also super keen to try it. It basically involves suspending two ropes (or one long one looped in half) from the ceiling and doing different body resistance moves, focusing on your core, to build muscle. You know those black and yellow ropes in your gym? That’s it.

How does it work?

Matt Gleed, TRX Senior Master Trainer explains: “TRX Suspension Training is a fantastic way to build muscular strength as well as improve core stability and posture. The TRX allows users to perform exercises that build power, strength, balance, flexibility and mobility at the intensity they choose.”

What kind of exercises?

You can expect pull-ups, chest presses, push-ups, rows and pretty much every bodyweight exercise you can imagine.

Is it for beginners?

Matt says: “TRX Suspension Training makes gravity your resistance, so adjusting the level of difficulty is as easy as moving your hands or feet, and progression is limitless. This makes it a great training tool for everybody, regardless of ability. Beginners through to elite athletes all benefit from the full-body workout you can get using the TRX. And it’s so portable; you can train with a TRX in the gym, or take it outside, on holiday, on the road or in the workplace….”

Who does it?

Celeb trainer Gunnar Peterson is all about the rope so you know his celeb clients the Kardashians and Jennifer Lopez are all up in them. Grey’s Anatomy’s Ellen Pompeo and supermodel Gisele Bundchen are fans of the workout too.

Where can I do it?

The beauty of TRX is you can really do it anywhere as long as you have one. Most gyms will have a set and there are classes dedicated to their use too. Or grab your own and try this YouTube workout.

Mistakes to watch out for...

Matt reveals: “Within the training team, we have what we call the ‘Six Sins’; the six most commonly made mistakes when training using the TRX. These include:

1. Starting incorrectly: when you begin a movement in the wrong body position. The fix is to begin at the end of range of the motion to find out how much tension you need.

2. Sagging: when we start to feel tired, we can often sag at the hips rather than keeping the core engaged. The fix is to stay mindful of your body’s alignment and engagement.

3. Scraping: this one happens most commonly when performing the TRX chest press when the straps can scrape against the arms and shoulders. The fix is to keep the straps from making direct contact with your body.

4. Slacking: the straps can slacken when a user doesn’t hold them taut enough through the whole movement of the exercise. The fix is to maintain the tension in the straps throughout, if you need to – take a small step back from the anchor to keep the straps taut.

5. Sawing: this is when unequal pressure in the foot cradles or handles of the TRX.

6. Stopping: try not to stop an exercise if it feels too tough, instead adjust the move by changing your foot position or playing with the angle of the body (the steeper the angle, the harder the exercise).

And now check out these insanely good vegan peanut butter noodles....

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