TRX is that funny looking yellow thing that hangs down from bars in the gym and just sits there whispering ‘use me’. We’ve all had that moment when you see a piece of equipment you want to use or there’s an exercise you’ve been itching to try but the thought of embarrassing yourself infront of gym bunnies who all obviously know exactly what they’re doing turns you back the other way, to what you know. Unfortunately that only leads to plateauing and let’s be honest – boredom! A few things to consider…
I haven’t crunched numbers but I’m just going to throw it out there and say the TRX is top 3 on the list for people not necessarily knowing how to use it. I want to shed some light on some great little exercises to do with the TRX that will help build your booty and tone your legs! Always grab the nearest PT in the gym and ask them for advice if you’re not quite sure on the exact movement; as a PT myself I love when people seek advice, it’s really rewarding and great to see people performing exercises the right way.
Put the TRX at mid-range. Engage your core and come all the way down with one leg out in-front, lowering yourself as far down as possible. Ensure your bent knee is inline with your toe and not leaning over it.
Drive up pushing the heel into the floor and keep the foot firmly on the ground. Use the TRX for support.
/Kit from Pink Soda Sport Collection/
2. Curtsy Lunge
This is a really great exercise for the quads and glutes, and if you haven’t performed it before, be prepared to feel sore in your bum the following day! It also works on your balance and core stability as the body is working hard to stay tall and upright.
Bring your foot back as if you were about to perform a regular lunge, but change the angle so that it comes behind the body (keeping the hips facing forward as best you can). Don’t let the behind foot touch the ground using the TRX for stability. Come back to the middle, into a standing position and repeat on the other side.
3. Squat Jumps
Ensure that as you come down, you reach a good squat position with knees inline with the toes and weight on the heels. The back should be straight and core engaged.
Explode up into a jump and point your toes to the ground. Come back down in a controlled motion, landing softly on the feet and lead straight back into the next jump.
4) TRX Lunge
For this exercise, the TRX needs to be put into what’s called ‘Single Handed Mode’ which loops the two foot cradles together. There’s a video on how to do this here. Alternatively you can simply put one foot through both foot cradles but ensure it’s secure and comfortable.
You’ll really need to use your core to ensure the hips stay facing forward and keep your body tall. Drive your suspended knee back and down towards the floor, and then use the strength from your grounded leg to drive you back to an upright position.
Try the following for your first TRX set:
Single leg Squat x 10 each leg.
Curtsy Lunge x 12 each leg (alternating).
Jumping Squats x 20 reps.
TRX Lunge x 10 each leg.
2 x 60 second high intensity sprints on the treadmill.
Repeat 3 times
All workout gear from the new Pink Soda Sport collection available here at JD Sports!
If you have any questions about the exercises or other workout queries, feel free to send me a message and comment below! LLG x
Hello and welcome! I'm Carly, originally from London but currently enjoying a little adventure in Dubai. A travel and wellness blogger exploring the world one step at a time. Think fabulous food at undiscovered gems, unique destinations, skin care obsessions and so much more. This is my life, I hope you enjoy the ride!
Drew Griffiths
May 24, 2016I was wondering whether or not to get one of these for training at home (training gone out of the window since having a baby)
Got a concrete post for the washing line, that might work?
Lean Living Girl
May 24, 2016Hey Drew,
Yep that should do the job! As long as it can take your body weight without trouble then it should be fine. They’re great to have as you can workout whenever you can fit it in around the baby (congrats!) plus it challenges you from a beginners to advanced level!
Carly x
Drew Griffiths
October 16, 2018Sorry for very late reply – thanks! The concrete post is also a punchbag now too, so very handy fitness tool!