TRX: Think You Know It ALL?

Just two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a TRX Suspension Training Certification hosted by the wonderful staff of Malibu Fitness. Being a trainer who has incorporated TRX training into my programs for years, I was curious to see what MORE I had to learn about this product. To be honest, I didn't think I had anything more left to learn, but upon the persistent request of fellow trainer, friend and fitness entrepreneur, Joselynne Boschen, I gave it a go.

As a traveled down the PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu, the pristine coastline and cloudless, sunny Sunday gave way to a well-deserved day ahead. There's nothing more that I love than learning, but when you tie it with an outdoor fitness venue that overlooks the ocean, well, it's just a win-win situation. As we all enter Malibu Fitness, we sign in and slather on loads of sunblock, awaiting for further instruction..... and instruction is EXACTLY what we received.

I am happy to say, we were taught  by Senior Instructor, Arthur Hsu who not only has been presenting with TRX for three years, but also owns Advanced Training Performance (ATP), a facility located in Las Vegas, Nevada. 'Great,' I thought, 'Arthur is experienced, not only with TRX, but with the world of training and sports performance, BUT what MORE does he have to teach ME?' Well, let me tell you, Arthur and those folks at TRX really had MORE than a few tricks up their sleeves for this one-day program.

You want to know what I learned that was NEW and of utmost importance to me (and clients)? HOW TO CORRECTLY cue movements. And this all STARTS with how you initially position yourself or your client. This sounds pretty basic, but it IS the BE-ALL, END-ALL. Even after watching pretty much every TRX DVD they have out there, not once was I taught that every movement should START in the ending position. It's just that simple. Along with learning basic cues and manipulating strap length for differing exercises, we learned a plethora of new exercises- including the pull-up. If you're a trainer or an avid exerciser and have always wanted to do a pull-up or teach a pull-up....this is the place to start. The TRX can progress you to a full pull-up in no time....just take the course and learn (or look on the TRX website and find a certified trainer near you)!

TRX is currently providing this course for anyone who wants to take it. You do not have to be a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor or any kind of certified health practitioner to take this course. If you are interested in learning, let TRX coach you. You will learn some basic fundamentals of anatomy and movement in this course, but it is in NO-WAY overwhelming and should not deter you from learning more about what this tool has to offer.

Yes, the TRX suspension system incorporates a style of training that IS core-intensive. You are utilizing nothing but a strap and your body weight as support, resistance and stabilization. Expect to consistently be challenged and expect to progress. The TRX is a fundamental tool in your toolbox for training. It can help you build lean muscle, burn body fat and can be utilized as part of an interval training circuit that is guaranteed to raise your heart rate! I recommend the TRX hands down and give the certification course - two thumbs up! Thank you to Arthur Hsu and the people at Fitness Anywhere for always challenging the fitness fanatics and teaching us something new every time.

If you need further information on suspension training, please go to http://www.trxtraining.com/

Fitness: Where to Find It

With the increasing popularity in preventative healthcare, we are beginning to see an emerging, roaring lion in the fitness and wellness industry. We are starting to see a mainstream shift in the way which people train. For so long, we have been dominated by the bodybuilders and the body-split training modalities, that we have forgotten how to "function" in the fitness realm. Now, don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for bodybuilders and figure competitors (and being one who has competed in a few shows myself, I can attest to the amount of dedication one must have to compete). But one thing is certain, ask most bodybuilders and figure competitors how they FEEL after training this way for a prolonged period of time. Most will say they are suffering from chronic pain, injuries, and tendonitis....single joint movement can only get you so far...

But as for this emerging lion: we should closely examine what comprises the fitness and wellness market these days. Everyday we are inundated with advertisements of new fitness devices, dvd's, training programs and private studios coming out into this market. We are embracing new ideas, new technologies and sometimes the ability to "think outside of the box." And let's be honest, without some of these creative entrepreneurs such as Josh Henkin, creator of the ultimate sandbag and Valerie Waters, creator of the ValSlide, we would be a little more limited in our fitness applications. 

The purpose of this blog is to create a little more knowledge about what is out there, available to all of us who wish to find it. Its much easier to make judgements about something we have never before tried, like the shake-weight, for example. What I do know is the science behind the shake-weight is limited and therefore, degrades its value in my book. But, I will tell you this: the marketing behind the shake-weight generated enough chatter to sell millions and counting. MILLIONS. But why? Is this the only tool and best way to generate the kind of "arms" it claims to build? No. And that's what I'm here to debunk.

Please follow me on my investigative journey as I try new fitness products, attend certification courses and shop around Southern California's boutique gyms and studios to find what out is shaping the fitness market. I am here to be your eyes and ears, to taste the trends and be trained by the trainers. We have food critics, movie critics, fashion critics....it's about time we have a fitness critic.