The TRX Suspension Trainer™ puts a new spin on four classic workout moves in the gym - crunches, bicep curls, squats, and lunges. By switching from machines to these adjustable portable straps, you will naturally engage more muscles while being kinder to your joints. Here's your guide to mastering these familiar moves in a new way.
TRX Crunches
The TRX Crunch, performed using the TRX Suspension Trainer, is a dynamic core exercise that surpasses the regular crunch in several ways. Unlike traditional crunch machines that target the upper and lower central abs, the TRX Crunch targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the rectus abdominus, the obliques, and the small stabilizer muscles
Your arm and shoulder muscles are also fully engaged in a TRX Crunch, and shoulder stability is enhanced as the upper body provides support for this TRX exercise. Because of the positioning of the body, the TRX Crunch requires the user to maintain proper body alignment, core activation, and balance during the exercise. This promotes better posture and coordination while providing a more comprehensive core exercise.
TRX Bicep Curls
The TRX Bicep Curl offers several benefits over machine-driven bicep curls. Unlike machine curls that often limit the range of motion and isolate the biceps in a fixed path and are performed sitting, the TRX Bicep Curl engages the biceps through a more natural and functional movement pattern. It requires greater muscle recruitment because the exercise is done in a standing supine plank position.
The suspension component requires you to activate additional stabilizing muscles in the shoulders, core, and back to maintain proper form. This enhances overall muscle engagement and promotes better functional strength and balance. Additionally, the TRX allows for adjustable angles and resistance levels, allowing people of all fitness levels to do this exercise.
TRX Lunges
The TRX Lunge, performed on the TRX Suspension Trainer, offers distinct advantages over lunges with a barbell. While barbell lunges effectively build strength, they often place significant stress on the lower back and shoulder, and they require advanced balance and coordination too.
On the other hand, the TRX Lunge utilizes the instability of the suspension system to engage additional stabilizing muscles in the core and lower body. This helps improve balance, coordination, and functional strength. The TRX straps allow you to control and extend your range of motion, reducing the risk of injury and making the exercise more accessible for individuals at various fitness levels.
TRX Squats
The TRX Squat is a superior alternative to traditional barbell squats. By utilizing the suspension straps, the TRX Squat stabilizes and supports your upper body, reducing the significant stress that barbell squats can place on the lower back. This support allows for a greater range of motion and better control, making the exercise more accessible to individuals of all fitness levels.
Additionally, the TRX Squat engages the core and stabilizes muscles throughout the movement, enhancing balance, coordination, and functional strength. The TRX Squat also encourages proper form and alignment, minimizing the risk of injury. Overall, the TRX Squat offers a safer, more versatile, and comprehensive lower body workout compared to barbell squats.
How Does TRX Compare to Traditional Gym Equipment?
TRX Suspension Training® offers a unique and versatile approach compared to traditional gym equipment. While conventional machines and free weights often focus on isolating specific muscle groups, using TRX leverages your body weight and gravity to engage multiple muscles simultaneously, promoting functional strength and stability.
The instability introduced by the TRX system requires continuous core activation and balance, enhancing overall muscle coordination and proprioception. TRX exercises are highly adaptable, so you can do a wide range of movements at any fitness level. This versatility and the ability to adjust intensity on the fly make TRX an excellent alternative to traditional gym equipment, providing a comprehensive, full-body workout with minimal risk of injury. Plus, the cost to own a TRX strap of your own in comparison to gym equipment or a monthly gym membership is minimal in comparison.
Train With TRX Today!
Whether you’re new to TRX or a seasoned suspension trainer warrior, these four moves demonstrate how equipment is not needed for an effective workout. By taking familiar machine exercises and performing them on TRX straps, you're not just building strength—you're improving balance, stability, and overall functional fitness. Start with these basic TRX exercises, and then explore the countless variations possible with your TRX, keeping you challenged and interested in your workout.
