Ben Young: TRX suspension training

Jesmond’s Pinetree Health & Fitness facility is now offering their members an additional type of work out, in the form of suspension training or total resistance exercise (TRX).

TRX was developed by a former U.S. Navy SEAL, Randy Hetrick, using limited equipment such as ropes and using one’s own body weight as resistance to complete a workout.

According to the Pinetree Health & Fitness website, TRX suspension training is a form of exercise now used around the world by many trainers, military units, and professional athletes.

“You’re in control of how much you want to challenge yourself on each exercise,” states the Pinetree Health & Fitness website.

“The TRX Suspension Trainer provides greater performance and functionality than large exercise machines costing thousands of dollars.”

Because the total-body workout relies on your own ability to handle your own body weight, it is helpful to have some level of fitness – but is not necessary.

“I have a blind client, Ken, who I will demonstrate the workouts to the best I can for technique, and he does the exercises at home. If he can do it, so can anyone else,” said Ben Young, a gym consultant at Pinetree Health & Fitness.

The equipment doesn’t take much space in the gym and in its basic form, the trainers are a strong bar with adjustable ropes. Regardless, some members of the gym are apprehensive about trying out a new workout routine.

“They just don’t know what it is. A lot of people who do use it mainly just do core workouts on them,” Young said.

Olly Clink, a Pinetree gym member, has been doing TRX suspension training for three months and has seen the benefits from this alternative form of exercise.

“It’s not just the way you look, it’s the way you feel,” he said. He felt “more flexible, [and had] better balance, definitely better balance. It works your whole body, makes you feel fit.”

The equipment in a gym can be intimidating and the ropes can look confusing and hard. When asked about free weights versus suspension training, Young assured JesmondLocal both are effective but it depends what the person is comfortable using.

“Some people are a bit uneducated about how to reap the benefits of it. But it’s our job to show them how good they are. Anyone who asks, we are more than happy to help them,” said Young.

As for results, like any new workout routine, it takes time and patience. Amongst some of the rewards, TRX will increase your balance, muscular endurance, and build a solid core.

“It’s simple but really effective,” Young added.