Mountaineering requires a unique mix of strength, flexibility and endurance. On an alpine climb, summit day begins somewhere around midnight and finishes when you successfully return to camp (or return to your car, depends on who you ask!) This is only one part of the climb. The approach usually requires hours to days of steep inclines and many miles with a pack containing 1/3 to 1/2 of your total body weight in supplies. Without proper training, this can leave you taxed and unable to even attempt a summit bid.
Raw power alone is a benefit, but training smaller “balance” muscles with functional weight-bearing movements can be the key to a successful summit bid and return. This is where the TRX Suspension Training comes in. “At TRX we believe in training movements, not muscle. We produce best-in-class training equipment, workout programs, and education courses to help you achieve peak performance, reach your goals and get the results you want.”
It looks like a simple set of straps with handles, but it is so much more. You are able to do hundreds of sport and activity specific exercises simply, effectively and easily. There is a “Summit Workout” available for purchase which is perfect for mountaineering. It combines functional movements including one legged suspended squats and lunges that you do with a loaded pack. It also adds core, back, stability and rotational exercises which will not only help prevent injury, but increase the enjoyment of the long hard work that is the climb.
UFC fighters, triathletes, football players and growing list of athletes have been discovering the benefits. I have owned mine for three years now, and have enjoyed learning new all sorts of variations of functional movements.
Enjoy this article? Share and "Like" it on Facebook by clicking the buttons at the top of the page.To receive email alerts when new articles are available, just click on the "Subscribe" button above.
Comments