Your weekend workout: TRX Suspension Training

Trainers, coaches, military specialists, athletes and celebrities have all become fans of a training system called TRX Suspension Training. Jennifer Lopez uses the TRX system with trainer-to-the-stars Gunnar Peterson. Peterson talked about using TRX in People magazine.

(Lopez has) "done push-ups on them, rows, hamstrings – there's not a body part that you can't hit using it...It allows you to work with your body weight depending on the angle and how much you pull on it."

TRX Suspension Training is a system of straps and holds anchored to a wall, door or other solid support. The entire system weighs less than two pounds and can be completely portable for working out on the road. Exercisers use the straps to pull, lift and stabilize their own body weight for a total body workout. The straps themselves are lightweight, easy to use, and can be lengthened or shortened to accommodate exercisers of different sizes through a wide range of activities.

Trainer Kyle Norman teaches a TRX class at the downtown YMCA in Minneapolis. He incorporates upper and lower body strengthening exercises, aerobic activity, stability work, and flexibility training into a challenging 60 minute class. Class participants alternate timed strengthening exercises with two minute sessions jumping rope. Norman provides modifications for exercisers who have injuries or are not yet comfortable using the straps. While the training system doesn't look challenging as it hangs on the wall, it provides a tough workout and is particularly fun for exercisers who like to challenge themselves with new activities.

Taking a TRX class is a great way to try out the system, but TRX is also a perfect economical alternative for exercisers who are trying to cut back on health club dues and set up a home gym. TRX sells a variety of different packages on their website. The Home Gym System runs less than $200 and includes a training DVD.

Check out Kyle Norman's class at the Downtown YMCA on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 - 6:30 pm. The fee based class runs $126 for 7 sessions for YMCA members or $168 for non-members.